What to See in Flanders, Belgium

Flanders is the vibrant Dutch-speaking region that covers the northern part of Belgium. Bordering both the Netherlands and France, it is one of Europe’s most densely populated regions, encompassing five provinces, 285 municipalities, and historic art cities. From the medieval canals of Bruges to the bustling port of Antwerp, this region combines a rich heritage with a modern, research-driven economy and an extensive network of cycling paths known as fietssnelwegen. If you are planning your trip, Neywo offers free audio guides for 13 cities in Flanders, featuring 1020 narrated places in total and 36 walking tours across the region.

Best Towns to Visit in Flanders: Exploring the Region’s Cities

Flanders is home to some of Europe’s most captivating urban centres, each offering distinct architectural and cultural landmarks. To help you discover the best towns to visit in Flanders, here is an overview of the key destinations you can explore with your Flanders audio guide.

Antwerp

As one of the region’s largest cities, Antwerp features 325 narrated places. Key highlights include the Museum Plantin-Moretus, the imposing Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal, the former home and studio of artist Peter Paul Rubens at the Rubenshuis, and the vibrant Clara Goessenplaats.

Bruges

Known worldwide for its medieval charm, Bruges offers 197 narrated sites. Visitors can explore the Museum van het Heilig Bloed, the soaring Belfry of Bruges, the historic city gate of Gentpoort, and the traditional Sint-Janshuismolen windmill.

Ghent

Ghent balances medieval might with a lively cultural scene across its 199 narrated locations. Notable stops include the imposing Gravensteen castle, the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK), the towering Belfry of Ghent, and St Bavo’s Cathedral.

Leuven

A historic university city with 96 narrated places, Leuven is home to St. Peter’s Church, the impressive Arenberg Castle, Sint-Hadrianuskerk, and Saint Lambert’s church in Heverlee.

Mechelen

Located in the populous Flemish Diamond area, Mechelen features 47 narrated spots. Highlights include the Museum Hof van Busleyden, the Church of Our Lady of Leliendaal, the interactive science center Technopolis, and the Mechelen concentration camp memorial.

Ypres

Steeped in history, Ypres offers 23 narrated places, including Saint Martin’s Cathedral, the grand Cloth Hall, Saint George’s Memorial Church, and Sint-Jacobskerk.

Other Notable Towns

Beyond the major art cities, Flanders is dotted with fascinating smaller destinations:

• Blankenberge: Features 11 narrated places, such as the Old Town Hall, Saint Anthony Abbot’s Church, the Monument to Lippens and De Bruyne, and the Belle Epoque Centrum Blankenberge.
• Diest: Offers 18 narrated sites, including the Sint-Sulpitius en Dionysiuskerk, the citadel of Diest, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, and the Allerheiligenkapel.
• Lier: Features 34 narrated locations, notably the Saint Gummarus Church, the Stedelijk Museum Wuyts-Van Campen en baron Caroly, the Hoogbrug, and Schans Tallaart.
• Nieuwpoort: Offers 6 narrated spots, including the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, Sint-Bernarduskerk, the Nieuport Memorial, and the Yser.
• Ostend: A coastal city with 35 narrated places, featuring the Zeilschip Mercator, the Ensor House, the Seafarers’ Monument, and the Provinciedomein Raversijde (Atlantikwall, Walraversijde, and the Prince Charles memorial).
• Tienen: Features 10 narrated sites, such as Het Toreke, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Poelkerk, the Sint-Germanus church, and the Kapel van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Steen.
• Tongeren: Known for its ancient roots, it offers 19 narrated locations, including the Agnetenklooster, the Basilica of Our Lady, Sint-Lutgardiskerk, and the Gallo-Roman temple complex.

Explore Flanders with Neywo

Download Neywo and explore Flanders at your own pace. The app features free audio guides covering 13 cities in Flanders, with a total of 1020 narrated places and 36 walking tours available in 11 languages. Each story plays automatically as you reach the place, allowing you to walk without a group and without a fixed schedule.