There are many beautiful places to visit in Belgium, but these 15 top destinations deserve your attention. These charming cities are known for their cultural attractions and medieval architecture. Explore Bruges, Ghent, Durbuy, and Antwerp to get a sense of the city’s rich history and culture. You’ll be glad you took the time to visit them. But what should you see first? Before you book your trip to Belgium, make sure to do a bit of research on the best places to visit in the country.
Bruges
The Historium Museum, a must-see attraction, contains some of the most impressive works of art in the world. The museum is a mixture of museum and experience that takes you back in time to medieval Bruges. You’ll also have the opportunity to play virtual reality games and get a glimpse into the city’s gruesome past. Bruges is also the perfect place to get a glimpse into the history of the country.
Bruges has a grand market square, the Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cafes. It’s a favorite spot for travelers and is the site of lively music performances. Visitors can also sample the many foods and drink specialties from the area. Bruges was founded as a market square in 958. It is still a popular place to shop, relax, and take in the beauty of the city.
Bruges has plenty of museums and hidden treasures to offer. The Gruit Museum is a fascinating museum that depicts life in the Middle Ages, with furniture, tapestries, musical instruments, and ceramics from that time. A canal cruise is a must-do when in Bruges. Bruges’ canals are so narrow that you might not want to get off and explore all the sights on foot.
Ghent
If you’re interested in art history, Ghent’s MSK Gallery is the place to go. The museum offers extensive galleries showcasing Flemish culture. Many cite it as one of the best in Europe, and the gallery is housed in an 18th century heritage building. Visitors can also see works by European artists from the 20th century. There’s also a large selection of Belgian beer.
The Belfry of Ghent is another must-see in the city. It takes decades to construct this 91-meter-tall tower. It originally served as a lookout for invading armies. Today, the Belfry is home to a cafe-restaurant. It’s worth a visit, if only to appreciate the impressive bell exhibits and stunning panoramas. madisonsdish.com
While in Ghent, you can experience the city’s rich history with the MIAT museum, a five-floor exhibition of industrial and brewing history. The STAM museum traces the evolution of life in Ghent over 70,000 years. It’s free to enter the building, which was once a nunnery. There are also boat tours available for those who wish to see more of the city.
Durbuy
If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, you’ll want to take some time to explore the countryside. This province is known for its beautiful landscapes. There are several hiking trails to choose from. You can also check out the nearby medieval stone houses and cobbled streets. You might want to try a beer from La Ferme au Chene, which uses ancient methods to create their famous brand.
The Halle aux Bles is a fascinating structure in Durbuy, and you must visit it to experience its famous belvedere. This 300 million-year-old limestone mass is home to the Durbuy museum. Its arch-like fold is caused by the weight of new layers of rock and the constant movement of earth’s crust. You’ll be able to explore its medieval past without leaving the town, and you’ll be able to take photos of the old building.
You can also visit the Wood of Peace, which is a commemoration of the Ardennes battle. It contains over four thousand trees, which were planted to mark the 50th anniversary of this battle. The wood is also unique, as it is laid out in the shape of the UNICEF emblem. Its architecture and unique design will make it one of the 15 best places to visit in Belgium. https://bbpress.org/forums/profile/madisonsdish/
Antwerp
A thriving cultural center, Antwerp has more to offer than its famous beer. The city is home to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) and the Photo Museum of Antwerp, which houses one of the largest photo collections in Europe. The Photo Museum also features a diverse array of internationally renowned photographers in their temporary exhibitions. While visiting Antwerp, it is best to plan your trip between March and May, when the weather is more pleasant and fewer tourists are expected. However, be aware that June and August are the busiest months for the city, as many Europeans take to the beaches in this time of the year. In contrast, December and January are quieter, and most museums are closed during these months.
Antwerp is a lively city with a mix of historic and modern life. It is home to the famous Diamond District, where 70 percent of the world’s rough diamonds are traded. However, art is everywhere, and you’ll find plenty of examples in the Cathedral of Our Lady and Saint Paul’s Church, which combine Gothic and baroque styles. If you have time to spare, take the time to visit these monuments if you’re in the area.
Ypres
Ypres is a major town in the western Flanders region and is a major site of World War I losses. Throughout the city, you can visit memorials and war museums. Many important buildings were ruined during the conflict, but Belgians have managed to restore many of these sites. If you visit the city in the winter, you can explore multiple shopping areas. The city also hosts a renowned Christmas market.
Mons is the historical capital of Belgium. Mons is located on southeastern hillsides, and its quaint townhouses showcase Luxembourgish and Germanic designs. The city center is centered around the Grand Place Square, and the town hall is adorned with a Baroque belfry. Regardless of how you decide to spend your vacation in Belgium, you’ll be sure to have a wonderful time.
Ypres is one of the most fascinating and historically significant sites in all of Belgium. This city has an abundance of historic sites and museums that will awe even the most seasoned traveler. Whether you’re planning a solo trip or a group of friends, you’ll love this country’s varied landscapes and cultural attractions. From romantic destinations like Ypres, to family-friendly cities such as Brussels and Antwerp, to military history buffs, you’re sure to find something that suits your interests.
The Hoge Kempen National Park
If you’re looking for a scenic spot in the country, consider visiting The Hoge Kempen National Park in Belgium. The park is filled with hundreds of kilometers of hiking and cycling trails, and has distance markers along the way for those interested in running. The park is easy to reach by Eurotunnel, which takes just 35 minutes from Folkestone.
The Hoge Kempen National Park is a unique nature reserve that was opened in 2006. The area protects five hundred and seven hundred hectares of heathland and timberland. The park is easily accessible by car, trains, and public transit. There are information kiosks and restrooms, and the park does not have any fences or gates. This makes it a great place for hiking and camping, as well as sightseeing.
The park is home to some of the country’s most stunning wildlife. Wild boars and other animals roam freely in this beautiful, untouched area. The park is also home to foxes and roe deer. While the forest has been surrounded by urban centers, the peaceful, natural setting here provides a perfect retreat for the entire family.
Leuven
You may want to visit Leuven if you love history. The Gothic Stadhuis, the Grand Beguinage, and the Old Market Square are a few of the city’s historic sites. Then, you can explore the abbey and its grounds, which are home to the country’s oldest botanical garden and tropical conservatory. In case you’re feeling adventurous, you might try renting a Hololens and reliving the history of the city.
There are many reasons to visit Leuven, starting with its unique history. It has the oldest botanical garden in Belgium and many green gems. You can spend the day touring the city or stay overnight to experience all that it has to offer. This way, you’ll have more time to explore the city. If you’re looking for a small, charming city to spend some time, Leuven is the perfect destination.
The Old Square is a buzzing hub of activity in Leuven. It has the highest concentration of pubs and restaurants in Leuven, and the square is dotted with terrace seating. The city has a history of city markets, and its Oude Markt Square boasts 42 bars, including one that has a view of the Grand Place. You can also spend the evening at the city’s famous beer hall.
Brussels
The Grand Place is the central square of the Old Town. This is where you can visit the imposing Brussels Town Hall, and a wide variety of historic Guild Houses. Rue de l’Etuve is also the site of the famous Mannekin Pis statue. And, don’t miss Saint-Michel Cathedral, which was completed in 1225 and has twin towers and stunning stained-glass windows.
You’ll find an abundance of museums and galleries in the capital city of the country, and it’s the seat of European politics. Everyone sends their representatives to Brussels – it’s the European Union’s capital, after all. And, of course, if you’re a fan of Belgian chocolate and beer, you’ll enjoy a visit to this cosmopolitan city.
The city is also home to the Wood of Peace, a dense forest of trees that commemorates the Ardennes battle. You can visit this ancient citadel to take a canal boat tour, or enjoy a museum focusing on the history of the city. There’s also an impressive collection of art and architecture in the town itself. And if you’re looking for something a bit more modern, try the charming town of Bruges.