Roadtrip: Belgium, from Brussels to the North Sea

When you take a tour across Belgium, it means discovering a way of life where tradition and modernity, as well as Germanic and Latin influences, come together. This journey is accompanied by numerous architectural treasures, delights of Belgian cuisine, wonderful landscapes, and an unparalleled selection of beers (to be enjoyed in moderation)!

This is an itinerary that will take you along the Canal Route; from the capital Brussels to the waves of the North Sea. Along the way, you will visit 4 incomparable cities that showcase different facets of this surprisingly exotic kingdom, which is both the cradle of comic strips and the land of unconventional humor, as described in the songs of Jacques Brel, and which, beyond common clichés, offers numerous cultural and natural treasures.

Starting point: Brussels, the capital of Europe

If you rent a car, you can travel without a fixed schedule, at your own pace, and determine the route yourself. Why not start your journey with a stay between culture and fashion in the European capital?

Although Brussels consists of 19 municipalities and has more than a million inhabitants, it is still a destination that knows how to seduce with its captivating lifestyle and unique charm.

If you need to park your car during your visit, you will have time to stroll in the pedestrian zone of the Grand-Place, which, according to Victor Hugo, is “the most beautiful square in the world.” This judgment is confirmed by the wonderful facades of the guild houses, the charming alleys, or the green parks that can be found in the city.

From there, you can continue your city walk in the heart of an architectural kaleidoscope, where all streets lead to a museum, a historical monument, or an urban building that stylistically belongs to Flemish classicism, Gothic, or Art Nouveau.

Apart from the richness of the city’s architectural heritage, Brussels offers many small restaurants where you can taste traditional and hearty Belgian cuisine in a convivial atmosphere. For example, try the delicious Flemish carbonnade, simmered with beer, or taste the hochepot, the local stew.

And you can also (always in moderation) discover the creativity of Belgian brewers when you step into a local tavern, where the beer selection is very large.

Following the historical treasures of Ghent

You can cover the approximately fifty kilometers between Brussels and Ghent in less than an hour… Even though Ghent is often overlooked in favor of Bruges, the city undoubtedly has a lot to offer.

It is the jewel of Flanders, with many faces: Ghent is romantic, festive, historical, and also gastronomically interesting. An absolute must on your Roadtrip along the Canal Route.

Upon arrival, take advantage of one of the guarded underground parking lots. This way, you can stroll undisturbed and carefree along the quays and through the old quarters of this medieval and Gothic city with poetic charm. From the cathedral with the famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers in the Saint Michael’s district to the canals – the historic center of Ghent has many interesting sights to offer.

Before heading to Bruges, you can take a culinary break and visit the old fish market, where today there are restaurants where you can try the local specialty Waterzooi, served like a soup, prepared with chicken or fish, and refined with cream or butter.

The canals of Bruges: a must during your trip

There are several ways to get from Ghent to Bruges: on the highway or through the rural areas of Flanders, via the national road RN9, which leads to the coast. After leaving the Castle of the Counts of Flanders behind, the route runs for a few dozen kilometers, allowing you to prepare for the romantic and picturesque charm that the “Venice of the North” has to offer.

Don’t miss a boat tour through the canals! This way, you will be able to better admire the magnificent urban and religious buildings of the city. And be sure to visit some of the sights that make Bruges a true open-air museum, underline the city’s status as the cradle of Flemish art, and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage: including the Belfry, the museums, and the Rosary Quay. Before continuing your Roadtrip, you can make a stop and head to the Minnewater Lake, also known as the Lake of Love, where the Beguines once lived.

You have reached your destination: the beaches of Knokke

On your itinerary, you can choose between several routes that lead to Knokke and are about twenty kilometers long. Opt for the country roads and avoid the tourist crowds that flock on the highway towards Knokke, a popular seaside resort whose fine sandy beaches stretch to the border with the Netherlands.

If you like fish and seafood, Belgian specialties are definitely something for your palate: apart from the traditional moules-frites, you can try sole meunière or tomatoes with shrimp, which are typical of both traditional and nouvelle cuisine.

Whether you embark on the journey with your family or as a couple in love, whether you want to discover culture or nature – you will find something for every taste. The setting is like a movie, and there are opportunities for shopping tours in the shopping centers, visits to museums and art galleries in Belle Époque-style neighborhoods, jet-set evenings at the casino, as well as relaxation and recreation on the wide beaches…