Antwerp, Turnhout, Brussels and Gent. Growing up with so many friends from Belgium had me dreaming about visiting this country from a tender age. Today you can see the places they took me to and you may find yourself planning a trip like no other!
Belgium has more castles per kilometre than any other country in the world…
“ Belgium’s biggest draws are its medieval town cores, home to a bounty of Unesco sites and many a delightful cafe-bar serving some of the planet’s finest beers. But there’s so much more, from stalactite-filled caves to post-industrial heritage, forest-edged kayaking rivers and rural chateaux to sandy North Sea beaches. Cutting-edge museums and finely endowed galleries unveil the complex history of what has been a crucible of European art, from the Flemish Primitives, through Rubens’ voluptuous nymphs and art nouveau’s sinuous curves to bizarre surrealism, comic strips and 21st-century fashion. Belgium also hosts some of the world’s weirdest carnivals.”(Lonely Planet)
“Though compact, Belgium is a place of striking contrasts: linguistic, cultural and topographic. Most of the historic ‘art’ cities lie in predominantly flat, Dutch-speaking Flanders, seducing visitors with medieval belfries, magical market squares and step-gabled houses that often overlook pretty urban canals. Dotted with superb museums and galleries, these places are close together and seamlessly interconnected by regular public transport. In contrast, despite some intriguing post-industrial cities, much of hilly, French-speaking Wallonia is profoundly rural. So it’s useful to have your own wheels to reach the region’s spectacular caves, impressive castles and bucolic valleys, where there’s endless outdoor fun to be had.” (Lonely Planet)
1. Antwerp . Antwerpen . Amberes . Anvers . Antuérpia
The capital of diamonds and chocolate as well as the capital of the province in Flanders, the Flemish region.
You can fly to Brussels Charleroi airport flying with Ryanair and then take trains to Antwerp. Alternatively, you can fly to Eindhoven Airport, south of Holland and then take a train to Antwerp.
Antwerp in 2008
Antwerp in 2010
2. Turnhout markets
Turnhout is a Belgian municipality located in the Flemish province of Antwerp. A smaller city gives you the chance to explore and discover the day to day life of Belgians.
Cultivated fields, Frituur fries shop, tasting Belgian beer…have you tried Duvel or Trappist?
Don´t miss Saturday market for fresh vegetables and Sunday market for antiques and second hand valuables.
Turnhout in 2008
Turnhout in 2010
3. Brussels
Brussels is Belgium’s capital and home to the European Union headquarters. On my first and only time in Brussels I chose to stick to the city centre, walk around the old quarter and have some waffles.
Brussels in 2008
4. Ghent, Gent, Gante
Ghent is a port city in northwest Belgium, at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers. You can see how the Middle Ages built it up and times turned it into today's university town and cultural hub.
After exploring the city across its bridges and squares, we danced the night away to Youssou N’Dour´s concert for the World Peace Festival of Ghent 2010. Senegalese singer, songwriter, composer, occasional actor, businessman, and politician.
Click here to check the Festival & Feats in Gent and find out why this city earned the title of UNESCO Creative City of Music. The lights fest must be amazing.
Ghent in 2010
History on the Graslei and Korenlei
Timelapse of Ghent:
Youssou N’Dour full concert
Youssou N’Dour — 7 Seconds ft. Neneh Cherry
Thank you Leen and all friends from this beautiful country!
“La rue est une musée pour tous!”
― Hergé (Belgian cartoonist: The Adventures of Tintin)
