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Belgian chocolate is world renowned, and rightly so. Flanders is at the heart of the centuries-old craft of making delicious pieces of pure indulgence. Just take a stroll through the beautiful centres of Ghent and Bruges and you'll spy irresistable window displays filled with handmade chocolates. It goes without saying they make the perfect gifts over the festive season, if you can bring yourself not to scoff the lot before returning home!
This curious piece of architecture was originally designed for the Expo 58 World Exhibition, focussing on space technology and nuclear power. Head inside and discover a museum, a viewing platform, and a panoramic restaurant. It doesn't get more futuristic than that.
The Count's Castle, an imposing medieval castle in the middle of Ghent's old town, is an unmissable stop in the city. The well-preserved landmark not only offers fascinating insights into Belgium's history, but also breathtaking views of the picturesque city. With regular cultural events and exhibitions, the Count's Castle is a must for every trip to Flanders!
If you're struggling to pick between Flemish cities, fear not. Not only are they relatively near to each other, they're also incredible well connected by a high-speed and modern public rail network. It's fast and cheap, whizzing travellers between all the favourite destinations of the region. Day trip between cities and don't miss anything off your Flanders itinerary!
So important is the beer culture of Belgium that its officially recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. More importantly, it's delicious! The region around Bruges is home to countless breweries, whose creations are served in the city's many cafés and restaurants. Look out for Brugse Zot, the official city beer of Bruges and considered a bonafide classic.
Antwerp, an international fashion destination, owes its reputation to a rich textile tradition, renowned fashion-focussed university, and lauded designers. The home of the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts is characterised by a vibrant fashion scene dominated by avant-garde designers and trendy boutiques. This is the place to see what's hot and what's not. Fashionistas delight!
The town on the North Sea coast is called the “queen of seaside resorts” for good reason. Here, maritime flair meets cultural diversity, the grandeur of the Belle Époque meeting modern city life. Stroll along the beach promenade, enjoy freshly caught fish in one of the cosy restaurants or stop by the Crystal Ship - the hotspot for street art.
In the heart of Leuven you will find the city's impressive town hall, which dates back to 1439. The Gothic masterpiece is decorated with no fewer than 236 intricate statues, making it a truly unique sight. Even among the many impressive buildings on the Grote Markt, this spectacular monument stands out.
The Ursuline Institute's Winter Garden is, simply put, gorgeous. The Art Nouveau building was built around 1900, and is set to re-open March 2024 after careful conservation work. Delight at the golden, intricate glass dome decorated with colorful floral patterns, which towers over the equally impressive collection of plants, flowers and ferns. Truly magical!
“Goesting” stands for the desire to enjoy life. The “Ambassadors of GOESTING” are a collective of culinary professionals committed to promoting Flanders as the destination for foodies. Various restaurants such as Ansoler in Hasselt, Balls & Glory in Ghent and Réliva in Bruges are part of this passionate group that'll make you want to feast your way across Flanders.