And for a great collection of exotic beasties, the Antwerp Zoo is highly recommended. About 40km due north of Brussels, Antwerp has an airport and there are international trains and buses from Brussels and neighbouring countries. Blessed with two medieval cores, the Markt and the Burg, the town also boasts some of the country's most compelling art collections. For a spectacular view of this ambler's delight, climb the 366 stairs of the central belfort . You can catch a train to this north-eastern town from Antwerp or Brussels.
Buses pass through from Antwerp to London, via Calais in France.
Day trips are also popular from Bruges to the famous poppy-filled battlefields of Flanders. If it wasn't for Paris, Ghent would be medieval Europe's largest city. Steeped in history both rebellious and industrious, it sits at the junction of the Leie and Scheldt rivers and was once the site of armed battles by its townsfolk, who raged against heavy taxes and restricted civil liberties. Ghent is grey and somewhat begrimed - not picturesque like Bruges, but ultimately more realistic. Between Brussels and Bruges, the city is best reached by bus or train.