Belgium: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Are you ready to explore Belgium’s hidden treasures? This small country is packed with cultural experiences, historical sites, and delicious food. You’ll find everything from Bruges’ medieval beauty to Antwerp’s lively art scene.

Belgium also boasts stunning natural areas like the Ardennes. It’s a place that always surprises and delights visitors.

• Discover Belgium’s diverse cultural heritage, from its world-class museums to vibrant art scenes.
• Explore the picturesque medieval towns and cities, each with its unique architectural charm.
• Indulge in Belgium’s renowned culinary offerings, including Belgian chocolate, waffles, and the famous beer scene.
• Uncover the country’s rich history, from the Flanders Fields of World War I to the iconic landmarks of Brussels and Antwerp.
• Experience the natural beauty of Belgium’s coastal towns and national parks, offering a perfect respite from the bustling cities.

Belgium is a captivating country that blends cultural diversity, accessibility, and rich history. It’s a top choice for European travelers. From Brussels’ multicultural heart to Flanders and Wallonia, Belgium offers a unique experience.

Brussels, Belgium’s capital, is a multicultural city. It’s home to the European Union and NATO, offering a vibrant international vibe. The city’s flea markets are famous for their vintage shopping, available at great prices.

Outside Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia offer different cultural experiences. Each region has its own language, cuisine, and traditions.

Belgium is small but easy to get around. Its efficient transport network and close locations make exploring simple. You can visit cities like Bruges and Antwerp in a short time.

Belgium’s history is seen in its architecture, museums, and traditions. Bruges’ medieval center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Grand-Place in Brussels shows off the country’s architectural beauty.

Visitors can explore Belgium’s history by visiting castles, cathedrals, and cultural sites. It’s a journey through time.

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, museums, and delicious food. Start at the Grand Place, a UNESCO site with stunning guildhalls. The Town Hall and its tower offer breathtaking views of the square.

Explore the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium for a glimpse into Belgian and European art. Don’t miss the Magritte Museum. The Place du Jeu-de-Balle flea market is perfect for finding unique items.

Brussels is famous for its food, especially Belgian fries and Belgian chocolate. Try them at frietkot stands and at places like Pierre Marcolini. The Délirium Café is a must-visit for beer lovers, with over 2,000 types.

For a break, visit the Parc du Cinquantenaire. It’s a peaceful oasis in the city. The Autoworld Museum and Brussels City Museum are great for history buffs.

Brussels is a city that offers something for everyone. From architecture to food, it celebrates Belgium’s rich culture. Dive into the heart of Europe and discover its magic.

Bruges is known as the “Venice of the North.” It charms visitors with its canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. It shows off its 15th-century buildings and urban plan.

Discover Bruges’ rich heritage on a canal boat tour. See its 54 bridges and historic landmarks. Climb the Belfort, a 13th-century tower, for views of the city.

Visit the Groeningemuseum to see works by Flemish Primitive artists. Artists like Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling are on display.

A canal tour in Bruges costs about €12. It offers a unique view of the city’s medieval architecture. See the ornate façades, bridges, and historic buildings along the canals.

The Markt is one of Europe’s finest squares. It has been a bustling market since 958 CE. It’s a must-see in Bruges.

Exploring Belgian beer culture is essential in Belgium. Visit the De Halve Maan brewery, which makes Bruges city beer, Brugse Zot. For a cozy beer experience, try ‘t Brugs Beertje, with over 300 Belgian brews.

“Bruges is a medieval fairy tale, a gem of a city waiting to be discovered.” – Rick Steves

Antwerp is a city that grabs your attention with its many cultural offerings. It’s known as Belgium’s fashion and design center. The Royal Academy of Fine Arts is a key place for many famous designers. You can check out stores like Dries Van Noten’s Het Modepaleis and Ann Demeulemeester’s flagship store in the Fashion District.

Antwerp is also famous for its Antwerp diamond district. This area near Antwerpen-Centraal station has over 1,800 diamond shops. It shows how important Antwerp is in the diamond trade. You can see amazing architecture at the Antwerp Port House and the MAS museum, which gives you great views of the city.

Explore the city’s rich culture by visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful Gothic architecture and works by Peter Paul Rubens. You can take a tour of the tower for even better views of the city.

Antwerp is also known for its shopping. The Meir is the top shopping area in Belgium. You can also visit De Stadsfeestzaal shopping center. And, don’t forget to try some of Antwerp’s famous chocolate at places like Pierre Marcolini and Neuhaus.

Antwerp has something for everyone, whether you love fashion, design, or culture. It’s a place that promises a memorable visit. Discover all that this Belgian gem has to offer and make some unforgettable memories.

Belgium is full of cultural wonders. Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges to see a relic of Christ’s blood. Don’t miss the Brussels Flower Carpet, where the Grand Place turns into a floral masterpiece.

See the Ghent Altarpiece, the world’s most stolen artwork, at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. It’s a must-see for art lovers.

Belgium is famous for its food and drinks. Try the best Belgian pralines in Brussels. Enjoy classic frites with different sauces and taste the world’s top beers.

Belgium’s history is seen in its amazing landmarks. Explore medieval castles and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Don’t miss the see-through Doorkijkkerk church in Haspengouw for a unique view.

“Belgium is a country that surprises you, with its cultural diversity, its rich history, and its culinary delights. From the medieval grandeur of Bruges to the vibrant energy of Brussels, there is something for every traveler to discover.”

Explore the Belgian coast, where you’ll find beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and a long tram system. This 65-kilometer stretch is full of diverse experiences. It’s a picturesque region waiting to be discovered.

Begin your journey on the Kusttram, a unique tram that covers the entire coast. It lets you visit different beach towns easily. Each town has its own charm and attractions.

In De Haan, you’ll love its Belle Epoque buildings and sandy dunes. Try waffles at Wafelhuis Annie or enjoy a high tea at ‘t Stil Genot. It’s a peaceful experience.

In Oostduinkerke, see the tradition of shrimp fishing on horseback. Visit the Navigo museum to learn about the town’s sea history. It’s a great way to understand the local culture.

The Belgian coast has something for everyone. Whether you want to relax, explore culture, or try new foods, there’s plenty to see. Start an amazing journey along the Belgian coast and discover the beauty of coastal living.

Ghent, a city in Belgium, mixes old charm with a modern twist. It’s the biggest university city, filled with students. This brings energy and creativity to the streets.

Over a quarter of Ghent’s 267,000 people are students. It’s been named the 2024 European Youth Capital. The city’s arts scene is alive, with places like Vooruit Art Center and De Bijloke Muziekcentrum hosting events.

Ghent’s medieval buildings are stunning. The Saint Bavo Cathedral, at 89 meters, is a key landmark. Visitors can see its beauty and learn about Ghent’s history.

Ghent is known as the “Vegetarian Capital of Europe.” It has many plant-based food options. Since 2009, it has a meat-free day each week. Food lovers can try local produce at Biomarkt or dine at Oak restaurant.

Ghent offers culture, architecture, and food. Its mix of old and new makes it a top spot in Belgium.

Explore Belgium’s natural beauty by visiting its national parks. The Hoge Kempen National Park is a standout, covering 57 square kilometers. It’s a former coal mine turned nature reserve, home to over 6,000 species. It’s a perfect place to see the country’s diverse wildlife.

The Ardennes region is another must-see. It has scenic rivers, cliffs, and hills. Here, you can hike, cycle, and spot animals like lynx, deer, and wild boar.

Belgium’s parks offer both peace and excitement. They let you enjoy the country’s stunning landscapes. Discover the beauty that’s beyond its cities.

“Belgium’s national parks offer a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with the great outdoors.”

Belgium is a food lover’s dream, known for its tasty and varied dishes. Explore the country’s rich food history and taste the flavors that have won hearts worldwide.

Begin with the famous Belgian chocolate, a masterpiece. Made by expert chocolatiers, these sweets show Belgium’s dedication to quality. Don’t miss Pierre Marcolini in Brussels for the ultimate chocolate experience.

Don’t leave without trying the Belgian waffles. You’ll find two main types: Brussels and Liège. Enjoy their crispy outside and soft inside with toppings like fruit or whipped cream.

Belgium’s food scene isn’t just about sweets. Try the Belgian frites, known as “French fries” elsewhere. They’re served with tasty sauces. Also, don’t miss the Flemish stew, made with beer and served with potatoes or fries.

The Belgian beer culture is also a must-see. From Trappist ales to craft beers, there’s a wide range of flavors. Discover the perfect beer to go with your meals.

“Belgian cuisine is not merely about eating, but a celebration of life, community, and the joy of good food.” – Chef Yves Mattagne

Belgium’s food, from chocolate to waffles and beer, will impress you. Start a food adventure and dive into the country’s rich and varied food scene.

Planning your next European trip? Think about Belgium. It has everything from Brussels’ lively vibe to Bruges’ medieval beauty and Antwerp’s fashion. Summer is the best time to visit, with festivals and good weather. But spring and fall are also great, with fewer people and nice weather.

For a full Belgian experience, visit Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Don’t miss the Doorkijkkerk, the tallest boat lift in Strépy-Thieu, and Durbuy in the Ardennes. Belgium’s public transport is great, and its culture and food are amazing. It’s perfect for Belgium travel tips and the best time to visit Belgium.

Belgium’s history, fashion, and food will amaze you. It’s a place that will stay with you. Start planning your trip to Belgium now and explore its wonders.