DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent (Pocket Travel Guide)

Clockwise from top: Lier near Antwerp; Blinde Ezelstraat, Bruges; waffles; Le Botanique, Brussels; Rodins The Thinker, Brussels; Grand Place, Brussels; Comics Art Museum, Brussels

Brussels, capital of Europe, and the three great cities of Flanders offer an extraordinarily rich spread of rewards. Fabulous art, trend-setting design and fashion, outstanding restaurants, some of the worlds best beer and chocolate, and a heritage that has flourished since the Golden Age. With this Eyewitness Top 10 guide, its yours to explore.

The splendours of that Golden Age are showcased in the paintings of Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and their contemporaries in the great art collections of all the cities, such as the Muses Royaux des Beaux-Arts in Brussels and the Groeningemuseum in Bruges. This artistic brilliance soared again to new heights with Rubens, whose grand home and studio, the Rubenshuis, is one of the treasures of Antwerp. Architecture tracks a parallel path, with medieval squares such as the Burg in Bruges, the Gothic Antwerp Cathedral, and the splendid Gothic and Flemish Baroque Grand Place in Brussels.

Cultural attractions apart, these are also walkable cities, adapted for modern living, with elegant shopping streets, lively cafs, star-spangled restaurants and the worlds best twice-fried frites.

Whether youre coming for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide explores the best of everything these cities can offer, from the glass trumpets of the Muse des Instruments de Musique in Brussels and the cutting-edge contemporary art of the SMAK gallery in Ghent, to the enchanting backwaters of Eastern Bruges and the throbbing clubs of Antwerp. There are tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to finding the liveliest festivals, plus easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together the must-see sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent.

EXPLORING BRUSSELS, BRUGES, ANTWERP & GHENT

With so much on offer, these cities are at their best day and night, and there is much to see beyond the main museums and attractions. Part of the pleasure is ambling about the pedestrian-friendly streets and savouring time spent in the restaurants and cafs. These two- and seven-day itineraries will help you make the most of these four fascinating Belgian cities.

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Two Days in Brussels

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Day 1

Morning

Start at the .

The Grand Place is dominated by Brussels magnificent town hall.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the (closed Mon).

Muses Royaux des Beaux-Arts is made up of three integrated museums.

Day 2

Morning

Visit (closed Mon).

Afternoon

Take a tram to the (closed Mon). Wander through the Art Nouveau streets around here.

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Seven Days in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp

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BRUSSELS Day 1

As day one of Two Days in Brussels.

BRUGES Day 2

Morning

Go to the Markt and climb the .

Afternoon

Walk to Groeningemuseum(see .

BRUGES Day 3

Morning

Begin at Choco-Story and/or the to visit the Sint-Annakerk and the Volkskundemuseum(closed Mon).

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at the extraordinary Jeruzalemkapel(closed Sun) and the neighbouring , the lace centre, which has demonstrations in the afternoon. Finish by exploring the streets of Eastern Bruges further.

Jeruzalemkapel is a 15th-century hidden gem next to the Kantcentrum.

GHENT Day 4

Morning

Pay a pilgrimage to The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb(see (closed Mon).

The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is the star attraction in the Sint-Baafskathedraal in Ghent.

Korenlei, one of Antwerps attractive quays, is a pick-up point for boat trips.

Afternoon

Take a canal trip, visit district behind the museum.

GHENT Day 5

Morning

Take a tram to Ghents two great art galleries, MSK and (closed Mon).

Afternoon

Walk back across the Citadelpark to visit the city museum (closed Mon) before returning to the historic city centre.

ANTWERP Day 6

Morning

Admire the guildhouses and town hall in the (closed MonWed).

Antwerp Cathedral dominates the medieval market square.

Afternoon

Visit the (closed Mon).

ANTWERP Day 7

Morning

To avoid the crowds, get an early start at the Rubenshuis(see (closed Mon).

Afternoon

Take in some radical contemporary art at (closed Mon).

FotoMuseum Provincie (FoMu) covers every aspect of photography.

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Top 10 Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp & Ghent Highlights