Ghent, to the rich idyllic terrace!
1. CHOCOLATE LIKE YOU'VE NEVER TASTED
Greedy and romantic, Bruges never leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Not even from the nose... and if not, ask the Rolling Stones who had the privilege of discovering Dominique Persoone's proposals , including a chocolate sniffing machine. The invention, which at first glance looks like a small catapult, was created for rockers but today almost everyone can try it, without health risks. You don't have to go that far either and you can surprise yourself by visiting any specialized store or simply rushing the desserts from the restaurants until you leave the dishes with only the factory's signature. Imagine, furthermore, strolling through the fairytale canals of Bruges with a box of chocolates in one hand and your boy/girl (another chocolate) in the other. **Need an extra sweetness? Approach the Minnewater (Lake of Love) ** and if it still says no, whatever your proposal, you have two options: either you take out the chocolate catapult again and take a deep breath or, almost better, move on to our next history.
The downfall of all sweet tooth
two. FLAMENCO ART AS A WAY OF LIFE
Victor Hugo used to say (that man would have some sensitivity) that the _Grand Plac_e in Brussels is a miracle. Reason was not lacking for the poet and playwright since this space is an ode to architectural forms. At dusk, with a studied lighting that enhances its guild buildings, the pace slows down to enjoy it as it deserves. Afterwards, one wakes up in the Rue des Bouchers with the proposals of the waiters who invite (with desire, but in a figurative sense) to enjoy seafood.
Keep reading because this city hides much more than it seems. Discover the Atomium to slide between iron tunnels and mechanical walkways (very curious, between the modern and the retro) that connect its famous steel spheres. If you are looking for something quieter, you can opt for the beguinages, very common in Flanders, which were the home of destitute women during the Middle Ages. These women were pious and showed good intentions, but they were not poor, at least not all of them. So you can see it in these striking architectural ensembles.
The surreal and metallic trip in the Atomium
The experiences can continue in the most vibrant neighborhoods in Brussels (Saint Gilles, for example, combines a multicultural atmosphere and interesting examples of Art Nouveau), walking through its markets (very unique, such as the Micromarket) or in some of its metro stations that pay homage to the art of comics. And if you want to soak up art, come to its cultural centers. Among them, the Magritte Museum is almost unavoidable, bringing together the best of this genius of surrealism and where not everything is as it seems. Just like Brussels, which offers much more than it suggests at first glance: behind its bureaucratic face, large doses of personality, carefree and cosmopolitan atmosphere await you.
3. REVOLUTIONARY DESIGNERS
If you like fashion and design, you have surely heard of the Antwerp Six . Otherwise, you should start packing your bags to discover this Flemish city that also stands out for being the world diamond center and for its port (one of the most important in Europe) that is a continuous coming and going of goods and people. And this has been the case for a long time, as explained in the Red Star Line, a museum that illustrates the history of the emigrants of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Icon, one of the most original shops in Brussels
But let's go back to how cool is one of the main attractions of Antwerp. Thus, the Fashion Department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013. Five decades in which the designers of this city have not stopped surprising the world . Today you can enjoy a multitude of events and stroll through shops of all kinds, from the most reputable firms (such as Dries Van Noten) to other lesser-known but perhaps even more daring proposals. And how to enjoy all the creativity of the city of the river Scheldt? You can visit the MoMu (Fashion Museum) , sign up for the **Fashion Walk (a two-hour tour that synthesizes the best of Antwerp's design and architecture) ** or dedicate yourself to enjoying music and seeing beautiful people in a De Muze jazz concert or, for example, on the dance floor at Café de Anvers.
Four. THE YOUNGEST CHEFS
Did you know that Flanders holds a record for its large number of Michelin stars? They are restaurants run by chefs of great prestige who, despite the young age of many of them, set trends in world gastronomy, are the rebels of Flemish cuisine. The list of masters of the kitchen is getting longer thanks to the addition of new talents such as the already renowned Steven Van Snick, Jan Supply and Kelderman. Anyway, don't think that you can only taste Flemish cuisine at the stroke of a wallet . Its tempting value for money can be enjoyed with the classic fries (which have their own museum) accompanied by mussels, with a simple but delicious mustard or with a beer, for example, in the Mechelen and Leuven squares.
Ken Verschueren, one of the rebellious and Flemish chefs
The beer thing, by the way, is a scandal. The so-called Trappists are made with care in monasteries; the lambics, on the other hand, are very peculiar thanks to their spontaneous fermentation; while the witbier (white beer) are very refreshing. Let yourself be advised and choose from its almost 700 varieties. And don't forget that for flamingos the glass where they are drunk is also essential. So much so that you will even have to leave a shoe as a deposit to avoid the temptation of taking the container with you as a souvenir (this is what happens in Dulle Griet, in Ghent).
5. THE MOST LIVELY ATMOSPHERE
Don't say festival, say Flanders. If you are looking for good music, a lively atmosphere and something different, you should take this Belgian region into account, even more so if it is summer. The Brussels Jazz Marathon (May 23 to 25) will be held shortly, bringing together music lovers from all over Europe in the squares of the Flemish capital. A little later, the so-called Afro Latino will take place (June 20-22, in Bree), an ideal event for lovers of multicultural gatherings. How about some electronic music? Then come to the 10 days off (July 17 to 27) to dance without stopping in Ghent. It is this city, by the way, possibly one of the most effervescent in Flanders thanks to its students, its open-mindedness and its fair size that manages to elevate it as an accessible and multifaceted place. In short, a suitable setting to live your next story (and with a very complete festival calendar).
Good music meets in Flanders
HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR TRIP TO FLANDERS
Places of interest: the must of Flanders are Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Leuven and Mechelen . Thanks to the fact that some cities are very close to each other (an average of 50 km), it is best to plan the trip to visit several of them in the same getaway.
How to get: Flanders and Spain have good communications. Browse the websites of Brussels Airlines, Iberia, Air Europa, Vueling and Ryanair to find the offer that best suits your needs.
How to move: The most comfortable thing is to travel by train thanks to its great frequency and good rates. Already in the cities, you can walk to many of its attractions, or by public transport to the most remote areas. Of course, you can wear a little flamenco and cheer up with the bike.
Basic vocabulary: although Flanders can boast of being a polyglot, earn a smile with your first Dutch words: hallo (hello), dag (bye-bye, pronounced "daaaaj") and danku (thank you).
Where to sleep: the hotel offer is very varied. Our recommendation, the charming hotels located in the houses with stepped roofs or the cozy B&Bs.
**For more information visit Flanders.net ** ; plan your trip and take into account ** the offer packages. You have no excuse.**