Best Places to Visit in Belgium

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Last Updated on April 5, 2024

an ornate square at night in one of the places to visit in Belgium — Brussels’ La Grand Place, one of the top places to visit in Belgium / photos: Jim Ferri, unless otherwise noted

Don’t let Belgium’s relatively small size fool you. It has more to do per square mile than most other places on earth. And best of all for the traveler, it’s a comparatively easy place to get around and English is widely spoken.

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

Updated for 2023

By Jim Ferri

Despite it being one of the most popular and beautiful countries in Europe, Belgium confuses many travelers.

two women in a chocolate shop, one of the top places to visit in Belgium — Dumon Artisanale Chocolatier, Bruges

The crux of the problem, as it often is, is political.

The country is divided into two ethnic regions, Dutch-speaking Flanders to the north and French-speaking Wallonia to the south.

An imaginary east-west line that bisects the country at Brussels, divides the two regions. Consequently, Brussels is a city claimed by both the Flemish and the Walloons.

Although this is a major political conundrum for the Belgians, for the traveler it’s inconsequential.

Just forget the politics. In other words, focus instead on the cornucopia of culture, historical places and beautiful towns and cities throughout the country. And enjoy the best places to visit in Belgium.

people looking at a painting in one of the places to visit in Belgium — The Groeninge Museum, Bruges

A Cornucopia of Culture and Cuisine

Visit Brussels, the self-proclaimed “Capital of Europe,” and wander around the magnificent Grande Place. See great museums such as the Magritte, dedicated to Belgium’s famous surrealist painter.

Cathedral in Ghents, one of the top places to visit in Belgium — The “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” Ghent

Also, cruise the canals and walk the lanes of popular and beautiful Bruges and Ghent. You’ll find that both cities are easy day trips by train from Brussels.

Also be sure to visit such treasures as Liege and Spa (luring spa-goers since the 14^th century). In addition, historic Bastogne, made famous by the Battle of the Bulge in WWII.

Since cuisine is as highly regarded as the masterpieces in its museums, you’ll certainly eat well wherever you go.

If you’re up north in Flanders in August, you can get a Taste of Antwerp at Belgium’s largest culinary festival. Also visit Oostduinkerke on the Flemish coast for the shrimp festival in June. You can see a listing of the best European Food Festivals here.

Just remember that “If It’s Tuesday This Must Be Belgium” was a comedic spoof of American travelers. It was not a suggested itinerary for the rest of us.

a festival with tall puppets in one of the places to visit in Belgium — A festival in Brussels’ La Grand Place

Brussels, Belgium’s Capital

Brussels is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s must-see destinations. Moreover, located in the heart of Europe, it’s easily accessible by air or high-speed rail from neighboring countries. Obviously, it’s also one of the best places to visit in Belgium. But it’s also a good place to make connections with other places in Europe.

outdoof restaurants on an old city street in Belgium — Restaurants on Rue des Bouchers, Brussels

It’s an international metropolis – a mosaic of languages and cultures – and the home of the EU, NATO and myriad organizations. English is widely spoken, making it a great place for even a novice French-speaker to get by without an issue.

Brussels is a classic European city with small-town charm and cosmopolitan attractions. Among its most celebrated attractions is La Grand Place, a 13^th century UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arguably, it’s Europe’s most beautiful medieval square. If you’re a chocoholic make your way to Place du Grand Sablon and its numerous chocolate shops. You’ll also find that Brussels is a great food city.

Just a short walk from the Grand Place is the Mannekin Pis, a small bronze statue of a little boy relieving himself. The statue, a good example of Belgium’s sense of humor, is dressed in diffrent costumes to mark various occasions, anniversaries or events.

ornate fronts of old buidings in one of the places to visit in Belgium — Historical buildings in Antwerp

A Great Place to Visit: Antwerp, Belgium’s “Capital of Cool”

Known for vibrant nightlife, funky bars and restaurants and festivals, Belgians see Antwerp as the “capital of cool.”

The Antwerp Fashion Academy produced a group of avant-garde designers who made a big splash on the fashion scene in the 1980’s. Consequently, they became known as “The Antwerp Six.” Nowadays, the Academy continues to churn out new, hot talent.

If shopping is not your thing, discover the compact center of Antwerp. It juxtaposes beautiful medieval buildings with modern architectural landmarks. You’ll find plenty historic buildings, as well as the biggest diamond center in the world.

Antwerp is an art-loving city with which the name Rubens is eternally linked. Still, more than 400 years after the birth of this brilliant painter, it’s still possible to see the extent to which Rubens left his mark on the city. You can cap your visit off with a taste of the city’s funky nightlife.

The Markt of Bruges, in use since 958 AD

Bruges, One of Belgium’s Most Popular Cities

The historic center of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is closed to cars, making it easily explored on foot. It’s an impressive city, stunningly beautiful and culturally active, that you can also explore by boat along quiet canals.

Actually, you can do it well also by horse-drawn carriage. For many travelers, it’s one of the best places to visit in Belgium, if not all of Europe.

Although Bruges is small, it’s filled to the brim with architectural and artistic treasures, folklore, chocolate shops and lace boutiques. Moreover, there’s no lack of fine restaurants. All these things make Bruges a great place for an low-season vacation.

One popular place in the city is The Beguinages, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s the home of the nuns of the order of Saint Benedict. Another is the Halve Maan Brewery, a family-owned brewery, and creator of the famous ‘Brugse Zot’ beer. If you’re on a budget buy the discount Bruges City Card or tour the countryside outside the city by bicycle.

Ghent, An Elegant City and Great Place to Visit in Belgium

Ask a Belgian where they like to travel within their country, many will tell you about the city of Ghent. Belgium’s third largest city, with most of its town center closed to cars, it’s best best explored by foot. Of course, there’s also the possibility of bicycles, or by boat along its elegant canals.

Ghent is an unassuming, un-touristy city filled with university students, linger-as-long-as-you-like cafes, well-priced restaurants and vibrant energy.

It’s a city with great mustard, Stropke beer (which is Flemish for noose), and the ten-day Ghent Celebrations. The latter occurs every July and the city goes all out with theater performances, concerts, singing, dancing, and drinking.

Ghent boasts boasts an Opera House, 18 museums, 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings. The most visited site in the city is St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home of the famous and beautiful polyptych, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painted by the brothers Jan and Hubert van Eyck in 1432.

While you’re in Belgium don’t miss visiting little Luxembourg, or possibly make an easy side-trip to Amsterdam or cross the border to Normandy in France. You’ll love them all.

The walkway up to the Liege Citadel / photo: Visitez Liège

Liege, A Historical City

Liege, the largest French-speaking city in Belgium after Brussels, is a historical city that sits on the Meuse River. You can reach it by rail from Brussels in 1 hour; Maastricht, Holland in 20 minutes; Paris in 2 hours.

modern architecture near old buildings in Belgium — Old Liege seen from the modern rail station

Dating back to Charlemagne, Liege is a treasure trove of historical sites and celebrated collections.

Sitting on the Meuse River is the Grand Curtius, home to the prestigious archaeology, decorative arts, religious and Mosan art museums, a glass museum as well as the famous weaponry museum. It’s firmly embedded as one of the places you should visit in Belgium.

From the center of the city you can walk up a winding path of 374 steps up to the citadel of Liege, high above the city. There enjoy an incredible view. Just outside the city, visitors have easy access to the Blegny mines and the Henri Chapelle American Military Cemetery, the largest in Belgium.

Spa, the “Pearl of the Ardennes”

Less than an hour from Liege is the City of Spa, a picturesque Belgian town that’s given its name to all spas worldwide. That alone should be one of the reasons it’s one of the places to visit in Belgium.

an ornate old building in Belgium — Historic Spa, Belgium

Nestled in a wooded valley surrounded by rolling hills and countless rivers and springs, it’s often referred to as the “Pearl of the Ardennes.”

People have traveled to Spa for its healing hot spring water treatments since the 14^th century. But it wasn’t until the 18^th century that it became a resort town.

It’s also home to the world first casino, built in 1763 to cater to visitors. Today, it hosts one of the most important and fun annual music festivals in Belgium’s French-speaking region, the Francopholies.

Formula 1 racing fans may be familiar with Spa because it is home to the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack, the most scenic in the circuit, and the host of the Grand Prix each year at the end of August.

Namur, An Impressive Fortified Town

Just one hour by car or train from Brussels, Namur is the capital of Belgium’s French-speaking region. Sitting on the bank of the Meuse River, this impressive fortified town is surrounded by one of Europe’s largest ancient citadels. It was first built during the 3^rd and 4^th centuries, and later reconstructed during the 13^th and 14^th.

a river below a castle — The Meuse River in Namur

Just outside Namur, the towns of Dinant and Wepion offer wonderful day trips. During the summer months, Wepion produces juicy and flavorful strawberries and strawberry stands from local farmers line the streets selling the fresh fruit.

Further down the road, Dinant is sandwiched between the Meuse River and its citadel, originally built in 1051.

You can spend a day visiting the waterfalls of the Grotto of Dinant or the Sanctuary of Beauraing, then grab a table at one of the local cafés while taking in the views of the river.

Historic Bastogne

In this town close to the Luxembourg border, thousands of American soldiers died in WWII’s “Battle of the Bulge.” On the Grand Place of Bastogne there’s a Sherman Tank from the 11^th US Armored Division and just outside town, you’ll find the Mardasson Memorial, which also honors the American fallen.

a girl looking at an army tank — Bastogne’s Grand Place

Also, outside Bastogne is the Wood of Peace, a forest of 4,000 trees planted for the 50^th anniversary of the historic battle.

It’s dedicated to the American veterans who fought in the Ardennes, Belgian combatants, and all the civilians and soldiers who died in the winter of 1944-45.

Every veteran who returned to Bastogne in 1994 chose a tree, which will always bear his name. The Wood of Peace design, only visible from above, is laid out in the image of the UNICEF emblem: a mother and child, the symbol of human tenderness.

Mons, Rich in Tradition

Located just 1 hour from Brussels, Mons is rich in history and tradition, a prime reason it’s one of the best places to visit in Belgium. The town hall building on the Grand Place of Mons, constructed between 1458 and 1477, has a Belfry, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

an old European public square — Historic Mons

The city’s most important annual event, the Ducasse de Mons or the Doudou, dates back to 1349 and the Fraternity of Saint George.

Each June, the city fills with visitors who watch the reenactment of Saint George slaying the Dragon. As the dragon swings its tail at the crowd, spectators try to grab the tail and pull out its hair and ribbons, both of which bring good luck.

Van Gogh also spent some time near Mons before moving on to Provence. His house, an authentic and preserved environment, houses a permanent exhibition of reproductions and an audio-visual show in various languages.

Mechelen and Its Church Bells

an old European castle — Historic Mechelen

Mechelen, a small and picturesque city of quaint shops and car-free areas, was once the capital of present-day Belgium and Holland.

Today it’s reknown for its carillon school. That’s where students from all over the world come to learn to play church bells. In fact, one of the most pleasant experiences in Mechelen is to sit in an outdoor café sipping while listening to bell music drifting through the streets.

Mechelen has more than 300 listed buildings and monuments including eight gothic and baroque churches from the 14^th–17^th centuries. It also has a Toy Museum, a children’s farm and, for those a bit older, the Anker, one of the oldest operating breweries in Belgium.

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