- Home
- Find A Travel Agent
- North Carolina
- Ashlin Leblond
- Belgium Travel Agent Specialist
Belgium Travel Agent Specialist
Ashlin Leblond
Cary, NC Travel Agent· 3 Years of Experience
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Belgium, Brussels, Brugge, Antwerp, GhentInterests:
Arts & Culture, Culinary & Foodie, Historical Sites, Museums, Parks & GardensAbout Me
Belgium is a compact yet profoundly diverse country where medieval towns, Gothic cathedrals, and contemporary culture coalesce. Positioned between France, the Netherlands, and Germany, Belgium boasts a layered identity—with three official languages (Dutch, French, and German), distinct regional traditions, and a reputation as both a diplomatic capital and a cultural hub.
Brussels: The Artistic and Political Capital
Arts & Culture: Brussels is a city of contrasts, where Gothic churches neighbor glass-and-steel EU buildings. It’s the capital of the European Union, but also the homeland of Art Nouveau, pioneered by architects like Victor Horta, whose house-museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s bohemian side thrives in neighborhoods like Ixelles and Saint-Gilles, while the Comic Strip Center pays tribute to Belgium's legacy in graphic art, from Tintin to The Smurfs.
Culinary & Food: Famous for its chocolate, waffles, mussels with fries, and craft beer, Brussels is a gourmet playground. Sample artisanal chocolates at Pierre Marcolini or Neuhaus, grab a waffle from a street vendor, or dine in style at the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. The Marolles and Sablon districts mix local markets with trendy eateries and cafés.
Museums: Brussels is home to top-tier institutions like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, housing works by Rubens, Magritte, and Bruegel. The Magritte Museum is a must-see for surrealist art lovers. The House of European History offers insight into Europe’s shared past and future.
Historical Sites: The Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, framed by ornate 17th-century guild halls. Other landmarks include Manneken Pis, the Palais Royal, and St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, each reflecting different eras of Brussels' long history.Parks & Gardens: Green escapes include Parc de Bruxelles, near the Royal Palace, and the Botanical Garden of Meise, just outside the city. Parc du Cinquantenaire features triumphal arches and grand gardens, perfect for a stroll or picnic.
Brugge (of Bruges): The Medieval Fairytale City
Arts & Culture: Bruges feels like stepping into a time capsule. With its medieval towers, cobblestone alleys, and winding canals, the city is often dubbed the "Venice of the North." Bruges is also famous for its Flemish Primitive painters, such as Jan van Eyck, whose legacy is visible throughout the city.Culinary & Food: Bruges has a rich culinary tradition. Alongside hearty Flemish stews and mussels, you’ll find high-end restaurants like De Karmeliet (Michelin-starred), cozy beer cafés, and of course, artisan chocolate shops. Don’t miss the Choco-Story Museum, which explores the history of chocolate in Belgium.
Museums: The Groeningemuseum showcases works by Van Eyck and other Flemish masters, while the Historium offers a multi-sensory journey through Bruges’ golden age. The Frietmuseum is a quirky tribute to Belgium’s beloved fries.
Historical Sites: The Belfry of Bruges, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Beguinage offer stunning examples of medieval architecture. Walking around Minnewaterpark and the surrounding canals feels like living in a painting.
Parks & Gardens: Minnewaterpark, with its "Lake of Love," is a romantic spot filled with swans. The Astridpark offers quiet benches and floral landscaping, ideal for relaxing in the heart of the city.
Antwerp: The Fashion and Diamond Capital
Arts & Culture: Antwerp is the city of Rubens, whose former home is now the Rubenshuis Museum. It’s also Belgium’s fashion capital, with avant-garde designers emerging from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Street art, galleries, and concept stores fill districts like Het Zuid and Eilandje.
Culinary & Food: A fusion of international cuisines and local favorites, Antwerp’s dining scene is diverse and trendy. Try stoofvlees (beef stew) with fries or visit the Old Brewery of De Koninck. The city also boasts some of Belgium’s finest cocktail bars and chocolate boutiques.
Museums: The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) presents Antwerp’s maritime and cultural history with panoramic rooftop views. The Museum of Contemporary Art (M HKA) and ModeMuseum (MoMu) explore modern and fashion arts.
Historical Sites: The Cathedral of Our Lady, a Gothic masterpiece, holds paintings by Rubens. Het Steen, a medieval fortress by the Scheldt River, and the 16th-century Grote Markt showcase Antwerp's strategic and economic significance.
Parks & Gardens: The Cathedral of Our Lady, a Gothic masterpiece, holds paintings by Rubens. Het Steen, a medieval fortress by the Scheldt River, and the 16th-century Grote Markt showcase Antwerp's strategic and economic significance.