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Flanders

Eat it, wear it or visit it?

Tucked in the northern part of Belgium, Flanders is a little pocket of cosmopolitan, easy-to-reach towns and cities that offer so much more than just beautiful main squares, magnificent medieval architecture, cobbled streets and museums. Flanders, the Flemish-speaking region of Belgium is an exciting destination hosting a range of engaging cities such as Ghent, Ostend and Bruges that offer impressive architecture, lively nightlife, first-rate cuisine and numerous other attractions for each and every visitor. From the invention of the printing press to the perfection of the portrait, Flanders has made a unique contribution to culture. The many well-funded, well-organised museums and institutions also make it a pleasure to discover in Flanders.

Ostend
Ostend is a cosmopolitan city with a harbour, yacht-basin and over 50 hotels. Visitors will be amazed by all there is to see and do here. All year round many activities take place including Oostende at Anchor, Theatre by the Sea, Sparkling Mondays, Magic Lights in the Park, the Christmas Market with a huge ice-skating ramp and Carnival weekend with the well known Dead Rat Ball.

Leuven
The University students of Leuven give this medieval marvel a lively edge. This compact and easy-going city is a fascinating fusion of old and new and there is just so much to see and do here. There is a wealth of art and architecture to be discovered in Leuven – from the whimsical Gothic Town Hall to the UNESCO listed St Peter’s Church with its 50 metre high tower. There is something for everyone!

Mechelen
The compact city of Mechelen spun in a medieval web around the gigantic Cathedral tower offers an inviting range of squares, restaurants and shops as well as many impressive architectural gems, all within walking distance of each other. If you are a keen cycle tourist you will never tire of magical Mechelen as it is a great place from which to explore the beautiful rolling Flanders countryside.

Antwerp
Antwerp is cosmopolitan, confident and full of contrasts. For a cool cultural experience, hip bars and diamonds that shine all over this fashion-forward city, look no further! What remains unique to Antwerp is that it is a place of high fashion and is design savvy, yet remains unpretentious and friendly. Antwerp also has a thriving modern art scene that sets it apart from many other European destinations.

Bruges
Trips to Bruges should always involve taking idyllic walks along misty canals, dreamy horse-drawn rides in open carriages and delicious meals in gastronomic restaurants. The heart of Bruges, surrounded by an almost continual ring of canals, is the best preserved example of medieval Flanders. The city centre is picture perfect and is often referred to as ‘the Venice of the North’ where it is virtually impossible to take a bad photograph!

Ghent
The city of Ghent sits on the junction of the Leie and Scheldt rivers and is the biggest university town in Flanders, beating to the throng of student life. It is a paradise for food lovers with its delicious local meat, fish and shellfish dishes. It is now even more appealing to those who enjoy vegetarian cuisine with a vast array of restaurants specialising in vegetarian cuisine. The city centre is among the best lit in Europe and a nocturnal stroll through the heart of the city is most definitely recommended.

Eating
Not many people realise that Flanders has the most Michelin stars in Europe, thanks to its fine cuisine. Food lovers will find so many treats to enjoy in Flanders. Why not sample the delights of handmade chocolates in Bruges with their refined fillings of coffee and caramel-praline or take a trip to Ostend’s cosy bistros for specialities in delicious fresh seafood.
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Shopping
If you are hoping to fit in some retail therapy whilst you are in Flanders you most definitely will not be disappointed. Whether you're into designer labels or prefer to browse quaint markets and quirky boutiques, you will find it all here. Ostend's fashionable resort of Knokke Heist has the latest labels, whilst Bruges hosts a giant Christmas market every year where you can find those unusual presents for someone special.
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