Are you planning a trip to Belgium and wondering about the best places to visit? Belgium, a small country in Western Europe, is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, and France to the southwest.
Belgium is a fantastic destination for all types of travelers. It’s perfect for solo travelers who want a safe experience, couples seeking a romantic getaway, or families looking for fun activities and attractions for kids.
So, what should you see and do in Belgium? Here’s a list of some must-visit places:
Brussels: As the capital of Belgium and one of its largest cities, Brussels is a vibrant hub. Known as the “capital of Europe” due to being home to the European Parliament, Brussels offers a variety of interesting activities. Admire the beautiful architecture at the Grand Place (or Grote Markt), Brussels’ central square. Visit the iconic Atomium, a steel atom sculpture, and explore Mini Europe located at its base, which features miniature reproductions of EU monuments and live-action models like trains and an erupting Mount Vesuvius. Don’t miss the Royal Palace of Brussels, the parks, and the gothic Saint-Michel Cathedral (Sint-Michiels Kathedraal).
Bruges: Known as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges is one of the most picturesque places in Belgium. A canal tour is a must to experience the city’s beauty, including its gardens, medieval buildings, and charming bridges. Bruges is also one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, making it a unique and enchanting destination.
Ghent: With over 70,000 students, Ghent is Belgium’s largest student city and also one of its largest overall. Famous for its canals, medieval structures, and the 800-year-old Gravensteen fortress, Ghent offers a quieter atmosphere compared to Brussels. Explore the Old Town, the lofty Belfry of Ghent, and the scenic St. Michael’s Bridge. Stroll along Graslei and Korenlei, which run alongside the Lys river, and enjoy the historic buildings’ facades.
Dinant: This postcard-perfect town sits on the banks of the Meuse River, backed by dramatic cliffs. Dinant is known for its ancient fortified citadel and historic buildings. Visit Notre Dame de Dinant, the town’s most popular landmark, and explore the Citadel of Dinant, a fortress perched on a cliff offering stunning views of the city and river.
High Fens – Eifel Nature Park: Extending over approximately 110 square kilometers, this national park mostly lies in Germany but partially in Belgium. It features rugged wilderness landscapes and is home to incredible wildlife like wild cats, black storks, red deer, roe deer, foxes, and wild boars. The park includes varied landscapes such as ancient beech and oak forests, moorlands, stream valleys, high plateaux, and pastures. Visit viewpoints like Hirschley on the German side for a magnificent view of the Rurstausee reservoir, and explore several hiking trails.
Durbuy: A small town in eastern Belgium, Durbuy is known for its medieval stone houses and narrow cobbled streets. Explore historical buildings like the half-timbered Halle au Blé and La Ferme au Chêne, which brews beer using ancient methods. Nearby, visit the 12th-century Radhadesh – Chateau de Petite Somme, now a rural spiritual community and Hindu temple. Don’t miss the Topiary Park, famous for its hedges clipped into animal and human shapes, and enjoy the view from the clifftop Belvedere viewpoint.
Antwerp: Often overlooked, Antwerp is one of Belgium’s largest cities and is full of amazing attractions. Discover world-class museums such as the Plantin-Moretus Museum (dedicated to printing) and the Royal Fine Arts Museum, which houses a rich collection of art. Visit Grote Markt, the main square filled with beautiful historical buildings. Antwerp Zoo, established in 1843 and one of the oldest zoos in the world, features numerous exhibits and houses over 7,000 animals of about 950 species.