Richard discovers fashion and (street) art in Ghent and Antwerp

An accessible trip through Flanders

In autumn 2026, we welcomed a number of travellers with disabilities to Flanders. They talked about their accessible trip to Flanders on their socials, and were the first to try out the Selfie for All spots. These tactile paving tiles help blind and visually impaired people excellently position themselves for the perfect selfie. Read on to discover Richard’s adventure in fashion, art, and urban culture in Antwerp and Ghent.

Who is Richard?

@bionicsneakers
Paris 🇫🇷
Above-knee amputee
Content creator with a love of urban culture
Passionate about fashion and design
Usually travels alone

Selfie of a smiling man with glasses and a cap, with graffiti in the background.

A fashionable start at MoMu Antwerp

Richard is a man of style. One look at his Insta tells you that. His disability is part of the overall picture. He proudly wears his prosthetic leg with shorts: sometimes glossy black, sometimes richly patterned. And where does a man of style begin his visit to Antwerp? At the Fashion Museum (MoMu), of course. Richard takes in the exhibition about the Antwerp Six. This group of six turned the fashion world upside down in the 1980s. Here, you can discover their story. “I could see their creations up close. They each have their own style, but all made their mark on fashion,” says Richard. It’s a fascinating visit, and an accessible one too. “There are lifts and wheelchair ramps where needed. Getting around the rest of the city was easy too. The pavements in Antwerp are comfortable.”

Explore (Antwerp’s) history at the Fashion Museum (MoMu)

Black wall with large white text "THE SIX" and "ANTWERP", with several text panels below.

The remarkable Singelberg Sculpture Park and Doel, the graffiti-covered ghost village

This fashionable trip takes Richard to two vibrant cities: Antwerp and Ghent. Between them, he visits another gem: Singelberg Sculpture Park. This open-air museum sits in a sweeping landscape between the River Scheldt and the Port of Antwerp. Guide Jan shows Richard works by contemporary (Flemish) masters such as Wim Delvoye and Jan Fabre. The journey to the sculpture park is a treat in itself. DeWaterbus picks Richard up in the heart of Antwerp and takes him along the Scheldt to the sculpture park. Straight afterwards, Richard heads to another, very unusual stop. Doel, the ‘ghost village’, has been abandoned for years. Here, you can wander through an eerie no-man’s-land covered in graffiti. Cool!

Explore Singelberg Sculpture Park with a guide

Large wire sculpture of a crouching human figure on gravel in a park.

A colourful introduction to Ghent

Richard’s appetite for street art hasn’t been satisfied yet. Luckily, he finds plenty more in Ghent. This city is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. It’s a historic city that’s also full of life. Here, you can see both the iconic masterpiece the Ghent Altarpiece and impressive street art. Richard chooses the latter. Werregarenstraatje is an open canvas for young artists. It’s a place guaranteed to look great on your socials. Blind and visually impaired visitors get a little help from Selfie for All. That’s the name of the tactile tiles you can now find in all sorts of lovely spots across Flanders. Each tile directs you where to stand for the perfect selfie. Say cheese!

Go on a graffiti adventure in Ghent

Mural of a girl in a red hat holding a little bird, with bicycles in front and trees beside the wall.

Everyday, yet extraordinary: Huis van Alijn

Some museums focus on major works of art or sweeping histories; others look at the little things. From Graffiti Alley, Richard takes a leisurely stroll to Huis van Alijn, the museum of everyday life. It celebrates the ways ‘ordinary’ rituals, customs, and traditions coloured life in the 20th century. A wealth of objects, images, and audio recordings immerses you in a world of nostalgia. Everyone can enjoy it. Do you have specific care needs? Are you sensitive to sensory stimuli? Do you need particular support? Huis van Alijn does everything it can to make your visit wonderful.

Immerse yourself in an accessible world of nostalgia

Group of schoolchildren walks through a cobbled courtyard with old whitewashed houses and red doors.

Kris Jacobs

Richard looks back

“Flanders was a wonderful discovery. I can’t wait to return and explore other cities and regions. What I’ll remember most is how warm the people are. It’s no myth that Belgians are friendlier than the French (laughs). I felt that warmth from the different guides who showed me around Flanders, too. They don’t do it just because it’s their job, but because they love these places.”

“In terms of accessibility, I didn’t have any real problems. I do everything at my own pace, using my walking pole when I’m out and about. Things are much better organised here than in most European places I’ve visited – both in the museums and in the cities themselves.”

Get to know Richard better

What do you really enjoy when you’re on holiday?
“Unexpected encounters and discovering new cultures.”
What do you ALWAYS take on holiday?
“My camera and my walking pole for long days of exploring.”
What do you dislike on holiday?
“Bad weather is never pleasant.”
What’s your favourite Flemish dish?
“Flemish beef stew is delicious – I love it!”
What makes you feel truly welcome when you travel?
“The first welcome I receive. Whether that’s in the taxi, at the hotel, or even at customs in the airport.”

We welcomed Richard with open arms. His visit was thought-provoking, and we learnt a great deal from it. We remain committed to making Flanders as accessible a place as possible. Do you have any comments, suggestions, or tips? Let us know via toegankelijk@toerismevlaanderen.be.

Practical information about Richard’s trip

Transport
Richard travelled by train from Paris to Antwerp. Within Flanders, he travelled by train, tram, DeWaterbus, and taxi.
Accommodation
Motel One in Antwerp and Hotel Harmony in Ghent.
Restaurants
Bourla
Smudged
Knol & Kool (vegan)
Yalo