Tag: Belgium

Best Street Art in GHENT

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Street art is an integral part of Ghent’s cityscape, even if it doesn’t necessarily compete for attention with the medieval architecture. The scene ranges from spontaneous graffiti and tags to large-scale murals by internationally renowned artists. Some works are carefully commissioned, while others emerge from the city’s independent graffiti culture. The most famous example is Werregarenstraat, better known as Graffiti Street, whose walls are constantly being repainted and therefore never look the same for long. Beyond this famous alleyway, street art can be found woven into the cityscape in various neighborhoods.
In this post, I’m taking you to the best street art spots Ghent has to offer.

Best Street Art in Ghent.
A paste-up in the up-and-coming Houtdok area, where you’ll find some of Ghent’s best urban art.
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Weekend in GHENT – Medieval Heritage Meets Metropolitan Vibes

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Nobody told me that two days might be rather short for a visit to Ghent. In fact, few cities blend centuries of rich heritage into modern urban life as effortlessly as Ghent. Massive medieval structures, picturesque canals, and centuries-old guildhalls form one of Belgium’s most atmospheric historic centers. Yet, behind its magnificent facades, Ghent is a vibrant university city boasting a truly unique energy. Less crowded than Bruges and far more laid-back than Brussels, it strikes the perfect balance between tradition and modernity.

Korenlei in Ghent.
Ghent’s historic Korenlei waterfront combines centuries of history with a very contemporary zest for life.
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Best Street Art in ANTWERP – From Merksem to the City Center

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In the first part about the best street art in Antwerp, I introduced the brand-new murals around the Zomerfabriek in Antwerp’s Berchem district. Well, that’s certainly not all the city has to offer in terms of urban art. You’ll stumble across amazing murals not only all around the city center. The northeastern suburb of Merksem, in particular, is a fantastic open-air gallery showcasing some of the best street art in Antwerp.

Beauty beneath the Mask is a large mural created by Nils Westergard and Joachim Lambrechts in May 2017.
Beauty beneath the Mask is a large mural Nils Westergard and Joachim Lambrechts created in May 2017.
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Best Street Art in ANTWERP – Fresh Murals at Zomerfabriek

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Anyone entering the area around Zomerfabriek in Antwerp’s Berchem district immediately feels its unique vibe. Where the old Nieuw-Zurenborg gasworks burned tons of coal until the mid-20th century, the blaze of top-notch urban subculture now glows brightly. I was lucky enough to visit Antwerp in early summer as the annual Meeting of Styles festival takes place. Hence, I saw the new works almost before the paint had even dried. Therefore, I can present you with the best street art currently adorning the walls of the Zomerfabriek.
And let me tell you: these murals are fresh in every sense of the word!

Best Street Art in Antwerp.
Two very different motifs in almost identical color schemes.
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What to Do in ANTWERP in Three Days – The Obvious and the Unexpected

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So you’re looking for a city trip to a place that’s as trendy as Amsterdam, but without the crowds? A place bursting with Flemish architecture and history like Brussels, but without the hectic pace of a capital city? And one with the creative energy and outstanding design of Copenhagen, but without the Scandinavian price tag? Don’t look any further, as Antwerp unites all those strong suits and still keeps a very laid-back vibe.
In this comprehensive guide to Antwerp, I show you what to see and do in three days – the obvious as well as the very unexpected.

Groenplaats in Antwerp.
If you’re looking for a good place to take a break and enjoy some people-watching, Groenplaats, right behind the Cathedral of Our Lady, is the perfect spot.
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Best Street Art in BRUSSELS

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Brussels is famous for many things: The European Parliament, the Atomium, beer, waffles, and comic books. Belgium’s capital celebrates the latter even in a beautiful street art project called Parcours Bande Dessinée. I’ve introduced many of the walls decorated by beloved comic book characters in my former post The Best Murals Along Brussels’ Comic Book Route.
But how about other murals that are not comic-themed?
What a question!
In Belgium, you’ll find grand street art even in the smaller cities.
So of course there are amazing powerful murals all around the country’s capital – and in this post, I’m telling you where to find the best street art Brussels has in store.

Charm of Uniform by Jaune, one of the best pieces of street art in Brussels.
Charm of Uniform by Jaune.
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The Best Murals Along Brussels’ Comic Book Route

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In a wonderful urban art project, namely a Comic Book Route, Brussels unites the best of its iconic arts, namely comic books and murals.
In this post, I’ll take you on a special scavenger hunt along the fantastic Parcours Bande Dessinée through the exciting capital of Belgium. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as many of Brussels’ picturesque streets and alleyways are made of cobblestones. But most importantly, keep your eyes peeled so you don’t miss any of the works of art with which Brussels pays homage to its countless comic artists.

Mural of Jonas Valentin aka Broussaille by Frank Pé on Brussels Comic Route.
The very first mural created for the Brussels Comic Route project was Jonas Valentin – or Broussaille in the original French version – by Frank Pé.
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24 hours in BRUSSELS

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I was on the very early morning flight to Brussels which was actually my final destination. That’s why I was completely relaxed when they said we couldn’t take off because of fog. The only thing that annoyed me was the idea that I could have slept a good hour longer. Other than that, I didn’t care too much.

However, things looked completely different around me: passengers were nervously shifting back and forth in their seats, checking their phones, and pestering the stewardesses about what their connecting flights looked like.

Grande Place, visited during 24 hours in Brussels
The most beautiful architectural treasures surround the Grande Place, Brussels’ precious centerpiece.

This was how I discovered that I was pretty much the only one who didn’t have a connecting flight to Madrid or Nice, Kigali or Abuja. Hmm, Brussels seemed to be an important hub for international air traffic, interesting. Hence, I should definitely add it to my 24 hours in… series. No sooner said than done!
Of course, I hope that your layover is planned and not because of air traffic disruptions.
Whatever the reason for your extended layover might be, with this post, I have you covered.

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Best Things to Do in BRUSSELS, the Capital of Europe

Posted onAuthorRenata Green85 Comments

Brussels is not only the amazingly vibrant capital of Belgium, it’s actually the historic, political, cultural, and gastronomic epicenter of Europe, for that matter. Breathtakingly beautiful historic architecture, fantastic museums, mighty street art, powerful international organizations, and last but not least beer, fries, and chocolate: This cosmopolitan city truly holds something for each and every one in store.
Therefore, it was quite a challenge to put together a list of just the very best things to do on a visit to Brussels.

Guide Capital Europe Brussels: Chocolaterie Manneken Pis
Different strokes for different folks: World’s most famous wee-er made of chocolate. Bon appetit.

If it hadn’t been for my daughter studying in Brussels, it probably wouldn’t have come to my mind to visit Belgium’s capital. Or Belgium at all, for that matter.

But Christmas came and families and loved ones were expected to get together. So I packed a couple of warm sweaters, threw in some fun presents, and hopped on the late flight to Brussels.
Just to find out that this European capital with all its old architecture and new street art, its pralines and beers, surrealist art, and political reality is not only for me but for everyone.

This Way to the Whole Story ->