DK Travel : Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent

The four great cities of northern Belgium share a rich cultural heritage dating back to medieval times, when this was one of the most vibrant trading regions in the world. Yet each is very different: Brussels is the new Capital of Europe, while Bruges is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities. Ghent is a historic university city, while Antwerp still has the muscular stance of a great industrial centre. Each, in its own way, is richly rewarding – not only in cultural sights, but also in delightful and welcoming places to stay, eat and drink.

For a list of the best art galleries and museums (see Art Galleries and Museums)

Musée du Tram Bruxellois, Brussels

With dozens of trams, ancient and modern, lining the silent platforms of an old tram depot, a visit to this museum is a bit like wandering into one of Delvaux’s Surrealist paintings. It has far more appeal than its subject matter may suggest (see Musée du Tram Bruxellois).
Musée Horta

A symphony in Art Nouveau design (see Musée Horta, Brussels).
Musée Horta

The home and studio of the great maestro of Art Nouveau architecture, Victor Horta, serves as a master-class in the form (see Musée Horta, Brussels).
Musée Horta, Brussels

Victor Horta was the original Art Nouveau architect; his own house was the perfect expression of his art – down to the last doorknob. The building is now preserved as a shrine to Art Nouveau (see Musée Horta, Brussels).
Musée Horta, Brussels

The full artistic potential of Art Nouveau is apparent in this museum – formerly the house and offices of Victor Horta, the father of Art Nouveau architecture (see Musée Horta, Brussels).
Musée René Magritte

Magritte’s modest abode.
Musée Wiertz, Brussels

The studio of the 19th-century painter Antoine Wiertz reveals him as an artist of great self-delusion. Offended by rejection in Paris, he wanted to see Brussels usurp Paris as the capital of Europe. The fact that the European Parliament building is on his doorstep seems spookily visionary (see Musée Antoine Wiertz).
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts

This is a superb, “must-see” collection, notable because it focuses almost exclusively on Flemish and Belgian art. Highlights include rare works by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, the exhilarating Rubens collection, and an unparalleled assembly of works by the Belgian Symbolists, as well as some classic paintings by the Surrealists Magritte and Delvaux (see Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts).
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, Brussels

Brussels’ royal museum of fine art holds rich collections of Brueghel, Rubens and Jordaens – also work by Ensor, Magritte, Delvaux, Wouters and the Symbolists (see Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts).
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, Brussels

Brueghel, Rubens, Van Dyke, Magritte – this splendid collection takes the visitor on a tour of some of the greatest names in art (see Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts).