Belgium

Travel Guide
Belgium featuring a square or plaza
The land of chocolate and lace, this bilingual country is famous for its medieval towns, its cobblestoned streets and its frothy beer.

Small though it may be, Belgium manages to pack in an astonishing number of historic sights and pretty medieval towns. Its quirky capital Brussels could possibly be the country’s most fascinating city. Many residents here speak both French and Dutch, and it is most well-known as being the home of the EU headquarters. Admire the city’s grand architecture and lounge in relaxing cafés.

Wander around Brussels’ Grand Place, an iconic square surrounded by the town hall and over 40 historic guild halls. Sip a beer in one of the cafés that surround the cobblestoned square, or grab a Belgian waffle from the historic tearoom Maison Dandoy, just steps away. Take your photograph next to Manneken Pis, Brussels’ funniest landmark. The bronze statue, depicting a naked little boy peeing, was designed in the early 17th century.

Also in the capital is the Atomium, a unique structure that was created as an icon for the World Fair of Brussels in 1958. Explore the five spheres of the construction, which house a permanent exhibition and a panoramic 360-degree viewing deck.

Other alluring cities in Belgium include Bruges and Ghent, both known for their winding canals. Ghent features the Gothic St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to Hubert and Jan van Eyck’s Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Head to hip Antwerp, Belgium’s second city and biggest port to discover an under-the-radar shopping scene and a plethora of diamond dealerships.

Elsewhere, Belgium’s Flanders Battlefields offer a sobering look into the site of some of World War I’s most terrible battles. Book a multiday tour and visit the original trenches, the Le Trou Aid Post cemetery and the site of the Christmas Day Truce of 1914.

Two main airports service Belgium: Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport, the latter of which is a hub for low-cost airlines. Travel by train between towns and cities, or rent a car to explore the country extensively at your own pace.

If it is grand architecture, laid-back locals and quaint towns you seek, look no further than Belgium.

Popular cities in Belgium

La Grand Place which includes street scenes, a castle and a square or plaza
Brussels
Known for Business, Tours and Museums
This cosmopolitan capital city is a melting pot of languages, cultures and traditions, and the perfect destination for the discerning gourmand.

Reasons to visit

  • La Grand Place
  • Brussels Christmas Market
  • European Union Parliament Building
Cathedral of Our Lady showing a city, a church or cathedral and street scenes
Antwerp
Known for Shopping, Historical and Business
The diamond capital of the world is both historically rich and refreshingly modern, with 16th-century architecture and a thriving avant-garde arts scene.

Reasons to visit

  • Antwerp Market Square
  • Green Square
  • Cathedral of Our Lady
Bruges featuring a church or cathedral, a house and city views
Bruges
Known for Historical, Tours and Chocolate
Medieval architecture, meandering canals and exquisite chocolate and beer: it's no wonder that more than 2 million tourists flock to this Belgian city each year.

Reasons to visit

  • Bruges Market Square
  • Bruges Christmas Market
  • Bruges Belfry
Ghent showing boating and a city
Ghent
Known for Historical, Tours and Art
Stroll through the charming streets, parks and museums of this Flemish city, famous for its preserved medieval center.

Reasons to visit

  • Gravensteen Castle
  • Saint Bavo Cathedral
  • Ghent Town Hall
Royal Opera of Wallonia which includes interior views and theatre scenes
Liege
Known for Historical, Castle and Opera

Reasons to visit

  • Gare de Liege-Guillemins
  • Liege Cathedral
  • Royal Opera of Wallonia
Leuven
Leuven
Known for Bars, Shopping and Historical
Visit the capital of the Flemish province of Brabant and enjoy the convivial atmosphere, the old university and the world famous brewery.

Reasons to visit

  • Leuven Town Hall
  • Arenberg Castle
  • Ladeuze Square

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