Route through Flanders: 5 cities not to be missed

Belgium

Do you want to go on a trip to Belgium but don't know where to start? The region of Flanders, located in the north of Belgium, brings together culture, history, and architecture that leaves no one indifferent. If you are interested in discovering this region, we have prepared a list of 5 cities in Flanders that you cannot miss during your trip. Are you ready?

Why visit Flanders?

Flanders is home to some of the most beautiful cities in Europe, such as Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Just by strolling through their medieval streets, you can learn about the history of the country. The region is famous for its impressive architectural heritage and its gastronomy: traditional dishes such as french fries (which actually are not French, but Belgian) and mussels and chips are a real treat. Yummy!

The region's landscapes and nature also attract millions of tourists every year. The Ardennes or the famous polders are perfect for all hiking enthusiasts. With its mix of culture, art, nature, and festivals, Flanders is a destination that offers something for everyone, from history lovers to foodies and sports fans.

Hiring a car in Flanders is the best way to get around the region, it's practical and carefree! With CarJet, you can hire a car in many cities, such as Brussels or Antwerp, and customise your trip to suit your tastes.

The 5 most beautiful cities in Flanders

At CarJet, we have designed for you an itinerary of the 5 most beautiful cities in Flanders, starting from the capital of Belgium, Brussels. You can conveniently hire your car at the airport, at the station, or at various pick-up points available in the city.

Bruges

Once you've picked up your hire car in Brussels, you can head to Bruges, located about an hour and a half from the capital. This charming city, with only 20,000 inhabitants, has a lot to offer tourists.

The Market Square is a must-see, as is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which is open daily from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. Bruges is also known for its impressive medieval architecture, canals, and tranquil atmosphere that can be explored on foot or by boat. You can't leave Bruges without climbing the 366 steps of the Belfort, also known as the Beffroi, where you can enjoy one of the best views of the city.

Ghent

Heading back about 40 minutes from Bruges, Ghent is a must for anyone who wants to discover Flanders. The Cathedral of St. Bavo, a majestic example of Gothic style, captivates visitors with its beauty and houses the famous painting the Mystic Lamb by Van Eyck. Just a few steps away, the Castle of the Counts, a perfectly preserved mediaeval fortress, invites history lovers to immerse themselves in the city's fascinating past and discover its secrets.

For lunch, you can head to Korenmarkt Square, where you will find numerous restaurants serving one of Ghent's typical dishes: stoofvlees. In the afternoon, we recommend the Patershol district, a labyrinth of cobbled streets near the canals, the ideal place for a photo shoot!

Antwerp

About 37 miles away, Antwerp has to be the next stop on your itinerary of the most beautiful cities in Flanders. It is the second-largest city in Belgium and is home to numerous monuments that are not to be missed.

First of all, the Grote Markt is the first place to go. There you will see the Antwerp Town Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the guild houses, and the Brabo Fountain. Then, if you are an art lover, you must visit the Rubenshuis, the Rubens House, where the painter lived most of his life. Before leaving, we recommend you take a stroll in the port of Antwerp, which is the second largest port in Europe after Rotterdam.

Malinas

Mechelen is the perfect place to discover more of the beauty of the region. St. Rumbold's Cathedral, the Main Square, and the Town Hall are must-see sights. The colourful houses and historic buildings make the city a place out of fairy tales.

Mechelen is also known for its many museums, such as the Toy Museum and the Hof van Busleyden Museum, ideal for viewing Flemish Renaissance paintings. For those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Vrijbroek Park is a quiet place, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Leuven

Our itinerary ends in Leuven, which is only 18 miles from Brussels. Known as the beer capital, you can sample craft beers and also visit the local brewery.

Strolling through the heart of Leuven, you will come across the Grote Markt, the Town Hall, and the Collegiate Church of St. Peter. However, don't miss the Great Beguinage (or Groot Begijnhof), one of the city's most emblematic sites, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. This historic quarter, founded in the 13th century, was originally a place of life reserved for the Beguines, religious women who lived in poverty and chastity but did not belong to a monastery. Today, you can stroll through its streets and learn more about this peculiar place.

Hire a car with CarJet to discover more of Belgium!

Gone are the days of spending hours comparing car rental offers in Belgium from one agency to another! With CarJet, these problems are a thing of the past.

CarJet is a price comparison website that simplifies your car rental search in Flanders. It allows you to find the best deals at the top car rental agencies in just a few clicks. Thanks to our real-time search, we show you the best deals and exclusive offers, which you can book in the blink of an eye. All you have to do is choose your pick-up location, whether it's Brussels Airport, the train station or the city centre, and specify your dates. We show you the most competitive prices available.