Head across the pedestrian bridge to the river island of Buda, part of a huge urban renewal project seeking to support the contemporary artistic life of the city. Check out three main art spaces: the Budascoop, Budatoren and the Budafabriek.

Visit Kortrijk's star contemporary museum: Texture. Housed in an original flax depot, Texture invites visitors to learn about the community roots, craftsmanship and entrepreneurship behind Flanders' history of textile production. 

Wander around the cobblestone courtyards of Kortrijk's UNESCO Béguinage, the former home of the lay contemplative Beguines. Be sure to pop into the Sint-Annazaal Experience Centre which sheds a contemporary light on the Flemish beguinages through personal narrative and storytelling. 
 

Take the day for a leisurely cycle or boat trip (there's even an historic paddle steamer) from Bruges to Damme, a lovely community with some superb restaurants.

Uncover Bruges from a different perspective as you drift along the back waterways of Bruges' leafy canal, passing some of the city's most scenic spots that are only reachable by boat. 

Head to the Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde, a secluded 'town within a town' and home of the former beguines: lay-women who led a life of contemplation and philanthropic devotion. Today, the whitewash, cobbled Beguinage is a beautiful place to relax and uncover something of the peace of the Beguines community. 

Mosey around Ghent's 'wheat market' overlooking the waterfront. The square is lined by the city's most striking architecture (including the spectacular old post office) which now houses pubs, restaurants, and some of Ghent's favourite local hangouts. 

Weave your way through the designated graffiti street of Werregarenstraat, where layers upon layers of spraypainted doodles sit beside spectacular monochrome murals by Ghent's most loved street artist, Klaas Van der Linden.

Step inside the Gothic Saint Bavo's Cathedral for a peek at the recently-restored Van Eyck oil altarpiece: the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (De Aanbidding van het Lams God). 

Indulge at Chocolate Nation, Belgium's largest chocolate museum, and uncover the history and craftsmanship of some of the country's most acclaimed chocolatiers. The interactive exhibits make for a magical experience, perfectly rounded off with the all-important tasting session.

Hop on a rented bike and head to Middelheim Park, home to the Middelheim Museum, Europe's only permaculture sculpture park.

Head to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, or KMSKA, which recently reopened after a ground-breaking eleven-year restoration. The gallery showcases a unique curation of classical and contemporary, where key modernist works by the likes of Basquiat appear beside Rubens masterpieces, so big that the gallery walls had to be built around them.

Explore Brussels and its surrounding rural areas on two wheels by hiring a bike from one of the many rental points dotted around the city. Belgium has a safe and extensive network of cycle highways, and you can easily be out in the countryside within a few kilometres.

Pay a visit to the historic Théâtre Royal de Toone, the only traditional Brussels marionette theatre still in operation today, to catch a retelling of a classic tale like Dracula, Faust or the Three Musketeers.

Take a wander around the picturesque Parc d’Egmont, dotted with prominent historic statues and buildings, including the adjoining Neoclassical Palais d’Egmont (now a conference centre and government offices).