I visited the Flanders region in northern Belgium in August 2012 on a Flanders is a Festival blog trip. I’d only been to Brussels, the Belgian capital previously, so it was fun to explore more of the country. Based on my trip, here are my Flanders travel tips.

My first night was in Bruges (pictured below) staying at Hotel Lucca Bruges. Bruges is really beautiful and some of things to do there are visiting the Gothic Hall, climbing the Belfry and taking a canal cruise.

The Belfry in Markt Bruges

Then it was off to Antwerp for three nights, staying at the Park Inn Antwerp. I attended Reggae Geel and explored the city. You can read my tips on what to do in Antwerp.

Meir the main shopping street in Antwerp

My next stop was in Ghent, where I stayed at the Park Hotel. I loved Design Museum and walking along the canalside in the evening sunshine.

Fireplace at the Design Museum Ghent

Then it was on to Mechelen with lodgings at the NH Mechelen. I had a wonderful dinner at Grand Cafe Lamot.

Canalside house in Mechelen

Leuven was my final stop. I was pleasantly surprised by the high standard of accommodation at the Ibis Budget Leuven.

Sculpture in grounds of Paus College Leuven