Things to do in Flanders

Tucked neatly between Antwerp and Brussels, Mechelen is a charming, compact city that is ideal for families. It is filled with car-free shopping streets, historic wooden facades, and the towering St Rumbold's Cathedral. Climb the cathedral tower for sweeping views of the city, and relax in one of the many cafes serving warm waffles and hot drinks.

For refreshing coastal air, head straight to De Panne and Nieuwpoort. De Panne is famous for its vast sandy nature reserves and wind-swept shores, while Nieuwpoort offers a stylish marina, fine dining, and historical monuments. They offer a wonderful coastal retreat just a short drive across the border from our ferry port in Calais.

Ostend is the biggest seaside city on the Flemish coast, and it’s got everything you need for a classic beach holiday. Think wide sandy beaches, a buzzing promenade, and a deep maritime history. Grab some fresh North Sea seafood, check out historic ships, and just enjoy the laid-back vibe.

Limburg is a dream for outdoor adventurers, offering lush pine forests and unique outdoor experiences. The region is famous for innovative cycling routes that let you cycle directly through water at Bokrijk or glide through the forest canopy on an elevated path among the treetops.

Surrounding the capital region, Flemish-Brabant is full of rolling hills, tranquil woods, and majestic heritage sites like the Castle of Gaasbeek. It is a wonderful area for countryside walking trails, exploring traditional farm breweries, this makes it one of the top things to do in Flanders when you want to take in the natural beauty of rural Belgium.

Leuven is a vibrant university town where the old and the new come together in the most excellent way. You can walk past the magnificent Gothic Town Hall, take a calm stroll through the Grand Beguinage, a UNESCO-listed site, or visit the historic Stella Artois brewery to experience genuinely Belgian beer tradition.

Exploring Flanders by water offers a unique perspective on its centuries of history. Take a guided boat trip along the winding canals of Ghent to view medieval guildhalls from the water. On land, you can step inside medieval fortresses such as Gravensteen to explore stone battlements, ancient halls, and panoramic roof views.

Flanders is renowned for its world-class cycling infrastructure and cycling culture. The region features a comprehensive numbered cycle network that makes route planning easy. Whether you fancy pedalling along the sand dunes of the North Sea coastline or following riverside paths along the Leie and Scheldt rivers, cycling is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the landscape.

If you’re into art, Flanders is a treasure trove. Check out the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, see Flemish Primitives at the Groeningemuseum, or hunt for modern art installations in the heart of the city.