Planning a trip to Europe can be overwhelming, but starting with Belgium makes it easier. With its rich history, cultural landmarks, and modern attractions, you’ll find it a perfect destination for any traveler.
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You’ll discover an incredible mix of medieval charm and contemporary delights. From savoring delicious chocolate and beer to marveling at stunning architecture, Belgium has a lot to offer. This guide will help you prioritize your itinerary, whether you’re staying for a few days or a couple of weeks.
With excellent transportation options and short distances between major cities, you can experience diverse landscapes and cultural experiences without wasting too much time traveling. Get ready to explore the hidden gems and iconic attractions that make travel to this region so rewarding.
Discovering Belgium’s Charm
With its rich heritage and modern charm, Belgium is a captivating place to explore. The country’s unique blend of old-world architecture, artistic heritage, and modern European culture makes it an ideal destination for travelers.
When to Visit Belgium
Belgium is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. For tourist hotspots like Bruges, peak season is summer, especially June and early July. Business towns like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent tend to be more crowded in spring and fall.
- Summer (June-August) offers long days, pleasant temperatures, and numerous outdoor festivals.
- Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) provide mild weather and fewer tourists.
- Winter visits (November-March) can be cold and wet but offer unique experiences like Christmas markets.
Considering the place you want to visit, summer is great for Bruges, while spring and fall are ideal for business towns.
Brussels: The Heart of Belgium
Brussels, the heart of Belgium, offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and modern attractions. As the capital city and administrative center of the European Union, Brussels is a hub of international influence and historic grandeur.
Grand Place and Historic Center
The UNESCO-listed Grand Place is one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, surrounded by ornate guild houses and the impressive Brussels City Hall. You can explore the historic center, taking in the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Unique Brussels Experiences
Brussels offers a range of unique experiences, from visiting the Belgian Comic Strip Center to exploring the Musical Instruments Museum. You can also indulge in the city’s renowned chocolate shops and sample local delicacies.
Bruges: Venice of the North
Bruges, Belgium’s medieval gem, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This picturesque town is gifted with historic buildings and canals, earning it the title of ‘Venice of the North.’ You can explore Bruges on bicycles, enjoy a boat tour on the canals, or savor Belgian hot chocolate at one of the quaint cafes in the main market square.
Bruges is often considered Belgium’s most perfectly preserved medieval city and deserves at least two days of your itinerary to fully appreciate its timeless beauty. The city’s network of canals offers a unique perspective of Bruges, with boat tours providing spectacular views.
Canal Tours and Medieval Architecture
The city’s canals are a highlight, with boat tours offering views of step-gabled houses, historic bridges, and church spires. Bruges’ Market Square (Markt) is dominated by the 13th-century Belfry tower, which you can climb for panoramic views after conquering its 366 steps.
The World’s First Beer Pipeline
De Halve Maan Brewery is one of the best places in town to grab a beer and learn about its unique 2-mile ‘beer pipeline’ that connects the brewery to its bottling plant. This engineering marvel is a result of a project partially funded via crowdsourcing, making it a fascinating visit.
Ghent: Art and Cultural Treasures
As you explore Belgium, you’ll discover Ghent, a city that seamlessly blends medieval charm with modern vibrancy. Ghent is renowned for its rich culture and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination.
St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece
One of Ghent’s most prized possessions is the Ghent Altarpiece, housed in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. This masterpiece, also known as ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,’ was created by the Van Eyck brothers in 1432. The altarpiece is composed of 18 panels depicting biblical scenes and is considered one of the most influential paintings in Western art.
Exploring Ghent’s Historic Center
Ghent’s historic center is a treasure trove of medieval architecture, featuring iconic landmarks like St. Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. The city’s cobbled lanes, canals, and creative energy make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic Belgian experience. Visitors can also explore Gravensteen Castle, a 12th-century stone castle with a moat and torture museum.
Antwerp: Diamonds and Design
Antwerp, a city that seamlessly blends rich history with modern flair, is a must-visit destination in Belgium. This vibrant city is renowned for its cultural heritage, artistic treasures, and traditional craftsmanship, making it a fascinating place to explore.
One of Antwerp’s most significant claims to fame is its diamond industry. The Diamond District processes approximately 84% of the world’s rough diamonds, earning Antwerp its reputation as the diamond capital of the world. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about this glittering industry and witness the intricate process of diamond cutting and polishing.
Diamond District Experiences
The Diamond District is a hub of activity, with numerous diamond shops, cutting and polishing workshops, and trading centers. You can explore the Antwerp Diamond Center, visit the Diamond Museum, or simply browse the various diamond boutiques to admire the exquisite craftsmanship.
Plantin-Moretus Museum
For those interested in the history of printing and publishing, the Plantin-Moretus Museum is a must-visit attraction. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an impressive collection of antique printing presses, typefaces, and other printing-related artifacts. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of book production and the pioneering work of the Plantin-Moretus family.
In addition to its diamond industry and rich cultural heritage, Antwerp is also known for its vibrant food scene, which ranges from traditional Belgian cuisine to innovative fusion restaurants. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as “Antwerpse Handjes” (chocolate hands), which make for perfect souvenirs.
Belgium: Best Things to Do for Food Lovers
Belgium’s culinary scene is a treat for the senses, with its world-renowned chocolate, beer, and more. The country is famous for its gastronomic delights, which include Belgian chocolate, Belgian beer, waffles, and frites. You can indulge in various activities centered around these local specialties.
One of the highlights of visiting Belgium is the opportunity to explore its rich culinary heritage in different places across the country. You can visit chocolate workshops in Brussels and Bruges to learn the art of praline-making from master chocolatiers.
Belgian Chocolate Experiences
Belgium is renowned for its high-quality chocolate, and you can experience the best of it by visiting chocolate workshops. At these workshops, you can learn about the chocolate-making process and even create your own delicious souvenirs. Some popular chocolate destinations include Brussels and Bruges, where you can indulge in rich, decadent treats.
Beer Tasting Adventures
Belgium boasts an impressive selection of over 1,500 different beer varieties, ranging from fruity lambics to rich Trappist ales. You can embark on guided beer tastings to navigate this vast selection and discover the unique characteristics of Belgian beers. A must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts is the Delirium Café in Brussels, which holds the Guinness World Record for its extensive beer list.
Natural Wonders of Belgium
Belgium’s natural beauty is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, from the rolling hills of the Ardennes to the serene lakes of Hoge Kempen National Park. While Belgium is often celebrated for its cities and cultural heritage, the country also boasts stunning natural landscapes that deserve exploration.
The Ardennes Region
The Ardennes region in southern Belgium offers a dramatic contrast to the flat northern areas with its rolling hills, dense forests, and winding rivers – perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a hilly destination and one of the most favorite places in Belgium among adventure enthusiasts. Ideal for trekking, camping, and biking, Ardennes boasts thick forests, cliffs, and caves, and is known for its wildlife, including lynx, deer, and wild boar.
Hoge Kempen National Park
Hoge Kempen National Park, Belgium’s first national park, features unique purple heathlands, pine forests, and lakes that transform with the seasons, making it worth visiting any time of year. 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, and it’s home to many rare animals such as roe deer, the slippery snake, the swallowtail butterfly, and the European beewolf living in their natural habitat.
The park’s “Cycling Through the Trees” experience provides a unique 360-degree view as you pedal along a circular path elevated 10 meters above the forest floor. Belgium’s natural areas offer excellent hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and wildlife watching opportunities that provide a refreshing break from urban sightseeing. At any time, you can visit these natural wonders and enjoy the beauty of the country.
Unique Belgian Experiences
Belgium’s unique blend of culture and humor makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking unusual experiences. You can find a plethora of quirky attractions and events that will make your trip to Belgium truly unforgettable.
Unusual Attractions Only Found in Belgium
Belgium is home to some truly one-of-a-kind attractions. For instance, you can stay at the CasAnus Hotel, shaped like a giant intestine, which is part of the Verbeke Foundation, a modern art museum and sculpture park near Antwerp. Other quirky attractions include the trio of urinating statues in Brussels: Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis, and Zinneke Pis.
- The Frietmuseum in Bruges, dedicated to the history and culture of French fries, which actually originated in Belgium.
- The upside-down church in Borgloon and the see-through “Reading Between the Lines” church in Limburg, showcasing Belgium’s surrealist art tradition.
Cultural Quirks and Traditions
Belgium’s cultural quirks and traditions are just as fascinating. Every year on August 15th, the city of Dinant hosts the Bathtub Regatta, where decorated bathtubs float down the Meuse River, attracting over 25,000 visitors. This event is a perfect example of Belgium’s playful spirit and is completely free to watch or participate in.
These unique experiences make Belgium a fascinating destination that will leave you with memories to share in your travel post. You will surely find places that will surprise and delight you.
Coastal Belgium Getaways
Discover the hidden gems of Belgium’s coastal region, where history, culture, and natural beauty blend seamlessly. You can enjoy a relaxing vacation in one of the many charming beach towns along Belgium’s 40-mile coastline.
Belgium’s coastal towns offer a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, making them perfect escapes for a few days of relaxation.
Ostend and De Haan Beaches
Ostend, Belgium’s largest coastal city, combines urban amenities with a wide sandy beach and excellent seafood restaurants. You can stay at luxurious hotels like the Thermae Palace Hotel, which offers classic beachfront luxury with Art Deco charm.
De Haan stands out among Belgian beach towns for its Belle Époque architecture and car-free center, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Knokke-Heist and Zwin Nature Park
Knokke-Heist attracts a more upscale crowd with its high-end boutiques and manicured golf courses alongside its beautiful beaches. The nearby Zwin Nature Park is a unique coastal bird sanctuary.
The Belgian coast is easily accessible by train from Brussels, making it possible to enjoy these seaside destinations even on a time-limited itinerary.
Day Trips and Hidden Gems
From the picturesque Meuse Valley to the quaint town of Durbuy, Belgium’s hidden gems are waiting to be explored. You can experience authentic Belgian life by visiting some of the best places in the country, all within a few hours from Brussels.
Some of the lesser-known towns and villages make perfect day trips, allowing you to enjoy the local culture without the crowds. You can plan your trip according to your time and preferences, exploring these destinations over several days if you wish.
Discovering Dinant
Nestled along the banks of the scenic Meuse River, Dinant is a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. One of its claims to fame is being the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. You can visit the Adolphe Sax House, now a museum, to learn about the history of this iconic instrument.
Exploring Durbuy
Durbuy is a charming gem tucked away in the picturesque Ardennes region of Belgium. Despite its small size, this town boasts a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a range of activities to enjoy throughout the year. You can explore the medieval center, visit historic sites, and take in the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Planning Your Belgian Adventure
To truly experience Belgium, you need to balance your time between its best places and allow yourself to soak in the unique atmosphere of each city. For a first-time visit, consider allocating 2 days in Bruges and 2 days in Brussels, then explore Ghent, Antwerp, or the countryside based on your interests.
Belgium’s efficient train network makes travel between cities easy, with most journeys taking less than 2 hours. When booking hotels, opt for historic city centers to minimize travel time. Be mindful of opening hours and plan your visit around festivals like the Ghent Festival or Brussels’ Flower Carpet.
Leave some room for spontaneous discoveries and relaxation at outdoor cafés. Consider a Belgian Rail Pass for multiple train journeys and city cards for bundled attractions and public transportation. Document your experiences for a future post or social media sharing.