Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent

The four great cities of northern Belgium share a rich cultural heritage dating back to medieval times, when this was one of the most vibrant trading regions in the world. Yet each is very different: Brussels is the new Capital of Europe, while Bruges is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities.

Ghent is a historic university city, while Antwerp still has the muscular stance of a great industrial centre. Each, in its own way, is richly rewarding – not only in cultural sights, but also in delightful and welcoming places to stay, eat and drink.

Top 10 Must-See Sights

1. The Grand Place, Brussels
For sheer architectural theatre, the historic centrepiece of Brussels is hard to beat – as it must have been three centuries ago.

2. Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts
Brueghel, Rubens, Van Dyke, Magritte – this splendid collection takes the visitor on a tour of some of the greatest names in art.

3. Musée des Instruments de Musique
Newly rehoused in a magnificent Art Nouveau building, the “MIM” contains thousands of instruments – ancient, modern, ethnic and just plain wacky.

4. Musée Horta, Brussels
Victor Horta was the original Art Nouveau architect; his own house was the perfect expression of his art – down to the last doorknob. The building is now preserved as a shrine to Art Nouveau.

5. Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée
The “Comic Strip Centre” reveals all about this very Belgian art form: Tintin and beyond.

6. The Burg, Bruges
The old centre of Bruges is an architectural gem – a small, intimate square surrounded by historic buildings, each one offering something of fascination.

7. Two Museums of Bruges
The great Flemish artists of the early 15th century, such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling, were among the first to perfect oil painting. These two unrivalled collections demonstrate conclusively their extraordinary skills, and show why they had such a profound influence on Italian art.

8. The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
This large, multi-panel altarpiece created in 1426–32 by Jan van Eyck and his brother Hubrecht remains one of the great cultural treasures of Europe.

9. Antwerp Cathedral
Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady is the city’s main landmark, and the largest Gothic church in Belgium. Originating in the 14th century, its impressive interior is enhanced by two exceptional triptychs by Rubens: The Raising of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross.

10. Rubenshuis, Antwerp
Rubens’ mansion has been carefully restored to show how it might have been when he lived here.

Discover more to see and do in Brussels at www.traveldk.com/brussels.

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