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)

NH Atlanta

This stylish, modern hotel is run with charm and professionalism. Special features include spacious marbled bathrooms and a rooftop breakfast room.
NH Ghent

A comfortable, modern hotel – as you would expect from the NH chain. It lies in a rather remote location 1.5 km (1 mile) from Sint-Baafskathedraal.
Nieuwe Gaanderij Arcade

A good place to snoop for fashion at a slightly lower pitch than the designer boutiques.
Noga

This well-managed small hotel has a loyal following. Decorated in a mixture of modern and antique styles, it has a picturesque charm, and is centrally located in the tranquil Béguinage district, close to Place Sainte-Catherine.
Nos Vieux Trams Bruxellois (1978)

Paul Delvaux’s contribution to putting art in the metro.
Novotel Brussels Centre – Tour Noire

This efficient business hotel incorporates an “aquatic health centre” and the Tour Noire, a rare surviving watchtower of the 12th-century city walls.
Ommegang, Brussels

In Brussels’ most spectacular parade, some 2,000 participants, dressed as Renaissance nobles, guildsmen, mounted soldiers and entertainers, perform an ommegang (tour) in the Grand Place. It’s a tradition said to date back to 1549.
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie

This charming little museum combines treasures, oddities and an elaborate Baroque chapel.
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal

This huge Gothic cathedral contains several splendid works by Rubens (see Antwerp Cathedral).
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, Antwerp

With only one of its two towers finished, Antwerp’s cathedral bears the battle scars of its centuries-long struggle for completion, but the immense interior gives a clear indication of the scale of its creators’ ambitions. It also provides an apt setting for two stunning triptychs by Rubens, as well as some ravishing late-19th-century paintings (see Antwerp Cathedral).

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes, and extra charges.
- under €60
- €60–€100
- €100–€175
- €175–€250
- over €250