Belfry of Bruges (Belfort)
13th-century market tower with a 366-step climb to a carillon and panoramic view over Bruges.
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About Flemish Region
Flanders combines medieval cities, Flemish Primitive painting, Baroque Antwerp, WWI battlefields around Ypres and 67 km of North Sea coast. The dense rail network connects Brussels Airport (BRU) to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven and Mechelen in 15 to 60 minutes. Cycling is common, beer and chocolate are local specialties, and visitors can use English widely. Prices in this guide use 1 EUR = 1.15 USD.
- Capital
- Brussels
- Largest city
- Antwerp
- Population
- ~6.8 million
- Languages
- Dutch
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Explore Flemish Region by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Flemish Region
The 26 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Markt and Historic Centre of Bruges (UNESCO)
Medieval market square ringed by guild houses, the heart of the UNESCO-listed historic centre.
Groeningemuseum
Museum of Flemish Primitives with works by Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Gerard David.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
Romanesque chapel and upper basilica housing a relic of the Holy Blood, with a small treasury museum.
Begijnhof (Beguinage) of Bruges
Tranquil walled beguinage with whitewashed houses and a lawn of daffodils in spring; part of UNESCO's Flemish Beguinages.
Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts)
12th-century moated castle of the Counts of Flanders with torture-chamber exhibits and rooftop views.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Flemish Region Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Flemish Region, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Flemish Region
- Days 1-2Flemish Region city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Flemish Region
- Days 1-3Flemish Region comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Flemish Region, departure
Where to stay in Flemish Region
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget EUR 80 (approx USD 92)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range EUR 180 (approx USD 207)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury EUR 450+ (approx USD 518+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hotel Julien
Boutique hotel in two restored 16th-century townhouses a few minutes' walk from the cathedral, with individually designed rooms and a quiet courtyard.
Check rates on Booking.comBotanic Sanctuary Antwerp
Luxury hotel in a former 17th-century convent and botanical complex in the historic centre, with a large spa and garden.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Antwerp Old Town
Chain hotel on Groenplaats, directly beside the cathedral and the main shopping streets, in a heritage building.
Check rates on Booking.comRadisson Blu Astrid Hotel
Chain hotel opposite Antwerp-Centraal railway station, practical for day trips by train around Flanders.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Flemish Region
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Het Pomphuis
Restored 1880s pumping station on the Antwerp docks, serving modern European and seafood dishes under high glass-and-iron halls.
Dock's Café
Large brasserie on the Scheldt quay known for oysters and shellfish.
Het Gebaar
Chef-run restaurant in a former monastery with a garden, focused on seasonal vegetables.
Den Engel
Traditional corner cafe on the Grote Markt serving local beers and simple snacks.
Greenway
Vegetarian restaurant in the centre of Ghent, in a city that promotes a weekly vegetarian day.
Publiek
Contemporary restaurant near the Leie in central Ghent, listed in the Michelin Guide.
Book a food tour in Flemish Region We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Flemish Region
Flanders has one of the densest rail networks in Europe, and most Flemish cities are within an hour's train ride of Brussels. De Lijn buses and trams fill in local routes, the Kusttram runs the full length of the coast, and cycling is excellent in the flat terrain. A car is only worthwhile for rural areas such as the Flemish Ardennes, Heuvelland and Limburg's Kempen.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR (1 EUR = 1.15 USD), broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 35 (approx USD 40) | EUR 100 (approx USD 115) | EUR 280 (approx USD 322) |
| Food (per day) | EUR 20 (approx USD 23) | EUR 45 (approx USD 52) | EUR 110 (approx USD 127) |
| Transportation | EUR 10 (approx USD 12) | EUR 15 (approx USD 17) | EUR 35 (approx USD 40) |
| Activities | EUR 15 (approx USD 17) | EUR 20 (approx USD 23) | EUR 25 (approx USD 29) |
| Daily total | EUR 80 (approx USD 92) | EUR 180 (approx USD 207) | EUR 450+ (approx USD 518+) |
Best time to visit Flemish Region
Weather through the year in Flemish Region
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Flemish Region.
Spring and early autumn give mild weather and lighter crowds.
Essential travel tips
- Buy train tickets in the SNCB app; weekend and Rail Pass options cut costs.
- Consider the Gent City Card or Antwerp City Card.
- Book Ghent Altarpiece and Belfry tickets online.
- Tap water is safe; most places accept cards, but carry some cash for small cafes.
Safety information
Keep phones, wallets and passports in zipped inner pockets in crowded places such as Antwerpen-Centraal, Ghent Sint-Pieters station, Bruges' Markt and Christmas markets.
Lock your bike with two locks (a frame lock and a chain or U-lock) attached to a fixed object; bike theft is the most common crime against visitors in Antwerp, Ghent and Leuven.
Do not leave bags, laptops or luggage visible in parked cars, including in car parks at Bruges' park-and-ride and at coastal beach car parks.
Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps; avoid unlicensed drivers and agree to pay by meter or fixed fare.
Keep to well-lit streets late at night in the areas around Antwerp's Central Station and the red-light district, Ghent's Sint-Pieters station and the Brugse Poort at night.
On the Flemish coast, swim only in lifeguard-supervised areas in summer and obey the flag system at the beach; strong currents occur around groynes and sandbanks.
In forests and heath areas in the Kempen and Limburg, wear long trousers and check for ticks after walks, since Lyme disease is present.
Check train disruptions (Belgian rail strikes are periodic) and the SNCB/NMBS app before long journeys; keep a flexible plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit the Flemish Region?
Entry follows Belgium and Schengen rules. EU citizens need only a national ID; many non-EU travelers may stay up to 90 days visa-free but should check ETIAS requirements before traveling.
What is the best way to get around Flanders?
Use the NMBS/SNCB train network between cities and De Lijn trams and buses locally. Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Leuven are each 15 to 60 minutes from Brussels Airport by train.
What currency and exchange rate are used?
The euro. This guide uses 1 EUR = 1.15 USD.
Explore Flemish Region by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.