Bruges
Bruges, perhaps, has the best claim to the title "the Venice of the North", set on a labyrinth of canals lined with magnificent medieval buildings. As well as being picturesque, there is a wealth of artistic and architectural heritage to uncover, reflecting its history as the cradle of Flemish painting and its economic significance as a textile and trade centre up to the late 15th century. The focal point of the city to which all roads seem to lead, is the impressive Markt central square, flanked by magnificent houses with crow-stepped gables, old guildhalls, towering belfry, and the covered market.
Elsewhere, the Burg square is lined by four of the city's most impressive buildings: the Gothic townhall, Basilica of the Holy Blood dating from the 12th century, the Renaissance court record office and the old law courts. Other sights include the medieval city walls, St-Salvator Cathedral, picturesque Begijnhof almshouses and Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerek (Church of Our Lady), famed for its "Madonna and Child" by Michelangelo, but part of the attraction of this beautiful city is just to wander at leisure along its canals and squares, soaking up the festive atmopshere, enhanced by a colourful Christmas market. The city boasts several superb museums too - don't miss the Gruuthuse Museum housed in a 15th century palace, with an impressive collection of tapestries and lace, the Groeninge Museum's stunning collection including Jan van Eyck's serene "Portrait of Margaretha van Eyck" and Gerard David's gruesome "The Judgement of Cambyses" and finally Mernling Museum set in the 12th century hospital of St John's, itself one of the most beautiful buildings in Bruges.
Gent
Less famous than its near neighbour, Gent is a vibrant university city home to 43,000 students and Flanders' spiritual citadel. Criss-crossed by canals and waterways, its old town is perfect for exploration on foot and it boasts a wealth of sights to interest the visitor. One of the city's great attractions is the Cathedral - St Baafskathedraal - that houses the famed " Adoration of the Mystic Lamb Altarpiece" by Jan van Eyck, which dates from the 15th century and is widely regarded as one of the most important works of art in the world. Elsewhere in Gent, do not miss the 91m high belfry, 15th century Cloth Hall, townhall, numerous important churches including St-Michielsbrug and St-Jacobskerk, several delightful market squares, Graslei quayside lined with ancient houses in a pure Flemish architectural style dating from the 12th to 17th centuries and 12th century Gravensteen (Chateau des Comtes). There are notable museums, too, including the Museum voor Schone Kunsten with its collection of ancient and modern paintings including works by Hieronymous Bosch, SMAK modern art museum and Museum of Decorative Arts.
Antwerp
Belgium's second city, Antwerp, one of the world's largest ports and a thriving modern city renowned as the centre of the diamond industry as well as being home to a characteristically Flemish old town. Home and birthplace of Rubens, the city has a strong artistic heritage reflected in its host of churches and museums. As with many Flemish towns and cities, Antwerp boasts an impressive market square surrounded by 16th and 17th century guildhalls and flanked on one side by the richly adorned 16th century town hall. Other unmissable sights here include the Cathedral and belfry, Butchers' Hall dating from 1502, Rubens' House and several more important churches. Amongst the city's many museums, two are outstanding: the Plantin-Moretus, housed in the former printworks of famed printer Plantin, covering some 34 rooms and containing the renowned Gutenberg Bible, one of only 13 in the world; and the Royal Museum of Fine Art (Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten) which houses a magnificent art collection including a room devoted entirely to Rubens.