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)

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk

The towering spire of the Church of Our Lady is another key landmark of Bruges’ skyline. It’s a strange architectural mishmash: the exterior is a good example of the rather austere style known as Scheldt Gothic, and was built over two centuries from 1220 onward. The interior is essentially Gothic, with Baroque flourishes to its statues and extravagant pulpit (1743). This is a rather surprising setting for one of the great treasures of northern Europe: Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child (1504–5) – a work that came here by virtue of Bruges’ close links to Renaissance Italy. The church’s museum includes the beautiful gilt-brass tombs, rich in contemporary detail, of Charles the Bold (1433–77), Duke of Burgundy, and his daughter Mary (1457–82).
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, Bruges

Bruges’ most striking church, with a rocket-like spire in the austere style of Scheldt Gothic. The interior has been tinkered with ceaselessly since the 13th century. Its outstanding treasure is Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child , donated by a wealthy merchant in 1514 (see Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk).
Ostend

Ostend (spelt Oostende locally) is famous as a resort and for its excellent seafood. It also has surprisingly good collections of art, in the Provinciaal Museum voor Moderne Kunst and the Museum voor Schone Kunsten.
Osteria a l'Ombra

Italian restaurant just off the Grand Place Eat on the main level at the big table with others... you meet some very interesting people there.. food is excellent, so is the ambiance, very casual - we ate there twice in 6 nights...excellent wine selection
P. Preud’Homme

Amid gilded grandeur, pampered guests feast on lobster, game and other seasonal delights.
Pacific

This wonderfully eccentric hotel is like a private boarding house. It has a mixed bag of old furniture in the rooms, shared bathrooms and toilets, and none of the facilities usually taken for granted in hotels; yet the welcome, the price and the location make this a special place to stay.
Palais de Charles de Lorraine

This suite of 18th-century rooms contains a small but select exhibition of furniture, porcelain, clocks and other artifacts.
Palais de Justice

There is something gloriously megalomaniac about this vast Neo-Classical pile.
Palais de Justice, Brussels

Joseph Poelaert threw every Neo-Classical style in the book at this vast and domineering monument to justice (see Palais de Justice).
Palais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels

Victor Horta’s Palais des Beaux-Arts was completed in 1928. Recently relaunched as BOZAR, it has returned to its original function as a multi-arts venue.

Jump to top

Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with with half a bottle of wine for (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €30
- €30–€40
- €40–€50
- €50–€60
- over €60
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