Belgium
Winter city breaks
For a few days of art, historic streets and very good food, Ghent and Bruges make an appealing starting point. My visits to Belgium have all been in winter, when cafés, restaurants and museums become as much a part of the day as exploring outdoors. The guides here focus on a food and culture break in Ghent and a Christmas visit to Bruges, with practical help for planning each.
Two days in Ghent
The Ghent Altarpiece, Gravensteen Castle and the old quays provide plenty to build a couple of days around, but I would give the restaurants just as much consideration. Ghent is one of my favourite city breaks for that combination: substantial cultural sights in a compact centre, with good reasons to linger over lunch or dinner. This two-day guide brings the sightseeing and food together, alongside advice on where to stay and how to get there.
Plan two days in Ghent →Bruges at Christmas
Bruges’ canals, stepped-gable houses and medieval squares make a beautiful setting for a Christmas break. The markets add to the atmosphere, but I would plan time for the city itself too: its art, churches and canal-side streets are a large part of the reason to come. This guide covers the festive sights alongside places to eat and stay, helping you build a visit with more to it than a round of market stalls.
Read the Bruges Christmas guide →