Top Things to do in Flanders
Things to do in Flanders, Flanders: The Best Architectural Buildings
Discover the best top things to do in Flanders, Belgium including Antwerpen-Centraal, Basilica of the Holy Blood, St. Barbara Church Cit, Vismarkt, Belfort, Stadhuis, Belfry and Cloth Hall (Belfort en Lakenhalle), Town Hall (Stadhuis), Groot Begijnhof, St. Rumbold's Cathedral.
Restaurants in Flanders
1. Antwerpen-Centraal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,287 reviews
Leopold II had this unusual rail station built as a neo-Baroque monument to the railway age in 1905.
Reviewed By HenkSpring - Antwerp, Belgium
Although an operating railway station the out and inside are worth a visit for its monumental grandeur. A late 19th. century with beautiful facade and a majestic interior. Look at the marble floors in the main hall, all made out of Belgian marble. Look up inside to the dome. A must do is have a coffee in the cafetaria (or foyer), when you walk in from the front go up the stairs and take a right. Beautifull interior, like a time capsule. The level ground platforms have an impressive glasshouselike ceiling. In the late 20th. century extensive works were carried out such as a tunnel underneath and a shopping centre in excavated levels without disturbing the main historical structure.
2. Basilica of the Holy Blood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,027 reviews
This chapel contains a phial that reputedly contains Christ's blood brought back from the Crusades.
Reviewed By aline901 - Beirut, Lebanon
This is a beautiful Basilica that comprises two level churches. It is snugly located in a corner of Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood consists of a Romanesque lower chapel and a Gothic upper chapel The lower level church, a dark Romanesque structure, is so beautiful and has amazing statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The upper level church, connected by staircase, is amazing with modern and gothic style, houses the Relic of the Holy Blood. We were so lucky to visit on a Sunday morning when they held a mass and the Relic was on display afterwards for visitors to see it and get the blessings.
3. St. Barbara Church Cit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
4. Vismarkt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
5. Belfort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,834 reviews
The most important of Bruges' towers stands 83 metres tall. It houses, amongst other things, a carillon with 47 melodious bells. In the reception area, waiting visitors can discover all kinds of interesting information about the history and working of this unique world-heritage protected belfry. Those who take on the challenge of climbing the tower can pause for a breather on the way up in the old treasury, where the city's charters, seal and public funds were kept during the Middle Ages, and also at the level of the impressive clock or in the carillonneur's chamber. Finally, after a tiring 366 steps, your efforts will be rewarded with a breath-taking and unforgettable panoramic view of Bruges and her surroundings.
Reviewed By colinb977 - Peterborough, United Kingdom
272feet (83m) 366 steps to the top, but well worth the effort,because the view is marvellous, There are a couple of landings on the way up with interesting items to see, while you catch your breath. At the top the carilllion chimed while we were there, Get there at opening time 09.30hrs because when we got down loads of people were queueing,
6. Stadhuis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,210 reviews
Bruges' City Hall (1376) is one of the oldest in the Low Countries. It is from here that the city has been governed for more than 600 years. An absolute masterpiece is the Gothic Hall, with its late 19th-century murals and polychrome vault. The adjoining historic hall calls up the city council's history with a number of authentic documents and works of art. A multimedia exhibition on the ground floor illustrates the evolution of the Burg Square.
Reviewed By Damme1971 - Damme, Belgium
Take the inside tour ( 10+ languages ) worth a visit. Its located on the Burg square near the Holy blood chapel and market square
7. Belfry and Cloth Hall (Belfort en Lakenhalle)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,275 reviews
This municipal tower was a symbol of the city's autonomy, begun in 1313 and completed in 1380.
Reviewed By noahzieglerhazen - Birmingham, United Kingdom
The belfry was a Medieval masterpiece. It was interesting to climb the spiral staircase up to the top lookout where the bells rang. We stayed to watch the clock work ring the various bells every 15 minutes. Definitely recommend staying st the top until you see the show.
8. Town Hall (Stadhuis)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,299 reviews
Reviewed By GeryF17 - Leuven, Belgium
This is one of my favourite spots in Leuven.You can enjoy the splendid architecture, the hundreds magnificent statues decorating the walls of the building in the soft lights of the Winter garden,that gets constructed every year during December and stays on until.the beginning of January. I had the pleasure to enter the building 5 years ago while attending a wedding ceremony.
9. Groot Begijnhof
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,134 reviews
Reviewed By Vizoog - Belgium, null
If you are visiting the Grand-Beguinage (UNESCO world heritage site, now owned by the university) nearby you can find an hidden gem. ‘De Grote Spui’, a medieval river lock complex established in 1365 BC From the backyard of Bistro ‘The Spuye’ you have a spectacular view of the system consisting of four arches with wooden lock gates. How to get there: Take Volmolenlaan in the direction of the Ring road (Tervuursevest). You will find a tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists, where the road crosses the river Dyle. Here is the entrance of the University Sports Facilities (Universitair Sportcentrum). The place is popular among both students and locals.
10. St. Rumbold's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 822 reviews
Reviewed By Trekker2020 - Washington DC, United States
The cathedral can be seen from miles! It is truly an amazing tall building dominating Mechelen’s skyline. At one end of the main square, the church rises above the splendid architecture of both private and public buildings, including the city hall and others. The interior is equally impressive with a number of chapels decorated with wonderful paintings and sculptures. Mechelen is not as visited as other Belgian cities, but it is truly one of the most beautiful towns in Europe but without the hordes of travelers and visitors. When we visited St. Rumbold, there was a haunting exhibition of the stations of the cross juxtaposed with pictures of WWI. Truly moving. When in Mechelen, I highly recommend a visit to the cathedral and if you have time, go up the tower and enjoy the views.
