City Love Companions

Tourists often overlook Ghent as it is located in between “the big three”: Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. But don’t let it fool you. Ghent (in Dutch: Gent and in French: Gand) is the perfect destination for anyone who aims to have a taste of Belgium without pushing through crowds of sweaty, smelly people with cameras. Bruges might me more famous with tourists and the medieval architecture and canals are astonishing. But, and I say this with all respect, it also feels too much as an open-air museum and as at nights is often deserted and boring. So my favourite pick would be Ghent since it offers the full package of wonderful medieval sights, students and a pulsating nightlife. To have a good impression Ghent’s party-minded soul and also its edgy sides watch the great movie Belgica, w...

Antwerp or Antwerpen, as the Flemish and Dutch say, is considered to be one of the most attractive places to live or to visit when in Europe. The second largest city in Belgium at the Scheldt (Schelde) river lures the biggest names in fashion, clubbing scene, art and even diamond dealers. Luxurious and classy, Antwerp is often called Belgium’s “Capital of Cool” and the place to be for anyone that has more money than they’ll ever need. There are also numerous landmarks and world-famous specialties to try. Even my father, who used to be an officer electrician on tanker ships, used to tell me how Antwerp is one of the most charming and lovely places on earth, and he has seen a lot in his days. Everything worth seeing is within a walking distance of the stunningly beautiful Central Sta...

Brussels, Brussel in Dutch and Bruxelles in French (or as the real connoisseurs often refer to: BXL) is the living and breathing heart of modern Europe. The capital of both Belgium and the European Union itself, this city has become a centre of administration to one of the most recognizable political powers of our world. I know it also sounds like a capital of boredom and suited up zombies, but hear me out since I am supposed to belong to those. I fully understand that for most visitors it will not be love at first sight. Fact: especially on grey and rainy winter days the city with its endless out dated office buildings alongside busy boulevards with permanent traffic jams can show a very gloomy and depressive face. But don’t forget: Brussels is typically a city that has to grow on you. ...