Canal boats rest along the Leie - river, in Ghent, Belgium

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to the Belfry, St. Bavo’s Cathedral and “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” and St. Michaels’ Bridge.

When I crave Ghent cuisine, I turn to a table for two in a romantic restaurant or a group meal in a great setting.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at some of the many parks in Ghent. The town council would like even more greenery in the city. Near St. James’ Church, an entire street has been sacrificed to this effort. Bibliotheekstraat was grassed over to make the Baudelopark even bigger and more enjoyable.

After enjoying the classic or modern art in MSK or the SMAK, you can take in some fresh air in the Citadel Park. Children will enjoy the playground in the park. Visit the pond next to the waterfall before strolling back to the city centre via Sint-Pietersplein.

The modest Muinkpark, laid out in the English landscape style, is the last remnant of the 19th century Ghent zoo. The surrounding streets still bear the animal names who once resided there. Today, you will find their likeness engraved into the ten benches around the park.

In the 1930’s, a park in neo-baroque style was laid out here on the site of the former Zuidstation. Few people, including the citizens of Ghent, realize that the city of Ghent has a nature reserve. The Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is a 230 hectar flood area that provides a migratory winter habitat for hundreds of birds. The reserve can be explored on three different walking routes. Check out the new visitors’ center – a model of sustainability.

For exotic greenery and an extensive collection of medicinal herbs, fit in a visit to the Plantentuin at Ghent University Botanical Garden.

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Stropke Brasserie, get the Gentse Waterzooi, a soup with chicken.

Ghent is my one stop shop for mustard. Visit Tierenteyn-verlent “the best mustard in the world” according to the employees.

When I want to eat organic  for a good price, I go to Brasserie Pakhuis. For something different, try the Framboos Beer.

Children and adults will enjoy visiting Ghent's Castle of the Counts in Belgium

For a huge splurge, I go to Belga Queen.

Photo ops in Ghent  include the Castle of the Counts and The Belfry. The best vantage points are by walking to the top of St. Michael’s Bridge.

The most random thing about Ghent is the Ghent Festivities. This feast for the people sets the city a flame for 10 days. It opens with a parade and closes with the “day of the empty wallets.”  Events include the International Street theater Festival and the Puppet Buskers Festival, free musical performances on various stages in the center with more than 700 theater performances, exhibitions, guided tours and fireworks.

In Ghent an active day outdoors involves walking.

My favorite walking route is the “Nibbling Through Ghent” tour with stops at the Grand Meat Hall for Ganda ham, Daskalides Chocolatier, Kaas Meeka and a candy shop.

On my visit, professionals from the Los Angeles, California Getty Foundation were working to restore the individual panels of the “Adoration of the Lamb” at St. Bavo’s Cathedral.

For a night of dancing visit The Culture Club. On the Oude Beestenmarkt you’ll stumble across the trendy places to be and in the city center, the Make Up Club, Tijuana and Club Central for salsa dancing. Jazz lovers will enjoy The Hot Club of Ghent.

To find out what’s going on a night or on weekends, read Weekup and “Zone 09″ also visit Gratis (if you can read Dutch) for what’s hot.

In the summer you should attend the Gent Jazz Festival and Jazz in the Park.

In the fall you should visit OdeGand. The International Flanders Festival Ghent opens with the festive OdeGand and a sparkling fireworks display. Also check out the International Film Festival Ghent where the World Soundtrack Awards are presented annually.

Teenagers must see the Graffiti Street in Ghent, Belgium

If you have kids, you won’t want to miss the World of Kina: the Garden and The World of Kina: the House.

Also visit the Castle of the Counts. Adults find the Gravensteen imposing. Indeed the Counts of Flanders built the castle to intimidate. For children, the castle is nothing less than breathtaking. The stories of knights and ladies may even come to life on a visit.

Make time for a visit to St. Peter’s Abbey Arts Centre where the virtual monk, Alison, guides you on a mysterious journey through the abbey.

If you have teenagers, you must visit the Graffiti street.

Where are your favorite things to do in Ghent, Belgium?

Thanks to Freya Sackx and the Ghent Tourist Office for assistance with this post. For information on Brussels and Belgium Visit Flanders. Visitors, check out the Brugge City Card for attraction discounts.

Photos and YouTube video by Nancy D. Brown

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The best way to see Bruges is to take a boat trip or carriage ride

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to the city center. The historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

When I crave Bruges cuisine, I turn to Cafedraal.

To escape work I go to the city parks.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at the wind mills and the Beguinage.

If you come to Bruges, get your picture taken at Rozenhoedkaai.

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Restaurant Den Dyver, get the menu paired with beer.

Bruges is my one stop shop for chocolates, lace and tapestries.

When I’m feeling cash-strapped, I go to French fries stalls in front of the Belfry.

For a huge splurge, I go to De Karmeliet or Patrick Devos.

The entire town of Bruges is a photo opportunity. Here is Nancy D. Brown with the Belfry in the background.

Photo ops in Bruges include Rozenhoedkaai or on top of the Belfry.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of the Belfry or Concertgebouw.

The most random thing about Bruges is the Holy Blood Procession. While the name of the annual event is not catchy, the procession, held in May is amazing to watch. Check out my YouTube video of the Holy Blood Procession for parade highlights.

In Bruges, an active day outdoors involves walking or hiking or biking.

My favorite walking route is the route along the canal to Damme.

Bruges best museum is De Groeningemuseum.

For a night of dancing, go to another city!

The Market Square is the spot for late night dining.

To find out what’s going on a night or on weekends, read Exit.

In the spring you should visit the Beguinage, the inner square is filled with flowers.

In the summer you should walk and bicycle in and around Bruges.

In the winter you should go to the ice skating rink on the market square and the Christmas market.

De Groeningemuseum is considered the best museum in Bruges, Belgium

A hidden gem in Bruges is Gouden Handrei, the unknown canal.

For a great breakfast treat or espresso, go to the Dagelijks Brood.

Just outside of Bruges you can visit Damme.

The best way to see Bruges is to walk, take a boat trip on the canals or ride in a horse drawn carriage.

If you have kids, you won’t want to miss boat trips on the canals or Boudewijn Sea Park.

What are your favorite places in Bruges?

Thanks to Liliane Opsomer  and Visit Flanders for assistance with this post.

Photos and YouTube video by Nancy D. Brown

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One of the many Things to See and Do in Brussels, Belgium - visit the daily flower market on the Grand Place

Things to See and Do in Brussels, Belgium

The first place I take a visitor form out of town is to the Grand Place.

When I crave Brussels cuisine, I turn to ‘t Kelderke.

To escape work I go to the Halles St. Gery.

When in Brussels, Belgium, eat mussels and French fries

If you come to Brussels, get your picture taken at the Atomium.

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Restaurant Chez Leon, get the mussels +French fries + a beer. If you don’t like beer, try the kierk, a light and fruity cherry or raspberry flavored beer.

Brussels is my one stop shop for chocolates and beer.

When I’m feeling cash strapped I go to Arcadia.

For a huge splurge I go to Comme Chez Soi.

Photo ops in Brussels include the Grand Place, Manneken Pis and Kunstberg/Mont des Arts.

The best vantage points are taken from the top of the Basilica of Koekelberg.

The most random thing about Brussels is the Ommegang.

In Brussels, an active day outdoors involves cycling and walking.

Tin Tin Comic Strip Mural, Brussels, Belgium

My favorite walking route is the Green Belt, a new route around Brussels. If you have children in tow, follow the comic strip walk and see if you can spot the Tintin mural.

Brussels’ best museum is the Museum of Modern and Ancient Art. Purchase the Brussels card if you plan to visit several museums.

For a night of dancing, go to the Fuse or the Martini Bar.

The Pitta Street is the spot for late night dining.

To find out what’s going on at night or on weekends, read Zone 02.

In the spring you should visit the Royal Greenhouses in Laeken.

In the summer you should visit Brussels Bath.

In the winter you should go to the ice skating rink and the Christmas market.

A hidden gem in Brussels is the quiet Egmontpark in the city center.

Taste Belgian Waffles in Brussels

 Just outside of Brussels you can visit the Forest of Soignes, a huge nature park.

The best way to see Brussels is to walk or take a hop on – hop off bus.

If you have kids, you won’t want to miss the Museum of Natural Science or the Musical Instruments Museum, MIM for short.

For a great breakfast treat or espresso, go to the Pain Quotidien.

What are your favorite things to do in Brussels, Belgium?

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Thanks to Liliane Opsomer and Visit Flanders for assistance with this post.

Photos and YouTube video by Nancy D. Brown