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Ghent’s belfry is a prominent landmark, rising 91 m (299 ft) to the gilded dragon on the tip of its spire. It was built in 1380–81 and served for centuries as lookout tower, clock and alarm. It houses a 52-bell carillon, which is used for regular concerts. There is a lift to the top.

A kind of medieval theme-park experience: the physical challenge of a slightly scary spiral staircase, magnificent views from the top, and the therapeutic shock of colossal noise if the bells ring while you are up there. There may even be a queue to get in (see Belfort).

Horsey highlight.

A great Belgian invention. When trying to overwinter chicorée lettuce in around 1840, a Brussels gardener found it produced succulent, salad-like shoots. They can be eaten raw, but their sweet, slightly bitter flavour really emerges when they are cooked, either as a vegetable accompaniment or in dishes such as chicons au gratin . Chicon is the French word, witloof the Dutch; in English, it’s endive or chicory (but it’s confusing, as these terms can also refer to lettuce).

A beer-drinking shrine of world class, with some 500 beers.

The Abdij van de Bijloke, an old rambling Cistercian convent and hospital, provides the quirky setting for a miscellaneous collection of historical artifacts. Among the cloisters and dormitories you’ll find Chinese ceramics, medieval tombs, kitchenware, freemasons’ regalia, models of warships, a Louis XIV drawing room, and historical costumes. The convent dates from medieval times, but most of the buildings are 17th-century.

Housed in an old convent, the Bijlokemuseum is a splendidly idiosyncratic collection of historic artifacts, delivering a surprise at every turn (see Bijlokemuseum).

Supreme biscuit manufacturer, in a class of its own (see Biscuiterie Dandoy).

It is hard not to drool in front of the ravishing shop windows of Belgian pâtisseries – and the mouth-watering offerings taste as good as they look. An alternative is to buy some of the equally famed biscuits (cookies) – from a specialist like Dandoy (see Biscuiterie Dandoy).

Elegant but unflashy, this very popular bistro passes the locals’ rigorous standards with its good-value food.