Neighborhoods, museums, and food to eat in Dusseldorf, Ghent, and Antwerp.
No particular order - just things that were memorable.
DUSSELDORF
Neighborhoods
- Flingern-Süd: Neighborhood of former socialist radicals...lots of good street art (if you go https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiefernstra%C3%9Fe)
- Altstadt: Kind of touristy, but worth a short visit. Altbier is unique to Dusseldorf - most breweries are in Altstadt neighborhood and have tasting rooms / bars.
- Bilk: Lots of good cafes and small bars. If you go to Bilk, go thrifting http://wandel-antik.de/
Galleries and Museums
- Philara - Large gallery in Flingern-Süd with good textiles http://www.philara.de/en
- Kunstsammlung - https://www.kunstsammlung.de/en/home.html ... I can't remember the neighborhood it is in but I liked it.
- Kunst im Tunnel is also pretty good - its underground space so it has weird light, but they have a lot of younger german artists https://www.kunst-im-tunnel.de/home.html
Food / Coffee
There is a big Japanese population in Dusseldorf - we had ramen at a place called Na Ni Wa that was really really good - I think there are probably a bunch of good places if you ask around.
GHENT
I was with a local for most of my stay in Ghent so I don't have the best notes. I know we used this for finding galleries (but I honestly don't remember anything but SMAK): http://www.artweekenders.com/europe/belgium/ghent/weekend-destination-ghent-guide-beautiful-city-strong-character/
Ghent is incredibly charming - you can just walk around and be struck by a door handle or a light-post. The street art is scattered, but it was also pretty impressive for such a small city.
Neighborhoods
- Graslei: In the center of the city and a bit touristy - but its worth finding a patio and just sitting watching people for a bit.
- There is a street called Burgstraat which has a bunch of antique / thrift shops.
- Dok-Noord: definitely the hip neiborhood. Lots of good cafes.
- Kouter: Nice open air market and flower vendors.
Museums and Galleries
- Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst (SMAK)- This is one of my favorite museums - it has mostly contemporary exhibits. The permanent collection has some Otto Dix and other good pieces too. https://smak.be
- Vooruit - large culture hall in the city center. Good films and small exhibits https://www.vooruit.be/en/
ANTWERP
If you are there on the weekend they have city markets - one on Saturday and Sunday. I can't remember the specific places but if you as around someone should be able to tell you - they were both super fun and had interesting stuff.
Neighborhoods
- Krugerplein: Small square with a bunch of cool bars / cafes
- Kloostestraat: Short vintage district with a bunch of thrift shops.
- Het Zuid: Lots of bars and galleries.
Museums and Galleries
- MAS - the collection isn't great but the building is awesome https://www.mas.be/en
- Contemporary Belgian Art (I really like this) https://www.muhka.be/
The galleries in Antwerp were a lot of fun, but I don't remember their names. They were mostly small and in Het Zuid.
Other Belgian Things
- Street frites - they are everywhere and you can't really go wrong.
- Mustard - If you go to a pub - especially in Ghent or Antwerp - order cheese and mustard. Often times pubs serve snacks just to eat the mustard.
- Kwak beer - its good and chances are someone will strike up a conversation about the glass.
- Cuberdon -I know you don't like candy, but its a weird and unique taste https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2016/09/cuberdons.html