Grote Markt

With a good book and a warm cup of coffee from the adjoining cafes, explore the vibrant Grote Markt. Spend a moment with your family and friends on the countless terraces on the Grote Markt and take in the pleasant vibes of this bustling centre. Don’t forget to visit this vivid heart of Groningen.

Museum Plantin-Moretus

World’s oldest printing press, Museum Plantin-Moretus is a medieval building and is home to a beautiful ancient garden dating from the 17th century. It has been awarded a UNESCO World Heritage status due to its priceless collection of valuable manuscripts and original type sets. A great museum, it boasts of a historical library, a bookshop dating from 1700 and rooms lined with gilt leather.

ModeNatie & MoMu

A haven for shopaholics, ModeNatie is a gigantic fashion complex which ambitiously incorporates styles from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and the Flanders Fashion Institute. Surrounding a lavish atmosphere, part of the complex houses a fashion museum, MoMu. It displays all aspects of fashion, everything from the walking stick as a fashion statement to the evolution of the trench coat. Admire its adventurous and thought-provoking temporary displays.

Rubenshuis

A gorgeous 1611 mansion which was originally a home and a studio for the famous artist Pieter Paul Rubens, Rubenshuis gives off a magical vibe. Destroyed in 1937, it was restored with the painter’s original furniture along with a valuable collection of 17th-century art. With charming flora surrounding the mansion, it’s a beloved tourist destination. The dozen Rubens canvases including his world-famous hatted self-portrait is worth a visit.

Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal

A gothic cathedral dating back since 1352, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal is one of Belgium’s finest churches. Its 123m-high spire pops up unexpectedly into view and takes your breath away. The afternoon light brilliantly lends a golden shimmer to the cathedral and one admires the particularly well sight framed when looking up Pelgrimstraat.

Museum Mayer van den Bergh

Museum Mayer van den Bergh was constructed in 1904 as one of the world’s first museums to be built around a single collection. A 16th century home, it has a fascinating collection of valuable paintings, sculptures, tapestries, drawings, jewelry and stained-glass windows. Don’t forget to see the Brueghel Room, which displays Pieter Brueghel the Elder's brilliantly grotesque Dulle Griet.

Mechelen

A hidden gem,Mechelen is the best located city in Flanders. Offering free Wi-Fi across the city, there is a lively and youthful atmosphere which gives a charming vibe. A gorgeous 15th century cathedral, St. Rumbold's Tower is more than 500 steps high but the stunning view of the cityscape makes the climb worth it. Considered a paradise for art lovers, Mechelen is home to Peter Paul Rubens brilliant 17th century masterpiece 'Adoration of the Magi'.

Lier

A small municipality in Antwerp, Lier is an underrated city. Providing multiple delightful sights, it is full of charming old structures and architectural gems. Stadhuis, the historical town centre looks straight out of a scenic postcard with its oak spiral staircase, and the wonderful painted canvas on the ceiling, depicting angels, virtues and vices. Home to the wonderful ZimmerMuseum which attracts tourists all over the world, Lier is a perfect holiday destination.

Turnhout

Unofficial capital of the Kempen region, Turnhout is adorned with beautiful landscapes of heathland, dunes and fens. Home of the international playing card manufacturer Cartamundi, the area captures its visitors’ hearts. From a gorgeous moated castle to the trendy Grote Markt, the area remains oddly undiscovered by most foreign visitors. The lovely Begijnhof and a whole slew of delightful traditional cafes guarantee a wonderful family vacation here.

Diest

Located in the province of Flemish Brabant, the municipality of Diest consists of the towns of Deurne, Kaggevinne, Molenstede, Schaffen and Webbekom. The highlight of the city, the Grote Markt is surrounded by picturesque houses from the 16th to 18th Century which provide a certain fairytale-like ambience to the area. Visit the quirky city museum displaying the magnificent armour of Philip of Orange and a portrait of René of Orange-Nassau and his wife Anna of Lorraine.

Aalst

A charming town located in East Flanders, Belgium, Aalst is famous globally for its carnival festivities, celebrated every year before Lent. Plan your trip according to the Carnival of Aalst and have the most magical time of your life. Watch the exciting and fun-filled parade crossing the city, full of costumed volunteers and parade cars.

Willebroek

Comprising of the towns of Blaasveld, Heindonk, Tisselt, Klein Willebroek, and Willebroek proper, Willebroek is an old municipality located in Antwerp. Browse and explore the displays at Fort Breendonk, a museum with a story-telling capacity. Discover the numerous festivals and exciting zoos in this trendy area. Make sure to visit Atomium which has been touted as Europe’s most bizarre building, made up of nine stainless steel spheres.

Dendermonde

A medieval city with historical heritage, Dendermonde is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one a Gothic belfry and the other a beguinage dating back to the 13th century. Loaded with mystery and superstition, the city boasts of its folkloristic horse, Ros Beiaard, which apparently rescued the Four Sons of Aymon from capture by Charlemagne.