Belgium was a new country for me, and ever since watching the popular movie In Bruges, it had been on my travel list. Like the Netherlands, Belgium is relatively small, so I visited just three cities while making my way to France. That said, I might explore more of the country on my way back, especially since Ghent and Bruges were absolutely stunning. Of course, there was some cycling in Belgium as well! Let me tell you more about my first impressions…
Antwerp
Antwerp was my first stop in Belgium and rather disappointing. My first impression? A city that has lots of fancy shops in a rather dirty surrounding. ComAntwerp was my first stop while cycling in Belgium, and to be honest, it was rather disappointing. My first impression? A city with lots of fancy shops, but set in surprisingly dirty surroundings. Coming from the Netherlands, which felt very clean and well maintained, Antwerp seemed quite run-down in comparison. The inner city was nice enough, but overall, the look and feel of Antwerp didn’t really impress me.
Luckily, Ghent was my next stop. And Ghent completely changed my first impression of Belgium. It showed me that cycling in Belgium has a lot more to offer.
Ghent – Cycling in Belgium
What a magnificent place Ghent is. I have visited many cities on my travels, but there aren’t too many towns that feel made for photography. In Ghent, however, I couldn’t stop taking photos.
The architecture and design of the buildings were so unique that the city almost appeared more three-dimensional than others. Every corner and every street I walked through in the old town seemed to offer a different view and perspective, especially when Gravensteen Castle suddenly appeared.
I fully enjoyed Ghent and would come back here any time. Cycling in Belgium, especially in and around Ghent, was a lot of fun. Ghent is an absolute must-see! Bruges is next on the list!
Cycling in Belgium – From Ghent Bruges and Antwerp
I have to admit, I had been spoiled by the cycling infrastructure in the Netherlands. Read – Cycling in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Although I still saw plenty of people cycling in Belgium, the bike paths felt older, were not as well signposted, and drivers seemed a little less accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists.
That said, Belgium is still a wonderfully flat country, making it ideal for cycling. I decided to ride from my hotel in Aalter all the way to Bruges. Approx. 27 km each way.
I solved the dilemma of wanting to look stylish in Bruges while still being comfortable on the bike by wearing my padded cycling shorts underneath my dress. Problem solved! The ride along the canal was absolutely beautiful. The only interruption came when I found myself in the middle of a butterfly sanctuary and had to walk my bike through it. But that’s all part of the adventure of cycling in Belgium, isn’t it?
In Bruges
Bruges, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautiful and idyllic town. I won’t give you a long list of reasons why you should visit (as so many other travel blogs do). After all, if you’ve seen or heard of the movie In Bruges, no introduction is necessary.
Just go and be amazed as you wander through the charming streets of the old town, passing far too many tempting Belgian waffle shops along the way. Personally, I chose to sample plenty of Belgian chocolate instead. Delicious!
And so…
The capital, Brussels, is still on my list to visit, but I truly believe Bruges and Ghent are two of the most stunning cities in Belgium.
A small travel tip: if you do want to visit Antwerp, make it your first stop. Because after Antwerp, it only gets better.
As for me, I’ll definitely be back. Belgium may not have the cycling infrastructure of the Netherlands, but its flat landscape, charming towns, and scenic routes make cycling in Belgium an experience well worth repeating. Until next time… xx
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