Flemish Region Travel Guide

Belgium
Belfry of Ghent which includes a city, night scenes and heritage architecture
Explore charming cities, discover nature and enjoy the sun and the beach in this mostly Dutch-speaking part of Belgium.

Enjoy a varied holiday in Flanders full of culture, nature and the beach. The region is full of charming towns such as Bruges and Ghent and Antwerp, the city of shopping.

Today, Belgium consists of the primarily Dutch-speaking Flanders and the more Francophone Wallonia, but in the 19th century, French was the most widely spoken language. The Flemish Movement, a political movement for greater autonomy of the Belgian region of Flanders and the protection of the Dutch language, changed that. Today, both Dutch and French are spoken in Flanders.

Flanders is a very diverse region that has something for everyone. Go to the beach at Knokke-Heist or visit Fort Napoleon in Oostende. Nature lovers will enjoy nature reserve Het Zwin in the far northwest of the province.

The province is also home to great cities, such as Antwerp and Ghent, a vibrant partly-pedestrianised city full of narrow allies, waterways and beautiful facades. Take a look inside Sint-Baafskathedraal, home to 'The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb', or Castle Gravensteen. The charming town of Bruges, with its waterways, bridges and impressive belfry is also a must-see.

And you cannot leave Flanders without going to Brussels! Although the city is geographically located in Flanders and is officially bilingual, French is more widely spoken. Visit the impressive Galleries Royales Saint Hubert for a day of upmarket shopping or enjoy a cool beer at Grote Markt. Take the kids to see Manneken Pis and then to the Comic Strip Centre for some fun.

Discover Flanders by car, bicycle or on foot. You can take the train between the big cities, which is great if you’re not travelling by car or don't want to drive. The seaside towns are all connected by the Flemish coast tram (kusttram).

You can reach Flanders by car, train or airplane. The journey from England will take you anywhere between 1.5 and 4.5 hours depending on the city you will be visiting.

Book your trip to Flanders and discover the charm and diversity of this great region. You're bound to love it!

Popular cities in Flemish Region

La Grand Place which includes château or palace, heritage architecture and a city
Brussels
Known for Business, Tours and Museums
A cosmopolitan blend of culture, architecture and fine food mixes with royal tradition in the Belgian capital.

Reasons to visit

  • La Grand Place
  • Brussels Christmas Market
  • European Union Parliament Building
Cathedral of Our Lady which includes a church or cathedral, a city and heritage architecture
Antwerp
Known for Shopping, Historical and Business
The diamond capital of the world is both historically rich and refreshingly modern, with 16th-century architecture and a thriving avant-garde arts scene.

Reasons to visit

  • Antwerp Market Square
  • Green Square
  • Cathedral of Our Lady
Bruges showing a city, a house and a church or cathedral
Bruges
Known for Historical, Tours and Chocolate
Medieval architecture, meandering canals and exquisite chocolate and beer: it's no wonder that more than 2 million tourists flock to this Belgian city each year.

Reasons to visit

  • Bruges Market Square
  • Bruges Christmas Market
  • Bruges Belfry
Ghent showing a city and boating
Ghent
Known for Historical, Tours and Art
Stroll through the charming streets, parks and museums of this Flemish city, famous for its preserved medieval center.

Reasons to visit

  • Gravensteen Castle
  • Saint Bavo Cathedral
  • Ghent Town Hall
Leuven
Leuven
Known for Bars, Shopping and Historical
Visit the capital of the Flemish province of Brabant and enjoy the convivial atmosphere, the old university and the world famous brewery.

Reasons to visit

  • Leuven Town Hall
  • Arenberg Castle
  • Ladeuze Square
Ostend showing heritage architecture and heritage elements
Ostend
Known for Beaches, Sea and Art
This popular seaside resort is great for a day at the beach, cultural activities or museums. Enjoy this wonderful part of Flanders.

Reasons to visit

  • Ostend Beach
  • Maria Hendrika Park