<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/chocolates.png\")
Train your tastebuds to savor gourmet chocolate at Laurent Gerbaud’s Atelier. Photo by Lina Zeldovich<\/p><\/div>\n
Brussels\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\nDefined by the eclectic mix of neoclassical edifices and modern architecture, cobble-stone streets and wide-open squares, Belgium\u2019s grand capital is full of museums, art galleries and ancient churches. For a comfy stay with a hearty breakfast option, choose modern and artfully decorated Radisson RED Brussels<\/strong><\/a>, located near the Museum of Fine Arts and other attractions. Known for its beer and chocolate, Brussels offers plenty of both. To see what\u2019s brewing, drop in to the Brussels Beer Project<\/strong> where you’ll find a steady flow of new seasonal drafts. To learn the proper way to savor chocolate (yes, you\u2019ve been eating it wrong!) take a chocolate tasting workshop with Laurent Gerbaud<\/strong>, who will train your taste buds to connoisseur level with over a dozen delicious pieces, each with a distinct flavor and unique story. Drop in to see a collection of 8,000 pianos, violins and accordions at the Museum of Musical Instruments<\/strong>, and enjoy lunch at its rooftop restaurant with spectacular panoramic views. For dinner, head to L\u2019Ecailler du Palais<\/strong> Royal<\/strong> for exquisite tastes and beautiful presentations.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/bruges.jpg\")
<\/h2>\nBruges<\/strong><\/h2>\nOften called the Venice of the North, Bruges is famous for its charismatic canals that weave through the old city like numerous blue ribbons. Cruising the canals reveals a different and romantic side of the city, charming visitors with secret gardens, picturesque bridges and beautiful views. Water isn\u2019t the only thing that flows through Bruges\u2014so does beer, quite literally, to beer enthusiasts\u2019 delight. A two-mile long underground pipeline connects the Halve Maan<\/strong> brewery in Bruges\u2019s historic center with a bottling plant outside the city\u2014a clever eco-friendly solution that removed delivery trucks from the old cobblestone streets. The brewery, which makes Brugse Zot beer, a Belgian favorite, runs tours of its facilities, and serves delicious fresh lunches at its cozy tavern, accompanied by the endless beer reserves. For a pampered stay, chose the luxury Hotel de Tuilerieen<\/strong><\/a> located in a 15th-<\/sup>century mansion with beautiful canal views. Take a canal cruise, visit Bruges Belfry<\/strong>, drop in to enjoy the Groeningemuseum<\/strong>, and stroll through romantic Minnerwater Park<\/strong>. Want to get truly dazzled? Visit the Diamond Museum<\/strong>.<\/p>\nALSO: What to pair with all that beer and chocolate? How about earning instant rewards on all these hotels and more!<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Belgium-Fries.png\")
Locals would tell you these are not French fries\u2014they are Belgium fries! Try them with various toppings at Frites Atelier Amsterdam in Antwerp. | Photo by Lina Zeldovich<\/p><\/div>\n
Antwerp<\/strong><\/h2>\nAn old port city, Antwerp got its name from the Dutch words \u201chand\u201d and\u00a0 \u201cwerpen\u201d\u2014to throw, thanks to an old legend about a giant who demanded a heavy tax from travelers crossing the bridge over the Scheldt River, and cut off the hands of those who refused to pay. Today, the little hands, which are now a symbol of friendship in Antwerp, are everywhere: They serve as the d\u00e9cor pieces on the Museum of Antwerp<\/strong> building and as mouth-watering butter cookies sold in local bakeshops. In the 1980s, Antwerp\u2019s Royal Academy of Fine Arts produced the famous Antwerp Six, a group of young designers that rocked the London Fashion Fair with their avant-garde ideas, so come prepared to spend a few bucks on designer clothes and bags that beckon from every corner. Stay at Theater Hotel<\/strong><\/a>, near the Rubens House<\/strong> and other museums. As you explore the city, make sure to visit the Diamond Mile<\/strong>, marvel at the beauty of Antwerp Central Train Station<\/strong>, and savor the true Belgian fries topped with meat stew at the Frites Atelier Amsterdam<\/strong>. Want a taste of the real haute couture? Drop into a Caf\u00e9 Costume<\/strong>, where you can order a custom-tailored suit at a surprisingly inexpensive price, while having a drink with the owner, Bruno Van Gills.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/ghent-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Ghent<\/strong><\/h2>\nA university town and a cultural hub that carefully preserves its medieval architecture, including the 12th-century Gravensteen Castle<\/strong> and a riverfront row of beautiful old buildings called Graslei<\/strong>, Ghent is a gem that still remains under the radar. The city is also known for its street art and impressive murals, many of which were painted by Ghent’s own artist, ROA, who has since created works of art all over the world, on just about every continent. To stay close to all of the attractions, choose the centrally located Ghent River Hotel<\/a><\/strong>, and stroll to the Friday Market Square<\/strong>, the Graffiti Street<\/strong> and the Design Museum Ghent<\/strong>. For local flavors, try Waterzooi, a fish or chicken soup made with egg yolk, cream and thickened vegetable broth. Had a chocolate overdose by now? Try cuberdon<\/em> also known as neuzeke<\/em> (little nose), a different type of Belgian candy. Want a break from beer? Ghent\u2019s got a perfect watering hole for that. Jigger\u2019s<\/strong>, one of the best cocktail bars in Belgium, has a long list of cocktail classics as well as new libations on the menu every day.<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nBruges<\/strong><\/h2>\nOften called the Venice of the North, Bruges is famous for its charismatic canals that weave through the old city like numerous blue ribbons. Cruising the canals reveals a different and romantic side of the city, charming visitors with secret gardens, picturesque bridges and beautiful views. Water isn\u2019t the only thing that flows through Bruges\u2014so does beer, quite literally, to beer enthusiasts\u2019 delight. A two-mile long underground pipeline connects the Halve Maan<\/strong> brewery in Bruges\u2019s historic center with a bottling plant outside the city\u2014a clever eco-friendly solution that removed delivery trucks from the old cobblestone streets. The brewery, which makes Brugse Zot beer, a Belgian favorite, runs tours of its facilities, and serves delicious fresh lunches at its cozy tavern, accompanied by the endless beer reserves. For a pampered stay, chose the luxury Hotel de Tuilerieen<\/strong><\/a> located in a 15th-<\/sup>century mansion with beautiful canal views. Take a canal cruise, visit Bruges Belfry<\/strong>, drop in to enjoy the Groeningemuseum<\/strong>, and stroll through romantic Minnerwater Park<\/strong>. Want to get truly dazzled? Visit the Diamond Museum<\/strong>.<\/p>\nALSO: What to pair with all that beer and chocolate? How about earning instant rewards on all these hotels and more!<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Locals would tell you these are not French fries\u2014they are Belgium fries! Try them with various toppings at Frites Atelier Amsterdam in Antwerp. | Photo by Lina Zeldovich<\/p><\/div>\n
Antwerp<\/strong><\/h2>\nAn old port city, Antwerp got its name from the Dutch words \u201chand\u201d and\u00a0 \u201cwerpen\u201d\u2014to throw, thanks to an old legend about a giant who demanded a heavy tax from travelers crossing the bridge over the Scheldt River, and cut off the hands of those who refused to pay. Today, the little hands, which are now a symbol of friendship in Antwerp, are everywhere: They serve as the d\u00e9cor pieces on the Museum of Antwerp<\/strong> building and as mouth-watering butter cookies sold in local bakeshops. In the 1980s, Antwerp\u2019s Royal Academy of Fine Arts produced the famous Antwerp Six, a group of young designers that rocked the London Fashion Fair with their avant-garde ideas, so come prepared to spend a few bucks on designer clothes and bags that beckon from every corner. Stay at Theater Hotel<\/strong><\/a>, near the Rubens House<\/strong> and other museums. As you explore the city, make sure to visit the Diamond Mile<\/strong>, marvel at the beauty of Antwerp Central Train Station<\/strong>, and savor the true Belgian fries topped with meat stew at the Frites Atelier Amsterdam<\/strong>. Want a taste of the real haute couture? Drop into a Caf\u00e9 Costume<\/strong>, where you can order a custom-tailored suit at a surprisingly inexpensive price, while having a drink with the owner, Bruno Van Gills.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ghent<\/strong><\/h2>\nA university town and a cultural hub that carefully preserves its medieval architecture, including the 12th-century Gravensteen Castle<\/strong> and a riverfront row of beautiful old buildings called Graslei<\/strong>, Ghent is a gem that still remains under the radar. The city is also known for its street art and impressive murals, many of which were painted by Ghent’s own artist, ROA, who has since created works of art all over the world, on just about every continent. To stay close to all of the attractions, choose the centrally located Ghent River Hotel<\/a><\/strong>, and stroll to the Friday Market Square<\/strong>, the Graffiti Street<\/strong> and the Design Museum Ghent<\/strong>. For local flavors, try Waterzooi, a fish or chicken soup made with egg yolk, cream and thickened vegetable broth. Had a chocolate overdose by now? Try cuberdon<\/em> also known as neuzeke<\/em> (little nose), a different type of Belgian candy. Want a break from beer? Ghent\u2019s got a perfect watering hole for that. Jigger\u2019s<\/strong>, one of the best cocktail bars in Belgium, has a long list of cocktail classics as well as new libations on the menu every day.<\/p>\n
Often called the Venice of the North, Bruges is famous for its charismatic canals that weave through the old city like numerous blue ribbons. Cruising the canals reveals a different and romantic side of the city, charming visitors with secret gardens, picturesque bridges and beautiful views. Water isn\u2019t the only thing that flows through Bruges\u2014so does beer, quite literally, to beer enthusiasts\u2019 delight. A two-mile long underground pipeline connects the Halve Maan<\/strong> brewery in Bruges\u2019s historic center with a bottling plant outside the city\u2014a clever eco-friendly solution that removed delivery trucks from the old cobblestone streets. The brewery, which makes Brugse Zot beer, a Belgian favorite, runs tours of its facilities, and serves delicious fresh lunches at its cozy tavern, accompanied by the endless beer reserves. For a pampered stay, chose the luxury Hotel de Tuilerieen<\/strong><\/a> located in a 15th-<\/sup>century mansion with beautiful canal views. Take a canal cruise, visit Bruges Belfry<\/strong>, drop in to enjoy the Groeningemuseum<\/strong>, and stroll through romantic Minnerwater Park<\/strong>. Want to get truly dazzled? Visit the Diamond Museum<\/strong>.<\/p>\n ALSO: What to pair with all that beer and chocolate? How about earning instant rewards on all these hotels and more!<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Locals would tell you these are not French fries\u2014they are Belgium fries! Try them with various toppings at Frites Atelier Amsterdam in Antwerp. | Photo by Lina Zeldovich<\/p><\/div>\n An old port city, Antwerp got its name from the Dutch words \u201chand\u201d and\u00a0 \u201cwerpen\u201d\u2014to throw, thanks to an old legend about a giant who demanded a heavy tax from travelers crossing the bridge over the Scheldt River, and cut off the hands of those who refused to pay. Today, the little hands, which are now a symbol of friendship in Antwerp, are everywhere: They serve as the d\u00e9cor pieces on the Museum of Antwerp<\/strong> building and as mouth-watering butter cookies sold in local bakeshops. In the 1980s, Antwerp\u2019s Royal Academy of Fine Arts produced the famous Antwerp Six, a group of young designers that rocked the London Fashion Fair with their avant-garde ideas, so come prepared to spend a few bucks on designer clothes and bags that beckon from every corner. Stay at Theater Hotel<\/strong><\/a>, near the Rubens House<\/strong> and other museums. As you explore the city, make sure to visit the Diamond Mile<\/strong>, marvel at the beauty of Antwerp Central Train Station<\/strong>, and savor the true Belgian fries topped with meat stew at the Frites Atelier Amsterdam<\/strong>. Want a taste of the real haute couture? Drop into a Caf\u00e9 Costume<\/strong>, where you can order a custom-tailored suit at a surprisingly inexpensive price, while having a drink with the owner, Bruno Van Gills.<\/p>\n A university town and a cultural hub that carefully preserves its medieval architecture, including the 12th-century Gravensteen Castle<\/strong> and a riverfront row of beautiful old buildings called Graslei<\/strong>, Ghent is a gem that still remains under the radar. The city is also known for its street art and impressive murals, many of which were painted by Ghent’s own artist, ROA, who has since created works of art all over the world, on just about every continent. To stay close to all of the attractions, choose the centrally located Ghent River Hotel<\/a><\/strong>, and stroll to the Friday Market Square<\/strong>, the Graffiti Street<\/strong> and the Design Museum Ghent<\/strong>. For local flavors, try Waterzooi, a fish or chicken soup made with egg yolk, cream and thickened vegetable broth. Had a chocolate overdose by now? Try cuberdon<\/em> also known as neuzeke<\/em> (little nose), a different type of Belgian candy. Want a break from beer? Ghent\u2019s got a perfect watering hole for that. Jigger\u2019s<\/strong>, one of the best cocktail bars in Belgium, has a long list of cocktail classics as well as new libations on the menu every day.<\/p>\nAntwerp<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nGhent<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Liege-Panorama.png\")
![\"Orbitz,](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/OrbitzApp.jpeg\")
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