10 Best Places to Visit in Belgium

Belgium serves as the quintessence of European charm with its blend of historical elegance and contemporary flair. Picture yourself meandering through centuries-old rooftops and alongside serene canals, a scene straight out of a medieval tapestry. This country captivates with its slower pace of life, where locals radiate warmth and a welcoming spirit. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of fashionable urban centers dotted with designer boutiques and cutting-edge galleries, or the enchanting cobblestone alleys adorned with history and culinary delights, Belgium’s treasure trove of destinations caters to all manners of travelers seeking a memorable holiday.

As you craft your Belgian escapade, indulge in a rich tapestry of experiences that span from savoring the world’s finest beer to succumbing to the temptation of exquisite chocolate. Belgium is not just a haven for the epicurean; it’s a land soaked in culture and history, offering a plethora of sights for curious explorers. Every location is replete with its own narrative, from bustling city life to the tranquility of quaint hamlets. Embarking on a journey through the best places to visit in Belgium is about uncovering these stories, delving into local life, and creating a mosaic of unforgettable impressions that resonate long after the trip has concluded.

1. Exploring Mons

Venture into Mons, the heart of Hainaut province, and hear the enchanting chimes from the town’s esteemed Belfry; its bells resonate from the lofty 80-meter-high tower. Meander through the serpentine streets to find an architectural tapestry that seamlessly blends designs from various eras. Take note of the Gothic splendor of the Mons Town Hall, a true visual delight. Don’t miss the opportunity to gaze upon the exquisite 16th-century alabaster sculptures by Jacques Du Broeucq, housed within the Sainte-Waudru Collegiate Church. Be sure to experience a touch of artistic genius at the Van Gogh House, where you can immerse in the master’s compelling reproductions.

2. Discovering Dinant

Nestled on the meandering banks of the Meuse River, Dinant invites you with its serene waters and is just a stone’s throw away—65 km south—from the bustling Brussels. Subterranean marvels await at the Caves of Han and the captivating Grotto of Dinant, hidden within a verdant wildlife reserve teeming with natural splendor.

Landmarks & Attractions:

• The Collegiate Church of Notre Dame: Witness resilience in stone, with a history marked by reconstruction after a devastating landslide.
• The Citadel of Dinant: Perched with an eagle’s eye view, the restored fortress that watches over Dinant offers a glimpse into past sagas.
• Exploration Tips:
  • Schedule a visit to the city’s sanctuaries; while appointments are needed for most, the Sanctuary of Beauraing welcomes you every day.

Breathe in the city’s heritage as you uncover the rich tapestry of history and nature that Dinant weaves effortlessly.

3. Exploring the Vibrant Heart of Leuven

In the essence of Leuven, you’ll discover a city that resonates with a youthful spirit, thanks to a significant student population from the world’s oldest existing Catholic university. Imagine a locale where erudite vigor fuses perfectly with historical richness.

• Venture through Leuven’s vitality by walking down streets brimming with eclectic shops and art havens.
• Behold the heights of St. Peter’s Church Belfry, a magnificent structure that bestows panoramic views.
• Traverse the cobblestones to the Grand Beguinage, a relic of times past with an almost tangible narrative stitched into its fabric.

The Grote Market forms the pulsing core of Leuven, an arena where Gothic grandeur meets gastronomy. Here, appetite and architecture intertwine:

• Sit side by side with locals at street-side pubs and cafes.
• Awe at the City Hall, an edifice that encapsulates the city’s flamboyant historical charm.

Beyond the bustle, Leuven offers a strategic gateway, allowing for easy voyages through Belgium’s diverse landscapes. It stands not just as a city, but as a crossroads of culture, tradition, and the undiscovered.

4. Discover Tournai’s Timeless Beauty

Tucked away near the French border, Tournai invites you to escape the frantic pace of larger cities and immerse yourself in over two millennia of historical grandeur. Here, you can marvel at the Notre Dame Cathedral, a jewel of architecture with its impressive melding of Gothic and Romanesque styles, featuring five striking towers. Wander its sacred aisles to find the Shrine of Our Lady adorned with art by masters such as Ruvens and Jordaens.

Do not miss the chance to ascend the nation’s oldest belfry; a breathtaking climb of 257 steps rewards you with unrivaled vistas of Tournai’s scenic spread. For art aficionados, the Museum of Fine Arts is a treasure trove, showcasing works that span from Campin’s primitive brilliance to Van Gogh’s swirling visions. Each visit to this charming locale is a step through the vibrant tapestry of Belgium’s rich cultural heritage.

See Related: Largest Lakes in the World

5. Exploring Mechelen

In the heart of Flanders, Mechelen quietly boasts its wealth of attractions. Unlike the well-trodden paths of Belgium’s famed cities, Mechelen greets you with a more serene charm. Here’s what you can immerse yourself in:

• Climb St. Rombout: Ascend the cathedral tower for breathtaking vistas encompassing the Antwerp Port.
• Beguinage Brewery: Sample local brews where tradition meets taste.
• River Adventures: Embark on a boat tour, a different vantage point on Mechelen’s beauty.
• Carillon School: Witness or hear the rare artistry of bell music, learned and perfected here.

6. Ardennes

In the heart of Belgium, Ardennes awaits with its dense forests, captivating caves, and soaring cliffs. Here’s what to catch:

• Outdoor Adventures: The landscape is a haven for hiking, biking, and camping enthusiasts.
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for wild boar, deer, and the elusive lynx that call these woods home.
• Heritage Sites: Visit the majestic Bouillon Castle and the subterranean wonder of Han-sur-Lesse caves.
• Local Life: Meander through welcoming villages steeped in charm.
• Unique Attractions: Don’t miss the modern Labyrinth of Barvaux for an enchanting experience.

Namur, with its own array of attractions, serves as the perfect gateway for exploring the Ardennes region.

7. Antwerp: A Tapestry of Diamonds and Baroque Splendor

Discover the City

• Diamond District: Heart of global diamond trade; over 70% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through this vibrant quarter.
• Artistic Legacy: Revel in baroque at the Ruebenshuis, and explore the history of printing at the Plantin Moretus Museum.
• Architectural Wonders: The Cathedral of Our Lady, dating back to 1351, showcases Gothic grandeur, while Saint Paul’s Church offers a stunning blend of Gothic and Baroque styles.

Notable Highlights

• Cathedral of Our Lady: Marvel at its gothic architecture and its towering presence since the 14th century.
• Saint Paul’s Church: A striking display where baroque and gothic designs intertwine.
• Art Enthusiasts: Ruebenshuis offers an immersion into Peter Paul Ruebens’ baroque masterpieces.

As you navigate through Antwerp’s bustling streets, you’ll experience a city bridging the historical with the contemporary. Savor local brews and cuisine that are as much a part of the adventure as the sights. Let the city’s casual elegance entice you as you unearth both its monumental and its intimate charms. With each step, Antwerp invites you to partake in its storied past and dynamic present.

8. Discovering Ghent’s Timeless Charm

As you wander through Ghent’s cobbled streets, you’re stepping along paths once trod by medieval merchants, whose affluence shaped this enduring cityscape. Imagine the grandeur of Ghent in its heyday, second only to Paris in splendor. Today, that legacy is etched into the splendid facades along Graslei, a picturesque harbor where history seems to pause.

Enveloped by the authenticity of the restored city center, marvel at the monumental cathedrals and the stoic presence of the Gravensteen, a fortress that encapsulates the might of Ghent’s storied past. Embrace this living museum, a tribute to the city’s prosperous era as a European powerhouse.

See Related: Largest Aquariums in the World

9. Unveiling Brussels

In the heart of Belgium lies Brussels, a city that seamlessly blends historic allure with its role as the de facto capital of the European Union. The Grand Place is the pulsing core, a storied square originating from the 13th century, encircled by terrace cafes where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

• Grand Place: A historic masterpiece and the central hub of activity
• Town Hall: Admire the intricate Gothic architecture framing the skyline
• Galeries St. Hubert: A haven for shoppers with its elegant glass ceiling

Settle into a local café, and watch the ebb and flow of daily life, or indulge in the luxury of shopping amidst the grandeur of Galeries St. Hubert. While meandering, take a moment to gaze at the Gothic splendor of the Town Hall, an architectural testament to Brussels’ storied past.

10. Exploring Bruges

A Glimpse into the Heart of Belgium

Bruges stands as a testament to medieval Flanders, its streets a tableau of the region’s rich history and thriving present. In this northwest pocket of Belgium, every cobblestone, canal, and church speaks to the city’s former glory as a nexus of art and commerce. The essence of Bruges is best captured on foot, wandering through the Old Town where time seems to stand still amidst the Gothic and Romanesque splendors.

Unlocking the mysteries of this storied enclave reveals architectural jewels like the steepled Church of Our Lady, where a piece of Renaissance Italy hides—a Madonna by Michelangelo. Equally stirring is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, where a relic steeped in devout legend resides. Beyond the shadow of these spiritual guardians, the Belfry of Markt Square dares you to climb its heights, rewarding the intrepid with sweeping vistas of the city’s age-old beauty.

In pursuit of the finer things, venture into opulent edifices like Gruuthuse Mansion or Saint John’s Hospital, a medieval sanctuary that speaks to centuries of care. Your cultural pilgrimage through Bruges isn’t complete without diving into museums that unfurl the tapestry of local traditions and showcase Flemish masters of the brush.

Along the way, indulge in the artisanal treasures Bruges offers. Fine chocolates, robust Belgian brews, and delicate lacework beckon from boutique shops, while the charm of a canal cruise or horse-drawn carriage infuses your visit with enchantment.

Belgium’s Canvas

Beyond the intimate boundaries of Bruges, behold the grand palette of Belgium. A map not merely of places but of times, stories, and flavors waiting to be discovered.

Related Resources: 

• Best Travel Sites for Hotels: Find the Cheapest Deals
• Best Travel Sites to Save Money and Travel More
• Best AI Travel Tools & Resources to Plan Your Trip
• How to Find the Perfect Travel Destination