Flanders, Belgium’s northern region, captivates with a unique blend of creativity, heritage and exceptional food. Historic cities and living cultural traditions meet a vibrant contemporary scene, while outstanding cuisine ranges from beloved local classics to world‑class Michelin‑starred dining. In this article, we explore the most beautiful cities in Flanders and show how art, culture and culinary enjoyment are seamlessly intertwined at every step.
Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Flanders was one of Europe’s great centres of art. Masters such as Peter Paul Rubens, Jan van Eyck and Pieter Bruegel shaped this golden age and left a legacy that still defines art history today. Many of their masterpieces can still be admired across Flanders, bringing centuries of creativity vividly to life. Lovers of modern art will also find plenty to enjoy in Flanders: numerous museums, as well as regular art festivals and triennials, showcase contemporary works from both Belgium and abroad.
Culture
Often, it’s the small, personal moments that make Flanders’ rich cultural heritage truly tangible. From the baroque splendour of Antwerp to the medieval lanes of Bruges, pride in local history is woven into everyday life. And those who travel the region with an open eye will encounter living traditions too: in Oostduinkerke, for instance, fishermen still venture into the sea on powerful horses to catch shrimp – a centuries‑old practice that continues to this day.
Cuisine
The Flemish like to say that a love of good food runs in their veins – and that fine taste is part of their DNA. And it shows. Flanders boasts a wonderfully diverse food culture, from crispy pommes frites and the celebrated Belgian beer tradition to irresistible sweet treats. Whether hearty classics or refined Michelin‑starred cuisine, the region delights with an impressive range of culinary pleasures.
It’s the mix that makes all the difference – and gives a holiday in Flanders its unmistakable appeal. Located in the north of Belgium, the region is a favourite among cyclists, with flat, well‑maintained cycling routes and a dense network of junctions that effortlessly link city highlights with natural landscapes.
At the same time, visitors are immersed in a vibrant cultural scene, ranging from contemporary art and striking street art to culinary experiences that span lively street food and award‑winning Michelin‑starred cuisine. Between UNESCO World Heritage sites, art and fine dining, cities rich in history and full of character unfold their unique charm. Let us introduce them to you – and perhaps spark your desire to explore Flanders for yourself.
In Leuven, centuries‑old heritage meets youthful energy and a lively student vibe. Shaped by the prestigious KU Leuven, this historic university city blends grand architecture with a buzzing urban atmosphere. Lively squares, cosy cafés and a rich cultural scene give Leuven its unmistakable character.
Leuven is also a perfect match for a cycling holiday: short distances and well‑designed cycling routes make it easy to explore both the city and its green surroundings in a relaxed yet active way.
A Must‑See Highlight
Standing proudly on the Grote Markt, Leuven’s Town Hall has been one of the city’s defining landmarks since the 15th century. Often hailed as one of the world’s finest examples of Gothic architecture, the ornate building took 30 years to complete and continues to captivate visitors from around the globe with its intricate details and timeless beauty.
A Taste You Shouldn’t Miss
The Oude Markt is famously known as the “longest bar in Europe” – and for good reason. Around 30 bars and pubs line the square side by side, creating a lively hub where Leuven’s student spirit truly comes alive. Grab a seat, soak up the atmosphere and experience the city’s vibrant energy up close.
An Experience You Shouldn’t Miss
A stroll through the trendy Vaartkom district is simply part of any visit to Leuven. With its green spaces, stylish cafés and inviting spots right by the water, this former harbour area has evolved into a favourite meeting place and one of the city’s most vibrant hotspots.
Mechelen charms visitors with historic elegance and a vibrant cultural scene. Between grand squares and quiet alleyways, the city unfolds its relaxed, welcoming character. A true highlight is St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, which shapes the skyline, while creative initiatives add fresh, contemporary accents.
Mechelen is also a wonderful destination for a cycling holiday: short distances and well‑developed cycling routes make it easy to explore both the city itself and the surrounding green landscapes in a comfortable yet active way.
A Must See Highlight
The three historic houses of the Haverwerf are a real eye‑catcher and a must on any stroll through Mechelen. Once at the heart of the city’s oat trade, these elegant buildings date back to a time when Mechelen held the staple right for grain. All goods transported along the River Dijle had to be offered for sale here for three days – a fascinating chapter of the city’s trading past that still shapes its character today.
A Taste You Shouldn’t Miss
You shouldn’t miss the food market housed in the former Vleeshalle. This beautifully restored historic hall impresses with its unique atmosphere and tempts visitors with a diverse selection of culinary delights – the perfect place to sample Mechelen’s flavours in a truly special setting.
An Experience You Shouldn’t Miss
A boat cruise along the River Dijle – lovingly known as Mechelen’s lifeline – invites you to discover the city from the water. Glide past historic sights along the banks and gain fascinating insights into Mechelen’s rich past as the scenery unfolds around you.
Despite its small size, Belgium offers an astonishing spectrum of flavours: more than 3,000 different beers, each with its own story, character and style. It’s no surprise that Belgian beer culture was recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016 – a true celebration of craftsmanship, tradition and creativity in every glass.
Pommes Frites
Small, crispy and golden – fries are a true point of national pride in Flanders. Did you know that Belgium is home to more than 4,000 fry stands? Traditionally made from the Bintje potato, lightly salted and served in a paper cone with creamy mayonnaise, this simple classic is pure comfort food at its best. Simply irresistible.
Flemish Cuisine
In Flanders, regional produce takes centre stage. One standout is the grey shrimp, still caught in a traditional way with powerful horses wading into the sea – a centuries‑old practice that lives on in local favourites such as classic shrimp croquettes. Asparagus is another staple of Flemish cuisine, with the most renowned growing areas found in Limburg and the northern part of the province of Antwerp. Carefully harvested by hand, it goes straight from the field to the plate, celebrating freshness and flavour at their best.
A Cyclist’s Paradise
Spanning more than 15,000 kilometres, Flanders invites cyclists to explore its culture – and especially its natural beauty – from the saddle. And it’s not just a dream destination for visitors: cycling is deeply rooted in everyday life here, with locals relying on their bikes as a favourite and practical way to get from A to B.
Ghent effortlessly blends rich history with a vibrant, contemporary creative scene. Impressive landmarks such as Gravensteen Castle and lively squares shape the cityscape, while street art, design and innovative dining add fresh, modern flair. The city is also renowned as a pioneer of vegetarian and vegan cuisine, delighting food lovers with forward‑thinking flavours.
For a cycling holiday, Ghent is a perfect choice: flat terrain and a well‑developed network of cycling routes make it easy to explore both the city and its charming surroundings in a relaxed and active way.
A Must See Highlight
Ghent is defined by the city’s iconic “Three Towers”, which shape the skyline and can all be visited. Inside St Bavo’s Cathedral, art lovers can admire Jan van Eyck’s world‑famous masterpiece The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb – one of the most important works in European art history.
A Taste You Shouldn’t Miss
The typical Ghent sweet, cuberdons, can be found at countless stalls across the city and are a favourite treat among locals and visitors alike. Lovingly nicknamed “neuzekes” (“little noses”) because of their distinctive shape, they were discovered by chance by a Ghent pharmacist who was actually experimenting with ways to improve the shelf life of his medicines.
An Experience You Shouldn’t Miss
A walk along the River Leie leads through winding alleyways and invites you to settle in at a waterside terrace, sip an aperitif and soak in the beautiful views at a leisurely pace.
Bruges enchants with its medieval charm, picturesque canals and a rich artistic heritage. The historic old town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – invites you to wander, explore and linger. At the same time, BRUSK is emerging as an exciting new hub for contemporary art, adding a modern twist to the city’s cultural scene. Cobblestone streets, quiet waterways and cultural treasures come together to create a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
For a cycling holiday, Bruges is an ideal starting point: idyllic cycling routes lead through the Flemish countryside surrounding the city, making it easy to discover Bruges and its scenic surroundings in a relaxed and active way.
A Must See Highlight
Bruges captivates visitors with its historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right. Romantic façades, cobbled lanes and gentle canals create a postcard‑perfect setting and give the city its unmistakable charm.
A Taste You Shouldn’t Miss
A glass of Belgian beer is simply part of any visit to Bruges. In the city’s authentic breweries right in the historic centre, you can savour a perfectly chilled brew in a truly atmospheric setting.
An Experience You Shouldn’t Miss
Bruges’ canals have been the city’s lifelines for centuries, inviting you to explore them on foot or by bike. Romantic bridges and beautifully preserved medieval façades line the waterways, creating a postcard‑perfect backdrop at every turn.
Antwerp delights with a unique blend of world‑class art, influential fashion and a vibrant urban lifestyle. Closely linked to the legacy of Peter Paul Rubens, the port city on the River Scheldt is also an international hotspot for design and new trends. Historic streets meet creative neighbourhoods and innovative studios, creating a dynamic cityscape full of contrast and character.
Antwerp is also a great choice for a cycling holiday: flat terrain and a well‑developed network of cycling routes make it easy to explore the city and its surroundings at an effortless pace, fully soaking in its distinctive flair.
A Must See Highlight
The Diamond Square Mile remains one of the world’s most important centres for diamonds to this day. More than 80% of all rough diamonds worldwide are examined right here. A walk through the district offers a fascinating glimpse into this unique world and its glittering heritage.
A Taste You Shouldn’t Miss
A glass of De Koninck – the locals’ beloved beer – is simply part of the Antwerp experience. The brewery itself can be visited too, offering an interactive journey into the city’s proud brewing tradition.
An Experience You Shouldn’t Miss
The works of Antwerp’s iconic master Peter Paul Rubens can be admired at several locations across the city – from his former city palace to the Plantin‑Moretus Museum and the Cathedral of Our Lady, where his unmistakable artistic signature comes to life in a truly impressive setting.
Flanders’ coast and landscapes invite you to slow down and breathe deeply – wide open spaces, fresh sea air and ever‑changing scenery set the tone. From the rolling dunes along the North Sea to tranquil polder landscapes and protected natural areas such as Hoge Kempen National Park, the region reveals its wonderfully peaceful side. Here, nature and relaxation take centre stage.
For cycling enthusiasts, a dense network of flat cycling routes stretches along the coast and through lush green countryside – perfect for discovering the region’s natural diversity in an effortless and relaxed way.
A Must See Highlight
The Beaufort Sculpture Park is an absolute must‑see. More than 50 artworks are spread along the entire Belgian coast, turning the shoreline into a truly unique open‑air gallery. Whether by bike or aboard the coastal tram, the ever‑evolving collection of sculptures can be discovered effortlessly – art and sea breeze perfectly combined.
A Taste You Shouldn’t Miss
Grey North Sea shrimp are a true delicacy along the Belgian coast and are often enjoyed as classic shrimp croquettes – a simple yet irresistible taste of the sea.
An Experience You Shouldn’t Miss
A stroll through the “Pearl of the Belle Époque”, De Haan, feels like a journey back in time, passing elegant seaside villas and soaking up the refined charm of a bygone era. The coastal tram makes it easy to continue on to Wenduine, with its classic beach architecture, and into the surrounding dune forests – a wonderfully relaxed way to explore the coast and its natural beauty.
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