Ghent is our favorite big city in Belgium (where Stan went to University and lived for 9 years). It's a charming and walkable city known for its medieval architecture and winding canals. We love that the vibe is less touristy and more that of a local student town. If you only visit one Belgian city other than Oostduinkerke, make it this one!
Bruges is a magical little fairytale town that will make you feel like you're stepping back in time. We definitely recommend a visit, but given it's small size and more touristy vibe, it can work better as a day trip. You can easily see the sites, wander around and explore in 3-5 hours so it makes the perfect day trip from Oostduinkerke or Ghent. If you go, don't miss the Halve Maan Brewery tour! Make sure to book a day or two in advance.
Brussels tends to divide opinions—some love it, others less so. We get that it makes sense to visit if you’re flying into BRU Airport or arriving by train from Paris or Amsterdam, but if your time is limited, we’d suggest skipping Brussels and heading a bit further to Ghent. Although it’s not our top choice, Brussels still offers plenty to explore. Check out our recommendations below.
Antwerp is a bit out of the way but if you've already visited a few Belgian cities and are looking for somewhere else, Antwerp would be a great stop! Antwerp is a cool mix of old and new—it's got tons of history, but it’s also a hub for fashion and art, with amazing boutiques, galleries, and a creative vibe that’s everywhere. If you're into style and design, this city’s got a lot to check out!
Keep in mind that all major cities in Belgium have luggage storage either in the train stations, parking garages or with private companies . These are great to if you want to pass through a city as a day trip and then move on to the next city. If you search 'luggage storage' on google maps, you will find lots of options.