Flanders is known for chocolate, fries and beer. It’s praised around the world for its impressive heritage, culture and the progressive craftsmanship of its master painters and their descendants. If you come to visit, you’ll want to discover all the wonderful experiences Flanders(opens in new window) has to offer.
Out and about
Sometimes you want to have an adventure, but you’re not sure exactly which one. If that’s the case, UiTinVlaanderen(opens in new window) will hand you some ideas. Aiming to serve all ages, it collects an incredibly broad range of activities, ranging from exhibitions about sneakers to dance and opera performances.
Festivals
Belgium may be a small dot on the European map, but music lovers and big-name performers still come from far and wide for our long, impressive list of music festivals (in Dutch)(opens in new window). You’ll find everything from rock and electronic dance music to jazz and classical.
Public libraries
We hope you like reading. Because if you include Dutch-speaking Brussels, Flanders is home to 314 subsidised public libraries. Combined, they account for 609 library branches. On top of this, there are libraries at museums, colleges and universities, as well as preservation libraries that take care of historical documents.
Most public libraries in Flanders offer a membership for a small fee and have specific English and French sections, as well as other languages in many cases. DVDs and Blu-rays, CDs, comics and graphic novels are also available for you to borrow or even read on site. A lot of libraries offer you a place to study that’s open throughout the year, but particularly popular with students in the lead up to exams.
Museums
There are 238 museums spread across Belgium. The best way to see them? Purchase a museum pass (in Dutch)(opens in new window). It gives you access to all these museums, all year round, as well as any exhibitions. It also includes discounts on train tickets and museum shops.
Outings in the provinces
Outdoor recreation is a major part of life in Flanders. Green outdoor areas are public-oriented, usually easily accessible, and intended to cater to a large and diverse public. Every province takes care of a number of parks and nature domains:
Local markets and market days
Local markets (in Dutch)(opens in new window) are an intrinsic part of the culture in Flanders. They always have been. You’ll find markets offering everything from fruit and vegetables, to flowers, cheese, clothing and vinyl records. They buzz with energy, excitement and a sense of community. And they’re the perfect place to look for unexpected bargains.
Travelling with a residence permit
When it comes to your leisure time and activities, there’s no need to restrict yourself to Flanders or Belgium: the whole of Europe overflows with history, nature and culture. With a valid identity card and your national passport, you’re permitted to travel across the entire Schengen Area. Just think about what you want to see … And start planning.