BELGIUM IN PHOTOS: BRUSSELS, BRUGES & GHENT

Last Updated on 24th January 2019 by Bejal

A free weekend in Autumn and a City break destination close by but far enough to seem like we’ve actually been away, Belgium it is then! Well the pull for a plethora of hot chocolate, Belgium beer, historic buildings, old mills and Moll Flanders was calling in the form of Belgium’s capital city, Brussels and the quaint little picturesque towns of Bruges and Ghent.

Here’s a photographic rendition of our two day weekend break just over the pond to experience a weekend of fine chocolate consumption, beer guzzling, absorbing the sights and smells and being wafted with the smell of light fresh waffles at every corner (with REAL hot chocolate of course!)

We based ourselves at the four star, Boutique, Leopold Hotel, a stones throw from the European Parliament Buildings, which I would recommend a visit to, just to glance at the impressive architecture of this hub of political negotiations. We then took day excursions with a guide organised through Viator.

BRUSSELS: THE CAPITAL OF BELGIUM

Brussels, is a cosmopolitan Belgian capital with a difference. Along with being hip and trendy it also is the hub on culture, is made up of the fascinating head of the EU as I mentioned previously but in tandem has the old world gargoyle topped architecture that is so synonymous with Belgium. Brussels is actually home to 90 museums (art, comics, history, you name it!), beautiful parks and of course the beer and chocolate.

Here are some recommnedations if you’re a first timer in Brussels, the Royal Quarter, Parc de Bruxelles, Clase Fontaine, Eglise Notre sam du Sablon, Grand palace, Iiot Saere, Galleries St Hubert (neuhaus Chocolatiers), Mokafe in Galeries st Hubert, Pierre Marcolini Chocolatiers, Hotel de Ville in Grand Palace, Musee des Intruments de Musique, EU Parliament District, Leopold Park, Dinner at Restaurant L’ogenblik, Statue of Manneken Pis around Grand Palace and the Parc de Bruxelles.

BRUGES: THE CAPITAL OF FLANDERS & DISTINGUISHED BY CANALS 

Bruges is located in North West Belgium and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s not hard to see why with its pretty cobble-stoned streets, churches, town halls, boutique hotels, cute restaurants, vast array of chocolate, beer and waffle outlets and of course its waterways with postcard perfect views.

A canal cruise is a must in Bruges and is one of the best ways to see the whole town and admire the architecture from a unique perspective.

If you want anything more to do than just admire the pretty scenes around you, try these, Historic centre of Brugge, Burg Square, Belfort, The Market, Basilica of the holy Blood, The Madonna of Michelangelo, St Salvators Cathedral,  Loppen castle, Provincial Hof, Church of our lady, Bruge, Groeningemuseum.

GHENT: THE LARGEST CITY OF EAST FLANDERS

Ghent is also located in North-West Belgium and is known for its 12th century medieval castle and guildhalls beside the Lei river harbour. It has a similar set-up as Bruges with main cobble-stone squares surrounded by churches and small quaint shops. There are of course numerous places you can sit and grab a local beer.

If you adore your architecture then here are a few places of interest that you could visit in Ghent and are; St Baros Church based on St John the Baptiste,  Ghent Alterpiece (aldoration of the mystic lamb)- Van Eyck’s masterpiece painting is contained in St Baros Church, St Baros Church, St Michael’s Bridge, The Belfry and Cloth hall, Gravensteen castle and St Nicholas Church

Let me know if you’ve visited these pretty Belgian towns or even Brussels and what were your highlights. Please do share them in the comments below.

 

À Bientôt…

 

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