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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

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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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.

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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!

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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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Belgium

Written by Jess Lee Updated Mar 30, 2022

Belgium may be small but it's packed full of sights.

UNESCO-acclaimed sites in the capital city of Brussels range from 14th-century guildhalls surrounding the elegant Grand Place to the early 20th-century Art Nouveau townhouses of Victor Horta.

Bruges is a major attraction for tourists, with its perfectly-preserved medieval streets rimming tranquil canals that lure flocks of travelers each year.

Although Bruges is by far Belgium's most popular place to visit, plenty of other towns in the country – particularly Ghent and Mechelen – retain excellent architectural examples from the Middle Ages as well.

This small nation has been right at the forefront of Europe's history, with many of the continent's most important events played out across its countryside.

It was in Belgium that Napoleon met his match at the battle of Waterloo, and during both the First and Second World Wars, Belgium found itself thrust into the frontline.

The World War I battlefields of Ypres are now important pilgrimage sites and today are among the country's top things to do.

Whether you're here for the ancient or modern history, Belgium provides a huge chunk of European heritage within a bite-sized piece of land.

Find out what to do while you're here with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Belgium.

1. Grand Place, Brussels

2. the canals of bruges, 3. the battlefields of flanders, 4. the belfry of bruges, 5. ghent's gravensteen and old town, 6. basilica of the holy blood, bruges, 7. meuse valley, 8. mechelen old town, 9. ghent's canals, 10. waterloo, 11. grand place (grote markt), antwerp, 12. semois valley, 13. mons old town, 14. st. peter's church, leuven, 15. castle of vêves, 16. raversyde atlantikwall, 17. cathedral of saint bavo, ghent, 18. antwerp's art museums, 19. horta museum and town houses.

La Grand Place (also known as De Grote Markt), is rimmed by finely preserved guildhalls and other grand buildings that showcase Belgium's vernacular architecture at its best.

One side is dominated by the ornate medieval town hall, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Grand Place was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding representation of late 17th-century architecture.

The square is busy with tourists and locals at all times of year, but especially in August of alternate years, when the center is filled with the 75- by 24-meter flower carpet, made up of more than 700,000 cut begonias.

Tip: You'll get the best full view of the beautiful designs from the balcony of the town hall.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Brussels

Bruges began on the banks of the river Reie, and as it grew, so did a series of waterways connecting it to the Zwin estuary and the North Sea.

Today, the canals are beautiful reminders of Bruges history, and taking a sightseeing cruise along them is one of the most popular ways to explore the city.

Sightseeing boat trips, departing from five docks, dotted along the main canal in the central city, run half-hourly from March to November (and less frequently in the depths of winter) with trips winding down the length of the main canal.

This is one of the best opportunities to get photos of both Bruges' famous canal-side terraced house architecture and some of its finest buildings.

Tours run rain or shine, and umbrellas are provided by the tour boat operator when it's raining. No reservations are taken for the public sightseeing boat tours – you simply turn up at the dock and buy your ticket as you board.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bruges

For many visitors, Belgium's role on the front line of World War I, and in particular the Battlefields of Flanders around Ypres are the main reason for a journey here.

Not only important historically, the battlefields are a major pilgrimage site. The preserved trenches run for kilometers around the town of Ypres, while this area is also scattered with vast cemeteries for the thousands of soldiers who died here.

The Tyne Cot Cemetery (British) and Langemark's German War Cemetery are both solemn reminders of the brutal fighting that took place here during the Great War.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ypres

Among the most recognizable sights in Belgium, this beautiful belfry (officially known as Belfort met Beiaard) dominates the main square of Bruges.

Dating from the 13th century, this medieval era tower is attached to a building that once functioned as the main town market hall and has been wonderfully preserved, allowing visitors a real taste of the architectural might of the Middle Ages.

Climbing the 366 winding and narrow steps of the belfry to the observation deck, which sits at 83 meters high, is one of the most popular things to do for tourists in Belgium.

Once at the top, the views of church spires and steeple-roofs provide one of the country's best-known panoramas.

Official site: https://www.museabrugge.be

This hugely impressive fort was once the grand home of the counts of Flanders, who took their inspiration for castle-building from the bulky castles the Crusaders built in Syria.

Today, Gravensteen is one of Europe's best surviving examples of a moated fortress and has been incredibly well-preserved.

Its strong and impressively thick and high walls soar up from the waters of the river Lieve right in the middle of the old town of Ghent, rising above the rooftops of the surrounding streets.

Inside, the vast arched halls and chambers contain exhibits of medieval life, but it's the castle's architecture itself that is the real star of the show. Climb up the staircase to the roof for panoramic views across town before strolling through Ghent's charming stone-paved streets.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ghent

If you're only going to visit one church in Bruges make it this one. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is not only impressive for its blending of Romanesque and late Gothic architecture but also for the sacred relic kept inside.

The upper chapel is home to the famous vial for which the church takes its name; said to contain a drop of Jesus Christ's blood that was brought back to Belgium after the Second Crusade.

The interior of the church is a dazzling riot of gild work that was completed in the 16th century and provides ample reason for a visit even if you're not interested in holy relics.

The Meuse Valley , south of Brussels, is one of the best places to get a feel for Belgium's rural heartland.

The Meuse River offers Belgium's most scenic river trip opportunities, with dense forest countryside interspersed with hilltop craggy castle and fortress ruins, and little waterfront towns backed by limestone cliffs.

Head to either the towns of Namur or Dinant to plan your river trip. Both these small centers act as gateways to this region.

The Meuse Valley is also home to a host of hiking and cycling trails for travelers who want to add some activities into their holiday.

Its monuments may not be as famous as those in visitor favorite Bruges, but Mechelen's old town area is a great place to capture a sense of medieval Belgium, with plenty of gabled architecture and fine old buildings still in situ.

The central Grote Markt is bordered by some exceptionally fine buildings including the Town Hall and Lakenhall, while the impressive Sint-Rombouts Cathedral with its tall clock tower rises up just behind.

Away from the main square, a stroll through the center will also reveal plenty of typical guild house architecture that history fans are sure to want to see.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Antwerp

For easy sightseeing while in Ghent, simply take to the water.

Several companies offer sightseeing trips (both public and private options) upon Ghent's waterways, which wind through the city's medieval old town district, passing by the famed guildhall facades that line the canals, its medieval harbor, and some of Ghent's monasteries and churches.

Most canal cruise options are either 40 minutes or one hour. Departures are regular throughout the day, from approximately March through November, with fewer departures during winter.

As well as the sightseeing cruises, a couple of companies offer kayak rental, so you can explore the canals at your own speed.

Yes, history fans, it is that Waterloo; the place where Napoleon was defeated in the famous battle.

Today, the countryside where the battle once roared is a bucolic landscape of agricultural fields, but an artificial hill rises up from the surrounding flatlands with a memorial lion sculpture atop the summit to commemorate the day when Napoleon's army was finally stopped.

From the top, there are excellent views across the countryside. For anyone interested in the history of Belgium and of greater Europe, Waterloo remains an important stop on the itinerary.

Right in the core of Antwerp, sits the town's wonderful Grand Place (also known as the Grote Markt), which contains some of Belgium's finest examples of guild house architecture with their typical steeple-roofed shape.

The Town Hall here is a well-preserved example of 16th-century construction, and the interior is worth viewing for its collection of paintings that show Antwerp's history.

The guild houses that still rim the plaza are the major reason to visit the Grote Markt though.

Among the best facades are the Coopers' House and Grocers' House but all of them are well-preserved examples of this Belgian-style of architecture.

A nature-lover's delight, the Semois Valley provides a needed dose of lush countryside after all that historic rambling through Belgium's cities and towns.

Here, in the southern corner of the country, the winding Semois River cuts through farmland overlooked by gently undulating forest-clad hills. It's Belgium's prime hiking territory and also a good place for riverboat trips following the sinuous curves of the river.

Villages such as Membre, Laforet, and Alle offer good accommodation options, from mid-range guesthouses to camping within the region.

To see the valley at its prettiest come in spring, when the wildflowers bloom.

The old town of Mons is a delight to explore.

At the center is the Grand Place, a main square graced by a variety of typically ornate buildings that span a 400-year period, dating from between the 15th and 18th centuries, yet still retain a sense of symmetry.

In particular, the Toison d'Or House (1615) and the Chapel of St. George (1604) are architectural highpoints.

Away from the Grand Place, the old town hides many more sightseeing opportunities.

The UNESCO-listed bell tower on the hill above town and the Church of Sainte-Waudru with its interior crammed full of artistic and religious relics are two of the most important attractions.

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

With its pointed arch windows and sheaf pillars, St. Peter's Church is one of Belgium's best preserved examples of Brabant Gothic style.

The church sits right in the heart of Leuven on the town's main square or Grote Markt.

As well as the church's splendid 15th-century architecture, inside, art-lovers will find an extra treat. The choir and the ambulatory are home to a museum dedicated to religious art, where some of the finest Flemish paintings illustrating biblical scenes are shown.

In particular, the Baroque carved pulpit and Dirk Bouts' painting of the Last Supper are worth a visit.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Leuven

This fairy-tale-style medieval castle, flanked by round towers and with interiors decorated in a sumptuous 18th-century style, is one of the Namur province's top tourist attractions .

The architecture of the present-day Castle of Vêves (Château de Vêves) dates back to the 15th century, as the previous 12th-century castle was destroyed by fire. This hilltop position, though, which easily guarded the main route between Dinant and Rochefort, has been the site of a fortified building since 670 CE.

The castle is renowned as Belgium's most well-preserved example of medieval castle architecture.

The castle is on the edge of the village of Celles and is easily accessed from both Dinant and Namur.

Official site: https://chateau-veves.be/en/

In Ostend, the historic site of Raversyde Atlantikwall is set amid a large nature park of woodland, grassland, and coastal dunes.

Inside is the Atlantikwall war bunker complex. It is one of the best preserved segments of the German defensive line, which ran along the coast of occupied Belgium during WWI and WWII.

The Atlantikwall complex here consists of the WWI Aachen Battery and the WWII Saltzwedel-neu Battery with a series of tunnels, passageways, and artillery positions set amid the coastal dunes.

Also within Raversyde Atlantikwall is the archaeological site of Anno 1465, which includes reconstructed houses from the medieval fishing village of Walraversijde and a museum about the history of the site.

Official site: www.raversyde.be

This majestic cathedral with its high Gothic choir and Romanesque crypt showcases the best of religious architecture in Belgium and is Ghent's most outstanding tourist attraction.

Although the soaring building, with its harmonious stained glass windows, is a highlight in itself, most people come here to see the famous artwork that graces the interior; specifically the Flemish masterpiece known as The Altar of Ghent.

Once you've viewed the painting though, don't miss the mammoth crypt under the cathedral, which contains important tombs and some beautiful wall paintings.

Once home to the acclaimed painter Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), the port city of Antwerp is a major destination for art fans.

The palazzo-style house where Rubens lived and worked from 1610 onwards is now the Rubenshuis museum, which contains both a large collection of paintings by the artist and exhibits on his life (which also included several stints of serving as a diplomat) and his artistic style.

The house is a tourist attraction itself with its tranquil manicured garden; courtyard; and ornate Italianate facade.

As well as the permanent Rubens collection, the Rubenshuis also hosts a program of temporary exhibits.

The Antwerp Museum of Modern Art is also in the city and holds a world-class collection of contemporary art from both Belgian and international artists.

Victor Horta was the most influential architect and designer of the early 20th-century style known as Art Nouveau.

Several of his stunning buildings survive in Brussels and now constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Begin at the Horta Museum, located in his former home and studio, which have been preserved as he designed them, with the original stained glass, mosaics, wood work, and decorations.

Horta was a pioneer in this artistic revolution that maximized and diffused natural light and incorporated themes from nature in its sinuous curves. Horta's aesthetic included attention to every detail of construction and decoration, from the design of the house to its furniture and even the decoration on hinges and doorknobs.

The two joined buildings of his house and studio show Art Nouveau at its height, and his four major town houses – Hôtel Tassel, Hôtel Solvay, Hôtel van Eetvelde, and Maison & Atelier Horta – are also included in the UNESCO site.

Address: 23-25 rue Américaine, Saint-Gilles, Brussels

Official site: www.hortamuseum.be/en

More on Belgium

The 12 Best Places to Visit in Belgium

If you thought Belgium is a boring country with nothing to see, think again! Belgium captivates visitors with the best museums I’ve ever been to, the most beautiful squares that I’ve ever seen, and the best beer that I’ve ever had.  

As far as the best places to see, Belgium has very few natural highlights to speak of, so all but one of the places on this list are man-made destinations. Which isn’t a bad thing if “the man” making them did a great job!

You might also be interested in reading:

• Belgium Itinerary: 7 Days in the Heart of Europe!
• Belgium Travel Tips: 19 Things That Will Make Your Trip Easier
• The Top 15 Museums in Belgium: From Comics to Beer
• Our 9 Top Restaurants in Belgium
• 7 Best Day Trips from Brussels (Includes Train Details)  

Most of Belgium’s highlights are in the northern half of the country in the region called Flanders  

Our top tips for the best places in Belgium:  

• The vast majority of the best places in Belgium are in Flanders, the northern half of Belgium.
• Don’t underestimate Brussels . The place is packed with museums and tourist sites that you’ll have trouble fitting into even 3 full days.
• Most other top places, like Ghent and Bruges , can easily be done as a day trip from Brussels .
• Some popular places require advance bookings: Gravensteen in Brussels is one, the Belfry in Bruges is another.
• No matter where in Belgium you go, you won’t have trouble communicating in English. We talk about language and a ton more fun facts and observations in our Top Tips for Traveling in Brussels article .  

1. Meuse Valley

Does Belgium have any nature worth seeing? Not really. Meuse Valley is an exception  

That one lone ranger is the Valley of the Meuse River. The water cuts deeply into the landscape , creating great scenery along its banks, though most of what you’d actually be stopping to see are, again, man-made places like towns and castles picturesquely built next to or on the limestone cliffs along the river.  

The Meuse flows into southern Belgium from northern France before continuing to the Netherlands and, eventually, the North Sea. The valley used to be an industrial hub, which had an unfortunate consequence in 1930 when a thick, pollutant-filled smog covered the valley for several days, killing dozens of people .  

Nowadays, there’s no more of that, if you turn a blind eye to the deteriorating factories and smokestacks that’ll ruin the otherwise lovely views here and there.  

Take a trip down to the south of Belgium with the ultimate goal being the town of Dinant , who had its own place on this list (see no. 7).  

You can visit the Citadel of Namur , with its underground tunnels, views of Namur and Meuse Valley, and a great museum to boot.  

Driving further south, make a stop at Les Jardins d’Annevoie, the 18 th century gardens filled with waterfalls and fountains. I mean it’s just a garden, and if you don’t like gardens, you’ll find it boring, but nobody is forcing you to visit it, ok?

One of Belgium’s cutest villages, Celles, is just a stone’s throw away from Meuse River  

In Yvoir , you can take a little ferry to an island on the Meuse.  

Around Dinant, there are many castles . Too many to care about them all, unless you’re visiting from a castle-less country, in which case you’ll be more excited about them than I am.  

Past Dinant, there is the Renaissance Castle of Freÿr , which sits right on the Meuse River bank and has a manicured garden. The best way to see it, though, is probably from the rocks on the opposite side of the river. Any rock climbers out there should take the chance to see the castle from the top of the Rochers de Freyr.  

If you stray from the Meuse and go a bit east, you can wander around one of Belgium’s cutest villages, Celles . Then, take a peek at the Disney-esque Vêves Castle stopping to see what some consider Belgium’s most beautiful limestone rock mass —Aiguilles de Chaleux.  

2. Flanders villages

Small town vibes in De Haan  

Flanders is a region in northern Belgium , the part where they speak Flemish, which is closely related to Dutch, as opposed to the southern region of Wallonia, where French is prevalent.  

The region used to be (and still is!) one of the richest parts of Europe , and because of that, the culture that developed there was very sophisticated. Many artists live or have lived in this part of Belgium.  

The villages that are sprinkled throughout Flanders are particularly enticing, with cute houses and a charming atmosphere. If you’re after some real small-town Belgian life, head over to Oud-Rekem , which was named Most Beautiful Flanders Village .  

But if Oud-Rekem, located all the way on the eastern border, is too far out for you, you can take a trip to a village that is also Belgium’s best beach resort—De Haan . It’s close to Bruges .  

Deurle is undeniably delightful. One look at those white or brick houses, all with wooden window shutters , nestled amongst abundant greenery, and you just want to curl up with a book, drink hot cocoa, and never go back to work. Deurle is just 15 km (9 miles) west from central Ghent .  

3. Bruges and Ghent boat canal tours

Views during the boat tour in Bruges. To find out who came out the back door and why it was stupid, read our Bruges guide .  

What do you get when you add a system of canals to a town full of awesome medieval architecture? Mosquitos! Great Instragram photos ! And a lot of bridges, narrow pathways, and just sheer charm.  

But most of all, you get to travel around the town in a little boat , seeing everything from a unique perspective (unless you hail from Venice, Italy…in that case, maybe you won’t be that excited about this item). Somehow not needing to walk makes everyone love a good boat ride.  

We took boat tours in Ghent and Bruges and loved them both, though Ghent won over Bruges in our books. The towns are big, so the tours aren’t long, lasting about 40 minutes and costing €7.50 in Ghent and €12 in Bruges.  

The guide on the boat tells you interesting bits and bobs about the history of the town and the buildings you are slowly passing by. It’s a pleasant outing that doesn’t hurt your wallet or your legs . Win win.  

4. Gravensteen

My, my, what a great-looking castle  

The “ Castle of the Counts ” was our favorite place in Ghent . Gravensteen is the only surviving medieval castle in Flanders with a moat and an almost intact defense system . For me as a history geek that was cool to see.  

Not only was the castle meant to protect the city, but it was also supposed to intimidate the town’s own citizens in case they wanted to challenge the count’s authority. Tell me you have a big ego without telling me you have a big ego.  

If you buy a ticket in advance and actually get to go inside (unlike us—no tickets in advance meant we couldn’t go in!) you’ll even get to take the supposedly entertaining audio tour , see some torture equipment, and peek at a hidden mural which is only visible from one of the castle’s towers.  

Read more about Gravensteen and more sites in the city in our Ghent guide.   

• Gravensteen , Sint-Veerleplein 11, Ghent 
• Open daily 10 am–6 pm, last entrance at 4:40 pm  
• Tickets cost €12, buy them in advance or risk not getting in   

Dinant: Too kitsch or just right?  

The undeniable birthplace of the saxophone (you’ll see reminders of the musical instrument everywhere), Dinant is the most popular tourist city in southern Belgium. It’s located on the Meuse River, the same one that we talked about a few items higher on this list.  

So, after you explore the rest of Meuse Valley, put your anchor down in this pretty town and do some sightseeing there.  

At first glance you’ll see the row of colorful houses sitting on the Meuse River bank, protected spiritually by the impressive Notre Dame de Dinant on the side and actually by the Dinant Citadel up from the top of the limestone cliffs that form a dramatic backdrop. Just this view alone is enough to be worth a trip down there.  

You can climb up to the citadel on your own two feet or take a cable car. It is said that the panoramic views of the valley are cherished more by those that take the stairs! Just kidding. But it’s probably true.  

For the best views of Dinant, walk along the Charles de Gaulle Bridge . Just don’t accidently bump into one of the colorful saxophone sculptures while staring into your phone while taking a photo of the Notre Dame.  

As you would expect, the riverside promenade offers a wide selection of restaurants and cafes.  

6. Charleroi

Back to Charleroi’s roots: The former coal mine turned museum @ Boiz du Cazier  

Charleroi is the largest city in Wallonia, aka the French-speaking half of Belgium. If you Google it, you might find that Charleroi was voted the ugliest city in the world . It is also apparently home to some corrupt politicians and has been called the most depressing city in Belgium, too. But don’t flock to Charleroi just yet! Lol.  

What it lacks in beauty, though, it makes up in character. And fantastic museums . And a cool train station. Just ignore the rusty old coal plants right next to the city center.  

Charleroi wasn’t happy about the label it kept getting, so it has seen a major facelift in recent years, making the central part of the city actually pretty nice. If you have your expectations straight.  

You will still notice the stark difference between the shininess of the new and the decaying gloominess of the old. Charleroi has also seen a strange kind of tourism —people coming to see for themselves if it is really as bad as the internet makes it sound.  

For normal people not chasing sensations, Charleroi is home to one of the best photography museums in Europe , the Photography Museum, Contemporary Art Center of the French Community .  

It’s located in a renovated convent building , with a contemporary wing added to the side of it. Even just this contrast of the architecture is worth seeing, though the exhibitions inside (and outside) are a must-see on any art literate tourist’s visit.

Mixing the old with the new @ Photography Museum, Contemporary Art Center of the French Community  

Closer to the city center is the Charleroi South, the city’s main train station . If the sun is out, the renovated historic building even looks pretty!  

Across the river from the train station is where you’ll find “new Charleroi“, the facelifted area with shopping malls and welcoming, clean squares. Some are new, and some, like the Le Passage de la Bourse, adds a welcome touch of history (and a place to hide in case it rains).  

Since mining was what brought Charleroi its riches, and is also the reason why it then became the dump of a city it’s known as, we thought it best to learn about this industrial history.  

Boiz du Cazier is an industrial heritage site—a former coal mine that was the site of terrible mining disaster in 1956—that is now home to two great museums . The Industry Museum focuses on the mining industry and the Glass Museum is all about glassmaking, which used to be famous in the region.  

Charleroi has another claim to fame besides coal and museums—it’s the birthplace of one of the country’s oldest comics magazines : Spirou. First published in 1938, Spirou featured famous characters such as Lucky Luke and The Smurfs. You’ll find comics sculptures and murals all around Charleroi.  

Surely a city full of cute characters can’t be that ugly?!  

I still haven’t figured out the fountain @ Antwerp Grote Markt  

Belgium’s second largest city and the second largest port in Europe is synonymous to diamonds, Rubens, and style . It combines the riches of Brussels with the history of Ghent and Bruges , but with a bit of an artsy edge. And a nightlife. Like a hipster turned CEO of a madly successful startup. That’s Antwerp.  

Antwerp is the world’s diamond trading hub , with 84% or the world’s rough diamonds making their way through. If you are a diamond-loving dude, send your jeweler to Antwerp to get top pick of the uncut rock crop. In 2017, USD 46 billion worth of diamonds was traded in Antwerp. Just think, you could contribute to some of those thousands yourself.  

The Diamond district is located close to the main train station if you’re up for a shopping trip. Plus, the Antwerpen-Centraal station is a sight in itself. Seriously, even if you aren’t traveling by train in Belgium (which you should be!), stop by to look at the magnificent building. It is always on the world’s most beautiful train stations lists.  

What all this diamond talk means is that Antwerp is a rich city , which brings all kind of niceness into the historical mix. You’ll notice the old and the new coming together in Antwerp on every corner.

This is what awaits you @ Antwerpen-Centraal train station  

Take Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Mall , for example. It’s in a restored historical building with arched high ceilings and golden everything.  

When you are tired from draining your bank account, you can take a rest at the Champaign bar . Which probably won’t help with the spending, but it will provide a nice place to recharge. This being Antwerp, it’s not just luxury brand stores, but a nice mix of everything.  

The main square of Antwerp, Grote Markt , is surrounded by intricately decorated historical buildings where gold has been used to a great extent, like the City Hall . It isn’t as fabulous as the main square in Brussels , but it’s still nice. And a great place to people-watch and have a beer or three, all while trying to figure out the statue/fountain in the middle .  

A few steps off of Grote Markt is the Cathedral of Our Lady , a church with a spectacular white interior and Rubens’ works on display. Peculiarly, there’s also a gift shop and a café inside the church. I mean, why not, grab a beer with Jesus and hash out theories about religion. Like if that vial of his blood in Bruges is really real.  

Antwerp is also where famed artist Peter Paul Rubens lived and created, and you can see his work all over the city. Or at his house: Rubens House , which he apparently built himself.  

The incredibly well-preserved home is a museum where you can see not only Rubens’ paintings and sculptures , but also personal items and furniture from Rubens’ time. There is an interior garden to walk through, too. Just beware it gets crowded on weekends and the audio guide could put you to sleep if you aren’t an art aficionado.  

Antwerp is also home to Europe’s second largest port (after Rotterdam). One visit to the port and you’ll wonder if aliens are taking over . Once you realize it’s just the city’s Port House .  

Still want more? See Het Steen castle , and then compare it to the one in Ghent . Learn about Antwerp’s history in the cool MAS museum . Or about the history of the many immigrants that left Europe to the USA by ship through the very building that the Red Star Line Museum is housed in today.  

Our hotel tip for Antwerp

Zen vibes @ Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp  

In a nutshell, Antwerp is super cool , and you don’t want to miss it! You’d probably be missing out if you only spent the day here, because unlike, say, Bruges, there is fantastic nightlife in Antwerp.  

If you can stay at the 5-star Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp , you’ll be doing yourself a favor. It doesn’t have the word ‘sanctuary’ in its name for nothing! The indoor pool oozes tranquility and there is a gym and a fantastic spa with numerous treatments available. Not only that but is has not one but several Michelin-recognized facilities and chefs on site.  

Prices start at €550 per night for 2 people with breakfast. 

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8. Museums of Brussels

Some of the awesome and probably delicious exhibits at Brussels’ Choco Story Museum  

You could spend three full days in Brussels and just go from one museum to the other and still not see the best of them. Heck, just my personal favorite, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History , could’ve taken me all day if I wasn’t there with my wife, who was decidedly less enthusiastic about the topic. It. Is. Huge!  

What about cars? Do you like cars? I do… so I loved Autoworld . Karin loved it for 1 hour, I would’ve probably loved it for at least 2. There’s also Train World if you prefer your vehicles on tracks instead of roads.  

I mention repeatedly in my comprehensive article about things to do in Brussels , that the museums in Belgium are by far the best I’ve been to anywhere in the world . The standard is just so high, you can see that a lot of care (and money) goes into making the museums entertaining and educational. Everything is interactive, with most places giving you an iPad or similar device that adds another dimension to your museum-hopping experience.

A little bit of car love @ Autoworld  

So even a museum dedicated to something as simple as chocolate, Choco Story Museum , turns into a fascinating trip through history and takes you right into the present with a welcome praline tasting. And you can see a huge chocolate statue of Asterix and Obelix , among others. This was the best chocolate museum I’ve been to anywhere , including chocolate’s native Latin America (we’ve toured Chile , Peru and Mexico so far).  

Speaking of comics, the The Comics Art Museum teaches you a thing or two about Belgium’s pride and joy. Though not the best museum in Brussels, it just feels like you have to go, or else risk making The Smurfs angry and send Tintin on an investigation as to how someone could miss learning about comics in Belgium.  

And how could you visit Brussels, the heart and brain of the EU , and not visit the Parlamentarium —the visitors' center of the European Parliament. It’s free and we loved it.  

For (many) more tips on which museums in Brussels we thought we fantastic, read our Brussels guide . And be prepared to add a day or two to what you thought would be a short city break! Many of the Brussels museums we visited made our top museums in Belgium list . Check that out too.  

Bruges is undoubtedly charming. But we still liked Ghent a little better.  

I’m going to go against the majority and say that Ghent is better that Bruges (see more on Ghent below). But like by a hair. Bruges is lovely, thoroughly Instagram-friendly and romantic , but very touristy. So much so that you’ll be hard pressed to find a local, apart from the ones that are serving you lunch in a restaurant or taking you on a canal boat tour.   

Bruges city center is basically an island encircled by a river, and then cut further into bits by the numerous canals. So, besides walking, you can also take a half-hour boat canal tour . Lovely. But the one in Ghent was better. Again, just slightly.  

If you’re visiting with a special someone, you can try to seal the deal at Lovers’ Bridge, or, you can try to find your special someone at Bonifacius Bridge (read all about the love-related bridges in our Bruges guide ). And if you want to stay the night, the Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce is considered one of Europe’s most romantic hotels and it’s right on the canals! See below for details.

Left: Gruuthusemuseum exterior (that tall tower is not it, it’s the tower of the Church of Our Lady Bruges). Right: the oak ceiling at Sint-Janshospitaal Museum .  

You can explore Bruges’ small center, which includes Market Square (Grote Markt) and Burg Square , along with its fantastic buildings—like the Basilica of the Holy Blood with a “real” bit of Jesus’ blood-stained cloth ( hop on over to Turin to compare it to the man-size Jesus print on another old and revered piece of fabric) or the Bruges City Hall with its impressive Gothic Hall.  

There are several very tall towers that loom over the city, including that of the Church of Our Lady Bruges , which not only has a super tall tower, but it is also home to the only original Michelangelo statue outside of Italy. The UNESCO-acknowledged Belfry is another. Just make sure you get your tickets in advance or you’ll be stuck looking at it only from the outside , just like poor old ticket-less us.

Left: Hops smelling stations. Right: Beer tasting stations @ Bruges Beer Experience  

Bruges is also home to some of the best Belgian waffles we’ve come across, Otto Waffle Atelier . You can read about Otto’s and other great Belgian eateries in our Best Restaurants in Belgium article . Actually, if you want to get a better idea about what to eat in general, we have an article about the food of Belgium as well.  

But the two top places that we visited in Bruges were very beer-oriented . The De Halve Maan brewery tour takes you through one of the oldest breweries in Bruges, and the only one that has kept its production within the city center. Check out that underground beer pipeline !  

Last but certainly not least is the Bruges Beer Experience . This is such an educational and fascinating museum! Especially for us beer lovers, it was very interesting to learn about the different types of beer. Belgium truly is beer country and the fact that they even pair beers with dishes just like you’d expect to be done with wine says a lot.  

Get a full rundown on what to do in Bruges in a separate article .  

Our hotel tip for Bruges

This one sits right on the canals of Bruges @ Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce  

The 4-star, waterfront property of Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce is up there in romance vibes with Bonifacius Bridge. The staff at this boutique hotel get infinite accolades in reviews, which is always the thing that can make or break your stay.  

Rooms are decorated with the owner’s art collection and antiques, and they can be on the cozier side (read: small), but at this hotel, it all just feels enchanting. You’ll have breakfast overlooking one of Bruges’ canals and can sit by the fireplace in the dining room with your afternoon tea (read: beer). They have an off-site restaurant not far away. 

Prices start at €170 per night for two people without breakfast.  

10. Atomium and Mini-Europe

The Atomium was one of our favorite things to see in Brussels  

We’ve already told you about the amazing museums in Brussels (actually, we put together a list of the most amazing museums in Belgium! ). Brussels was, for me, the biggest surprise in Belgium. I expected so little. Then I researched it and started to expect quite a lot... and even then it surpassed my expectations!  

A part of that was thanks to the amazing tourist sites like the Atomium and Mini-Europe.  

The Atomium is the giant steel atom that is the symbol of Brussels. It was originally constructed as the main—and temporary—pavilion for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, but is now decidedly permanent. And prominent—the very top orb (one of 8) is 92 m (300 ft) above ground!  

For us, just seeing the Atomium from the outside was probably the most interesting part, but you can go inside as well. The concrete base is a museum and you can go to the individual orbs via escalators and an elevator to visit the viewing platform, gift shop, and a restaurant. All while being flashed at with lasers and lights , feeling like you’re in a futuristic spaceship.

Karin enjoying some tiny castles on the left and London being outed from the Euon the right  

But out of the two, Mini-Europe takes the cake. We don’t have children, but we are basically big kids ourselves, so we expected to love the miniature versions of some of Europe’s most important landmarks. We weren’t disappointed and spent half a day there and could’ve stayed longer if we had the time.  

All the incredibly expensive structures are so detailed, with about 9000 little people and everything. They even brexit’d the UK! Plus, the Atomium is right next to Mini-Europe in the northern part of Brussels, meaning that you’ll have many photos from itty bitty Europe with a massive atom in the background.  

You can get a combination ticket to both sites that can only be bought in person at one or the other ticket counter. If you want to get your tickets out of the way in advance, just get them online individually.  

We “ghent” get enough of Ghent!  

We loved Ghent. It’s not big and you’ll see it all within a day, so it makes a great day trip from Brussels , which is just half an hour away by train .  

The 260k+ city of Ghent is more than twice the size of Bruges, but the central area that is of interest to visitors is very small . It does, however, have canals slicing through it, just like Bruges. If you look at the places on our list of things to see in Ghent , they’re all located within 1 km 2 (0.6 sq. mi). Not sounding so big now, huh?  

The furthest out you’ll go is the STAM, Ghent city museum , which is about 2 km (1.2 miles) from central sites. You’ll learn all about Ghent’s history in this super cool museum with multimedia exhibits. Honestly even if you could care less about the city’s history, it’s worth a wander and a look at the modern glass addition to the historic building, plus the cafe serves good food. Win-win.  

Tourist life in the city center is centered around Graslei , a sort of promenade by the river lined by gorgeous houses and even more gorgeous eateries. So not a particular thing to see here, but it’s the atmosphere that’ll entice you. It reminded us of Copenhagen’s Nyhavn.

Central Ghent = lots to see  

At the southern end of Graslei is the almost mandatory photo op with St. Michael’s Bridge in the background, and from there it’s just a short walk (or scooter ride?) to one of the top sites in Ghent, St. Nicholas‘ Church . Then you can see the Belfry , which actually gives you the best view of St. Nicholas’s Church, and right after that, our personal favorite, St. Bavo’s Cathedral . The interior and art in it are awesome.  

Moving to the north, you’ll hit Ghent’s town hall , which is a beautiful, stately building (see it lit up at night if you can) and then, walking through Grafitti Street , you’re almost at one of Ghent’s most prominent plazas, Vrijdagmarkt .  

Our favorite place in Ghent was the 10th century Gravensteen —a fantastic castle surrounded by a moat. We’ve already mentioned it in more detail further up on this list. Yes, it was so good it deserves its own spot in the country rankings!  

For all of our tips and more places to see in Ghent, read up in our full Ghent guide .  

Our hotel tip for Ghent

Comfy, cool and chic @ Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof  

If you want to stay the night, note that most of the accommodation in Ghent are b&b’s and apartments.  

For an actual hotel, see if you’d like the cozy but fab Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof . It gets you contemporary design, high ceilings and rain showers in the rooms and apparently also very comfortable pillows!  

Besides that, the breakfast is supposed to be amazing and there’s a historic courtyard garden where the onsite restaurant has a terrace. You can wind down in the spa pool or in a sauna or gym.  

Prices start around €250 per night for 2 people including breakfast.  

12. Central Brussels

Soaking in the architecture on Grand Place  

Our favorite place in Belgium was the I-thought-it-would-be-boring-but-it-so-wasn’t city of Brussels ! Yes, it has some very very good museums and the EU Parliament is sat here, but the best part of Brussels was... Brussels! The city center, to be exact.  

The city’s main square, Grand Place, is overwhelmingly elegant. Everything is golden or at least intricately decorated, but most often golden and intricately decorated. It’s just a pleasure to be there, not just because it’s the country’s wealth blatantly on display . For one reason or another, Brussels’ Grand Place is beautiful. 

The square is flanked by important buildings. There’s the Town Hall , which was built in the 15th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has very detailed Gothic decorations on the façade and a tower that commands attention from near and far.   

Or the Brussels City Museum , which is home to the original Manneken Pis statue, one of the more boring icons of Brussels. The museum building itself is at least as interesting as the museum that it contains.  

In the summer, you’ll often be witness to concerts on the Grand Place, and in the winter, things get even more magical with the Christmas market .

The Triumphal Arch in Brussels, the top of which you can visit when you have a ticket to the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History . Just wowzers! Details in our Brussels guide .  

Brussels‘ center is wider than just these couple of squares—the Royal Palace and Brussels Park require your visit, especially if you’re there in the short time during the summer each year when it’s open to visitors inside and out.  

Keep on heading east from there and you’ll pass the EU Parliament with its Parlamentarium and then Parc du Cinquantenaire , which is full of a number of museums as well as the wonderful Triumphal Arch .   

We have a huge amount of information on everything that we thought was worth seeing in Brussels in our Brussels guide . Another article you might want to look at is our Brussels itinerary .  

Our hotel tip for Brussels

The cool and comfortable Radisson Red  

Halfway between the Royal Palace and the Parc de Cinquantenaire is the hotel we stayed at while in Brussels, the Radisson Red . It’s the same hotel we stayed at in Lima, Peru , and we again thought it was really good bang for your buck .  

The Radisson Red concept focuses on bringing people together through art, fashion and music . It’s all very youthful and connected, they even have an app where guests can share photos. There are huge TVs in every room, along with wall art and just art in general all over the hotel, customizable lighting in rooms and numerous social spaces where you can chill and to live DJs playing.  

Prices start at €250 per night for 2 people with breakfast.    

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Hi! I’m Jan. I live in Prague, Czech Republic. I try to experience the best the world has to offer, and I don’t cease to be impressed. But if I’m not, I’m sure going to tell you! You can count on my full honesty and real opinions here. No bullcrap. I own and run several companies, which gives me great (but not unlimited) freedom to roam the world.  

I was first inspired to start this blog by my own experience of researching for upcoming trips—I often struggle with a lack of good information, accuracy, and authenticity of resources. You wouldn’t believe how many “travel bloggers” don’t even visit the destinations they write about! 

My goal with this blog is to provide you with complex and practical information so that you can plan your own vacation, complete with insights you’d only get if you visited the place. I also put together itineraries that are fully planned out trip guides.

Another aspect that drives this platform is my curiosity about the history, geography, politics, and economy of each country I visit, so I try to include this information in my articles, too. It’s always great to get the bigger picture, right? 

And just to be clear, I am not trying to compete with backpacking blogs or provide hacks for an economical and affordable experience. My vacations follow the standard pattern of traveling by plane, staying in good hotels, and renting a car on the spot to get around. I’m also always up for a fantastic meal, though I don’t shy away from local delicacies and street food, either.  

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Belgium is perhaps the world’s most misunderstood nation, but also one of its most fascinating, punching far above its weight in all sorts of ways. With three official languages, and an intense regional rivalry between the Flemish-speaking north and the French-speaking south that perpetually threatens to split the country in two, it’s actually a miracle that Belgium exists at all.

Country facts Belgium

Where to go in belgium, famous belgian chocolate, festival van vlaanderen (june–dec), french and flemish place names, tailor-made travel itineraries for belgium, created by local experts.

8 days  / from 2756 USD

The best of the Netherlands and Belgium

This trip will bring you the best of two countries: the Netherlands and Belgium. From the quaint streets, canals and windmills of Holland to beer and Belgium chocolate tasting in three beautiful Belgium cities. This trip has it all.

9 days  / from 2968 USD

Experience the Liberation Route in BeNeLux

Explore the path of the World War II Liberation Route through Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Visit important landmarks and museums on the way with this self drive itinerary, with enough time to explore cities such as Brussels and Rotterdam on the way.

10 days  / from 5512 USD

Taste of Three - Belgium, France and Switzerland

Start your journey in Belgium and explore Brussels, Ghent and Bruges. A high-speed train will then take you to Strasbourg, from where you'll discover the Alsace. Proceed to Basel as your base, from where you'll see plenty of Switzerland: Zermatt, Matterhorn, Mount Pilatus and much more.

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But its historic cities – most famously Brussels , Bruges , Antwerp and Ghent – are the equal of any in Europe. And its cuisine is reason alone to justify a visit, with a host of wonderful regional specialities. Belgium also boasts some pockets of truly beautiful countryside in its hilly, wooded south and the flatter north – and, perhaps most famously, it produces the most diverse range of beers of any country on the planet.

Many outsiders view travelling to Belgium as good weekend-break material, but not much else. Which is a pity, as this is historically one of the most complex and intriguing parts of Europe. Squeezed in between France, Germany and the Netherlands, Belgium occupies a spot that has often decided the European balance of power.

It was here in Belgium that the Romans shared an important border with the Germanic tribes to the north. Here that the Spanish Habsburgs finally met their match in the Protestant rebels of the Netherlands. Here that Napoleon was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo. And – most famously – here, too, that the British and Belgians slugged it out with the Germans in World War I. Indeed so many powers have had an interest in this region that it was only in 1830 that Belgium became a separate, independent state.

• Belgium is one of the smallest nations in Europe, with a population of around 10 million.
• Around 5.5 million live in Flemish-speaking Flanders, while 3.5 million dwell in French-speaking Wallonia; there’s also a small German-speaking community in the east.
• The tenacity of regional (and linguistic) feeling is such that Belgium is a federal state. Both Flanders and Wallonia have their own regional administrations, as does the capital, Brussels, which is officially bilingual and has a population of around one million.
• A constitutional monarchy, Belgium has a bicameral parliament, comprising the Senate and Chamber of Deputies.

River view of old town with bridge in Bruges, Belgium

Belgium divides between the Flemish (Dutch-speaking) north of the country, known as Flanders , and French-speaking Wallonia in the south. There’s more to this divide than just language, though: the north and south of the country are visually very different. The north, made up of the provinces of West and East Flanders, Antwerp, Limburg and the top half of Brabant, is mainly flat, with a landscape and architecture not unlike the Netherlands.

Antwerp is the largest city here, a sprawling, bustling old port with doses of high fashion and high art in roughly equal measure. Further west, in the two provinces of Flanders, are the great Belgian medieval cloth towns of Bruges and Ghent, with a stunning concentration of Flemish art and architecture. Bruges in particular is the country’s biggest tourist pull, and although this inevitably means it gets very crowded, you shouldn’t miss it on any account.

Beyond lies the Belgian coast, which makes valiant attempts to compete with the seaside resorts of the rest of Europe but is ultimately let down by the coldness of the North Sea. Nonetheless, there are a couple of appealing seaside resorts, most notably De Haan, and the beaches and duney interludes along the coast are delightful. Nonetheless, you might be better off spending time in some of the other inland Flanders towns, not least Ieper, formerly and better known as Ypres, where every year visitors come to reflect on the stark sights of the nearby World War I battlefields and vast, sad acreages of cemeteries.

Marking the meeting of the Flemish and Walloon parts of Belgium, Brussels, the capital, is more exciting and varied than its reputation as a bland Euro-capital would suggest. Central enough to be pretty much unavoidable, it’s moreover useful as a base for day-trips, especially given that Belgium isn’t a large country and has an excellent public transport system. Bruges and Ghent are easily accessible from here, as is the old university city of Leuven to the east, and the cathedral city of Mechelen, halfway to Antwerp.

Flemish Brabant encircles Brussels, but to the south of the capital it narrows into a slender corridor beyond which lies Wallonian Brabant , distinguished by the splendid church at Nivelles and the elegaic abbey ruins at nearby Villers-la-Ville. To the west of Brussels, the Walloon province of Hainaut is dotted with industrial centres like Charleroi and more appealing Mons, but also home to the handsome old town of Tournai.

To the east lies Belgium’s most scenically rewarding region, the Ardennes , spread across the three provinces of Namur, Liège and Luxembourg. This is an area of deep, wooded valleys and heathy plateaux, often very wild and excellent for hiking, cycling and canoeing. Use either Namur or Luxembourg City as a jumping-off point for the heart of the region, at Bouillon or La Roche-en-Ardenne.

Discover more places in Belgium

• Flanders Travel Guide
• Hainaut and Wallonian Brabant Travel Guide

Belgians get through a lot of chocolate – several kilograms per person every year – but considering how good it is here, it’s a wonder it isn’t more. The Belgians picked up their love of chocolate via the most circuitous of historical routes. The Aztecs of Mexico were drinking chocolate, which they believed gave them wisdom and power, when Hernando Cortéz’s Spanish conquistadors turned up in 1519.

Cortéz took a liking to the stuff and, after butchering the locals, brought cocoa beans back to Spain as a novelty gift for the Emperor Charles V in 1528. Within a few years its consumption had spread across Charles’s empire, including today’s Belgium and Luxembourg. At first the making of chocolate was confined to a few Spanish monasteries, but eventually Belgians got into the act and they now produce what are generally regarded as the best chocolates in the world.

There are around two thousand chocolate shops around the country and even the smallest town or village will have at least one. Some brands are everywhere – Leonidas is perhaps the most ubiquitous; others include Godiva, Neuhaus and Moeder Babelutte. You won’t go far wrong buying from one of these places (it’s worth remembering that Belgian chocolates are cheaper in Belgium!). But try also to seek out the independent producers, for example Wittamer or Pierre Marcolini in Brussels, or Chocolate Line in Bruges, which may be a little more expensive but will often be higher quality and more interesting.

The extraordinarily ambitious Festival van Vlaanderen (Flanders Festival; w www.festival.be ) offers over 500 concerts of classical music in churches, castles and other historic venues in over eighty Flemish towns, cities and villages. Each of the big Flemish-speaking cities – Antwerp, Mechelen, Ghent and Bruges – gets a fair crack of the cultural whip, as does Brussels, with the festival celebrated for about two weeks in each city before it moves on to the next.

The list below provides the French and Flemish names of some of the more important towns in Belgium where the difference may cause confusion. The official name comes first, the alternative afterwards, except in the case of Brussels where both languages are of equal standing.

French–Flemish

• Bruxelles – Brussel
• Liège – Luik
• Mons – Bergen
• Namur – Namen
• Nivelles – Nijvel
• Soignies – Zinnik
• Tournai – Doornik

Flemish–French

• Antwerpen – Anvers
• Brugge – Bruges
• De Haan – Le Coq
• Gent – Gand
• Ieper – Ypres
• Kortrijk – Courtrai
• Leuven – Louvain
• Mechelen – Malines
• Oostende – Ostende
• Oudenaarde – Audenarde
• Ronse – Renaix
• Sint Truiden – St-Trond
• Tienen – Tirlemont
• Tongeren – Tongres
• Veurne – Furnes
• Zoutleeuw – Léau

Top image: The Rozenhoedkaai canal, Bruges © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

Travel advice for Belgium

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Belgium

• Eating and drinking in Belgium
• How to get to Belgium
• Getting around Belgium: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Belgium for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Belgium

The Rough Guides to Belgium and related travel guides

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 30.04.2021

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Home » Europe » Belgium » 21 MUST-SEE Beautiful Places in Belgium (2024 • Insider Guide)

21 MUST-SEE Beautiful Places in Belgium (2024 • Insider Guide)

I’ve always thought Belgium was an underrated country. Flying under the radar, this Northern European gem is nestled between Germany, The Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, and the North Sea. It’s a multi-cultural country of French, Dutch, and German speakers, with a history as diverse as its population.

Don’t let its small geographical size fool you. Belgium is an international centerpiece, housing the heart of the EU and NATO headquarters. But it’s not all politics and governments here.

If you know where to look, you could explore age-old medieval villages, cycle along city canals, and visit preserved World War One battlefields. Top that off with a cheese and beer tasting, and you’ve hit the jackpot.

History, natural splendor, and politics aside, there is no denying the country is expensive. If this puts the fear of the bank in you, worry not – there are plenty of beautiful places to visit in Belgium that won’t break the bank.

2. Brussels

4. borrekens castle, 5. the sonian forest, 7. wallonia, 8. poirier du loup vineyard, torgny, 9. chateau de la hulpe, 10. lommelse sahara, limburg, 11. eifel national park, 12. vallee du ninglinspo, 13. mechelen, 14. hoge kempen national park, 15. bokrijk, 16. the hanging gardens, thuin, 17. antwerp, 18. the blue forest of hallerbos, 20. haspengouw, 21. museum of the far east, brussels, how to see beautiful places in belgium, final thoughts on beautiful places in belgium.

Let’s start the list with an obvious one. Bruges is easily one of the most beautiful places in the country, and, no doubt, the most famous. The fairytale town is almost synonymous with Belgium, attracting over 8 million tourists seeking a dreamy stay . For a population of under 120 thousand, that’s a pretty impressive stat!

Bruges is the capital of West Flanders, famous for its exquisite string of canals, cobblestone Medieval streets, and well-preserved architecture. You might even go so far as to call it the Venice of Belgium !

Sure, you’ll have to fight through a few tourists in the summer months, but it will all be worth it when strolling through the stunning streets lined with blossoming flower pots. It’s one of the best cities in Europe for a reason, right?

Other than exploring the never-ending market squares, admiring gabled homes, and strolling along car-free streets, you should visit Burg Square, an iconic 14th-century city hall with one of the most beautifully crafted ornate ceilings in the land. 

Or maybe climb to the top of the UNESCO-classified Belfry for some of the best panoramic views of the city. For some relaxed downtime, sign up for this guided walking tour and boat trip around Bruges to experience the many charms of the Venice of the North.

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Closing off the list with one of the most popular destinations in Belgium, Brussels is the country’s capital, known for its exquisite architecture and unique history.

Brussels is a delight for culture lovers, adventurers and everything in between. With 138 restaurants every square mile, there really is no better place I can think of for foodies too!

Explore the extensive collection of art galleries and museums, and spend some time tasting traditional delicacies. Or maybe take a chocolate-making workshop and learn how to make tasty treats with a chocolatier artisan.

Whilst we’re on that topic of food, I have to tell you to try Belgian Waffles here, especially if you have a sweet tooth like me. They’re some of the best sweet foods in all of Europe.

There is also an abundance of stunning hotels and places to stay in Brussels, so take your pick of some of my personal favourites. Oh, and by the way, you’ll need at least a couple of nights to explore the city fully.

Belgium isn’t all castles and medieval cities. Located on the northern shores of the country, just a short drive northwest of Bruges, De Haan is a seaside heaven not to be missed when visiting Belgium . This coastal municipality is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and restaurant-lined promenade. 

Of course, you’re going to want to take advantage of every summer day in this unique place to visit in Belgium and spend as much time as you can on the beaches. Top that off with fresh fish and chips at a restaurant by the sea, and we have ourselves the perfect summer’s day. Just don’t let the chilly water deter you…

Just like the area attracts us, so did it attract the Belgian nobility of the last few hundred years. Today, De Haan is home to some of the stateliest Belle Époque mansions and holiday homes. If architecture tickles your fancy, add the Town Hall and Hotel Savoyarde to your list. 

That said, there are tons of other ways to spend your time in De Haan. For starters, the small coastal village is dotted with unique boutiques and shops worth checking out. Along the seaside, there is also an extensive sand dune ‘forest’ where you can zone out and go for long walks.

Disney’s biggest fans couldn’t imagine a more beautiful castle if they tried.

Borrekens Castle, a true fairytale, was first constructed in 1270 by a member of a noble family of the time. They built the castle rising out of a swampy lake, close to what was thought to be a major trading route between Antwerp and Cologne in Germany.

Back in the day, it’s likely that the castle (then called the Vorselaar Castle) was built as a fortified fortress to protect the family from external threats. It’s surrounded by a moat-like swamp and protected by two fortified towers at the doors – I guess this was the alarm system of the day?

After a few changes, the castle now belongs to the Borrekens family, who still live in Belgium today. 

While it certainly deserves a spot as one of the top ten places to visit in Belgium, it must be noted that visitors are not currently allowed at the castle since it is a private residence. 

Equal parts mystical, eerie, and beautiful, there are few places in the world like The Sonian Forest. Along with beech trees that are over two hundred years old, the Sonian Forest is home to an impressive mix of deciduous trees that have been standing tall since the 1700s.

As you might expect, the forest is a hit for outdoor adventurers, as well as families with kids and even those traveling with dogs. You really can tell the true value and authenticity of a place by the locals who visit it, and The Sonian Forest happens to be one of the most loved local hangouts.  

Your mission here is to be a responsible traveler and protect the beautiful nature around you. The easiest thing you can do is reduce your plastic footprint.

Cycling, mountain biking, hiking, and trekking are popular here, with well-groomed tracks and trails across the four thousand hectares of UNESCO-certified forest. One of the most breathtaking parts of the forest is the Valley of the Vuylbeek in Watermael-Boitsfort .

The ancient beech trees have grown to be as impressive as buildings. Growing on either side of the valley, they open into a sunlight-bathed marshland, resembling a natural cathedral. 

For history lovers, the forest is also home to a well-known Neolithic site and tumuli. Also in the Boitsfort region, this archeological haven showcases the remains of a fortified camp from around 4000 BC. 

Here at The Broke Backpacker , we love freedom! And there’s no freedom as sweet (and CHEAP) as camping around the world.

We’ve been camping on our adventures for over 10 years, so take it from us: the MSR HUBBA HUBBA is the best damn tent for adventuring…

If any place on this list will steal your heart, it’s this one. Tucked away between a dramatic cliff face and a peaceful river, Dinant is a riverside town made for photographs. Pro tip? Keep your camera in hands for this one!

Somehow, this small town in Walloon falls under the radar, off the beaten track from Belgium’s more famous cities and attractions. The main features of the town are the fortified cathedral, impressive cliff, and colorful historic buildings – all of which are steeped in history and legend.

Venture across the main bridge at sunset to view the city from a different perspective. With the domineering cliff face lit up in a yellow glow, the incredible cathedral rising in front of it, and perfect reflections in the calm river, you’ll struggle to document just how gorgeous this place is. Like so many of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium, this one is hard to put into words.

Foodies, are you with me? Right, well, Dinant pulls out all the stops for the small-town cuisine. Taste a traditional Flamiche or Couques de Dinant, which are locally famous honey brittle cookies in the region. You’ll be glad I told you so.

Let’s zoom out a bit. Wallonia is a region or province of Belgium known for its medieval towns, Renaissance-inspired architecture, and local beer. Set along a beautiful river with rolling hills, countryside valleys, and some of the best fall foliage on the Belgian map, Wallonia doubles as a nature-fanatic scene.

As part of Belgium’s French-speaking region , there really is a Francophone vibe around here. Combined with a laid-back atmosphere, it’s no wonder locals and tourists flock to Wallonia.

Liege is the largest city in Wallonia and is most famous for its cuisine and historic town center. It might look a bit harsh and industrial at first glance, but this city has a wholesome hub with unique attractions and delicious gastronomy. Don’t believe me? Try a sugar-coated Liege waffle and get back to me…

Oh, and I have to mention that Liege has one of the best cycling routes in Europe (Liege-Bastogne-Liege). Carving out a space to challenge yourself on this one-day ride is a cycling pilgrimage. 

Namur is the region’s capital city, with an equally charming and laid-back feel. Don’t skip out on the Citadel of Namur, which is one of Europe’s most ancient fortresses. You can even explore an intricate network of tunnels under the citadel. Above ground, it also has exceptional views of the old town.

When it comes to postcard-perfect scenery, you won’t find much better than Poirier du Loup Vineyard. Located near the town of Torgny, this wine farm produces some of Belgium’s best local wines. If you ask me, Poirier du Loup is a taste of Provence in Belgium. 

Complimented by a Mediterranean microclimate, the region experiences the perfect conditions for growing grapes. With good wine must come good food, right?

This couldn’t be more accurate, with some of the best restaurants in Belgium (Michelin-starred and casual) set in this wine-growing region. There really is something for every budget here.

The southern town in the province of Belgium is a tiny village that has repeatedly earned the title of the most beautiful village in the country. A short walk through the town, and you’ll see just why. 

Dotted with limestone houses, overflowing flower pots, and picture-perfect vineyards, this quiet area is as Mediterranean as Belgium gets. Even the buildings are reminiscent of the South of France.

Get 15% OFF when you book through our link — and support the site you love so dearly 😉

Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!

There are few words to describe this exquisite structure in Belgium. Magnificent, majestic, and extravagant could all work, but none quite capture the extensive beauty of Chateau de la Hulpe. For this, you’ll simply have to visit.

Located in Walloon in a municipality called La Hulpe, Chateau de la Hulpe is just a short drive from Brussels, making a perfect weekend plan . The fairytale castle was modeled after similar castles in France’s Loire Valley. No wonder it looks like a scene from France.

Note that although the castle is not open to the public, it is still possible to visit the gardens. Stroll through the sculpture scattered across the lawns, overflowing flower beds, and beautifully landscaped terraces, ponds, and rolling lawns.

Visit for a stroll, to admire the plants, or just to relax on the lush grass. For slow travelers out there, this setting offers the ideal opportunity to fully engage with this beautiful destination.

Many years ago, the castle was owned by Count Solvay, who you can learn about when visiting the gardens. Considered an exceptional site of Walloon heritage, this is no doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium.

Ever thought you would explore sand dunes in Belgium?

Yes, you heard right. This northern European country is home to its own “Sahara” equivalent, lovingly named the Lommelse Sahara after its (very) big brother. 

Located in a bird-rich nature preserve along Belgium’s border with the Netherlands, this sandy spot is one of the most unique and beautiful parks in the country.

The Lommelse Sahara really does live up to its name, resembling a mini desert of some sort (sans the stark heat and lack of water – of course). In fact, the center of the Sahara features a huge lake, which was created because the area was used to mine sand for building in the cities. 

The result? A huge and growing area of desolate dune, with barely any green plants able to flourish. To prevent the area from losing even more greenery, coniferous forests were planted after World War II, reducing the desert area to just 193 hectares. Still pretty big, if you ask me.

 It’s great for hiking, picnicking, or just zoning out and tuning into your most relaxed self. 

When it comes to protected yet untamed landscapes, Eifel National Park is one of Belgium’s most famous nature parks for a few reasons.

First, the park was shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Second, it houses an extensive collection of plants and trees. And third, it is home to some of the most exciting wildlife in the country. 

Known for housing some of the most beautiful adventure trails and hikes in Belgium, the Vallee du Ninglinspo is a natural forest in Wallonia’s ancient mountain range.

Add it to your bucket list of adventures and explore it on foot, by bike, or even along the river by electric boat – the choice is yours!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

In my humble opinion, there is nothing quite like strolling through a medieval European city. The cobblestone streets and traditional, colorful buildings practically tell stories of the town’s past in Mechelen.

It’s especially well known for its multicultural population, with over 100 different nationalities calling the town home.

Nature lovers, this one’s for you. Hoge Kempen National Park in Limburg is a unique nature reserve covering over 12 thousand hectares of protected forests.

It’s a massive area with heather fields and shifting sand dunes, perfect for all types of activities and adventures.

Most famous for its open-air museum, which lays out the history of rural life in Flanders, Bokrijk is one of those towns that will transport you back in time. Other than the museum, make sure to drop by the botanical garden and nature reserve in this unique place to visit in Belgium.

England isn’t the only country that knows how to curate an exceptional garden. These Hanging Gardens are located in the Medieval city of Thuin and feature over two hundred terraced gardens.

Follow one of the many maintained trails through the city and gardens, and you’ll learn about the architectural evolution of the city along the way.

Impossible not to mention on this list that Antwerp is one of Belgium’s most famous and beautiful cities. Base yourself here  rather than in Brussels when visiting Belgium. It’s one of the world’s major seaports, made famous for being the center of the diamond industry many years ago. Today, it’s a hub of fine art, exquisite traditional architecture, and good food.

Explore the legends of Antwerp with this historical walking tour and discover the city’s best-preserved medieval alleyway.

Known as the Blue Forest for its millions of bluebells that bloom from April into May, Hallerbos Forest is one of the most famous forests in Belgium for good reason.

Choose a track to follow by foot or bike, and make your way through the gorgeous forest between spring and fall. From scent to sound, this section of Hallerbos is a treat for all the senses.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Take a journey through history in Ypres, a charming small town once known for its booming textile industry. But what really sets Ypres apart is its World War I involvement.

During the war, Ypres was used as an ally base to break through German ranks, and as a result, it was bombed throughout the war. It’s a really interesting place to see how historical buildings were rebuilt after the damage.

In Belgium’s eastern district, Haspengouw (or Hesbaye) is a traditional cultural and geophysical hub of the country. It’s been one of the most successful agricultural regions since the pre-Roman era, and is just as lush and gorgeous today as it was back then (we presume). 

Great for a relaxing vacation, hiking, or learning about local history and culture, there is plenty to see and do in this beautiful place in Belgium.

Spread out across three museums in Laeken, these are among the best places to visit in Brussels . Dedicated to the art, nature, and culture of far-eastern countries, you could spend days exploring the unique exhibits and never get bored.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Surprise, surprise: Belgium has some of the best-maintained roads in the world . While sometimes busy, it’s easy to find where to go and follow road signs, making this the most convenient way to get around between smaller cities and towns.

It would cost around £35 to £65 to rent a small car and up to £150 to rent a large luxury car per day – depending on the time of year.

To travel from major city to another, Belgium’s rail network is comprehensive and one of the best on the continent. And this is a huge title…

To get from one beautiful place in Belgium to another, you can easily pay with GO vending machines and reload your mobile card for cashless payments. A train from Brussels to Antwerp will take you between 45 minutes and an hour and cost around £10 in each direction.

Since the distances between the big cities are so small, flying from one city to another is not the best way to get around. Not only is it more expensive and not great for the environment, but it can also take longer to get through security than just hopping on a train. Admin, if you ask me!

Beautiful travels stay that way insured

And don’t forget to take out travel insurance for your trip! Belgium is safe, but if you’re anything like me, you WILL need insurance. Stay protected and get insured for maximum peace of mind.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Considered the capital of Europe, Belgium has proven itself to be quite the political player. But it’s not just home to the headquarters of NATO and the EU.

The country packs a real punch for history, with over three thousand exquisite castles to wander around, battlegrounds from both World Wars, and a museum dedicated to everything you can imagine.

Add to the list thousands of breweries, a chocolate industry of Willy Wonka dreams, and some of the best restaurants in Europe, and we have ourselves a foodie heaven. If you didn’t know that French Fries were, in fact, from Belgium – now you do.

Picking just one beautiful place in Belgium feels like a crime. But if I had to do it, I wouldn’t miss a chance to visit the unassuming beaches in De Haan . 

Don’t gloss over this magnificent Western European powerhouse, which delivers in every sense of the word.

• Check out the best hostels in Brussels to kickstart your Belgian adventure.
• Knowing where to stay in Bruges can save you time, money and effort.
• Party the night away at one of Belgium’s best festivals . Or, just eat chocolate…
• Prepare well for your city break with our hand-crafted Brussels itinerary .
• Keep the Euro vibes going in another of Europe’s best party cities .
• Let’s get you ready for your next adventure with our backpacking Germany guide .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Manuel Zaufl

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15x The Best Places to Visit in Belgium in 2024

This article may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission whenever you book or purchase something through our links (at no extra cost to you!). You can find more information in our disclaimer .

15 OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN BELGIUM

Stuffed between major destinations as France, the UK and the Netherlands, Belgium often doesn’t stand a chance when visitors are planning a trip to Western Europe. However, with more sights per square meters than any of its neighbouring countries, it’s well worth a week or more of your time! To help you discover how beautiful tiny Belgium really is, we’ve compiled this list of 15 best places to visit in Belgium.

#15 De Panne

What are the best places to visit in belgium.

Probably the most known medieval city of Western Europe, Bruges attracts tourists from all over the world. And for good reason: the entire historic centre is simply stunning and oozes a fairytale feeling. The entire centre is also a UNESCO World Heritage site .

We guarantee you’ll fall in love with the small canals and stunning architecture. Not to mention the many interesting museums, tasty restaurants and the lovely countryside once you step out of the city.

Bruges is small enough to explore on foot, but you might want to check out the canal boat rides and horse-drawn carriages to see the city from a different perspective.

More about Bruges

Sightseeing

Things to do in Bruges with kids

• How to get from Ghent to Bruges & vice versa

#2 Brussels

Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium but also the capital of Europe. Add to that the millions of tourists that visit the city every year and you’ll understand how multicultural Brussels always feels. As the largest city in Belgium, there are many neighbourhoods and sights to explore, but if you stick to the cultural centre you’ll already have your work exploring all there is to see.

There’s a big emphasis on history, architecture and comic book art, but Brussels has something for just about anybody.

More about Brussels

• How to visit Brussels in a day
• The best museums to discover in Brussels
• The best day trips from Brussels (in and outside of Belgium)
• How to get from Ghent to Brussels & vice versa

Belgium’s third most visited city is Antwerp. The city is famous as the world capital of diamonds and as a fashion capital (originally thanks to the “Antwerp Six”: 6 designers including Dirk Bikkembergs, Ann Demeulemeester and Dries van Noten who put Antwerp on the fashion map but nowadays thanks to the alternative fashion scene). However, it has more to offer than clothes and diamonds alone! You can discover Antwerp’s past in the historical centre with some fantastic architecture, famous painters (Pieter Paul Rubens) and medieval hideaway streets.

Antwerp is also a great location for foodies and offers a lively night scene. The city is the perfect mix between historic & alternative and is well worth a couple of days of your time.

Ghent has always been Belgium’s hidden secret. The city is very similar to Bruges but with much fewer tourists, allowing a more relaxed vibe. As it is also a student city, you get a nice mix between fairytale old and hipster modern. The historic centre is small and walkable, although a boat ride on the canals will tell you more about the history of the city. Also, don’t miss out on the castle-inside-the-city Gravensteen with its large collection of medieval torture equipment.

Ghent has put much effort into becoming eco-minded leading to an interesting shopping and food scene with lots of vegetarian and vegan options.

More about Ghent

• Ghent in a day: what to see and do?
• How to spend a (romantic) weekend in Ghent

Accommodation

• The 10 best hotels in Ghent
• Sleeping on a boat in Ghent: the best options
• How to get from Brussels to Ghent & vice versa
• How to get from Bruges to Ghent & vice versa

Durbuy presents itself as “the smallest town in the world” and they might not be far off with a population of only 500. It might even come across as a very well-made amusement park because it feels like you went back to the Middle Ages. The narrow pedestrian cobblestone streets are lined with flowerpots and charming shops that sell artisanal produce. In between, you find many hotels, bed & breakfasts and restaurants. In short, everything you need for a wonderful experience!

And once you step outside of the city centre, you’ll discover why they also call Durbuy the “adventure capital of Belgium”. Kayaking, rock climbing, an adventure park, mountain biking, laser games and an escape room are a couple of the options available . Not to mention that the surrounding woods of The Ardennes are perfect for long nature walks.

With the oldest university in the Low countries (more or less what we now call Flanders and The Netherlands), Leuven is first and foremost a university city. The roughly 50.000 students bring a livelihood to the city, but we can’t forget about Leuven’s past either. The remnants are still visible in the many beautiful landmarks such as the gothic Town Hall and the picturesque beguinage. More reasons to visit Leuven are the botanical garden (the oldest in the country! Created in 1738 by the University for the Medicine students), the many odd churches and the brewery of Stella Artois.

Also, don’t forget to go for a drink – like the students do – on the Old Market ( Oude Markt ), where one pub is lined up next to the other. This earned the square the nickname “the longest bar in Europe”.

#7 Ypres (Ieper)

A visit to Ypres is all about the World War I history of the area. Located in the far West of Belgium, this is where many important battles were fought. About 300.000 soldiers lost their lives here, so it will not be a surprise that many of the sights are war museums, cemeteries and memorials. Things you can’t miss are a visit to Flanders Fields Museum, the Menin Gate Memorial and the Last Post ceremony (every night at 8 PM). An exploration of Hill 60 is a great idea as well.

Although always a bit haunted by the past, Ypres has more things to discover than the WWI memories. The beautiful market square is well worth a visit as is a walk on the Vauban ramparts (created in the 17th century) and continue on along the canal.

More about Ypres

• Things to do in Ypres

Liège is the largest city in Wallonia (the French-speaking part of Belgium) and is mostly famous for its art scene. Like nearly all Belgian cities it has a nice historical feeling, but its situation along the Meuse river makes it extra special. There are two things Liège is most famous for: waffles (a different kind than the Brussels’ waffles!) and the futuristic rail station Liège-Guillemins. Make sure to check both out! There are also many festivals hosted during the year and each one will give the city a different feeling altogether.

Other things you can’t miss: climb the staircase at Montagne de Bueren and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the city. And visit the Blegny-mine, one out of the 4 coal mines in Wallonia that are UNESCO World Heritage and discover all the secrets of the most important product in 19th & 20th century Wallonia.

Hasselt is the place to go when you want to experience the friendliness of the Limburg province. The historic centre is mostly closed off for traffic and filled with shops and cafes. The city is most famous for Jenever – a traditional liqueur. This drink is still distilled in the 19th century traditional way in the Jenever Museum.

But there’s much more things to do in Hasselt than just drink alcohol – however mostly on the outskirts of the city. You can explore the remains of the Herkenrode Abbey, learn more about traditional Flemish village life in the interactive outdoor museum Bokrijk ( a personal favourite! ), visit the Circuit of Zolder (a popular racing circuit often used in contests) and have a relaxing stroll in the Japanese Garden.

#10 Mechelen

Like Bruges and Ghent, Mechelen is one of those Flemish cities with a prominent role for the river. In this case, it’s the Dyle and you’ll find many charming walk paths along the water and bridges to cross it. Mechelen has a very convenient location between Antwerp and Brussels, making it very easy to reach from just about anywhere in Belgium. It’s also the place to be if you want to tick off UNESCO World Heritage sites

While most cities are lucky to have one beguinage, Mechelen has two: a small and a big one (the latter being part of the UNESCO World Heritage of Belgian beguinages). The city also has two (unfinished!) belfries and both of them are on the heritage list. The first is the belfry at the Cloth Hall and the second is the St Rombold’s tower – the symbol of Mechelen. You can climb to the top of the tower and admire the city from the skywalk.

Deep in Wallonia lies Dinant – a magnificent city on the banks of the Meuse. Its location is quite spectacular with the river on one side, steep cliff walls on the other and a fortified citadel on top guarding the city. Dinant is the birth place of Adolphe Sax, the invenor of the saxophone and other than the museum you’ll also find many saxophone references throughout the city.

Belgium has the most castles per square meter in the whole of Western Europe, and around Dinant, you’ll find a couple of the most beautiful ones like the Castle of Freÿr and the Castle of Vêves. Off course, you can’t miss a visit to the citadel and don’t forget to admire the unique shape of the Notre Dame church.

#12 High Fens

The High Fens – a Natural Park on the border between Belgium and Germany – is probably one of the last remaining pieces of wilderness you’ll find in the country. There are a couple of villages far and in between, but mostly the landscape is bare and desolate. The area also comes with its very own climate: many rainy and misty days and a winter that lasts about 8 months – there’s a big difference with the rest of Belgium.

The National Park is bordered by Eupen, Malmédy, Monschau (a picturesque town in Germany) and Spa (time for wellness!), which you can all include in your visit. However, most people come to the High Fens to walk, bike or cross-country ski. Pay attention though that there are only a couple of trails where dogs are allowed (always on the leash!).

With untouched nature comes spectacular fauna as well. It’s home to the black grouse (the symbol of the High Fens), the black stork and the Tengmalm’s owl amongst many others and in the last couple of years, both the Lynx and the Wolf made their re-entry into Belgium!

Damme more than earns its spot on the list of most charming villages in Belgium. The cobble-stone streets and beautiful old buildings set the scene for this self-claimed book village. It consists of barely 4 or 5 streets, but you can easily spend a half day or more if you explore the surrounding countryside. And it’s only a 10-minute drive from Bruges, which makes it a perfect trip if you’re spending a couple of days in the Venice of the North.

As Damme holds a long history, there are a couple of archeological sights, but there are also two museums, many bookstores, a very nice church (with a tower you can climb!) and a river boat that brings you from Bruges to Damme and back. As it is quite the touristy village, there are also tons of brasseries and restaurants when you need some down-time.

More about Damme

• The complete guide to visiting Damme

Namur is another one of those picture-perfect cities in Belgium. With its impressive citadel overlooking the city and walks along the banks of the two rivers The Meuse and The Sambre, it ticks all the boxes. As with many of the Wallonian destinations, you might have to look past the grey a bit to see the charm and colour, but in Namur, you’ll find plenty of the latter.

The main sight is of course the citadel, and you should plan in plenty of time to make your way up, explore everything and get back down. There’s a tourist train and underground tunnels to discover.

Also, don’t forget to taste the local beer Blanche de Namur .

And for the last item on this list, it’s time for something else. Not a city or town with a beautiful historic centre, but one of the most charming beach towns of Belgium instead. It’s located very close to France and therefore appeals to both Belgian as French tourist, by which it gets overflowed during the summer months.

The beach in De Panne is the widest of the entire coastline, giving you plenty of space to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach (especially if you choose to sit a bit more on the outskirts of town). There’s a lovely neighbourhood – the Dumont neighbourhood – with beautiful old houses in low-traffic streets. But there’s heaps more to do: climb up to the top of the city park, which used to be the viewpoint from where the fishermen’s wives watched their husbands return. Go for a hike in Natural Reserve De Westhoek or in the Calmeyn Forest. Or – if you have kids – head over to Plopsaland, one of the most popular amusement parks in Belgium.

Also, if you head over to the next town, Oostduinkerke, you’ll be able to see the shrimp fishers in action. This UNESCO World Heritage protected tradition consists of fishermen on horseback (in bright yellow suits) fishing for the grey shrimps that you can only find in the North Sea.

Final thoughts

So, what do you think? Is there something that might get you to visit Belgium? Or if you’ve already been there, what would be on your to-do list for your next trip? Let us know in the comments!

BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES  

Getting to Belgium : Fly into one of the main international airports : Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.

Getting Around : For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here . If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars , they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.

Accommodation : Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.

Guided tours : Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.

Babs Rodrigus is a travel addict at heart and loves to explore her home country Belgium and the rest of the world – preferably with her wife and kids. She’s all about showing you the most mesmerising spots in this tiny European country and making you see how great it truly is.

When she’s not travelling, Babs loves to read, write, eat chocolate (hey, Belgian remember) and sing Frozen songs with her daughter.

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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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11 Most Beautiful Regions in Belgium

A fascinating place to visit, Belgium consists of three very autonomous regions, with Flanders in the north being very different both culturally and linguistically from Wallonia in the south and the multicultural capital of Brussels in the center of the country. As such, the northern cities of Bruges, Antwerp, and Ghent with their spectacular historic centers offer up a very different proposition from the more industrial cities of Charleroi, Liege, and Namur in the south.

In addition to its diverse communities, cultures, and languages, Belgium also boasts a wide array of different landscapes, with its windswept North Sea coastline contrasting delightfully with the peaceful countryside that makes up much of the country, and the humongous forests that can be found in the Ardennes.

Located in the northeast of Belgium bordering the Netherlands , Antwerp is dominated by the city of the same name. When traveling between the region’s fascinating cities, you’ll see lots of scenic countryside, with woods and farmhouses dotted between the many farms and fields.

The second-largest city in the country, Antwerp is awash with beautiful buildings and interesting monuments and museums for you to check out. It is also renowned for its diamond trade and wealth of great shops and upmarket boutiques.

Away from the trendy capital of the region, Antwerp also boasts the towns of Geel and Lier, which sport impressive belfries, as well as Mechelen and Tournhout, which both have delightful historical centers for you to explore. In addition to this, it also hosts the world-famous electronic music festival Tomorrowland, which draws people from around the world to the small town of Boom during the summer.

East Flanders

Centered around Ghent, a lively university city with a gorgeous medieval center full of cathedrals, churches, and castles, East Flanders is a beautiful part of the country to visit, with a lot for you to see and do.

Defined in many ways by the four rivers of the Dender, Durme, Leie, and Scheldt that run through it, the region’s countryside is mainly quite low-lying, although the southern realms – which host the famous Tour of Flanders cycle race – are quite hilly.

Besides Ghent, the region boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. This is proudly on display in the beautiful historic centers of Dendermonde and Lokeren. The famous carnival in Aalst is not to be missed; for three days, the city is bathed in color, with parades and floats going by.

Flemish Brabant

Surrounding Brussels, the capital of the country, Flemish Brabant is full of wonderful nature for you to enjoy, with the majestic Sonian Forest and its myriad of cycling paths and hiking trails being particularly delightful to explore.

Leuven, a lively university city, is the capital of the region. Here, you’ll find the oldest Catholic university in the world and one of the most beautiful historic centers in the country. In addition to this, it also has lots of interesting cultural landmarks on show, as well as some fantastic old buildings, great shopping opportunities, and pounding nightlife.

The rest of the region is similarly worth visiting. Highlights include the beautiful belfry in Tienen, the famous abbey and brewery in Grimbergen, and the town of Tervuren, which is home to the fascinating Museum for Central Africa and a beautiful park that stretches into the Sonian Forest.

Bordering the province of the same name in the Netherlands, Limburg in the east of Belgium is often overlooked by visitors to the country. As such, it is a great place to head to if you want to escape the crowds and discover some hidden gems.

Hasselt, the capital of the region, is undoubtedly the main draw due to its lovely historical center. It boasts a beautiful abbey, basilica, and cathedral, with lots of peaceful little parks and gardens scattered here and there.

Further afield are the cities of Genk and Beringen, which have lots of industrial sights tucked away amid their splendid scenery. Tongeren, one of the oldest towns in Belgium, is also well worth a visit.

West Flanders

Despite being home to the entirety of the Belgian coast, West Flanders is known for one thing and one thing only – Bruges . Often called the ‘Venice of the North,’ due to its lovely waterways, the city boasts a marvelous medieval center complete with centuries-old churches, basilicas, and historic buildings. As such, it is not to be missed out on.

As it can get a bit crowded, it is well worth exploring some of West Flanders’ other sights so you can experience a more authentic side of the country. The Belgian coast has some fantastic seaside towns on offer, such as Oostende, De Haan, and Knokke; these are connected by the longest tramline in the world, which runs the length of Belgium’s North Sea coastline.

The city of Kortrijk also has some wonderful medieval sights. At the fortified town of Ypres, you’ll find some of the most famous battlefields from WWI, as well as lots of neatly laid out cemeteries and memorials.

As much of its territory is scarred by the coal mines and heavy industry sites that once made Hainault in Wallonia fabulously wealthy, the region is not particularly attractive, and its sprawling cities and towns have certainly seen better days.

Plagued by an economic decline for several decades, there are a lot of abandoned mines, warehouses, and industrial sites scattered about here and there; this is actually what makes Charleroi, the largest city in the region, so fascinating to explore. Once voted ‘the ugliest city in Europe,’ it now attracts ‘urban explorers,’ who come to see its derelict yet strangely alluring sights. Its fantastic photography, fine arts, and industry museums are also well worth checking out.

Besides Charleroi, the region is also home to the charming municipality of Chimay, which is renowned for its beers and cheeses. Both Mons and Tournai have great city centers with towering cathedrals, beautiful old townhouses, and impressive cultural landmarks.

Located in the southeast of the country bordering the Netherlands, Germany , and Luxembourg, Liege is a delightful part of Belgium to explore. The region is dominated by the city of the same name, which is the largest city in Wallonia.

Due to its strategic location on the river Meuse, the city of Liege is still relatively affluent compared to other cities in the south; this is evident in the wealth of shops, restaurants, and bars. This very picturesque place has a beautiful historic center for you to discover, as well as lovely riverbanks and green hillsides for you to stroll along.

In the east of the region, you’ll find the small, German-speaking part of the country, with its capital Eupen particularly interesting to visit. The town of Spa is not only home to lots of wellness centers and hot springs, but also the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix.

The largest region in the south of the country, the sparsely populated Luxembourg is a nature lover’s delight, as its scenic countryside is made up of rolling hills and forests as far as the eye can see.

A very popular tourist destination among both Belgians and the Dutch, the Ardennes are its main attraction. The wonderfully wild woods and untouched landscapes are home to a multitude of great cycling paths and hiking trails that weave their way through the stunning scenery.

Dotted here and there are some lovely little towns and villages, such as Bouillon and Bastogne. Durbuy, the world’s smallest city, is the undoubted highlight with its winding cobbled streets and marvelous medieval architecture.

Based around the city of the same name, which is the capital of Wallonia, Namur is a very picturesque part of Belgium to explore. Charming towns and villages lie among huge swathes of countryside, with lots of forest-covered hills and valleys to get lost in.

Alongside the city of Namur, which boasts a lively historical center and an incredible citadel overlooking both the Sambre and Meuse rivers, Dinant is the undoubted star of the show; its delightful old town is located in an absolutely gorgeous setting, with the Meuse running right beside it.

Much of the region is made up of picturesque countryside, so there are lots of great outdoor activities to partake in, with hiking and cycling both popular pastimes. In addition to this, you can also go kayaking along Namur’s winding rivers in summer when the weather is nice.

Walloon Brabant

Located just a stone’s throw away from the nation’s capital, Walloon Brabant is often overlooked by visitors to the country. This is a shame, as it has a lot of hidden treasures which are well worth a visit.

As well as the plethora of beautiful natural sights that dot the region in the shape of its many forests, Walloon Brabant also has some fascinating historical sights on offer; visit Waterloo, the site of a famous battle, and Villers-la-Ville, home to an absolutely stunning ruin of an old abbey that is just as big as it is beautiful.

Louvain-la-Neuve, the largest town in the area, is also worth a visit; the vibrant university town bustles with life, and its main attraction is the Herge Museum, which looks at the famous comic book writer’s life and legacy.

Brussels-Capital Region

The second most multicultural city in the world, Brussels is a fascinating place to explore. The nation’s capital has a plethora of different neighborhoods, each with its own look, feel, and identity. As Brussels is bilingual, with both French and Dutch being spoken, you’ll hear a lot of different languages; this is also in part due to it being the home of the European Union institutions.

The Grand Place is widely considered to be the most beautiful square in Europe, and is undoubtedly its main attraction. But there is much more for you to see and do, with the Atomium and Manneken Pis also very popular.

Alongside its multitude of amazing monuments and museums, the city’s architecture is eclectic, and loads of great restaurants and bars can be found scattered around. Delirium Cafe remarkably boasts over 2,000 different beers for you to try – a must when in Belgium.

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The Best Things to Do in Belgium: 15 Epic Belgium Attractions

Think of Belgium and think of Bruges’ canals and Belgian beers? There’s more to it than that. Explore the best things to do in Belgium – charting your way through historic castles, mind bending festivals and more along the way. 

Forget France and Italy. I just so happen to think that Belgium is one of the most underrated countries in Europe. The truth is that the country of beer , chocolate and waffles is a charmer of note. 

But it’s not all foodie feasts (though I wouldn’t blame you for planning your trip around that), as you can also explore plenty of quirky museums, pretty town squares and even street art hotspots.

And, while you could spend entire trips dedicated to the standout attractions of Brussels, Bruges or Antwerp , there’s plenty more to do in Belgium. So let’s dive in.

Not sure where to base yourself for your Belgian trip? Look no further than the Radisson Collection Grand Palace – a contemporary five-star property in the heart of Brussels.

Top 5 Things to Do in Belgium

Indulge in belgian beer.

Wrap your head around this. Belgium produces more beers than any other country, with over 800 distinct brands doing the rounds. That means you cannot plan a trip to the country without indulging in one of the top things to do in Belgium – grabbing a beer (or two).

You don’t need to be a massive beer fan to appreciate the passion and technique of a Belgian brew. But head out on a beer-tasting tour, and you’ll probably find a favourite in no time, with flavours ranging from dark craft brews to light wheat beers and fruity lambic ales.

Read Next: The Bruges Beer Guide

Treat Yourself to Belgium Chocolate

What’s better than beer? If you ask any local, they’ll probably look puzzled because, well, beer. But as the country’s second biggest export, Belgium chocolate is in a league all its own. 

If you’re spending time in Brussels with a flair for history and a mouth for chocolate, you can’t skip visi ting Choco-Story . I mean, it’s a museum dedicated to chocolate in Bruges. What more could you want? How about a chocolate-making workshop hosted by famed chocolatier Laurent Gerbaud?

Go Explore the City of Bruges

It wouldn’t be a surprise if, after a visit to Bruges, the city steals your heart and becomes the winner of your best places in Belgium contest. Bearing the nickname “Venice of the North”, the city with its canals, museums, and spectacular mediaeval architecture is a real showstopper.

Every showstopper has its crowning moments, and when you’re spending a day in Bruges , these come in all shapes and sizes. To kick things off, venture through the Markt, an open-air square overlooked by the imposing 700-year-old Belfry. Round things with a visit to the Heilig Bloedbasiliek, the Diamantmuseum, and the epic Gruuthuse Museum. 

Tuck Into a Belgium Waffle 

Mmmmmm, waffles. The jury might still be out on whether a waffle constitutes a nutritional meal, but it’s an almost compulsory one in Belgium. Before you indulge, though, throw what you think you know about this delicious treat out the window, as munching on one of these will quickly be your what-to-do in Belgium go-to.

Delve Into the Capital City, Brussels

Technically you can see most of what makes Brussels one of the best places to visit in Belgium, but why would you want to? It’s a city brimming with Art Nouveau architecture, chocolate and waffle shops galore, and cartoon comic strips. 

Yes, as the spot where famed classics including “The Adventures of TinTin” and “The Smurfs”, there are over 50 giant murals dedicated to cartoons along the comic book guided walking route . Aside from this, the capital city also boasts several stunning covering shopping arcades, such as the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.

Brilliant Things to See & Do in Belgium 

Hop aboard a canal cruise in bruges.

Okay, so there’s simply visiting Bruges (a no-brainer), and then there’s venturing through the city via its many canals. I mean, you’re already in one of the most peaceful countries in the world, but gently flowing down the channels is a whimsical experience. 

So grabbing a spot on a Bruges canal cruise is a must, especially if you want to add a bit of flair to your Belgium sightseeing adventure. If you’re after a romantic affair, the Minnewater or Lake of Love is an obvious choice, or if you want to wash off a hot day’s ick, the open-air-swimming pool constructed in the Coupure canal is a stellar idea.

Spend a Day in Mechelen

If you have just one empty space in your Belgium itinerary, you must fill it with a day in Mechelen. With landscapes ideal for riverside strolling, art galleries and plenty of Baroque houses, it’s got all the ingredients you’d expect from a classic European city.

It has enough to keep you busy, but you can’t skip out on ascending the 500 steps to the summit of St-Romboutskathedraal, the city’s famous cathedral. The Stadhuis is another must-see with an appearance cut straight from a fairytale.

Explore the Belgian Coast in Ostend and De Haan

If you thought Belgium was all cityscapes and historic sites, think again. The Belgian coast is a glorious place to spend time in the sun and live out your ultimate beach-bumming fantasies. 

In the resort town of Ostend, you’ll find a picture-perfect stretch of coastline where locals like to flee in the summer. On the other hand, De Haan Beach, lined with ice cream vendors and a stunning promenade, offers a different (but distinctly Belgian) beach experience.

Go on A Culture Trip to Antwerp

Calling Antwerp the jewel of Belgium is so spot-on it’s almost crazy. If you’ve got no idea what I’m on about, the city of Antwerp is synonymous with diamonds. Quite so, as nearly 85% of the world’s rough diamond supply has moved through the city’s distinctive Diamond District.

But, it’s not all sparkling diamond-hued excursions that await you here, although it’s one of the ultimate free things to do in Belgium. The city is also a powerhouse of Flemish culture, so exploring via a bicycle tour is a surefire good time and an easy way to marvel at all of it.

Immerse Yourself in The Culture of Mons

In 2015 the city of Mons became the European City of Culture, and since then, it’s been a fantastic place to dive into the tradition and heritage of the country. To kick things off, you have The Mundaneum (or Paper Google as most visitors call it) highlighting how we used to do research pre-internet. 

To indulge your artistic side, pop into Van Gogh’s house just off the city centre, or head to BAM, a stunning glass cube building that houses exquisite works of contemporary art. 

And if you’ve got an interest in engineering, you have to visit the Strépy-Thieu Boat Lift, a genuinely remarkable feat of innovation.

Roam Around the Streets of Ghent

Luckily the city of Ghent is only a stone’s throw from Brussels, making it the ideal choice for a day trip because there’s a lot to see and do here. Surprisingly fewer people know about this beautiful Belgium destination giving it an almost hidden gem quality. 

On Fridays, the Vrijdagmarkt is the place to be in one of the many gorgeous squares in town. On the other hand, for a more sombre experience, The Castle of the Counts is a Middle Ages building that sits along the Leie River with a sordid and dark past. Used by Counts throughout history, much of their love affair with torture is visible throughout.

Unique Things to See & Do in Belgium: Hidden Gems That Are Off the Beaten Track

Visit the chip museum.

Among the whirlwind of buzzworthy additions to any trip to Bruges, the Frietmuseum , or Chip Museum, quickly takes the top spot as the best thing to do in Bruges, Belgium. Housed within one of the most attractive buildings in the city, the Frietmuseum sits in the Saaihalle.

You may not know that most historians believe that the French fry actually originated in Belgium. And as (most likely) the only museum dedicated to potatoes and fries in the world, getting an entry ticket into this quirky spot is an absolute must. 

Kayak and Hike in The Ardennes

The hills and valleys of the Ardennes in Dinant create a showstopping landscape that beckons any eager outdoor enthusiast to go all out. With access to both the Meuse and Lesse rivers, steep forested cliffs and a staggering 19 signposted nature trails, there’s more than enough to do.

Aside from the many trails, you can head off on and tackle one (or both) of the nearby mountain-biking routes. If you’re more inclined toward watersports, you can kayak down the River Lesse with its wild waters and gorgeous surrounding scenery.

Top Tip: Get yourself a Carte Dinant at the Dinant tourist office for a detailed layout of the Ardennes.

Experience Art Come to Life in Leuven

When it comes to unique attractions in Belgium, Saint Peter’s Church in Leuven steals the show. This is definitely not your average religious building; instead you’ll get to take a journey back in time to witness how many famous artworks came into being. 

Thanks to numerous high-end tablets and high-tech HoloLens headsets, your trip to Saint Peter’s is anything but boring. A fascinating and innovative take on art appreciation, these headsets use 3D technology, project images, special effects and audio to bring everything you see to life.

Visit The War Memorials in Flanders 

Historians will appreciate a trip to Flanders. Considering that World War I was ultimately decided on the plains of this region, it’s a memorable addition to your Belgium travels. 

Few could compare to the imposing Menin Gate in Leper when it comes to war memorials. Built upon the former Menenpoort, the gate stands in remembrance of all those soldiers who used it as a route to reach the battlefront. 

Covering its walls, you’ll find the names of 50,000 troops without known graves. Every day at 8pm, volunteers from the local fire brigade sound the Last Post beneath the gate. It’s very haunting.

But if you’re after a different perspective on WWI, you should visit the In Flanders Fields Museum. Here you will see a brilliant introduction to the origins of the war to a detailed section about the German invasion of Belgium in 1914.

Things to Do in Belgium: Practical Tips for Your Trip

Belgium isn’t the biggest of countries, so I recommend you spend around a week exploring the country. Thanks to the close proximity of all its major cities, this is enough time to explore and do as much as you want.

There isn’t a particular season that reigns supreme in Belgium, so visit either during April, May, June, September, or October to avoid high prices and chilly weather.

Where Should I Stay in Belgium? 

Hotel le châtelain (mid-range) .

When it comes to mid-range luxury, the Hotel Le Châtelain takes first prize as a five-star property that features uber-luxe amenities and facilities. The decor at this hotel might be a little bit dated, but the service more than makes up for that.

Check Rates and Availability 

Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo  (Luxury) 

Situated in the capital, the five-star Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo oozes luxury. Tucked away in the corner of Grand Place, this is the perfect base for a chilled out visit to Brussels. Opt for the Royal Suite if you really want to splurge, otherwise the Classic Double Rooms are opulent in every sense of the word.

Check Rates and Availability

Recommended Tours in Belgium

• Bruges: Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour  
• From Brussels: Luxembourg Tour with Dinant Visit
• From Brussels: Ghent and Bruges Day Trip
• Antwerp Tour From Brussels

Things to do in Belgium: Map

Discover More Things to do in Belgium With These Travel Guides

• Unmissable Things to do in Bruges
• Discovering Antwerp: Belgium’s City of Culture
• The Bruges Beer Guide
• Where to Dine in Bruges: Best Restaurants

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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• 32 Places To Visit In Belgium That Make The Country Irresistible

23 Mar 2023

Belgium is all about a harmonious fusion of old world charm and modern culture and trends. From vintage castles, mansions, museums, and churches to modern architecture, shopping arcades and amusements; this European gem is the home of many spectacular places for all types of vacationers. And if you are planning a trip to this mesmeric country, here’s a complete list of places to visit in Belgium . You may get spoiled by choices while going through the list, so it is recommended to pick the places as per the time in hand, vacation itinerary, and the like. Promising to add a zest of fun and excitement to your journey, these places in Belgium will surely make it a memorable affair while you’re in the beautiful country of Belgium.

Places To Visit In Belgium For Best Experience

Wondering which are the best places to visit in Belgium? Check out our list of famous places that you should visit while you are exploring Belgium. Keep scrolling down and read along! Don’t forget to include the places you like in your itinerary for a truly cherishable trip to Belgium.

• Brussels : Nightlife And Shopping
• Bruges : Palaces And Canals
• Ghent : Art And Serenity
• Antwerp : The Food Capital
• Ardennes : Hills, Forests, And Adventures
• Tournai : World’s Most Beautiful Cathedrals
• Dinant : Caves And Wildlife
• Leuven : Best Belgian Breweries
• Mons : Peace And Relaxation
• Mechelen : Cruises And Picnics
• De Haan : Picturesque Beaches
• Durbuy : Blooming Rhododendrons And Poppies
• Arlon : A Battle-Scarred History
• Beguinage : A Lost World Made By Women
• Genk : Parks And Nature Reserves
• High Fens : Rare Flora And Faunas
• Hoge Kempen National Park : Lakes And Pine Woods
• Knokke-Heist : Unmatched Scenic Beauty
• Kortrijk : A Shopper’s Paradise
• La Roche-en-Ardenne : Famous Museums & Animal Parks
• Liege : Hep Nightlife Scenes
• Malmedy : Hiking And Biking Trails
• Zwin : A Birdwatcher’s Heaven
• Ostend : Beaches And Gothic Architecture
• Rochefort : World Famous Cafes
• Namur : Medieval Forts And Rivers
• Spa : Birthplace Of Thermal Springs
• Bastogne : Home Of The Wood Of Peace
• Hasselt : A Classic Destination
• Ypres : For War Memorials
• Charleroi : Observe Rich Art
• Meuse Valley : A Lush Place

1. Brussels: Nightlife And Shopping

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Being the capital city and one of the largest hubs of great museums, palaces, chapels and mansions, Brussels is one of the most popular places to visit in Belgium. This is also the administrative capital of the European Union and pulls tourists from different parts of the world. Famous for world-class cafes, pubs, restaurants and shopping arcades – Brussels offers a plethora of options to make your European holiday enchanting and exciting. There are various Brussels sightseeing options in Belgium, for all kinds of travelers that won’t disappoint!

Tourist Attractions: Grand Palace, Atomium, Mini Europe, Mannekin Pis and Tintin Museum Where To Stay: Hotel Amigo, NH Brussels Grand Place Arenberg, Radisson Blu Royal, Floris Ustel Midi

Must Read: 10 Things To Do In Belgium That Are Fun

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2. Bruges: Palaces And Canals

One of the most stunning tourist attractions in Belgium is Bruges- a picturesque medieval town, gifted with historic buildings and canals. The gorgeous palaces, chapels, and mansions of Bruges reflect the history of Vikings while the network of canals, flowing through the city has helped Bruges to earn the title of ‘Venice of the North’. Explore this quaint town in bicycles, enjoy boating in the canal or indulge with Belgian hot chocolate at any of the quaint cafes of the main market square.

Tourist Attractions: Grote Market Square, Belfry Tower, and Gruuthuse Mansion Where To Stay: Hotel Aragon, Floris Hotel, and Golden Tulip Hotel de’ Medici

3. Ghent: Art And Serenity

Another one among the famous places in Belgium is Ghent – a quaint and serene town, endowed with historical sites, medieval structures, and churches of Belgium . Famous for housing the Alter Piece; Ghent is a favorite destination for art lovers and history buffs, but the quietude and charm of the place attract travelers of all kinds. This surreal blend of history and laid back vibes make this town one of the most unique places to visit in Belgium.

Tourist Attractions: St Bavo’s Cathedral with Alter Piece located inside, Gravensteen, Belfry of Ghent and Saint Nicholas Church Where To Stay: Ghent Marriott, Golden Tulip Hotel de’ Medici and Hotel Gravensteen

Suggested Read: Belgium Nightlife

4. Antwerp: The Food Capital

A true Belgian delight; Antwerp is all about culture, art, and traditions. On one hand, it showcases vintage architectural wonders and palaces but on the other, there are some modern and trendy art galleries and museums. Known for great food and beer, this place is the diamond district of Belgium as more than 70% of the world’s uncut diamonds are traded here. It is one of the best places to visit in Belgium in 2 days .

Tourist Attractions: Plantin Moretus Museum, Rubenshuis, Museum aan de Stroom and Antwerp Zoo. Where To Stay: Leonardo Hotel, Ibis Hotel and TRYP by Wyndham

5. Ardennes: Hills, Forests, And Adventures

Ardennes is a hilly destination and one of the most favorite places in Belgium, among adventure enthusiasts. Ideal for trekking, camping, and biking, Ardennes boasts of thick forests, cliffs, caves and is known for Belgium wildlife and wild animals like lynx, deer, and wild boar. If adventure is what you are seeking on your trip to Belgium, you won’t be disappointed after your visit to Ardennes. It is one of the best places to visit in Belgium in one day.

Tourist Attractions: Castle of Bouillon, Han-sur-Lesse and Labyrinth of Barvaux Where To Stay: Azur en, Hotel Eden and Hotel des

Suggested Read: Castles In Belgium

6. Tournai: World’s Most Beautiful Cathedrals

Located at the Belgium-France border, this buzzing city houses one of the most beautiful cathedrals of the world. This is a hub of art and sculptures and allures art lovers and history buffs throughout the year. As one of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium, Tournai has some great museums and art galleries and the town Belfry is the oldest in the country. If you are looking for interesting things to see in Belgium then do head to this place.

Tourist Attractions: The Belfry of Tournai, Folklore Museum, Musee d’Histoire Naturelle et Vivarium and Notre Dame Cathedral in Tournai Where To Stay: Hotel Cathedral, D’ Alcantara and Floreal le Panoramique

7. Dinant: Caves And Wildlife

Situated by the banks of Meuse River in the Namur province of Belgium, Dinant is another tourist delight and one of the finest places to see in Belgium. Home to famous natural caves, caverns of Europe such as Caves of Han and the Grotto of Dinant, as well as the best national parks in Belgium , Dinant has a rich wildlife reserve with exotic biodiversity. Located 65 km from Brussels, Dinant is one of the must-visit Brussels sightseeing spot.

Tourist Attractions: Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, La Citadelle, Charles-de-Gaulle Bridge, Adolphe Sax Statue and Parc de Furfooz Where To Stay: La Panama, Hotel Ibis and Castel-de-pont-a-Lesse

Suggested Read:  15 Festivals In Belgium

8. Leuven: Best Belgian Breweries

Flaunting of best Belgian breweries, Leuven is another name in the list of best places to see in Belgium. This picturesque place is famous for happening marketplaces, street side pubs, cafes and churches, and galleries, like any other Belgian city, but being home to world’s oldest Catholic university, Leuven always buzzes with a student population from different parts of the world. Here, you will also find one of the best hotels in Belgium .

Tourist Attractions: Town Hall, Botanical Garden Kruidtuin, University Library & Bell Tower and Saint Peter’s Church. Where To Stay: Pentahotel, Park Inn by Radisson and Hotel Ibis

9. Mons: Peace And Relaxation

The list of best places to see in Belgium also features Mons. A large cobblestone square, Grand Palace, and age-old town hall await every tourist at Mons- the picturesque capital of Hainaut province of Belgium. But what attracts and fascinates every traveler here is the sweet tunes of town’s magnificent Belfry bells, perched at the top of 270 feet tower. This is one of the best Belgium tourist places.

Tourist Attractions: Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru, Jacques Du Broeucq alabaster statues and Van Gogh House Where To Stay: Congress Hotel Mons Van der valk, Hotel Dream and Hotel Lido

Suggested Read: 10 Best Belgium Beach Resorts

10. Mechelen: Cruises And Picnics

Located close to Antwerp is Mechelen – another lively and picturesque place in Belgium. Mechelen is unique in many ways. Famous for boat tours and brewery tours; one can climb the massive tower of St. Rombout Cathedral to enjoy the breath-taking view of the Antwerp port or visit the world-famous Carillion School, which is famous for lessons on the complex instrument of bells. It will be really unfair if we don’t mention Mechelen while talking about the best places to visit in Belgium.

Tourist Attractions: Brouwerij Het Anker, St. Rumbold’s Cathedral and Provincial Groendomein Vrijbroekpark Where To Stay: Hotel Hobbit, Best Western, and NH Mechelen

11. De Haan: Picturesque Beaches

Image Source Located in northern Belgium, De Haan is a picturesque village situated on the shores. It is most popular for its 11-kilometer-long beach which is lined with great restaurants, chic cafes, exciting bars, and some of the best homestays in Belgium . But it’s fine white sand and amazing nightlife aren’t all that it boasts. Couples also love to roam around in the streets of Concessie, which is another enjoyable part of this seaside town and makes it one of the most romantic places to visit in Belgium.

The stunning Belle Époque buildings and the grand town hall are something you must not miss out on when you’re here. When here, one can also try hiking and biking on the enormous sand dunes or visit the exciting amusement parks.

Tourist Attractions: Belle Époque, Villa Savoyarde, Spioenkop, La Potinière, Astridpark, De Grote Schamele Weecke, and more Where To Stay: Hotel Astel, Hotel Rubens, B&B Yaca, Villa Verde, and more.

Suggested Read: 15 Offbeat Destinations In Europe

12. Durbuy: Blooming Rhododendrons And Poppies

Image Source Are you still looking for Belgium tourist places? Tucked away deep inside a serene valley bordered by lush woods, Durbuy always manages to enchant its visitors with its old world charm and its rustic cobblestone lanes and cottages draped in various kinds of flowers like rhododendron, ivy vines, and poppy blooms. The streets and lanes all appear to be laid out across the town in the form of a spider web, making it one of the best places in Belgium for photographers and artists.

The locals are super friendly and might just treat you to a hearty mug of chilled beer once you set foot into the hamlet. Though the town is an ideal place to lay low if you wish to get away from urbanization, don’t be fooled by its laid back and rural vibes. You’re sure to find a number of fine-dining restaurants and craft boutiques here to keep you busy.

Tourist Attractions: Rue des Récollets, Amblève, Topiary Park, Cave Comblain, and more Where To Stay: Azur En Ardenne, Hotel des Comtes, La Lisiere, Hotel Victoria, and more

13. Arlon: A Battle-Scarred History

Another popular Belgium tourist attractions is Arlon. Arlon is densely populated. It is close to the borders of Luxembourg and France. It is on the crossroads of multiple invaders. There were Celtic, Roman, and Gaullish settlements in the area, and all the fascinating traces of the rich past can be found in Arlon. The Archaeological Museum of Arlon is one of the best places to go in Belgium with your family and friends. This is amoungst the most popular Belgium tourist attractions.

Tourist Attractions: St Donatus’ Church Where To Stay: La ferme d’a Yaaz, Van Der Valk Luxembourg Arlon

Suggested Read: Safaris In Belgium

14. Beguinage: A Lost World Made By Women

In the thirteenth century, women who wanted to dedicate their entire lives to God without completely withdrawing from the world founded the Beguinages, which were communities created to meet their physical and spiritual needs. They were called the Beguines. This is the history of Beguinage. There are 13 Flemish Beguinages. They are surrounded by ditches and walls.

Tourist Attractions: Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde Where To Stay:  Thon Hotel Bristol Stephanie, 9 Hotel Central, The Dominican

15. Genk: Parks And Nature Reserves

Genk is one of the best places to visit in Belgium in 2 days. The city is located in the Belgian province of Limburg near Hasselt boasting great garden-city design, marshland nature reserves, quiet park and more. You can learn about coal mining in Genk by visiting one of the old coal mines such as André Dumont or take a hike or a bike ride through beautiful Hoge Kempen National Park while in the city. You can also explore the distinctive outdoor museum of sundials at the Genk Sundial Park, which provides one of a kind experience to its visitors.

Tourist Attractions: Bokrijk, an open-air museum, Hoge Kempen National Park, old coalmines of Andre Dumont Where To Stay: Carbon hotel, Hotel Ecu and Green hotel

Suggested Read: 10 Places For Shopping In Brussels

16. High Fens (Eifel Nature Park): Rare Flora And Fauna

High Fens – Eifel Nature Park also called North Eifel Nature Park is truly a heaven for nature lovers. The beautiful landscape is home to rare species of flora and fauna, deep valleys, forested mountain sides. If you are lucky, you can spot the very rare violet copper butterfly, starling-sized dipper which is easily recognisable by its white breast and its liking for swimming and diving. This is the best amongst Belgium tourist attractions .

Tourist Attractions: Rare species of flora and fauna, rolling mountains, picturesque villages. Where To Stay: Hôtel des Bains & Wellness, Hostel Malmedy – Youth Hostel and Au Chat’rme des Blanches Pierres

17. Hoge Kempen National Park: Lakes And Pine Woods

Another stunning Belgium tourist places is Hoge Kempen National Park, which is the first National Park in Belgium located between Genk and the Meuse River Valley. Spread over 5,000 acres, the park consists of big lakes, large pine woods and purple flowering heathland. The highest spot in the park offers a mesmerizing view. The park is home to many rare and special animals such as roe deer, the slippery snake, the swallowtail butterfly and the European beewolf living in the natural habitat.

Tourist Attractions: Information kiosks, Cafeterias, Hiking and mountain biking Where To Stay: Arte Hotel, Hotel Atlantis and Hashotel

Suggested Read: 10 Beaches In Belgium

18. Knokke-Heist: Unmatched Scenic Beauty

Knokke-Heist is one of the best places to visit in Belgium in one day. It is a small Belgian coastal town located on the edge of the famous Zwin Nature Park. The place attracts tourists from all across the world as the place boasts of its scenic beauty and rich history. It’s known for the surrounding mudflats and gorgeous sandy beach. The most commonly seen birds are oystercatchers and storks. It is also known for The For Freedom Museum which describes the history of the area during the Second World War.

Tourist Attractions: For Freedom Museum, The Zwin, Zwin Nature Park and Knokke Casino Where To Stay: Hotel Adagio, Villa Verdi, Manoir du Dragon and Hotel Binnenhof

19. Kortrijk: A Shopper’s Paradise

Kortrijk is a beautiful city in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium. The city has a wonderful historic center with several market squares, churches, colourful shopping areas and also a creative area. There are these towers called the Broeltowers which are the icons of Kortrijk and make up some of the top places to visit in Belgium. You can visit many restaurants, lunchrooms and coffee places to try some amazing dishes. Also, they have really good vegetarian options.

Tourist Attractions: Broel Towers, Lys and béguinage of Courtrai Where To Stay: Hotel Messeyne, Parkhotel, Bootel Ahoi

Suggested Read: Belgium In June

20. La Roche-en-Ardenne: Famous Museums And Animal Parks

Located about 70 kilometers from Liege on the banks of the River Ourthe, La Roche-en-Ardenne is an attractive little town offering you with a variety of things to do and Belgium attractions. Make sure to visit the WWII Museum, Ardenne Ham Museum and the Pottery too to learn about the region’s tradition and history. You can find red deer, wild boar, pheasants, wild sheep, wolves, and many farm animals in the famous animal park on the Deister plateau.

Tourist Attractions: Ourthe, Lake Nisramont, Parc Chlorophylle, WWi Museum Where To Stay: Hotel Beau Rivage, Domaine de I’Alu and Hotel Les Arcades

21. Liege: Hep Nightlife Scenes

Liege is the third largest city in Belgium with vibrant nightlife, lip-smacking food, and drink. The place is known for top class museums and churches as well as art galleries that makes Liege one of the must-visit places for architecture and art lovers in Belgium. Take a long walk through the Coteaux de la Citadelle or enjoy a picnic at the beautifully maintained Parc de la Boverie. To add more charm to your visit to this city, make sure to plan your trip to Liege during festival time. Your one trip during the many different festivals celebrated throughout the year, will tempt you back every now and then.

Tourist Attractions: Montagne de Bueren, Curtius Museum, Parc de la Boverie and St. Paul’s Cathedral in Liege Where To Stay: Hotel Neuvice, Amosa, Smartflats and Crowne Plaza Liège

Suggested Read: 12 Indian Restaurants In Belgium

22. Malmedy: Hiking And Biking Trails

Malmedy, a small town in the Belgian province of Liege offers many key attractions for its visitors. The Baugnez 44 Historical Centre attributes the history of Malmedy during the Second World War. Another historical place, Malmundarium covers the history and culture of the area. All around Malmedy you have got opportunities for hiking and biking trails that will offer spectacular views of the area as you walk past the flowering fields.

Tourist Attractions: Baugnez 44 Historical Centre, Malmundarium and hiking around the city Where To Stay: La Ferme du Pere Eugene, Hotel La Forge, Terrasses de Malmedy 2 and L’Horizon Chambres, Studios & Apparts

23. Zwin: A Birdwatcher’s Heaven

Zwin is an enchanting nature reserve on the border between Belgium and the Netherlands. It was established in 1952 with its bigger part in Belgium(158 hectares) and a smaller portion in Netherlands.(33 hectares) The reserve is famous for its varied diversity of salt-resistant plants, including a huge number of bird species. It is truly a haven for bird watchers. The reserve has a small zoo as well that houses a number of captivating domestic birds.

Tourist Attractions: Zwin nature park, Zoo Where To Stay: Hotel St. Pol, Strandhotel Cadzand and Ibis Budget Knokke

Suggested Read: Belgium Travel–Cockpit Of Europe

24. Ostend: Beaches And Gothic Architecture

One of the largest cities on the Belgian coast, Ostend has gained popularity because of its port’s strategic location. It is one of Belgium’s favourite tourist destinations famous for its gorgeous sandy beaches, Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum and more. The best way to know the city well is by walking through the narrow streets around Het Visschersplein while enjoying the local produce at the local markets. Don’t forget to notice the magnificent architecture of the Gothic Church of St Petrus and St Paulus.

Tourist Attractions: Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum, Gothic Church of St Petrus and Fort Napolean Where To Stay: Hotel Botteltje, Hotel Monarc and Otia Bij Nacht

25. Rochefort: World Famous Cafes

Rochefort is a mesmerizing city in the Belgian province which is famous for its many shops and cafes, top class churches. There is a lesser-known gem of a cave system in the city. It is an easy to explore city with almost everything on the main street. known variously as Rue de Behogne, Place Roi Albert 1er and Rue Jacquet. Along the way you will walk past a number of cafes where you can taste Rochefort’s famous Trappist beer.

Tourist Attractions: Domain of the caves of Han, Lessee and Veves castle Where To Stay: Hotel Le Limbourg, La Fayette hotel and Hotel La Malle Poste

Suggested Read: Gorgeous Places To Visit In Europe In January

26. Namur: Medieval Forts And Rivers

Image Source Sandwiched at the confluence of the two serene rivers of Meuse and Sambre, Namur is famous for its high rise citadel that sits overlooking the city and gives it its fame. Namus is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Belgium owing to this medieval fortress as well as the warm smiles of its people you will be greeted with here everyday. While this citadel was once Europe’s mightiest fortress, it now lies sombre and still, but is still capable of drawing in tourists from far and wide courtesy its oozing charm and overwhelming outlook.

It’s beauty is even compared to that of the many world famous castles in Bruges . Adorned with splendid gardens, offering breathtaking views of the rivers and the city beyond, and bearing a dashing bronze statue of an enormous turtle, this citadel is one of its kind in all of Europe.

Tourist Attractions: Rue de Fer, Hôtel de Gaiffier d’Hestroy, Museum of Ancient Art, Cathedral of Saint Aubain, Diocesan Museum, St. Loup Church Where To Stay: Ibis Namur Centre, Hotel Beauregard, Hotel Les Tanneurs de Namur, Château de Namur

27. Spa: Birthplace Of Thermal Springs

Image Source Tucked in a serene valley in the Ardennes mountains, Spa is a beautiful town in Belgium that is popular for its mineral springs as well as the fact that the word “spa” actually comes from here. Other than being the birthplace of spa, it is one of the best attractions in Belgium also because of the annual Belgian Grand Prix that is held right in the village next door – Francorchamps. It’s also the origin of the famous mineral water brand Spa that is exported all across the world from here.

Tourist Attractions: Musée de la Ville d’Eaux, Church of Notre Dame, St. Remacle Church, Thermes de Spa Where To Stay: Radisson Blu Palace Hotel Spa, Radisson Blu Balmoral Hotel, Manoir de Lébioles, Villa Des Fleurs

Suggested Read: 5 Great Things To Do In Europe In December

28. Bastogne: Home Of The Wood Of Peace

Image Source This tiny yet charming town in Belgium is located very close to the Luxembourg border and is a great spot for patriots and history lovers. It is the very place where many American soldiers had died one of the biggest battles of WWII’s – the “Battle of the Bulge”. There are many unique memorials across the city that have been established to honour the fallen soldiers and their contribution in shaping this country to make it what it is today.

You must also visit the Wood of Peace dedicated to those American veterans, Belgian combatants, soldiers, and even civilians who had laid down their lives for Ardennes. A dense forest of over 4,000 trees planted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of that historic battle, this Wood of Peace is one of the best places to visit in Belgium courtesy of its unique design. The trees are laid out in the image of the UNICEF emblem that can only be seen from above.

Tourist Attractions: Grand Place, Sherman Tank, Mardasson Memorial, Wood of Peace Where To Stay: L’ Ardenne Buissonière, Hotel Leo Station, Hotel Melba, Merceny Motel

29. Hasselt: A Classic Destination

A flemish city and municipality, Hasselt is a classic destination known for housing the best villas in Belgium . The town is composed of several small communes like Spalbeek, Wimmertingen, Kuringen, and Stokrooie, and the hamlets of Kiewit and Rapertingen. You can also take a boat ride at the Demer river and Albert Canal, which runs through the town. Perhaps, this destination is one of the must see places in Belgium.

Tourist Attractions: Bokrijk, Japanese Garden, Plopsa Indoor Hasselt, Herkenrode Abbey Where To Stay: Villa Saporis, Grandes Villas de France, Radisson Blu Hotel

Suggested Read: 5 Things To Do In Europe In May

30. Ypres: For War Memorials

A major town located in the western Flanders region, Ypres is one of the must visit places in Belgium. The town represents the losses of World War 1 through the battlefields around, war museums and memorials. Many important buildings were destroyed during the war but the Belgians have managed to re-constuct a few including the famous St. Martin’s Cathedral. It is one of the topmost places to visit in Belgium in Winter . You can also  enjoy multiple shopping destinations such as the Grote Markt.

Tourist Attractions: Cloth Hall, Bellewaerde, Menin Gate, Tyne Cot Where To Stay: Hotel Novotel Ieper Centrum Flanders Fields, Albion Hotel Ypres, Chez Paul

31. Charleroi: Observe Rich Art

If you are wondering about where to visit in Belgium that’s offbeat as well as modern, then the answer to your question is Charleroi, an art-centric modern city in Hainaut. You can explore an overload of art in the city including the City Hall, depicting Belgian folk songs, St. Christopher’s Church signifying the old times of Mosaic, the Museum of Fine Arts showcasing the ultimate painting collection. In short, there are plenty of art places to explore. Once you are done with the art, you can actually taste the best of Belgian food at the restaurants and cafes – another form of cultural exploration.

Tourist Attractions: River Sambre, Bois du Cazier, Musée de la photographie à Charleroi, Aulne Abbey Where To Stay: Hotel ibis Charleroi Centre Gare, Auberge de Jeunesse de Charleroi, Class’Eco Charleroi

Suggested Read: 8 Spots For Scuba Diving In Europe

32. Meuse Valley: A Lush Place

A valley in a European country means the very best of mother nature. Located in the southern part of Belgium, you can get the true feel of a lush countryside. Take a boating trip across the river, admire the beautiful scenery and visit the beautiful towns surrounded by dense forests. This is one of the most famous romantic places to visit in Belgium, located between the towns of Dinant and Namur. You can find the best places and opportunity for hiking, cycling and trekking in Belgium . 

Tourist Attractions: Argonne massif, Lorraine Regional Nature Park, Verdun historical sites Where To Stay: Le Château De Conde En Barrois, Chez John et Thomas, La Chambre d’Amis

Further Read: DO NOT Leave For Europe Without Packing These 8 Things

Belgium is the dream of many travelers and if you ever get to live it, make sure you see at least some of these incredible places to visit in Belgium that make the entire nation proud. Don’t think much and book your trip to Belgium right away! And if you know of any more places to explore in this beautiful country, let us know in the comments section below.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Belgium

What is the best city to visit in Belgium?

All the cities in Belgium are awesome and have something unique to offer to travelers. From Brussels, Bruges, Ghent to Antwerp, every city in Belgium is worth visiting.

What are the things to do in Belgium?

There is a range of fun and exciting things to do in Belgium, like eating fries and waffles and drink copious amounts of beer. You must go for sightseeing tours in Belgium to catch the true vibe of the place.

What can you see in Belgium in 3 days?

There’s a lot you can do in Belgium on a 3 days trip. From touring the many cities like Brussels and Antwerp to engaging in the many popular activities like tasting craft beer and chocolates, visiting the museums and castles, cycling around the cities, hiking and trekking, and much more.

How many days do you need in Belgium?

A duration of 4 nights and 5 days is ideal for exploring the best of Belgium. However, the place is full of surprises and you won't regret staying even for a week in Belgium.

How long do you need in Brussels?

A duration of 2 days is enough for exploring places to visit in Belgium Brussels.

Where should I go for a weekend in Belgium?

If you’re in Belgium, you can spend a weekend in Antwerp, Ghent, Hasselt, and Ypres.

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