Flemish master James Ensor
Ensor 2024: the climax of an artistic anniversary.
Flanders, accessible to everyone
Winter Garden of the Ursulines, an Art Nouveau gem.
Veggie and vegan in Flanders
A wonderful universe of fine dining.
Van life in Wallonia, Belgium
Your guide to camping and caravanning in comfort.
Glamping in Flanders
Half a dozen extraordinary camping experiences.
Flanders’ trendiest island
Het Eilandje: Antwerp’s sparkling jewel.
Flanders, home of cycling
Two championships and a Flandrien Challenge.
Flanders’ finest cycling routes
A bike tour of Flemish green gems.
EuroVelo: Discover Europe by bicycle
Your gateway to adventure on two wheels!
Ghent, creative city of music
A trip to Flanders’ musical gem.
Extraordinary train journeys
Scenic, historic, hiking and nocturnal routes!
Flemish coast journey
Beautiful views on the world’s longest tram line.
Nocturnes
Brussels Nocturnes: Art, culture, shops after hours. Explore exhibitions, performances, installations in vibrant settings.
10 Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe
In 1987, the Council of Europe established the first Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, which is now one of 47 fascinating trails. These carefully constructed sightseeing itineraries encourage travelers to discover the richness and diversity of European heritage through transnational cultural routes. Since the first route was inaugurated over 35 years ago, the “Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe” label has come to represent Europe’s most culturally rich, thoughtfully designed historical routes. Known worldwide, these Routes are a model for intercultural dialogue, local development, and sustainable cultural tourism. We invite you to begin your journey and explore all the cultural routes in Europe! Stefano DOMINIONI Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and Director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes
Flanders’ natural splendor
A tour of the most beautiful Flemish parks.
Flanders: a tale of two cities
A few Flemish cultural gems – by bike.
Flanders, a state of the arts
Ensor2024, Beaufort24 & Bruges Triennial overwhelm.
Belgium Wallonia
Enchanting Wallonia.
An artistic new year in Flanders
New Horizons: Leuven celebrates a Flemish Primitive.
Flanders, a cycling paradise
Field and track: top-level sport and folklore.
Walloniaʼs Sporting Wonders
From Ski Slopes to Beer Marathons.
Walloniaʼs vibrant Charleroi
From mining town to creative haven.
Flanders’ open-air art
Street art inspired by the Flemish Masters!
Treasure hunting Wallonia style
Garage sales, brocantes and bargains…
Flanders’ surprise shopping mecca
Kortrijk: a tale of textile, design, and fashion.
Flandersʼ favorite: The Mystic Lamb
The tremendous tale of a masterpiece.
UNESCO in enchanting Wallonia
A tapestry of sites, legends and commemoration.
Exploring the Historic Charm of Belgium
A Guide to Must-Visit Cities!
Adventure in Wallonia
A slow tourism vibe at your own pace!
Flanders by bike
Nine iconic cycling routes full of highlights!
Flanders’ modern grandmaster
In the footsteps of Ensor in Ostend.
Flanders: a love of chocolate
Become a master chocolatier for one day!
Flanders’ craftswomanship
Belgian beer culture, a UNESCO heritage for us all.
The city of Mons in Wallonia
Feminism and culture.
Wallonia’s way of life
Weird and wonderful traditions.
Flanders, cycling heaven
The spring classics: both top sport and folklore.
Belgium: land of Flanders Fields
Forever a silent witness to World War I.
Festive Cheer Wallonia Style
Focus on Mons and Liege.
Winter celebrations in Flanders
The right place for the most wonderful time of year!
Great Spa Towns of Europe
In 2021, eleven amazing spa towns in seven European countries were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a ‘transnational serial’ World Heritage Site, called the “Great Spa Towns of Europe”. These towns, in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom represent a unique cultural achievement and urban form which was at its height from the late 18th century to the 1930s.
Historical Thermal Towns
Arriving in one of our historic thermal towns, maybe by train, to immerse yourself in the spa culture of Europe is the perfect way to start your “thermal travels” habit. Whether you seek relaxation and wellness or some world-class cultural or sporting events, you will not be disappointed!
Spa in Wallonia
The namesake of wellbeing waters.
Ancient tranquility in Flanders
The Sonian Forest, an age-old wellness Valhalla.
Thermal Travels
Immerse Yourself in the Spa Culture of Europe.
Alchemists of flavor in Belgium
Taste Flanders’ gift to the world.
Antwerp, best of two worlds
A vibrant Flemish city with a rich heritage.
Majestic Masterpieces Galore
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts reopens!
Burn fat, not oil in Flanders
Nine beautiful iconic cycling routes in Belgium.
Quirky family adventures
Wallonia to the Moon and Back.
A childrenʼs art city
Young or old(er): Mechelen welcomes you all.
A People on the Move
Tracing the Routes of Jewish Heritage in Europe!
The Cities by the Sea
Explore the power and beauty of Europe’s port cities.
Music on the Brain
Even if the only music lesson you ever had was more than four presidential administrations ago, it’s never too late to learn and appreciate different kinds of music. Families, college students and lifelong learners flock to Europe to take advantage of its plentiful opportunities for cultural enrichment through music.
Charleroi: A city pulsing with art
Young artists have breathed new and vibrant life into Charleroi, an old industrial city. Discover this creative place today.
Iconic Landmarks, New Experiences
What’s new at Europe’s most iconic landmarks?
Built to Inspire
Europe’s cities are filled with every style of architecture imaginable. Oftentimes, these styles coexist side by side and somehow make each city even greater than the sum of its parts. Government buildings, hundreds of years old, stand in regal fashion next to sleek, modern museums and libraries, making for an enjoyable juxtaposition that just begs to be captured by your camera. From old castles in San Marino to grandiose Lithuanian cathedrals, you’ll be inspired by the markedly different buildings designed by the famous architects of Europe.
Gent: A city where art, history, and food flourish
Visit Gent for contemporary art on ancient streets, for craft beer and delicious eats.
Antwerp in focus
Antwerp is home to the best of the European continent. Come for the food, the beauty, the history and the vibrant present.
European Hidden Treasure
Could you imagine so much variety in Europe? From Finland to Azores or From Malta to Ireland, 71 destinations decided to gather to promote sustainable tourism under two words: Eden Network. The Eden Network: surprise yourself with Europe!
OdeGand
OdeGand in Ghent, Belgium, offers a diverse program of classical, world, and contemporary music in historic venues and canals.
European Heritage Sites
European Heritage Sites include archives, monuments, archeological sites, and places of seminal cultural or political value, from the classic age to the present. Since the label’s inception in 2013, thirty-eight sites have been designated, bringing passages in Europe’s history to the foreground to honor, celebrate, and remember who built Europe, how, and why. They are lessons from the past to guide the future of Europe.
Discover the Thermal Heritage of Europe
The therapeutic use of hot springs has been present in Europe from ancient times to the present day, giving birth to a number of spa towns well-known for the beauty of their buildings, or long tradition of welcoming guests and the healing properties of its springs.
Europe through the Eyes of a Kid
Europe Makes Traveling with Children Easier.
Cheers – You’re in Europe!
Europe’s culture is not limited to its numerous art museums and palaces. Some of Europe’s greatest stories can be heard over a glass of wine, beer or other drink within the walls of a pub or finest alcohol outlets off the beaten track.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
With a past as storied as Europe’s, it’s impossible not to take in some history while on your trip. Find out more about UNESCO World Heritage Site in the European territory.
Explore Europe Through Your Taste Buds
Discovering Europe’s creative hotspots. A selection of trendsetting venues, innovative concepts, and the freshest ingredients to inspire your visit to Europe.
Shopping off the Beaten Track
There’s more to shopping in Europe than the designer brands on Champs-Élysées.
Europe – A Thousand Different Stories
Europe is home to a fascinating array of museums, devoted to every subject imaginable. From Vikings in the north, broken relationships in Croatia to vampires in Brasov. Here is the lowdown on Europes original and unusual museums.
Venices of the North
Venice is arguably the most romantic place in the world. With serene rivers and canals winding through the city, there are unforgettable sights at every turn. But it’s not the only romantic city in Europe. Get to know the European cities that claim to be the “Venice of the North” by browsing through this gallery.
Hidden Gems in Spring
Spring is the perfect time to be in Europe. Discover why.
Europe in Fairytales
Europe is a magical place. From ancient castles to picturesque waterfalls, much of the scenery looks like it could be straight out of a fairytale. In fact, much of Europe’s best literature, collections of short stories and iconic European fairytales are inspired by real places. Explore them for yourself to turn the stories of folklore into your reality.
Summer Beer Loversʼ Festival
Indulge in exceptional brews at Summer Beer Lovers’ Festival. Microbreweries and producers present their finest for a tantalizing taste experience!
Bertrixʼ Wine Producers Festival
Embark on a wine-tasting journey in Bertrix, Wallonia (Belgium), and explore an array of wines sourced from diverse European regions.
Trout Festival
Discover this gourmet festival which takes place during the month of April in all the restaurants of Bouillon and the nearby villages.
Innovation Beer Festival
Leuven Beer Month closes with what may turn out to be the most interesting event of all: the two-day Leuven Innovation Beer Festival introduces you to unique beers and creative brewers.
eat! Brussels, drink! Bordeaux
Those who love wine and Brussels gastronomy will be delighted by the gastronomic festival eat! Brussels, drink! Bordeaux.
Belgian Beer weekend
Belgium, with almost 450 unique beers, is a paradise for enthusiasts. The Belgian Beer Weekend offers a prime chance to explore this selection swiftly.
Gent Smaakt
Calling all foodies! Enjoy a day of culinary delights in Ghent with dishes from renowned local chefs and authentic city favorites.
Taste of Antwerp
The Taste of Antwerp is the biggest culinary festival in Antwerp. The festival has been substantially growing every year. The great selection of participating top restaurants, the beautiful location next to the Schelde, and the creative execution (decoration, fresh herbs, wooden plates) make this festival one of the top culinary festivals in Belgium.
Hungry for More
Hungry for a fulfilling cultural experience? Europe offers no shortage of delicious choices when it comes to food-centric festivals and gastronomy trails. From a bizarre city-sponsored tomato-throwing event in Buñol, Spain, to a celebration of oysters in Galway, Ireland, there is a food festival that is sure to please any palate.
Oktoberfest & Beyond: Beer & Wine Festivals of Europe
Much of Europe is known for its beer and wine production. But we don’t just know how to make them; we know how to drink them. From energetic beer festivals to exquisite wine gatherings, there’s plenty to celebrate. Drink up six of the best beer and wine festivals throughout Europe with this gallery.
Unforgettable Flavors of Europe
A visit to Europe is unforgettable in itself, but people often find themselves dreaming about all the delicious foods they tried, long after they’ve returned. From sweet to salty and every flavor in between, fondly remember your trip when you bring home a taste of Europe.
The Best Rural Getaways in Europe
Sometimes the best way to experience Europe is by taking the road less traveled. Or in some cases, not taking a road at all. The natural side of Europe consists of vast countrysides, towering mountains, calm waterways and more. Browse this gallery of some of Europe’s best adventures that are off the beaten trail. Then, load up your backpack and be on your way.
12 of the Sweetest Treats in Europe
Europe is a treat in more ways than one, and the local confections make it all the sweeter. You may already know about Belgian chocolate and Italian gelato. But that’s just the start of the sweet treats found in Europe. Let your taste buds travel the continent with these 12 sweet treats.
The Best Free Museums and Galleries in Europe
All European expeditions should include a trip to a museum or gallery. Luckily, they can be found almost everywhere in Europe. And a lot of them are free of charge. Consider this your guide to some of the best free museums and galleries in Europe so that you’re prepared to take in the art on your next trip.
12 of Europe’s Most Romantic Sites
Romance comes naturally in Europe. With so many things to see and do, it’s no coincidence that Europe is one of the top destinations in the world for romantic getaways. From popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower to lesser-known spots like waterfalls in Iceland, browse this gallery to prep for the best romantic sightseeing in Europe.
The Amazing Monasteries and Abbeys of Europe
Some of Europe’s oldest and most iconic places are in its humblest buildings. Monasteries and abbeys are sprinkled throughout the countries and make for a somber and unforgettable experience. From ancient abbeys in Italy to majestic monasteries in Austria, browse this gallery for a better look at them all.
Get Your Tickets
Witness Sporting Events on Europe’s Iconic Grounds!
The Best European Experiences for Music Lovers
Music is at the heart of every country, city and person in Europe. But the type of music you’ll find during a trip to Europe can vary dramatically. From modern rock festivals to classic opera performances, you’re sure to see and hear a wide range of performances. Browse this gallery for a taste of some of Europe’s most interesting music scenes.
The Craft of European Beers
An art form throughout Europe, brewing’s tradition can be traced back to the trappist monks and continues to live in today’s breweries. Visit the oldest breweries in Europe for a stout experience, rich in history.
The Winter Wonderlands of Europe
Europe is a jolly place to be any time of the year. But when Christmas time rolls around, some places become nothing short of magical. It all starts at the Christmas markets sprinkled throughout the continent. From Finland to France, unwrap the wonder of European Christmas markets with this gallery. Then, find your way here in December to experience it firsthand.
Castles in Europe That Still Rule
Travel back to the Middle Ages with this photo gallery of the most breathtaking castles that still stand in Europe.
Hasselt Genever Festival
New jenevers, culinary delights and Hasselt specialities flavored with music, street theater and ambience. This is Hasselt Jenverfeesten!
Europe’s Fire and Ice Festivals
There’s a lot to celebrate in Europe – especially during one of Europe’s many fire and ice festivals. Each festival is different from the rest, but they’re all a good time. From Iceland to Malta and everywhere in between, Europe’s festivals are some of the most colorful, festive and energetic celebrations on the planet. Browse some of the best and literally the brightest fire and ice festivals in Europe with this photo gallery.
Speculoos
Speculoos is a type of shortcrust biscuit, traditionally baked for consumption on or just before St Nicholas’ feast (December 6th) in the Belgium, the Netherlands and Northern France. In recent decades it has become available all year round. Speculoos are thin, very crunchy, slightly browned and, most significantly, have some image or figure (often from the traditional stories about St. Nicholas) stamped on the front side before baking; the back is flat. The Lotus brand is one of the most popular. You can also find them covered in chocolate…a real Belgian treat!
Flemish Rabbit Stew
Konijn op Vlaamse Wijze is a Flemish delicacy
Flemish Beef Stew
Vlaamse Stoofvlees, beef stew cooked in beer has long been part of the culinary heritage of Flanders, and it is still one of the most popular stews. Through the ages, the recipe has varied, and every mother passes on her secret to her children. Some like to add liver or kidneys to the beef, which certainly gives the stew a more distinctive flavor.
Flemish Hotch-Potch
Hutsepot is a dish of boiled and mashed potatoes, carrots and onions with a long history in the traditional Dutch cuisine.
Mussels and Fries
Mussels and ‘frites’ is a classic dish, famous throughout the world, and there’s nowhere better to experience it than in one of the many fishing villages and towns along the Flemish coast, where the Belgica mussels are brought to land. The clear waters of the North Sea give these mussels their unique flavour; they are fleshy and their shells are lighter than other mussels. An absolute classic available at every Flemish restaurant in the mussel season (from July until Autumn).
Eel in Green Herb Sauce
Paling in’t groen or eel in green sauce is a traditional Flemish dish of international renown.The dish developed as many fisherman caught eels in the Scheldt River, with folklore stating that the dish should be prepared with whatever fresh herbs were found on the riverside e.g. parsley, mint, spinach, sorrel and watercress.To many connoisseurs, the sauce is what makes this dish unique. Consisting mainly of the popular leafy green herb chervil as well as sorrel, it is important that these ingredients are added at the last moment of cooking so that sauce retains a bright green color and the flavor is strong and fresh. The fish itself is white and meaty, with a pronounced flavor.
Stoemp
Stoemp is a typical and simple Brussels dish, which you have to try when spending time in the Flemish capital. It consists of pureed potatoes one or several mashed vegetables, sometimes also with bacon. These vegetable pairings traditionally include endive, kale, Brussels sprouts, spinach, turnip greens, carrot or onion. Stoemp is usually served with sausage or stewed meat.
Ostend Sole
Sole in white wine with mussels and Flemish grey shrimps.
Flemish Vol-au-Vent
A vol-au-vent is the French name for a baked puff pastry batter. The name means ‘windblown’ and describes the lightness of the pastry. A round opening is cut in the top and the pastry cut out for the opening is replaced as a lid after the case is filled. In Flanders the pastry is filled with a chicken, meatball and mushroom sauce.
Ghent Waterzooi
Waterzooi is a classic stew of Flanders. Its name is Dutch, ‘zooien’ meaning ‘to boil’. It is sometimes called Gentse Waterzooi (in Dutch) which refers to the city of Ghent. The original recipe is made of fish, either freshwater or sea, though today chicken waterzooi is more common. The most accepted theory is that rivers of Ghent became too polluted and the fish disappeared. The stew is made of the fish or chicken, vegetables including carrots, leeks and potatoes, herbs, eggs, cream and butter and usually serbed as a soup with a baquette to sop up the liquid.
Flemish Asparagus
The typical Flemish asparagus is white, as it is grown covered in soil to prevent photosynthesis. This prevents the asparagus turning green and results in a taste a little sweeter and much tenderer than the green asparagus. It is generally harvested from late April to early June.
Chicory Ham Rolls
Heads of chicory rolled into slices of ham and served with cheese sauce and mashed potatoes.
Ostendaise North Sea Food Fest
Ostend’s Gastronomic Delight: A L’Ostendaise Experience
Hapje-Tapje
Hapje-Tapje is a well-known, one-day summer event for gourmets and epicureans. A culinary walk with delicious snacks, drinks and loads of atmosphere will take you on a tour of the city centre.
