Things to do & places to visit in Flanders, Belgium

Flanders #1 destination in Belgium 2023. The average rating score is 4.49 based on 183.0k traveler reviews, of 166 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Brussels, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 9:38.

Top things to do (29)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Historic Centre of Brugge (17.9k reviews)
- Great city
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites

The historic center of Bruges has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 thanks to its status as one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe and its enduring Gothic architecture. The Belgian city center is cited as a great example of a medieval historic settlement, even while it has evolved over the years. See more..
5.0 Menin Gate Memorial (4.913 reviews)
- Never Gets Old
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Ypres (now Ieper) is a town in the Province of West Flanders. The Memorial is situated at the eastern side of the town on the road to Menin (Menen) and Courtrai (Kortrijk). The YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. The memorial, designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield with sculpture by Sir William Reid-Dick, was unveiled by Lord Plumer on 24 July 1927. Each night at 8 pm the traffic is stopped at the Menin Gate while members of the local Fire Brigade sound the Last Post in the roadway under the Memorial's arches. See more..
5.0 Last Post ceremony (2.676 reviews)
- Amazing
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

No words can describe this experience. It is so moving, so emotional, it’s simply amazing. This performance happens every single night of the year. Get there early if you want to watch the performance, however just hearing it without seeing the people involved is magical. Highly recommended. See more..
5.0 Legends of Gent Free Walking Tour (1.988 reviews)
- Great night tour with Sebastian!!!
Monday: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Cultural Tours

I did a Free Evening Tour: The Dark Side of Gent on Mar. My tour guide Sebastian is excellent. He is very knowledgeable and approachable. As a local growing up in Ghent, he is very passionate to share with us the history, culture, customs of this beautiful city, especially at night time. He made great jokes and recommended us some local places to try authentic food with affordable price. Also, he is very kind to not mention any things about the tips after the tour. I feel so bad for him when some participants didn't even tip him in the end, which is not nice. I can see that he is doing it because he likes it and everyone please tip the tour guide because he does a good job, not because this is "free" as you think. See more..
5.0 Tyne Cot Cemetery (1.478 reviews)
- Overwhelming
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Cemeteries

It is now the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world in terms of burials. At the suggestion of King George V, who visited the cemetery in 1922, the Cross of Sacrifice was placed on the original large pill-box. There are three other pill-boxes in the cemetery. There are now 11,956 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in Tyne Cot Cemetery. 8,369 of the burials are unidentified but there are special memorials to more than 80 casualties known or believed to be buried among them. Other special memorials commemorate 20 casualties whose graves were destroyed by shell fire. There are 4 German burials, 3 being unidentified. The cemetery was designed by Sir Herbert Baker. The TYNE COT MEMORIAL forms the north-eastern boundary of Tyne Cot Cemetery and commemorates nearly 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom and New Zealand who died in the Ypres Salient after 16 August 1917 and whose graves are not known. The memorial stands close to the farthest point in Belgium reached by Commonwealth forces in the First World War until the final advance to victory. The memorial was designed by Sir Herbert Baker with sculpture by F V Blundstone. See more..
5.0 Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 (1.037 reviews)
- A must see
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 presents the story of the First World War, with a particular emphasis on the Battle of Passchendaele. This battle in 1917 is known as one of the most horrific battles from the First World War, with almost 600,000 casualties for a movement of the frontline of only eight kilometres. The MMP1917 focuses on the visitor's experience with a replica dugout (underground shelter) and trenches. Using authentic letters, uniforms, video clips ... both young and old get an insight into how life must have been on and around the battlefields. The youngest visitors can go explore on their own with Lisa, Louis and their little friend Maurice, the museum rat. Lisa and Louis visit their grandfather, who collects WWI stuff in the chateau of Zonnebeke. Maurice takes the children on a discovery tour of the museum with the help of a folding map and an audio play. Along the way, they carry out fun assignments. Last admission: 4.30 pm. See more..
4.5 Antwerpen-Centraal (8.420 reviews)
- Unique Station
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings

Leopold II had this unusual rail station built as a neo-Baroque monument to the railway age in 1905. See more..
4.5 Belfort (7.946 reviews)
- Iconic medieval bell tower... don't shy away from the climb!
Monday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers

The most important of Bruges' towers stands 83 metres tall. It houses, amongst other things, a carillon with 47 melodious bells. In the reception area, waiting visitors can discover all kinds of interesting information about the history and working of this unique world-heritage protected belfry. Those who take on the challenge of climbing the tower can pause for a breather on the way up in the old treasury, where the city's charters, seal and public funds were kept during the Middle Ages, and also at the level of the impressive clock or in the carillonneur's chamber. Finally, after a tiring 366 steps, your efforts will be rewarded with a breath-taking and unforgettable panoramic view of Bruges and her surroundings. See more..
4.5 The Markt (6.160 reviews) from $20.34
- Central of town really lively
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is the centre of bruge, it is lined with bars and restaurants, although you will pay more for the food and beer in these places. I paid between 7-9€for a pint of beer in these bars. But it is worth stopping her for the Atmosphere. There is horses and carts here that will take you on a tour of bruge, but I’m not sure on the price. Also Situated here is the bell tower, that is definitely worth a visit up to the top, I think it was 14€ and it’s quite steep towards the top. Great view at night. At Christmas they have a central market there with maybe 20 Christmas stalls and also a big drinking tent . This all closes at 23:00 See more..
4.5 De Halve Maan Brewery (6.009 reviews)
- Simply delightful
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

A must visit for anyone looking to get the best Bruges beer experience. Fully recommend the cafe next to the brewery it's tremendous value for freshly brewed Zot and Straffe Hendrick. You won't regret a visit See more..
4.5 Ghent City Center (5.491 reviews)
- Beautiful Architecture
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Myself and my other half were lucky enough to walk around the city at the start of December, unfortunately before the market opened but we enjoyed it nonetheless. A very picturesque city, you can enjoy the different variations of architecture, from Medieval, Gothic, through to modern. There is plenty to see and we saw it during the day and night. At night it was fairly busy and we took in some lovely sights and sampled a couple of the pubs, restaurants and bars. we had a great time wandering around and i would definitely recommend it as a day trip visit or mini weekend break. See more..
4.5 Gravensteen (5.237 reviews)
- Take a self-guided tour
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:15 PM Castles • History Museums

The only surviving "castle of the count." See more..
4.5 Basilica of the Holy Blood (5.122 reviews)
- Worth a visit
Monday: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

This chapel contains a phial that reputedly contains Christ's blood brought back from the Crusades. See more..
4.5 The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde (3.898 reviews)
- A pleasant detour rather than a destination
Monday: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas

You're very unlikely to see a beguin walking around, and as other reviewers have said you might not get into the chapel either. The point of this isn't really to see the beguinage, it's more to walk through the park and confluence of canals and bridges around it. In Winter it's misty and atmospheric, in Summer it's warm, still lawns. We'd recommend doing this in early evening, just walk around it or sit for a while, watch the ducks and swans on the canal, and then go back around to Katelijnstraat and beyond for dinner. See more..
4.5 Burg Square (3.806 reviews)
- Important sightseeing at Burg Square
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Burg Square is a major point of interest in the Historic Centre of Bruges. Here you find three attractions that many consider must-see sightseeing in the city. These include the Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed (Basilica of the Holy Blood) which is free to enter as well as Stadhuis and Brugse Vrije which you can visit with a combined ticket (€7 per adult). Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed (Basilica of the Holy Blood) has separate morning and afternoon opening times so best to plan sightseeing around Burg starting with this attraction. You can enter Stadhuis and Brugse Vrije anytime between 9.30am to 5pm daily. In addition to the delightful and highly decorated interiors you will see within these three places, it is well worth spending time to enjoy their exquisite exteriors as well. Note: During December, you will also find the weekly Farmer's Market, usually located at nearby Grote Markt moved over to Burg Square due to the annual Christmas Market being setup there. See more..
4.5 In Flanders Fields Museum (3.642 reviews)
- Historical and interesting museum
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

The Ypres region was the backdrop to on of the bloodiest battles in history, 100 years ago. Now the last witness have died too, the In Flanders Fields Museum is more than ever the gateway to the First World War in Flanders. The In Flanders Fields Museum confronts the visitor with the consequences of the Great War. Old and young are faced with life and death in the Ypres front region. The exhibition with touching video projects, unique sound fragments and the most up-to-date multimedia applications immerse you in the life at the front. each visitor also receives a poppy bracelet that enables him/her to discover four personal stories of 'Joe Public' in the Great War. By logging in you can meet your peers in the war, a century ago. See more..
4.5 Minnewater Lake (3.608 reviews)
- More than a legendary love story
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water

Looking for a scenic place to take a romantic daytime or evening stroll? Minnewater Lake offers urban nature lovers a perfect setting regardless of the season or time of year. See more..
4.5 MAS - Museum aan de Stroom (3.540 reviews)
- Museum and viewpoint
Monday: Speciality Museums

We visited this place on June 23th. This museum does not have a dedicated parking. You have to park your car on one of the surrounding streets (very expensive). You have three options: the viewpoint is free, the museum and the temporay exhibition. You can also ask for a combined ticket for the museum and the temporay exhibition. Most people will use the escalator to see the differant parts of the musuem. The elevator can only be operated by a staff member. Every floor has a different theme; Colourful rituals, About cities and food, About the port, people and cargo, Of Gods and mankind, .. You will get a bracelet, so you can re enter when you want to take a bite or drink. See more..
4.5 Cathedral of Our Lady (3.531 reviews)
- Well worth the time!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

The imposing cathedral is under some external renovation but is well worth the visit because of its vast treasures and rich history. There is an entrance fee into the church, a shop and a small cafe, part of the commercialisation to help maintain the place. This late Gothic style of architecture has the tallest 123-metre tower, which dominates the skyline. The Ruben paintings add to the site's mystique, with its crypt, two impressive organs and numerous chapels and carvings with biblical themes, some having been brought from other parts of the country. It is a functioning church with services advertised within the building. See more..
4.5 Grote Markt (3.303 reviews)
- Showing the greatness of 16th century Antwerp
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Antwerp's "Great Market" square is a popular attraction in the heart of the old city. See more..
4.5 St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) (3.286 reviews)
- Do Augmented Reality Tour & See Adoration Masterpiece from 1430's
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Religious Sites

St. Bavo Cathedral (aka (Sint-Baafskathedraal)) is free to tour. However, to view the esteemed "Adoration of the Lamb" masterpiece is 12 euros. Highly recommend doing the augmented reality tour for 16 euros which includes the high altar, the Adoration of the Lamb, and the crypts, and to understand the painting in more detail. Visited in early February. We had the painting to ourselves for over 30 minutes and had the crypts to ourselves. The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is the central panel of the groundbreaking Ghent Altarpiece completed by Jan van Eyck and his brother around 1432. Having been restored, it is far more beautiful than any photos I have seen on the web. Make sure to visit the small devotion room in the front of the church - to the far right of the altar through a little door. Plan to spend about 1.5-2.5 hours. It was empty when we visited around 2:30 pm on a weekday in early February. See more..
4.5 Graslei and Korenlei (2.414 reviews)
- Most picturesque spot in Ghent
Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Piers & Boardwalks

Facing each other across River Leie, both Graslei and Korenlei were part of Ghent’s medieval port but are now tourist hotspots with a high concentration of cafes and restaurants. It is therefore not surprising that this is probably the most vibrant part of the city. Some of the guild houses along Graslei date back to the Middle Ages, further cementing the area’s historical significance. The views of both quays are best appreciated from the St Michael’s Bridge, where you can also capture the 4 spires dominating the city’s skyline. A lovely place to just relax and people-watch while enjoying a chocolate waffle with a local beer at one of the outdoor cafe. See more..
4.5 Rubens House (Rubenshuis) (2.413 reviews)
- Excellent visit!
Monday: Speciality Museums

We had a few hours spare and went along to the Rubens House Museum; we were lucky it wasn't that busy and we purchased tickets and an audio system. Be warned you have to lock your handbag/bags in a locker as they are not allowed inside! However the experience was good and well worth the entrance fee, you could walk at your own pace and listen to the commentary on marked numbered exhibits! The paintings were impressive and learning something about the life and times of Rubens and his contemporaries was very interesting. The gardens were also lovely to wander in, alongside the architecture! See more..
4.5 Groeningemuseum (1.698 reviews)
- Flemish Art Through The Ages
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums

The Groeninge Museum provides a varied overview of the history of Belgian visual art, with as highlight the world-renowned Flemish primitives. In this museum you can see, amongst other masterpieces, The Virgin and Child with Canon Van der Paele by Jan van Eyck and the Moreel Triptych by Hans Memling. You will also marvel at the top 18th and 19th-century neoclassical pieces, masterpieces of Flemish Expressionism and post-war modern art. See more..
4.5 St Michael's Bridge (1.638 reviews)
- Ideal spot for photography
Historic Walking Areas • Bridges

The location of this bridge is so good that one can get an overview of Ghent’s historic city centre by just standing here and looking all around. This is also the right place for a keen photographer because of the stunning view from here. One can see the river, the old guild houses along Graslei & Korenlei, the churches, the three towers and more. Fully accessible by wheelchair, this is a must visit attraction of Ghent and not to be missed by any visitor to this beautiful town. See more..
4.5 Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery (1.617 reviews)
- The local beer is here!
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Breweries

After nearly 60 years, Bourgogne des Flandres has returned to the inner city of Bruges with its own brewery. Explore the brewery and breathe in the smell of malt and fresh hops in the loft. See how the beer is brewed with your own eyes! During the visit you will find out more about hops and the brewing process, learn how to tap beer digitally and/or take a bottle with your picture home! Of course, at the end of the tour you will get a free Bourgogne des Flandres and enjoy a wonderful view of the Bruges canals … See more..
4.5 De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery (1.559 reviews)
- Fantastic Interactive Multimedia Tour
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Eager to visit a real Antwerp icon? Then it’s time you experience our brand new brewery tour! Get fully immersed in the world of City Brewery De Koninck and discover all of our beer secrets. The 4-meter high bridge in our brewery hall is globally unique! End your visit by drinking the best draft ‘bolleke’ beer in the world. It’s going to be fascinating, fun and delicious! See more..
4.5 Torture Museum Oude Steen (1.478 reviews)
- Well worth visiting
Monday: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums

Torture Museum the "Old Stone" is one of the oldest prisons in Europe restored into a museum offering the visitor an impressive collection of artifacts and dramatic, life realistic wax figures which will give the visitor an unforgettable impression on a controversial system of torture where the end, Justice, justified the means. See more..
4.5 Museum Plantin-Moretus (1.376 reviews)
- As a letterpress printer I am biased, but...
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

Walk into the printing press and the Plantin-Moretus family home as though you were a family friend paying a visit 400 years ago. Explore the house, the garden and the press in the only museum in the world on the UNESCO World Heritage list. - the two oldest printing presses in the world and more than 20.000 lead letters - 30.000 old books, illustrated manuscripts and other treasures of European printing - a beautiful baroque garden hidden within the walls of the museum See more..
4.5 Atlantikwall Raversyde (1.334 reviews)
- Don’t miss this museum
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • History Museums

A WALK TROUGH BOTH WORLD WARS The over 60 bunkers, observation posts and artillery positions and the open or subterranean corridors consitute one of the best preserved parts of the infamous German Atlantikwall. This defence line was built during the Second World War (Battery Saltzwedel-neu). At Atlantikwall Raversyde you can find the only preserved German coastal battery dating from the First World War, the Aachen Battery. This unique bunker complex dating from the First World War is located in a hilly dune area overlooking the sea and was awarded a European Heritage Award in 2022. The photo exhibition ‘Atlantic Wall’ by Stephan Vanfleteren belongs to the permanent collection on the site. You can admire his beautiful photographic images. Be sure to also pick up the 75-meter-long coastal panorama, with razor-sharp photos from 1945. See more..