East Flanders Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, activities, local culture, places to stay, food and drink scene, and transportation options to make the most of your trip to East Flanders, Belgium.


Introduction to East Flanders

East Flanders is a beautiful province located in the northern region of Belgium. It is a place where rich history, contemporary culture, and beautiful landscapes combine to offer visitors an unforgettable experience. From charming cities, picturesque countryside, to world-class museums, and delicious food, East Flanders has plenty to offer.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip to East Flanders, including top places to visit, must-try dishes, where to stay, and how to get around.

List of Places to Visit in East Flanders

East Flanders is home to many beautiful places, ranging from charming cities to picturesque countryside locations. Here are some of the top places to visit in East Flanders:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, Ghent
  • Gravensteen, Ghent
  • Ghent Altarpiece, Ghent
  • Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent
  • Ghent City Museum, Ghent
  • Castle of Laarne, Laarne

Natural Attractions of East Flanders: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Donkmeer, Berlare
  • Scheldt River, Ghent
  • Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Nature Reserve, Ghent
  • Scheldemeersen Nature Reserve, Oudenaarde
  • Koppenberg, Oudenaarde
  • Kluisbos, Kluisbergen

Hiking/Biking Routes of East Flanders

East Flanders is a great destination for hikers and bikers. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes to explore in the province:

  • The Scheldt River Route
  • The Flemish Ardennes Cycle Route
  • The Ename Forest Walk
  • The Velzeke Walk

Best Things to Do in East Flanders: Activities and Tours

East Flanders offers visitors plenty of activities and tours to fill their itinerary. Here some of the best things to do in East Flanders:

  • Take a boat ride along the canals of Ghent
  • Admire the stunning art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent
  • Visit the Ghent Christmas Market
  • Go on a cycling tour of the Flemish Ardennes
  • Go on a brewery tour and try the local beer
  • Discover the medieval city of Bruges, which is just a short drive away.

Week-Long Itinerary for East Flanders

For those that have a more extended stay, here is a one-week itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival, explore the city of Ghent, visit the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the Gravensteen
Day 2 Take a cycling tour of the Flemish Ardennes
Day 3 Visit Oudenaarde, and see the Scheldt River
Day 4 Explore Laarne and visit the Castle of Laarne
Day 5 Spend the day at Donkmeer, and discover the town of Berlare
Day 6 Visit Kluisbergen and go hiking in the Kluisbos
Day 7 Visit the Ghent Christmas Market before departure

Food and Drink Scene of East Flanders

East Flanders boasts a rich culinary scene that is sure to delight any food lover. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Waterzooi
  • Flemish beef stew
  • Gray shrimp croquettes
  • Vol-au-vent
  • Gentse neuzen

Local Beverages

  • Belgian beers, including the famous Abbey beers
  • Genever
  • Jenever

Where to Stay in East Flanders: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

East Flanders has several excellent accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some of the top places to stay in East Flanders:

  • Marriott Ghent
  • Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof, Ghent
  • Sandton Grand Hotel Reylof, Ghent
  • Au Mazet, Berlare
  • B&B Oudenaarde

What to Buy in East Flanders: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

East Flanders has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many unique souvenirs and local products that you can take home as a memento of your trip. Essential items include:

  • Belgian chocolates
  • Lacework
  • Local beers
  • Wooden toys
  • Ceramics

Local Culture and Customs of East Flanders

The people of East Flanders are warm and welcoming and are proud of their cultural heritage. Here are some customs and traditions to keep in mind during your visit:

  • Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home
  • Respect the country’s bilingual status and try to learn some French and Dutch phrases.
  • Belgians tend to be punctual, so arrive on time for all appointments.
  • Do not litter and dispose of waste products properly.

Best Time to Visit East Flanders

The best time to visit East Flanders is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm, and outdoor activities are in full swing. The shoulder seasons of fall and winter also offer a unique perspective to the region’s beauty. The Christmas market in Ghent, which opens in late November each year, is also a must-visit event.

Do’s and Don’ts of East Flanders

Do:

  • Be respectful of cultural customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and beer.
  • Carry cash, as some places may not accept credit cards.
  • Learn some basic Dutch phrases.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places.
  • Get too drunk in public
  • Litter and damage the environment
  • Talk loudly in public

Safety and Health

Safety in East Flanders

East Flanders is a safe place to visit, and there are no significant safety concerns for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is always essential to take precautions. Here are some safety tips:

  • Always keep your valuables such as passport, money, and electronics, safe and secured.
  • Stay aware of surroundings.
  • Be aware of transportation schedules if you are travelling alone at night.

Health in East Flanders

Belgium has a good healthcare system, and most private hospitals provide excellent medical care. However, it is always essential to have travel insurance before you come.

Getting to East Flanders: Transportation Options and Logistics

East Flanders is easy to reach, thanks to its well-connected transportation network. Here are some of the most common ways to get to the province:

Airports Near East Flanders

  • Brussels Airport (BRU)
  • Antwerp International Airport (ANR)

Bus Stations Near East Flanders

  • Ghent Bus Station

Other Options

  • Rent a Car

How to Get Around in East Flanders

East Flanders is a small province, and most attractions are easily accessible by foot, public transportation, or bike. Here are some of the most common ways to get around in East Flanders:

  • Bike rental
  • Tram
  • Bus

Where to Go Next from East Flanders: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

East Flanders’ central location in Belgium makes it easy to get to many other popular destinations nearby. Here are some nearby destinations worth visiting:

  • Bruges
  • Antwerp
  • Brussels
  • Lille (France)

Conclusion

East Flanders is the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the rich history and culture of Belgium in a beautiful and relaxed setting. With this comprehensive tour guide, you are now equipped with all the information you need to have a memorable trip to East Flanders. Happy travels!

Aalst Carnaval attracts big crowds every year Aalst Carnaval attracts big crowds every year The capital Ghent The capital Ghent East Flanders is known for its cobbled streets and their usage in cycling competitions. East Flanders is known for its cobbled streets and their usage in cycling competitions.


    Deinze
    Dendermonde
    Eeklo
    Geraardsbergen
    Ghent
    Lochristi
    Oudenaarde
    Sint-Niklaas