Destinations > Belgium > Flanders

Flanders

Flemish speaking Belgium contains the majority of Belgium's tourist attractions including the centres of Flemish renaissance art such as Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent.

Antwerp (Antwerpen/Anvers)

Over half the world's finished diamonds pass through Belgium's main Flemish city. In comparison with other Belgian cities such as Brussels and Bruges, Antwerp is relatively untouristed which in itself is a good enough reason to visit.

Antwerp was home to many of the Flemish masters including Rubens, the city has several excellent art museums displaying many of Rubens' best works. Most of Antwerp's attractions are located in the Oude Stade (old town).

Practical Information

Tourist Information Centre

15 Grote Markt, Antwerp

Tel (03) 232 0103

Website www.visitantwerpen.be

Use-It

Website www.use-it.be

American Express

21 Frankrijklei, Antwerp

Tel (03) 232 5920

Website www.americanexpress.com

Local Transport

Antwerp's transport network is made up of buses, trams and a metro. Fares are €1 to €3 for a single trip, and €3 for a day pass (€5 for a day pass that includes all of Flanders). A three-day pass costs €7.50 and a seven-day pass is €10. You will probably use bus 23 which goes to the Boomerang Hostel. Tram 2 runs from the station to the Oude Stade.

Accommodation

Boomerang Hostel

95 Lange Leemstraat, Antwerp 2018

Tram 2, 8, 15

Tel (03) 238 4782

Den Heksenketel Hostel

Pelgrimsstraat 22, Antwerp

Premetro Groenplaats

Tel (03) 226 19 28

New International Youth Hotel

Provinciestraat 256, Antwerp B 2018

Tel (03) 230 0522

Op Sinjoorke Youth Hostel

Eric sasselaan 2, Antwerp B 2020

Bus 25, 26, 27

Tel (03) 238 02 73

Scoutel

Stoomstraat 3, 2018 Antwerp

Tel (03) 226 46 06

Bruges (Brugge)

The cobblestone streets, canals and 15th and 16th century architecture make this one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a tourist magnet for Belgium.

Practical Information

Tourist Information Centre

11 Burg, Bruges

Tel (050) 448686

Website www.brugge.be

Accommodation

Bauhaus Hostel

133-135 Langestraat, Bruges 8000

Bus 6, 16

Tel (050) 34 10 93

Charlie Rocket's

Hoogstraat 19, Brugges 8000

Tel (050) 330 660

Europa Youth Hostel

Baron Ruzettelaan 143, Brugge (Assebroek) B 8310

Bus 2, 20

Tel (050) 35 26 79

Herdersbrug Youth Hostel

Louis Coiseaukaai 46, Dudzele (7km from Brugge) B 8380

Bus 41, 42

Tel (050) 59 93 21

Passage

Dweersstraaat 26, 8000 Brugge

Tel (050) 340232

Snuffel Backpacker Hostel

Ezelstraat 47-49, 8000 Bruges

Bus 3, 13

Tel (050) 333 133

Ghent (Gent)

During medieval times, Ghent rivaled Paris as one of Europe's leading cities. Nowadays the city's medieval core is enlivened by a large student population and a Dutch influence evident in the city's 'brown cafés'.

Practical Information

Tourist Information Centre

3 Woodrowwilsonplein

Tel (09) 267 70 20

Use-It

Website www.use-it.be

Accommodation

De Draecke Youth Hostel

Sint-widostraat 11, Gent B-9000

Tel (09) 233 70 50

Ostend (Oostende)

This port city has much more to offer than the channel ports in France. For one, the ferries dock right in the city centre which features a pleasant beach front promenade. While Ostend is undeniably a transport hub for ferries to the UK, it is also Belgium's major beach resort within commuting distance from Brugge.

Practical Information

Tourist Information Centre

2 Monacoplein

Tel (059) 70 11 99

Accommodation

De Ploate Youth Hostel

Langestraat 82, Oostend B-8400

Tel (059) 80 52 97