Places to visit in Flanders - Explore Flemish-Brabant

As well as offering plenty of things to do, just east of Brussels lies the leafy province of Flemish-Brabant, which is less frequently visited but boasts all of the charm and picturesque scenery that Flanders is known for. Here is arguably one of the prettiest places to visit in Flanders without the hustle and bustle of the city.

One of the best things to do in Flanders is located just 15 miles from Brussels, where you will find the picturesque city of Leuven. Home to what locals call ‘The Longest Bar in the World': almost 40 bars and cafés are located in the city’s Oude Market, and is the perfect place to get a drink!

This isn’t the only reason why Leuven calls itself Belgium’s beer capital, as it’s also home to the world’s biggest brewery, AB In-Bev, where Stella Artois and Leffe are brewed. Don't feel like these are your only options though, as the city and its surrounding area is home to a plethora of smaller artisan craft brewers, so if you are a beer lover there are loads of things to do and explore in Flanders.

One of the city’s highlights is its UNESCO World Heritage Grand Beguinage, a stunning architectural complex that can't be missed. To simply get away from it all, take a walk in the nearby Heverlee Woods which are a guaranteed hit for all ages and a definite must see in Flanders.

Places to visit in Flanders - Cities in Flanders

There are plenty of things to do in East Flanders as it is home to some of Belgium's largest cities, where you are sure to find plenty of things to do. Ghent is a popular choice due to its collection of early Flemish art, the striking 12th century Gravensteen Castle, a rock ‘n roll foodie scene, and a huge array of cycle lanes across the city.

In the north of Flanders, the diamond city of Antwerp attracts families from all over who come to experience its world-class zoo. As well as being one of the oldest animal parks in the world, it contains a huge reef aquarium, a brand new savannah exhibit, and everything from lions and tigers to penguins and seals. A family fun thing to do in Flanders that no one should miss out on, it truly is the best thing to do there.

Sandwiched between Antwerp and Brussels, Mechelen is a great place to stay in Flanders in order to explore the region better and more easily. The city boasts a toy museum, the Technopolis science museum, and the fabulous Planckendael animal park, so there is lots to do here before you decide to head further afield.

Beer and cycling routes

Cycling holidays in Belgium are very popular, and it is one of the most popular things to do in Flanders. The age-old hop landscape around Poperinge gives it away: Westhoek is home to the world’s best breweries and, hence the world’s best beers. Once a well-kept secret, these days the Westhoek’s name is known the world over, so much so that it has become a mecca for beer lovers from all four corners of the globe.In West Flanders (and especially in the Westhoek) 95% of all hops are grown in Belgium. Many breweries from Westhoek therefore use some or all hops of Belgian origin. The imposing hop fields are beautiful to cycle along, be sure to try 1 of the 4 beer cycle routes!

There are 4 beer cycle routes in the Westhoek;

Poperinge Vleteren 33,7 km
Vleteren - Alveringem Lo-Reninge 34 km
Poperinge - (Vleteren) Ypres 46,5 or 38 km
Diksmuide - Lo-Reninge  Alveringem 44,9 km

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With some many things to do in Flanders, why not book your ferry to Belgium today. What makes the Flanders region even more perfect to explore is that there are lots of places to see and visit all year round. With Christmas Markets in Ghent and Brussels in the winter, and beautiful cycle rides in the winter there is plenty for all to enjoy. Book your Dover to Calais ferry crossing now so you can start planning your trip today.