INDEX
| A | B | C | D |
| E | F | G | H |
| I | J | K | L |
| M | N | O | P |
| R | S | T | U |
| V | W | Y | Z |
A
Accommodations: See Sleeping
Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (Van Eyck): 279, 291, 296–300
Adornes Domein (Bruges): 46, 49
AfricaMuseum (Tervuren): 141, 166–167
Airports, in Brussels: 133, 225–226
Almanac, Belgium: 317
Amsterdam: train travel, 223, 271
Antwerp: 12, 228–271; at a glance, 235; arrival in, 231; eating, 263–269; helpful hints, 231, 234; history of, 230; itineraries, 229; maps, 232–233, 264–265; nightlife, 270–271; orientation, 229; shopping, 269–270; sights/activities, 235–262; sleeping, 262–263; tourist information, 229, 231; tours, 231; transportation, 231, 234, 271; walking tour, 235–248
Antwerp Castle: 243–244
Antwerp Central Station: 231, 236–237
Antwerp City Card: 231
Antwerp City Hall: 241
Antwerp Fashion District: 240, 270
Antwerp Old Dockyards: 246–248, 255
“Antwerp Story” (sxhibit): 244
Apartment rentals: 336, 339–340
Apps: 22, 352; language, 24, 326; maps and navigation, 332, 359; messaging, 352; payment, 22, 327; sightseeing, 333–334
Art: Flemish Primitives, 79; oil painting, 83; tapestries, 181. See also Art museums; Art Nouveau; and specific artists and artworks
Art museums: Brussels City Museum, 139–141, 144, 173; Ghent Fine Arts Museum, 279, 302–305; Groeninge Museum (Bruges), 77–85; Gruuthuse Museum (Bruges), 37, 40–42; Magritte Museum (Brussels), 140, 150, 201–204; Memling Collection (Bruges), 37, 43, 86–92; Museum of Art & History (Brussels), 161–162; Old Masters Museum (Brussels), 150, 196–201; Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Antwerp), 235, 260–262; Rubens House (Antwerp), 235, 239, 255; Snijders-Rockox House Museum (Antwerp), 235, 253–254; Stedelijk Contemporary Art Museum (Ghent), 305. See also Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Art Nouveau: 148, 150–151, 164, 179, 236
Ascent to Calvary, The (Rubens): 200
Assault, The (Magritte): 85
Audio Europe, Rick Steves: 22, 362
Autoworld (Brussels): 141, 159–160
B
Banks (banking): alerting to travel, 22. See also Money
Basilica of the Holy Blood (Bruges): 37, 39–40, 63–66
Battle of Waterloo: 140, 167–170, 319; sights, 167–170
Baudelostraat (Ghent): 288
Bed-and-breakfasts (B&Bs): 338–339; Antwerp, 263; Bruges, 97–98; Brussels, 206, 207; Ghent, 308
Beer (breweries): 8, 10, 346–349; Antwerp, 267, 270–271; Bruges, 49–51, 71, 99, 103–104, 107, 109; Beer Experience, 50–51; Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery, 37, 50, 71; De Halve Maan Brewery, 37, 50, 74; guided tours, 33; Brussels, 216–217; Brewery Museum, 144, 173
Begijnhof (Bruges): 37, 43, 74–75
Begijnhof (Ghent): 307
Belfort (Bruges): 31, 37, 39, 61–62; carillon concerts, 62, 108
Belfort (Ghent): 285
Belfort (Ypres): 119
Belgian beer: See Beer
Belgian chocolate: See Chocolate
Belgian Comic Strip Center (Brussels): 141, 147–148
Belgian Congo: 126, 152, 162, 166–167, 190, 319, 321
Belgian cuisine: 7–8, 343–346. See also Chocolate; Eating; Fries; Waffles
Belgian fries: See Fries
Belgian waffles: See Waffles
Bell towers: See Belfort
BELvue Museum (Brussels): 140, 151–152, 188
Benelux (Brussels): 190
Berlin: train travel, 224
Biking: Antwerp, 234; bikes on trains, 354; Bruges, 30, 31, 54–57; tours, 33, 34–35; Brussels, 137; Damme, 34–35, 54–57; Flanders Fields, 113; Ghent, 279
Bird Market (Antwerp): 234
Biskajerplein (Bruges): 46
Blauwmoezelstraat (Antwerp): 267
Blinde-Ezelstraat (Bruges): 69
Boat tours and cruises: Bruges, 32–33; Ghent, 280
Bookstores: Bruges, 31; Brussels, 134; Ghent, 279–280
Border crossings: 358
Bosch, Hieronymus: 84, 198, 303–304
Boulevard Anspach (Brussels): 128, 179
Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery (Bruges): 37, 50, 71
Bourse (Brussels): 179
Breweries: See Beer
Brewery Museum (Brussels): 144, 173
Bruegel, Pieter: 178, 191, 199–200, 261, 304
Bruges: 12, 26–110; at a glance, 37; arrival in, 30; eating, 99–106; excursion areas, 111–124; helpful hints, 31–32; history of, 63; itineraries, 27; maps, 28–29, 38, 44, 60, 96, 100, 105; nightlife, 108–109; shopping, 106–108; sights/activities, 36–93; sleeping, 94–99; tourist information, 27, 30; tours, 32–35; transportation, 30, 32, 110; walking tours, 43–47, 58–76
Bruges Beer Experience: 50–51
Bruges Bell Tower: 31, 37, 39, 61–62; carillon concerts, 108 62
Bruges canals: 26, 46–47, 54–55, 69, 70–72; cruises, 32–33
Bruges City Hall: 37, 40, 63, 66–68
Bruges City Theater: 44
Bruges Fish Market: 69–70, 107–108
Bruges Folklore Museum: 37, 47–48
Bruges Markt: See Markt
Brussels: 12, 126–226; at a glance, 140–141; arrival in, 131–133; eating, 210–220; helpful hints, 133–135; itineraries, 130–131; map, 154–155; maps, 127, 129, 134–135, 142–143, 174–175, 186–187, 208–209, 212–213, 224; nightlife, 221–223; orientation, 128–130; shopping, 220–221; sights/activities, 139–204; sleeping, 205–210; tourist information, 131; tours, 137–138; transportation, 131–133, 136–137, 223–226; walking tours, 171–194; Grand Place, 171–182; Matongé, 162–165; Upper Town, 183–194
Brussels Brewery Museum: 144, 173
Brussels Card: 131
Brussels City Museum: 139–141, 144, 173
Brussels Town Hall: 139, 172, 173
Budgeting: 19–20
Buls, Charles: 180
Burghers’ Lodge (Bruges): 45
Burg Square (Bruges): 37, 39, 62–63
Burgstraat (Ghent): 314
Buses: 356–357; Antwerp, 234; Bruges, 30, 32; Brussels, 136–137, 137, 225
Butchers Hall (Ghent): 290
C
Cabs: See Taxis
Café-Brasserie Craenenburg (Bruges): 61, 102
Cafés, bars, and brasseries, overview: 343
Café Vlissinghe (Bruges): 103–104
Canals of Bruges: See Bruges canals
Carillons: Bruges, 62, 108; Ghent, 285
Car insurance: 358–359
Carmersstraat (Bruges): 46
Car navigation: 359
Car travel (driving): 359–360; Bruges, 30; Flanders Fields, 112–113; Ghent, 278
Castle of the Counts (Ghent): 279, 289–290, 300–302
Caterpillar Crater (Flanders Fields): 120–121
Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp): 235, 240–241, 248–252
Cemeteries, at Flanders Fields: 121, 123–124
Census at Bethlehem, The (Bruegel): 199–200
Centraal/Central Station (Brussels): 132, 223
Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée (Brussels): 141, 147–148, 150
Chain restaurants, overview: 342
Charles the Bold, tomb of: 72–73
Charlie Rockets (Bruges): 99, 109
Chaussée de Wavre (Brussels): 163–164
Chocolate: 8, 346; Antwerp, 239; Bruges, 45, 51–54; Brussels, 144, 176, 177, 192; Ghent, 286, 314; history of, 53
Chocolate Line (Antwerp): 52, 239
Choco-Story The Chocolate Museum (Bruges): 54
Choco-Story The Chocolate Museum (Brussels): 145, 181
Christmas markets, in Bruges: 32
Churches and cathedrals: architecture, 320; Basilica of the Holy Blood (Bruges), 37, 39–40, 63–66; Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp), 235, 240–241, 248–252; Church of Our Lady (Bruges), 37, 40, 72–73; Notre-Dame du Sablon (Brussels), 152–153, 188–189; St. Jacques-sur-Coudenberg (Brussels), 184–185; St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Brussels), 141, 147; St. Nicholas Church (Ghent), 283–284; St. Nicolas Church (Brussels), 178. See also St. Bavo Cathedral
Church of Our Lady (Bruges): 37, 40, 72–73
Church of Our Lady (Damme): 57
Cinquantenaire Museums (Brussels): 159–162
Classroom Europe, Rick Steves: 22, 362
Climate: 14–15
Clothing sizes: 364
Coffee, about: 349
Comic Strip Center, Belgian (Brussels): 141, 147–148
Concertgebouw (Bruges): 108
Confiserie De Clerck (Bruges): 45, 52
Consulates: 325
Costs of trip: 19–20
Coth Hall (Ghent): 285
Coudenberg Palace (Brussels): 152
Credit cards: 22, 326–330, 358–359
Cruises: See Boat tours and cruises
Cruise ships, in Zeebrugge: 110, 226
Cuisine: 7–8, 343–346. See also Chocolate; Eating; Fries; Waffles
Currency and exchange: 328–329
Customs regulations: 331
D
Damme: 56–57; biking, 34–35, 54–57
Damme Canal: 55–56
David, Gerard: 84
David, Jacques-Louis: 200–201
Death and the Miser (Provoost): 83
Death of Marat, The (David): 200–201
Death of the Virgin (Van der Goes): 81–82
De Halve Maan Brewery (Bruges): 37, 50, 74
De Keyserlei (Antwerp): 237, 270
Delporte, Charles: 57
Design Museum (Ghent): 279, 302
Diamond Quarter (Antwerp): 229, 237, 238
Dining: See Eating
Dinosaurs: 159
Discounts: See Money-saving tips
DIVA (Diamond and Silver Museum; Antwerp): 253
Dockworkers’ House (Bruges): 46
Drinks: See Beer; Jenever
Driving: See Car travel
Duke Philip the Good (Van der Weyden): 81
“Dulce et Decorum Est” (Owen): 117
Dutch restaurant phrases: 368
Dutch survival phrases: 367
Dutch Theater (Ghent): 286
Dynamic currency conversion: 329
E
East Brussels: 153–165; map, 154–155
Eating: 340–349; Antwerp, 263–269; Bruges, 99–106; Brussels, 210–220; budgeting, 19; dining tips, 341–342; Dutch phrases, 368; Flanders Fields, 121–122; French phrases, 370; Ghent, 309–314; money-saving tips, 20; tipping, 330, 342. See also Food
Eiermarkt (Bruges): 109
Electricity: 325–326
Embassies: 325
Emergencies: 325
Engelsestraat (Bruges): 46
Entertainment: See Music; Nightlife
Environmental footprint (going green): 326
Ernst, Max: 305
Essex Farm Cemetery (Flanders Field): 124
Euro currency: 328–329
European Parliament (Brussels): 129, 153–159; general info, 140, 155–158; guided tours, 156–157; Parlamentarium, 154–155
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS): 324–325
European Union (EU): 156–157, 317
Eurostar: 110, 223, 224–225, 354, 356
F
Falconplein (Antwerp): 246
Farmers Tower (Antwerp): 240
Fashion and Lace Museum (Brussels): 141, 145–146
Fashion museum, ModeMuseum (Antwerp): 235, 260
Fast food fry shops, overview: 343
Fin-de-Siècle Museum (Brussels): 150
Fish markets: Bruges, 69–70, 107–108; Brussels, 146, 207, 216
Flanders Fields: 12, 111–124; background, 114–118; eating, 121–122; map, 113; sights, 118–124; tours, 112; from Bruges, 34; transportation, 112–114
Flanders vs. Wallonia: 322
Flemish fries: See Fries
Flemish Primitives: about, 79
Folklore Museum (Bruges): 37, 47–48
Food: 7–8, 99, 210, 211, 341–346; tours, in Bruges, 33. See also Chocolate; Eating; Fries; Markets; Mussels; Waffles
Frankrijklei (Antwerp): 237–238
French restaurant phrases: 370
French survival phrases: 369
Friday Market (Antwerp): 234, 260, 268
Fries (frieten): 7–8, 99, 343, 345–346; Antwerp, 267, 268; Bruges, 61–62, 104, 106; Brussels, 176; Ghent, 290–291, 309
G
Galeries Royales St. Hubert (Brussels): 177–178
Galler (Brussels): 176
GardeRobe MannekenPis (Brussels): 145
Gay men and lesbians, in Brussels: 222
Geldmuntstraat (Bruges): 107
Gentse Feesten: 279
Geography: 317
German Military Cemetery (Flanders Field): 123–124
Gezellig Quarter (Bruges), eating: 103–104
Ghent: 12, 274–315; at a glance, 279; arrival in, 278; eating, 309–314; helpful hints, 279–280; itineraries, 274–275; maps, 276–277, 281, 310–311; nightlife, 313–314; shopping, 314–315; sights/activities, 280–307; sleeping, 307–309; tourist information, 275, 278; tours, 280; transportation, 278, 315; walking tour, 280–291
Ghent Altarpiece: 279, 291, 296–300
Ghent Belfry: 285
Ghent Castle of the Counts: 279, 289–290, 300–302
Ghent City Hall: 287
Ghent City Market Hall: 284–285
Ghent City Museum: 279, 305–306
Ghent Festivities: 279
Ghent Fine Arts Museum: 279, 302–305
Google Translate: 24, 326, 350
Gothic Room (Bruges): 40, 66–67
Government: 317, 323. See also European Parliament; European Union
Graffitistraat (Ghent): 287–288
Grand Place (Brussels): 139, 140, 171–177, 180; chocolate shops, 144, 176; eating, 176, 210–211, 214; maps, 174–175, 212–213; shopping, 220; sleeping near, 205–207; waffles, 214; walking tour, 171–182
Gravensteen (Ghent): 279, 289–290, 300–302
Groeninge Museum (Bruges): 42, 71, 77–85; general info, 37, 42, 78; self-guided tour, 78–85
Groenplaats (Antwerp): 240
Groentenmarkt Square (Ghent): 290–291
Groot Begijnhof (Ghent): 307
Grote Markt (Antwerp): 229, 241–242; eating, 266–267
Gruuthuse Museum (Bruges): 37, 40–42
Gruuthuse Palace (Bruges): 71–72
Guidebooks, Rick Steves: 361–362; updates, 23, 361
H
Handelsbeurs (Antwerp): 239–240
Handschoenmarkt (Antwerp): 267
Haringmarkt (Damme): 57
Harp concerts, in Bruges: 108
Heilig-Bloedbasiliek (Bruges): 37, 39–40, 63–66
Hendrik Conscienceplein (Antwerp): eating, 267–268
Hill 60 (Flanders Fields): 120–121
History: 316–323
Holidays: 325
Holy Blood, Basilica of the (Bruges): 37, 39–40, 63–66
Holy Blood, Legend of the: 64
Hooge Crater (Flanders Fields): 121–122
Hoogpoort (Ghent): 287
Hopland (Antwerp): 269
Horse-and-buggy rides, in Bruges: 34
Hostels: 340; Antwerp, 263; Bruges, 99; Brussels, 207, 210; Ghent, 309
Hotels: See Sleeping
Hougoumont Farm (Brussels): 170
House of Alijn (Ghent): 289, 300
House of European History (Brussels): 158–159
Huidevettersplein (Bruges): 70
Huis van Alijn (Ghent): 289, 300
I
ICE trains: 224
“In Flanders Fields” (McCrae): 115
In Flanders Fields Museum (Ypres): 119
Information: 325; Antwerp, 229, 231; Bruges, 27, 30; Brussels, 131; Ghent, 275, 278; Ypres, 119
Internet security: 350
In&Uit (Bruges): 30
Itineraries: Antwerp, 229; best one-week trip by train, 17; Bruges, 27; Brussels, 130–131; designing your own, 14–16; Ghent, 274–275; top destinations, 11–12
J
Jan Breydelstraat (Ghent): 314
Jan van Eyckplein (Bruges): 45–46
Judgment of Cambyses (David): 84
K
Kant Centrum (Bruges): 48–49
Katelijnestraat (Bruges): 51–52, 74, 108
Kerkstraat (Damme): 57
King’s House (Brussels): 139–141, 144
Kloosterstraat (Antwerp): 269–270
Kokoschka, Oskar: 305
Koninklijke Nederlandse (Ghent): 286
Koninklijk Museum voorSchone Kunsten Antwerpen (Antwerp): 235, 260–262
Korenmarkt (Ghent): 282
Kuipersstraat (Antwerp): 244–245
Kupiersstraat (Bruges): 109
L
Lace: 48–49; about, 48; Fashion and Lace Museum (Brussels), 141, 145–146; shopping for, 49, 107, 180
Lace Center (Bruges): 48–49
Lamp Museum (Bruges): 54
Langemark: 123–124
Langestraat (Bruges): 109
Language: 9; Brussels, 126, 128, 132, 134–135; Dutch restaurant phrases, 368; Dutch survival phrases, 367; French restaurant phrases, 370; French survival phrases, 369; online translation tip, 326
Language barrier: 349
Last Judgment (Bosch): 84
Laundry: Antwerp, 234; Bruges, 31; Brussels, 135; Ghent, 279
Leonidas (Brussels): 176
Little Island (Antwerp): 229
Lombardenvest (Antwerp): 269
London: train travel, 110, 223, 224–225, 354, 356
Lower Town (Brussels): 128, 139–150; eating, 210–219; maps, 129, 142–143, 174–175, 212–213; sights, 139–150; sleeping, 205–210; walking tour, 171–182
M
Maarten Lutherplein (Antwerp): 269
McCrae, John: 115
Madonna and Child (Michelangelo): 73
Magritte, René: 85, 214, 304; biographical sketch, 203; Museum (Brussels), 140, 150, 201–204
Mail: 352
Manneken-Pis (Brussels): 140, 145, 181–182
Mariastraat (Bruges): 73
Markets: Antwerp, 234, 260, 268; Bruges, 31, 69–70, 107–108; Brussels, 146; Ghent, 279, 290; Ypres, 118–119
Markt (Bruges): 36, 37, 38–39, 43–44, 59, 60; beer, 103–104; eating, 61–62, 102–103; fries, 39, 61–62, 104, 106; maps, 38, 60; sleeping, 94–99
Marnixplaats (Antwerp): 268–269, 271
Marolles (Brussels): 191–192, 221
Martyrdom of St. Sebastian (Memling): 198–199
Marx, Karl: 173
Mary (Brussels): 176
Mary of Burgundy, tomb of: 72–73
MAS (Antwerp): 235, 247, 255–256
Mason’s Guild House (Ghent): 284
Matongé (Brussels): 129–130, 162–165; eating, 219–220; map, 163; nightlife, 222–223; shopping, 221
Mechelsesteenweg (Antwerp): 270
Medical help: 325
Meir, the (Antwerp): 229, 238–239; shopping, 270
Memling, Hans: 42, 43, 73–74, 82–83, 198–199; art trademarks of, 89. See also Memling Collection
Memling Collection (Bruges): 43, 73–74, 86–93; general info, 37, 43, 86–87; self-guided tour, 90–93
Mémorial 1815 (Brussels): 140, 168–170
Menin Gate (Ypres): 119–120
Metric system: 363–364
Métro (Brussels): 136
Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child: 73
Midi/Zuid/South Station (Brussels): 132–133, 223
Mini-Europe (Brussels): 165–166
Mobile phones: 350–352. See also Apps
ModeMuseum (Antwerp): 235, 260
Money: 326–331; average daily expenses, 19; budgeting, 19–20
Money-saving tips: 19–20, 326; Antwerp, 231; Bruges, 31, 36; Brussels, 131; Ghent, 275, 278; sightseeing, 333; sleeping, 335–336
Moreel Triptych (Memling): 82–83
Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles: 139–141, 144
Musée des Instruments de Musique (Brussels): 141, 150–151
Musée Magritte (Brussels): 140, 150, 201–204
Musée Mode et de la Dentelle (Brussels): 141, 145–146
Musée Royal de l’Armée et d’Histoire Militaire (Brussels): 141, 160–161
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique (Brussels): See Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Museum aan de Stroom (Antwerp): 235, 247, 255–256
Museum Dr. Guislain (Ghent): 306–307
Museum of Art & History (Brussels): 161–162
Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium (Brussels): See Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Museum of Original Figurines (Brussels): 148, 150
Museum Plantin-Moretus (Antwerp): 235, 258–260
Museum Vleeshuis (Antwerp): 252–253
Museum voor Schone Kunsten (Ghent): 279, 302–305
Music: Antwerp, 270–271; Bruges, 108–109; Brussels, 222; Ghent, 279, 313–314. See also Carillons; Jazz
Music Academy (Brussels): 190
Musical Instruments Museum (Antwerp): 252–253
Musical Instruments Museum (Brussels): 141, 150–151, 185
Mussels (moules): 7–8, 99, 211, 345
Mystical Marriage of St. Catherine (Memling): 90–92
N
Nightlife: Antwerp, 270–271; Bruges, 108–109; Brussels, 221–223; budgeting, 19; Ghent, 313–314. See also Music; Red Light District
Noordzandstraat (Bruges): 107
Nord/Noord Station (Brussels): 133
Notre-Dame du Sablon Church (Brussels): 152–153, 188–189
Numbers and stumblers: 363–364
O
Oil paint: about, 83
Old Butchers Hall (Antwerp): 245, 252–253
Old Chocolate House (Bruges): 52, 106
Old Dockyards (Antwerp): 246–248, 255
Old Fish Market (Brussels): 146, 207, 216
Old Fish Market (Ghent): 290
Old Masters Museum (Brussels): 150, 196–201; map, 197
Old St. John’s Church (Bruges): 108
Old Town (Antwerp): 229; eating, 266–269; map, 232–233; nightlife, 270–271; sights, 248–255; sleeping, 262–263; walking tour, 235–244
Ons Huis (Ghent): 288–289
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal (Antwerp): 235, 240–241, 248–252
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Bruges): 37, 40, 72–73
Oude Beursplein (Bruges): 45
Our Lady of the Inkpot (Bruges): 69
Owen, Wilfred: 117
P
Packing tips and checklist: 22, 365
Palais de Justice (Brussels): 190–191
Palais Royale (Brussels): 186–188
Paleis op de Meir (Antwerp): 239
Parc de Bruxelles (Brussels): 185–186
Paris: train travel, 223–224, 271, 354, 356
Park of the Cinquantenaire Museums (Brussels): 159–162
Parlamentarium (Brussels): 154–155
Parliament (Brussels): See European Parliament
Passchendaele Museum (Zonnebeke): 122–123
Pelgrimstraat (Antwerp): 266–267
Phones: 350–352
Pierre Marcolini (Brussels): 177, 192
Place de la Bourse (Brussels): 179
Place du Grand Sablon (Brussels): 192
Place du Petit Sablon (Brussels): 189–190
Place Fernand Cocq (Brussels): 164–165, 219–220
Place Poelaert (Brussels): 191–192
Place Royale (Brussels): 184–185
Place Ste. Catherine (Brussels): 146
Place St-Géry (Brussels): 128, 146–147; eating, 219; nightlife, 222; shopping, 221
Place Vieille Halle aux Blés (Brussels): 193–194
Population: 317
Portrait of Anthony of Burgundy (Van der Weyden): 196–198
Portrait of a Young Woman (Memling): 92–93
Portrait of Margareta van Eyck (Van Eyck): 80
Post offices: 352
Pralinette (Bruges): 52
Provoost, Jan: 83
Provost’s House (Bruges): 63
R
Rail passes: 21, 355, 356, 361
Rail travel: See Train travel
Red Light District (Antwerp): 246
Red Star Line Museum (Antwerp): 235, 256–258
Renaissance Hall (Bruges): 40, 68–69
Rental apartments: 336, 339–340
Resources from Rick Steves: 361–362
Restaurants: See Eating
Rockox House Museum (Antwerp): 235, 253–254
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (Brussels): 159
Royal Museum of Central Africa (Brussels): See AfricaMuseum
Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Antwerp): 235, 260–262
Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History (Brussels): 141, 160–161
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (Brussels): 150, 185, 195–204; general info, 140, 150, 195–196; Magritte Museum, 140, 150, 201–204; map, 197; Old Masters Museum, 196–201
Royal Palace (Brussels): 186–188
Rubens, Peter Paul: 200, 240, 261, 279, 295–296, 304; biographical sktch, 250–251; Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp), 249–252; House (Antwerp), 235, 239, 255
Rubenshuis (Antwerp): 235, 239, 255
Rue Antoine Dansaert (Brussels): 220
Rue de la Paix (Brussels): 164, 219
Rue de Rollebeek (Brussels): 192–193
Rue des Bouchers (Brussels): 178; eating, 214–215
Rue des Chartreux (Brussels): 219, 221
Rue du Marché au Charbon (Brussels): 221, 222
Rue du Marché aux Herbes (Brussels): 177
Rue Longue Vie (Brussels): 164, 219
Rue Neuve (Brussels): 221
Rue Saint-Boniface (Brussels): 164, 219
S
St. Bavo Cathedral (Ghent): 286–287, 291–300; eating near, 312–313; general info, 279, 291–293; map, 292; self-guided tour, 293–300
St. Bavo’s Square (Ghent): 286
Ste. Catherine (Brussels): 128–129, 146, 179–180; eating, 216–218; nightlife, 222; sleeping, 207
St. Jacques-sur-Coudenberg Church (Brussels): 184–185
St. Janshuys Windmill (Bruges): 47
St. John Altarpiece (Memling): 90–92
St. John’s Hospital (Bruges): See Sint Janshospitaal
St. Luke Drawing the Virgin’s Portrait (Van der Weyden): 80–81
St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Brussels): 141, 147
St. Michael’s Bridge (Ghent): 282–283
St. Nicholas Church (Ghent): 283–284
St. Nicolas Church (Brussels): 178
St. Salvator’s Cathedral (Bruges): 109
St. Ursula Shrine (Memling): 88–90
Schelle Windmill (Damme): 56
Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam): 110, 223, 271
Schuttershofstraat (Antwerp): 269
Seasons: 14–15
Serpentstraat (Ghent): 314
Shopping: Antwerp, 269–270; Bruges, 106–108; Brussels, 220–221; budgeting, 19; clothing sizes, 364; Ghent, 314–315; VAT refunds, 330–331. See also Chocolate; Diamonds; Lace; Markets
Sightseeing: 331–334; best one-week trip by train, 17; budgeting, 19; general tips, 333–334; money-saving tips, 19; planning tips, 332; reservations and advance tickets, 21, 332–333; top destinations, 11–12. See also Itineraries; and specific sights and destinations
SIM cards: 352
Sint-Andries (Antwerp): 229, 270; eating, 267
Sint-Baafskathedraal (Ghent): See St. Bavo Cathedral
Sint-Goriksplein (Brussels): See Place St-Géry
Sint Janshospitaal (Bruges): 43, 73–74, 86–93; general info, 37, 43, 86–87; self-guided tour, 87–90
Sint-Michielsbrug (Ghent): 282–283
Sint-Niklaaskerk (Ghent): 283–284
Sint-Paulusplaats (Antwerp): 245–246
Sleep code: 335
Sleeping: 334–340; Antwerp, 262–263; Bruges, 94–99; Brussels, 205–210; budgeting, 19; Ghent, 307–309; money-saving tips, 19–20, 335–336; reservations, 19–20, 21, 338–339; types of accommodations, 337–340
Smartphones: 22, 350–352. See also Apps
Snijders-Rockox House Museum (Antwerp): 235, 253–254
South Charleroi Airport (Brussels): 225–226
Spanjaardstraat (Bruges): 46
Special events: See Festivals
Stadsfeestzaal (Antwerp): 238, 270
Stadsmuseum Gent (Ghent): 279, 305–306
Stadsschouwburg (Bruges): 44, 108
Stedelijk Contemporary Art Museum (Ghent): 305
Steenstraat (Bruges): 62, 104, 107
Stock Exchange (Brussels): 179
Subway: See Metro
Suikerrui (Antwerp): 242
Swan House (Brussels): 173
Synagogue, in Brussels: 190
T
Tapestries: about, 181
’t Apostelientje (Bruges): 49, 107
Taverne du Passage (Brussels): 177
Taxes, VAT refunds: 330–331
Taxis: 357; Bruges, 30, 32; Brussels, 137; Ghent, 278; tipping, 330
Telephones: 350–352
Temmerman (Ghent): 289
Teniers, David: 237–238
Tervuren: 166
Theatre Royal de la Monnaie (Brussels): 222
Theft alerts: 23, 133, 325, 329–330
Tierenteyn Verlent (Ghent): 291
Time zones: 325
Tintin (comic): 10, 149, 173, 180, 321; Belgian Comic Strip Center (Brussels), 141, 147–148
Tour d’Angle (Brussels): 193
Tour guides: Bruges, 33–34; Brussels, 138; Ghent, 280; pre-booking, 21
Tourist information: 325; Antwerp, 229, 231; Bruges, 27, 30; Brussels, 131; Ghent, 275, 278; Ypres, 119
Tours: Antwerp, 231; Bruges, 32–35; Brussels, 137–138; Flanders Fields, 34, 112; Ghent, 280; Rick Steves, 361
Train travel: 353–356; Antwerp, 231, 271; best one-week itinerary, 17; Bruges, 30, 110; Brussels, 131–133, 223–225; budgeting, 19; Ghent, 278, 315; map, 354; schedules, 353; tickets, 353–356
Trams: Antwerp, 231, 234, 248; Brussels, 136; Ghent, 278; Kusttram, 110
Transportation: 352–360; Antwerp, 231, 234, 271; Bruges, 30, 32, 110; Brussels, 131–133, 136–137, 223–226; budgeting, 19; Ghent, 278, 315; pre-booking, 21. See also Buses; Car travel; Taxis; Train travel; Trams
Travel advisories: 324
Travel insurance: 21, 327, 359
Travel smarts: 23–24
Travel tips: 324–326
Trip costs: 19–20
Triptych of the Temptations of St. Anthony (Bosch): 198
’t Stropke: 290
Tyne Cot Cemetery (Flanders Fields): 123
’T Zuid (Antwerp): 229, 258–260; eating, 268–269; nightlife, 271; shopping, 270
U
Upper Town (Brussels): 129, 150–153, 183–194; maps, 129, 186–187; sights, 150–153; walking tour, 183–194
Ursula, Saint: 88–90
V
Van Artevelde, Jakob: 288
Van der Goes, Hugo: 81–82
Van der Weyden, Rogier: 80–81, 196–198, 303
Van Dyck, Anthony: 238, 254, 304
Van Eyck, Jan: 45, 78–80, 261; Ghent Altarpiece, 279, 291, 296–300
Van Hoorebeke Chocolatier (Ghent): 286
Van Rysselberghe, Théo: 305
VAT refunds: 330–331
Veemarkt (Antwerp): 245
Vieux Marché aux Poissons (Brussels): 146
Villa Tinto (Antwerp): 246
Virgin and Child with Canon Joris van der Paele (van Eyck): 78–80
Visitor information: See Tourist information
Vismarkt (Bruges): 69–70, 107–108
Vlamingstraat (Bruges): 44–45
Volkskundemuseum (Bruges): 37, 47–48
Volkstraat (Antwerp): 269
Vrijdagmarkt (Antwerp): 234, 260, 268
Vrijdagmarkt (Ghent): 288–289, 314, 315
W
Waffles: 132, 346; Antwerp, 269; Bruges, 106; Brussels, 214
Walking tours, guided: Antwerp, 231; Bruges, 33; Ghent, 280
Walking tours, self-guided: Antwerp, 235–248; Bruges, 43–47, 58–76; Brussels, 171–194; Matongé, 162–165; Ghent, 280–291
Wallonia vs. Flanders: 322
Walplein (Bruges): 74
Walpoortstraat (Ghent): 313, 314–315
Waterloo: 192. See also Battle of Waterloo
Weather: 14–15
Wijngaartstraat (Bruges): 74
Wittamer Chocolatier (Brussels): 192
Woeste, Charles: 164
World’s Fair Grounds (Brussels): 130, 165–166
World War I: 152, 160–161, 192, 321. See also Flanders Fields
Y
Ypres: 111, 118–120; transportation, 114. See also Flanders Fields
Ypres Belfry: 119
Z
Zaventem: See Brussels Airport
Zeebrugge Cruise Port: 110, 226
Zuidzandstraat (Bruges): 107