Page 15 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Brussels Bruges Ghent & Antwerp

GREA T D A Y S IN BRUSSELS , BRUGES , GHENT & ANT WERP  13

(see pp62–3) and the Cathédrale
Sts Michel et Gudule (see
pp74–5). Don’t linger too long
here, however, as the treasures
of the Musées Royaux des
Beaux-Arts (see pp66–71) await.
Day 3
Morning Rise early to explore
the fashionable Place du Grand
Sablon (see p72). The area’s
parish church, the Notre Dame
du Sablon, (see p72) is a must-
Triumphal Arch at the Parc du Cinquantenaire, Brussels see, as are the lavish gardens of
the Place du Petit Sablon (see
to escape the bustle of the city 5 Days in Brussels, pp72–3). From here, it is a short
centre. Here lies the Domaine Bruges and Ghent walk to the exceptional Palais
de Laeken (see pp90–91), the de Justice (see p73).
estate that surrounds the official Two adults allow at least €160
residence of the Belgian • Explore the Comics Art Afternoon Head out on the
monarch. Highlights include Museum and the Musées metro to Heysel to see the
the Pavillon Chinois and the Royaux des Beaux-Art striking Atomium (see p91).
Serres Royales. The interior of • Head to Bruges for a Do not miss the Mini-Europe
the latter is open to the public change of scenery exhibition in the Bruparck
in April. (see p91). Spend time exploring
• Taste some of Belgium’s Domaine de Laeken (see
Afternoon After an alfresco best fries in Ghent pp90–91), home to the Belgian
lunch at the beautiful estate, royal family.
visitors can either walk or take
the metro two stops to Heysel, Day 1 Day 4
and the iconic Atomium (see Morning Begin your adventure Bruges is just an hour by train
p91). In the shadow of the at the Grand Place (see pp46–7), from Brussels. Explore the
Atomium is Bruparck (see p91), taking in the opulence of the picture-postcard city centre
where incredibly detailed scale Hôtel de Ville (see pp48–9) on foot – make sure you pay a
replicas of the European Union’s before making your way to the visit to the Stadhuis (see p100)
most famous buildings at Mini- equally impressive La Bourse and the Markt (see p101),
Europe are the main attractions. (see p51) and the city’s landmark, which still hosts a market
the Manneken Pis (see pp48–9). every Wednesday. After lunch,
Day 3 climb the Belfort (see p101) for
Morning Take in the splendour Afternoon Take the metro to views over the entire ancient
of the Grand Place (see pp46–7), Schuman to visit the Parc du city. Reserve ample time for
not least the Hôtel de Ville Cinquantenaire (see pp78–9), exploring Gruuthusemuseum
(see pp48–9) – take its exemplary home to many fine attractions, (see pp102–3), whose Gothic
guided tour. Don’t forget the of which the Cinquantenaire façade is alone worth the trip.
obligatory photo-op at the Museum and Autworld are not
Manneken Pis (see pp48–9) to be missed. Before heading Day 5
before being immersed in the back to the centre of town, Jump on an early train for the
fantastic Comics Art Museum have a good look around the half-hour ride to Ghent, once
(see pp54–5). Later, shop at Quartier Européen (see p76). the centre of the European
Rue Nueve (see p53), where the textile industry. Much of the
city’s best selection of stores Day 2 city’s rich history is documented
can be found on a lovely, fully Morning Start off with a stroll in the Design Museum (see
pedestrianized street. around Le Botanique (see p113), which is well worth a
p53) before heading to the visit. Fabulous town houses
Afternoon Having had lunch Comics Art Museum (see line the Graslei and Korenlei
at one of the eateries in and pp54–5). After shopping on the (see p113) on either side of the
around Rue Neuve, take the Rue Neuve (see p53), pop into River Leie, while around central
metro from de Brouckere to one of the many cafés in the Poelje-markt are the Stadhuis
Schuman and explore the area for lunch. (see p112), the 12th-century
Quartier Européen (see p76) and St Baafskathedral (see p112)
the Parc du Cinquantenaire Afternoon The regal Quartier and the Belfort (see p113).
(see pp78–9). Don’t miss the Royal (see pp60–61) is home to Don’t leave without a cone
collection of pre-Columbian art a wealth of palaces and parks, the of fries – you’ll find the best
in the Cinquantenaire Museum. finest being the Palais Royal in Ghent.

012-013_EW_Brussels.indd 13 10/01/17 11:04 am