In partnership with 
The author W G Sebald dedicated a chapter of his famed novel Austerlitz to the architectural grandeur of Antwerp Central Station. Start here for a taste of the richness of this city, before leaving for the Diamond District. Every diamond in the world passes through Antwerp, and exploring the streets of the district makes for dazzling window-shopping.
Tuck into an iconic cone of Belgian fries (with a hearty dollop of mayo) at Frituur Lo, before heading to Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, the landmark gothic catherdal home to impressive artworks and ecclesiastical treasures. After soaking up the art, head for the hip district of Het Zuid. Finally, head to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts for masterpieces of Flemish painting, international greats and monumental sculptures - pay particular attention to Flanders' Ensor Year, celebrating the esteemed modern artist.
Antwerp is well-heeled, so get in the spirit with sought-after dinner reservations. Start at Michelin-starred restaurant L’épicerie du Cirque, where only local produce and authentic Belgian flavours delight the tastebuds. After a stroll along the harbour for a glimpse at Zaha Hadid’s remarkable Port House, catch some live jazz at De Muze.
The day begins at the Grote Markt, where a morning coffee is accompanied by views of the belfry. Take the 366 steps to the top of the tower in your stride, whilst the caffeine still lingers in the system. Soak up the panorama and take note of the warren of medieval alleyways; you’ll soon be exploring them.
Head for an authentic Flemish lunch at the rustic 't Walpoortje, before discovering the art and culture of this gorgeous town. Marvel at 500 years of art history from Bruges at the Gruuthusemuseum, get hoppy at the Bruges Beer Museum, and discover the city's most prosperous period at the Historium, where visitors are taken on a breathtaking journey through the Golden Age of Bruges. Finally, head to St. John’s Hospital, a fascinating art gallery inside an old medieval hospital. Re-opening in December '23, the gallery has undergone extensive renovation and now offers a new way of seeing the Flemish Masters.
Whet that whistle with a late-night tipple. In such an old city, some institutions remain little-changed over the years; in fact, Café Vlissinghe (opened in 1515!) would exchange beer for Peter Paul Rubens’ paintings – or so the legend goes. Hang out in candle-lit medieval cellars at icons like Le Trappiste and ‘t Poatersgat, taste the classic Brugse Zot at the last family brewhouse in the old town. Proost!
The Grote Markt is the heart of Brussels and therefore the perfect starting point for your trip through the city. The detailed baroque façades make it not only one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buy sweet souvenirs from chocolatier Pierre Marcolini, marvel at the Gothic town hall, and snap a photo in front of the famous Manneken Pis.
Brussels is the comic capital of Europe. Head for the Belgian Comic Centre and discover family favourites like the Smurfs and Lucky Luke, through an engaging series of exhibitions and collections. Unpick the unique stories behind each classic comic, before heading out on a guided trail of the comic-dedicated murals you can spot across town.
Time to eat. Head to Nordzee on Rue Sainte-Catherine, a seafood institution. Counter service dishes out skilfully-prepared small plates, whose popularity is marked by the crowds that gather outside. Night owls - continue to Sint-Goriksplein. Trendy bars like The Zebra, Mappa Mundo and La Machine serve all manner of cocktails and more. Finish at Café Central for live music, DJ sets and the occasional film screening.
With just a fleeting day in Ghent, head for the temple of modern art - SMAK. You'll find works by the likes of Andy Warhol and Karel Appel. Afterwards, pay a visit to the oldest museum in Belgium, The Museum of Fine Arts (MSK). Explore over 9,000 exhibits, with hundreds of masterpieces. Most dear to the city is the Ghent Altarpiece, entering its final phase of restoration - a visit allows you an up-close glimpse at the incredible work being done to the final panels.
Discover the spellbinding work, the ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’, in the towering St. Bavo’s Cathedral – a masterpiece created by the Van Eyck brothers, and a huge icon of the city. The rest of the afternoon is dutifully spent browsing the boutiques and chocolate shops, and ogling the modernist masterpieces of Boekentoren and De Krook on the skyline.
Go veggie in the vegetarian capital of Europe. Every Thursday local restaurants dish out veggie menus, a delight for even die-hard meat-lovers. Follow dinner with live music - Ghent is, afterall, the City of Music, so there's always a programme of anything from jazz to opera in the city. If you time it well, there's a vast light festival heading to the city on the 31st January (ending on the 4th Feb), which will only help to illuminate the beauty of this medieval city.