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

#easytravelpost Veurne’s Groot Markt is all Gothic brick and war memorials; the Bakery Museum (Museum voor Brood en Banket) sits on the square, €5 entry, card fine, and you leave smelling of caramelised sugar from the cuberdon biscuits demo. I walked out past the Spanish ramparts and followed the Tuesday-only lane to Houtem-Saint-Georges (Sint-Joris-ten-Distel), 3 km along a farm road lined with poplars. The livestock market (Houtemmart) runs every Tuesday year-round, but the big one is the January cattle market. I went on a Tuesday in September: 06:30 start, dealers in green coats, calves in trailer rows, a friterie van selling stoofvlees sandwiches (€6, cash only). Not cute—this is commerce, not a folk show. Locals ignored me until I asked a dealer about the ear-tag system; then I got a 20-minute lesson on Belgian Blue genetics. Mistake: I drove in at 09:00 and the car park was full of tractor-trailers. Next time, bike from Veurne (15 min) or park at the edge and walk. Veurne bakeries close Wednesday; Houtem café only opens market day early. Bring €20 small notes—market coffee is €1.50, sausage roll €3, nobody wants a €50 card tap for a frites. Discussion Point: When a "market lane" is real livestock trading and not a tourist stall row, do you feel welcome—or like you’ve walked into someone’s workplace?

The photos totally capture the jaw-dropping beauty of Château de Pierrefonds—a real-life fairytale castle in Pierrefonds, northern France (Address: Rue Viollet-le-Duc, 60350 Pierrefonds, France). Seriously, this place looks like it was ripped straight out of a fantasy movie! 📸✨ History Hits (aka Why It’s So Epic): Medieval Vibes: Built between 1393 and 1407 by Duke Louis I of Orléans (yep, the brother of King Charles VI!), Pierrefonds started off as a mega-strong fortress—think ultimate defense goals for all those medieval trade routes between Burgundy and Flanders. Fallen Glory: Fast-forward to 1617, the castle got wrecked by King Louis XIII’s royal squad (cheers, Cardinal Richelieu 😅). The towers were blown up, and the place was left as Insta-worthy ruins for more than 200 years. Glow-Up Era: Come 1857, Emperor Napoleon III was like, “Let’s make it iconic!” He called on Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who remodeled the castle into the Neo-Gothic masterpiece we swoon over today. He didn’t just fix it, he made it a legendary palace—total main character energy! Movie Star Status: Pierrefonds doesn’t just look epic IRL—it’s a fave filming spot for movies and TV. Most famously, it became Camelot in the BBC’s Merlin series. Fancy a stroll where knights and wizards once “lived”? This is THE place. Know Before You Go: Address: Rue Viollet-le-Duc, 60350 Pierrefonds, France Opening Hours: Usually open 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (double-check on trip.com for seasonal updates 🕒) Final Vibe Check: Whether you’re a history geek, architecture fangirl, or just want those dreamy castle shots for your feed, Château de Pierrefonds is an absolute must-see. The turret views are next-level 🤩, and every corner is pure medieval magic.

Ghent City Centre The historic city centre of Ghent is one of the best-preserved medieval urban areas in Belgium. Famous for its canals, imposing churches, medieval guild houses, castles and lively squares, Ghent combines centuries of history with a vibrant modern atmosphere. Key Information · Location: Ghent, Belgium · Region: Flanders · Language: Dutch · Historic importance: One of Belgium's most important medieval cities · Main landmarks: Gravensteen, Graslei, Korenlei, Saint Bavo's Cathedral, Saint Nicholas' Church and Belfry of Ghent · Main rivers/canals: Leie and Scheldt · Historic character: Medieval and Renaissance architecture mixed with later buildings · Atmosphere: Historic, lively, cultural and student-oriented A Medieval City at the Water Ghent developed around the Leie and Scheldt rivers, which played a major role in the city's growth. During the Middle Ages, Ghent became one of the most prosperous and powerful cities in Europe, largely because of its important textile industry and its strategic position along major waterways. The canals and rivers remain one of the defining characteristics of the city centre today. Graslei and Korenlei Among the most beautiful places in Ghent are Graslei and Korenlei, two historic waterfront areas along the River Leie. The waterfront is lined with historic guild houses and former commercial buildings, many dating back centuries. Today, the area is one of Ghent's most popular meeting places. Visitors can sit beside the water, enjoy restaurants and cafés, take photographs or explore the city by boat. The combination of medieval architecture and the river makes Graslei and Korenlei one of the most recognizable views in Ghent. The Three Towers of Ghent One of the city's most iconic views is the famous Ghent Three Towers. They are: 1. Saint Nicholas' Church 2. The Belfry of Ghent 3. Saint Bavo's Cathedral The three towers stand close together and form one of the defining skylines of the city. Saint Bavo's Cathedral Saint Bavo's Cathedral is one of Ghent's most important religious buildings. It is particularly famous for housing The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, also known as the Ghent Altarpiece, created by Hubert and Jan van Eyck. The masterpiece is one of the most significant works of early Northern Renaissance art. Belfry of Ghent The Belfry of Ghent is a medieval bell tower and a symbol of the city's independence and civic power. The tower rises approximately 91 metres above the city and offers panoramic views over the historic centre. The Belfry is also part of the UNESCO-listed group of Belgian and French belfries. Saint Nicholas' Church Saint Nicholas' Church is a striking example of Scheldt Gothic architecture. Its location beside Korenmarkt makes it an important part of the historic cityscape and one of the most recognizable buildings in central Ghent. Gravensteen The Castle of the Counts, or Gravensteen, stands directly in the historic centre. Built in 1180, the medieval fortress features massive stone walls, towers, battlements and a surrounding moat. Its presence in the middle of the city is unusual and gives Ghent an especially dramatic medieval character. Korenmarkt Korenmarkt is one of the main squares in central Ghent. Historically connected to the city's grain trade, it is now surrounded by restaurants, cafés, shops and historic buildings. It is also an important meeting point and a major pedestrian area. Vrijdagmarkt Another important historic square is Vrijdagmarkt. The square has played an important role in Ghent's political and social history for centuries. Today, it is surrounded by cafés, restaurants and historic buildings and remains a lively part of the city centre. Patershol Patershol is one of Ghent's oldest neighbourhoods. Its narrow medieval streets, small houses and atmospheric restaurants create a very different experience from the larger squares and main streets. It is particularly popular for dining and exploring on foot. Street Art and Modern Ghent Ghent is not only a medieval city. The centre also has a strong contemporary cultural scene, including street art, independent shops, cafés, restaurants, galleries and music venues. One of the best-known examples is Graffiti Street, officially Werregarenstraat, where artists can legally create street art. This contrast between medieval architecture and modern urban culture is one of the things that makes Ghent distinctive. A Walkable City Centre The historic centre is highly suitable for exploring on foot. Many of the most important attractions are located within a relatively small area, allowing visitors to walk between: Gravensteen → Patershol → Graslei & Korenlei → Korenmarkt → Saint Nicholas' Church → Belfry → Saint Bavo's Cathedral This makes Ghent particularly convenient for a one-day visit. Boat Tours The waterways are an important part of the city's identity, and canal boats offer a different perspective of the historic centre. From the water, visitors can see medieval façades, bridges, churches, former warehouses and historic waterfront buildings from a unique angle. Interesting Facts · Ghent was one of medieval Europe's most powerful and prosperous cities. · The city grew around the Leie and Scheldt rivers. · Its historic centre contains an extraordinary concentration of medieval architecture. · Ghent is home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers. · The Belfry is approximately 91 metres tall. · Gravensteen stands directly in the historic city centre. · Graslei and Korenlei are among Belgium's most famous historic waterfronts. · Much of the centre is pedestrian-friendly. · Ghent combines medieval heritage with a large student population and a vibrant contemporary cultural scene. · The city's historic centre is particularly atmospheric in the evening when the historic buildings and waterways are illuminated. Why Ghent City Centre Is Special Ghent's city centre is special because it feels like a living medieval city rather than an isolated historical monument. Within a relatively small area, visitors can experience a medieval castle, Gothic churches, a historic bell tower, centuries-old guild houses, canals, atmospheric streets and lively modern cafés and restaurants. The combination of history, architecture, waterways, culture and nightlife makes Ghent one of the most distinctive city centres in Belgium—and one of the best cities in Europe to explore on foot.

Gravensteen — Castle of the Counts Gravensteen, also known as the Castle of the Counts, is one of the most impressive medieval castles in Belgium. Located in the historic centre of Ghent, it is a remarkably well-preserved medieval fortress and one of the city's most famous landmarks. Key Information · Name: Gravensteen — Castle of the Counts · Location: Ghent, Belgium · Built: 1180 · Commissioned by: Count Philip of Alsace · Architectural style: Medieval Romanesque fortress architecture · Original purpose: Residence and defensive stronghold of the Counts of Flanders · Current use: Historic monument and museum · Setting: Historic centre of Ghent, beside the River Leie · Status: One of Ghent's most important historical attractions History The site had earlier fortifications and wooden structures, but the present castle was constructed in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders. Philip was inspired by the crusader castles he had seen in the Middle East. He wanted to demonstrate the power and authority of the Counts of Flanders, and the result was a formidable stone fortress in the centre of Ghent. For centuries, Gravensteen served as the residence of the Counts of Flanders and as a centre of political and military power. Later, the castle was no longer used as the main residence of the counts. Its functions changed over time, and parts of the complex were used for administrative and industrial purposes. By the 19th century, the castle had deteriorated significantly. Restoration work eventually began, and the medieval character of the building was carefully reconstructed. Architecture Gravensteen is surrounded by a large defensive moat, giving the castle its classic medieval appearance. The fortress contains: · Massive stone walls · Numerous towers · Battlements · A central courtyard · Defensive gates · Narrow medieval passages · A large stone keep · A moat surrounding the castle The central keep dominates the complex and provides spectacular views over Ghent. The castle's thick walls and defensive architecture were designed to withstand attacks and demonstrate the military strength of the Counts of Flanders. The Keep The most recognizable part of Gravensteen is its enormous central keep. Inside, visitors can explore several floors containing medieval rooms, exhibitions and historical objects. The upper levels provide views across the rooftops of Ghent, including the historic city centre and the nearby churches and towers. The Torture Museum One of the most unusual parts of Gravensteen is its collection of historical torture instruments. The exhibition illustrates how medieval justice and punishment could be carried out and includes various instruments associated with interrogation, imprisonment and punishment. The exhibition is deliberately dark and dramatic, reflecting the castle's reputation as a place of medieval power and justice. A Fortress in the Heart of the City One of Gravensteen's most remarkable characteristics is its location. Unlike many medieval castles that stand outside modern cities, Gravensteen is located directly in the historic centre of Ghent. The contrast between the medieval fortress, the surrounding historic streets and the River Leie makes the area particularly impressive. Interesting Facts · Gravensteen was built in 1180. · It was commissioned by Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders. · The castle was inspired partly by the architecture of crusader fortresses. · It was designed both as a residence and a powerful defensive fortress. · A large moat surrounds the castle. · The castle has a prominent central keep with panoramic views over Ghent. · It contains a collection of historical torture instruments. · The building was heavily restored after centuries of deterioration. · Today, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Ghent. Why It Is Special Gravensteen is special because it offers a rare combination of authentic medieval fortress architecture, dramatic history and a central urban location. Standing inside the castle, visitors can see the massive stone walls, defensive towers, medieval chambers and remnants of the castle's former military and judicial functions. At the same time, stepping onto the upper levels reveals a completely different experience: a panoramic view of modern Ghent surrounded by centuries-old architecture. For visitors to Ghent, Gravensteen is not simply a historic building. It is one of the places where the city's medieval history can be experienced almost physically, making it one of Belgium's most distinctive castles.

#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 ~