The 10 Best Free Things to do in Flanders, Flanders

September 21, 2021 Kandra Bartel

Discover the best top things to do in Flanders, Belgium including Historic Centre of Brugge, Last Post ceremony, Menin Gate Memorial, Antwerpen-Centraal, Basilica of the Holy Blood, St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal), The Markt, Graslei and Korenlei, Grote Markt, St Michael's Bridge.
Restaurants in Flanders

1. Historic Centre of Brugge

Bruges 8000 Belgium https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/996
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 17,556 reviews

Historic Centre of Brugge

The historic center of Bruges has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 thanks to its status as one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe and its enduring Gothic architecture. The Belgian city center is cited as a great example of a medieval historic settlement, even while it has evolved over the years.

Reviewed By Bubbles73uk - Weedon Bec, United Kingdom

I was just one day in Bruges and it was really really marvellous & so appealing. "The Venice of the North" is famous for its myriad canals, bridges & picturesque town square. Bruges is full of historic medieval buildings, old-style bars & cafes & speciality shops, soaring towers, historic churches, old whitewashed almshouses, chocolate & lace, quaint cobbled streets & the UNESCO World Heritage centre. If you have the opportunity to spend at least one day over there don’t waste it.

2. Last Post ceremony

Menin Gate, Ieper (Ypres) Belgium http://www.lastpost.be/
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
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2%
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5.0 based on 2,613 reviews

Last Post ceremony

Reviewed By IainS768 - Bethesda, United Kingdom

Everything that has been written about this Ceremony is true,if you can possibly make the journey to Ieper then you must experience this very moving tribute carried out at 8.00pm every night. I had the honour of laying a Wreath recently and this experience ranks as one of the most emotional moments in my life and one that I was honoured to have taken part in. We owe a debt of gratitude to the thousands of people who gave their life’s so willingly in the name of freedom.

3. Menin Gate Memorial

Menenstraat Poort gebouw, Ieper (Ypres) 8900 Belgium +32 57 23 92 20 http://www.lastpost.be/en/home
Excellent
88%
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5.0 based on 4,861 reviews

Menin Gate Memorial

Ypres (now Ieper) is a town in the Province of West Flanders. The Memorial is situated at the eastern side of the town on the road to Menin (Menen) and Courtrai (Kortrijk). The YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. The memorial, designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield with sculpture by Sir William Reid-Dick, was unveiled by Lord Plumer on 24 July 1927. Each night at 8 pm the traffic is stopped at the Menin Gate while members of the local Fire Brigade sound the Last Post in the roadway under the Memorial's arches.

Reviewed By naggedman - Newbury, United Kingdom

Anyone can apply to lay a wreath at one of the 8pm ceremonies that have run every night for 90 years at this extraordinary memorial, thanks to the dedication of the Town's volunteers, including the buglers who play Last Post and a version of Reveille. On this evening there were children and youths from about ten schools, alongside the Royal Artillery Association standard bearer, here to present the standard to the Town in recognition of its extraordinary efforts to remember the fallen. Arrive early if you want a close to the arch front row position.

4. Antwerpen-Centraal

Koningin Astridplein 27, Antwerp 2018 Belgium +32 2 528 28 28 http://www.belgianrail.be/en/stations-and-train/search-a-station/6/antwerpen-centraal.aspx
Excellent
68%
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4.5 based on 8,287 reviews

Antwerpen-Centraal

Leopold II had this unusual rail station built as a neo-Baroque monument to the railway age in 1905.

Reviewed By HenkSpring - Antwerp, Belgium

Although an operating railway station the out and inside are worth a visit for its monumental grandeur. A late 19th. century with beautiful facade and a majestic interior. Look at the marble floors in the main hall, all made out of Belgian marble. Look up inside to the dome. A must do is have a coffee in the cafetaria (or foyer), when you walk in from the front go up the stairs and take a right. Beautifull interior, like a time capsule. The level ground platforms have an impressive glasshouselike ceiling. In the late 20th. century extensive works were carried out such as a tunnel underneath and a shopping centre in excavated levels without disturbing the main historical structure.

5. Basilica of the Holy Blood

Burg 13, Bruges 8000 Belgium +32 50 33 67 92 [email protected] http://www.holyblood.com/
Excellent
57%
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32%
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8%
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4.5 based on 5,027 reviews

Basilica of the Holy Blood

This chapel contains a phial that reputedly contains Christ's blood brought back from the Crusades.

Reviewed By aline901 - Beirut, Lebanon

This is a beautiful Basilica that comprises two level churches. It is snugly located in a corner of Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood consists of a Romanesque lower chapel and a Gothic upper chapel The lower level church, a dark Romanesque structure, is so beautiful and has amazing statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The upper level church, connected by staircase, is amazing with modern and gothic style, houses the Relic of the Holy Blood. We were so lucky to visit on a Sunday morning when they held a mass and the Relic was on display afterwards for visitors to see it and get the blessings.

6. St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)

Sint-Baafsplein Casco Historico de la Ciudad, Ghent 9000 Belgium +32 9 225 16 26 http://www.sintbaafskathedraal.be/
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
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6%
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4.5 based on 3,171 reviews

St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)

Reviewed By john_tabac - Southampton, United Kingdom

St Bavo’s Cathedral was a 12th century Romanesque church which dedicated to St John the Baptist. During the 15th and 16th centuries, was converted into the imposing Gothic St Bavo’s Cathedral. It has a rich history and it is also filled with art treasures. From the baroque high altar in white, black and red flamed marble, the Rococo pulpit in oak, gilded wood and marble, a masterpiece by Rubens, the Calvary Triptych by Justus van Gent, the Gothic sanctuary lamp, the opulent tombs of the Bishops of Ghent – and the world-famous Mystic Lamb. St Bavo’s Cathedral is still used for worship and although it has a sign that cameras are not allowed inside, everybody take pictures and security staff didn't say anything. Only in Mystic Lamb they don't allow pictures.

7. The Markt

Markt, Bruges 8000 Belgium http://www.the-markt.com/
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
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2%
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4.5 based on 6,056 reviews

The Markt

Reviewed By cvtmuench - Mesa, United States

Bruges is such a charming city: cobblestone streets, 17th century buildings, beautiful scenery along the canals, Christmas market, and hundreds of Catholic Churches. Mass at the Basilica of the Holy Blood and veneration of the relic, the only Michelangelo sculpture in Belgium (the Madonna and Child), and the tomb of Charles the Bold. Love Flanders!

8. Graslei and Korenlei

Graslei en Korenleih, Ghent Belgium
Excellent
69%
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28%
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4.5 based on 2,358 reviews

Graslei and Korenlei

Reviewed By N3899ACrolandb - Ferndown, United Kingdom

Just a short stroll from central St.Michaels Bridge along each side of the quay,the range of picturesque and architectural styles are most pleasing to the eye;take along with you a descriptive guidebook,( available from the Tourist Office),and you will find interesting details of the purpose and history of the various buildings (alternatively,take the half hour informative boat trip there- currently a modest €7!)

9. Grote Markt

Antwerp 2800 Belgium 215474845 http://www.visitantwerp.be
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4.5 based on 3,238 reviews

Grote Markt

Antwerp's "Great Market" square is a popular attraction in the heart of the old city.

10. St Michael's Bridge

Sint-Michielsplein, Ghent 9000 Belgium http://visit.gent.be/en/st-michaels-bridge
Excellent
64%
Good
31%
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5%
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4.5 based on 1,600 reviews

St Michael's Bridge

Reviewed By TUMBO10 - Essex, United Kingdom

Best views from here and is a key location to find the Christmas Markets in Ghent It is located close to many attractions as Gravensteen, The Belfry aswell Worth going to

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