Top 8 places to discover in Belgium

While many travelers favor neighboring countries like France and the Netherlands, Belgium remains one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Its rich history has created a linguistically and culturally diverse landscape, yet its compact size allows for easy travel between destinations.

With delightful fries, exquisite chocolate, beautiful medieval towns, and lively art and fashion scenes, Belgium offers a wealth of experiences. Here are the top places to explore.

1. Brussels

Ideal for shopping, museums, and street food

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the headquarters of the EU and NATO, stands out as one of Europe’s most culturally diverse cities.

Art enthusiasts can easily dedicate an entire day to exploring the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, which encompasses six distinct museums, including the essential Magritte Museum, the Boghossian Foundation at Villa Empain, and the contemporary Center for Fine Arts, often known as BOZAR.

The city boasts stunning architectural gems like the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, and the magnificent Maison Cauchie, which is available for tours on select weekends with prior reservations.

Discover some of the finest and most budget-friendly vintage shopping at the Brussels flea markets, especially the daily open-air antique market located in Place du Jeu-de-Balle, along with the boutiques in the Sablon district.

Planning tip: If you’re a food and drink enthusiast, Brussels is a must-visit to savor Belgium’s culinary treasures. Délirium Café is a popular, bustling bar boasting over 2000 varieties of beer, including the renowned Trappist selections. Close by, you’ll find outdoor kiosks known as frietkot (snack stands) where you can indulge in frieten—fries served in a paper cone with your favorite sauce. For dessert, don’t miss out on the exquisite Belgian chocolate from Pierre Marcolini and the delightful Brussels-style waffles at Maison Dandoy.

Begin shaping your budget for Belgium with these helpful tips.

2. Namur Province

Ideal for forts, nature, and scenic river views

Often referred to as the “Land of Valleys,” the landlocked province of Namur in the Wallonia region is characterized by its rivers, cliffs, rolling farmlands, and the verdant Ardennes forests.

With its postcard-perfect charm and a formidable citadel overlooking limestone cliffs, Dinant makes for an ideal day trip. Wander through the town, take a river cruise, ride the cable car to the fortress for breathtaking views, and relax at a café while savoring local delights like Couque de Dinant, a hard biscuit available in various shapes. Made from equal parts wheat flour and honey, it’s a durable treat perfect for souvenirs.

For an unforgettable dining experience, visit Liernu, a quaint town exuding tranquility. Here lies L’air du Temps, a fine-dining establishment set in a beautifully restored farmhouse surrounded by 5 hectares of private gardens. Most dishes are crafted from garden-fresh ingredients, often highlighting local specialties like the sustainable Petits-Gris de Namur snails from Wallonia.

Just a short distance away is the city of Namur, the capital of both the province and the region. This laid-back city features one of Europe’s largest citadels and the adults-only Musée Félicien Rops, showcasing the life and works of the provocative 19th-century Belgian artist.

3. Bruges

Ideal for leisurely strolls and romantic getaways

Visiting Bruges is like stepping into a storybook. Often referred to as the Venice of the North, this enchanting city features a captivating network of tree-lined canals, cobblestone streets, and beautifully preserved architecture. Many of its medieval structures resemble gingerbread houses, thanks to their red Gothic brick. Additionally, as the birthplace of Flemish Primitive painting, the entire historic center of Bruges is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bruges is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Stroll through the Old Town, soaking in the atmosphere of the city squares, including the Markt and the Burg; embark on a canal boat tour to count all 54 bridges, and bike along the canals to discover quieter spots. For breathtaking views, climb the 366 steps of the Belfort, one of Bruges’ most iconic landmarks.

Refresh yourself with a crisp Belgian beer, readily available at countless spots throughout the city. Must-visit locations include De Halve Maan, a brewery that offers tours with tastings, and the iconic ’t Brugs Beertje, a legendary beerhouse featuring over 300 Belgian brews on its menu.

Finally, no trip to Bruges is complete without a stop at the Groeningemuseum, a fine arts museum showcasing an impressive collection of Flemish Primitive art.

4. Antwerp

Ideal for fashion and design enthusiasts

As the home of the esteemed Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Belgium’s second city also boasts a vibrant creative scene. Renowned designers like Martin Margiela and Balenciaga’s Demna Gvasalia have ties to Antwerp. Some have even opened shops worth exploring, such as Dries Van Noten’s Het Modepaleis and Ann Demeulemeester’s elegant black-and-white flagship store.

In the Fashion District, the Kammenstraat and Nationalestraat areas are filled with trendy boutiques, alongside the striking fashion museum MoMu.

Antwerp’s visual appeal extends beyond its chic residents, highlighted by a blend of modern architectural designs and medieval structures. Visit the port to see the late architect Zaha Hadid’s remarkable Antwerp Port House and the MAS, which features exhibitions and collections focused on the city.

5. The Belgian coast

Best for beaches

The Belgian coast stretches 65km (40 miles), allowing you to explore multiple towns without feeling rushed. The de Kusttram, one of the longest coastal trams in the world, makes this even easier. Starting near the French border at De Panne, it travels to Knokke-Heist by the Dutch border, making 67 stops along the way. The entire journey takes about 2.5 hours, offering stunning views of the coastline while letting you hop off at your leisure without the hassle of parking.

Two essential stops along the coast are De Haan and Oostduinkerke. De Haan stands out for its height restriction of five floors on buildings, preserving its quaint village atmosphere. The beautiful beachfront, adorned with Belle Epoque architecture and untouched grassy dunes, captivates many visitors. Still need convincing? Indulge in sweet treats at the nostalgic Wafelhuis Annie or enjoy high tea at the charming 't Stil Genot tearoom.

Oostduinkerke, or East Dunkirk, is a unique dune area known for its traditional shrimping practices, where locals use horse-drawn nets to catch tiny gray shrimp from the sand. This age-old method, practiced by just over a dozen skilled shrimpers, occurs at low tide during the warmer months, typically from April to October. In 2013, this tradition received UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognition. To learn more about this and other maritime customs, visit Navigo, a museum located in a 19th-century fisher's cottage.

6. Ghent

Best for a quirky weekend getaway

Nestled between Brussels and Bruges, Ghent showcases the finest aspects of Belgian cities: meandering canals, medieval buildings, impressive museums, and charming cobblestone streets lined with shops and eateries. What sets it apart is its vibrant student population, infusing youthful energy into one of the nation’s oldest urban centers.

A closer look reveals a thriving creative scene, a dynamic music culture, and an abundance of plant-based dining options, earning it the title of the vegetarian capital of Europe.

Since 2009, Ghent has proudly held the designation of UNESCO Creative City of Music. It offers a diverse array of musical experiences, from Belgium’s inaugural silent disco at Abacho to engaging performances at the lively Vooruit Art Center and De Bijloke Muziekcentrum, along with street music and bar performances at places like Kinky Star, a cafe known for its Irish coffees and alternative gigs.

7. Spa

Best for thermal springs and wellness

This serene and stunning town in the Ardennes gave its name to spas worldwide. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, Spa is celebrated for its therapeutic thermal springs and gently effervescent mineral water. The renowned Thermes de Spa offers a modern and surprisingly affordable retreat nestled in the hills, drawing from over 150 years of tradition and expertise. Surrounded by breathtaking nature, relaxation comes effortlessly here.

Spa is also notable for housing the world’s first casino, a permanent collection of Joan Miró lithographs, and hosting the annual Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at the prestigious Spa-Francorchamps racetrack.

These road trips will guide you through Belgium's highlights.

8. Hoge Kempen National Park

Best for nature enthusiasts

Hoge Kempen National Park is Belgium's sole national park. Established in 2006 on a former coal-mining site, it is the result of collaborative conservation efforts among businesses, governmental bodies, and environmental groups.

Spanning 57 sq km (22 sq miles), this nature reserve primarily features heathland and pine forests, boasting a vibrant landscape of evergreen trees and striking purple shrubs in bloom during August and September, alongside extensive artificial waterways. Remarkably, it is home to over 6,000 species of plants and animals, a testament to its ecological recovery from industrialization.

Planning tip: There are several access points to the park. For those without a vehicle, the Kattevennen Gateway can be reached by taking a train to Genk station, followed by a bus from De Lijn or a short walk. Inside, various paths cater to cyclists, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and hikers. Entry is free, and the park welcomes visitors year-round. Rangers provide guided experiences for all ages with prior registration.