belgium small towns to visit

The most charming small towns in Belgium

Known for its medieval towns, renaissance architecture, still-working windmills, and national delicacies such as Moules- frites, Belgium’s appeal extends across its physical and cultural landscape. The country is also a geo-political focal point, being home to both the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. Meanwhile the country’s fractured history has given rise to distinct regions where the languages vary from French to German to Dutch.

The picturesque town of Dinant by night (Photo: Maison du Tourisme Vallée de la Meuse Namur-Dinant)

Venture beyond the urbanised centres of Brussels and Bruges and some of Europe’s most charming small towns and villages await you, many of which still remain (for now, at least) delightfully untouched by mass tourism. Below, in alphabetical order, is our pick of 12 of the most charming towns with populations under 30,000 that Belgium has to offer.

Dominated by an impeccably preserved 8th-century medieval castle that looms large over the town, Bouillon is at the heart of a broader landscape that’s awash with dark forests, ravines, steep hills and cliffs – all dotted with castles, abbeys and tales of yore. Located in the Semois Valley in the Ardennes region of southern Belgium, a short hop from the French border, the town is an outdoor lover’s dream, with numerus walking paths and cycle-tracks. For hard-earned refreshments, the acclaimed brewery of Bouillon runs daily beer sampling tours, and there are also enticing patisseries and several excellent restaurants.

The medieval Bouillon Castle looks over the town (Photo: John Van Nijen via Flickr)

Amid the green valleys of Wallonia’s Condroz region is this picture-postcard riverside village, where the Grotto of Saint Anthony of Padua, complete with its 22 religious statues, stands as the most prominent landmark. Following closely is a 13th-century castle, medieval dungeons, and small farmhouses made of centuries-old sandstone or whitewashed limestone. A short stroll from the delightful cobbled streets of the village centre soon brings you to former mills, yards, and enchanting gardens.

For visitors to Bruges, the nearby town of Damme makes for an excellent cycle ride, offering the chance to enjoy some quintessential Belgian countryside without having to travel too far. Once here, it’s worth taking a look around this laid back town, which dates all the way back to the 13th century but today has numerous great restaurants and bookshops, as well as alluring picnic spots along the canal and meadows. Strolling along the star-fort moat that once protected the town from invasion and taking a look around a fully operational windmill provide further glimpses into Damme’s enduring fusion of its present and past.

A quintessentially rustic scene in Damme (Photo: Vicuna R via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)

Perched on Belgium’s northern coastline, this popular seaside village attracts significant numbers of visitors during the summer months. Despite the regular influx of tourists, the village has retained much of its original character and charm, most notably the well-preserved architectural styles seen in its belle epoque buildings and eye-catching white villas. Inevitably the beach is the beating heart of the village, and where locals come to play beach ball, build sandcastles, go swimming, or cycle along the restaurant-lined promenade.

Two people ride on horseback through De Haan (Photo: dehaan.be)

Situated along the wild and winding Meuse River, the little town of Dinant is regularly featured on postcards of the region owing to its aching prettiness and fairytale-like cliff face setting. Here, the gothic-style Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dinant, with its distinctive pear-shaped bell tower, serves as a breath-taking beacon on the landscape. Elsewhere in the town, a sprinkling of picturesque buildings and a fortified citadel housing an Arms Museum contribute to the aesthetic and cultural charm. As a quirky aside, among Dinant’s former residents was the inventor of the saxophone, Adolphe Sax, with his house open to curious visitors to this day.

A colourful row of buildings backed onto a dramatic cliff in Dinant (Photo: Maison du Tourisme Vallée de la Meuse Namur-Dinant)

Dating back to the 17th century, Durbuy would make an ideal visual representation of the phrase “small but perfectly formed”. In fact, situated on a clifftop in the densely forested Ardennes region, and overlooking the Ourthe River Valley, the town is thought to be the smallest anywhere on earth. Beyond this geographical quirk, the town is certainly big on character, with the cobbled streets and meandering alleyways of the medieval old town a pleasure to amble through, while for more energetic pursuits there are endless hiking and mountain biking routes to be found across the town’s bucolic surroundings.

The Ourthe river flows through the town of Durbuy (Photo: kismihok via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)

A captivating blend of old and new, Malmedy’s history can be explored at the town’s impressive museum, built on the site of 7th-century abbey. Positioned in a deep wooded valley in the Ardennes region, the town is also a popular starting point for bracing walks into the local wildernes, as well as being on the RAVel cycle network, made up of more than 1,350 kilometres of greenways on old railway lines and canal towpaths. There’s also a popular family-run microbrewery showcasing the best in Belgian beers and each year the town’s streets play host to a Lent carnival.

Seating in front of cafes in central Malmedy (Photo: zoetnet via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)

The Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in northern Belgium is dotted with picture-perfect chocolate box villages, but ask those acquainted with the area for the most beautiful and more often than not Oud Rekem comes out top – and for good reason too. Filled with narrow winding streets and various enticing nooks and crannies, the scenic village has something of a movie set-like quality. There’s a magnificent moated castle to lend grandeur to the village’s otherwise quaint look and feel, plus a distinguished concert hall and a historic 17th-century apothecary said to be one of the oldest in Belgium. Meanwhile spiralling out from the centre into the village’s pastoral surroundings are several popular walking and biking routes.

A couple walk along a cobbled street in Oud-Rekem (Photo: Visit Lanaken)

The birthplace of the eponymous cheese, Rochefort is a renowned foodie destination, and is also well known for its Trappist beer, brewed just north of the town in the Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy. The remains of the town’s medieval castle, built on rocky outcrop, never fails to catch the eye, and several other notable historic landmarks can be explored on a tourist train that runs during the summer season. Venture outside Rochefort to the surrounding area and you’ll soon reach several limestone hills hollowed out to create a labyrinthine of mesmerising caves.

A street in Rochefort (Photo: Arseni Mourzenko via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)

Despite its memorable name, the town of Spa in Belgium’s Ardennes region has never been a particularly big draw for overseas visitors. Perhaps best known for the nearby Grand Prix racing circuit and for lending its name to the popular mineral water, it is, however, a haven for Belgian natives who come to the town to enjoy its mineral-rich thermal swimming pools, geysers and bubbling water cannons – all of which are thought to offer significant therapeutic benefits. The Rhenish-Romanesque-style stone Church of Notre Dame and St. Remacle add to the visual appeal.

As a nation, it’s fair to say that Belgium isn’t known for its wine-making prowess, but the exception is the village of Torgny. Situated in the Gaume region of Wallonia, at the southernmost point of the country, the village’s 200-plus residents lay claim to their very own microclimate which makes it one of the best spots in Belgium for growing grapes. But the verdant orchids and vineyards that surround the village aren’t Torgny’s only attractive feature – there are also pretty streets lined with picturesque ochre-coloured sandstone cottages topped by red-tiled roofs, two local farms, and even its own Michelin-starred restaurant.

The wall of a building in Torgny bedecked with colourful flowers (Photo: Eric Huybrechts via Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0)

Sitting a short distance south of Brussels, the historical capital of Belgium is best known for the famous battle named after it, and many of the things to see and do here have a connection with Napoleon’s denouement. Among them is The Panorama, a large round building housing a panoramic painting depicting the Battle of Waterloo. But the town is a lot more than a mere playground for history buffs – it’s also home to some important and well preserved areas of natural beauty. The Sonian Forest UNESCO World Heritage Site in the town’s northeast borders contains several trees more than 200 years old, while inside there’s a museum presenting displays about the flora, fauna, history of the area. For nocturnal pursuits, in the heart of the town is a bustling casino complete with a striking glass cupola in the main games hall.

A snowy scene in Waterloo (Photo: waterloo-tourisme.be)

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15 most beautiful cities & towns in Belgium to visit

Belgium might be a small country but let me tell you, it packs a mighty punch for its array of picture postcard cities and towns. Famed for destinations like Bruges and Antwerp, there are so many beautiful cities in Belgium to visit.

I adore this country and I know that there is so much more to be discovered beyond the popular capital city, Brussels.

As you hop from town to another, I know you’ll be treated to the fabulous landscapes of Wallonia and Flanders and, of course, be treated to some of the finest dining in Europe.

Many of the most beautiful cities and towns are so because of their outstanding plethora of history and architecture, often with a UNESCO World Heritage Site thrown in for good measure.

With bucket list item after bucket list item, and within such easy reach of the UK, I’m sure that, like me, you’ll keep popping back for more.

So, without further ado, let me take you on a journey to the best cities and towns in Belgium to visit.

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

This post contains affiliate links.

Map of the best cities in Belgium

Use my map of the best Belgium cities and towns to picture where they all are in relation to each other.

Best cities and towns in Belgium to visit

Best for: Fairytale aesthetic

Nearest airport: Ostend-Bruges 

Where to stay: 

• Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage
• Hotel Dukes’ Palace Brugge
• Boutique Hotel Die Swaene

Top tours to book: 

• Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour
• Belgian Waffle-Making Workshop with Beer Tasting
• City Highlights Bike Tour

Bruges is one of my personal favourite cities in Belgium – if not Europe. It’s a fairy tale destination that charms visitors with its picturesque mediaeval charm.

Justifiably dubbed ‘the Venice of the North’, there’s no doubt that Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium.

Imagine leisurely boat trips along charming canals, ambles along cobblestone streets (stopping off at a chocolatiers or two) and lifting your camera to snap image after image of captivating architecture. 

Some of the most iconic Belgium landmarks are in Bruges, making it one of the best known cities in Belgium.

Unfortunately, that also means it draws throngs of tourists, so I’d recommend planning your trip and excursions wisely, and visiting during the off-peak or shoulder seasons if you can.

I’d suggest taking your time to explore the historic centre of Bruges, with sights such as the Belfry, Church of our Lady (home to Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child) and Quai du Rosaire.

Make sure you sip a beer and enjoy some chips while you’re there – and leave room for a waffle too!

Discover more of the best things to do in Bruges in my guide. I love that Bruges also has an incredible dining scene too, so have a read of my guide to the best Michelin restaurants in Bruges too.

Or check out my favourite luxury hotels in Bruges for an unforgettable stay.

Best for: Medieval meets modern

Nearest airport: Antwerp, Brussels

• Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof
• 1898 The Post
• Comic Art Hotel
• Private 2-Hour Walking Tour
• 50-Minute Medieval Centre Guided Boat Trip
• Guided Urban Bike Tour

Ghent is most definitely one of the top five cities in Belgium in my opinion, primarily in terms of its beauty.

Yes, it’s got a modern twist to it that marks it out from the cities more dominated solely by historical charm, but it’s this blend with heritage that makes it so appealing.

It’s the second most populated city in Belgium and has a lively vibe. Ghent wins out with architectural wonders, and it feels like every corner involves a new ‘wow’ moment.

Marvel at the Gothic St Bavo’s Cathedral, wonder at the incredible Gravensteen Castle and of course, climb the steps of the Belfry.

I love that Ghent is a great city to explore by foot too, especially in the centre, because of the centralised pedestrian zone. 

I’d recommend visiting Ghent during the annual music and theatre festival (Gentse Feesten). However, Ghent is perfect for a visit at any time of year, or at Christmas for the market .

A huge draw is the foodie culture, especially if you’re a vegetarian. Remarkably, Ghent has the highest number of vegetarian restaurants per capita globally!

Before you leave, I’d advise stocking up on cuberdons – deliciously scrumptious raspberry sweets.

Find hotels in Ghent for your visit.

3. Brussels

Best for: Political significance

Nearest airport: Brussels

• Juliana Hotel Brussels
• Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo
• Hotel Indigo Brussels
• City Highlights Walking Tour and Food Tasting
• Beer Tasting Tour with Seven Beers and Snacks
• 2.5-Hour Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop

Of course, I couldn’t list some of the most beautiful cities in Belgium without mentioning its capital! Centrally located, Brussels is the beating heart of Belgium and is a feast of delights for visitors.

Bursting with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and famous landmarks, make sure you leave enough time on your visit to pack everything in!

My favourite sights in Brussels include the Grand Palace, the Atomium and the comical bronze statue of a peeing boy, Manneken Pis! Plus, be sure to enjoy some fabulous shopping on Rue Neuve.

Brussels has a catchy atmosphere, with jazz, beer, waffles, shopping and chocolate all vying for attention.

I don’t think it has the quaint charm of other Belgium cities, but it does make a great base for exploring other parts of the country.

Discover my favourite luxury hotels in Brussels for a memorable stay. Can’t decide which city to visit? Read my guide to Brussels or Bruges .

Best for: Adventure enthusiasts

Nearest airport: Liège

• Hotel Sanglier
• Gîte Wellness “Le Poirier”
• La Chambre Rose

Definitely one of the most beautiful towns in Belgium in my opinion, Durbuy charms visitors with its rich history, beautiful landscape and its wending cobblestone streets.

I love that it boasts an impressive castle as well as a mishmash of other sights and monuments. And I think these make it a must-visit city in Belgium.

You won’t need long to fully experience Durbuy, but I’d definitely recommend exploring the natural Rocher de la Falize – a stunning hiking route that offers wonderful views over the La Warche valley.

Indeed, if you’re an adventure enthusiast like me then you’ll find a lot to do nearby, including rock climbing. Within the city itself, take time to visit the architecturally interesting Halle aux Blés. 

Browse hotels in Durbuy for a quaint place to stay.

Best for: Foodies

Nearest airport: Antwerp

• Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
• Hotel Julien
• Hotel FRANQ
• Guided Bike Tour
• Private 3-Hour Historical Sightseeing Walking Tour
• City Brewery De Koninck Interactive Tour

Antwerp sits proudly on the Schelde River and I think you’ll agree is one of the better known cities in Belgium.

Thanks to its world-famous collection, Antwerp is often called the diamond capital of the world, but there’s so much more to see and do here.

I love that there’s a real wealth of interesting museums, tranquil and beautiful churches and fascinating historical buildings.

My favourite museums and art galleries include MAS, Plantin-Moretus and Rubenshuis. While little ones will enjoy a trip to Antwerp Zoo.

Peaceful and pensive moments can be found inside the Cathedral of Our Lady and Saint Paul Church. I’d recommend that any culture enthusiasts aim to visit in August during the Cultuurmarkt van Vlaanderen.

Insider travel tip: I’d advise arriving by train to be amazed at the station’s incredible architecture.

Discover hotels in Antwerp for your stay.

Best for: A hidden gem

• Auberge de Bouvignes
• Hôtel Castel de Pont-à-Lesse
• La Merveilleuse by Infiniti Resorts

This tiny gem is bursting with things to see, making Dinant one of the best towns in Belgium.

It’s found in the Walloon Province of Namur, sitting on the Meuse River. Birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, Dinant is rightly proud of its heritage!

When in Dinant, you can’t help but be impressed by the citadel which sits majestically and strategically on a tall cliff towering above the river. I think the Church of Notre Dame de Dinant is also well worth a visit.

Make sure your teeth are up to the challenge of trying the regional delicacy, the Couques de Dinant, a hard biscuit of honey and flour.

Often exquisitely shaped and pressed, you’ll definitely need a coffee to wash it down! If you prefer something savoury, I’d recommend opting for the region’s flamiche.

Find hotels in Dinant .

Best for: A university city

• Martin’s Klooster Hotel
• Begijnhof Hotel
• Park Inn by Radisson Leuven
• Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access
• Escape Tour – Self-Guided Citygame

Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities (founded in 1425), I’m sure you can envisage the character of Leuven that persists to this day.

It’s a vibrant student city retaining its historical personality, and with its university buildings evident across the city, I think it’s well worth exploring.

In keeping with its student roots, Leuven is the birthplace of Stella Artois! Indeed, you can visit the world’s largest brewery here.

Unfortunately, Leuven was badly hit in both World Wars. But it’s still worth visiting the central library dating from 1636 which has been painstakingly restored.

There are a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Leuven, such as St Peter’s Church and the Great Beguinage. I’d also recommend taking time to visit the Gothic Town Hall and Arenberg Castle.

Just a short drive east of Brussels, Leuven is worth tacking on to your Brussels trip if you have time. 

Browse hotels in Leuven .

Best for: Wellbeing

• La Villa des Fleurs 
• Hôtel l’Ecrin d’Ô
• Le 24 Hotel

Spa is famous for exactly what you’d expect: it’s grown as one of the nicest towns in Belgium because of its natural springs.

Visitors have been drawn to Spa for its… spas… since as early as the early 16 th century.  Unsurprisingly, a visit to Spa is characterised by enjoying the springs and accompanying resorts.

I think it’s a wonderfully romantic spot, especially as it’s nestled amongst hills, mountains and splendid forests of the Ardennes.

Spa is a perfect place in Belgium to unwind and relax and I’d recommend the hydrotherapy experience at Thermes de Spa.

If you need livening up a little after all that relaxing, then make sure you visit the Casino de Spa – the world’s oldest casino. 

Discover hotels in Spa .

Best for: Vibrant nightlife

• Radisson Liege City Centre
• Van Der Valk Sélys Liège
• ibis Styles Liege Guillemins

Liège is a dynamic and bustling city and I think it’s often overlooked as one of the best Belgium cities to visit.

However, if you’re after great and dazzling nightlife after dark and rich architecture by day, then I’m sure you’ll love Liège. 

There are a remarkable number of things to see and do in Liège, so make sure your hangover allows it! My favourite places to visit include the Grand Curtius Museum and La Boverie Museum.

Another reason not to party too hard the night before is that I’m sure you’ll want to tackle the Montagne de Bueren – one of the world’s most insane staircases.

Browse hotels in Liège . 

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10. Mechelen

Best for: Character

• Martin’s Patershof
• Van der Valk Hotel Mechelen

If you’re planning a Belgian tour and will be travelling from Antwerp to Brussels, or vice versa, I’d recommend stopping off at Mechelen.

This historic city is a characterful place with some of Belgium’s best known monuments and buildings. 

I’d recommend starting a visit to Mechelen by taking a deep breath and climbing the 514 steps of St Rumbold’s Tower for incredible views of the city. Trust me, it’s well worth the effort and will help you get your bearings before exploring further.

My favourite places to visit include the 13 th century Brusselpoort and the Mechelen Toy Museum. Round off a stop in Mechelen by enjoying a cool glass of Gouden Carolus beer.

Find hotels in Mechelen .

11. Ieper/Ypres

Best for: War history

Nearest airport: Brussels, Antwerp

• Main Street Hotel
• Ariane Hotel
• Albion Hotel
• From Bruges: Flanders Fields Remembrance Full-Day Trip
• Ypres: Bellewaerde Theme Park Entrance Ticket

Formerly known by its French name Ypres, Ieper has a fascinating and heart-rending history associated with the First World War.

Sitting in West Flanders, it was a strategic place. Expect to see war memorials to the brave souls who lost their lives here.

The Last Post Ceremony is a respectful and meaningful ceremony worth attending. It’s also possible to go on remembrance hikes as well as visit the Flanders Fields museum.

Beyond World War I history, I’d recommend taking time to visit the Lakhenhalle and Grote Markt, and discover the rich textile heritage.

Discover hotels in Ieper .

12. Nieuwpoort

Best for:   A seaside town

Nearest airport: Ostend-Bruges

• ibis Styles Nieuwpoort
• Gastenverblijf De Arend
• Hotel Cosmopolite

I don’t tend to think of the seaside when I think of Belgium, but don’t overlook the seaside town of Nieuwpoort.

It’s a stunning spot with a mixture of its lovely coast (and wonderful beach) as well as its historic centre.

If you can draw yourself away from beach days, do make sure you visit the vismijn, marina and staketsel. Or if you’re feeling mildly energetic then I’d recommend hiring a bike and cycling along the Frontzate. 

Find hotels in Nieuwpoort .

Best for: Picturesque old town

Nearest airport: Liège, Brussels

• NE5T Hotel & Spa
• Mercure Namur Hotel
• Château de Namur

The striking capital of Wallonia, Namur has mastered welcoming visitors. It’s a small but stylish city that I have no doubt will charm anyone who explores it.

Perhaps the most famed highlight to visit is the dominating Citadel, around which much of the city’s history centres.

From here you can also snap some wonderful shots of the city skyline and Meuse River which wends its way through the city’s heart.

Another place well worth visiting in Namur is St Aubin’s Cathedral. Spend some Euros on Rue de L’Ange and also take a leisurely boat tour.

Browse hotels in Namur .

14. Bouillon

Best for: A majestic castle

Nearest airport: Luxembourg, Brussels

• Hôtel Restaurant Panorama
• Hotel de la Poste – Relais de Napoleon III
• The Great View

Another Wallonian town that I’d recommend visiting is Bouillon. The star of the show is Bouillon Castle which is actually one of the most famous places to visit in the country because of its wealth of history. 

Bouillon is a small city, but it’s very picturesque as a result, and you can expect wonderful views and scenes.

Within easy reach of the city you can enjoy wonderful walks in the beautiful countryside. Make sure you take in the view from Le Tombeau du Géant of the Senois River. 

Discover hotels in Bouillon .

Best for: Wine lovers

Nearest airport: Luxembourg

• Gite des 3 Bouleaux
• Hotel La Venerie

One of the most beautiful towns in Belgium to visit that I think Brits have rarely heard of is Torgny. It sits right down on the border with France, just west of Luxembourg.

I love that it has its own microclimate making it a picturesque and flowery place to discover.

It’s particularly wonderful to take a walk through Torgny’s pretty streets with its stone buildings brought to life with floral displays. 

Torgny is also a vineyard town and if you’re a wine lover like me, then you can enjoy both the landscape and the tastes. Here you will also find Belgium’s first nature reserve.

Torgny even has its own Michelin-starred restaurant, so it’s a great spot for foodies too.

Find hotels in Torgny .

There are plenty more beautiful towns and cities in Belgium to visit that I couldn’t list here, but hopefully this gives a flavour for the fabulous array of places to visit beyond the expected.

If you can’t fit it all in on one trip, which would be near impossible, it’ll just have to be an excuse to come back again! Let me know any of your personal favourite Belgium towns and cities in the comments!

Looking for more Belgium travel inspiration? Have a read of my Bruges travel guide .

Jessie is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

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12 Charming Towns In Belgium Worth Visiting

• Western Europe
• 12 Charming Towns In Belgium…

Belgium conjures images of world-class beers, chocolate, and Art Nouveau architecture. The country might be small in size, but it packs a punch with beautiful and charming towns. Beyond the larger cities of Bruges and Brussels, there are many scenic small towns of Belgium to visit that even include the world’s smallest town. What’s more, many of these beautiful towns feature gorgeous landscapes, outstanding architecture, and history. Some even have a UNESCO World Heritage Site thrown in for good measure! Hence, here are the most charming towns in Belgium that you must visit when you are tripping around the beautiful country. The best bit? You can easily take a day trip from Brussels, the capital of Belgium , to each of these amazing places.

The beautiful town of Spa, famous as the Pearl of Ardennes, is one of the most beautiful towns in Belgium to visit. The aptly-named town lies in a wooded valley in the middle of the beautiful undulating hills and is home to many natural mineral springs. Many visitors visit this place, especially for a fetching and authentic spa experience. Here, you can get to enjoy hours of blissful rejuvenation at the geysers, hot swimming pools, water cannons, and bubble seats. One of the most famous spas here is the Thermes de Spa, whose water comes directly from the local Clementine spring. This water is full of minerals considered to be good for cleansing the skin.

While you’re here, don’t forget to visit the Casino de Spa, the oldest casino in the world. 

The medieval town of Rochefort is a pastoral idyll at its very best. The alluring town lies on the banks of River Lomme. Moreover, this former resort town has retained its great beauty and charm ever since its establishment in the 19th century. This is despite Rochefort being a site of several conflicts, especially during the Second World War and the French Revolution. Rue de Behogne is considered to be the main hive of activity in this town. Plus, the same road leads up to the ruins of Chateau Comtal, a famous hilltop castle. If you’re a fan of ale, then the rich brewing history of this town will delight you. That’s because this town is also very famous for producing Trappist beer.

The rest of the town is a haven for history enthusiasts, especially the town’s monastery-turned-Rochefort Brewery. There’s also the underground cave system of Caves of Han-sur-Lesse, complete with a vaulted ceiling. Furthermore, they’re surrounded by a host of historical sites, including Chateau Comtal, Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne, and the Loreto Chapel.

Veurnem, located in rural West Flanders, is one of the most charming towns in Belgium to visit. It boasts the character of an idyllic market town, complete with stunning medieval architecture and buildings. One of the most sought-after places in this town is the Grote Market which is also considered to be a hub of Veurne. What’s more, it happens to be home to many of the city’s best sights, such as Belfort belfry and Saint Walburga Church. Plus, you get to see a mix of baroque, Renaissance, and late Gothic structures, including the Gerechtshof (law courts). What’s interesting is that every Sunday in July, the town hosts the somber procession of Boeteprocessie. It sees hooded penitents carrying crosses and re-enacting the Passion of Christ.

The coastal village of De Haan in Belgium’s West Flanders province. This charming little village is also one of the best beach resorts in the country. Since it lies just half an hour from Bruges, it’s very busy during summer. This village has successfully maintained its old 1930s architectural style and charm, and a majority of the houses here are gorgeous white villas. What’s more, you can indulge in many outdoor activities in this beautiful and relaxing village. The activities include nice walks around the area, building sand castles, playing beach ball, biking on the seafront, and swimming. Of course, there’s much to do here for culture vultures, especially the Concessie historical district. One of the must-visit places is Villa Savoyarde, where Albert Einstein lived in 1933 for 6 months.

Damme sits on the outskirts of Bruges and can be very well added to the list of the top things to do in Bruges . It sits on the banks of Damse Vaart, a scenic tree-lined canal flowing through the town, continuing its way into the neighboring Netherlands. What’s more, Damme is also known as the literary town, as it’s home to a monthly book market and several bookshops. One of the most notable literary residents is Jacob van Maerlant, who lived here in the 13th century. Today, when you visit this beautiful little Belgium town, you can find his statue in the town square area.

Dinant, located on a cliff face along the Meuse River, is actually considered to be a beautiful little town in the capital city of Brussels. Interestingly, it happens to be one of the best small towns in Europe you must visit . What’s more, this place is also home to the inventor of the saxophone, Adolphe Sax. His house remains open to all inventors who want to learn about this musical instrument in a very lively setting. It’s also the hometown of the most famous beer in Belgium, Leffe. Furthermore, you can also visit the amazing fortified citadel, which is now home to the town’s Arms Museum. Don’t forget to taste the delicious local hard biscuit known as “Couque de Dinant.”

This Tour of Luxembourg with a visit to Dinant is one of the best ways to explore this lovely little town with a local guide. Will you be staying here? Check out the best hotels in Dinant, Belgium .

Durbuy is one of the best towns in Belgium to visit and is considered the smallest city in the world! This charming and picturesque historic town dates back to the 17th century. The charm also comes from its location in the dense forests of the Belgian Ardennes in the elevated mountains. What’s more, the town has stone houses lining winding cobblestone streets, resulting in timeless charm. One of the town’s most iconic landmarks and sights is the anticlinal formation Homalius Rock that’s more than 300 million years old. It lies along the Rocher de la Falize hiking route, offering jaw-dropping views of the La Warche valley.

The quiet village of Crupet is one of the most picturesque villages in Wallonia. The beautiful and impressive attraction of the Grotto of Saint Anthony of Padua dominates it. Father Joseph Gerard, the local curate, in 1903 designed this village and the grotto. In fact, the place has 22 different terracotta sculptures and statues depicting the time and times of Saint Anthony of Padua. You’ll also love the 13th-century Château de Crupet, which sits right on the riverfront down the village center.

Bastogne, which lies near the border of Luxembourg, is one of the best towns in Belgium to visit. This place is famed (or infamous) for being where thousands of soldiers sacrificed their lives during the Batte of Bulge in World War II. It even has an Informative War Museum, which allows visitors to discover the history of the battle and the town. Of course, any such grim visit is best followed up with a visit to the Wood of Peace. It’s a gorgeously peaceful place with 4,000 trees that were planted for the 50th anniversary of the battle.

Besides the above, this charming town has many cozy taverns and cafes serving the most delicious local fare. It’s also famous for the oldest bicycle race in the world, the Liege-Bastogne-Liege, which has been happening since 1892.

The traditional village of Oud Rekem sits in the province of Flanders and is one of the most beautiful villages in the whole country. Although this village is not very big in size, it boasts some of the loveliest views with winding streets and picturesque buildings. The church of St. Pieter’s is a good starting point for your exploration of the village. It dates back to 1722 and also serves as a tourist office, concert hall, and village museum. In fact, it even sells a very useful guidebook that describes a walking tour of the village. You could also hire bikes and take off for the day, walk through a nature reserve, and even enjoy a horse-drawn cart ride along the forest tracks.

The medieval town of Bouillon is one of the most famous tourist hubs of the Semois valley. It’s also home to the Château de Bouillon , one of the most amazingly preserved 8th-century medieval castles. It’s also one of Europe’s oldest feudal castles. What’s more, there’s also the Archéoscope Godefroid de Bouillon museum, which shows a 35-minute film about the Crusades. Plus, there are many walking paths that are exclusively designed for travelers who’re looking forward to exploring the valley. During your stay, you can also try out a beer-sampling tour at the brewery of Bouillon or the Nathalie Market, which offers close to 300 beers.

The cute little village of Torgny lies in the southwestern Gaume region and is one of the most beautiful Belgium towns to visit. This place boasts its very own sunny microclimate, enabling it to be one of the best places in the country to cultivate vines. That’s why beautiful vineyards flank it! What’s more, the town boasts unique architecture with ochre-colored sandstone structures and buildings. To top that, they have pinkish roofs – literally! And since it always remains bathed in sunshine, this pretty little village is a must-visit for you.

Just So You Know:

• Bruges happens to be one of the most beautiful canal cities in the world .
• The word ‘spa’ originated in the town of Spa in Belgium.

Author:  Julie Wharton

As a solo traveler, I have discovered the freedom and adventure that comes from exploring the world on your own terms. With a backpack on my back and a thirst for new experiences, I have journeyed to some of the most remote and fascinating destinations on the planet. As a travel blogger, I share my stories and insights with fellow solo travelers who are looking to break free from the constraints of group tours and package deals. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a first-time adventurer, my blog is dedicated to helping you plan your solo travels with confidence and ease. From tips on finding the best hostels to recommendations for off-the-beaten-path destinations, I provide a wealth of information that will help you make the most of your solo journey. And with a passion for photography and storytelling, I bring each destination to life through vivid imagery and captivating narratives. So if you're ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime, join me on my journey and let's discover the world together.

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10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Belgium

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Belgium is not just a country with top cities like Brussels and Bruges. One of the most interesting routes to do in Belgium is to know the most beautiful villages. From one end of the country to the other there are several towns that we are sure will surprise you. Whether for its structure, for its history or its monuments. What if we are sure that the route that we are going to tell you today is a different route that completes the visit to the famous Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent. Numerous scenic small towns dot the country. These are the most beautiful small towns in Belgium. Bouillon is located at the Semois valley, and it is one of the beautiful towns in Belgium. Bouillon, the southernmost town on our journey. Here, in the heart of the Ardennes, we can appreciate one of the most impressive medieval feudal fortresses in Europe. Surrounded by legends, it was home to Godofredo de Bouillon and sold to defray the first crusade. It is necessary to visit halls, galleries, watchtowers, corridors, dungeons and, of course, its courtyard, where shows are usually organized that delight children. The lovely streets of Bouillon have special markings to help visitors with navigation. An 8th-century castle in the central town is a sight to behold. Click the next  ARROW  to see the next photo!

Oud Rekem is located at Flanders. The charming little town once won the award for the most beautiful town in Flanders. The town is sprinkled with lovely buildings and amazing routes for the bike. Click the next  ARROW  to see the next photo!

De Haan is located along the coast of Belgium, and it happens to be one of the beautiful bay areas in the country. The small, sleepy town still retains its rustic charm. A vast majority of the houses are painted snow white which makes gives the whole town a wonderful ambiance. Click the next  ARROW  to see the next photo!

A stunning Wallonia village known as Crupet is one of the most beautiful towns in the region. In the middle of the town is an imposing structure, the Grotto of Saint Anthony of Padua. The most beautiful place to visit in this town is a medieval castle built in the 13th century. This lovely castle is perched along the bank of a river. Click the next  ARROW  to see the next photo!

Popularly referred to as the Pearl of Ardennes, words do not do justice to this paradise. Spa is located in a valley at the center of undulating mountains. This is the birthplace of the word ‘spa’ and every other activity it entails. This city is filled with hot springs and geysers, bubble seats and water cannons. The quaint spring of Clementine is a natural beauty to behold. Click the next  ARROW  to see the next photo!

This name strikes a chord. It is the area where the popular Battle of Waterloo occurred. This beautiful town is loved by many because of enchanting historical sites like Lion’s Mound. Do not for anything miss a trip to the scenic Abbey which is about a millennial old. Click the next  ARROW  to see the next photo!

Aubechies is located at Wallonia, and it is a testament to how a Wallonian city should look. The most beautiful places to visit in Aubechies are the museum, a Romanesque church, a school and an ancient town hall. Click the next  ARROW  to see the next photo!

Often referred to as the smallest city on the planet, Durbuy is one of Belgium’s most fascinating towns. The 17th-century town is a laid back district that is loved by holidaymakers for its captivating scenery and lovely hiking trails. The cobblestoned streets and narrow alleys are perfect for strolls. Click the next  ARROW  to see the next photo!

Dinant is located along the shores of the Meuse River, and it is a charming town that was once the dwelling place of the man who invented the Saxophone. One of the most beautiful places that gets regular visits is the inventor’s house. Other side attractions which make this beautifully fortified citadel an enchanting town includes; a Collegiate Church of Our Lady that was built in the 13th century, and an Arms Museum. Click the next  ARROW  to see the next photo!

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59 towns and cities to visit in Belgium

• February 5, 2019 August 26, 2020

My good friend Hans De Keulenaer has created a list of 59 towns and cities to visit in Belgium. There’s now no excuse for wondering where to go on any weekend of the year!

They vary from the large well-known cities like Gent, Antwerp and Bruges to small, sometimes out-of-the-way or lesser known towns like Maaseik, Hoogstraten, Saint-Hubert or Huy. Each has a short description and a link to the town’s tourist office.

Coincidentally, Hans has a blog that is also called Discovering Belgium (on Blogspot) and is well worth a visit if you need some more ideas of where to go in Belgium.

Here is his list of 59 towns and cities in Belgium. Enjoy!

59 Towns and Cities in Belgium to visit

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22 thoughts on “59 towns and cities to visit in Belgium”

Thanks Tim! Hope you and the family are well.

Bravo how Hans found an adjective for each city…

Yes, impressive. They should be adopted by the tourist offices.

Brill list!

Nice list. I’ve been to only 24 of these towns (and live in one of them), that’s not even half of them! So much to see in this tiny country… It’s funny how to foreigners the distances are so small but to us Belgians, a place an hour away is far away! 😀

Yes, and of course it’s customary to travel more in a condensed week of vacation than when you have decades in front of you to explore these places.

Hi Denzil – You’ve already “sold me” on visiting Belgium – – but this very nice list gives me a good idea, a town-a-week for a year-and-a-month. Now if I can just persuade my bosses to grant a thirteen month sabbatical.

Send me their names and emails. I’ll have a word with them. After all, you’ve been working darn hard and you deserve a break. While I’m there I’ll mention that you need a rise too. And a Tesla. 13 months? Let’s go for 24 and have a party!

🙂 How did you know I want a Tesla!? Although driving around Milwaukee, I wonder if just running the heat & defroster would exhaust the battery.

You just sound like a Tesla kinda guy Robert. How do batteries get on in freezing weather I wonder?

Maybe I’d better stick with an older, coal-fired Rolls, a Silver Shadow would do nicely, thank you.

Handy to hang on to!

You live in a marvelous place. I’m jealous. Our taught history does not seem to go back much further than 1492 for some strange reason.

Well I realized my American history is pretty nonexistent. Never covered it at school. So I am putting that to rights. Just finished biography of Truman and am now on John Adams. Fascinating.

You have certainly skipped around, but both are important characters.

The difference between these two and the current one is huge.

Yes, those two understood responsibility and accountability. The current one understands he wants only favorable publicity.

Perhaps we should consider a year long holiday in Belgium. It would take us a year to thoroughly enjoy all these pretty places.

Lots of places I’ve never heard of on here, Denzil, and some of them very lovely, from what I can see. 🙂 🙂

Still many many for me yet to explore Jo!

Would love to visit every single one, great post 😀😀😀

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The Most Beautiful Towns in Belgium

Beyond the big cities of Brussels and Bruges, Belgium is home to a scattering of scenic small towns. We take in the country’s most beautiful urban spaces from Durbuy, the smallest town in the world, to Dinant, the fairytale town on the Meuse River.

Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? We have plenty of European itineraries you can choose from, including Spain , Italy , the UK and Portugal – all curated by our travel experts and led by our Local Insiders.

Undoubtedly one of the most picturesque towns in Belgium’s Wallonia region, the winding river valley and beautiful buildings of Dinant look like they are straight out of a fairytale. Nestled in a cliff face on the Meuse River, the picture-perfect town dates back to the Middle Ages. Dinant is also known as the hometown of Belgium’s most famous beer, Leffe, and the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone.

Located on the outskirts of Bruges, the beautiful medieval port town of Damme rests on the banks of Damse Vaart, a scenic, tree-lined canal that flows through town and continues into the neighboring Netherlands . Quite the ‘literary town’, Damme is home to a monthly book market and a number of bookshops and notable residents include Jacob van Maerlant, a 13th century Flemish poet whose statue is in the town square.

Nestled amid the rolling hills and verdant forests of the Belgian Ardennes, Spa is the location of warm spring waters whose healing powers have seen people flock to the area since the 1st century. Often called the ‘Pearl of the Ardennes’, Spa became a haven for intellectuals in the 19th century, with literary greats including Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas said to have sought sanctuary here earning the town the nickname ‘Café of Europe’.

Sitting on the banks of the Semois River just a few miles from the border with France, Bouillon is famed for its imposing castle located on a rocky bend in the river overlooking the town. Parts of the castle date back as far as the 8th century. Beyond Château de Bouillon, miles of footpaths allow visitors to explore the lush forests of the Semois Valley.

Voted one of Flanders’ most beautiful villages, the town of De Haan is one of the Belgian coastline’s most scenic spots. While parts of De Haan date back to the Middle Ages, much of the town today was formed when King Leopold II commissioned the construction of the resort town in the late 19th century. De Haan’s meandering streets are filled with beautiful Belle Époque buildings and the town was once home to Albert Einstein who lived there for a number of months before emigrating to the USA .

Located in rural West Flanders, Veurne is an idyllic market town whose stunning buildings have made it a must-see in Belgium for architecture buffs. Grote Markt, the town square, is the main hub of Veurne and home to many of its signature sights from the town hall. Behind Grote Markt, located in the small and pretty Walburga Park, is the impressive St. Walburga Church, parts of which date back to the late Middle Ages.

In the heart of Wallonia lies chocolate-box Durbuy; a Belgian Ardennes town that claims to be the smallest town in the world, and with its charming architecture and winding cobbled streets, one of the most beautiful too. A walk through Durbuy’s streets reveals quaint shops and plenty of opportunities to sample a Belgian beer or two. Look up on banks of the Ourthe River and you’ll see the stately 17th century Durbuy Castle.

A pastoral idyll on the banks of the River Lomme, Rochefort is a medieval town that has retained much of its beauty and charm, despite being the site of frequent conflicts, notably during the French Revolution and Second World War. Rochefort’s Rue de Behogne is the main hive of activity in town and leads up to the ruins of Chateau Comtal, a medieval hilltop castle. Ale fans will delight in Rochefort’s rich brewing history; beer has been brewed in town since as early as 1595 and Rochefort is renowned for its Trappist beer.

Not far from the border with Germany lies Malmedy, a lovely town dating back to the early medieval period that has maintained its charm and a number of historic buildings including the beautiful Cathedral of Malmedy, built in the 1770s. Cwarmê; a four-day festival held during Carnival and hosted in town for centuries, is one of Belgium’s best-known festivals and a must-do while in Malmedy.

Belgium’s southernmost town Torgny is located in Gaume and thus enjoys a much warmer climate than the country’s northern reaches. The picturesque village is widely considered one of the most beautiful towns in Wallonia, and its location on the banks of the charming Chiers River, as well as its winding streets and pretty houses topped with Roman tiles make it a romantic destination. Looking for more travel inspiration for your next getaway? Browse our collections of Epic Trips , Mini Trips and Sailing Trips to find your next exciting destination.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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10 Most Charming Towns and Villages in Belgium

Idyllic towns to visit instead of brussels.

Holidays in Belgium often conjure images of cities with Art Nouveau architecture, and world-class chocolates and beers. If Antwerp and Brussels are too mainstream for you, embark on a scenic road trip across the country to visit idyllic towns that seem to be have jumped out of your favorite fairy tale.

Many of these picturesque villages and towns have been around for hundreds of years, with medieval structures listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you’re in the mood for a getaway surrounded by lush greenery, check out our guide on charming villages and towns you have to visit in Belgium.

Relax at the village’s mineral springs

Spa is located within a valley that overlooks Ardennes Mountains, about 35 km southeast of Liege. Also called the Pearl of the Ardennes, this town has dozens of thermal springs and spa retreats with heated pools, Jacuzzis, and relaxation rooms.

While most visit Spa for the purpose of rest and relaxation, there are plenty of historical monuments and fun activities to enjoy, from gambling at the 18th-century Casino of Spa to watching the Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps motor-racing circuit.

Location: Spa, 4900, Belgium

photo by Iain Cameron ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

Walk along the cobbled lanes of this UNESCO-listed Old Town

Bruges is an atmospheric Belgian town that attracts many with its picturesque canals, half-timber houses, and cobblestoned alleys. You can simply wander its beautiful old streets, admiring medieval mansions, art galleries and quaint chocolate shops.

Located 100 km west of Brussels, its UNESCO-listed Old Town has plenty of medieval architecture, including the Basilica of the Holy Blood , 14th-century Town Hall , and 13th-century Belfort Belfry (with an 83-meter tower overlooking Bruges).

Location: Bruges, Brugge, 1755, Belgium

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Enjoy views of bouillon from the top of a medieval castle.

A Medieval town within Semois Valley, Bouillon is home to Château de Bouillon , one of the oldest feudal castles in Europe. You can learn about the town’s most famous lord, Godfrey of Bouillon, at Archéoscope Godefroid de Bouillon , a museum that showcases a 35-minute film about the Crusades.

At Ducal Museum , check out artworks, artifacts, and weapons dating back to the Middle Ages. If you’re looking to sample Belgian beers during your stop in Bouillon, enjoy a sampling tour at Nathalie Market, which has around 300 beers on offer.

Location: Bouillon, Belgium

photo by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Visit Albert Einstein’s former residence in Concessie

De Haan is a coastal village in Belgium’s West Flanders Province. Located 18 km west of Bruges, it’s usually busiest during the summer months thanks to its charming hotels and beach resorts along the coastline.

The seafront is a popular spot for outdoor games and leisure activities. Enjoy views of Belle Époque buildings when exploring the Concessie historical district – a must-visit is Villa Savoyarde , where Albert Einstein lived in for 6 months back in in 1933.

Location: De Haan, Belgium

A village known for the Grotto of Saint Anthony of Padua

The quiet village of Crupet consists of limestone farmhouses surrounded by green valleys. One of the most picturesque locations in Wallonia, its main attraction is the Grotto of Saint Anthony of Padua , which was designed by Father Joseph Gérard in 1903. It has around 22 terracotta sculptures depicting the life of the saint, one of which is of St Anthony resisting the temptation of Satan. The 13th-century Château de Crupet , occupying a riverfront spot below the village center, is a popular spot for photography.

Location: Crupet, 5332, Belgium

photo by Marc Ryckaert ( CC BY 3.0 ) modified

Scale Homalius Rock for views of the town

Durbuy lies 46 km east of Crupet, and is often called the smallest city in the world. Its winding cobblestone streets are lined with stone houses dating back to the 17th century, resulting in a timeless atmosphere.

Surrounded by the Ardennes mountain range, you can see the entire Durbuy landscape by climbing to the top of Homalius Rock , an anticlinal formation that’s over 300 million years old.

Location: Durbuy, Belgium

An agricultural town near the France-Belgium border

Veurne is an idyllic town about 25 km northeast of Dunkirk, France. Located in rural West Flanders, it has a thriving agricultural industry, with a central square dominated by medieval buildings.

Grote Markt is the town’s busiest locale, where you get to see a mix of late Gothic, Renaissance and baroque structures such as Saint Walburga Church , Gerechtshof (Law Courts), and the Belfort belfry. Every last Sunday of July, Veurne hosts Boeteprocessie, a somber procession that involves hooded penitents carrying crosses and re-enacting the Passion of Christ.

Location: Veurne, 8630, Belgium

photo by Lokilech ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

A clifftop village overlooking the River Meuse

Dinant has some of Belgium’s most picturesque buildings, many of them overlooking the River Meuse. This clifftop village’s landmark is the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dinant , a Gothic cathedral with a unique pear-shaped bell tower.

Dinant is also the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, who invented the saxophone in the early 1840s. There’s a museum dedicated to the Belgian icon, as well as numerous sculptures of saxophones decorating parts of the town.

Location: Dinant, Belgium

Celebrate Carnival at this medieval town

Malmedy, located within the province of Liège, attracts visitors with picturesque buildings and traditions dating back to medieval times.

Must-visits include the 17th-century Cathedral of Malmedy , Malmundarium (a former Benedictine monastery-turned-museum), and the Baugnez 44 military museum. Since the mid-1400s, Malmedy celebrates Cwarmê, a 4-day festivity that take place during Carnival, usually about a month before Easter.

Location: Malmedy, Belgium

photo by Joachim Köhler ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Sample Trappist, Rochefort’s iconic beer

Rochefort sits on the banks of the River Lesse, about 110 km southeast of Brussels. Once a resort town during the 19th century, it’s known for producing Trappist beer.

Rochefort Abbey is the town’s monastery, which has been operating the Rochefort Brewery since 1595. You can explore impressive grottoes by join a guided tour of Caves of Han-sur-Lesse, an underground cave system with a vaulted ceiling that’s about 127 meters in height. The caves are surrounded by historical sites, including Loreto Chapel , Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne , and Chateau Comtal .

Location: Rochefort, 5580, Belgium

photo by photophilde ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

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8 of the best places to visit in Belgium

Dec 4, 2023 • 8 min read

Explore Brussels with this guide to the country's best places to visit © RossHelen / Getty Images

Travelers often overlook Belgium in favor of neighbors like France and the Netherlands, but it’s one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Because of its history, Belgium is linguistically and culturally diverse; it’s also small and compact, so visitors can travel to multiple destinations with ease. 

From perfect fries and chocolate to accessible nature breaks, picturesque medieval towns and vibrant art and fashion scenes, there is truly something for everyone to experience in Belgium. Here are the best places to visit.

1. Brussels

Best for shopping, museums and street food

Brussels , the capital of Belgium and seat of the EU and NATO, is one of Europe’s most multicultural cities. 

Art lovers can spend a whole day visiting the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium – its six different museums include the must-visit Magritte Museum – along with the Boghossian Foundation at Villa Empain, and the modern-chic Center for Fine Arts, a multipurpose cultural venue commonly referred to as BOZAR .

The city is filled with architectural masterpieces such as the Grand Place , a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, and the illustrious Maison Cauchie , which can be toured on certain weekends with advance reservations.

You can find some of the world’s best and most affordable vintage shopping at the Brussels flea markets, most notably the daily open-air antique market in Place du Jeu-de-Balle, and the shops in the Sablon district.

Planning tip: For food and drink lovers, Brussels is the place to taste all of Belgium’s highlights. Délirium Café is a beloved, always-crowded bar with more than 2,000 types of beer, including the country’s famed Trappist beers. Nearby, there are a handful of outdoor kiosks, known as frietkot (snack stands), where you can get your fix of frieten – fries served in a paper cone with your sauce of choice. To satisfy a sweet tooth, try Belgian chocolate at Pierre Marcolini and, of course, the fluffy Brussels-style waffles at Maison Dandoy .

2. Namur Province

Best for forts, nature and river views

Known as the “Land of Valleys”, the land-locked province of Namur in the Wallonia region is rich in nature – rivers, cliffs, rolling farm hills and lush Ardennes greenery.

With postcard-perfect aesthetics and a mighty citadel perched atop limestone cliffs, Dinant is the ideal day-trip destination. Stroll around the town, cruise along the river, ride the cable car up to the fortress to take in the sweeping views and enjoy the scenery from a cafe while tasting regional specialties like the Couque de Dinant, a hard biscuit that comes in various shapes. Made of equal parts wheat flour and honey, it can be kept indefinitely, making a great souvenir to take back home.

For a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience, head to Liernu, an even smaller town that’s the epitome of tranquility. Here you’ll find L’air du Temps , a fine-dining restaurant in a beautifully renovated farmhouse set on 12 acres of private gardens. Most of the dishes served are sourced from the garden and often feature highlights of the local terroir, like Wallonia’s most sustainable food source, the Petits-Gris de Namur snails.

From there, you’re a stone’s throw from the city of Namur , capital of both the province and the region. This relaxed city is home to one of Europe’s largest citadels and also the adults-only Musée Félicien Rops , which exhibits the life and work of the scandalous 19th-century Belgian artist.

Best for wandering and romantic escapes 

A visit to Bruges feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Often called the Venice of the North, the city is incredibly charming with an intricate network of tree-lined canals, cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture. To add to the allure, many of the distinctively medieval buildings look like gingerbread houses, thanks to the red Gothic brick. All that and the fact that it’s the birthplace of Flemish Primitive painting led to the entire historic center of Bruges being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bruges is best experienced at a leisurely pace. Wander around the Old Town on foot, soaking up the atmosphere of the city squares, the Markt and the Burg ; hop on a canal boat tour and count all 54 bridges, then bike along the canals to the less crowded places. For the best bird’s-eye views, head to the Belfort , one of Bruges’ most recognizable landmarks, and climb the 366 steps to the top.

Catch your breath with a crisp Belgian beer, which can be found on every corner of the city. Noteworthy destinations are De Halve Maan , a brewery that also offers tours with tastings, and ’t Brugs Beertje , a legendary beerhouse with more than 300 Belgian brews on the menu.

Last but not least, no visit to Bruges is complete without a visit to the Groeningemuseum , a fine art museum with an impressive Flemish Primitive collection.

Best for fashion and design 

Home to the world-renowned Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Belgium’s second city is also its coolest . Some of fashion’s top creatives, including Martin Margiela and Balenciaga’s Demna Gvasalia, have connections to Antwerp . A few have gone on to open unique shops here that are worth a visit, such as Dries Van Noten’s Het Modepaleis and Ann Demeulemeester’s sleek, black-and-bone-white flagship store .

There are more trendy shops in the Kammenstraat and Nationalestraat areas that make up the Fashion District, where you can also find the impressive fashion museum MoMu .

Beyond its stylish inhabitants, Antwerp has a visual edge driven by the contrasting architectural styles of contemporary projects and medieval buildings. Make your way down to the port to marvel at late architect Zaha Hadid’s Antwerp Port House and the MAS , home to exhibitions and collections revolving around the city.

5. The Belgian coast

Best for beaches 

The white, sandy Belgian coast stretches for 65km (40 miles), meaning you can pack multiple towns into a visit without feeling overwhelmed. Making things even easier is de Kusttram , a coastal tram that’s one of the longest in the world. It starts near the French border at De Panne and travels all the way to Knokke-Heist near the Dutch border, making 67 stops. The complete journey takes 2.5 hours and allows you to admire the coastline in its entirety, jumping off whenever you like without having to worry about parking.  

The two must-visit stops are De Haan and Oostduinkerke. De Haan is unlike other towns in that all buildings must be under five floors, which helps preserve its small-village charm. The low beachfront made up of Belle Epoque architecture and unspoiled grassy dunes is love at first sight for many. Still not convinced? The sweet treats at the retro Wafelhuis Annie or high tea at the vintage 't Stil Genot tearoom are sure to win you over. 

Oostduinkerke, or East Dunkirk, is a protected dune area and the only place in the world where shrimpers still use horse-dragged nets to collect tiny gray shrimp from the sand. This centuries-old tradition is practiced by just over a dozen highly trained locals and takes place at low tide during the warmer months, usually between April and October. In 2013, shrimp fishing on horseback in Oostduinkerke received UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status. To learn more about this and the other local sea traditions, visit Navigo , a national museum housed in a 19th-century fisher’s cottage.

Best for a quirky weekend break

Located between Brussels and Bruges, Ghent encapsulates the best of Belgian cities: winding canals, medieval architecture, enviable museums and cobblestone alleyways filled with shops and restaurants. The difference is that it’s also home to the largest student population in Belgium – a young, beating heart in one of the country’s oldest urban areas. 

Take a closer look and you’ll find an unconventional creative community, flourishing music scene and so many plant-based menus that it’s often referred to as the vegetarian capital of Europe. 

Since 2009, Ghent has proudly held the title of UNESCO Creative City of Music. There’s a wide range of options for everyone’s tastes, from Belgium’s first silent disco at Abacho to performances at the never boring Vooruit Art Center and De Bijloke Muziekcentrum , and live music on the street and in bars and cafes like Kinky Star , a record-label-owned cafe famous for its Irish coffees and alternative concerts.

Best for thermal hot springs and well-being

Spas around the world take their name from this peaceful and breathtaking Ardennes town. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, Spa is known for its healing thermal springs and lightly sparkling mineral water. The most famous spa in Spa is Thermes de Spa , a modern and surprisingly affordable complex in the hills that’s backed by more than 150 years of knowledge and tradition. With a stunning natural landscape as your backdrop, resting and relaxing feels easy here.

Spa is also home to the world’s first casino , a permanent exhibition of Joan Miró lithographs , and the annual Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at the world-class Spa-Francorchamps track.

8. Hoge Kempen National Park

Best for nature

Hoge Kempen National Park is the only national park in Belgium. A former coal-mining site, it opened in 2006 following the cooperative conservation efforts of businesses, government agencies and environmental organizations.

The 5,700-hectare (14,085-acre) nature reserve is mostly heathland and pine forest, a lush landscape of evergreen trees – and vibrant purple-flowering shrubs in August and September – next to expansive artificial waterways. Today, it’s inhabited by more than 6,000 species of flora and fauna, which is especially impressive considering the area’s industrial history. 

Planning tip:  There are five main gateways that serve as entrances to the park. For those without a car, the park can be accessed through the Kattevennen Gateway, first by taking a train to Genk station, followed by a De Lijn bus ride or a short walk. Once inside, there are different routes depending on whether you’re exploring by bicycle, mountain bike, horseback or on foot. Admission is always free, and the park is open all year long. Rangers offer guided experiences for all ages with advance registration.

This article was first published May 2022 and updated December 2023

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20 Most Beautiful Cities in Belgium

By Author Paulina

Posted on Published: August 7, 2020  - Last updated: March 1, 2024

A guide to the most beautiful towns in Belgium including small towns, amusement parks, and historic sites in the best cities in Belgium

A country filled with vibrant surprises: traveling Belgium is an inevitable part of every traveler’s bucket list.

It is admired for its postcard-perfect destinations such as Bruges or Antwerp, its awe-inspiring landscapes of Wallonia and Flanders, and its delicious cuisine. 

Each of the beautiful cities in Belgium speaks a story of its own and gives a peek into the country’s rich and prosperous heritage. The best part about this country that I love is that it is equally loved by visitors of all ages.

After living in Belgium for a couple of years, I share with you my favorite towns in Belgium of all times!

You, dear reader, support this blog. When you purchase through a link, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

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Most beautiful cities in Belgium – My favorite picks!

The smallest city of Belgium holds big surprises for its guests with its history, landscape, and cobblestone streets.

An impressive castle and monuments are also part of this tiny city that is worth a visit. It’s also home to one of the most beautiful and best castles in Belgium named Durbuy Castle.

The natural Rocher de la Falize and the Halle aux Blés are the popular attractions of this city. Besides historical sites, Durbuy is famous for its options for fun outdoor activities.

While you can enjoy paintballing and rock climbing at the Adventure Valley Durbuy, Topiary Park lets you enjoy a nature walk.

You can even plan several things to do in Durbuy, Belgium during Christmas Time , like enjoying the Christmas market and Durbuy’s famous jams.

Durbuy has more surprises to offer than even the biggest cities in Belgium. Be prepared to be amazed on your trip to Durbuy and create memories for a lifetime.

Where to stay: Hotel La Calèche ***

A picturesque city that looks straight out of a fairy tale, Bruges attracts visitors with its medieval charm. It’s the pride of Belgium’s Flemish region and is aptly referred to as the “Venice of the North”.

It is one of the most beautiful places in Belgium with scenic views, canals, cobblestone streets, and splendid architecture.

The city has some of the most famous tourist spots in Belgium like the iconic 13 th -century Belfry of Bruges. – Check walking tours here

Other popular landmarks are its historic center and the Church of our Lady which is the world’s second tallest brickwork. It features Michelangelo’s famous sculpture of Madonna and Child as its altarpiece.

Bruges is also famous for its textile technique: lace and the beer brewery: De Halve Maan . Have look here at the best restaurants in Bruges and at the best hotels in Bruges .

It’s ideal to visit this spectacular city from June to August as it’s when the weather is at its best. This weather also makes it the home of best Instagram places in Bruges to click pictures.

Visit this amazing city to get a glimpse of Belgium’s heritage at every step. If you only have 1 day in Bruges , make sure to check my guide on what to do in Bruges in 1 day.

Check food tours in Bruges here

Located in the Belgian province of Namur, Dinant brings life to the quote “Great things come in small packages”.

This little gem lies on the shore of River Meuse and is undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. It gives tough competition to big cities in Belgium with its amazing castle and serene views of nature.

The fortified Citadel of Dinant and the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Dinant are of the iconic sights of the city.  Another popular attraction is the house of Adolphe Sax: the inventor of the Saxophone.

Munch on the Couque de Dinant , Europe’s hardest biscuit as you explore this city of its origin.

It’s also one of the best places for day trips from Brussels by train .

The classic blend of heritage and modernity makes Ghent one of the best places to visit in Belgium. Located in the East Flanders region, Ghent is the second most populous city of Belgium.

It is home to numerous architectural masterpieces that offer a treat to the eyes.

The Gothic St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and the marvelous Gravensteen Castle are the must-visit places in Ghent. You can take a delightful walk and explore the beauty of the city as the center is a pedestrian zone. – Check guided tours here

Visitors throng the city during its 10-day-long annual music and theatre festival: the Gentse Feesten .

Another interesting part about Ghent is its astounding culinary scene. Unlike many European cities, Ghent is known to encourage and promote vegetarianism.

It even has the greatest number of vegetarian restaurants per capita in the world! Don’t forget to take home the special cuperdons : the candies with a liquid, sweet raspberry center. 

If you are visiting it during Christmas time then you must visit the Ghent Christmas Market of Belgium which will be a total delight to your eyes. It’s often seen as one of the best Christmas Markets in Belgium and if you’re wondering where to stay in Ghent during winter I recommend the town center.

The area of Ghent is great for hiking, thus it’s perfect when looking for the best hiking trails of Brussels .

Check all tours in Ghent here

Situated on the banks of the river Schelde , Antwerp is regarded as one of the main cities of Belgium.

For its exquisite collection of diamonds, it is referred to as the diamond capital of the world. Besides diamonds, the vibrant city is home to amazing museums, churches, and historical buildings.

The museums like Rubenshuis , Plantin-Moretus , and MAS will leave you spellbound with its art collections. – Get entrance tickets here

The Cathedral of Our Lady, the Saint Paul Church, and the Antwerp Zoo are some other places that deserve a visit. Even the central train station is a destination unto itself with impressive architecture.

The city also hosts an amazing music festival: the Cultuurmarkt van Vlaanderen in August every year. The zealous event attracts a huge crowd with the performances of local and international artists. 

Visit the Meir shopping street in Antwerp to collect the best souvenirs. Whether you are shopping for a gift or a souvenir to relieve treasured memories, the market will spoil you for choices.

To make the most of our trip to Antwerp, it is recommended to visit from May to September.

Check all activities in Antwerp here

6. Brussels

While talking about the most beautiful places in Belgium, the capital city Brussels cannot be missed. It is located in the heart of Belgium and boasts many architectural landmarks and UNESCO world heritage sites.

The famous attractions include the iconic Grand Palace , the bronze statue Manneken Pis and the Atomium , one of the best museums in Brussels . – Check all tours in Brussels here

If you identify happiness with chocolate, jazz, beer, comics, and shopping, Brussels is the best destination to be. It’s a shopper’s paradise with upscale shopping arcades like the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert .

Visitors also throng the Rue Neuve shopping street to get their hands on splendid collections from popular chain stores.

From lively jazz concerts and comic strip walks to the most delicious waffles, the city has a lot to offer to its visitors.

A great way to see the most of Brussels is by getting on the “HopOn-HopOff” Bus. – Get tickets here

Check foodie tours in Brussels here

Home to the world’s largest brewery, Leuven is an interesting city in Belgium to visit.

It is located 30 km east of Brussels and has some of the best options for sightseeing in Belgium. – Book your day trip to Leuven here

A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Leuven like the Great Beguinage and the St. Peter’s Church promises an enriching experience. It also has the Gothic Town Hall and the Arenberg Castle which ranks among major attractions in Belgium.  The best way to explore this city is by taking a tour of its breweries, museums, and the university. The city is the birthplace of popular beers like Stella Artois and Domus .

With numerous bars serving local and international beers, this is the best place to relish a sparkling drink. It’s also a great day trip from Brussels . Get tickets here

Check all activities in Leuven here

A city renowned for its folk festivals and glittering nightlife, Liege is one of the popular tourist places in Belgium. It is situated in the Meuse Valley and has stunning architectures that will take you back in time.

With its collegiate churches, cuisines, art, museums, and party hotspots, the city never fails to impress. These are the attractions you shouldn’t miss in Liege.

Among the famous attractions here, the 17th-century Grand Curtius Museum tops the chart. It is followed by the 374- steps stairway Montagne de Bueren which is ranked among the world’s most extreme staircases.

The annual electro-rock festival Les Ardentes also attracts visitors to Liege from every part of the world. Even if you only have 1 day in Liege, you need to taste its food! It serves one of the best traditional Belgian foods .

Other popular destinations here are the city center, the Liège-Guillemins railway station, and the La Boverie museum. A stunning piece of architectural brilliance at every step makes Liege one of the best cities in Belgium to visit.

9. Mechelen

Located between the two major cities in Belgium; Brussels and Antwerp, Mechelen is an easily accessible destination. The historic city is home to medieval buildings and some of the best monuments in Belgium.

Visitors happily mount the 514 steps of the St. Rumbold’s Tower for spectacular panoramic views of the city.

The dynamic city caters to the interests of visitors of all generations. The Mechelen Toy Museum, the Planckendael Zoo , and the 13 th century Brusselpoort are some of the highlights of this city.

Do not miss to try the Gouden Carolus classic beer while in Mechelen, as it is the city of its origin.

10. Ypres/Ieper

Ieper, popularly known by its French name Ypres is a city associated with the battles of the First World War. It is located in the West Flanders province and has several war memorials that pay homage to the braveheart soldiers.

The Lakhenhalle on the Grote Markt and Gothic Saint Martin’s Cathedral are the impressive attractions in Ypres.

You can witness the Last Post Ceremony that pays respect to the soldiers of the First World War. The city brilliantly portrays and assures that there is always light after darkness.

There are several great remembrance hiking trails close by, thus it’s perfect to bring your vegan hiking boots or backpacks made from reycled material .

11. Nieuwpoort

A seaside city in the province of West Flanders, Nieuwpoort is one of the best places to go in Belgium. It’s a beautiful destination where the best of history and nature walk hand-in-hand. 

With an old medieval center and a thriving resort side referred to as Nieuwpoort Bad, this city attracts myriad visitors. No wonder that it is often considered one of the best beach resorts in Belgium .

The staketsel , the marina , the vismijn , and the West Front Newport are some of the must-visit places here. The best way to explore Nieuwpoort is by walking or cycling along the Frontzate .

As the serene Yser river flows through the city, the marvelous views will tempt you back time and again.

Where to stay:   Hotel Cosmopolite ****

Namur, the impressive capital of Wallonia takes tourism in Belgium to the next level of brilliance. The most prominent highlight of the city is the Citadelle which played a great role in the history of Namur.

It offers unrivaled views of the city and the Meuse river which is a delightful feast for the eyes. It is home to the St Aubin’s Cathedral which is a masterpiece of academic Late Baroque style. At Namur, you can spend your day shopping at the Rue de L’Ange or taking a boat tour along the Sambre .

You will be greeted by iconic landmarks like the Wallonian Parliament throughout the journey.

13. Knokke-Heist

A vibrant seaside resort located in the Poldar region along the North Sea, Knokke-Heist is a paradise for beach lovers.

It is one of the best cities in Belgium with colorful events and music festivals happening throughout the year. The Zwin Nature Reserve and the Scharpoort are the notable attractions of the city.

Knokke-Heist offers splendid choices if you are wondering what to do in Belgium. Regardless of whether you indulge in adventurous water sports, relish a drink at beach bars, or visit amazing museums, every experience is enthralling.

Knokke is also known for being the beach resort of the rich & famous and has the best beaches in Belgium .

You can enjoy several things to do in Knokke like shopping, bike ride etc.

Where to stay:   La Reserve ****

14. Bouillon

Nestled in the Luxembourg province of Wallonia, Bouillon is one of the charming cities to visit in Belgium.

The Bouillon Castle, which is ranked among the famous places in Belgium astonishes visitors with its century’s old history.

The small city also allows you to immerse yourself in nature with unparalleled views. If you love hiking it is a great place to go to, you can enjoy some of the best hiking trails in Belgium here.

It is also from those beautiful places near Luxembourg you must give a visit if you want to enjoy nature.

The view of the Semois River from the Le Tombeau du Géant and the Point de Vue Frahan lets you escape into a world of tranquillity.  It’s an ideal destination to reconnect with nature and for enjoying a relaxed and holiday.

Where to stay:   Hotel de la Poste – Relais de Napoleon III ****

A tiny Mediterranean gem in Wallonia, Torgny marks the southernmost part of Belgium. Pretty streets, stone buildings, and colourful plants adorn this cozy village. It is known for its gorgeous landscapes and the gentle microclimate.

The vineyards add to the charm of this village and deserve a spot in the best places to see in Belgium. Here, you can also explore Belgium’s oldest nature reserve: The Raymond Mayné nature reserve.

The La Grappe d’Or by Michelin Star chef Clément Petitjean takes you on a gastronomic journey with scrumptious cuisines made from the freshest of ingredients.

Veurne in West Flanders is a well-deserved addition to the list of best cities to visit in Belgium.  The beautiful central market of the little city showcases remarkable examples of Renaissance-style buildings.

A walk along the cozy streets of the city walk route will reward you with impressive views.

The Castle Beauvoorde in Veurne, with a stunning collection of 17 th -century furniture, is among the top things to see in Belgium. Other popular attractions include the Saint Nicholas Church and the marvellous City Hall.

For those searching for a destination for a vacation with the kids, Veurne is the best place to be.

Damme is filled with witnesses of Belgium’s glorious past. It’s conveniently located 7 km northeast of Bruges, which is one of the top cities in Belgium.

The city is referred to as “book town” as it has a plethora of book shops and hosts regular book fairs. Visitors admire the city for its towering gothic buildings, architectural marvels, boat trips, and state-of-the-art dining venues. It has the finest response to the question of what to see in Belgium.

The iconic landmarks include the town hall Stadhuis and the windmill Schellemolen .

A walk along the cobblestone street Kerkstraat lets you admire many monuments along the way.

A destination identified with its natural mineral springs, Spa is one of the best towns in Belgium to unwind. This popular tourist hub is located in the valley of Ardennes mountains in the province of Liege .

This is the place where the word “spa” originated and its cold springs are considered to have healing properties. If you want to enjoy a perfect weekend breaks in Belgium then Ardennes is the best place to go. Indulging in revitalizing hydrotherapy in the Thermes de Spa is one of the best things to do in Belgium. Besides, Spa also has some amazing heritage sites like the Pouhun Pierre-le-Grand and the Casino de Spa , the world’s oldest casino.

Visit Spa to take a break from the hustle of the city and get rejuvenated by its magical water. 

Check wellness hotels in Spa here

Mons was one of the well-kept secrets of Belgium until 2015 when it was declared as the European Capital of Culture. Located in the Wallonia region, the city has some of the best places of interest in Belgium.

Mons is associated with the rich architectural heritage of Belgium which is reflected in the buildings throughout the city.

The Main Square, the Baroque belfry , the town hall, and the Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church are its phenomenal landmarks. You can also go museum hopping to get a deeper understanding of the celebrated past. 

20. Tournai

Tournai is reckoned as one of the oldest and largest cities in Belgium.  It’s a Wallonian city located on the river Scheldt to the southwest of Brussels.

With UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Notre Dame de Tournai and the belfry, it grabs the admiration of numerous visitors. It is also the best option if you are planning for some cool things to do in Brussels in a Day .

The Grand Palace and the Pont des Trous also let you witness an incredible style of architecture. Tournai happily caters to the needs of its little guests too with a “Jungle City” exclusively for kids.

The museums, the Romanesque buildings, and the historical charm make Tournai one of the most interesting places in Belgium .

Short FAQ about beautiful cities in Belgium

Which cities are the best to visit in belgium.

Bruges, Dinant and Ghent are the best cities to visit in Belgium.

Which small cities are worth visiting in Belgium?

Bouillon, Durbuy and Dinant are small cities worth visiting in Belgium.

Whats one gorgeous exotic city in Belgium?

Antwerp is one gorgeous exotic city in Belgium that you should visit. Another gorgeous town to visit is Bruges or Dinant.

Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀

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17 beautiful cities in Belgium besides Brussels that you won’t want to miss!

December 10, 2017 by Karen Turner 11 Comments

If you’re visiting Belgium, you’ve definitely heard of Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges…but there’s way more beautiful cities in Belgium. This post is focused on beautiful cities in the Wallonia region, which is the French speaking part of Belgium.

Wallonia Belgium is often ignored by travelers, which I don’t understand as someone who has traveled in Wallonia and Flanders. It’s full of beautiful Belgian cities with few other tourists and delicious food (WAFFLES!). Keep reading for the most beautiful cities in Belgium besides Brussels and lots of beautiful photos of Belgium’s Wallonia region.

Note:    Keep in mind that not all are “cities” due to population, so some are technically towns.  It’s a combination of towns AND cities, so let’s just set that straight. 😉

Towns/Cities included on this beautiful cities in Belgium (Wallonia) list.

La Roche-en-Ardenne

Chassepierre.

Of course you should visit Brussels  and Flanders, however Wallonia is the focus of this article.

• 1 A quick note about Wallonian History and culture
• 8 Rochefort
• 11 La Roche-en-Ardenne
• 12 Bouillon
• 13 Chassepierre
• 15 Liege / Luik
• 19 Have you visited any of these cities/towns? Have I left any beautiful Belgian cities in Wallonia off this list that you loved?

A quick note about Wallonian History and culture

Belgium is divided into TWO parts: Flanders and Wallonia.  Flanders is the Flemish part of Belgium in the north while Wallonia is the French speaking part of Belgium.  These two areas are very different in terms of architecture, language, and culture. It’s so cool that you can just drive 1 hour and feel like you’re in another country.

Wallonia has been inhabited for thousands of years and one of the first discovered paleolithic caves in Europe is in this amazing region. Also, people are wonderfully friendly (in both parts of Belgium) and the cities in Belgium are beautiful in both regions.

Located along the River Meuse, Dinant, a town with less than 15,000 people, is an incredibly historical and gorgeous epicenter. Not only is the town the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, but it is also the site of one of the first battles of World War I. Perched high on the other side of the river from Dinant is the original Leffe brewery! Dinant is often considered to be the most beautiful town in Belgium.

To soak up the history and stunning views of Dinant, take the gondola to the top of the Citadel for a panorama of the entire town. Enjoy the town from the water by renting a small motorized boat (there are some incredibly beautiful churches along the banks). Make sure to end the day by drinking a Leffe at the old brewery!

The city is completely walkable and easily reached by train from both inside and outside of Belgium. With a small town center, Dinant is the perfect weekend trip. Read about  things to do in Dinant  at Jordan’s blog!

Durbuy is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful Belgian cities and it’s an easy day trip from Brussels by car.  Durbuy loves to brag that it’s the smallest city in the world, however this dates back to an earlier time period where the medieval city was named as a city despite having a smaller population.  Now, you have a stunning medieval village that is perfectly preserved with an impressive castle AND the world’s largest topiary maze.

 The old medieval city of Durbuy is very walkable with many shops carrying artisanal food/beer, half-timbered houses, and ivy-covered houses.  Walking around Durbuy can be done quickly, but when you’re sighing at the sight of every beautiful house and alleyway, it takes hours. 😉  You can enjoy more photos of Durbuy with tips for things to do in Durbuy in another blog post of mine.

  People who love flea markets will fall in love with Bomal.  I absolutely love flea market or  any kind of market,  so if you’re into eating lots of traditional foods, adorable architecture, thrifty finds (1 euro cat tunnel!), and just getting lost in a beautiful Belgian town, Bomal is for you.  It’s a short drive from Durbuy, so it’s perfect to explore Durbuy on a Saturday, stay overnight in Durbuy and head to Bomal on Sunday.

As there’s not a lot of information about Bomal online in English (only Flemish or French), let me mention that there’s actually  two  markets in Bomal:

• “Les marchés Ponts Gourmands” This is the food market in Bomal that is every Sunday in between May and November.  It’s fantastic for trying local foods, buying farm fresh veggies, shopping for new gloves, or just admiring the town’s cute architecture.
• “La Petite Batte” is the Bomal flea market.  It’s held in one of the main buildings in the town centre called La Sassin between 9am-1pm every sunday. There’s over 200 stalls and you have no idea what you’ll find.    Bring cash.

The town of Spa is most famous for its healing natural spring water and it’s also a beautiful town in Belgium! Established in the 16th century, the thermal resort of Spa is one of the oldest in the world and is also where the English term Spa comes from.

The baths are beautifully located up on the hill amidst the trees where you will find complete relaxation. It is really nice to swim in the outside hot pool on a cold winter day with the freshness of the trees and piles of snow all around.

Other great reasons to visit Spa are the casino and the nearby circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which hosts the yearly Formula 1 event. The Casino of Spa was built in the 18th century and is the worlds oldest casino. It used to attract aristocrats from all over Europe and is still one of the highlights for a visit to this pretty Wallonian town.    Thanks to Sabine for submitting this one!

Mons is a beautiful city in Belgium, only 40 minutes from Brussels.  The city hall in Mons is in the gothic-style, which is atypical for the region, but absolutely beautiful to admire.  You can even take a tour of the building if you plan ahead.  It’s right in the middle of Grand Place, the shining star of Mons.  Surprisingly, you’ll not see many tourists, despite the region’s link to  Van Gogh in Belgium .

  The real region to visit Mons is to learn about its incredible feminist history, the UNESCO recognized Doudou festival that occurs every Trinity Sunday, AND the UNESCO-recognized Belfry (one of twenty three throughout France and Belgium).   You can read more about this beautiful city in Belgium in its own blog post about things to do in Mons and some practical information.

Photo copyright; BigstockCrupet is a beautiful village in Wallonia with a beautiful chateau dating back to the middle ages.  It is actually listed among the most beautiful cities in Wallonia and when you wander through the town, you’ll see why people rank it accordingly.   

However, the showstopping reason to visit Crupet is not the castle, but the grotto in the middle of the town centre.  I didn’t know about the grotto when we visited…and well, it was absolutely FASCINATING to explore it.  The town itself is made up of stone houses that lend a cozy atmosphere to the town, especially around sunset.

Rochefort is a beautiful municipality in Belgium that used to be a resort in the 1800s.  Nowadays, it’s most famous for the Rochefort Abbey that produces Trappist beer as well as the caves nearby.  Similarly, you can also see some of the ruins of the ancient chateau that used to be there.  Similarly, be sure to keep an eye out for the cheese! If you’re a beer lover, you won’t want to miss this town in Belgium!

Photo copyright: BigstockNamur is one of the main cities in Wallonia as it’s the capital of Wallonia (and Namur province) and widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Wallonia.   

It sits along the Meuse river although you can get impressive views of the area from its medieval fortress.  Don’t miss the belfry dating back to the 1700s. It’s quite easy to access from Brussels, however you’ll fall in love with the architecture, beer, and many things to do in this stunning area once you visit.

Photo: BigstockTorgny is a beautiful village in Belgium in the southeastern part of Belgium (in the Ardennes). The houses in Tourny are the reason why this village is famous for being a beautiful place in Belgium. 

Note the golden color!  It’s full of beautiful buildings made of stone, colorful plants, and sloping roads. Around this area, you’ll find beautiful forests and rolling hills.

La Roche-en-Ardenne is one the most popular Belgian destinations in Wallonia and once you see the fortress above the town…it’s clear why many consider it a beautiful town in Belgium.    The fortress dates back to the 9th century although it’s been built up/down throughout history.   

The town was luckily not destroyed (although it was damaged) during World War II despite playing a major role in Battle of the Bulge.  Admire it for yourself and consider visiting in summer/fall to take advantage of the nearby hiking.

Bouillon is another beautiful town in Belgium with an impressive medieval castle dating back to medieval times. There’s also quite a castles in the area, so if you’re more into chateaus, you’ll find these too. There’s just a ton of beautiful look-out points around this town, so if you’re a fan of hiking, nature, and castles, consider visiting Bouillion.

Chassepierre is another beautiful town in Wallonia Belgium! It also ranks among one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia and if you’re admiring the stone houses within the village, you’ll understand why.  Beyond being an adorable town, it hosts a street art festival each August.

Lovers of unique European festivals won’t want to skip this beautiful Belgian town.  Each year, there’s a UNESCO recognized festival where the battle between David and Goliath is reenacted in a unique fashion, which is why Ath is the city of giants.  Don’t miss the adorable city hall.

Liege / Luik

Liege? You might be like…wait a second, one of these is not like the others.  Despite Liege’s industrial reputation, there’s parts of Liege that are truly adorable.  BUT, have you been to the Montagne de Bueren?  This 374 staircase might change your opinion about one of Belgium’s most famous cities (even if just for the waffles).

You’ll also see some cute medieval passages close to Rue Hors Chateau, so don’t give up Liege until you see it for yourself (or just eat a delicious Liege waffle in Liege).

Photo :BigstockMalmedy is a beautiful city in Belgium where German is one of the languages spoken (Isn’t Belgium a fascinating place? ) .   It has had a fascinating history and a proud tradition celebrating various festivals. 

Don’t be put off by the World War II history here and consider coming in Malmedy just in time for Cwarmê (the main festival) to experience a charming city centre full of beautiful architecture and the amazing costumes that people spend months preparing.

Belgian beer lovers, you cannot miss this Belgian city famous for its Chimay castle.  The city itself is absolutely adorable, so if you need an excuse to drink a Chimay in a picturesque cafe after enjoying a day of stadswandeling (simply getting lost in a city) or hiking in the stunning forests that you’ll find close to Chimay.

Tournai is yet another charming Belgian city in throwing distance of Brussels.  They boast that it’s Belgium’s best kept secret and when you see its UNESCO recognized Belfry and the adorable Grote Markt, it’s easy to see why.   Interestingly enough, this city was ruled by almost every single European country, even the British, so look for some influences left over from the five year rule of the Tudors.

Have you visited any of these cities/towns? Have I left any beautiful Belgian cities in Wallonia off this list that you loved?

  If you enjoyed this, I have a lot more posts about Belgium , including finding out more about Van Gogh in Belgium , Mons , Durbuy , Brussels , Antwerp/Ghent ….   

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

December 10, 2017 at 9:14 am

I totally agree with you here. Wallonia is lesser known (and popular) than Flanders, and that’s a shame really. Dutch people really like to visit the Ardennes, but mostly for the nature and not the cities. I really like the cities too, however. I have been to Liege and Namur and loved them!

February 13, 2018 at 1:58 pm

Wallonia deserves a lot more credit — it looks gorgeous!! Now I’m planning out a road trip based off your town recommendations! 😀

March 3, 2018 at 10:40 am

Durbuy is a complete wasp’s nest of tourists. I went there biking with a friend and we were so disgusted by how touristed out it was that we didn’t bother visiting the old center. We got the hell out of there asap.

March 3, 2018 at 1:17 pm

Hi Andy. Sorry to hear that you didn’t like it. Durbuy is a bit touristy, but not bad compared to most Belgian cities IMO. However, it’s a bit forgiven when you get into the old city center.

January 23, 2020 at 9:02 am

Very nice presentations for the cities / villages. I live in Luxembourg and you really inspired me to explore Belgium even more! Good work!

June 10, 2020 at 6:30 pm

Great article.Despite living in Flanders i like the Wallon region very much and often visit it.Been to all the places mentioned in the article.Maybe Thuin should be included as well(personel view).

September 11, 2020 at 7:55 am

I love that you mentioned Chimay! So cute and cosy town.

September 11, 2020 at 8:09 am

This is a very pretty article that I shared. It reminded me a bit of the « Rallye touristique » idea.

June 14, 2023 at 2:05 pm

Loved this article of the 17 beautiful cities. Do you know of a reputable company that would have a tour group going through this area please

June 23, 2023 at 12:51 pm

Wow – so many awesome and beautiful places. Haven’t seen so many of them.

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Destinations | EUROPE

23 most beautiful places in belgium to visit this year.

4 Jan 2022 | Belgium , Destinations , Europe

Wondering which are the most beautiful places in Belgium for your next visit? Let me help you! I grew up in the east of Belgium, in a small village in Limburg. I then moved to Antwerp, and I’ve now been working and living here for more than 10 years. I feel completely at home here. 

People often ask me if I would ever move out of Belgium, as I love to travel and spend so much time abroad. But Belgium feels like a real home to me, and I love the security and comfort I have here. It’s a mesmerising country, though often underrated – which is exactly why I’m going to take you to the most beautiful places in Belgium to add to your bucket list.

** Disclaimer: This post contains affiliated links which means that purchases made through these links reward Bey of Travel a small commission without any additional charge for the purchaser.** 

23 Most beautiful places in Belgium

Belgium is a small country, so it’s super easy to travel through. Travelling from the north to the south takes no longer than 3 hours by car. Along the way, you’re spoiled with stunning architecture and astonishing scenery. 

Brussels is the capital of Belgium, and from here you can explore more of the country by day trips or on extended road journeys, enjoying stops along the way. 

The cities of Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent are without doubt the top cities to visit in Belgium, so definitely add them to your to-do list. You can also opt for a day by the sea, or immerse yourself in our gorgeous natural scenery on bike or foot. Belgium has something to offer everyone and besides the fickle weather, it’s a beautiful country that will charm you instantly.

Belgium is associated with beer, chocolate and football (and of course, everybody knows us for holding the record as the country who’s gone longest without a government). 

Some people tend to make fun of our tiny spot on the world map. But fortunately, Belgium is so much more than just the place where you can eat the best fries and chocolate in the world. If you love modern world history, there is no better place like Belgium to visit many tourist attractions such as Mini Europe, Flanders Fields museum and other World War II sites.

Preparing for your trip to Belgium Travel Inspiration

Public transport in belgium travel guide: getting to the country.

Brussels Airport is one of the most important hubs in Europe, so it’s easily accessible from all corners of the globe. We also have airports in Deurne (Antwerp), Charleroi and Ostend.

When traveling from North America, I recommend flying to Brussels and then connecting to the rest of the country by road (renting a car), or using public transport. 

We have an extensive train network, with direct trains (including high-speed trains) from Brussels to Paris, London and Amsterdam (among others). 

When you’re in Belgium, you can reach all cities by train . Although I have to be honest, our public transport is quite expensive and does not always run punctually.

You can also easily move around Belgium by car. There are good highways that help you move around the country quickly, but just beware of our rush hours. Driving around the major cities between 7:00 – 9:00 am and 4:00 – 6:00 pm guarantees you’ll stumble into a couple of traffic jams.

Belgium overall is a safe country, and you can travel solo, or as a group, without any issues. 

As a European Union member, Euros is our official currency, and we have three official languages. They are Dutch, French, and German. But English is spoken and you shouldn’t have issues in popular cities. However, I do recommend learning a few phrases in Ducth and French – depending on the region you are planning to visit! It will be handy to communicate with the locals or staff in small towns. 

In terms of visa, US passport holders can travel to Belgium visa-free, and stay here for upto 90 days. 

Where to stay in Belgium? Here is my guide to the best places to stay in Belgium

23 Most beautiful places in Belgium to add to your bucket list

Here’s a list of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium

From the fashion capital Antwerp to hiking around Le Tombeau de Géant or visiting historic castles, there’s never a dull moment in our underrated European gem. Keep reading to find out more about the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium.

DISCOVER THE LOMMELSE SAHARA IN BEAUTIFUL LIMBURG

Yep, you read that right – sand dunes in Belgium.

My favorite spot in Belgium is without a doubt the Lommel Sahara. This is where I grew up, and I still love to visit this beautiful park in the north east time and time again. 

You can enjoy a pleasant hike, indulge in a picnic with friends by the water, or just relax and do nothing in the tranquility. It’s one of the most beautiful natural areas in our country, and I highly recommend it to everyone! 

You can even grab yourself a free hammock on-the-go when you register at the info desk.

Address: De Souverein, Sport Veldstraat 10, 3920 Lommel. The park has a huge parking lot where you can leave your car.

GO FOR A BIKE RIDE IN THE BEAUTIFUL REGION OF MAASEIK  

Did you know that Maaseik is part of a cycle path network of over 2,000 kilometers – most of which are completely car-free and pedestrian-only? 

The unique road system, the convenient cycling map (for sale at Maaseik Tourism) and the handy number plates at each junction help you find your way without a hitch – even if you spontaneously divert from your intended course. You can find more info about Maaseik here.

Hotel tip : For an overnight experience in nature, you should stay at Warredal , Maaseik. Sleep under the stars in a treehouse in the middle of the forest!

Location: Maaseik is 1.50 hours by car, or 2.50 hours by train from Brussels 

read next |  EXPLORE MAASEIK – TWO DAYS OF NATURE AND ADVENTURE

Visit the helixagon in linter.

Helixagon comes from ‘Helix’ and ‘Hexagon’, two figures that occur frequently in nature. The artwork from Frederik Vaes is a playful ode to nature and the bee. A tilted and twisted hexagonal viewing tube on the beautiful landscape.  

Address: Rodestraat 3350, 3350 Linter (about 50 minutes by car from Brussels or 1.25 hours by train).

READING BETWEEN THE LINES CHURCH, BORGLOON

Want to see something truly unique during your trip? The architect duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh built a breathtaking transparent church in Borgloon. The beautiful landscape is visible through the church, both from a distance and up close. The unique church appears both present and absent from the landscape at the same time.

The construction weighs no less than 30 tons. It’s 10 meters high, and consists of 100 stacked layers of steel plates in the shape of a Loons church. Visit it during sunset to witness the colourful setting sun shining through the church!

Hotel tip: Stay at Hoeve Roosbeek. You can find more details here . 

Address : Grootloonstraat 2, 3840 Borgloon. 

VLOOYBERG TOWER (VLOOYBERGTOREN) IN FLANDERS

This floating staircase is made of stainless Corten steel, with a colour that reflects the iron sandstone heritage of this part of Belgium. The Vlooyberg Tower is over 20m long and 11m high. It was built in 2013. 

It serves as a lookout point, and it’s located at one of the highest locations of the Hageland (around 80m).

Address: Oudepastoriestraat 22, 3390 Tielt-Winge (Travel to Tielt-Winge from Brussels in 45 minutes by car, or by train in 1.25 hours). 

HORST CASTLE (KASTEEL VAN HORST) IN HOLSBEEK 

This water castle can be found in the green valley of the Wingebeek, nestled between the hills of the Hageland. The castle, with its large pond and moat, is home to the famous Belgian cartoon character De Rode Ridder by Willy Vandersteen. 

A beautiful parkland extends around the castle, owned by the Agency for Nature and Forests.  

Address : Horststraat 28, 3220 Holsbeek (Travel to Horst Castle by car in 45 minutes, and by train in 1.25 hours from Brussels).  

CYCLE THROUGH THE BLOSSOMS IN HASPENGOUW

Haspengouw guarantees stunning sights all year round, but April is by far the best month to explore this region. Make sure you’ve got your camera handy – all the trees are in bloom at this time of year, so you’re guaranteed a wonderful one-of-a-kind floral display! 

The trees only bloom on average around 10 days per year and it’s difficult to predict exactly when this will happen, so do some research before visiting to avoid disappointment. 

Hotel tip : Stay at B&B Maison Mairie Hasselt . You can find more details here .

Address : An hour away by train, or drive from Brussels.

STROLL THROUGH THE INNER STREETS OF GHENT

When it comes to the best cities to visit in Belgium, Ghent is a super fancy city for both architecture and shopping. You’ll find plenty of boutique shops in a gorgeous authentic setting. 

Be sure to sit and enjoy a drink or a snack taking in the beautiful view over the water, or take a boat trip through the city center.

When in Ghent, you must try their local sweet, the cuberdon! A cuberdon is a traditional cone-shaped Belgian piece of candy from the East Flanders Region. It’s hard on the outside but gelatinous on the inside – and it has a really short shelf life. Because of this, it’s only available in Belgium, making it a delicious exclusive treat.

Address : 45 minutes by car from Brussels or less than 40 minutes by train.

GRAVENSTEEN GHENT

A visit to the mystical castle ‘Het Gravensteen’ absolutely cannot be missed on your to-do list of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium. 

This important sight in Ghent is a castle with a very turbulent history, closely intertwined with the complex political and social history of the city. It’s the only remaining medieval moated castle with an (almost) intact defense system in Flanders. Your visit to the Gravensteen will give you a complete picture of knight culture in the 12th century in Belgium.

Address: Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Ghent  

VISIT THE CENTRAL STATION IN ANTWERP

Antwerp is definitely one of the best cities to visit in Belgium – but did you know we have the most beautiful train station in the whole of Europe ? Whether you actually need to take a train or not, you definitely need to check out this amazing station when visiting Belgium. 

If you want to snap some Insta pics in the station, make sure to be there around 6:00 am – the station becomes extremely crowded in the early mornings!

Hotel tip : De Gulde Schoen, you can find more info and details here .

Address: Koningin Astridplein 27, 2018 Antwerp. 45 minutes by car from Brussels or less than 40 minutes by train.

TOMORROWLAND FESTIVAL (BOOM)

Many visitors worldwide flock to Antwerp every year for this world-famous festival. Is it really worth the trip? 

The short answer is yes! It’s simply a phenomenal festival that will blow you away. Not just because of the music, but also through all breath-taking details like the podium constructions, mystical signalizations, unique lighting concepts and much more. 

Tomorrowland is truly a fairytale. The festival takes place each year in July, with different types of tickets going on sale far in advance.

Address: De Schorre in Boom. 30 minutes from Brussels by car, or 1.25 hours by train. 

ON A TROLL HUNT IN BOOM

Missed out on your chance to grab a ticket for the festival? No worries – the De Schorre domain is a beautiful slice of nature in Belgium. It’s also a great day out with children. 

You can do a pleasant walk here in search of trolls that are hidden deep in the forest. There’s also a barefoot path that the kids will love – I highly recommend a visit!

Address: Schommelei 1, 2850 Boom. 30 minutes from Brussels by car, or 1.25 hours by train. 

ASTONISHING LITTLE ALLEY IN BELGIUM 

Discover the most beautiful alley in the country: De Vlaykensgang in Antwerp. The alley used to be home to shoemakers who had to sound the cathedral’s bell, and the poorest people in the city used to live here. 

It’s now filled with antique shops, galleries and even an exclusive restaurant, Sir Anthony Van Dyck. 

The alley dates back to the year 1591 and connects the Hoogstraat, the Oude Koornmarkt and the Pelgrimstraat. When you step through the gate at Oude Koornmarkt 16, you imagine yourself in another time. You can find a more detailed blog post about Antwerp here .

Address : Vlaaikensgang 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium. 45 minutes by car from Brussels or less than 40 minutes by train.

read next |  ANTWERP TRAVEL GUIDE

Gallery saint- hubert brussels.

If you are spending a weekend in Brussels , you need to visit the Gallery Saint Hubert. Initiated by the architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer, the spectacular Galeries Royales project took shape in the 1830s. 

The works began in 1846 and were (almost) completed in time for the official opening on 20 June 1847. The gallery includes several shops, auditoriums, cafes, restaurants and apartments. 

Right away, it became the place to be seen for the fashionable. Instantly the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert drew a wide audience attracted by the many luxury brands, elegant cafes and cultural hotspots. 

Address: Galerie du Roi 5, 1000 Brussels. 

GRAND PLACE BRUSSELS

Brussels is without a doubt one of the top cities to visit when in Belgium. Stroll around the Grote Markt, enjoy the famous landmarks and most spectacular historically-preserved architecture in our country! 

You’ll also find plenty of nice souvenir shops, and the finest chocolate from the world’s most famous chocolatiers. Brussels City Hall is also located at the complex, and its museum is worth a visit.

Hotel tip : Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Place Rouppe .

LA HULPE CASTLE IN LA HULPE

La Hulpe Castle is located in the heart of a vast domain classified as an exceptional Walloon heritage. This castle is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium. It was once owned by Count Solvay and the architecture is based on the French castles. 

It is a beautiful area to enjoy a pleasant walk, they even welcome dogs in the park!

Address: Chaussée de Bruxelles 111, 1310 La Hulpe. ( 30 minutes by car and train from  Brussels).

VISIT THE WALZIN CASTLE IN DINANT

Walzin Castle is located in Dréhance, which is a part of the greater area of Dinant, in the province of Namur. This neo-gothic castle stands on a steep rock above the right bank of the Lesse, where the river flows over into the Maas. It’s a beautiful castle, definitely worth a visit from afar. 

Though as it is a private domain, unfortunately it’s not possible to visit the castle itself. Despite this, the castle is still one of the most beautiful places in Belgium to visit.

Address: Rue de Walzin 1, 5500 Dinant. ( 1.25 hours by car from Brussels or 2 hours by train).

WANDER THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL CITY OF DINANT

Dinant is without a doubt one of Belgium’s most hidden gems. Historically speaking, its location on the water and along multiple trade routes supported the economic development of this charming town. 

Dinant is located in the French-speaking municipality of Namur, and is known for its colorful scenery. What makes the city so picturesque is the lovely Meuse river that flows through it. 

It also has a perfect blend of culture, adventure and nature. I have to admit I only discovered Dinant recently! 

Because of coronavirus, I was unable to travel abroad – so I was ‘forced’ to explore my own country a bit more. It was a real pleasure to tick this city off my Belgium bucket list.

Address: Located 1.25 hours by car from Brussels or 2 hours by train.

PARK FURFOOZ NEAR DINANT

A place for both young and old to enjoy! The park of Furfooz near Dinant invites you to enjoy its archaeological, natural and geological heritage. You can discover it to the fullest during a pleasant walk, around 4 kilometers long, along the edge of the river Lesse.

Entrance fee is 5 euros. 

Address: 79 Rue du Camp Romain, 5500 Dinant. ( 1.25 hours by car from Brussels or 2 hours by train).

FONDRY DES CHIENS IN VIROINVAL

Close to Nismes lies Fondry des Chiens, a protected and unique place in Belgium (occasionally referred to as the Belgian canyon). Millions of years of reclamation in the limestone have created this huge canyon, which reaches up to 20 meters! In short, a unique piece of nature in Belgium and definitely worth a visit.  

Address:   Located 1.30 hours by car from Brussels or 3.50 hours by train.

GO HIKING NEAR LE TOMBEAU DE GÉANT

Belgium’s nature at its finest! Hidden in the most southern point of our country is without a doubt one of the windiest places in Belgium – you will be blown away by its pure beauty! 

This place helps you forget all your worries while enjoying the sweeping panoramic view and a wonderful hike through the Belgian Ardennes .

Address: Moulin du Rivage, 6833 Bouillon. Located less than 2 hours by car from Brussels, or a 4 hour train ride away.

ROCHER DU HAT IN CHINY

Without doubt one of the most beautiful sights in Belgium is Rocher Du Hat. Located in the picturesque village of Chiny and hidden deep in the forest, you’ll stumble across the perfect place to get away from all the stress and bustle of our everyday lives with your whole family.  

Address: 6810 Chiny, Belgium (2 hours by car from Brussels or 4 hours by train). 

DISCOVER MONS

A unique historical gem that reminds us of our important role in industrial history. This city is a model for the respectful conservation of our heritage. It is no coincidence that Mons was proclaimed the European Capital of Culture in 2015. Read all about the sights in Mons here .

Address: An hour by car or train from Brussels. 

read next |  HIKING IN BELGIUM – DISCOVER THE BELGIAN ARDENNES

Go to the fairy tale old town centre of brugge .

The fairytale old town of Brugge must not be missed from your Belgium bucket list. Home to the beautiful market square, and one that is filled with historic buildings including a 13th century Belfry tower, Brugge makes for a great visit at any time of year, but it is particularly magical in the winters!

Do make a stop at the Burg square, a 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall), and go on a romantic canal tour to enjoy the city from the waters! 

Address: It takes 1.25 hours by car from Brussels or 1.25 hours by train. 

HOGE KEMPEN NATIONAL PARK IN MAASMECHELEN

If you are craving some time outdoors, then look no further than the Hoge Kempen National Park. This is the first recognized National Park in the region of Flanders, and is located in the province of Limburg. 

The national park is home to pine forests, with a gorgeous landscape of ponds, and lovely flora covering it all. There are hiking trails of all difficulty levels, and you can also go cycling, horse riding or more! You can also see  rare animals and other fauna that live inside the park in a natural setting.

Located only an hour or so away from the capital city of Belgium, Hoge Kempen National Park is perfect for a weekend trip. You can book overnight accommodation at the park, and relax and rejuvenate soaking in the views of the mountains. 

Read about hiking trails in Flanders here

Address: 3630 Maasmechelen, Belgium (It takes 1.25 hours by car from Brussels). 

Visiting Belgium

So there you have it. These are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium, and also my personal favourites. Belgium is home, and if you are planning a trip here, I say – do it! You won’t regret it – there is nature, history, and who doesn’t love chocolates? I know I do!

Pin: 23 Most beautiful places in Belgium to visit 

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Best Beaches in Kotor Montenegro 

The hidden treasures of the Adriatic are poised for exploration, offering unforgettable seaside moments. From the easily accessible Kotor Beach, lying at the base of ancient fortifications, to the secluded allure of Bajova Kula, each spot offers its own piece of paradise. 

• Kotor Beach
• Bajova Kula Beach
• Plavi Horizonti Beach
• Verige Beach
• Morinj Beach
• Zanjice Beach
• Risan Beach
• Kotor Natural Beach
• Oblatno Beach
• Pirate Beach

Whether planning a solo escape, a romantic excursion, or a family holiday, Kotor’s beaches cater to all occasions, ensuring lasting memories. 

1. Kotor Beach

A stone’s throw from the Old Town, Kotor Beach is a convenient and lively stretch perfect for those who love to be in the heart of the action. It is convenient for visitors who want to combine historical tours with seaside relaxation. 

While not the largest of beaches, its proximity to the city centre makes it particularly accessible. 

The beach is quite pebbly, and because of its size it tends to be very crowded by noon. I recommend getting there early (between 8 to 10 am), grab a sun lounger (paid) and enjoy a full day there.

If you are sightseeing in the Old Town, and then heading there in the late afternoon or evening I recommend just taking a walk and enjoying the scenery as finding a place to sit down will be a little difficult. 

There are not a lot of food options on the beach (but a 5 minute walk from the beach will welcome you to many options).

Highlights:

• Accessibility : Just minutes from the city centre.
• Amenities : A mix of free and paid amenities are available, including sunbeds and umbrellas.
• Vibe : Busy and vibrant, surrounded by bars and restaurants.

2. Bajova Kula Beach

Named after the legendary hero Bajo Pivljanin, Bajova Kula Beach prides itself on its clear waters and small, secluded bay. It’s ideal for those seeking tranquillity away from the centre.

To get to the beach, you have to drive for 20 minutes as public transport is infrequent. Plus getting there early will be a bonus as you can enjoy the peaceful view of the bay, and soak in the sun. 

If you are not driving, consider taking a cab, this will also be convenient as sometimes parking can be an issue when visiting during the peak hours of the day. 

You can swim at the Bajova Kula Beach, and there is also a beach bar on-site. You can pay for sun beds. 

Be careful when you stroll on the beach as it is quite pebbly and glass pieces are often seen on the shore. 

All in all I recommend visiting the beach for its epic views of the Kotor Bay, and its vibe. 

• Distance : Roughly 20 minutes’ drive from Kotor.
• Amenities : Enjoy the luxury of a private beach feel with rentable cabanas (morning hours).
• Ambiance : Calm and peaceful, perfect for pure relaxation (morning hours).

3. Plavi Horizonti Beach

Or as the locals call it, ‘Blue Horizons’ is a beach experience not to be missed. 

The fine sandy beach gradually slopes into shallow waters, making it ideal for families with their playful toddlers. It’s one of the most sublime places to witness the horizons, as the name suggests, and lose yourself in the magnificent sunsets.

You can swim, or rent sun loungers. To keep everyone busy and entertained you will find a variety of activities from beach volleyball, tennis, and basketball to building sand castles and hanging out in their restaurant. 

The beach is best visited in June and September. And it holds the coveted Blue Flag recognition for excellence in environmental management and water quality.

• Distance : Roughly 20 minutes’ drive from Kotor Old town (near Tivat Airport)
• Amenities : Beautiful and smooth, perfect for children and families. Good restaurant and parking available on site.
• Ambiance : Coastal charmer with cliffs and trees and endless sea views. 

4. Verige Beach

Verige Beach is a hidden gem located about 25 minutes drive from Kotor. Tucked away in the narrowest part of the Bay of Kotor, this enchanting wild beach is easily accessible via the Kotor Bay Ferry.

The beach has fine pebbles, and its crystal-clear waters are breathtaking. Enhancing its beauty, the quaint Church of Our Lady of Angels stands nearby, offering breathtaking views over the bay, Perast, and Our Lady of the Rocks. 

The sight of the church, with the scenic backdrop, is utterly captivating!

I like Verige Beach more for sightseeing, including capturing the sights of the boats docking or going up and down the waters. 

The waters are also frequented by mega yachts and elegant sailing boats, adding to the beach’s allure.

If you wish to hang out and soak in the sun, you can rent sun loungers nearby or sit down to eat at the restaurant onsite.

• Distance : About 25 minutes’ drive away from Kotor town.
• Aim : Ideal for those looking to escape the busyness for a day.
• Convenience : Limited amenities, but sun loungers are available for rent. 

5. Morinj Beach

Situated a mere 30-minute drive from Kotor, it may require a bit more travel, but its appeal is undeniable. 

Unlike the typically smaller beaches of Kotor, Morinj Beach stands out with its expansive sandy shores, a rare find in the bay area. 

It offers a gentle entry into the water, without the abrupt deepening found at many other local beaches, making it an ideal choice for families.

However, keep in mind that the waters of the Morinj Beach are a little bit cooler which is perfect for hot summer days as the waters can provide a refreshing respite on sweltering days.

Access to Morinj Beach is straightforward and free. You can rent a car and drive there. For convenience, there is a large parking lot located across the street, available for a nominal fee of €2.

• Distance : About 30 minutes’ drive north from Kotor.
• Amenities : Mostly free beach with some paid options for extra comfort.
• Features : Great for children and families.

6. Zanjice Beach

Tucked on the Lustica Peninsula, Zanjice Beach lures visitors with pebbly shores and clear blue waters. It’s a bit further out but worth the trek for its serene atmosphere.

The beach is only accessible during the peak season, and you can also book tours to get there from Kotor, or Budva. 

The beach is great for views, and the Blue Cave. 

Free entry to the beach, and in terms of amenities you can rent sunbeds, umbrellas, and access toilets and showers.

• Distance : Approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Kotor. Or you can come by boat (20 minutes)
• Amenities : Paid sunbeds, with some free areas to lay your towel.
• Surroundings : A quieter choice surrounded by nature.

7. Risan Beach

Want to escape the crowds? Then make your way to Risan Bay. Here, you can enjoy the offbeat shores of Bolnička Plaža, characterised by the authentic stones and rocks of Kotor Bay. 

The beach lacks the amenities that you would expect from a well-developed beach area, but it’s untamed, rugged beauty is its charm. 

Beyond its picturesque scenery, Risan Beach is steeped in history, standing as one of the bay’s most ancient settlements. 

Just a short stroll from the shore, visitors can discover Roman mosaics, adding a layer of cultural enrichment to the beach’s natural allure. 

The view of the 7th-century Banja Monastery, framed by towering cypress trees, is undeniably charming.

• Proximity : Approximately a 20-minute drive from Kotor.
• Cultural significance : Offers a touch of history with nearby ancient ruins.
• Amenities : Basic amenities are available, with a focus on the natural environment.

8. Kotor Natural Beach

Kotor Natural Beach is an undiscovered treasure for those in search of a completely free seaside retreat.

Nestled on the side opposite Kotor Beach, it presents a more untouched and rugged seaside experience compared to its counterpart. Here, you won’t find the sun loungers and manicured shores common to other Kotor vicinity beaches.

Given the pebbly and rocky terrain of this wild beach, I recommend bringing aqua shoes. 

Swimming is allowed and is okay here. 

Near the beach, you will find the ruins of the Fjord Hotel, and there are two small cafes. 

• Distance : a short walk from the Old Town to the beach. Parking is available nearby 
• Activities : Sunbathing, swimming 
• Facilities : Cafes near/on the beach

9. Jaz Beach

One of the longest beaches in the Bay of Kotor, Jaz Beach is famous not only for its beauty but also as a venue for top-notch music festivals. Its vivacious atmosphere, coupled with excellent facilities, makes it a hit for those who enjoy the livelier side of seaside leisure.

You can rent sun loungers, and umbrellas and when driving there you will be delighted to know that there is a large parking space (and it is FREE!).

• Distance :  Located approximately 20 minutes from the city centre (Budva municipality).
• Activities : Water sports, and live music events are just some of the activities on offer.
• Facilities : Sunbeds, cafes, and umbrellas are available.

10. Oblatno Beach

​​Oblatno Beach, located just a 20-minute drive from Kotor, is the epitome of a chic beach getaway. 

For an epic day out at a cool beach club, Oblatno is amazing – it is similar to Plavi Horizonti Beach, where the waters are sandy and fine. 

The beach is great for families where you can enjoy beachside games.

The beach is free to access, but there is an area under the Almara Beach Club – where you will have to pay to access. This is where you will also find sun loungers for rent. 

Other than the beach amenities you can also enjoy cocktails and light snacks all whilst soaking the views of the Adriatic Sea.

A note about the Almara Beach Club – this is a full service restaurant serving fresh and delicious seafood (including paella). 

• Distance : A 20-minute drive from Kotor
• Amenities : Sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, and restaurant/bar services.
• Vibe : A trendy and upscale beach club atmosphere with live music events during peak season.

11. Pirate Beach

Pirate Beach offers a blend of fun and relaxation where children can play to their heart’s content, making it a favourite among visiting families. This beach is located in Perast and is about a 20 minute drive.

Pirate Beach boasts a contemporary ambiance, and is perfect for a day out of Kotor. The beach features imported gravel, and for relaxation, you can rent a pair of sun loungers, complete with an umbrella, at €20, providing the perfect setup to enjoy cocktails with a view. 

What’s more the stunning backdrop of Perast with the Our Lady of the Rocks, and Sveti Đorđe, is hard to beat, and a must see in Montenegro. 

• Distance : A 20-minute drive from Kotor. 
• Amenities : Sun loungers, umbrellas, Kid-friendly with shallow areas and play zones.
• Vibe : Amazing views, and the sun and sea!

Kotor’s Beach Experience

In Kotor, you will find amazing beaches. There are private and public beach areas and it caters to every luxury level (you can explore and sunbathe for free, or spend a little extra for a luxury experience). 

The pebbly shores and crystal-clear waters are a common feature, inviting both locals and visitors to bask in the natural beauty of Montenegro’s coastline.

Public Beaches

Public beaches in Kotor are where the vibrant pulse of the city meets tranquil turquoise waters. These stretches are open to everyone, often characterised by stones or pebbles, and provide a serene setting for swimming and sunbathing. 

Best of all, there’s no entrance fee to enjoy the simple pleasure of a day at the beach here.

Private Beach Sections

Dotting the shoreline are chic private beach sections – often affiliated with hotels or beach clubs – where you can rent a sunbed, enjoy waiter service, and sometimes even experience live music or DJ sets. 

These areas typically require a small entry fee or sunbed rental but offer amenities like showers, changing rooms, and often a nearby bar or restaurant for that extra touch of luxury.

Highlights of Kotor’s Beaches

• Public Sections : Enjoy the liberating feeling of unfettered access and the charm of local beach life. Pack a picnic or grab snacks from nearby vendors, and bask in the sun’s warm glow against the dramatic backdrop of Kotor’s mountains.
• Private Sections : Revel in the cosseted comfort of a private spot, where facilities and creature comforts are at your fingertips. These are perfect for those who fancy a bit more pampering during their beach day.

In summary, Kotor’s beaches offer a diverse range of coastal experiences, from laid-back public spots to the more curated atmosphere of private sections. 

With easy access from the historic town and enthralling views all around, your time on the shores of Kotor will be nothing but unforgettable. 

Whether you choose the simplicity of a public beach or the enhanced experience of a private beach section in Kotor, each offers its own slice of Montenegro’s coastal paradise. 

Enjoy the delightful mix of tradition and relaxation on the shores of the Bay of Kotor and beyond.

Best Time to Visit Kotor’s Beaches

Summer season (peak season).

The optimal time to enjoy Kotor’s waters is during the summer months. From June to August, you’ll find warm, balmy weather perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and a variety of water sports. 

The skies are usually clear during these months, offering uninterrupted enjoyment of the sun and sea.

• June – The start of the summer marks the beginning of the beach season with a pleasant climate and fewer crowds.
• July – July is ideal for those who love the heat, as it gets warmer and the beach life is in full swing.
• August – The waters are warmest in August, but expect more visitors as it’s the peak of tourist season.

Shoulder Season – Spring and Autumn

For those looking to avoid the summer crowds, the shoulder seasons of late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are good alternatives. The weather is milder during these months, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy the coastal activities without the summer throngs. 

However, keep in mind that beaches in winter may not be as fun as temperatures dip and many services won’t be open or available. 

How to Enjoy Kotor’s Beaches

Finding your perfect spot.

Kotor’s coast is lined with both vibrant and secluded beaches. Whether you prefer a lively atmosphere with beach bars and music or a quiet cove for relaxation, there is a spot for every preference.

• For Lively Beach Vibes: Visit the main beaches with amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby restaurants.
• For Secluded Relaxation: Seek out smaller coves that are a bit off the beaten path. They offer tranquillity and are perfect for a serene day by the sea.

Transport & Accessibility

The coastal region of Kotor is accessible from your hotel by various modes of transport.

• Car: Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring different beaches along the coast at your own pace.
• Public Transport: There are buses that run along the coast, connecting Kotor to various beaches.
• Bike or Foot: For the more adventurous and active, biking or walking to nearby beaches provides an opportunity to take in the stunning scenery.

Safety and Amenities

Be mindful of safety when swimming and ensure that you are visiting beaches that have lifeguards on duty during the summer months. 

Most popular beaches will have amenities like changing facilities, showers, and restrooms. It’s always good practice to check beforehand, especially if venturing to more secluded spots.

Local Regulations and Environment

Remember to adhere to any local regulations and respect the natural environment. Keep the beaches clean by disposing of your waste responsibly.

Kotor’s beaches offer a mix of serenity and summer fun, set against some of the most dramatic coastal landscapes in Europe. 

By choosing the right time to visit and considering your preferred beach style, your Kotor beach getaway can be an unforgettable adventure filled with crystal-clear waters and picture-perfect views.

Tips for a Perfect Beach Day in Kotor

Here are some of the tips for having a perfect day out in Kotor,

• Arrive Early : Especially during the summer, beaches can get crowded quickly.
• Mind Your Belongings : While beach theft isn’t common, it’s always wise to keep an eye on your personal items.
• Sun Protection : The Mediterranean sun can be strong; sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water will be your best friends.
• Stay Hydrated : The Adriatic sun can be intense; make sure to drink plenty of water.
• Respect the Environment : Keep the beaches as beautiful as you found them by disposing of your trash properly.
• Explore Beyond the Main Beaches : Some of the most magical spots are those less travelled. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest beach to Kotor?

Kotor Beach is one of the beaches closest to the Old Town, and is perfect for sightseeing and also sunbathing. 

Does Kotor have good beaches?

Kotor has amazing beaches. You can hit the beaches close to the city, or venture beyond to Herceg Novi Riviera and others.

Can you swim in Kotor Beach?

Yes, you can swim in Kotor Beach. 

Whether you long for the secluded, natural havens, crave the energy of a crowd, or simply wish to bask in the Mediterranean charm, Kotor’s beaches offer something for every preference. 

Each grain of sand and pebble tells a tale of ancient civilizations, maritime adventures, and timeless beauty that awaits your discovery. Don’t just travel—experience Kotor in all its coastal glory. Happy sunbathing!

Pin: Best Beaches in Kotor Montenegro

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• 10 Small Towns In Belgium You Must Explore In Life

Belgium, one of the most renowned countries in Europe, is on the bucket list for places to visit among many travellers. Famous for its medieval towns & cities, Renaissance architecture, and timeless monuments, Belgium is a place often visited by people back and forth. The small towns in Belgium are the hidden gems, inviting you to immerse yourself in the rich culture and picturesque views, thereby having an unforgettable experience. While planning your vacation in Belgium, it is important to check the popular and offbeat destinations to make your trip a memorable one.

10 Small Towns In Belgium You Must Visit

Explore the hidden gems of Belgium, some dating back to centuries, to have a wholesome experience. Check out the top small towns in Belgium to make your vacation a memorable one:-

Image Source: Shutterstock

Delve into the richness of culture, tradition, and stunning countryside at the smallest town in Belgium, Durbuy. It is a romantic and family retreat for those seeking adventure and peace simultaneously. Even today, the city echoes the rich history through medieval streets, endless lush green gardens, mysterious stones, and more. To feel the simplicity & vibrant aura of the town while understanding how petit it is, the best way is to jump on a tourist train. It will wind you through the charming streets and up to the tower to discover the essence of this town. As the River Ourthe flows through the town, you can engage in multiple adventurous activities, including canoeing, rafting, and kayaking, making it one of the perfect destinations to have a wholesome experience. Do not forget to grab a bite to eat here as the town is an ideal place for gastronomy.

Places To Stay: Hotel des Comtes, Azur En Ardenne, Hotel La Librairie Top Attractions: Topiary Park, Adventure Valley, Le Roche De La Falize, Maison des Mégalithes

Must Read: Belgium Wildlife

Nestled in West Flanders, Bruges lets you breathe the rich history and culture of Belgium. Admire the city’s flemish masterpieces of art & architecture, quaint cobblestone alleys, and chocolate shops at every corner, adding a whole new dimension to your vacation. Here, you can experience the city’s romantic canal-side strolls and of course traditional local beers, making you feel euphoric. During your town tour, it is recommended that you visit the beating heart of Bruges, The Markt. It is the old market square lined with pavement cafes beneath step-gabled facades, inviting you to have a marvellous time. In addition, the neo-Gothic former post office is a delight to watch as it is architecturally magnificent. Bruges, one of the fairy-tale small towns in Belgium, has romantic canals and scenic cobblestone streets, making it an ideal romantic and family getaway.

Places To Stay: Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, Grand Hotel Casselbergh, Hotel Van Cleef Top Attractions: Historic Centre Of Brugge, Belfort, Luc Vanlaere Harpist, The Markt, Basilica Of The Holy Blood

Ever wondered where the word ‘spa’ came from? Spa, one of the beautiful small towns in Belgium is the answer. Nestled in the Ardennes region of central Belgium, the town is internationally known as it played a precursory part in the recognition of the medical properties of water. The eponymous town is also known as the ‘Café of Europe’ and the ‘Pearl of the Ardennes’ since the sixteenth century. Spa, due to its rich history, ultimate attractions, and surreal atmosphere, is on the bucket list of small towns to visit in Belgium.

Places To Stay: Hôtel l’Ecrin d’Ô, La Villa des Fleurs, Radisson Blu Palace Hotel Top Attractions: Pouhon Pierre Le Grand, Le Musée de la Ville d’eaux, Domaine de Berinzenne, Pouhon Pierre le Grand, Musée de la Forêt et des Eaux, Waux Hall

Suggested Read: Belgium Beach Resorts

4. Bouillon

A hidden gem in Belgium offering a seamless blend of rich history, rejuvenation, and adventure is none other than Bouillon. Nestled in the heart of the Ardennes region, one of the small towns in Belgium offers a wholesome experience to all visitors. Whether you are an architectural & history enthusiast, adventurer, or nature lover, Bouillon offers endless possibilities to all for having the ultimate fun. As Semios River flows through the town, tourists and locals alike can engage in thrilling activities, like kayaking. In addition, there are amazing hiking trails catering to all levels of fitness and experience, allowing you to give an adventurous turn to your vacation.

Places To Stay: Hotel de la Poste – Relais Napoleon III, Panorama Hotel, Hotel Cosy Top Attractions: Bouillon Castle, Archeoscope, Belvédère de Bouillon, Ducal Museum

Nestled on the banks of the River Scheldt, Antwerp is one of the small villages in Belgium with a vibrant heart. A true Belgium delight boasts medieval streets, exotic nightlife, and Renaissance monuments, attracting tourists worldwide. As historical and architectural enthusiasts, especially, you can have a wholesome experience here. Discover the delightful attractions and experience a dazzling nightlife, that will never make you feel tired of the town. You will be amazed to know that the town has a pedestrian tunnel that is almost a hundred years old. While walking or cycling under the Scheldt River, you may have a cinematic experience.

Places To Stay: Van der Walk Hotel Antwerp, Hotel Rubens, Hampton By Hilton Top Attractions: MAS – Museum aan de Stroom, Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), The Cathedral Of Our Lady, Grote Markt

Suggested Read: Cottages In Belgium

Ypres, among the small towns in Belgium, is located in the province of West Flanders. As a history and architectural enthusiast, you may have a wonderful time here. The town carries the weight of the First World War memory and boasts architectural charm with cobblestone streets. By exploring the town’s market square, you may have a glimpse of the Belgian culture through its shops and cafes. A living monument to the past, Ypres offers visitors a great opportunity to delve into its glorious history and witness its vibrant present.

Places To Stay: Albion Hotel, Ariane Hotel, Main Street Boutique Hotel Top Attractions: Flanders Field Museum, Holiday Home Leper Market Square, Hooge Crater Museum, St George’s Memorial Church, The Menin Gate

7. Mechelen

Nestled between Brussels and Antwerp in northern Belgium, Mechelen is a hidden gem with rich culture and history. The scenic canals and cobblestone streets evoke a sense of old-world charm, making it one of the must-visit small towns in Belgium. Cited on the banks of the River Dyle, the town is a cultural magnet surrounded by water-rich and lush green landscapes, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle. Here, there is plenty to see and things to do for all age groups. From getting carried away by winding rivers through captivating natural areas to embracing the tranquillity of serene streams & gardens, you can have a great time with loved ones.

Places To Stay: Van Der Valk Hotel, Novotel Mechelen Centrum Top Attractions: Planckendael Zoo, Technopolis, St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, Toy Museum, Kazerne Dossin Holocaust Memorial

Suggested Read: Churches In Brussels

Set by the banks of the Meuse River in the Namur province of Belgium, Dinant is a true picture-postcard town offering a delightful experience to all visitors. From being on a cruise on the River to witnessing exotic wildlife, you can have a guaranteed wonderful time with loved ones or solo. The town offers historical and culturally rich attractions, like the Gothic-style Collegiate Church of Our Lady. Though Dinant is one of the small towns in Belgium, it is highly visited its for natural caves, caverns, castles, and historical spots to name a few.

Places To Stay: Ibis Dinant, La Merveilleuse By Infiniti Resorts, Dinant Castel de Pont à Lesse Top Attractions: Park Fufooz, Notre Dame de Dinant, Agimont Adventure, Grotte de Dinant La Merveilleuse, Pont Charles de Gaulle, Citadelle de Dinant

Tournai, also known as The City of the Five Spires is located in western Belgium. If you wish to delve into the glorious past of Belgium or see historical landmarks dating back centuries, Tournai is the ideal place to visit. A historic town is home to architectural wonders, a delight for architectural and art & literature lovers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tournai Cathedral, showcases Gothic and Romanesque design. Another such Site is The Belfry, offering picturesque views of the cityscape. Here, do not miss out on visiting the famous museums, like the Museum of Fine Arts as it houses a remarkable collection of Belgian art. Tournai, one of the small towns in Belgium, has amazing markets, charming streets, and exquisite cuisine, inviting visitors worldwide to experience the classic beauty.

Places To Stay: Hotel d’Alcantara, Floreal Le Panoramique, Ferme Delgueule Top Attractions: Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Tournai, Folklore Museum Of Tournai, Bridge Of Holes, Museum Of Fine Arts

Suggested Read: Castles In Belgium

10. Tongeren

Tongeren is one of the best small towns in Belgium, nestled in the scenic countryside of Limburg. The roots of the ancient town stretch back to Roman times evidenced by the well-preserved archaeological sites, like The Basilica of Our Lady. Offering local delicacies and artisanal crafts, the town is renowned for its richness of history and culture. Here, art enthusiasts can have a wonderful time by witnessing the architectural marvels and seeing the richest collection of church art dating back to the Merovingian period. From breathing the fresh air to walking on the vibrant streets, visitors can have a marvellous time.

Places To Stay: Eburon Hotel- Different Hotels, Boutique Hotel Caelus VII, Boutique Hotel Huys Van Steyns Top Attractions: Gallo-Roman Museum, The Basilica of Our Lady, The Beghina Museum, Moerenpoort

Further Read: Trekking In Belgium

Belgium, a dream destination for many, has iconic attractions carrying a huge cultural value. The surreal-like atmosphere with vivid landscapes of small towns in Belgium can help you escape the daily chores and feel rejuvenated. So, plan your trip to Belgium today for an extraordinary adventure.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Small Towns In Belgium

What is the most picturesque town in Belgium?

Belgium, a country in Western Europe, is highly known for its medieval towns and Renaissance architecture. The small towns in Belgium are picturesque and carry a huge historical value, including Dinant, Bruges, and Ypres.

What is the smallest town in Belgium?

Durbuy is the smallest town in Belgium withholding architectural marvels and scenic spots. Here, one can not only explore the historical landmarks but also engage in adventure activities, like kayaking.

What is the cheapest place to live in Belgium?

Belgium is home to numerous towns and cities. However, as per your budget and lifestyle choices, you can decide the town or city you wish to reside in.

What is Belgium famous for?

Belgium is renowned for its medieval architecture, gastronomy, art & literature, and more. It is visited by many tourists from all over the world to soak in the rich culture and have immense fun.

Is Dinant a city or town?

Dinant is one of the small towns in Belgium with spectacular historical sites along mysterious stone cliffs near the confluence of the Meuse and Lesse Rivers. Also the hometown of the inventor of the saxophone, Adolphe Sax, the town has gained great popularity.

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To 20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Belgium

Often overlooked as a travel destination in favor of France, Spain, and Germany, I honestly think Belgium is the underrated gem of Europe!

Home to a collection of impossibly picturesque suspended-in-time medieval towns and cities, I personally think it offers some of the most beautiful and romantic breaks on the continent. From my time spent exploring, here are my favourite places…

This under-the-radar beautiful gem of a city sits on the banks of the river Meuse in Belgium’s Walloon region. The picturesque town is backed by a spectacular sheer cliff face and protected by the ancient fortified citadel.

The city’s historic buildings are steeped in legend – as you meander through the narrow streets, you can sense this place has many stories to tell.

Perhaps the city’s most famous connection comes from it being the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the man who invented the Saxophone whose house you can now visit. 

I would suggest trying the delicious Flamiche (a bit like a Tarte Flambe) or Couques de Dinant, which are delicious brittle honey biscuits.

Book A Trip!

  We can book your trip hopping around Belgium’s beautiful places through our top-rated travel planning service !

The perfectly preserved medieval city is the place for couples wanting to head out on a romantic European getaway.  Thousands of visitors can’t be wrong and I was personally a huge fan!

In fact, I couldn’t quite believe it existed! With a collection of attractive market squares, steep-gabled houses lining dreamy canals, and winding cobbled streets all tied up in a compact, primarily traffic-free package Bruges, the suspended-in-time canal-side city is very romantic and it’s also undeniably photogenic! 

I would recommend visiting  Burg Square, the 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall), which has an ornately carved ceiling, Market Square, which features a 13th-century belfry with panoramic views, and of course, one of the critically acclaimed restaurants (of which there are many)! 

3. Brussels

Forget the dull image that one of Europe’s premier cities seems saddled with; in my opinion, Brussels is beautiful and trip-worthy! The city has become a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis in the last few decades and it’s a joy to explore.

The historic architecture (including a perfectly-preserved late seventeenth-century centre) is genuinely superb and add in a fine collection of art galleries, museums, a famous foodie scene which consists of everything from chocolate and waffles to Michelin star adorned fine cuisine (and of course the delicious beer!) then I think Brussels easily deserves a place on this list! 

I loved Ghent! While most head for Brussels or Bruges, the small but beautiful port city is arguably Europe’s best-kept secret. Ghent was, in fact, the most powerful in Europe, but today, it’s a very relaxed, picturesque place with more than a whiff of bohemian air which I was totally charmed by.

Beautiful Ghent is also story-book pretty with a collection of canal-side medieval architecture, Michelin-starred restaurants, quirky boutique stores, and a rich calendar of cultural events.

To get the feel of the place, I would recommend skipping the touristy canal boat trips and discovering all the local hotspots instead! 

Spa is an elegant town which, yep, you’ve guessed it; it’s famous for being an ‘original’ spa. Located in the Ardennes region of eastern Belgium, it’s naturally blessed with abundant mineral-rich thermal waters.

Tourists flock here to relax and enjoy the water’s and hot springs’ health and wellness benefits.

It’s also easy on the eye with beautiful buildings, thermal baths, a historic casino, an array of luxury hotels, and an endearing 19th-century retro charm. 

6. Eifel Nature Park

With its low-hanging mist and miles of untamed, rugged wilderness, this park has a mystical and almost other-worldly beauty. The beech forest-covered conversation area lies mainly in Germany but also borders Belgium.

It also happens to be home to some incredible wildlife – wild cats, wild boars, wildcats, black grouse, red deer, and eagle owls all call this beautiful place home; since the new millennium, the lynx has again been sighted in this remote and highly protected area for the first time in three centuries.

I love that p art of the park’s moors dates back to the last Ice Age!

The accolade of the smallest town on earth and a population of just 500, Durbury is a tiny gem! It’s located just 2 hours from Brussels and in my opinion, it proves that the best things come in small packages! 

It’s maintained in its charming medieval setting. Today, its pedestrian streets are flowered, narrow, and cobbled, winding between the old bluestone homes and buildings, attracting curious visitors to its shops, fine restaurants, and hotels.

Shop for artisanal produce, gaze at half-timbered houses, visit the beautiful Topiary Park and stop to quench your thirst at La Ferme du Chêne, which brews beer using a 14th-century method. Sporty types can also kayak or raft the Ourthe River that passes through the city.

8. Chateau de La Hulpe

France isn’t the only country boasting fairytale castles; Gium’s finest is truly exquisite.

Located in the municipality of La Hulpe in the Walloon Brabant and less than an hour away from Brussels, this beautiful chateau was modelled after the castles in the Loire Valley in France and served as Marquis Maximilien de Béthune’s home.

The castle itself is not open to the public. Still, you can visit the garden, which is littered with sculptures and brimming with colourful flowers, and also the surrounding park, which is known for its rolling lawns, small ponds, and fragrant rhododendrons where I would recommend you take a walk, take a picnic or kick back and relax! 

9. The Sonian Forest

Part of this magnificent forest has just been awarded a UNESCO heritage status. Beginning in the Iron Age, the 4,000 hectares of woodlands used to be part of a long natural border of beeches and oaks stretching from Brabant to the north of France.

It’s a treasured, peaceful, and unspoiled place and in my opinion, definitely deserves a place on this list! It’s also a naturally picturesque destination to spot roaming wild boars, foxes, and roe deer! 

With more than a whiff of Provence, this idyllic little village is often cited as the prettiest in the country. Lying on the southernmost tip of Belgium lies Torgny in the Gaume region in the province of Luxemburg, south of the Ardennes and surrounded by France on three sides.

The houses consist of ochre-coloured, hand-hewn stones and red curved tiles, reminiscent of the south of France. The village also enjoys its little microclimate, which is well-suited for vineyards!

I would just say it’s a quiet place, so don’t expect too much going on. I suggest kicking back, relaxing, and taking in the rolling hills, the honey-coloured houses, the abundance of flowers, the gastronomy of the local restaurants, walks and bike rides in the countryside, and a visit to the Abbey of the Trappist Cistercian monks of Orval! 

11. Wallonia

In my opinion, a visit to Belgium would not be complete without a visit to beautiful Wallonia!  This French-speaking region of the country is among the larger land areas but still has a traditional and laid-back feel.

The region of Wallonia has much to offer tourists and locals, including picturesque medieval towns with half-timbered buildings, historic architecture (hailing from the classy Renaissance period), thick forests, rugged cliffs, traditional restaurants and my favourite, the traditional Trappist beers which you’ll find everywhere! 

Veurne was once an area of Belgium encompassed by fortresses to fend off the impending Viking attacks. However, fortification failed, and the room was invaded, but thankfully, all the scars of the past have faded and left Verne as a historical yet beautiful part of the country which I would recommend visiting!

Veurne is a city of historical significance, so it’s home to many beautifully preserved buildings. Many of the buildings and ruins throughout Veurne depict a distinct Renaissance and Gothic style and are very impressive! 

13. Hoge Kempen National Park

The national parks here are treasures just waiting to be explored, and in Belgium’s Hoge Kempen National Park, you can explore and stay directly in the park to immerse yourself in its immense natural beauty! 

Hiking and camping are available here and I would highly recommend both. It also offers modern lodging arrangements for those who don’t wish to get that close to nature!

14. De Haan

Coastal regions of Belgium draw in tourists from all over the world, and one my my personal favourites is De Haan. Just under 13,000 people populate De Haan and I love that it has a small-town vibe.

Attractions within De Haan range from unique shopping opportunities, traditional mills, and outdoor adventures such as exploring the dune forest.

There is no limit to what you can find in De Haan, and unlike other areas that only cater to high-end travelers, this area provides something for everyone on every budget. Views from Spioenkop are among the best photo opportunities in De Haan so I would suggest heading there!

15. La Roche-en-Ardenne

Driving around Belgium offers some beautiful scenery, but if you want something to enjoy outside your vehicle then I would suggest stopping at the pretty but low-key city of La Roche-en-Ardenne. La Roche-en-Ardenne is located in a picturesque valley at the bend of the Ourthe River. 

This location is full of picturesque scenery, from forests and hills to castle ruins and miles of fields! Enjoy your experience exploring this rugged countryside surrounded by unspoiled wilderness.

Cave explorers and outdoor enthusiasts love it here and I also would recommend bringing your camera along too, you’ll need it! 

16. Vallee du Ninglinspo

Dubbed “The Most Beautiful Walk in Adrennes,” Vallee du Ninglinspo is one of the country’s biggest outdoor attractions. It boasts miles of trails and enjoyable scenery through stunning wilderness.

A hiker’s paradise, I love that Vallee du Nignlinspo offers something new around every bend. Waterfalls, natural pools, and rocky landscapes mix beautifully with unspoiled wilderness in this area.

Damme is an area of Belgium that encompasses Oostkereke, Vivenkapelle, Sint-Rita, Sijsele, Lapscheure, Hoeke, and Moerkerke. The population of this growing area is just under 11,000 people. It remains a tiny, intimate town with much to offer tourists and locals.

Book enthusiasts flock to Damme, located in Belgium’s north region, as it is home to an increasing number of bookstores. Bookworms, poetry lovers and culture vultures will especially love it here!

Damme has a very walkable layout but also maintains an excellent bus route and is a bike-friendly area, so no matter how you travel in Damme, I’m sure you will enjoy this picturesque village just like I did!

18. Gaasbeek Castle

Located in Lennik, Flemish Brabant, Belgium, Gaasbeek Castle is a stunning and romantic spot! From April 1 to August 30, I recommend visiting the Castle for a tour. The castle is beautifully preserved, and I think the surrounding grounds are among the most beautiful in the country.

Ground admission is relatively inexpensive, and tours of the castle are available at various times throughout the day. .

19. Oud-Rekem

Dubbed “The Most Beautiful Village in Flanders,” Oud Reken is simply waiting for visitors to stroll their historic pathways and cobblestone pathways! 

If like me you like your travelling pace to be a little slower, then Oud Reken is the perfect place! The Castle d’Aspremont-Lynden is one of the most famous sites, but it is not the only one.

Visitors enjoy access to this historical village, of various indoor and outdoor museums and friendly locals around every corner. If quaint is your idea of perfection then I think you’ll love it here!

Ypres is a city of almost 35,000 people, not a tiny village but a thriving town which would recommend visiting if you can!

Historically, Ypres has seen its share of fighting, including during WWII. Still, today’s Ypres is full of beautiful sites and a key pilgrimage site for those wishing to pay their respects to those who tragically lost their lives during war times.

Among the many historical sites throughout the city, tourists enjoy walking along the shores of the Yperlee River and taking pictures of the many memorials placed around Ypres. History comes alive in Ypres, so I would suggest bringing your camera and a good pair of walking shoes to take it all in.

My Stay at Indrani Lodge

I stayed in Indrani Lodge , located in the heart of the historic Brabant-Wallon village of Loupoigne, only a 45-minute drive from Brussels.

Combining contemporary stylish luxury with landmark elegance and personalized service, the lodge is a meticulously renovated medieval farm set amidst rural farmland, ace to escape city hassles but still within easy reach of the cultural attractions of one of Europe’s quirkier cities.

Surrounded by beautiful lush green landscapes, the hike was linked to a horse ride through rural farmland, ancient abbeys, historical battle sites, or a round of golf at one of several nearby courses!

Indrani Lodge offers five luxuriously appointed and designed en-suite bedrooms, a relaxing leafy garden, and a rejuvenating sauna.

In keeping with the harmonious surroundings, they’ve also recently launched a new retreat program offering a wide selection of wellness retreats and focusing on the themes of yoga, wellness, mindfulness, and healthy eating which I loved!

Becky Moore - Owner, writer and photographer My first true adventure began as a six-month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh-faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi-nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in the warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds, and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex-Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland. Hotel Reviewing Experience - published hotel review in the 52 Sleeps Book organised by Laterooms.com and Lonely Planet. Asked by over 12 tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Germany Tourist Board , Canada Tourist Board , Eviivo , France.fr , Visitoostende.be , Live Riga and Queensland Tourist Board . Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos . I’ve also been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic , The Times , LA Weekly , Yahoo Travel , Huffington Post , Business Insider , Thrillist , British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur , Daily Express , Wanderlust , Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and Metro . Winner of Travel Blog of the Year . Find me on Linkedin or Facebook .

9 thoughts on “To 20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Belgium”

hi sir who doesnt want to visit those beautiful places… Gaasbeek Castle is cool place for me

I just love traveling, beautiful places, really thanks for blog and photos. This are really gonna help.

Belgium having some many tourist places to visit..Thanks for sharing the photos which has the important places for tourists.

Fantastic looking places!

Belgium looks like a truly beautiful place to visit what wonderful photos too!

Wow I love this, such beautiful places in a beautiful looking country!

Bruges has certainly been on our travel wish list for a while now! We hear it’s great for chocolate, beer and bicycling :-).

Wow I didn’t know much about Belgium other than Brussels before now, but these look like incredibly scenic places to visit! Thanks for the travel inspiration! 🙂

Belgium is very picturesque.. I have been to Dinant and this city is truly breathtaking I had no idea about Eifel Nature Park before reading this post, looks so beautiful will definitely go there on my next visit. Thanks for sharing Becky!!

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The 15 Best Places to Visit in Belgium – Ranked

• Post author By thebumpercrew
• Post date March 24, 2024
• Categories In City Breaks , Europe , Road Trips , Travel , Van Life
• 1 Comment on The 15 Best Places to Visit in Belgium – Ranked

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Belgium, you’re in the right place! Belgium is the little country wedged between its better-known neighbours, France, the Netherlands and Germany and has always been a little under the radar for us. But who knew there would be so many gorgeous places to visit in such a small country? Read our guide to the best places to visit in Belgium below to discover the towns and cities that make Belgium such a wonderful place.

Belgium is famous for tons of things you might not realise – frites (fries, which aren’t French!), chocolate, beer, Tintin, Lotus biscuits, the waffle, the home of the European Union, battlefields, the word ‘spa’, pralines and the saxophone, to list a few, and according to the internet, Belgium is also famous for Manneken Pis, but we’ll explain more about that later.

Belgium is home to a few places on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which we mention below. So, if history is your thing, especially World War history, Belgium is an excellent option for a travel destination. But no matter what your taste, we’re confident you’ll find a bit of something in this beautiful country to suit your needs. So, without further ado, let’s look at the best places to visit in Belgium, and if it wasn’t on your list of places to visit, it should be!

The Best Places to Visit In Belgium

We’ll never know how we had never visited Ghent before or why it wasn’t even on our radar. Hands down, Ghent is the best place to visit in Belgium; there’s no doubt about that. It’s full of things to do, things to see, medieval architecture, and canals and has a great modern twist with its street art scene. Although Ghent doesn’t have UNESCO World Heritage status, the old centre is a work of art. Head to Het Belfort van Gent and walk from there. You can explore seemingly endless little streets, all full of character. Ghent is a remarkable place you can’t miss if you’re visiting Belgium.

While you’re there, take a boat trip to uncover Ghent’s past. They run from Grasbrug bridge, take 40 minutes and are around 10 Euros.

Top Things to Do in Ghent

• Take a canal boat tour
• Visit Gravensteen Castle
• Visit Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
• Climb Ghent Belfy
• Walk down Graffiti Street

2 | Brussels

If you’ve heard of Belgium, you’ve likely heard of Brussels . It’s the capital city of Belgium and one of the most famous cities in the country. It’s home to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) and regarded as the home of the EU (European Union). It is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Brussels has a relatively small yet rich city centre with plenty of things to do, including Manneken Pis. Check out our things to do in Brussels post to explore more of what the city has to offer.

Remember we mentioned him at the start? Well, he’s one of Brussels’ most famous attractions in Brussels, and he’s a small, urinating boy statue. Ha! He has his own set of clothes, and the myths surrounding him are fantastic. If you take a free walking tour , you can learn all about the myths, plus you’ll discover loads of other interesting facts about Belgium and Brussels, including its little-known but shocking colonial past! Our guide was Tristan, who was friendly, funny, and informative and gave some great recommendations for frites, beer and chocolate – what more could you want?!

While you’re there, take a walking tour to discover the highlights of the city and the relatively unknown dark modern history of Belgium.

Top Things to Do in Brussels

• Head on a walking tour
• Eat frites at
• Drink beer at Delerium Cafe
• Find Manneken Pis
• Admire the town square

Bruges is one of the most famous places in Belgium. Traditionally, Bruges was known for lace making, but that’s been proceeded by the world of social media. These days it’s better known for its picturesque centre and canals, and if you’ve ever seen the film ‘In Bruges’, you’ll be familiar with the city’s landscape and undoubtedly, its belfry. You can spend hours aimlessly walking the streets and take the opportunity to get on the canals for a boat tour while you’re there. Bruges is the perfect place for a weekend break – there are loads of things to do, all within walking distance of the centre.

While you’re there, head to the De Halve Maan brewery for a tour.

Top Things to Do in Bruges

• Visit Bruges Markt
• Explore the canals by boat tour
• Climb the belfry tower
• Take a brewery tour at De Halve Maan brewery
• Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood

You may be familiar with Ypres if you’re a history buff. Ypres is surrounded by the battlefields of the First World War and has a strong connection to this bloody past. You’ll find war memorials and cemeteries dotted around the city, plus the In Flanders Fields Museum. Despite being largely destroyed in the war, Ypres has been beautifully restored, so even if World War history isn’t your thing, Ypres is worth a visit.

While you’re there, watch the Last Post Ceremony. It takes place at the Menin Gate at 8 pm every night and is free to attend.

Top Things to Do in Ypres

• Witness the Last Post ceremony
• Visit In Flanders Museum
• Visit the Commonwealth War Graves
• Walk the city walls

5 | Mechelen

Mechelen is the first place on our list that we’d never heard of. It’s a small city located about 20 minutes by train from Brussels and Antwerp. It’s home to one of Belgium’s best cathedrals, Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral, and has an impressive and vibrant town square. The cathedral is free to enter, but you must pay to climb the tower. And if you’re in Mechelen towards the end of August, you might stumble upon the Maanrock Festival – a free music festival hosted in the square that brings even more vibrancy to this small city.

Other highlights of Mechelen are the Kazerne Dossin Memorial and the Gouden Carolus brewery, which has been brewing in the city for more than half a century.

Top Things to Do in Mechelen

• Visit Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral & tower
• Visit Kazerne Dossin Memorial
• Take a brewery tour at Gouden Carolus brewery

Of all the places to visit in Belgium with beautiful town halls, Leuven tops the list with the grandest of them all – the 15th-century gothic building is a remarkable sight. Aside from the strength of the architecture, Leuven is a powerhouse when it comes to beer and is the reigning brewing capital of Belgium. This is because it’s home to the headquarters of Inbev, the world’s second-largest brewery. You may know them for Stella Artois and, as we discovered, Leffe! And best of all, you can visit the brewery!

Leuven is also known for the sheer volume of pubs in Old Market Square. It’s considered the longest bar in Europe because there are 45 pubs! 45! And if you’re after a coffee stop in Leuven, we recommend visiting Noir for a delicious brew.

Top Things to Do in Leuven

• Visit the Stella Artois brewery
• Admire Leuven Town Hall
• Visit one of the 45 bars in Old Market Square
• Visit Museum M for the best view over the city
• Explore Groot Begijnhof, a tiny UNESCO site

Dinant is a beautiful town that sits along the Meuse River. It’s famous for a few things – it’s waterfront, barbican, Leffe beer, and it’s the home of the saxophone, which Adolphe Sax invented. You can even visit his house, which is now a small museum.

If you’re visiting Dinant by road, try to visit Walzin Castle. It’s a castle perched on the Lesse River and is a beautiful sight and a great place to enjoy a picnic by the river in peaceful surroundings. If you’re a beer lover, while in Dinant, hop over to the other side of the river and head up the hill to visit Abbaye de Leffe for great beer, a museum and a beer garden with a view over the town.

Top Things to Do in Dinant

• Visit Abbaye de Leffe
• Admire the iconic Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dinant
• Visit La Citadelle de Dinant
• Explore the caves at Grotte la Merveilleuse
• Visit Walzin Castle

8 | Antwerp

By area, Antwerp is the largest city in Belgium and is full of things to do. It’s home to the Diamond Square Mile, where you will find more diamonds than anywhere else in the world. It’s also the place where the diamond hallmark originated. You’ll also find the Cathedral of Our Lady on the UNESCO World Heritage List and one of the world’s most remarkable train stations, Antwerpen-Centraal. You won’t be short of things to do in this vibrant city, that’s for sure! Antwerp is a large city compared to some of the others on this list of the best places to visit in Belgium, so be prepared for a walk between the old and new parts.

Top Things to Do in Antwerp

• Visit Antwerpen-Centraal train station
• Visit Het Steen and the visitor centre
• Visit Antwerp City Hall
• Admire Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp
• Visit the Diamond District

9 | Tournai

Tournai is located in western Belgium, just a few kilometres from the French border. Tournai is one of the oldest cities in Belgium and is best known for a couple of things -it’s home to what is considered the oldest belfry in the country and the five-spire Romanesque- and Gothic-style cathedral, Notre Dame de Tournai , both of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Tournai also has a beautiful town square lined by cafes and restaurants for you to soak up a little bit of the city’s atmosphere before moving on. Tournai isn’t huge, so plan a morning or afternoon visit.

Top Things to Do in Tournai

• Climb the belfry
• Visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Tournai
• Enjoy coffee in the town square
• Visit the Natural History Museum and Vivarium

10 | Kortrijk

Kortrijk is a little gem in the Flanders region of Belgium. It’s a small place to visit in Belgium. Still, it has a few notable places to visit, including the Broal Towers, which straddle the Leie River, and the quaint Begijnhof Kortrijk (Beguinage of Courtrai, in English), which dates back to the 1200s and the Belfry of Kortrijk, which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Kortrijk is also a popular shopping destination and is the first city in Flanders to have a pedestrianised shopping street. It’s also home to the ‘K’ shopping mall, one of the largest in Belgium. Because of this, Kortrijk remains one of the best places for shopping in the country. Kortrijk is another of the small places to visit in Belgium, so you don’t need to dedicate too much time to see the city – pop in for a coffee and a wander and then move on.

Top Things to Do in Kortrijk

• Stroll around Begijnhof Kortrijk
• Walk the bridge between the Broel Towers
• Visit Kortrijk 1302 multimedia museum
• Go shopping
• Head to the Texture Museum

Located about an hour south of Brussels, Mons is located in the Wallonia region of Belgium and is most famous for Grand-Place, the beautiful town square, but there is more to Mons than the town square – head to Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church, which is way bigger inside than it appears outside! It’s a church and not a cathedral, but you’d be forgiven for mistaking it to be a cathedral because it’s massive, plus it’s home to a rather grand carriage used for processions through the city.

There’s also a gorgeous park on top of the hill, right by the belfry, where you can head for some peace. To get there, head up Rue Cronque – a quaint and cute street next to Grand-Place.

Top Things to Do in Mons

• Visit Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church
• Enjoy the peace in Parc du Château
• Admire the Grand-Place, the town square
• Walk up Rue Cronque, a short but cute street

Another city in the Wallonia region of Belgium is Namur. Strategically located where two rivers meet, the Meuse and Sambre, the city is full of little streets to wander, vintage shops and cute cafes. You will quickly get lost in the city for a few hours, and don’t forget to take a wander up to the citadel. Once upon a time, it was one of the mightiest fortresses in Europe and now offers unbeatable views over the city; plus, it has over 400 metres of underground tunnels to explore!

Top Things to Do in Namur

• Climb up the citadel
• Ride the cable car
• Visit Saint-Loup church

13 | Durbuy Vieille Ville

Durbuy is the smallest city in Belgium and claims to be the smallest city in the world, although this isn’t confirmed. Please don’t make the mistake we did, and head to Durbuy on Google Maps! You’re looking for Durbuy Vieille Ville , or Durbuy Old Town, just a few kilometres from Durbuy (check out our map below for the exact location).

Durbuy is nestled in a picturesque wooded valley and is the perfect place for a short stop. It’s not very big and won’t take long to get around, but it’s worth the visit. Be aware; it’s pretty expensive. A standard coffee was almost 2 Euros more than the average we paid around Belgium. While you’re there, jump on the tourist train and head to the Belvédère de Durbuy. It’s the best place to see the Durbuy from.

Top Things to Do in Durbuy Vieille Ville

• Admire Château des Comtes d’Ursel
• Visit Topiary Park
• Head up Belvédère de Durbuy

The word ‘spa’ derives from a town named Spa, in the Ardennes region of eastern Belgium, and it’s famous for – you guessed it – spas! Spa is a small town, so you don’t need to dedicate too long to see it. A morning or afternoon will suffice.

Although it’s known for its mineral-rich thermal waters, you won’t find many places to submerge yourself in them these days. Your best bet is to head to Thermes de Spa for a relaxing afternoon. Thermes de Spa sits atop a hill overlooking Spa and is accessible via road (it has a paid car park) or a funicular railway from the town. Thermes de Spa costs 25 Euros for 3 hours, and inside, you’ll find a poolside cafe, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room to enjoy. Spa is also known for Spa water, where you can take a self-guided tour of the factory .

Top Things to Do in Spa

• Thermes de Spa
• Ride the funicular
• Visit the Spa water factory

Liege is last on our list, not because it’s not worth visiting, but because it’s not as good as the rest of the places in Belgium. Ha! Liège has tons of character, but it doesn’t have the charm of the other places on our list. Despite the lack of charm, some things draw you to Liège and make it worth the visit – it’s the home of the Belgian waffle and has an imposing hill to climb!

So, if you’ve ever had a Belgian waffle, its origins stem from Liège with its brioche dough and pearl sugar. So, if you’re looking for your fill of waffles, look no further than Une Gaufrette Saperlipopette, where you’ll find the best waffle in Liège (plus, they give you tasters in the queue if you’re lucky!).

Once you’ve had your fill of waffles, head to Montagne de Bueren, where you can climb the 374 steps to get an incredible view of the city. There’s also a cool train station worth looking at but be prepared for a walk – about 20 minutes from Liège centre.

Top Things to Do in Liège

• Eat a Belgian waffle
• Climb Montagne de Bueren
• Admire the modern Liège-Guillemins train station

Places to Visit in Belgium Map

How to get to Belgium from the UK

There are a few options to get to Belgium from the UK listed below.

There are several options to travel to Belgium by road from the UK. You can take your own vehicle and travel via the Euro Tunnel, from Folkstone to Calais. If the Euro Tunnel isn’t your thing, you can take the ferry from Dover to Calais to Dover to Dunkirk. We recommend the Dover to Dunkirk route, sailing with DFDS.

Dove r to Dunkirk is a better alternative to Calais because the price is as good, but you get flexibility up to four hours each way of your sailing time included with the price. The downside is the sailing takes about 30 minutes longer, but you gain most of that back because Dunkirk is closer to Belgium than Calais, especially if you’re heading to northern Belgium.

If you don’t fancy driving to Belgium, you can take the Eurostar from London St. Pancras International. Brussels is only 2 hours from St. Pancras International by Eurostar. If you want to visit any other Belgian town or city accessible via train, you can get to any Belgian station included in the ticket.

Your Eurostar ticket is valid on any local train in Belgium for 24 hours from when your Eurostar arrives in Brussels and 24 hours before your Eurostar departs Brussels on your return journey. This ticket validity excludes Brussels Airport routes and Thalys trains. So, you could have a stopover in Brussels before moving on to another part of Belgium. What a bargain!

Is Belgium worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely! Belgium is a great country to visit, and although it’s small, it packs plenty of things to do with plenty of lovely towns to visit. Belgium also has an interesting past, especially if you’re interested in military history.

How many days in Belgium is enough?

Although Belgium isn’t a big country, there is still a lot to see. A week is a good length of time if you only want to visit the really popular spots. If you want to visit more places and don’t want to skim over them, allow 10 days.

What is the prettiest town in Belgium?

It’s suggested Dinant is the prettiest place in Belgium, but we don’t think this is the case. It’s a bit of a one-trick pony when it comes to views. Bruges and Ghent outperform Dinant for eye candy, pretty streets and architecture.

The Best Places to Visit in Belgium

• Durbuy Vieille Ville

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11 Best Places to Visit in Belgium

Written by Lura Seavey Updated May 3, 2023

Tourists will find a surprising variety of things to do in Belgium , from beautiful natural settings to historic landmarks and cultural attractions.

Couples looking for romantic places to visit will enjoy the medieval ambience of old cities like Bruges and Ghent, while those traveling with kids will find plenty of family-friendly activities in the capital city of Brussels and the historic port town of Antwerp.

Military history buffs have plenty to look forward to as well, from the remote battlefields of Flanders to numerous excellent museums dedicated to Belgium's role in the two World Wars.

Find all this and so much more with our list of the best places to visit in Belgium.

1. Medieval Bruges

2. upper meuse valley, 3. brussels: the heart of europe, 4. memorials and battlefields of flanders, 5. antwerp: the cultural capital of flanders, 6. canals, castles, and cathedrals of ghent, 7. mons (bergen), 9. the beaches of belgium, 11. belgium's cathedrals and churches, map of places to visit in belgium.

Bruges is one of the most visited cities in Belgium due to its medieval architecture and thoroughly romantic ambience. Bruges' canals are one of its most charming features, and no visit to the town is complete without a scenic canal boat tour .

From the water, you will be able to enjoy a different perspective of the city; land-lovers can likewise stroll along the canals to watch the boats go by, and the local tourist office has free walking tours available. Of particular note are the mansions along the Dijver Canal , some of which now house museums.

The historic center's two main squares, Burg Square (also known as simply "the Burg") and the Markt Square , which sit adjacent to each other in the middle of the city. Markt Square is surrounded by several impressive buildings, but the Halle and its 83-meter belfry are by far the most imposing structure. The belfry, which was started in 1282 and completed in 1482, is home to 47 bells and has a viewing area for tourists who are brave enough to climb the 366 steps to the top.

Aficionados of ecclesiastic architecture will want to visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood on Burg Square, which has a combination of Romanesque and late Gothic styles. The Burg is also home to the historic Town Hall ( Stadhuis ), which was completed in 1420, and the tourist office, which is housed in the Liberty of Bruges , the former Law Courts .

Those staying in Bruges will find many fascinating towns and tourist sites within a short drive. For a walk or pedal bike ride, the trails along the Schipdonkkanaal are particularly nice, and canal boat tours are also available here. The small down of Damme is home to several historic buildings and a traditional Flemish atmosphere.

Located near the coast, Bruges is also convenient to the seaside and beach communities of Knokke and Ostend , as well as the popular cruise ship port at Zeebrugge. Knokke is best known for its upscale resort community of Knokke-Heist , but is also a hub for art lovers, with an astounding 85 galleries and numerous public art installations. Along with the beaches of Ostend, tourists can visit several good museums including the De Plate Museum , with local history, and the Museum of Fine Art .

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bruges
• Top-Rated Day Trips from Bruges

The Meuse River splits the country north and south, E42 from Liege to Namur, and from there to Dinant. The valley is known for its idyllic small towns, dramatic limestone cliffs, and lush forests that are ribboned with trails.

Namur (also called Namen) sits in the heart of the valley and is home to several historic landmarks, as well as a large university. The Namur Citadel sits on an outcropping above the town and is a fun place to explore, as well as an excellent spot for panoramic views of the valley.

In town, the best sightseeing areas are along the Rue de Fer and in the central Old Town , where you will find several good museums, as well as shops and cafés. You can also see historic churches, including the 18th-century Cathedral of Saint Aubain and the Church of Notre-Dame and its ecclesiastical Treasury , which houses several priceless religious items.

About 28 kilometers to the south sits another of Belgium's loveliest cities , Dinant, which is also home to a stately citadel. West of Namur, the village of Floreffe is home to a stunning 12th-century abbey, formerly the Premonstratensian Abbey , which now houses a seminary. The abbey church still contains some of its original features and is a lovely place to visit.

The next town over is Fosses-la-Ville , also home to a 12th-century monastery. Unfortunately, very little of the original is intact, however visitors can still admire the crypt, choir, and tower.

Northeast of Namur near Franc-Waret is Franc-Waret Castle , a beautiful 17th-century fortified residence. Visitors can tour the castle and grounds; the interior has a variety of original furnishings, artwork, and rare items, while the gardens are carefully tended to appear as they did during the castle's heyday.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Namur

The capital city of Brussels is a must-see destination for any tourist visiting Belgium, home to not only the seat of the Belgian Royal Family but also the central offices of the European Union.

Thanks to the diverse mix of the city's residents, Brussels is known for its variety of restaurants and cafés that represent many gastronomic heritages. In addition to a thriving and lively city center, the Old Town is home to many historic landmarks and fine examples of Baroque and Gothic architecture.

In the heart of the Old Town, tourists will find the main square, the Grand Place (Grote Markt) . This is home to the imposing Brussels Town Hall (Hôtel de ville de Bruxelles), as well as the city's numerous historic Guild Houses ( Gildehuizeb ).

Nearby, on the Rue de l'Etuve, is the famous Mannekin Pis statue. Also nearby is the stunning Saint-Michel Cathedral , a Gothic church that was begun in 1225 and features twin towers and spectacular stained-glass windows.

Overlooking the old city center is the royal family's official residence, the Palais Royale . On the palace grounds is the excavated Coudenberg Palace Archaeological Site , a fascinating dig site of the original palace's foundations and long-buried streets that is open for tourists to explore.

Adjacent to the palace is The Mont des Arts , home to several museums, including the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts , which features an ancient art wing and a modern art wing.

More national museums can be found on the grounds of the expansive Parc du Cinquantenaire , which is located near the European Union Headquarters. Here, you can find the Belgian Army Museum and Museum of Military History , as well as the Royal Art and History Museum .

• Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Brussels

Tourists who want to visit some of the most important battlefields, memorials, and conflict-related landmarks will want to start their pilgrimage in Ypres, the sight of some of the most brutal trench warfare during WWI. To get a good overview of the area's involvement and history, as well as see artifacts from the conflicts, visit the In Flanders Fields Museum , located in Ypres's historic Lakenhalle on its main square, the Grote Markt .

After visiting Rijselpoort , the fortified gate where British soldiers set up the command center, tourists typically begin the battlefield tour from Menin Gate. It was from Menin Gate that troops marched into battle, and today it also serves as a memorial to the British soldiers who never returned home after the battles — 54,896 names are inscribed in its surface, and Last Post has been sounded at this spot every night at 8pm since 1928.

The area around Ypres is home to several war cemeteries, including Tyne Cot Cemetery , the largest of the British cemeteries in Flanders. Located about 12 kilometers from Ypres, it is the final resting place for approximately 12,000 soldiers and a memorial to over 35,000 more.

Nearby, tourists will find a smaller memorial dedicated to Canadian soldiers who died in 1915 in the first German gas attack. In the nearby town of Langemark , there is a cemetery for German soldiers with nearly 45,000 graves of the shockingly young men who died here in 1914.

There are additional sites clustered in and around the village of Kemmel , a region that saw heavy fighting. Tourists will find several war cemeteries in the Kemmelberg area, as well as a water-filled crater that was created by the British blasting local mines. Today it is known as Lone Tree Crater , and the body of water is the Pool of Peace .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ypres

The port city of Antwerp has many cultural and historic sites to visit ; it's known both for its industry and artistic influences. The majority of the city's most significant buildings are on and around the Grand Place ( Grote Markt ) in the center of the old town. In this area, tourists will find the 16th-century Town Hall (Stadhuis), the Butcher's Hall (Vleeshuis), and Rubens' House (Rubenshuis) .

Those arriving by train into the impressive Central Station ( Middenstatie ) will find a treat waiting for them next door at Chocolate Nation , the world's largest Belgian chocolate museum . This is a big hit with families, conveniently adjacent to the Antwerp Zoo . The zoo, which was founded in 1843, is known not only for its population of over 950 species but also for its beautiful Art Deco architecture and stylized animal habitats.

Antwerp is also known for its excellent museums, which explore a variety of topics. History lovers will enjoy the Red Star Line Museum , which focuses on emigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) , which includes exhibits about local history, as well as artifacts from around the world. The Museum Mayer van den Bergh is an excellent fine arts museum, as is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts .

• Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Antwerp

Tourists who want to enjoy the romantic atmosphere of a medieval town without the crowds of Bruges will want to visit Ghent, a rival in architectural and historical significance.

The majority of Ghent's historic guild houses can be found along the Graseli Canal and the Korenlei Canal, including the Koornstapelhuis, which dates from the early 13 th century; the Gildehuis der Metselaars (House of the Masons) built in 1527; and the Tolhuisje (Customs House), which was built in 1682. Those lucky enough to visit in the evening should make time for a canal boat cruise to appreciate the sight of these lovely buildings lit from below.

In the heart of Ghent's Old Town , the impressive Gravensteen is moated by the diverted waters of the Lieve River. This massive medieval fortress was constructed in the late 12 th century and has all the grandeur and classic elements of a fairy-tale castle. Today, it is home to a museum that features artifacts from the building's varied uses, from a royal residence to a textile factory.

If you love exploring castles, you can also visit the beautiful Laarne Castle , which is located just 11 kilometers from Ghent. This pentagonal fortress was built in the 11 th century and also houses historic exhibits.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ghent

Located near the French border, Mons sits between the Trouille and Haine rivers along the route between Paris and Brussels. The Grand-Place de Mons sits in the city center and is home to several historic buildings, as well as plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants along its picturesque cobblestone streets.

The City Hall ( Hôtel de Ville de Mons ) stands at the head of the city's main square, and the remaining four sides of the large courtyard are flanked by buildings dating to the 15th through 18th centuries.

Just a couple of blocks away from the main square at the top of a hill, you will find the Belfry of Mons , also known as El Caitau. This UNESCO-listed bell tower was constructed in the 17th century in the Baroque style and stands at 87 meters tall with a carillon of 47 bells. Here, you can climb the stairs to the observation platform at the top for panoramic views of the city. At the foot of the hill sits the 15th-century Brabant Gothic Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru .

Mons is also home to several good museums, and history buffs will want to prioritize a visit to the Mons Memorial Museum , formerly called the War Museum . The museum has over 5,000 artifacts relating to the country's involvement and occupation during both World Wars and also includes interactive exhibits.

Art lovers will appreciate the paintings at the Musée des Beaux Arts (Fine Arts Museum), as well as the unique collections at the Decorative Arts Museum Francois Duesberg .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mons (Bergen)

Located about 30 kilometers east of Brussels, Leuven sits on the river Dijle and is home to one of the country's oldest and most famous universities. You can see many fine examples of Gothic and other architectural styles on the university campus and throughout the city, starting with Leuven's City Hall that features 236 figures on its ornate façade.

Just next door across the Grote Markt sits St. Peter's Church ( Sint-Pieterskerk ), a fine cathedral built in the Brabant Gothic style that houses the Museum of Religious Art . The university's most historic buildings can also be found nearby along the Naamsestraat .

Outside the historic city center, Leuven has several lovely tourist attractions for nature-lovers. The Leuven Botanical Garden Kruidtuin, originally created in 1738 as the medicinal plant garden for the university's medical students, is now home to a variety of flora.

About four kilometers from the center of town, the borough of Kessel-Lo is home to a large nature park that is free to visitors, featuring swimming and paddleboating in the lakes, a petting zoo, and other activities.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Leuven

Although most people don't immediately think of beaches when planning a trip to Belgium, the west coast offers several excellent choices for those who want to soak up some sun and take a dip.

If you're staying in Bruges and Ghent, you can get to most beaches by car in 30- to 45 minutes at most, but day trips from Brussels and even Antwerp are still reasonable at around an hour-and-a-half by car, with additional options via train. Once you're on the coast, it's super-easy to hop from beach to beach on the Coastal Tram, which has 70 stops.

Knokke-Heist is one of the best known of Belgium's beach resort communities and is located near the Dutch border, only about 19 kilometers from Bruges. The town has four beaches along its 12-kilometer coastline, as well as numerous walking, hiking, and cycling trails that wander through the dunes. Visitors will find that Knokke is also home to an astounding number of art galleries, as well as two excellent museums about local and Belgian history.

The town of Ostend may be best known as the main ferry port between Belgium and Great Britain, but it is also home to seaside resorts and beaches, conveniently located only 29 kilometers from Bruges. There is a lovely promenade that runs along the beach, and a breakwater that offers good views of the small city.

Ostend is home to six distinct beach areas, including Sportstrand (Sports Beach), which is dedicated entirely to active fun-in-the-sun, with designated areas for volleyball , kite-flying , and surfing , among other beach sports.

If you want to admire the beautiful architecture of the Koninklijke Gaanderijen (Royal Galleries) while you enjoy the water, head to the western end of the two-kilometer Groot Strand.

The town of Dinant is located 28 kilometers south of Namur and is a popular place to visit for tourists in the upper Meuse Valley.

The heart of this charming town sits in a narrow swath between the Meuse River and an imposing limestone cliff, atop which a citadel has perched since the 11 th century. The Dinant Citadel can be reached via a 408-step stone stairway that was built in 1577, but nobody will judge you if you opt for the scenic cable car ride instead. Once here, you can explore the battlements, former barracks, kitchens, and dungeons, as well as enjoy stunning views of the valley below.

The 16th-century Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame is another of Dinant's major landmarks, featuring a 100-meter onion dome and a unique perch in the side of the cliffs below the citadel. Other top tourist destinations include the Grotte la Merveilleuse , a major limestone cave system that can be explored, and the Rocher Bayard , an impressive pillar of limestone.

The Meuse Bridge is an excellent spot for photography, and boating on the Meuse River is a popular activity in Dinant. The town is also known for being the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the first saxophone, and visitors will find multiple monuments honoring him throughout the town, as well as tour his former home, which is now a museum.

The city of Ghent is home to several of Belgium's most beautiful historic churches, the most lovely of which is the impressive Saint Michael's Church , constructed in the Gothic style of Belgian sandstone. Adjacent to this church is Sint-Michielsbrug ( Saint Michael's Bridge ), and together they are one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

Another excellent example of Gothic architectural styles is Ghent's Cathedral of St. Bavo (Sint-Baafskathedraal), with a choir dating back to the 13th century and a tower constructed in the 15th century.

Among Antwerp's historic churches is the late Gothic St. Paul's Church ( Sint-Pauluskerk), which is home to paintings by Van Dyck, Rubens, and Jordaens, and the country's largest Gothic cathedral, the Cathedral of Our Lady, which was begun in 1352.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Belgium

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on March 4, 2024

Traveling in Belgium brings forth images of medieval rooftops, lovely canals, tasty beer, and even more indulgent chocolates. However, there is much for one to see in this remarkable European country, where time seems to move at a slower pace and the people are friendly and welcoming to tourists. From modern cities boasting designer shops and glamorous galleries to cobblestone streets laden with museums and native indulgences, the best places to visit in Belgium have something for everyone to enjoy on a vacation.

10. Mons [SEE MAP]

As the capital of the province of Hainaut, Mons is best known for the magical and surprising ringing of the town’s glorious Belfry bells, which hail from the 80 meter (270 foot) tower. Winding streets allow visitors to easily traverse the city sites that are a rich mixture of architectural styles. The Gothic-style Mons Town Hall is eye-catching, and the Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru boasts a highly impressive collection of 16th century Jacques Du Broeucq alabaster statues. Naturally, a stop by the Van Gogh House is a must to see amazing reproductions of this master’s works.

9. Dinant [SEE MAP]

This city lies along the sparkling Meuse River in the Namur province just 65 km (40 miles) south of the capital city. The Caves of Han and the Grotto of Dinant are some of the natural attractions that bring visitors here. These caves are some of Europe’s largest and most beautiful and are situated in within a Wildlife Reserve teeming with native flora and fauna. However, the city’s landmark, The Collegiate Church of Notre Dame is still remarkable after being partially rebuild post a massive landslide, as does the restored Citadel that overlooks the city. Accesses to most of Dinant’s sanctuaries are accessible with an appointment, but the Sanctuary of Beauraing is open daily.

8. Leuven [SEE MAP]

Home to the oldest Catholic university in the world, Leuven is home about 100,000 residents with nearly 35,000 of them being students that keep the city lively when classes are in session. Two seemingly endless streets are laden with interesting shops and galleries, while the more historical section of the city boasts sites such as the The Belfry on St. Peter’s Church and the Grand Beguinage. Visitors will find much action and things to do in the Grote Market in Leuven, where sites like the City Hall are adjacent to exceptional dining options and street side pubs and cafes. This city’s location makes it an ideal alternative to Brussels as a vacationer’s main hub to explore the rest of the country.

7. Tournai [SEE MAP]

Adjacent to France, the quaint and lovely community of Tournai is an excellent place to tune out the hustle and bustle of larger Belgium cities. More than 2000 years of rich cultural history can be explored here, and this city is home to what is believed to be one of the most beautiful churches in the world – the five-towered Gothic and Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral. Constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries, the cathedral houses the Shrine of Our Lady and works by Ruvens and Jordaens. The town Belfry is the oldest in the country and offers visitors 257 steps to the most remarkable views in the city of Tournai. The Museum of Fine Arts is filled with masterpieces from primitive and contemporary artists ranging from Campin and Rubens to Roger Van der Weyden and Van Gogh.

6. Mechelen [SEE MAP]

A vibrant town that doesn’t draw the tourism that many other Belgium cities do, Mechelen is actually one of the best places to visit in Belgium. From tours of the Beguinage Brewery to river boat tours, there’s much to see and do in this Flanders locale. A trip to the top of the St. Rombout Cathedral’s massive tower is the best way to get a panoramic view of the Antwerp Port and this lovely city. One don’t miss stop is the magnificent Carillion School, where students come from across the globe to get instruction on playing this complex instrument of bells.

5. Ardennes [SEE MAP]

For hiking, biking and camping, visitors to Belgium should head to the rugged hills of the Ardennes with their tight forests, caves and cliffs. They are home to wild boar, deer and lynx and hide a number of friendly villages, lots of castles and a few other notable sights. The impressive caves of Han-sur-Lesse, the castle of Bouillon and the modern Labyrinth of Barvaux are some of the best picks. The city of Namur makes a great base from where to explore the Ardennes and has some fine sights itself too.

4. Antwerp [SEE MAP]

Antwerp is a city with many faces. While it may not be as historically preserved as Bruges or Ghent, it is a very dynamic city, offering a perfect mix of history and present-day modern life. Lovers of great food, great beer, and good times, this city is most well-known for the Diamond District, where more than 70 percent of the world’s rough diamonds are traded. Art abounds in Antwerp , with Revenshuis celebrates the baroque works of Peter Paul Ruebens and the Plantin Moretus Museum is the home of printer and bookbinder Christoffel Plantin. Architectural wonders await with the 1351 construction the gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, and the majestic combination of baroque and Gothic architecture of the Saint Paul’s Church.

3. Ghent [SEE MAP]

Belgium’s best kept secret, Ghent is a city of history. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the richest and most powerful cities in Europe. It was once considered the second largest city north of the alps, after Paris. The impact of this rich past can be clearly seen when viewing the imposing architecture of churches and the houses of rich traders. The whole of the city center is restored in this fashion, and still breathes the atmosphere of a thriving late-medieval city state. This is particularly so along the scenic old Graslei harbour, and grand medieval cathedrals and the Gravensteen castle.

2. Brussels [SEE MAP]

Known for its diversity of sites and places of interest, Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and is likely where visitors will begin their sightseeing. As the headquarters of many European institutions, Brussels might also be considered something of a capital for the European Union.

Most notably, the Grand Place is the city’s center and was established in the 13th century. Terrace cafes and pubs are plentiful around this central square, as are other sites of interest such as the stunning Gothic style Town Hall. Shopping is plentiful amid the Galeries St. Hubert, a centrally located glass-roof arcade filled with shops, cafes, and theaters.

1. Bruges [SEE MAP]

Located in northwestern Belgium, Bruges is one of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval towns, boasting an old world charm and romantic atmosphere. Once an important center for Flemish art and textiles, Bruges today is best known for its beautiful canals.

Bruges may be the largest city in the West Flanders province, but it is still small enough to explore by walking. The main attraction in Bruges is the postcard-perfect Old Town. Surrounded by picturesque canals and medieval walls, the historic district is teeming in beautiful old architecture including Romanesque and Gothic churches like the Church of Our Lady that houses a Michelangelo sculpture, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which claims to possess a vial of blood from Jesus Christ.

The city’s most famous landmark is the Markt Square belfry. Visitors can climb this 13th-century bell tower to admire spectacular views of the city. Other sites not to miss include the spectacular Gruuthuse Mansion, and the impressive Saint John’s Hospital, which was built in 1188.

Must-do activities in Bruges include visiting the museums, which exhibit the city’s culture, traditions and art works by famous Flemish artists. Strolls down cobblestone streets offer dozens of shops selling delicious chocolates, Belgian beer and traditional lacework. Scenic canal cruises are readily available, while horse-drawn carriage rides present romantic experiences.

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Home » Travel Guides » Belgium » 15 Best Places to Visit in Belgium

15 Best Places to Visit in Belgium

A real gem of the European Low Countries, Belgium might be small but boy does it pack a punch! Ranging from the Francophone villages of Wallonia in the south to the Flemish diamond towns and North Sea coast, this nation hosts everything from buzzing European parliaments to sobering war memorials between its borders. Here, we take a look at all the best places to visit in Belgium , checking off the energetic capital, the wilds of the Ardennes, culturally-rich Mons and plenty, plenty more along the way!

Catapulted to fame by the 2008 hit film In Bruges, this pop-up cut-out of a medieval town in the heartlands of Flemish Belgium rarely fails to impress.

Its old centre is an enchanting labyrinth of winding stony streets, each fringed with the rising apses of Low Country townhouses. Here, soaring belfries clad in Gothic carvings and twisted gargoyles peak above the Grote Markt; chip merchants tout double-fried cones of Belgian frites next to ubiquitous Irish pubs (there’s an unexpectedly lively nightlife), and romantic gondolas drift up and down the canals.

Oh, and don’t miss the Basilica of the Holy Blood – a Gothic masterpiece that’s said to house a vial of Christ’s congealed blood! Also see our guide to Bruges !

It’s just a matter of time before Ghent begins to vie against Antwerp and Brussels for the top spot on lists of Belgium’s must-see metropolitan destinations.

Once one of the most powerful city states in Europe, it opted to take something of a backseat in the modern age; preferring to hide its gorgeous location on the confluence of the Scheldt and Leie and that chocolate box old town area (the largest pedestrianised urban zone in the country).

Today, travelers head in to explore the postcard-perfect rows of Flemish townhouses that line the Graslei docks, or delve into the Gothic medley that rises with the bulwarks of the Gravensteen castle. Others sip Belgian brews in the riverside pubs, or devour platters of moules frites amidst the tight-knit alleyways. Read more in our best things to do in Ghent !

Nestled deep in a wooded valley in the midst of the Wallonia Ardennes, Durbuy enchants visitors with a rustic web of winding cobblestone lanes and bucolic cottages dressed in rhododendron, ivy vines and poppy blooms.

A clutch of hearty and welcoming Belgian beer joints rubs shoulders with accomplished fine-dining restaurants between the streets of the medieval centre, while narrow lanes like Rue des Récollets are a real treat for strollers.

Summertime brings booming crowds to the craft boutiques of the self-proclaimed ‘smallest town in the world’, while winter gives a wilder hue to the riparian setting in the middle of pretty Luxembourg province.

Cool, confident and classically subversive, Antwerp has really honed its rep as the second city of Belgium.

A booming diamond trading centre and moneyed to the hilt, the town touts grandiose Flemish houses, winding medieval streets overshadowed by the looming Gothicism of the city Cathedral, the glorious old home of Rubens, and an endearingly gaudy Red Light district where Toots Thielemans tunes echo past candlelit beer bars.

And then – of course – there’s the Het Zuid neighbourhood; Antwerp’s sleepless modern edge, where bohemian coffee shops rub shoulders with antique emporiums, fixie riders glide past graffiti artists and the acclaimed MUHKA art gallery offers cutting-edge avant-garde. See our post on the best things to do in Antwerp to learn more!

Etched into the minds of many as the site of one of the most bloody and destructive battles of the First World War, little Ypres in the midst of the Westhoek is a real must for any history buffs making their way through Belgium.

From 1914 onwards, the rolling fields around this ancient city were dug-out by French, Canadian, British, ANZAC and other allied troops as they vied for control of West Flanders and attempted to push German lines back over the infamous Passendale Ridge.

Today, this bloody struggle is commemorated by the Menin Gate Memorial and the In Flanders Fields Museum, which has been hailed as the most comprehensive World War I exhibit in all of Europe.

6. The Hoge Kempen National Park

Belgium’s solitary National Park is a real patchwork of natural beauty that does well to sum up the wild hinterland of Eastern Flanders.

Covering 60 square kilometers of the picturesque Limburg region, the park is home to rolling heath and undulating hills, misty pine forests and mirror-like lakes, all dotted with packs of wild deer and sweeping blooms of lavender and thistle.

With a whopping total of more than 200 kilometers of winding hiking trails and countless bridal paths and biking tracks besides, it’s hardly surprising that this one’s now a real favourite amongst outdoorsy types making their way through the Low Countries.

Touting its 800-year-old university, a booming student population of more than 25,000 beer-loving erudite Belgians and the famous Grand Béguinage district (a UNESCO-attested area of cobbled streets, enchanting red-brick buildings and pretty Flemish facades), it’s hardly a surprise that Leuven is on the up.

Yes sir, travelers are now more eager than ever to delve into the elegant streets that weave around the Grote Markt below the filigreed Gothic spires of one eye-watering City Hall, while others will come just for the beer – this is the home of the sprawling InBev brewery (one of the largest of its kind in the world), along with countless specialist craft bars touting ancient Trappist ales and Belgian abbey beers to boot!

Also see: the 15 best things to do in Leuven .

8. Brussels

No list of Belgium’s top must-see sights could possibly be complete without at least a mention of its sprawling, action-packed and indelibly exciting capital city.

Not only is Brussels the beating heart of modern European politics, drawing lawmakers from Estonia to Portugal, but it’s also the home of the iconic Grand Place market square, where a palimpsest of the Gothic, the Baroque the  fin de siècle and Beaux-Arts styles coalesce amidst the apses and spires.

And all around this historic plaza, hidden alleys conceal Belgian beer bars bursting with Trappist brews and frothy ales, famous chocolatiers, holes-in-the-wall touting waffles and stacks of double-cooked Belgian frites, fine art museums bulging with Bruegel and Rubens, regal parks with soaring monuments like the Cinquantenaire – the list goes on as you’ll see in our guide on Brussels .

Proud former European Capital of Culture and the home of perhaps the most elegant historic centre in all of Belgium, Mons and its array of Luxembourgish-come-Germanic townhouses sits draped over the southwestern hillsides just a stone’s throw from the border with France.

The action focusses on the irresistible Grand Place square, where the elaborate facades of one seriously photogenic town hall sit in the shadow of Belgium’s only Baroque belfry (a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot).

The town is also home to the erstwhile house of the totemic Dutch post-impressionist Vincent Van Gogh, while the famous Ducasse festivities in the spring make for a striking display of local religious traditions, complete with biblical re-enactments, pitched battles between St George and the dragon, horse parades and more.

Responsible for adding the prefix ‘spa’ to destinations famed for their bubbling mineral springs right across the globe, this charming little town in the heart of Liege province comes complete with row upon row of regal facades and La Belle Époque architectural pieces.

It has been hailed for its healing waters since way back in the 14th century, and today folk still flock to the all-new Thermes baths that look over the downtown streets where once Dumas and Victor Hugo and the fictional Hercule Poirot would have flitted between Parisian-style cafes and babbling fountains.

A patchwork of traditional Mosan-style homes built from grey brick and stoic black slate, crisscrossing cobblestone lanes and pretty riverside promenades, Namur belies its official status as a regional capital with a laid-back, historic vibe.

Its undisputed piece de resistance is the sprawling medieval Citadelle that crowns the hillsides above the Sambre. More than 1,000 years old, it remains one of the largest fortresses in all of Europe and comes complete with oodles of escape tunnels and bulwarks that were used right up until WWII.

And once travelers are done touring the castle complex on the hill, Namur’s cobbled Place du Vieux Marché beckons; a pretty European square that’s awash with al fresco cafes and Belgian beer bars aplenty.

Straddling the Meuse River as it meanders northwards through the grassy valleys and woods of Wallonia, Liege is one of the less-trodden cities in Belgium. However, travelers who linger here just a little before heading out to explore the wilds of the Ardennes are in for a real treat.

For one there’s a seriously pretty medieval old town area that cascades down from the fascinating Citadel of Liege to the riverbanks, encompassing the flying buttresses of a reconstructed city cathedral, acclaimed institutions like Musée des Beaux-Arts and the eclectic Egyptology-come-Bonapartist collections of the Curtius Museum as it goes.

And then there’s the nightlife – a medley of student-led jazz bars and Low Country pubs that bustles between the Victorian and Art Deco homes of the Le Carré neighbourhood. Learn more about Liege: best things to do in Liege .

13. The Ardennes

A sprawling section of southern Belgium that’s famed as one of the most beautiful hiking destinations in all of Northern Europe, the Ardennes ranges from the city of Namur, across the valleys of the meandering Meuse River and down to the wild plateau Fens on the edge of the German Eifel Mountains.

Between its borders travelers can seek out rock-clad castles like Chateau de Bouillon, Mardi Gras festivities in Malmedy , beautiful canoeing waters along the River Lesse, stalactite-dotted caves and grottoes amidst the Ourthe hills, dense woodlands and Trappist monasteries in Rochefort , rugged cliffs in Dinant , verdant valleys that give way to winding river channels, misty forests that go on for miles and oodles, oodles more!

Escape the inland cities and towns of Belgium for a blast of North Sea air along the sun-splashed (at least by summer!) esplanades of Ostend , which runs its way along the windswept coastline of West-Flanders just a short ride out of Bruges.

Much-loved by locals for its buzzing atmosphere and sandy beaches between June and August, it’s actually surprisingly easy to fall in love with this one’s cookie cutter seaside hotels, curiously English tearooms and hedonistic clubs along Langestraat.

There’s history to explore too, most notably at the infamous Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum, which chronicles German fortification of the European seaboard, while aquariums and various marine-themed expos relate the town’s indelible connection to the North Sea.

15. Bastogne

Perched right on the borderlands with Luxembourg to the south, the now sleepy, 15,000-strong town of Bastogne boasts a history going all the way back to the centuries when Gallic tribes waged war with Roman centurions in the Low Countries.

However, the spot is now better known for its place at the heart of the tumultuous and dark histories of the 20th century. In 1944 it was from here that German divisions planned the Battle of the Bulge, and the town subsequently played host to the heroic 101st Airborne Division as they were encircled by Axis troops.

Today, this pivotal moment of the Western Front is commemorated at the acclaimed Bastogne War Museum, the colossal Mardasson Memorial and the Bastogne Barracks alike.

15 Best Places to Visit in Belgium:

• The Hoge Kempen National Park
• The Ardennes

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Belgium , BLOG , Destinations , Europe · August 23, 2023

The 25 Most Beautiful Cities in Belgium

Belgium, a small European nation often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, is a hidden gem when it comes to picturesque cities and towns.

Nestled in the heart of Western Europe , this country boasts an astonishing array of charming destinations that will captivate travelers with their beauty and character.

And I would know cause I have lived in Belgium my entire life ! I grew up in Tienen (which definitely won’t be mentioned in this guide :p), studied in Leuven, moved to Ghent and now ended up near Antwerp!

As you explore Belgium’s cities and towns, you’ll encounter a delightful fusion of languages, cultures, and influences, all set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and rich history .

Whether you’re drawn to the quaint charm of Bruges or the bustling cosmopolitan vibe of Brussels, Belgium’s diverse array of destinations promises to leave you awestruck and inspired. Did you know we even have a town in Belgium that will make you feel like you’ve arrived at the Provence? Keep on reading to find out more!

So join me on a journey through the most beautiful cities and towns in Belgium!

25 Most Beautiful Cities and Towns in Belgium

The most popular cities of belgium, 1. brussels.

Welcome to Brussels, the vibrant capital city of Belgium and the heart of Europe!

This enchanting city is a harmonious blend of rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and a unique cultural tapestry.

Start your Brussels adventure in the heart of the city at the Grand Place , a UNESCO World Heritage site that will leave you in awe. This magnificent square is surrounded by opulent guildhalls, each a testament to Brussels’ medieval past.

Just a short stroll from the Grand Place, you’ll find the iconic Manneken Pis statue. This cheeky little bronze boy relieving himself in a fountain has become a beloved symbol of Brussels.

FUN FACT – The statue has a wardrobe of over 1,000 outfits, and you might just catch him dressed up in a unique costume during your visit.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with luxurious Belgian chocolates from artisanal shops dotted around the city. And, of course, don’t miss out on the chance to sample some of Belgium’s finest beers at a traditional Belgian pub .

For art enthusiasts, Brussels offers an array of world-class museums. Explore the Royal Museums of Fine Arts , housing works by renowned artists like Bruegel and Magritte.

The Atomium , a futuristic building designed in the shape of an iron crystal, is another must-visit. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions that offer a unique blend of science and art .

2. Antwerp – Explore the richest city in Belgium

Nestled on the banks of the River Scheldt, Antwerp is a Belgian gem that has long been a magnet for travelers seeking a blend of rich history, artistic heritage, and a dash of luxury.

Known as the “Diamond City” and the “Fashion Capital of Belgium,” Antwerp boasts a unique character that invites exploration and offers a diverse range of experiences for every kind of traveler.

Antwerp’s Old Town is a picturesque labyrinth of cobblestone streets, historic facades, and charming squares. At its heart lies the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady , a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that houses works by the legendary artist Peter Paul Rubens. Climb the cathedral tower for panoramic views of the city.

Visit the Rubenshuis , the former home and studio of the great Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. Explore the artist’s exquisite living quarters, adorned with his own works and an impressive collection of art from his contemporaries. The lush garden is a serene retreat in the heart of the city.

Antwerp is synonymous with cutting-edge fashion, thanks to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, which has produced some of the world’s top designers known as the “Antwerp Six.” Explore the city’s fashion boutiques, where you’ll discover unique styles and trends. The ModeMuseum (MoMu) is a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts.

3. Bruges – The city of love in Belgium

Bruges is a city straight out of a fairytale. With its enchanting canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture, Bruges has earned its nickname as the “Venice of the North.”

This picturesque town is a living canvas of history and culture, inviting travelers to step back in time and experience the charm of a bygone era.

Take a serene boat ride through the meandering waterways that wind their way through the city . Admire the well-preserved medieval buildings that line the canals, and let the peaceful ambiance transport you to another world.

Climb the Belfry Tower for an unforgettable experience . The 366-step journey to the top is rewarded with breathtaking views of Bruges and its surroundings.

Visit the Beguinage, a tranquil sanctuary hidden within the city. This former community for Beguines, devout women who lived a quasi-monastic life, is a serene spot with a central courtyard surrounded by white-washed houses.

Belgium is renowned for its chocolate, and Bruges is no exception. Indulge in the rich, velvety chocolates from artisanal shops that line the streets. You can even take a chocolate-making workshop to create your own sweet delights.

4. Ghent – One of the prettiest cities in Belgium

Nestled along the banks of the River Lys and Scheldt, Ghent is a captivating Belgian city that effortlessly balances its rich history with a vibrant contemporary spirit .

Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Brussels and Bruges, Ghent is a hidden gem that rewards travelers with a blend of medieval grandeur, world-class art, and a progressive, youthful energy.

Begin your journey in Ghent with a visit to Gravensteen Castle , a medieval fortress that seems plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. Explore its imposing stone walls, climb the turrets for panoramic views, and discover the castle’s intriguing history as a symbol of power and authority.

St. Bavo’s Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and home to one of the world’s most celebrated artworks, the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan and Hubert van Eyck . The altarpiece is a true treasure of Renaissance art and a must-see for art enthusiasts.

Wander along the picturesque Graslei and Korenlei canals to soak in the medieval charm of Ghent. These beautifully preserved waterfront streets are lined with historic buildings, cafes, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and some people-watching.

For some of the best views of Ghent’s historic skyline, head to Grasbrug and St. Michael’s Bridge . These vantage points offer stunning vistas of the city’s spires, towers, and the flowing river below

🎒 TOP TOUR – Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

The most underrated cities in Belgium

Often bypassed by tourists in favor of larger Belgian cities, Lier offers a serene escape where history, culture, and natural beauty converge.

Start your exploration in Grote Markt, the central square of Lier. Here, you’ll find the town hall, a stunning example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The square is surrounded by quaint cafes and shops, making it the perfect spot for people-watching and sipping a coffee.

The Zimmer Tower , with its iconic astronomical clock, is a Lier landmark not to be missed . Climb to the top for panoramic views of the town and its scenic surroundings. The clock, which dates back to the 1930s, is a marvel of engineering and artistry.

Lier’s scenic beauty extends to the River Nete, which meanders through the town. Take a leisurely boat ride to appreciate the town from a different perspective and soak in the peaceful ambiance.

6. Mechelen – A Hidden Gem in Belgium

For travelers seeking an authentic Belgian experience away from the crowds , Mechelen is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This picturesque city boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene that will capture your heart and imagination.

Mechelen is a city that breathes history. Its cobblestone streets wind through centuries-old buildings, each telling a story of its own. The magnificent St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, with its towering spire that dominates the skyline, is a must-visit.

Art enthusiasts will find solace in Mechelen’s numerous museums and galleries . The Museum Hof van Busleyden is a cultural treasure trove, showcasing the city’s history through art and artifacts.

Mechelen surprises visitors with its lush green spaces hidden behind unassuming facades. Explore tranquil courtyards like the Beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage site , where you can stroll among picturesque white houses and serene gardens. The Kruidtuin, Mechelen’s botanical garden, is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely afternoon .

Be sure to savor Mechelen’s local specialty, “Mechelse Koekoek” (Mechelen chicken), known for its tender meat and unique flavor.

7. Leuven – Where History, Culture, and Academic Excellence Converge

Leuven’s history dates back to Roman times , and its cobbled streets are lined with centuries-old buildings that tell tales of the past.

The iconic Town Hall , with its ornate Gothic architecture and stunning facade, is a true masterpiece. Visitors can also explore the remarkable St. Peter’s Church , a stunning example of Brabantine Gothic architecture, featuring awe-inspiring stained glass windows and intricate carvings.

Leuven is synonymous with knowledge and learning, thanks to the presence of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities . The beautifully landscaped campus, with its historic buildings and modern facilities, lends an academic charm to the city. Don’t miss the University Library, a striking architectural gem that houses a vast collection of rare manuscripts and books.

Leuven’s youthful energy is palpable, thanks to its diverse student population. The Oude Markt, often referred to as t he “longest bar in the world,” is a bustling square lined with bars and cafes, making it a hub of social activity. Join the locals for a drink and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Leuven is dotted with serene beguinages, including the Grand Beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

8. Namur – The capital of the Wallonia region

Namur’s strategic location along the Meuse River offers an enchanting backdrop of glistening waters and lush greenery. The riverbanks provide a tranquil escape for those seeking leisurely walks, bike rides, or even a peaceful picnic. Embark on a river cruise to witness the city from a unique perspective, framed by the stunning Ardennes hills in the distance .

The magnificent Citadel of Namur , perched on a hill overlooking the city, is an imposing fortress that has guarded the region for centuries. Explore its intricate network of tunnels, bastions, and ramparts, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the city below.

Saint-Aubin’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, stands proudly in the heart of Namur.

The Rops Museum , dedicated to the works of local artist Félicien Rops, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Namur Archaeological Museum showcases the city’s ancient past through a fascinating collection of artifacts.

Namur’s proximity to the Ardennes region makes it a gateway to outdoor activities . Hiking, biking, and kayaking are popular pursuits in the nearby natural reserves and along the riverbanks.

The most colorful towns in Belgium

9. dinant – a riverside gem in the heart of belgium.

Tucked away amidst the rolling hills of the picturesque Ardennes region, Dinant is a small Belgian town that packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty, history, and culture.

Perched high on a limestone cliff, the Citadel of Dinant is the town’s most iconic attraction. Visitors can choose to take a cable car or climb the 408 steps to the top for panoramic vistas of the town and the surrounding countryside.

Dinant holds a special place in the world of music as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone . The Adolphe Sax House offers an intriguing glimpse into the life and work of this musical pioneer. You can also spot saxophone-shaped decorations and sculptures throughout the town, paying homage to this unique connection.

Take a leisurely river cruise to explore the town from a different perspective, passing under the iconic Charles de Gaulle Bridge. For the more adventurous, kayaking along the river offers an exhilarating way to experience Dinant’s natural beauty .

10. Torgny – The Provence of Belgium

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Belgian Gaume region, Torgny is a village that seems to have stepped out of a storybook. This hidden gem, often described as the “most beautiful village in Wallonia,” enchants visitors with its rustic charm, colorful buildings, and a serene countryside setting.

Torgny’s most distinctive feature is its colorful houses adorned with flowers, creating a picturesque scene that’s straight out of a postcard. Stroll along the village’s winding streets, and you’ll be greeted by charming facades in shades of pastel blues, pinks, and yellows. The well-tended gardens and window boxes bursting with blooms add to the village’s vibrancy.

Despite its small size, Torgny is a culinary destination of note. The village is renowned for its gastronomy, and its restaurants and bistros serve up delicious local specialties . Don’t miss the opportunity to savor dishes like “Gaumais,” a traditional stew, and “Tarte au Sucre,” a sweet pastry that’s a regional favorite.

The surrounding Gaume region is known for its vineyards and is often referred to as the “Provence of Belgium.” Torgny is no exception. Explore the local wineries, where you can taste excellent wines, including Pinot Noir and Auxerrois .

11. Durbuy – The smallest town in the world

With its medieval charm, winding cobblestone streets, and colorful houses that line the banks of the picturesque Ourthe River, Durbuy is often affectionately called the “smallest town in the world.” However, don’t let its size fool you; this enchanting destination offers a wealth of experiences for travelers seeking a fairytale escape.

Durbuy’s history dates back to the Middle Ages , and the town’s architecture preserves that ancient charm. The town square, Place aux Foires, is a prime example, boasting beautiful cobblestone streets and historic stone buildings adorned with flowers in the warmer months.

Durbuy is renowned for its markets, which draw visitors from all around. The Christmas market , held in the historic center, transforms the town into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and an array of seasonal treats.

The Sunday market is a year-round delight, offering local crafts, artisanal foods, and more.

The most beautiful towns on the Belgian coast

12. knokke – belgium’s beachside oasis of elegance.

Nestled along the pristine Belgian coastline, Knokke is a seaside gem that embodies sophistication, luxury, and natural beauty. Known as the “Monaco of the North,” this chic coastal town offers travelers an enchanting blend of elegant beachfront living, picturesque scenery, and a vibrant cultural scene that sets it apart as one of Belgium’s most exclusive destinations .

Knokke’s miles of sandy beaches are the star attraction. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful sunbathing spot or craving a refreshing dip in the North Sea, Knokke’s coastline is a haven for beach lovers. Elegant beach clubs offer stylish lounging options, while water sports enthusiasts can partake in activities like kite surfing and sailing.

The grand seaside promenade, Zeedijk-Albertstrand, exudes opulence with its upscale boutiques, cafés, and fine dining establishments.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, Knokke offers serene natural beauty. The Zwin Nature Park, a tidal salt marsh, is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts . Explore its trails and bird observatories to connect with the region’s biodiversity.

13. De Haan – A Tranquil Coastal Haven in Belgium

Known for its Belle Époque architecture , pristine beaches, and serene atmosphere, this coastal town offers travelers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

De Haan is often referred to as the “Belle Époque Queen” because of its well-preserved architectural heritage from the late 19th and early 20th centuries . Stroll along the town’s tree-lined avenues and admire the elegant villas with their ornate facades, turrets, and art nouveau details.

De Haan’s long, sandy beach is a highlight of any visit. Stretching for miles along the North Sea, it offers a serene and unspoiled setting for sunbathing, leisurely walks, and beachcombing. The absence of high-rise buildings along the shoreline ensures that the natural beauty takes center stage.

Despite its small size, De Haan has a rich cultural scene. Visit the town’s museums and art galleries, including the Belle Époque Museum, to learn more about its history and artistic heritage.

14. Middelkerke

Middelkerke’s coastline is a primary draw for visitors. Miles of golden sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, inviting sunbathers, beachcombers, and water sports enthusiasts alike. Relax on a beach towel with a good book, build sandcastles with the family, or take a refreshing dip in the North Sea. Middelkerke’s wide beaches ensure there’s plenty of space for everyone.

Middelkerke is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere. The town offers numerous activities for all ages, including mini-golf, playgrounds, and amusement parks.

Belgium’s coastal towns are famous for their seafood, and Middelkerke is no exception. Sample freshly caught shrimp, mussels, and other seafood delicacies at the local restaurants, paired with Belgian beer or a glass of crisp white wine.

If you’re feeling lucky, Middelkerke boasts a casino where you can try your hand at the tables and slot machines. In the evenings, the town offers a selection of bars and lounges for those seeking some nightlife.

15. Oostende

Oostende’s main attraction is undoubtedly its beautiful stretch of sandy beaches that span for kilometers along the North Sea.

Oostende has a rich artistic heritage, notably as the home of the renowned Belgian painter James Ensor. Visit the J ames Ensor House and Museum to delve into his life and works. The city’s love for the arts extends to various galleries and exhibitions that celebrate contemporary and classic art.

Oostende is a family-friendly destination with attractions like the Earth Explorer, a science and adventure center, and Fort Napoleon, a historic fortress with interactive exhibits.

The Theater aan Zee (Theatre by the Sea) festival is a highlight for performing arts enthusiasts.

The most beautiful towns in Wallonia

16. rochefort – a picturesque belgian retreat.

The beautiful Belgian town’s cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares transport visitors back in time.

Explore the Saint-Rémy Church , with its elegant Gothic architecture, or wander through the narrow alleyways to discover hidden courtyards and cozy cafes.

Perched dramatically above the town, the ruins of the Château de Rochefort are a testament to the town’s history. While the castle itself may be in ruins, the panoramic views from this vantage point are absolutely breathtaking.

Rochefort is surrounded by an intricate network of limestone caves that hide beneath its surface. The Grottes de Han, located just a short drive away, is one of the most famous cave systems in Europe. Embark on an underground adventure to discover awe-inspiring stalactites and subterranean wonders.

17. La-Roche-en-Ardenne

Perched on a bend of the meandering River Ourthe and crowned by the ruins of a medieval castle, this picturesque town in Belgium offers a journey back in time and a taste of Belgium’s enchanting natural beauty.

La-Roche-en-Ardenne’s centerpiece is its imposing medieval castle, Château de La-Roche-en-Ardenne . Explore the castle grounds, climb its stone towers, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the river valley and the surrounding woodlands.

During World War II, La-Roche-en-Ardenne played a significant role in the Battle of the Bulge. The town’s war museum, the Musée de la Bataille des Ardennes, gives you a glimpse into this dark period of history.

Throughout the year, La-Roche-en-Ardenne hosts a variety of festivals and events that celebrate its culture and traditions. From medieval reenactments to food festivals, there’s always something happening to enrich your experience.

18. Bouillon

With its medieval castle, winding river, and lush forests, Bouillon offers travelers a unique blend of culture, nature, and excitement in one of Belgium’s most beautiful places.

The town of Bouillon is dominated by its crown jewel, the Château de Bouillon . This medieval fortress, perched majestically above the Semois River, is a sight to behold. Explore its ancient halls, climb its towers, and imagine the battles and legends that have unfolded within these walls.

For families and wildlife lovers, the Bouillon Animal Park is a must-visit. This nature reserve features indigenous European animals in a natural habitat setting. It’s an excellent opportunity to observe deer, boar, and other animals up close.

19. Malmedy

Visit the stunning Malmedy Cathedral , a Gothic masterpiece with intricate stained glass windows and ancient relics. Explore the town’s quaint squares, where charming cafes and boutiques invite you to linger.

Just a short drive from Malmedy, you’ll find the Abbey of Stavelot , a historical gem that houses museums, art exhibitions, and a racetrack museum dedicated to the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

The nearby Hautes Fagnes Nature Reserve offers hiking and cycling trails that wind through serene landscapes.

If your visit coincides with the annual Malmedy Carnival, you’re in for a lively treat. This vibrant celebration includes colorful parades, traditional costumes, and lively music, offering a unique glimpse into local culture and folklore.

Spa is a place where relaxation, rejuvenation, and rich history come together. With its thermal springs, charming streets, and cultural heritage, it offers travelers a perfect blend of wellness and exploration in an idyllic setting.

Spa’s name itself is synonymous with wellness. It’s the place where the term “spa” was coined, and its healing thermal springs have attracted visitors for centuries . Immerse yourself in the town’s history at the Thermes de Spa, where you can still enjoy the soothing effects of the natural mineral-rich waters.

While Spa is famous for its wellness offerings, it also boasts a charming town center. Stroll through cobbled streets, lined with historic buildings, boutiques, and cafes. The Place Royale is a lovely square to savor a meal or coffee while enjoying the ambiance.

21. Thuin – a UNESCO World Heritage site

One of the town’s most exceptional features is its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hanging Gardens , a breathtaking architectural wonder that has stood the test of time.

Thuin is situated in the province of Hainaut, in the southwestern part of Wallonia. It’s easily accessible by car, approximately a 90-minute drive from Brussels, making it a perfect day trip destination from the Belgian capital .

Visitors can explore the Hanging Gardens through a network of well-maintained paths and walkways. As you ascend through the gardens, you’ll encounter a diverse range of plants, flowers, and trees, making it a horticultural paradise.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the impressive Belfry of Thuin, another UNESCO World Heritage site , which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The most beautiful towns and cities in Flanders

Nestled in the heart of Flanders, Belgium, Ypres is a city that wears its history proudly, while also offering visitors a glimpse of its charming, beautifully reconstructed medieval center.

Ypres is located in the province of West Flanders, making it easily accessible from major Belgian cities like Brussels and Bruges . The city is well-connected by public transport with regular train services making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway destination.

One of the most significant landmarks in Ypres, the Menin Gate is inscribed with the names of nearly 55,000 Commonwealth soldiers who went missing in action during World War I. The Last Post ceremony, held daily at 8 PM, is a moving tribute to the fallen.

The iconic Cloth Hall , a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an architectural masterpiece that has been meticulously restored. It now houses museums, shops, and cafes. Don’t miss the chance to climb its belfry for breathtaking city views and make sure to visit the In Flanders Fields Museum .

Nestled in the picturesque Flemish countryside of Belgium, the charming town of Damme is a hidden gem that’s often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Bruges.

Damme is conveniently located just a few kilometers from Bruges, making it an easy day trip or a pleasant bike ride from the bustling city center. The town is also accessible by car, and there’s ample parking available near the historic center.

Renting a bike in Damme is a popular choice, allowing you to explore the surrounding countryside and even cycle along the picturesque Damse Vaart canal.

24. Oudenaarde – A Flemish Gem of History and Culture

Nestled in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes, the charming town of Oudenaarde is a hidden treasure that invites travelers to step back in time and immerse themselves in Belgium’s rich history and culture.

The town hall is a masterpiece of late-Gothic architecture and is often considered one of the most beautiful in Belgium.

For a deeper dive into the town’s history, a visit to the MOU is a must. This museum provides a comprehensive look at Oudenaarde’s past, showcasing artifacts, paintings, and interactive exhibits that bring the town’s heritage to life.

Oudenaarde is the gateway to the stunning Flemish Ardennes, a hilly and forested region that’s a paradise for cyclists, hikers, and nature lovers. The picturesque landscape is dotted with charming villages and offers numerous scenic routes for outdoor enthusiasts.

Oudenaarde is known for its vibrant cultural traditions, including the annual “Ronde van Vlaanderen” (Tour of Flanders) cycling race, which passes through the town.

25. Tongeren – The oldest city in Belgium

Tongeren proudly wears its title as the “Oldest City in Belgium,” with a history dating back to Roman times.

Immerse yourself in Tongeren’s ancient past at the Gallic-Roman Museum , which showcases archaeological finds from the region. The star attraction is the beautifully preserved Roman sarcophagus of a married couple.

Tongeren is famous for hosting one of the largest antique markets in Europe . Held every Sunday, the Tongeren Antique Market attracts collectors, treasure hunters, and visitors seeking unique finds.

Tongeren’s Grote Markt (Grand Market Square) is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings and is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. Be sure to explore the charming streets and squares of the old town, where you’ll encounter quaint cafes and shops.

In conclusion, Belgium boasts an array of stunning cities, each with its own unique charm and character. Whether you’re captivated by centuries-old cathedrals, picturesque canals, or contemporary art scenes, Belgium’s cities have something to enchant every visitor.

Charlotte Lint is the founder, main photographer and writer of Charlies Wanderings . She has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing insightful hiking guides and creating unique and efficient travel itineraries . Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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24 Beautiful Places in Belgium for Your Bucket List

Author:  Caroline

The Kingdom of Belgium is located in the western part of Europe. Often eclipsed by its well-known neighbors, Belgium is one of the lesser-explored countries in the region. From romantic castles to medieval towns this guide takes you through a handful of the most beautiful places in Belgium.

So, you have decided to branch out and visit  Belgium . Great! I was born and bred right here and have ventured into the various different corners of the country, collecting memories and useful travel tips for fellow travelers. Though small in size, there are a surprising amount of places to visit in Belgium!

From a cultural standpoint, the country is split into three parts: Flanders (northern Belgium), Brussels (central Belgium), and Wallonia (southern Belgium). If your Belgian itinerary allows for it, try and squeeze in a visit to each of the regions to get a true sense of the country.

Please note:  This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).  Learn more .

Beautiful Places in Belgium : Quick Planning Guide

There is a surprising amount of things to see and do in Belgium, especially if you want to split your time across the three regions. This quick overview should help you out if you are short on time.

Tours for Foodies

• Brussels: Hungry Mary’s Beer & Chocolate Tour
• Brussels: Belgian Craft Beer To ur
• Bruges: History and Culinary Tour
• Ghent: Find & taste the best chocolate

Sustainable Accommodation

• Antwerp: ($$$) Botanic Sanctuary
• Brussels: ($$) Cocoon boutique hotel
• Bruges: ($$) Eco-hotel Fevery
• Dinant: ($$) Aqualodge Hôtel Insolite

Public Transport in Belgium : Belgium has a solid infrastructure in place when it comes to public transportation (Bus-Metro-Train). It becomes slightly tricky to figure out which company services the exact part of the country you are looking to travel to as each of the three regions is serviced by different companies. Book online: Find timetables & book tickets online via Omio

Unique Castle Hotels in Belgium

Looking for a truly beautiful place in Belgium that you can also stay in? Why not spend the night in one of the majestic castle hotels dotted all over Belgium. From luxury to budget-friendly, there is a castle for everyone.

24 Places in Belgium to Explore

To help you navigate all the Belgian attractions, the various spots have been merged into four different categories.

• Six Belgian cities that will knock your socks off
• Six little towns to wander through to get a true sense of Belgian culture
• Seven hidden gems to explore Belgium more in-depth
• Five Belgian Abbeys to explore and try Trappist Beer – The Belgian beer aficionado’s holy grail

These 24 carefully selected places in Belgium are but a snippet of what the country has to offer visitors. I might be biased – it is home for me after all – but Belgium truly is a diamond in the rough.

Curious to see where everything is located? Scroll to the end of the article to see the map!

Six beautiful places in Belgium to visit for city lovers

There is nothing like a European medieval city in my humble opinion. Walking around the old town, grabbing a coffee on the – inevitably – magnificent main square while getting lost in the myriad of little alleys is the scenography of many a Hollywood blockbuster.

All of this and more await you in the most beautiful cities in Belgium . The country has a long history of trade; a surprisingly voracious appetite for food and will lure you in one cobblestoned street at a time.

READ MORE: 16 Day trips from Brussels by train

1. Mechelen

Mechelen is a picturesque little city located between Brussels and Antwerp , right in the heart of Belgium.  The inhabitants of the city are called “ Moon-Extinguishers ” after a legend that dates back to the 17 th century which includes mist, alcohol, and the full moon. Their pride and glory is an impressive – although unfinished – Saint Rumbolds Cathedral that towers over the city.

This Flemish town is authentic and down-to-earth. The perfect place to catch a glimpse of the elusive Flemish culture, best observed over a cold beer on the flourishing vism ark t . A former fish market which now houses some of the best bars in Mechelen. As a local, I have spent many a Friday evening on this market.

Must see in Mechelen : Views atop the Saint Rumbolds Cathedral, the UNESCO classified Wintergarden, the colorful Grote Markt (main square), a bite to eat in de Vl eeshallen (a hip food court), and a stroll to the 16th century Haverwerf.

Unique accommodations in Mechelen: Coolest hotel in town: ($) Anker Brouwery Hotel Most romantic hotel: ($$) Martin’s Patershof

Relevant Articles: Things to do in Mechelen

2. Brussels

One simply cannot describe all the prettiest places in Belgium and leave the nation’s capital off the list. Brussels is one of the most underrated capitals in Europe, it is easy to see why – tourist traps galore and a serious lack of sunshine. But, do not let that deter you for fortune favors the brave.

Brussels is small in size – especially compared to other European capitals – making it a very walkable city and what’s more a very safe city. You will not be wanting for museums or unique bars in Brussels. Grab a drink at Cafe Belga on Place Flagey or in the romantic Art Nouveau cafe La Belladone .

Tip : Consider investing in the City Card (valid for 1, 2 or 3 days) which gives you access to museums and the public transport system. Very useful if you are short on time and only spending one day in Brussels .

Must see in Brussels: The Grand Place (main square) – Unesco classified square rife with lavish gold, gabled houses; Art Nouveau – Victor Horta Museum, Solvay House, MIM, The Atomium, hunt down the Comic Strip Murals or hunt down trinkets on the Jeu de Balle flea market on Sunday; Chocolate museum & workshop – you can’t leave Belgium without tasting its most famous product. Time permitting you might want to sneak a peek at some hidden gems in Brussels .

Read on for a detailed overview of the best areas and hotels to stay in Brussels . Unique design: ($) Art Deco Le Berger Hotel Coolest accommodation: ($/$$) Moxy Brussels City Centre Best views of the Grand Place: ($$) Cocoon Boutique Hotel

Relevant Articles: How to spend an unforgettable weekend in Brussels 

Ant werp  is a buzzing city in northern Belgium . The city is known as the fashion capital of the country and the diamond capital of the world! Expect to find world-class shopping, great art museums, and a thriving culinary scene .

If you have time, walk through the Sint-Annatunnel which takes you underneath the river Schelde and right up to the best view over the skyline of Antwerp. Try een bolleke (De Konick beer, a local beer from Antwerp) on the Grote Markt (main square) or in the – ever so slightly odd – Het Elfde Gebod Cafe. Go for dinner in one of the many restaurants in the trendy neighborhood of Antw erpen Zuid .

Must see in Antwerp : The central station of Antwerp, the opulent Stadsfeestzaal, visit the Plantin Moretus Museum, count gables on the Grote Markt (main square), marvel at the 60 statues outside the St. Paul’s church, take in the fin-de-ciècle townhouses on Cogels Osylei, V elodroomstraat, Transvaalstraat and Draakplaats .

Unique accommodations in Antwerp: Sustainable on a budget: ($) Antwerp City Hostel Unique design: ($$) Citybox Antwerp Unique location & fully sustainable: ($$$) Botanic Sanctuary

Relevant Articles: How to get the most out of Antwerp in two days

READ | Is Bruges worth visiting ; The perfect day trip to Bruges

Bruges is a picture-perfect city in western Belgium . Thanks to a direct link with the sea, it was one of the most important commercial cities in Europe throughout history. The city flourished in the 15th century when merchants poured their hard-earned pennies into the city. Much of this architecture has remained, making the historic center of Bruges the most visited attraction of Belgium.

Bruges is the quintessential medieval town: walk through the cobblestone streets, marvel at the tiny gabled houses, and inviting storefronts filled with mouthwatering chocolates and other Belgian specialties. Spending one day in Bruges is a rare blend of romantic and educational! If you get a chance visit the Christmas Market in Bruges .

Must see in Bruges: Take a romantic boat trip on the canal, stroll around the 12th century Beguinage , learn the Bruges history ath the Historium through a VR experience , visit the Church of our Lady and spot the Michelangelo statue , climb the UNESCO classified Belfry for the best views over the city.

Unique accommodations in Bruges: Adults only historical B&B: ($$) Bariseele B&B Family-run boutique hotel: ($$) Eco-Hotel Fevery Unique location & sustainable: ($$$) Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage Pick your own | 15 Sustainable Boutique Hotels in Bruges

If you fell in love with the medieval architecture and cobblestone streets of Bruges but are looking for less of an open-air museum and more of an actual living, breathing city then Ghent is the right place for you. This city in western Belgium was second only to Paris in terms of size and importance during the Middle Ages.

Stroll around the historical center – be weary of the trams –and observe the very trendy, slightly more alternative locals while you grab a drink on de Vrijdagsmarkt . The keen observer will notice the difference in accent when locals speak Flemish – soft and more melodic – which categorizes this part of the country. Tip: Every July the city holds a free musical festival . During 10 days the city transforms into an open-air stage hosting many national and international artists.

Must see in Ghent : Visit the Gravensteen – one of the coolest monuments in Belgium, try a neuzeke (conical-shaped, raspberry-flavored candy), get lost in the neighborhood of Patershol, visit the majestic St Bavo’s Cathedral, and stroll across the St Michael’s Bridge.

Unique accommodations in Ghent: Sustainable on a budget: ($$) Boutique B&B Graaf Unique location (former post office): ($$$) 1898 The Post Luxurious, family-run and sustainable: ($$$) Hotel Harmony

Dinant is the capital of the Namur province in southern Belgium . The ancient city is guarded by the imposing Dinant Citadel, which stands proudly on top of the limestone wall at the edge of the Meuse River. The bottom of the limestone wall is guarded by the Collégiale Notre Dame de Dinant church.

Have brunch in Solbrun before heading out to explore. Be sure to be back in time for sunset, the sun sets behind the citadel and – if you are lucky with the weather – illuminates the iconic colorful houses lining the Meuse River with a warm orange glow. Dinant can be visited as a day trip from Brussels.

Must see in Dinant: Visit the magnificent Citadel and Collégiale Notre Dame de Dinant church, and explore the nearby Vêves and Walzin castle (requires a car). Dinant is the ideal hub to foray into the Ardennes with plenty of opportunities for hiking and kay aking.

Unique accommodations in Dinant: Family run BnB (nearby): ($) Les petits secrets de nonna Romantic cabins on the water: ($$) Aqualodge Hôtel Insolite Unique location (nearby): ($$$) The Castle of Namur Hotel

Relevant Articles: The best day trips from Brussels 

Six beautiful villages in Belgium to explore and discover Belgian culture

Hidden away on the outskirts of the country – known by locals – you can find some truly beautiful towns in Belgium. Although usually small in size, they are sure to capture your heart and give you a better insight into local life in Belgium – be it Flemish or Walloon.

When you think about nice places in Belgium, the coastline might be the last place you consider. It is true that the lack of pristine white sandy beaches and 30° water might deter you, don’t rule the coast out just yet – at least not all of it.

Steer away from the larger cities with their below-average restaurants and cookie-cutter, utterly uninspiring apartment rises. Instead opt for the lesser-known town of De Haan, with a mere 12.000 inhabitants it is considered one of the prettiest places in Belgium by the coast.

Must do in De Haan : De Haan has some of the country’s stateliest Belle Epoque mansions (be sure to check out the Town Hall and the Hotel Savoyarde). It is located a comfortable 5km away from the nearest town of Wenduine. De Haan is the perfect place if you are looking for some comfortable and relaxed walks, or simply to get away from busy city life.

Unique accommodations in De Haan: Quaint 18th-century farm (rental of whole house): ($) Hoeve Korenzegen Luxury Belle Epoque hotel : ($$) Grand Hotel Belle Vue

Relevant Articles: The best day trips from B russels 

Ypres is a little town located in the western part of Belgium in a province aptly named West Flanders. During the Middle Ages Ypres was most well-known for the textile industry, a remnant of which can still be seen today in the form of the beautiful cloth hall that stands on the main square.

The town is one of the best places in Belgium to see for those interested in WWI. It is during this war that Ypres held a very strategic position: The allies used Ypres as a base to break through German ranks, the Germans, in turn, bombarded Ypres through much of the war. Many millions of lives were lost on both sides and the city was raised to the ground.

Extensive rebuilds were undertaken after the war, and many historical buildings were built exactly according to the original plans. Remnants of the war can clearly be felt when driving near the outskirts of Ypres: Tyne Cot Cemetery, German War Cemetery, and many memorial sites around the Kemmelberg.

Must see in Ypres: Learn all about WWI in the In Flanders Fields M useum or by taking a dedicated tour of the WWI sites. Alternatively, hike around the Menin Gate (Road N345 and N332 contain cemeteries and signposts indicating where the most important battle zones were). Stroll around the historical center and grab a drink on the beautiful Grote Markt (Main Square).

Unique accommodations in Ypres: Locally run boutique B&B: ($) Cocoon Luxury in a historic building : ($$) Main Street Hotel

Hidden away in southeastern Belgium , lies the storybook town of Thuin. As a local, the town took me by utter surprise – having never heard of it before, not even a squeak. Medieval Thuin was completely self-sufficient, having a huge garden spanning 200 terraces wide filled with fruit, vegetables, and even grapes to produce local wine.

A short bike ride away from Thuin will bring you to the ruins of the Aulne Abbey which dates back to the 7th century and is well worth a walk around. It is not uncommon to see local artists painting in the gardens. Bikes can be rented downtown Thuin (4 hours/€18), the entrance to the abbey costs €4.

Must see in Thuin: Visit the hanging gardens – the best viewpoint is from the Chant des Oiseaux , clamber up the UNESCO classified belfry to get views over the little town. Time permitting rent a bike and head out to the Aulne Abbey, stop on the way at the Distiller y of Biercée for a cold drink and/or meal.

Unique accommodations near Thuin: Boutique B&B with spectacular views: ($) Auberge de l’Abbeye Romantic Historical Manor: ($$) Château Lambert

Relevant Articles: Things to do in Charleroi before flying out o f Charleroi Airport

4. La Roche-en Ardenne

La Roche-en Ardenne is located in the southeastern part of Belgium , in the heart of the Luxemburg province. The little town is awash with adventure seekers – locals & tourists – who partake in the many different outdoor activities on offer. Hiking , kayaking,   rafting  and  mountain biking are but a handful of the plentiful adventures you can undertake.

The little village of La Roche-en Ardenne is also a very popular spot for teambuilding events. It is not unusual for companies in Belgium to treat their employees to a day/a weekend outdoor activities in the Ardennes.

Unique accommodations near La Roche-en-Ardenne: Cozy wooden cabin: ($) Holiday home La Roche-en-Ardenne Sustainable hotel in the middle of nature: ($$) Hostellerie de la Claire Fontaine

Durbuy is a little town located in eastern Belgium in the province of Luxembourg. Often heralded as the “smallest city in the world”, a name you will understand upon walking through the tiny streets.  If medieval stone houses and gently winding cobblestones paths are your jam, you are going to love Durbuy.

The village is nestled in the Ourthe valley, with rolling hills forming the perfect backdrop for the town. Grab a delicious bite to eat at the quaint La Canette restaurant before partaking in the many outdoor activities in and around Durbuy.

Tip: If your visit happens to coincide with the summer, you will not want to miss the giant corn maze located 1.2 km outside of town.

Must do in Durbuy: Surprisingly, Durbuy is one of the top places to visit in Belgium for outdoor activities. The Ourthe provides a great spot for kayaking (prices start at €10), alternatively, lace up your shoes and go on one of the many hikes (both beginners and advanced).

Unique accommodations in Durbuy: Romantic boutique hotel: ($$) Hotel Victoria Luxury Castle & Glamping (nearby): ($$) Château de la Chapelle

Torgny is a little village located in southern Belgium in the province of Luxembourg. It has consecutively won the award for the most beautiful town in Belgium for the last couple of years and it is not hard to see why. Stepping foot in Torgny, one could easily mistake it for a storybook village in southern France.

The abundance of limestone houses, an impressive array of flowers and vineyards would be enough to make anyone fall in love. Yes, you read that right, vineyards in Belgium! The village enjoys a micro-climate that allows it to cultivate vineyards.

Must do in Torgny : Be sure to check out the Michelin star restaurant in town: La Grappe d’Or. Taste or purchase some of the local wines in the Poirier du Loup Vineyard nearby.

Unique accommodations nearby Torgny: Quaint Eco B&B: ($$) Cochlea Romantic Castle Spa Hotel: ($$$) Le Château de Mirwart

Seven prettiest places to visit in Belgium for travelers who have been to Belgium before

Aside from beautiful cities and towns, there are a few other very unique places to visit in Belgium. For example, did you know Belgium has over 3000 castles? For the size of the country, that is a feat and a half!

What is not included in this portion is all the 40 uniqu e hikes you can do in Belgium. So perhaps packing hiking shoes to visit Belgium is not a bad idea!

1. Borrekens Castle

With over 3000 castles in Belgium, it stands to reason at least one of them receives an honorable mention as one of the most beautiful places in Belgium. The honor is bestowed upon Borrekens Castle – a fairytale castle hidden in northern Belgium . complete with turrets, a moat and a drawbridge.

This fascinating castle comes with a moat, a drawbridge and a lush forest – nowadays accessible to the public. The castle itself cannot be visited as it is privately owned by the noble family Borrekens.

The original castle dates back to the 12th century and was built on this location to defend the trade route between Cologne and the dukedom of Brabant. Over the various centuries, the castle changed hands and with it underwent continuous renovation. The castle you see today dates back to the 19 th century and is Neo-Gothic in style with a touch of Romanticism – which was all the rage back in the day.

Practical information : The park surrounding the castle is open to the public all year long. Walk around to the left-hand side of the castle, where a clearing in the vegetation offers the best views. – Located 40 km from Antwerp (40 min drive); 88 km from Brussels (80 min drive)

Accommodations nearby Borrekens Castle: Unique design: ($) Art Deco Le Berger Hotel Coolest accommodation: ($/$$) Moxy Brussels City Centre Unique location & fully sustainable: ($$$) Botanic Sanctuary

Relevant Articles: The 10 most beautiful castles near Brussels

2. Doorkijk Kerk Borgloon

Reading between the lines is an artwork by two local Belgian artists located in the province of Limburg in eastern Belgium . By stacking 30 tons of steel wire on top of each other the artists managed to craft a unique structure forming the shape of a church.

Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that one can see the landscape unfolding through the steel wires. The best time of day to visit is at sunset when the soft light casts a golden glow that pierces through the lines.

Practical information : Park your car on the parking (Pb) located off the Sint-Truidersteenweg. Follow the yellow (12,5 km), orange (9 km), blue (5,5 km) green (4 km) hiking routes to reach the church. The church is not reachable by car.

Accommodations near Borgloon: Cozy (huge) wooden wine barrel: ($$) Helshovens wijnvat Romantic medieval castle: ($$$) Kasteel van Ordingen

3. Bokrijk and surroundings

The open-air museum of Bokrijk can be found in the southeastern part of Belgium in the province of Limburg. The museum is nestled inside an enormous 550-hectare park and contains a collection of 148 historical buildings, depicting the history of rural life in Flanders across the centuries.

Walk around the park and see if you can find them all. Bokrijk is a very unique place to visit in Belgium for children too! Aside from house hunting, you might want to pack your bike to explore the park (bike rental is also available on-site near P1 parking).

The park contains a myriad of different bike paths some of which pass by a little stretch called cycling through water , a 200-meter bike bridge that traverses one of the many ponds in the park.

Practical information: The park is free to visit, parking ( P1 or P2 ) will cost you €5/day. The entrance fee to the open-air museum is €15 and can be purchased online .

Accommodations near Bokrijk: Family run Eco-minded B&B: ($) Hotel Zuid Romantic family-minded castle: ($) Kasteel Pietersheim

4. De Schorre (Boom)

The Provincial Domain De Schorre might sound vaguely familiar to you; every year hundreds of thousands of festival-goers gather in this very park for the iconic music festival Tomorrowland. Located a 15 km ride away from Mechelen in central Belgium , the park can be visited as a day trip from either Brussels or Mechelen.

Head into the thick of the forest, cross the rolling planes and wade through a few little ponds to find 7 giant (handmade wooden trolls). The trolls were created by Thomas Sabo , who envisioned them as 7 friends working together to build a better future for mankind.

Accommodations in Mechelen: Coolest hotel in town: ($) Anker Brouwery Hotel Most romantic hotel: ($$) Martin’s Patershof

Relevant Articles: Restaurants in Mechelen for a wonderf ul dinner

5. Hallerbos

The Hallerbos or Blue Forest is a vast forested area in Halle, not far from Brussels. Come spring (March-April depending on the weather) the forest receives a little makeover as a carpet of bluebells reveals itself. The forest turns into a fairytale and becomes one of the most romantic places in Belgium to visit in spring.

Well, sort of. The beautiful bluebells only bloom for a couple of weeks and are popular amongst the locals. If you wish to enjoy peace and quiet, you might want to set your alarm a little earlier and go in the morning.

Practical information: Aside from spotting bluebells, there are plenty of other hikes and leisurely strolls to be done amongst the ancient giant Sequoia trees in the forest. – Location: Hallerbos is 19 kilometers away from downtown Brussels (roughly 30 min drive)

Relevant Articles: Guide to visiting Hallerbos

6. Museum of the Far East (Brussels)

The Museum of the Far East is located in Laeken (Brussels) right opposite the royal palace. It consists of three buildings: The Chinese Pavilion, the Japanese Tower and the Museum of Japanese Art. All three buildings date back to the early 20th century and were commissioned by King Leopold II.

Due to structural instabilities, the museum has been closed for renovations since 2013 the lack of information on the reopening coupled with the remote location has meant this museum is slowly slipping into obscurity. A real shame! As an architecture buff and China lover, the museum was one of the top things to do in Belgium.

Practical information: The three buildings that make up the Museum of the Far East are closed for renovation until further notice. The park in front of the Chinese pavilion is open and can be accessed freely. – Location: Avenue Van Praet 44 – 1020 Brussels

Relevant Articles: Hidden gems to see while visiting Brussels

7. Villers Abbey

The ruins of the Villers Abbey ( Villers-La-Ville Abbaye ) are located in southern Belgium in the province of Walloon Brabant . The impressive abbey was built around the 12th century and thoroughly renovated around the 18th century. The rebuild was sadly short-lived as the abbey was ransacked during the French revolution and left in ruins.

These days nature is reclaiming the grounds, turning the site into a mix of ancient craftsmanship and lush vegetation creating an almost fairy-tale-like ambiance. The abbey is not traditionally on the itinerary for most tourists when visiting Belgium. A visit can be combined with one of the many hikes in the surrounding forests making for a perfect day trip from Brussels.

Practical information : The entrance fee to the abbey is €9, there is free parking on site (250 meters from the abbey).  The bistro Le chalet de la foret (located right next to the parking) serves decent traditional Belgian and has a good selection of Belgian beers on offer. – Location: The Villers Abbey is a 30-minute drive from Charleroi and a 50-minute drive from Brussels.

Accommodations near Villers la Ville: Unique design: ($) Art Deco Le Berger Hotel Coolest accommodation: ($/$$) Moxy Brussels City Centre Romantic Historical Manor: ($$) Château Lambert

Five nice places in Belgium to check out for lovers of Belgian beer

Belgium beer is a synonym for quality all over the world and has put the country on the map. But did you know that there is a type of Belgian beer called Abbey Beers & Trappist Beers?

The name A bbey Beers is a denominator for beers that have a link to an existing or dissolved Norbertine or Benedictine abbey. Trappist Beers are part of the Abbey Beer family, however, they are brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery (by the so-called ‘Belgian beer monks’).

What does this have to do with nice places to visit in Belgium you might ask? Simple, the imposing nature of the abbeys and the culture of brewing abbey beers provide you an extra insight into the richness of the Belgian culture – one very much worth exploring!

1. Abbey of Saint Sixtus (Westvleteren)

There are a few things Belgium is known for and Westvleteren Trappist beer is most certainly one of them. Located in the far western corner of Belgium lies the Abbey of Saint Sixtus which brews one of the most coveted and (internationally) renowned Belgian Beers – Westervleteren.

Westvleteren XII is consistently ranked among the top beers in the world, yet this has had little to no influence on the traditional brewing methods upheld by the monks: Small batches, brewing within the abbey grounds.

Despite ever-growing (international) demand, the monks refuse to sell their beer in retail chains and instead opt to sell in the abbey itself. The beer can only be purchased upon appointmen t: Be sure to check out their website for more information.

Practical information: The abbey itself is not open for visitors, but the cafeteria on site is! You can try one of the famous Westvleteren beers accompanied with some delicious Paterkeskees (Monks Cheese). – Location: 1h drive from Bruges (70 km )

Accommodations in Bruges: Adults only historical B&B: ($$) Barisee le B&B Family run boutique botel: ($$) Eco-Hotel Fevery Unique location & sustainable: ($$$) Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage

2. Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Heart of Westmalle

The Westmalle Abbey is home to monks of the Cistercians order. The monks devote their lives to prayer, contemplation and work. This work includes the brewing of the world-renowned Triple Beer: Westmalle! The abbey is located in northern Belgium in the province of Antwerp.

The history of the brewery of Westmalle goes back to 1836 when the monks were allowed to drink beer during their meals.  What started out as a simple brewery, brewing beer for their own use has now turned into the largest Trappist brewery of Belgium.

Practical information: The abbey itself is not open to visitors, however, there is a nice walk around the abbey, which provides you with a 360° view of the abbey itself. As for the Westmalle beer, you can try it in the café across the street from the abbey. The café also has a documentary showcasing the brewing process of the beer. – Location: 40 min drive from Antwerp (31 km)

Accommodations in Ant werp: Sustainable on a budget: ($) Antwerp City Hostel Unique design: ($$) Citybox Antwerp Unique location & fully sustainable: ($$$) Botanic Sanctuary

Relevant Articles: A wonderful weekend in Antwerp

3. Abbey of Maredsous

The spectacular neo-Gothic Abbey of Maredsous is located in southeastern Belgium in the province of Namur . Within the walls live a host of Benedictine monks, which have called the abbey home since 1872.

Inside the vast grounds stands the remarkably well-preserved abbey which can be visited both with or without a guide. Included in the visit is a tour of the Maredsous cheese factory which highlights the production process of the famous Maredsous cheese.

Important to note is that the Maredsous beer is no longer produced inside the abbey itself. That being said, if you do want to do a beer tasting in Belgium this would be the place to do so. The spacious on-site cafeteria offers a tasting menu of three beers & delicious cheese.

Practical information: The abbey and the grounds are free to visit without a guide. Guided tours cost €7 and last 1.5 hours (Only available during the weekends at 14.00 and 16.00 tours are in Dutch or French only). – Location 1h30 hour drive from Brussels (97 km)

Accommodations near the Maresous Abbey Silent retreat in the abbey itself: Book via the abbey website Romantic cabins on the water: ($$) Aqualodge Hôtel Insolite Unique location (nearby): ($$$) The Castle of Namur Hotel

4. The Orval Abbey

The Cistercian Orval Abbey is located in southern Belgium in the Luxembourg province . The first settlement of monks in this region dates back to the 11th century, legend has it the brewing of Trappist beer commenced right at the start of the settlement. The official brewery as it stands today stems from 1931.

As is the case with all Belgian Trappist beers, Orval is brewed within the walls of the monastery. This particular brew bears the name of the abbey and is sold successfully worldwide. Aside from beer the monastery also produces a delicious cheese made with milk collected from local farms.

The good news is that Orval is one of the abbeys in Belgium that you can visit yearlong. The Orval beer and cheese can be purchased in the Abbey shop (no on-site tasting available).

Practical information: Entrance tickets to the Abbey cost €7 and include a visit to the old Cistercian Abbey, the hospitality house and the medicinal herb garden. The brewery itself is open on select days each year be sure to keep an eye out on the website for more information. – Location: 2 hour drive from Brussels (185km)

Accommodations near the Orval Abbey: Rustic wooden chalet: ($) Woodstone Bungalo & tent park – Great with kids: ($) Camping Le Canada

5. The Abbey of Our Lady of Scourmont (Chimay)

The Abbey of our Lady of Scourmont is located in the Hainaut province in southern Belgium . It was established in 1850, with the on-site brewery and cheese farm directly incorporated in the original build. Both are still active to this day – one of the few Trappist monasteries in Belgium to do is in fact – producing Chimay beer and cheese (named after the region).

Visit the abbey a beer tasting can be done with Chimay Experience . A little further down from the abbey, you will find the Chimay Castle, which is also well worth a visit if you have the time.

The unrivaled combination of the abbey, the Trappist beer brewery, and the castle make Chimay the perfect place to get a feel for Belgium.

Practical information : The Chimay Experience visit and beer tasting take around 40 minutes and costs €6.5. The entrance tickets for Chimay Castle cost €9 and can be bought at the entrance. – Located 2h drive from Brussels

Accommodations near Chimay: A quaint 17th century Manor: ($) Tromcourt Quirky family oriented hotel: ($/$$) La Chapelle de Verre Romantic glamping: ($$) Domain de Carnin  

Beautiful Places Belgium Plotted on a Map

Find exactly where all these beautiful places in Belgium are located on this interactive map made especially to help you plan the perfect trip around Belgium. Simply click on the link to start exploring!

Visiting the Prettiest Places in Belgium Travel Tips

When to visit belgium.

Belgium has a maritime climate making summers cool and winters very moderate. Over the last few years, climate change has caused the average summer temperatures to creep up, sometimes reaching 35+ degrees for a few weeks at a time.

Now, what about that rain? If you ask any Belgian, they will tell you it rains pretty much all the time. While it is true that Belgium has a higher-than-average rainfall per year, it most certainly does not rain all year long. The driest months of the year are April to September.

In short, if you are ok with a little crisp weather then April to June are the best months to visit. If you like traveling when it is a little warmer, aim for July to October.

The official language in Belgium

Officially Belgium has three languages: Dutch, French, and German. Each of the languages is spoken in a different region. Flanders (North of Belgium) speaks Dutch, and Wallonia (South of Belgium) speaks French. German is spoken by a very small community in the East of Belgium.

The capital of Brussels is bilingual (French and Dutch) though in practice French is much more widely spoken.

Locals are usually proficient in English, especially if they happen to be working in the tourism industry.

I hope all these places to visit in Belgium have inspired you!

Explore more of Belgium with these in-depth guide s Castles: 16 Castle hotels you can stay in Belgium Brussels: How to spend an unforgettable weekend in Brussels Brussels: An in-depth overview of the various areas and hotels to stay in Brussels Antwerp: A weekend guide including where to eat Mechelen: A local’s 2-day guide to Mechelen Charleroi: Things to do in Charleroi Further afield: 10 Reasons why Luxembourg should be on your bucketlist

Beautiful Places in Belgium: Save It

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Caroline Muller is an award-winning travel blogger. She writes and photographs full-time while oscillating between Sicily and Brussels as a home base.  She has documented over 60 countries across six continents and does not plan to stop any time soon. A staunch vegetarian for over 25 years, she loves exploring local cuisine in search of that perfect (plant-based) mouthful. With this blog, she hopes to help you travel slower, more sustainably and a hella lot more meaningfully. Pack your bags!

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Thanks for dropping in! My name is Caroline , and I am a full-time writer & photographer. With this blog, I hope to harness the power of travel to do good in the world. Think connecting with local cultures, sustainable tourism , and in-depth guides to known and lesser-known adventures. Adventure awaits!

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24 Most Stunning Small Towns in Europe to Visit in Your Lifetime

Posted: April 11, 2024 | Last updated: April 11, 2024

Are you seeking someplace more intimate and spectacular than the traditional European city destinations? Each gorgeous spot in this handpicked list offers something unique, so continue reading to discover a dozen of the continent’s most appealing small towns.

From colorful, snug waterside homes, ancient cottages, or Swiss chalets to a glacial lake, soaring mountains, and local wildlife, these stunning small towns in Europe have them all.

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Stunning waterfalls, cable car rides in the majestic mountains, and photogenic Swiss chalets are among the reasons to visit Lauterbrunnen. Turn any corner here, and you’ll be met with jaw-dropping views. Be warned – you could lose your heart to this Swiss Valley village.

Read also: Cities in Europe for Solo Traveling

Bled, Slovenia

A spectacular setting on the shores of glacial Lake Bled, and an 11th-century castle are among the attractions of Bled in Slovenia. The fortress dominates the townscape and overlooks the lake island church. Go now for superlative views, relaxing boat rides, and an incredibly romantic setting.

Read also: Underrated Destinations in the Mediterranean

Hallstatt, Austria

This UNESCO World Heritage town in Austria is beautifully set by a lake that’s like polished glass. Hallstatt also offers Alpine architecture, fun railway rides, a glacier garden, and an underground salt lake. There are also lovely, intimate restaurants and a vibrant central square.

Read also: Natural Wonders in Europe

Dinant, Belgium

This small Wallonia city is uniquely set against a cliff face. A soaring Gothic cathedral looms over the town, while Mr. Sax’s House in Dinant offers the opportunity to learn about the instrument’s invention. The charming waterside town also boasts half-timbered homes, medieval mansions, cobbled lanes, and Belgian chocolate shops.

Read also: Best Things to Do in Dinant

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Colorful, Instagrammable Bavarian architecture makes the Franconian town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber stand out. This German destination is made for winter, with the Christmas Reiterlesmarkt, convivial taverns, and snowy rooftops. You can enjoy the timeless atmosphere and well-preserved medieval architecture at any time of year. 

Read also: Top European City Breaks in Spring

Portree, Scotland

The capital of the Isle of Skye in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides is super pretty and surrounded by unspoiled coastline and countryside. Expect colorful buildings lining the harbor, plus lovely boutiques, pubs, and places to eat.

Read also: Top Budget-Friendly European Cities

Tórshavn, Faroe Islands

Belonging to Denmark and between Norway and Iceland, Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands is a refreshingly different place to visit. Wandering around the old town is a joy. Photographs of the black and red painted or grass-roofed houses and the local puffin population will become precious keepsakes.

Read also: Unique Places for Your European Bucket List

Cobh, Ireland

Head to Cobh in County Cork, Ireland, to see some of the most appealing pastel-painted waterside houses on the planet. It’s a top-rated cruise stop and was the fated Titanic’s last port of call back in 1912. Unsurprisingly, the town is now home to a Titanic-themed attraction, or head north to visit the vast and unspoiled Fota Wildlife Park.

Read more: Castles in Europe

Bonifacio, France

A clutch of beautiful beaches and a medieval citadel make this Corsica hotspot well worth your time. Unwind here while wandering the narrow lanes, savoring superb coastal views, and dining on fresh local seafood. Lying close to Sardinia on Corsica’s southernmost tip, the Genoese seized the sunkissed town during the late 1100s, meaning many residents still speak the Genoese dialect.

Read also: Top Things To Do in Cassis, France

Giethoorn, Netherlands

This car-free Netherlands village is like stepping into something from a fairytale. It’s perfect for carefree exploring on foot, by cycle, or by canal and is packed with ancient thatched cottages. A farm museum and marshy Weerribben-Wieden National Park are among this destination’s most interesting diversions.

Read also: How to Visit Keukenhof to See Its Famous Tulips

Bourton-on-the-Water, England

Bourton-on-the-Water is in the Cotswolds, a designated English Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Expect old, honey-toned stone buildings alongside the River Windrush spanned with small bridges. It’s a lovely place to explore for the day or to make your Cotswolds base when staying a little longer.

Read also: Hidden Islands in Europe

Assos, Greece

This Kefalonia town is a flower-filled Greek delight. It’s enclosed by the azure waters of the Mediterranean on three sides and features a pretty pebble beach. Dipping into the local tavernas for a drink or to enjoy delicious Greek food is de rigueur, and Venetian-built Assos Castle is also well worth a look. It is also one of the most famous landmarks of Greece .

• Best Greek Islands for Beaches Ranked
• Best Time to Visit Greece
• Best Day Trips from Athens

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Český Krumlov is the Czech Republic’s charming, small-town answer to the big-hitting city break destination of Prague. Part of its appeal is due to the setting. It’s surrounded by mountains and sits by the Vltava River. But the architecture is also very attractive, featuring terracotta roofs, church spires, and a stunning 13th-century castle and gardens. Friendly locals ensure a warm welcome whenever you choose to visit. 

Read also: European Fairytale Towns

Annecy, France

Annecy in southeast France boasts an Alpine, lakeside setting and is overlooked by Château d’Annecy, a pretty, medieval pile. The cobbled streets of Annecy are lined with a mix of medieval structures and colorful buildings, and the waterside location draws comparisons with Venice. The Vieille Ville, or old town, is a particularly picturesque part of this place, where canals meet the Thiou River and Lake Annecy.

Read also: Most Stunning Cities in Europe

Guimarães, Portugal

Tucked away in the country’s north, Guimarães is one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. This lovely destination is drenched in history, with a UNESCO-listed medieval center and the stunning Castle of Guimarães. Other noteworthy sites include the fully renovated Dukes of Bragança Palace and the 13th-century São Miguel do Castelo Church, built in the Romanesque style.

Read also: Must-Visit Cities in Europe

Bruges, Belgium

The compact city of Bruges truly is a feast for the senses. Its streets, lined with half-timbered buildings, are like something from a fairytale. Bruges is also known as a foodie destination, not least for Belgian chocolate and beer, plus the ubiquitous moules et frites, the national dish. This canalside city is made for hand-in-hand wandering as you admire the beautiful buildings and idyllic aesthetic.

Read also: Instagram Spots in Europe

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Like Bruges, Ljubljana in Slovenia is technically a compact city rather than a town. Yet its intimate charm makes it feel far cozier than many capitals. Ljubljana is a historic university town with an abundance of both green space and great museums. Vast Tivoli Park is the emerald in its crown, and the city is set along a curve of the Ljubljanica River. Waterside cafes, the Museum of Modern Art, a young student population, and a well-preserved old town make Ljubljana worthy of a long weekend – or more. 

Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the World

Ronda, Spain

The Andalusian town of Ronda boasts a breathtaking and improbable setting. A deep, dramatic gorge bisects the two halves of the town, separating the new town from the old. Even the former dates from the 15th century so you can expect a destination drenched in history. A trio of bridges connects the two sides of El Tajo Canyon, and Ronda is also said to be where the Spanish bullfighting tradition originated. 

Read also: Impressive Small Towns in the World

Alnwick, UK

If the idea of a film-star castle, charming cobbled streets packed with independent places to shop and eat, and superb local beaches appeals, head to Alnwick in northeast England.  The fortress’s outdoor areas were used when filming the Harry Potter movies, and the interior is also a joy to behold. Alnwick also offers thriving dining and arts scenes and lies close to some of Northumberland’s most beautiful beaches. 

Read also: Underrated Cities in Europe

Praiano, Italy

You might expect any list of Europe’s most aesthetically appealing small towns to include an Italian spot, and quite rightly so. Praiano is situated on the Amalfi Coast, a part of the country known for its breathtaking beaches and spectacular coastal views. The town is special, set among steep cliffs and lapped by the deep blue ocean. It’s also well-placed for hiking the Path of The Gods. 

Read also: Hidden Treasures of Southern Europe

Freiburg, Germany

The German town of Freiburg is located in southwest Germany, within the Black Forest region. It’s one of Germany’s hidden gems, with plenty of appeal. As a university town, there’s lots to do, and the medieval old town is made for exploring on foot. Hikers can also head into the highlands of Schlossberg Hill, which can be accessed via funicular railway. 

Freiburg’s other charms include the Gothic cathedral with a 380-fet (116-meter) spire, the central Münsterplatz square, a network of brooks, and the area’s mild climate. 

Read also: Fairytale Towns in Europe

Delft, Netherlands

Delft in the Netherlands is famous for its blue-and-white, hand-painted pottery, but this compact city has much more to offer besides. Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer is buried in the Oude Kerk in Delft’s medieval old town. Delft also offers canals, a convivial market square in the center, and Nieuwe Kerk, a 15th-century home of the House of Orange.

Read also: Scenic Beach Towns in Europe

Colmar, France

Relatively off-the-radar, Colmar lies in eastern France, within the Alsace region, yet it is packed with character. This little-known gem is delightful, featuring pastel-painted homes, narrow canals, and twisting cobbled streets. During your stay, Colmar is also on the Alsace Wine Route, so don’t forget to sample some Gewürztraminer and Riesling wines from the local vineyards.

Read also: Iconic Places in the World

Cadaqués, Spain

While you might associate sugar cube buildings with Greek islands rather than the Spanish mainland, Cadaqués on the Costa Brava is characterized by its cluster of whitewashed, bayside homes. Cadaqués sits at the center of the Cap de Creus peninsula, with a rugged, rocky coastline. The town has a Mediterranean vibe and an artistic bent, boasting a clutch of galleries, cultural venues, and the impressive Salvador Dalí House Museum.

Read also: Secret Romantic Getaways

Stunning Small Towns in Europe to Visit in Your Lifetime

Add these  charming European small towns  to your bucket list.

• Read more:  Small Towns in Europe

Must-Visit European Cities for Your Bucket List

Turn your wanderlust into reality with our list of  must-visit European cities .

• Read more:  Must-Visit Cities in Europe

Hidden European Gems

Explore  off-the-beaten-path gems in Europe  for a truly authentic experience.

• Read more:  Hidden Gems in Europe

Best Budget-Friendly European Cities

Stretch your travel budget in these  cost-effective European cities .

• Read more:  Budget-Friendly European Cities

European Cities for a Spring Getaway

Make your spring unforgettable with these  European city trips .

• Read more:  12 Top Cities in Europe for Spring

Small Towns Across the Globe That Are Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

Step into a world of  beautiful small towns  where cobblestone streets lead to timeless wonders.

• Read more:  Small Towns Out of a Fairy Tale

Unique Places for Your European Bucket List

Make your travel dreams come true with these wonderfully  unique places in Europe .

• Read more:  Unique Places for Your European Bucket List

Paris, the City of Lights

Experience the  top things to do in Paris  with our guide to top attractions and activities.

• Read more:  Unmissable Things To Do in Paris

Read the original thread on  24 Most Stunning Small Towns in Europe to Visit in Your Lifetime .

This article was produced and syndicated by  World Wild Schooling .

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