Although Belgium is a relatively small country there is a lot to see and do, and it’s surprisingly easy to get around from one place to another. Belgium is best known for its top-notch chocolate, beer, architecture, and museums and its diverse cities are rich in intriguing history and local tradition. Belgium is divided into two ethnic regions: Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north and French-speaking Wallonia to the south. With Brussels situated in the middle, Belgium’s cities and villages are worth several days of exploration. These are a few of the best things to see and do while visiting Belgium.
Explore the Capital City of Brussels
What Is It? For many visitors, Brussels is the most logical place to start when visiting Belgium for the first time.
Why Do It? Brussels has a diverse mix of cultures, historical landmarks, and cosmopolitan attractions. One of the most popular monuments here is the Grand Palace, which was built as a 13th-century merchant market and serves as a city center today.
Good to Know: There are many museums to explore in Brussels, including the Magritte Museum and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. You can often find local festivals and events at the Grand Palace during the summer and Christmas season.
Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral in Tournai
What Is It? One of the most impressive Gothic architecture buildings in Belgium is the Notre Dame Cathedral in Tournai.
Why Do It? This cathedral was built in the early 12th century and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can see the influences of cultures from French, Normandy, and Rhineland in this cathedral, as well as 700-year-old murals and ancient paintings.
Good to Know: The cathedral is open to the public throughout the year during select hours and is free to enter.
Take a Boat Ride in Ghent
What Is It? You can experience Belgium like the locals do in Ghent. Like many other cities in Belgium, Ghent has lots of cathedrals, Gothic architecture, and historical buildings to explore and photograph.
Why Do It? Ghent can be explored on foot, by bike, or perhaps best by boat. Elegant canals line the city of Ghent and provide a romantic backdrop for a relaxing day or evening
Good to Know: This is a great place to sample the local Flemish cuisine and attend a festival. The Ghent Festival celebrates music and theater for 10 days each July.
Live a Fairy Tale in Chateaux
What Is It? Chateaux is located in the province of Namur in the French Wallonia region. Here you’ll find gently rolling hills, villages made of stone, and dramatic castles.
Why Do It? Belgium has no shortage of fairy tale castles, and Chateaux is one of the best places to indulge in your childhood fantasies of kings, queens, and knights.
Good to Know: While visiting this area, be sure to see the Castle of Veves, which dates back to the early 1400s, and the Castle of Lavaux-Ste Anne, which is representative of Belgian life in the 17th and 18th centuries. Both of these castles are open to the public.
Get Creative in Antwerp
What Is It? Antwerp is known throughout Belgium for its vibrant art scene, nightlife, and unique festivals.
Why Do It? As you walk around Antwerp, you’ll notice Medieval architecture situated next to modern structures, which adds to the city’s old-meets-new charm. For instance, you can visit the Cathedral of our Lady, built in 1351, and Antwerp’s Red Light District both in one day!
Good to Know: The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is a good place to start. Antwerp is also significant in the fashion industry, so there are plenty of designer shops to browse here too.
Sample Chocolate in Bruges
What Is It? Many of the chocolate shops in Belgium have been in business for over a century, and Belgian chocolate continues to be a favorite treat around the world.
Why Do It? There are at least 50 chocolate shops just in the town of Bruges, as well as a chocolate museum to explore and learn more about this delicious tradition.
Good to Know: To get the full chocolate experience, you can book a tour with a local chocolate expert to visit the best shops in town and receive plenty of samples.
Eat Mussels and Fries in Brussels
What Is It? Gastronomy is a big deal in Belgium, and it would be a pity not to try one of the most popular local favorites, moules frites.
Why Do It? Also known as mussels and fries, this national dish is affordable, easy to find, and a treat for the senses. Some of the best restaurants that serve mussels and fries are in Brussels, including Chez Leon and Royal Brasserie.
Good to Know: For something a little different, some trendy restaurants have begun serving up creative twists on this old favorite as well.
Photograph Gothic Architecture around the Country
What Is It? Ghent has several Gothic churches from the 13th century, the Medieval fortress called Gravensteen, and Castle of the Counts. Brussels has lots of Gothic architecture as well including the town hall, which dates back to the 13th century.
Why Do It? There is so much Gothic architecture in Belgium that it’s impossible to focus on just one city, but seeing some of the country’s historical treasures is a must.
Good to Know: Make sure to visit Tournai to see the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, which was built in the first half of the 12th century.
Take a Belgian Beer Tour
What Is It? The best place to start a beer tour in Belgium is in Brussels and stops at Chimay, the Maredsous Abbey, and Achouffe Brewery are musts for beer lovers.
Why Do It? You can taste Belgian beer in places all around the world, but it’s just simply better to drink it at the source.
Good to Know: There are more than 700 different varieties of Belgian beer to choose from, many of which are brewed by Trappist monks.
Hike the Ardennes Hills
What Is It? One of the best places to take a canoe or kayak out on the water is the Ourthe River between Durbuy and Barvaux. You can hire an experienced outdoor guide to take you to the best paddling spots, including the Lesse River, which is open all year long.
Why Do It? The landscapes in Belgium’s Ardennes Hills are varied and the temperatures are mild. This combination makes it a perfect spot for outdoor adventure! This is the place to go for whitewater rafting, rock climbing, camping, mountain biking, and hiking.
Good to Know: If hiking is more your speed, head to the scenic Houfallize, Ortho, and Erezee-Manhay in the Ardennes area.
Relax in the Town of Spa
What Is It? For rest and relaxation, make a point to visit Belgium’s city of Spa and get pampered at Les Thermes de Spa, which combines modern wellness with traditional hydrotherapy.
Why Do It? Les Thermes de Spa has over 8,000 square feet of 90-degree swimming pools with waters drawn from the Clementine spring, which is known for natural minerals that soothe the skin and body. There’s really no better way to end your trip to Belgium!
Good to Know: People have been traveling to Spa with this goal since the 14th century to soak in soothing hot springs waters and experience rejuvenating spa treatments.
