10 Must-Do Experiences in Belgium: Chocolate, Comics, Castles, and More

Known for its golden beers, rich chocolates, and fluffy waffles, Belgium lures you with its culinary treasures. However, its allure goes far beyond food.

With more castles per square kilometer than anywhere else in the world, Belgium boasts a complex history and quirky attractions like peeing statues and dinosaur skeletons.

From this vast array, we’ve curated a list of the top sights, activities, and – importantly – flavors to experience in Belgium.

1. Enjoy a beer and discover the art of brewing

Though it's a small nation, Belgium is home to an impressive 417 active breweries, producing everything from monk-crafted Trappist beers to spontaneously fermented sours like gueuze.

Your first encounter with Belgian beer will likely be at a bar, and you can’t go wrong starting at the iconic Délirium Café in Brussels, which boasts over 2000 unique beers.

For a more intimate and authentic experience of the country’s drinking culture, visit Le Coq, Brussels' take on a Flemish “brown café,” characterized by its cozy ambiance and dark-wood decor.

No frills here: just a lengthy selection of classic beers alongside a rotating array of craft brews. Grab a seat – ideally at the counter – and you'll find yourself in conversation with the locals in no time.

2. Experience pure bliss in the form of world-renowned Belgian chocolate

Eating dark chocolate has been scientifically shown to help alleviate depression. Fortunately, Belgians have mastered the art of chocolate making.

In Antwerp, Dominique Persoone’s Chocolate Line will quite literally blow your mind. Known as the “punk chocolatier,” Persoone creates unforgettable treats like his skull-shaped Deadly Delicious pralines (cream or mousse-filled bonbons) that combine forest fruits with hazelnut praline and violet feuillantine. His homage to British culture, Peas and Mint, features a dark chocolate shell filled with chocolate ganache and sourdough infused with mint, all topped with…peas.

Local tip: There's no need to purchase an entire box; simply request a selection of chocolates by the piece.

3. Experience the true flavor of authentic Belgian waffles

No exploration of Belgian cuisine is complete without waffles, which come in two distinct types. The Liège waffle is round and dense, made with caramelized sugar, typically sold at snack stalls or food trucks, and served plain.

In contrast, the Brussels waffle is rectangular, light, and airy, with a slightly crunchy exterior. Its deep pockets are perfect for toppings like powdered sugar, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit.

In Brussels, Le Funambule is renowned for its Liège waffles. Over in the seaside town of Blankenberge, t’Koethuis serves some of the finest Brussels waffles in the country, featuring a slightly caramelized exterior and a rich vanilla flavor. When paired with thick, homemade whipped cream, it’s pure bliss.

4. Discover why they deserve the title “Belgian fries” – and don’t skimp on the sauce

Fries (or chips, as our British friends call them) are celebrated in Belgium, with nearly every town boasting its own fry stand. No matter where you are, you’re guaranteed some of the tastiest fries in the world. The secret? They’re made fresh, never frozen, and twice-fried in beef fat rather than oil.

This technique results in fries that are extra crispy and golden on the outside while remaining tender inside, with a slightly meaty flavor that makes them utterly irresistible. Enhance them further with a delightful dipping sauce: traditional mayonnaise or ketchup, or try the distinctly Belgian andalouse, a mayo-and-tomato sauce with pepper and chili.

Local tip: At Friterie Tabora in Brussels, you can choose from over 30 different sauces, ensuring you find your perfect pairing.

5. Enjoy a meal on a tram while watching the sights of Brussels unfold

It may be a bit on the expensive side, but the Tram Experience offers one of the most unique dining adventures you’ll ever encounter.

As you ride on an old-fashioned tram, you’ll glide through the streets of Brussels, indulging in a fine dining experience crafted by celebrated chefs, including renowned talents like Giovanni Bruno, Mallory Gabsi (famous from Top Chef France), and Tomayasu Kamo.

6. Explore the depths of Belgium’s museums – beginning with the dinosaurs

Whether you’re into art, technology, music, history, military affairs, or toys, one of Belgium’s over 1000 museums is bound to captivate you.

If you’re traveling with children, kick off your visit at the Museum of Natural Sciences, home to its star attraction: the skeletons of 30 iguanodons, a dinosaur species first uncovered in the Bernissart coal mine.

These massive specimens inhabit a gallery designed to accommodate their size (iguanodons could reach heights of up to 10m/33ft), making it the largest dinosaur exhibit in Europe. You can’t help but feel tiny in their presence.

Don’t miss other highlights at this museum, including the stunning Gallery of Evolution, which also serves as an event venue, and the Gallery of Humankind, which chronicles the evolution of our species.

7. Cycle through the land of Eddy Merckx

Get ready to ride in the homeland of cycling legend Eddy Merckx. Biking here is truly enjoyable, particularly in Flanders, where the terrain is mostly flat.

Whether you bring your own bike or choose to rent one (major city train stations have a Blue Bike rental kiosk), both Wallonia and Flanders are connected by a network of cycling 'nodes.' This system of numbered points helps cyclists navigate safe and scenic routes, allowing for personalized adventures.

For a guided experience, consider following one of the 12 Flanders fields routes to explore World War I sites. Belgium was a battleground for some of the war's most intense fighting, resulting in over a million casualties from 50 nations.

Planning tip: The Legacy route leads you through the site of the devastating Battle of Passchendaele in 1917, as well as the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917.

8. Discover the quirky relief statues of Brussels

Brussels’ most iconic figure is Manneken Pis (the “little peeing boy”). This bronze statue has adorned the city's streets since 1619, although the current version is a replica; the original is housed at the Brussels City Museum.

This mischievous little character even has a wardrobe, with over 1000 costumes donated by visitors throughout the years. No trip to Brussels is complete without a visit to him.

Since Manneken is located near the Grand Place, you'll find him surrounded by crowds of tourists—he's hard to miss! But did you know he has a little sister? Jeanneke Pis can be found in front of Delirium Café, perpetually squatting to relieve herself, while Zinneke Pis features a dog urinating on a post.

9. Embrace your castle obsession

Belgium is home to a wealth of castles, ranging from medieval to early 20th-century styles. Bouillon Castle, located in the Ardennes, is one of the oldest, with origins tracing back to 988.

Ghent’s magnificent Gravensteen, once the stronghold of the counts of Flanders, exemplifies medieval Belgian architecture. However, the romantic allure and splendor of Château de Beloeil in Hainaut may be unmatched.

Featuring vast French gardens and a rich history, the château, dating back to the 15th century, has been adorned and rebuilt multiple times by the de Ligne family, who continue to inhabit the estate.

The castle's grandeur is reflected in its impressive collection of artworks, including paintings, tapestries, antique Chinese vases, exquisite furniture, and a library boasting 20,000 volumes.

10. Dive into Belgium’s vibrant comic-book scene

Since comics emerged, Belgium has embraced this art form with enthusiasm, producing a wealth of creative works. You've likely heard of Tintin and the Smurfs, but Belgian comics extend far beyond these beloved characters.

Wander the streets of Brussels on a free, self-guided comic-book walking tour. Various routes highlight the city's beautiful comic book murals. For a deeper exploration of comics culture, stop by the Comics Art Museum, a true gem celebrating Belgian comic book artists both historical and contemporary.

Planning tip: The museum is located in a stunning art nouveau building crafted by renowned Belgian architect Victor Horta. Be sure to check out the charming café within the museum as well.