Diamond city

Belgium's second largest city Antwerp is a bit more serious than casual Brussels, and is known as the diamond city because around eight of 10 rough diamonds mined worldwide are sent here for cutting.

More than 80 percent of the world's diamonds are traded in Antwerp, representing an annual turnover of US$39 billion.

Much of the business is conducted surrounding DiamondLand, a large showroom in central Antwerp.

The Diamond Museum provides a look at the world's hardest stone and how it is cut and fashioned into jewelry.

Medieval heritage

In the small city Brugge, about 105 kilometers from Brussels, visitors find many well-preserved world heritage sites, most dating to medieval times.

The churches, squares, bridges, houses and even carriages are reminders of a very old Europe.

Strict preservation of exteriors is enforced. No one is allowed to change the original facade of a building.

Gent

This city feels less like a museum. You can find a very special Marriott hotel in a former brewery. The entrance is small and unobtrusive.

Inside, it's all 21st century, with a high, white ceiling and ultra modern decor.

A restaurant in the city center is nestled in a former meat market. At the entrance, legs of salted ham remind visitors of its origin.