A guide to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels, Mechelen and Leuven.

Extensively revised and updated based on the author's frequent visits, "Flemish Cities Explored" features sights, museums, medieval towns, and art nouveau extravaganza. Includes lodging and restaurants in a range of price and style. 50 photos, 16 color illustrations, maps.

Although Belgium has only been an independent state since the 1830s, it has a long and complex past. This history is essential for understanding the complexities of issues that led to a devolution of the unitary Belgian state into a federation of linguistically based regions. In addition to the elements that contributed to Belgium's particular political evolution, the history which is traced in this book is a composite of many themes of broad historical interest and importance. Belgium: A History covers the gamut of Belgian history through dramas of religious and cultural conflict, intense localism, state building, uneven development, divergent class interests, war and domination, and finally, integration into a larger European community.

Publisher description

Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships. Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include * customs, values, and traditions * historical, religious, and political background * life at home * leisure, social, and cultural life * eating and drinking * dos, don'ts, and taboos * business practices * communication, spoken and unspoken "Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel "... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel "...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer "...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine "...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times

This Belgium & Luxembourg guidebook is perfect for independent travellers planning a longer trip. It features all of the must-see sights and a wide range of off-the-beaten-track places. It also provides detailed practical information on preparing for a trip and what to do on the ground. This Belgium & Luxembourg guidebook covers: Brussels, Flanders, Antwerp and the northeast of Belgium, Hainaut and Brabant Wallon, the Ardennes, and Luxembourg. Inside this Belgium & Luxembourg travel book, you’ll find: A wide range of sights – Rough Guides experts have hand-picked places for travellers with different needs and desires: off-the-beaten-track adventures, family activities or chilled-out breaks Itinerary examples – created for different time frames or types of trip Practical information – how to get to Belgium & Luxembourg, all about public transport, food and drink, shopping, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, tips for travellers with disabilities and more Author picks and things not to miss in Belgium & Luxembourg – Grand Place Brussels, Moselle Valley Luxembourg, Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, Ghent, the Hautes Fagnes, Ardennes, the Burg Bruges, Dinant cable car, Brussels art nouveau scene, Menin Gate, Ieper, Vianden castle Luxembourg, kayaking Ardennes, Mas Museum Antwerp Insider recommendations – tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money, and find the best local spots When to go to Belgium & Luxembourg – high season, low season, climate information and festivals Where to go – a clear introduction to Belgium & Luxembourg with key places and a handy overview Extensive coverage of regions, places and experiences – regional highlights, sights and places for different types of travellers, with experiences matching different needs Places to eat, drink and stay – hand-picked restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels Practical info at each site – hours of operation, websites, transit tips, charges Colour-coded mapping – with keys and legends listing sites categorised as highlights, eating, accommodation, shopping, drinking and nightlife Background information for connoisseurs – history, culture, art, architecture, film, books, religion, diversity Essential Flemish dictionary and glossary of local terms Fully updated post-COVID-19 The guide provides a comprehensive and rich selection of places to see and things to do in Belgium & Luxembourg, as well as great planning tools. It’s the perfect companion, both ahead of your trip and on the ground.

- One if the first titles in the new Hidden Secrets series - countries and regions- Follows on from the phenomenally successful 500 Hidden Secrets series which focuses on cities around the worldJournalist Derek Blyth was born in the U.K. but has lived in Belgium for more than 25 years. He has written countless articles about Belgian cities (for example as editor-in-chief of The Bulletin) and books like Flemish Cities Explored. He is the author of The 500 Hidden Secrets of Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Flanders Fields and the Belgian Coast. This brand new guide is his personal ode to the most beautiful and intriguing spots in what he calls 'the world's strangest country'. He shares secrets such as: - 3 weird rocky outcrops - the 3 most dreamy castles to visit - 4 places to see eccentric art - the 6 most bizarre buildings - 5 adventurous Ardennes hikes... and much more.