Flemish Region
Discover Flemish Region
Introduction
The Flemish Region -- usually called simply Flanders -- is the Dutch-speaking northern half of Belgium, one of the country's three regions alongside Wallonia and the Brussels-Capital Region. It covers only 45% of Belgium's territory but holds 58% of its population, making it one of the most densely populated regions in Europe. Its five cities on this page trace the region's history and wealth: Bruges and Ghent, medieval cloth-trading powers whose historic centres survive almost intact; Antwerp, Belgium's largest city and a global diamond and shipping hub built on the Scheldt; Leuven, home to the oldest university in the Low Countries since 1425; and Mechelen, a former seat of the Habsburg Netherlands on the Dyle River.
Flanders is not the same thing as its capital: Brussels, officially bilingual and home to the Flemish Government and Parliament, sits within its own separate Brussels-Capital Region rather than inside the Flemish Region itself. Dutch is Flanders' official language, spoken by around 60% of Belgium's population. The region's medieval Flemish Primitive painters -- Jan van Eyck among them -- and its living beer culture, recognised by UNESCO, are as central to its identity today as its cloth-trading past.
Do I need a car in the Flemish Region?
No -- the region's dense rail network connects all five cities on this page within an hour or so of each other and of Brussels; a car is rarely useful and can be a liability in Bruges' narrow historic centre.
How many days do I need?
A week allows a relaxed visit to all five cities; focusing on just Bruges and Ghent, 3-4 days is enough, with Antwerp added for a longer trip.
What is the Flemish Region known for?
Medieval cities (Bruges, Ghent), Flemish Primitive and Baroque art (Jan van Eyck, Rubens), Antwerp's diamond trade and port, and a UNESCO-recognised beer culture.
Is Brussels part of the Flemish Region?
No -- Brussels is a separate Brussels-Capital Region, though it hosts the Flemish Government and Parliament.
When is the best time to visit?
April-May and September-October for mild weather and smaller crowds; summer is busiest, especially in Bruges, but brings Ghent's Gentse Feesten festival.