The Dutchman introduces Belgium
Romantic medieval towns, Renaissance architecture and headquarter of the European Union and NATO. And don’t forget a wonderful lunch culture, delicious chocolate, the highest number of beer breweries and castles per square kilometer. I am talking about Belgium. Favorite places to visit are Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Gent. I made a shortlist of places To say, visit and do. But… do contact me for a personal travel plan so you can enjoy the best of what Belgium has to offer:
To stay: Amigo Hotel in Brussels
The 5-star Hotel Amigo boasts elegant rooms with designer features, on the corner of Grand Place. It combines modern facilities, a gym and an award-winning restaurant with a picturesque historic setting. Each air-conditioned room has a seating area and a luxurious bathroom with mosaic details and a walk-in shower.
To stay: Hotel van Cleef in Bruges
Style, comfort, luxury, attention, art, elegance, warmth. This and much more at Hotel van Cleef in Bruges. Just as romantic and beautiful as Bruges. You will feel more than welcome. The rooms are individually decorated with so much eye for detail. You will love it.
To stay: Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof in Ghent
This seductive Louis XIV-style townhouse offers luxurious simplicity and timeless elegance. Centrally located with a peaceful courtyard garden with terraces, a wellness & fitness centre and the amazing The Living – Resto & Winebar, awarded with 13/20 Gault&Millau, serving local specialties and refined dishes to share.
To visit: Brussels
The capital of Belgium and the European Union has so many historical heritages like the great market, town hall, flee market, district of the antiques trade, palace of Laken, many art nouveau houses and of course the shopping arcades. An absolute must has to be the Magritte Museum. You can do a walking tour in the city center or by car to cover more ground.
To visit: Bruges
Located in the northwest and probably the country's most romantic city. The historic center is included as a medieval city on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Bruges is also called the "Venice of the North", referring to the many waterways and bridges. The Bonifacius bridge, Church of Our Lady, Basilica of the Holy Blood, cruising the canals. All things you have to see and do when visiting.
To visit: Antwerp
Antwerp has one of the biggest ports in the world. And like Amsterdam known for its diamond industry. Guild houses (16th century) have been preserved throughout the city, which gives it a historical sight. Antwerp also gained an artistic reputation (Rubens, Van Dyck). And nowadays a cult status in fashion due to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, one of the most important fashion academies in the world.
To do: Beer history and tasting
Belgium has had a rich beer culture since the Middle Ages. And each beer is served in its own specific glass. In addition to water, hops and malt, other ingredients, including herbs and fruits, are also used for brewing. Would you like to taste one or more of the 1,150 types of beer and visit a private brewery?
To do: Chocolate or waffle workshop
This is so much fun. A chocolate or waffle workshop. We can make it a group or a private activity. And of course, after the hard work is done, you can enjoy and eat your own culinary creation. Would you like a fun activity during your stay?
To do: Specialty tours
The Dutchman is about personal and tailor made. Tell us your interest and we will find you the perfect guide to show you your places or activity of interest. For example, a culinary tour in the evening, a World War I tour to Flanders Fields or a comic tour in Brussels where comic book heroes have taken possession of the walls and facades. Are you interested in a private tour?