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Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
Belgium is a multicultural country, home to the European Union, making it a vibrant and multilingual country. Located in Western Europe, Belgium borders the Netherlands to the North, the East with Germany, the southeast with Luxembourg and the southwest with France.
Belgium’s three official languages are French, Flemish, and German; English is widely spoken nationwide. Brussels is the capital and the largest city in terms of population. Other major cities include Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Leuven, and Dinant. The government is divided into three regions: Flanders in the north, Wallonia in the south, and Brussels-Capital.
Belgium is renowned for its beautiful main cities, which are very historical and are worth visiting.
This article will look at our top unmissable locations in Belgium and discuss other things you can experience at each location.
Table of Contents
#1 Adventure in Ghent With A Boat Trip or Kayak
One of the best cities to visit in Belgium, you’ll find that the river Lys is one of the most popular attractions in Ghent. In the summer you can opt to take a boat tour to explore the city and learn more about the history of the main buildings of the city. Alternatively, you can even choose to explore it on board a kayak. If you want to know more about the history of the old city centre, the boat tours would be ideal. The information is provided in Flemish, French, English and German, reflecting the multicultural nature of the country.
During the summer, a temporary painting exhibition is set under one of the bridges that cross the river with an insightful photography exhibition documenting the history of Ghent.
Ghent is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium but also very accessible. It is only 30 minutes away from Brussels Central Station by train. Trains run every 30 minutes, and the cost of the train tickets ranges from €10 to €15. The centre of Ghent is very close to the station, making the city centre walkable.
As Ghent is part of the Flemish region, the most spoken language is Flemish. Ghent is the third-largest city in the country with a large student population and a strong reputation for its research programs. Ghent is a beautiful city to visit at any time of the year. The activities may change from one season to another, but no matter what season you see, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll around this medieval city whilst drinking a hot chocolate or a cold beer.
Other Things to Do in Ghent
Citadel Park
Just steps away from the train station, Citadel Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Ghent. The park was created in 1875; however, before its creation, the Dutch citadel of Ghent stood on the site, and later, the site was used as an infantry and artillery barracks. Citadel Park has extensive green areas, a playground for children, pathways, a bandstand, and a man-made waterfall.
The Castle of the Counts
One of the most popular and outstanding attractions in Ghent is the Castle of the Counts. It sits on one branch of the river Lys. The original castle was built in 1180 by the Count of Flanders, Phillip of Alsace. Philip and his wife Elizabeth lived in the Castle from 1143 to 1191.
The medieval castle contains a moat and provides beautiful views of the city and the river. It is highly recommended to do the audio visit, as the story of the castle is told humorously by a local comedian who takes you on a tour all around the castle. The comedian even impersonates the Count of Flanders while telling you about his time living there.
After being the residence of the Counts of Flanders, the castle was used as a court, a prison, and a torture site from 1353 to 1491, and it still holds a small collection of torture equipment. After selling the castle, it served as a factory and cotton mill. The castle underwent some changes and repairs, turning it into what it is now a Museum. You should visit this site to learn more about the castle and its mysterious past.
#2 Take a Chocolate Making Class Bruges
Famous for its confectionery, Bruges is one of the best cities in Belgium if you want to sign up for a Belgian Chocolate-Making Workshop. You can find a workshop in almost any of the major cities in Belgium, including Brussels and Antwerp. You can even take courses online!
Or why not skip to eating the chocolate by visiting any of the numerous chocolate shops scattered around the city?
Bruges is a very accessible city. The quickest access is via train, which runs every 25 minutes and is situated only 1 hour away from the Central Station in Brussels.
Bruges is a beautiful city to visit at any time of the year, but it is most magical during Christmas, making a trip to Bruges unforgettable.
Other Things to Do in Bruges
Belgium is famous for its culinary delights, including delicious fries, chocolate, and beer. Belgians are rightly proud of their culinary expertise and have even created museums to celebrate it.
Fries Museum
Potatoes are a staple part of the Belgian diet, and it is expected to find food chains selling fries nationwide. Because of their popularity, fries have become a Belgian emblem, and in Bruges, they even have their own Fries Museum. This museum is the only one of its kind worldwide, so it is well worth visiting.
The museum provides information about the origin of potatoes and the different types of potatoes and highlights the potatoes suitable for making fries. You will also learn why fries are called French Fries and many other fascinating facts, including how to pick and store potatoes at home and the ideal temperatures for storage, as well as many valuable recipes using potatoes.
So, if you are interested in some fun facts about potatoes, this is a museum you must visit!
Romantic Boat Trips
If you want to discover the history of the main buildings and some interesting anecdotes, boat trips are the best option. The tours are carried out by friendly locals who will share with you many magical channels, beautiful buildings surrounding the river, and romantic bridges such as the Saint Boniface Bridge, the oldest bridge in Bruges. You can also admire the Church of Our Lady, which is 115.5 meters high and is the second tallest in the world. The tourist guides will also recommend many excellent bars and cafes where you can drink and enjoy spectacular river views and other lovely buildings.
#3 Have a Beer in the Longest Bar in Europe
Leuven is 16 miles from Brussels, easily accessible by train, and located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It has a large student population, as KU University is one of the largest universities in Belgium and the oldest Catholic University still in operation, founded in 1425. Leuven is also home to the headquarters of the world’s largest beer brewer, Stella Artois.
The Oude Markt
Famous for being the longest bar in Europe, the Oude Markt comprises over 30 pubs and is guaranteed to be a great night out! As Leuven is a university city, there is always a lively crowd at weekends.
In July, ‘Beleuvenissen’ takes place in the Oude Markt, an open-air free concert every Friday!
Other Things To Do While in Leuven
Leuven’s Town hall or Stadhuis
The town hall is one of the most iconic buildings in Leuven due to its striking Gothic architecture and prominent Belgian and European Union flags. The town hall provided a ceremonial function, operating as a wedding Hall and is very common to see married couples having their wedding pictures at the front of the building. It also contains a council hall and a foyer, and there are regular guided tours in which you can learn the stories behind the 236 statues on the façade.
Great Beguinage
The Great Beguinage was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. It originated in the thirteenth century as a home for the community of unmarried religious women. Today, the Beguinage consists of small gardens and parks with sandstone-built houses. It is currently used to house students and university staff. The site also includes a small river where you can regularly view geese.
The Botanical Garden
The garden was founded in 1738 by the University of Leuven before Belgium was its independent nation. The primary purpose was to grow herbs and use them in the medical field for university studies.
The city of Leuven owns the gardens after buying the property in 1835. The garden covers an area of 2.2 hectares. In this garden, you will also find statues made of soil and many different species of plants. The garden, which is free of charge, is trendy amongst tourists and locals alike for its relaxing and calm atmosphere and beautiful nature.
Stella Artois Brewery
Leuven has 30 breweries, and over 300 breweries are situated around the main cities in Belgium. Leuven is the self-proclaimed ‘capital of beer,’ InBev’s Stella Artois factory is one of the most popular factory tours. Why not explore the history and making of Stella Artois by doing their factory tour and enjoying a complimentary beer afterwards?
KU Leuven
KU Leuven is the oldest Catholic university in the world, and it is still operating. The library is worth a visit if you’re a fan of architecture. See for yourself below!
#4 Visit Our Lady’s Cathedral and the Statue of Nello and Patrasche in Antwerp
If you arrive in Antwerp by train, you will witness the stunning architecture of Antwerp station. Antwerp, Belgium’s second-biggest city and biggest port,, is famous for its diamond district houses. It has a reputation for being the fashion capital of Belgium. Despite severe bombing during World War II, Antwerp retains a beautiful medieval centre, vibrant entertainment, fashion and coffee shop culture and many beautiful architectural buildings.
Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp
The Cathedral of Our Lady is a Roman Catholic cathedral. Its belfry is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list and houses paintings by Peter Paul Rubens and artists such as Otto van Veen, Jacob de Backer, and Marten de Vos.
Outside of the Cathedral is a statue of a boy and a dog, Nello and Patrasche
!Nello and Patrasche are the characters in the 1872 novel ‘A Dog of Flanders’. The story takes place in Hoboken and Antwerp. The Cathedral of Our Lady and various paintings by Rubens play an essential role in the novel.” via VisitAntwerpen
Nello is a poor orphan child who befriends Patrache, an abandoned dog. They become inseparable and wander the town daily, usually visiting the Cathedral. Unfortunately, the two friends die together; however, this is unusual for a Christmas tale, and this story highlights the importance of friendship.
The statue was created to preserve the memory of the two friends the city has finally embraced. They sleep comfortably under the warmth of the pavement, which forms a blanket around them.
Museum Plantin-Moretus
This medieval building museum is the oldest printing press in the world. It has been a museum since 1876 and holds valuable manuscripts and a painting collection by renowned artists. The museum is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also has a library and a bookshop. If you visit Antwerp, this museum is worth a visit.
Ruben’s House, Antwerp
At the Rubens house, you can discover the life and work of Peter Paul Rubens, a brilliant and versatile artist and a world-famous baroque-style painter.
In any city you visit in Belgium, you can be sure that you will have a great experience learning about historical places and having a great time. All the cities in Belgium are magical, and you will feel like you have been transported to a different world!
#5 Trail through Hallerbos Forest
Hallerbos, or the Blue Forest, is a must-see for any nature lover. The enchanting forest will transport you to a real-life fairy tale.
, you must stay on the trail and leave the forest as you found it! No drones are permitted either
The blue flowers usually bloom in early to mid-April and wither at the end of the month. However, check the exact Bloom time before you go, as it varies yearly!
#6 Experience the Flower Carpet in Brussels
A UNESCO site in Belgium, the Grand Place is a 12th-century marketplace surrounded by wooden houses and market halls. The City Hall is the most eye-catching element of the square, a towering 15th-century Gothic building that pierces the skyline.
Every 2 years on the weekend of 15 August, the Flower Carpet offers visitors a wonderful experience,. From the town hall’s balcony, one can appreciate the beauty of the spectacle. Colourful nature blooms in the heart of the city of Brussels, and with the scent of fresh flowers and specially composed music, this is an experience like no other. The flower used is the Begonia. Belgium is the world’s largest producer of flowers; 80% of total production belongs to Belgium.
The project is organised by the non-profit organisation Tapis de Fleurs, which established a theme and then set off to arrange nearly a million flowers in the 1,800 square metres area. Entrance to the Grand Place is free, but a panoramic view from the balcony of City Hall will cost €6. If you are in Belgium on the August weekend when the Flower Carpet is on show, it is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Belgium.
Even if the Flower Carpet is not assembled when you are in Brussels, the Grand Place itself is well worth a visit!
Other buildings included in the UNESCO World Heritage List are Hôtel Tassel and Hôtel Slovay; designed by Victor Horta, they are examples of the Art Nouveau architectural style. This style of ‘New Art’ was omnipresent from the 1880′ up until the first world war. Many buildings in this style were destroyed during the two world wars, however Brussels still has over 500 buildings designed.
Other things to do in Brussels
Brussels is the capital and the largest city in Belgium in terms of population. Considering that, there are nearly infinite numbers of exciting things to do there.
Atomium
The Atomium was originally built as a temporary attraction for the 1958 Brussels World Fair, however due to its immense popularity it has remained there ever since, and is now the most visited tourist attraction in Brussel’s with over 600,000 visitors each year.
EU Headquarters
Brussels is the location of the European Union headquarters or EU Commission, and the European Parliament and European Council are also nearby.
Because the EU headquarters is located there, Brussels is often called the ‘Capital of Europe’; it’s a diverse city, a perfect blend of preserving tradition and culture while embracing modernity as an actual multicultural city.
#7 Visit Spa town in Ardennes
The spa is famous for its 300 spring waters. Many people believed the waters had healing properties, and the town had always been luxurious.
Historically, Spa was the first town in a modern sense where visitors could enjoy the water, which is why spas can now be found worldwide. Luxury hotels and casinos also entertained 18th-century aristocrats in Spa.
Today, Spas are all about relaxation and general well-being. They are leisurely towns where visitors can rejuvenate and break from the fast-paced world. In addition to music concerts, the Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 motor-racing circuit takes place in the town, attracting even more visitors.
#8 Waterloo
Waterloo is located in the municipalities of Braine-l’Alleud and Lasne. It is an important historical location; the Battle of Waterloo marked Napoleon Bonaparte’s defeat. For any history lover, Waterloo is a must-see.
#9 The World’s Smallest City in Durbuy
Another one of the most historical places in Belgium, Durbuy is a fine contender for the smallest city in the World. A prosperous medieval town, Durbuy was elevated to city status in 1331 by John I, Count of Luxembourg. During the medieval period, some towns in the Low Countries (Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) were granted city status, which allowed them access to certain privileges.
Privileges were granted to towns because feudal landlords were suffering financial problems. They allowed towns to buy back ‘freedoms’ to ease their economic woes. Durbuy was one of these towns and enjoyed the benefits of becoming a city, such as having a defensive barrier constructed around it and the ability to trade alongside other personal freedoms.
Today, Durbuy is proud of its city status. With only 400 inhabitants, it claims to be the smallest city in the world! Apart from this exciting fact, Durbuy is a popular destination for its charming medieval architecture and beautiful greenery. Nature surrounds the town, further adding to its charm.
#10 Christmas Village in Liège
Belgium has no shortage of Christmas markets—any city you visit will have its own! Any city with a Christmas market is the best city to visit in Winter.
Other things to do in Liège
Montagne de Bueren
A feat of engineering characteristic of the 19th-century breakthroughs, the Montagne de Bueren allowed a direct link between the barracks and citadel in the city centre. The 374-step staircase is a free public landmark that can be visited at any time.
From one of the city’s highest spots, the top of the staircase offers scenic views of Liège. This item is on our bucket list of things to do in Belgium!
If you want more information, why not check out our article on Things to do in Belgium? We discuss city-by-city activities and our top free things to do in Belgium. We also have a fun list of things you didn’t know about Belgium so you can brush up on your knowledge of the country before you visit!
We hope you have enjoyed our list of the top experiences in Belgium; which one are you most eager to try?
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