Changing Perceptions on Sight Loss in Style
Here’s how to spend a long weekend in the Flanders cities of Antwerp and Ghent.
My Weekend Evening Pamper RoutineWhen it comes to short getaways, Flanders offers a rich cultural spectrum of things to see, do, and eat — and with Brussels just two hours from London by Eurostar, it’s an ideal destination for a long weekend.
Earlier this month, I travelled to Antwerp and Ghent to experience the incredible mix of art, history, food, and accessibility that Belgium has to offer — all through the lens of a visually impaired traveller.
Whether you want to indulge in Belgian beer, waffles, and fries, or uncover centuries of history, these two cities offer something for everyone. Antwerp is known for its strong fashion scene, world-class museums, and links to the Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens, while Ghent is beloved for its storybook architecture, medieval charm, and Instagram-worthy St. Michael’s Bridge. Both cities are distinct, yet equally captivating.
Reaching either Antwerp or Ghent is simple by train via Brussels Midi Station, which connects directly to the Eurostar from London St Pancras. Assistance can be booked in advance at both London and Brussels stations, helping you avoid the busy queues during boarding.
Regular trains run from Brussels Midi to Antwerp Central Station roughly every 30 minutes, with a journey time of just under 45 minutes. Antwerp Central is one of Europe’s most beautiful train stations — its grand architecture alone makes it worth arriving early to explore.
For Ghent, take a direct train from Brussels Midi to Ghent St. Pieters Station, which takes about 35 minutes. Trains run every 15–20 minutes throughout the day, so you can easily plan a flexible itinerary.
Antwerp has long been one of Europe’s great trading cities, its port acting as a gateway for goods and ideas since the Middle Ages. By the 16th century, it had become one of the world’s richest cities and a thriving artistic centre, home to Peter Paul Rubens, whose influence is still woven throughout the city. Fast forward to the 1980s, and Antwerp found itself on the global fashion map thanks to the Antwerp Six — a group of avant-garde designers who revolutionised European fashion.
From Brussels Midi, I caught a direct train to Antwerp Central Station, which is fully accessible with staff available for assistance. From there, it was a short tram ride on Line 9 or 15 to Groenplaats, just a five-minute walk to my hotel near Grote Markt.
Getting around Antwerp is simple. The Antwerp City Pass offers unlimited tram and bus rides, free entry to museums, and discounts on attractions. The trams are frequent and easy to board, and the app for the City Pass is user-friendly. If you’re visually impaired, the staff are always happy to help with directions or boarding.
A small tip: some streets in central Antwerp are shared by pedestrians and cars, so stick close to building lines when walking.
I stayed at the Hotel Rubens, a welcoming four-star hotel just off Grote Markt. The location couldn’t be better — steps away from cafés, restaurants, and key attractions like the Cathedral. The rooms were comfortable, with lift access and clear layouts. The hotel’s quiet courtyard offered a lovely place to unwind after a busy day, and its proximity to tram stops made it ideal for exploring without hassle.
Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA)
The recently renovated KMSKA is home to a vast collection of classical and modern masterpieces. I booked an accessible guided tour with tactile images to help interpret the works, and participated in the museum’s brilliant Radio Bartinitiative — where blind volunteers lead discussions with sighted visitors about the meaning of art. It was one of the most enriching museum experiences I’ve ever had.
MoMu Fashion Walk
Organised by the MoMu Fashion Museum, this guided tour takes you through Antwerp’s most fashionable streets and historic boutiques. Along the way, I learned how the city became a hub of avant-garde design, visiting concept stores and ateliers that still shape Belgian style today. Even if you can’t see every display, the textures, sounds, and stories make fashion come alive in a whole new way.
Rubens House
Visiting the Rubens House offered a glimpse into the life of one of the greatest Baroque painters. With audio guides and tactile maps, the exhibition told Rubens’ story through sound and interaction. The gardens were peaceful and fragrant — a true hidden gem in the city centre.
Choclate Nation
No trip to Antwerp would be complete without a visit to Chocolate Nation, Belgium’s largest chocolate museum — and one of the most sensory attractions in the city. Located right next to Antwerp Central Station, it’s easy to find whether you’re arriving or departing.
The museum is designed as a fully immersive experience, taking you on a journey from the cocoa plantations to the final silky-smooth bar. For visitors with visual impairments, it’s wonderfully accessible: the audio guides are automatic, so there’s no need to press buttons or navigate complex screens — simply walk through the exhibits and let the stories unfold around you. Each room engages your senses through sound, scent, and touch, creating a vivid picture of how chocolate is made. And the best part? The experience ends with a tasting session of a wide range of Belgian chocolates, from creamy milk to rich dark and innovative flavours. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, Chocolate Nation is an unmissable treat that blends indulgence with storytelling in the most delicious way possible.
Dinner at Restaurant RAS and Brasserie Appelmans
Dining in Antwerp was a treat. At Restaurant RAS, located on the banks of the Scheldt River, I enjoyed a meal at sunset with panoramic views over the water. The menu changes seasonally, offering refined Belgian dishes and decadent desserts. Brasserie Appelmans, near the Cathedral, has a warm, lively atmosphere with excellent local food and even better cocktails.
Ghent’s name comes from the Celtic word “Ganda”, meaning “confluence,” a nod to the meeting of the Scheldt and Leie rivers that shaped the city’s prosperity. Once the second-largest city in medieval Europe after Paris, Ghent flourished through its cloth trade. Today, it retains its historic charm while embracing modern sustainability, boasting one of the largest car-free zones in Europe and a thriving student scene.
It’s also one of Belgium’s most photogenic cities, with its gothic cathedrals, canals, and the famous St. Michael’s Bridge offering picture-perfect views from every angle.
I travelled from Antwerp Central to Ghent St. Pieters on a direct Intercity (IC) train, a journey that took around 55 minutes. There are two or three trains per hour, making it easy to plan. If travelling from Brussels, direct trains to Ghent run every 15 minutes, taking just over 30 minutes.
From Ghent St. Pieters Station, several buses (1, 3, 38, and 39) run directly into the city centre, reaching the Korenmarkt area in around 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take Tram 1, which stops near many of the main attractions including Gravensteen Castle.
I stayed at the Monasterium PoortAckere, a converted 19th-century monastery that perfectly combines history and comfort. The building’s Gothic details and tranquil courtyards create a sense of calm, and my room was spacious, on one level, and easily accessible without stairs. The staff were warm and welcoming, always happy to provide directions or assistance. The location was ideal — tucked away in a quiet part of town but still within a short walk of Ghent’s main attractions.
The Ghent CityCard made exploring the city effortless. It includes unlimited tram and bus travel, access to museums and attractions, and even a boat tour along the canals. The trams were frequent, the stops well signposted, and much of the city centre is pedestrian-friendly — making it easy to explore independently.
STAM City Museum
At STAM, Ghent’s city museum, I booked an accessible guided tour with tactile models and maps. The guide shared fascinating insights into Ghent’s evolution from medieval powerhouse to modern, sustainable city. The highlight was being able to handle selected artefacts from the collection — a rare chance to engage with history through touch. Tours can be booked in advance via the museum’s website or by contacting their accessibility team directly.
Canal Boat Tour
One of the best ways to understand Ghent’s layout is from the water. I took a guided canal cruise departing from the Graslei quay. The tours run frequently in multiple languages and offer audio commentary describing the key buildings, bridges, and stories behind them. It was peaceful, accessible, and a wonderful way to experience the city from a new perspective.
Gravensteen Castle
The Castle of the Counts is one of Ghent’s top attractions. The accessible audio guide made exploring the fortress immersive, mixing history with a touch of humour. Despite its dark past (the castle once housed torture chambers), it’s a fascinating insight into medieval life.
Dinner at Epiphany’s Kitchen and Lunch at O’yo
Food in Ghent was equally memorable. Epiphany’s Kitchen offered a beautifully sophisticated setting filled with floral décor and a fully plant-based menu — proof that vegan dining can be indulgent and elegant. The digital menus made it easy to order. O’yo, located near St. Bavo’s Cathedral, served delicious, healthy brunch options and homemade juices — the perfect spot for a relaxed midday break.
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