2026 Flanders Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Bruges is only 1 hour away by train from Brussels. Bruges is my favorite city, known as "Little Venice". Visitors can take a boat tour around the city, which really gives it a Willys feel. The Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges is the only temple in the world that stores the blood of Jesus. You can see its true form as long as you enter during opening hours. My favorite place in Bruges is the Lake of Love. The Lake of Love has beautiful scenery, clear blue water, and sunny weather, making it feel like being in a fairyland.

There are many people who say that Bruges is another Venice, no other, because it has a canal, next to all a d ancient buildings! #OverseasTravel

#arrivalguide Standing on the border between Belgium and the Netherlands sounds like a geopolitical event, but in Sluis, it’s as simple as stepping off a curb. I took the bus from Bruges (Line 42, about €3) to this charming Dutch town that serves as the backyard of Flanders. The main square is dominated by the Sluis Belfry, a tall, elegant tower that you can climb for €4. But the real "border kick" happens on the ground. I walked from the Belgian province of West Flanders into the Dutch province of Zeeland in about thirty seconds. There’s no customs checkpoint, no passport control—just a subtle shift in the paving stones and the sudden appearance of Dutch-language signage. I celebrated this invisible crossing by buying a "stroopwafel" from a street vendor for €2.50—slightly cheaper and, I’d argue, slightly better than the Belgian variety. The town square is famous for its enormous sundials and its historic connection to the Spanish Armada. I sat on the steps of the Stadhuis (Town Hall), watching locals switch effortlessly between Flemish and Dutch dialects. A practical tip: while the Euro is accepted everywhere, some smaller shops might prefer card payments or give change in cents. Also, the bus back to Bruges stops running less frequently in the evenings, so check the schedule. It made me wonder: how much does a border define a place when the culture flows so freely? Have you ever visited a town that straddles a border? Did you feel the shift, or was it just another street corner?

#arrivalguide Approaching Gravensteen Castle for the first time is like walking onto a movie set—specifically a slightly damp, vaguely sinister one. I arrived at the moat side around 4 PM in late October. The temperature had dropped, and a mist was rolling in from the river. The castle’s silhouette—all sharp turrets and grey stone—loomed over the narrow street. I paused at the edge of the drained moat (now a grassy ditch, sadly lacking in crocodiles, despite the legends) and felt a genuine shiver. Not from the cold, but from the atmosphere. This was the seat of the Counts of Flanders, and you can almost hear the echoes of medieval justice. I paid the €12 entry fee (cash or card accepted) and picked up the audio guide, which includes graphic descriptions of torture devices. As I climbed the narrow, winding staircase to the Count’s Keep, the air grew colder and damper. Looking out through the arrow slits, I saw the red rooftops of Ghent sprawling below. It’s a steep climb, and the stone floors are uneven, so wear sturdy shoes. My controversial take? The interior is a bit underwhelming compared to the exterior—lots of dusty displays—but the ramparts are worth every cent. The view of the city from the top, combined with the chilling audio of the "sharpener of the wheel" (a torture device), creates a potent arrival memory. Have you ever visited a castle that felt more "haunted" by history than others? Does the knowledge of past violence change how you experience a beautiful old building?

#underratedspots When people think about Belgium, they usually picture Bruges, chocolate, waffles, or the Grand Place in Brussels. I certainly didn't expect to find one of Europe's best-preserved medieval castles right in the center of a lively city. That's exactly what makes Gravensteen in Ghent such an unforgettable surprise. Built in 1180 as the residence of the Counts of Flanders, the castle looks like something straight out of a medieval film. Massive stone walls, defensive towers, a moat, and narrow staircases create the feeling that you've stepped back hundreds of years. What impressed me most was how authentic it feels. You can walk along the battlements, climb the towers for panoramic views over Ghent's rooftops, and explore rooms that once served as a court, prison, and even a mint. I recommend allowing at least two hours for your visit. The included audio guide is surprisingly entertaining and brings the castle's history to life with humor instead of long, dry explanations. If possible, arrive in the morning or later in the afternoon when it's quieter and easier to enjoy the views from the walls. Many travelers choose Bruges as Belgium's medieval destination, but I think Ghent offers something even more special. Wandering through the historic streets before stepping inside a real 12th-century fortress made this one of the highlights of my trip. If you're looking for a place that combines fascinating history, incredible architecture, and far fewer crowds than Belgium's most famous attractions, Gravensteen is a hidden gem you shouldn't miss. #HiddenSpots #Ghent #Belgium #Gravensteen #Castle #Travel #HiddenGem #TravelPhotography

Above is a vibrant trading port city in Belgium’s Flanders region, globally renowned as the world diamond capital and a history hub of fashion. It boasts grand Renaissance architecture, the sprawling 16th-century Cathedral of Our Lady, and a booming food and beers scene centering around the Scheldt river. 💎 Must-See Attractions: · Antwerpen-Centraal: Often dub the ‘railway cathedral’, this monumenal station is celebrated for its breathtaking architecture and glass dome. · The diamond district: Located near the Central Station, this historic quarter handled roughly 80 percent of the world rough diamonds. · Grote Markt: The city's main historical square, featuring the Oran's 16 century city hall and beautiful gild houses. 🍔 Food, Drink & Nightlife · Chocolate & Waffles: Check out local chocolatier, such as Chocolate Line (Meir 50) for adventure flavor combination. · De Koninck Brewery: Experience at Antwerp’s rich brewing heritage at this active city beverly. Afterward, grab a hearty meal at Black Smoke or a classic beer at a local brewing cafe. 🛍️ Shopping · Meir: Antwerp’s premier shopping street, lined with international brands housed in spectacular 18th-century palaces. · Fashion District (Nationalestraat): Home to the world-famous ‘Antwerp Six’ designers. Visit Modepaleis to browse pieces by Dries Van Noten, or explore avantgarde boutiques lining the nearby cobbled streets. Antero is extremely walkable. The best way to reach the city center from Brussels is by taking the direct intercity train, which only takes about 35 minutes. #antwerpencity #antwerpencentraal #antwerp #belgiumtravel #belgium #travel #myitinerary

We just spent 5 incredible days with friends exploring the WW1 battlefields of Flanders and The Somme, guided by Jeremy Banning. Jeremy's depth of knowledge and meticulous attention to detail are truly remarkable. He approached every explanation, citation, and battlefield story with care and respect, often narrating events through the firsthand experiences of soldiers in the trenches. His passion and empathy for these often unfathomable events were evident, and he addressed all our questions with clarity and suitable context. Jeremy is also a naturally gifted communicator and was a genuine delight to be around. We wholeheartedly recommend this experience! - Rob & Ali Lucy, Guildford, Surrey

The Church of Our Lady in the ancient city of Bruges, Belgium, was built in the thirteenth century and is the tallest brick church in continental Europe. The towering towers are majestic and can be seen anywhere in the ancient city. There is a famous art treasure in the church: Michelangelo's "Mother and the Holy Child", this is the only Michelangelo statue outside Italy. At the central altar there is also a statue of Charlie Charlie and his daughter Burgundy Mary, which is also very beautiful.

Lake of Love Park, the most romantic park in Bruges, Belgium. Everyone who comes to Bruges will not miss it. I sat by the lake and took a bowl of convenience store box, and quietly admired the swan. The swan that was always in my mind was so funny in reality. Especially when drinking water, the whole head straight into the bottom of the water, the ass rises to the sky, inexplicable joy ~