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)

Rubenshuis

A rare opportunity not only to visit the house and studio of one of the great stars of European art, but also to see what a 17th-century patrician home looked like (see Rubenshuis, Antwerp).
Rubenshuis, Antwerp

Rubens’ mansion has been carefully restored to show how it might have been when he lived here (see Rubenshuis, Antwerp).
Rue Antoine Dansaert

Ignore the shoddy environs: this is the place for cutting-edge fashion. All the Antwerp designers are represented in the shops here, and there are several outlets for notable Belgian fashion labels.
Rue Blaes and Place du Jeu de Balle

The Place du Jeu de Balle has a daily flea market (6am–2pm). In recent years, shops selling antiques, junk and curios have spread up the Rue Blaes to the north.
Rue Neuve

A pedestrianized shopping street close to the city centre, with many of the main European fashion chains and a large Inno department store at the northern end.
Sablon

The name Sablon refers to the sandy marshland that occupied this site until it was reclaimed in the 17th century. The Place du Grand Sablon is a centre for antiques and is home to two of Brussels’ leading chocolate makers: Wittamer and Pierre Marcolini. The Place du Petit Sablon is dominated by its park, which is adorned with 48 statues of the medieval guilds of Brussels. Separating the two is the Église Notre-Dame du Sablon.
Saint Michel

This small family-run hotel in the Grand Place has room prices that reflect its location rather than its level of comfort.
Salade Folle

A deservedly popular lunch spot and tearoom serving light dishes, home-made cakes, pancakes and waffles. You need to get there early for lunch.
Salade Liégeoise

A warm salad of potatoes and green beans, or salade frisée , with fried bacon bits.
Scheldezicht

From its position overlooking a little square just to the south-west of the cathedral, this friendly, popular and well-priced hotel has views over the River Scheldt. It has old-world but unstuffy charm, with an oak-panelled breakfast room.

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