Neither Brussels nor Ghent is definitively "better"; they offer different experiences: Brussels is a vibrant, large capital with extensive museums, institutions, shopping, and food, great for city lovers and as a transport hub, while Ghent is more compact, picturesque, and medieval, popular with students, offering a charming, walkable atmosphere with canals, castles, and less tourist overwhelm. Choose Brussels for a big-city vibe and day trips; choose Ghent for historic beauty, student energy, and a more relaxed pace.
❣️Bruges is the most beautiful city in Belgium. When you come to Bruges, you will be attracted by its long history. There are many ancient buildings and charming streets here.
Petty crime is far less prevalent in the Flemish cites of Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent than it is in Brussels. The historic centers of each, where tourists head to first, especially that of ever-thronged Bruges and Grote Markt in central Antwerp, are again places to watch your bags, pockets and phones.
Belgium's "30% tax ruling" refers to a special tax regime for expatriates and inpatriates, allowing employers to reimburse certain recurring relocation costs tax-free, generally up to 30% of gross remuneration, capped at €90,000 annually, plus other specific costs like school fees, replacing older schemes for many. This regime aims to attract international talent, exempting these allowances from tax and social security, with conditions like minimum salary thresholds (€75k for non-researchers) and a 5-year duration (extendable).
What is the difference between Ghent and Brussels?
Ghent is more vibrant And Brussels has great architecture ànd also very vibrant: Vismarkt - Sint Kathelijne - De Marollen So first decide what you want to do and decide then. We just came back from our trip. We spent 3 days in Brugge, 3 nights in France and came back 3 nights in Brussels.
Ghent is very walkable, and I enjoy strolling through the old town in this extremely Flemish city, where the native language is Dutch (but everyone also speaks English).
The Grand-Place in Brussels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Brussels' central plaza, the Grand-Place is an exceptional example of Belgian architecture and history. ...
Bruges is called the "Dead City" primarily because of Georges Rodenbach's influential 1892 novel Bruges-la-Morte (Bruges-the-Dead), which portrayed the decaying, melancholic city as a perfect setting for a widower's obsessive grief, making it a symbol of death and lost glory for Symbolist artists and a morbid tourist attraction for romantics seeking atmosphere, even as the city's importance declined historically due to its silting Zwin channel.
The charming historic center gives Ghent a fairytale feeling, while its eco-mindedness and student atmosphere adds just enough to make it a hipster hotspot. While most people only visit Ghent for a day or even a half day, there's much more to explore and you could easily spend three days and not get bored.
Brussels reigns supreme when it comes to international cuisine & Art Nouveau, while Bruges is wonderfully quaint and bursting with culture. I always encourage friends who come to visit to plan in at least one day in both Brussels and Bruges. Both form a piece of the complex cultural puzzle that is Belgium.
Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are our recommended priorities for a great week in Belgium: 2 days: Bruges. 4 days, add: Brussels. 5 days, add: Antwerp.
Brugge, also known as the Venice of the north, is a charming medieval town located close enough to Brussels to enjoy as a day trip. Brugge reached its height during the 13th and 14th centuries due to its wool production. The town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Torgny. Torgny, the southernmost village in Belgium, is often called the prettiest — and I could see why. With its Provence-like charm, ochre stone houses with red tiled roofs, vineyard-friendly microclimate, and lush greenery, it felt like an idyllic rural escape and a true hidden gem!
You can see Brussels' main sights in 1-2 days, but 3 days is ideal for a comfortable pace and exploring deeper, including potential day trips to other Belgian cities like Ghent or Antwerp. A longer stay (4+ days) allows for more museums, leisurely exploration, or side trips, but 2-3 days covers the core landmarks like the Grand Place, Atomium, and Belgian chocolate/beer.
In terms of population, Antwerp is twice the size of Ghent so if you are looking for a city with an intimate feel, Ghent might suit you better. Ghent is also more picturesque than Antwerp. However, if you are looking for lots of things to do and the buzz of a big city, Antwerp ticks these boxes.
Bruges. Bruges steals the hearts of all who visit. The capital of West Flanders, the city is most famous for its string of romantic canals, cobbled streets and medieval architecture.
Just 35 minutes by train from Brussels, Ghent is a beautiful place to visit - situated at the confluence of two rivers and famous for its charming and very photogenic network of canals that reflect the old bridges that cross them and lovely buildings that line them.
