"A superbly preserved medieval centre anchored by St Nicholas’s Church, the Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral, which houses Jan van Eyck’s luminous altarpiece, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Other highlights include the fortified Gravensteen castle, scenic boat tours along the historic Korenlei and Graslei quaysides, and contemporary architecture such as De Krook library and the barn‑like City Pavilion (locally nicknamed the “sheep pen”). The city also boasts excellent dining, including Roots, which serves bistronomy dishes." - Clodagh Kinsella