Belgium is a beautiful country that you can visit in 8 or 9 days. Its traditional architecture, its chocolate, beer, good atmosphere and the charm of each city make Belgium a great destination at any time of the year.
In this post I talk about the 20 most beautiful places to see in Belgium and I add several links to other posts that can help you organize your trip.
THE 20 MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO SEE IN BELGIUM
1. Brussels, the capital of Belgium
Brussels is the Belgian capital and headquarters of the European Union and NATO. So keep in mind that, on your visit to the city, you will surely see a lot of government buildings, practically all located in palaces. The city has more than 80 museums, the Royal Palace, an impressive cultural attraction and endless places to visit. You won't get bored, there are so many things to see and do in Brussels!
You have several options for free tours to do in Brussels, its town hall is an authentic architectural marvel, the Cathedral and the guild houses are a must...
Free tours to do in Brussels:
Posts from Brussels that may interest you:
2. Bruges, the most romantic city to see in Belgium
Bruges is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities to see in Belgium. Its historic center, full of canals, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To visit the city calmly, I recommend two to three nights, although if you have little time you can also take a day trip from Brussels.
Free tours to do in Bruges:
Posts that may interest you:
3. Lion Hill and the Waterloo Memorial
The Battle of Waterloo was one of the most important in the history of the European continent. He pitted the French Empire against the English troops. It marked the end of the French Empire and forced Napoleon to go into exile on the island of Santa Elena, where he ended up dying 6 years later. It is estimated that some 200,000 people fought on the Waterloo fields and there were almost 63,000 casualties.
From the Lion Hill (an artificial hill) you can perfectly appreciate the fields where the battle took place in 1815. I also advise you to visit the 1815 Memorial, where you can watch a 3D movie about the battle to learn.
4. Dinant, one of the most charming towns to see in Belgium
This beautiful town is located on the banks of the Meuse River and is surrounded by spectacular cliffs. It seems taken from a story. Its main attraction is its citadel, located on a rock. From above you will have spectacular views of the town. The cathedral, the castle, its cobbled streets... Everything is beautiful! Do not forget to visit the Dinant cave, an interesting stop to make if you visit the town.
5. Ghent, one of the most beautiful cities to see in Belgium
Ghent is a must on any trip touring Belgium. It is only 20 minutes in three from Bruges.
Ghent is a city that is visited quite quickly, in one day you will know the most essential places. The city has an enviable history. Its golden period was in the Middle Ages, when it became one of the most powerful cities in Europe. It can be seen in its buildings; stately homes, small palaces, churches...
6. Gravensteen Castle, one of the most beautiful castles to see in Belgium
Gravensteen Castle is located in Ghent and is one of the most beautiful castles to see in Belgium. Surrounded by canals and situated in the middle of medieval buildings, the castle looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Ghent Castle is a great dark stone fortress, surrounded by the waters of the River Lys, through which the Vikings entered several times from the sea, devastating everything in their path.
You can visit the castle, starting with the main gate, the two towers and the fortified passage. During the visit you will also walk through the long corridors to the torture room and other common rooms of the castle.
7. Mechelen, a quiet and beautiful city to see in Belgium
Malinas we met her by chance. It wasn't on our itinerary, but we were on our way from Brussels to Antwerp, and we got hungry along the way. We made a detour in Mechelen with the intention of eating something quick and continuing on our way, but… We loved it! And of course, we did not miss the opportunity to take a quick tour of the historic center.
The city is beautiful, very similar to the other cities in Belgium, with the traditional Belgian architecture, but much calmer.
The main attraction of Mechelen is the Cathedral of St. Rumbold. It dates from the 13th century and is spectacular. Right next to it is the Tower of Saint Rumbold. From above you can enjoy spectacular views of Mechelen and surroundings. The town hall and the local library are beautiful buildings that you cannot miss.
8. Antwerp and the largest cathedral in Belgium
Antwerp is one of the most beautiful cities to see in Belgium. In it is the largest cathedral in Belgium. Its central square, the cobbled streets, the mansions and traditional buildings are probably what made me fall in love with Antwerp the most.
9. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Tournai
The city of Tournai is beautiful, but it stands out especially for its Notre-Dame cathedral. It is considered one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The cathedral was built during the 12th and 13th centuries and is Romanesque and early Gothic in style. You can climb the bell tower to enjoy spectacular views.
10. The Caves of Hans
Near the town of Dinant you will find the Han caves. They are the result of underground erosion of a limestone hill by the Lesse River. The interior is impressive! The cave can only be accessed by tram through a 1:45 hour guided tour that costs €21 per person.
11. Leuven
Leuven is a student destination thanks to Erasmus. The city is home to the oldest university in Belgium and one of the best in the world.
The city is beautiful, starting with its town hall dating from the 15th century, continuing with the church of San Pedro, the Arenberg Palace...
12. Arenberg Palace
The Arenberg Palace located in the city of Leuven is one of the most beautiful palaces/castles to see in Belgium.
It is a beautiful 12th century building that was used as the residence of the lords of Haverlee.
The current building was begun by William de Croy in the 16th century, but it has undergone numerous modifications over time, including in the 21st century. In 1612, the palace became the property of the Dukes of Arenberg, a German family that occupied it until the First World War, giving the castle its name.
13. Durbuy, the smallest city to see in Belgium
The medieval city of Durbuy is a beauty surrounded by mountains and forests. It is known as the smallest city in Belgium, so it will not take you long to explore it. It looks more like a town with 10 or 11 streets.
Durbuy's main attraction is its castle. It is private property and cannot be visited, but it is worth seeing up close.
14. Karreveld Castle
You will find this beautiful red billet castle in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek. In our case we could not visit it because it was closed when we passed through the city. However, there is the possibility of taking a guided tour. It is partially surrounded by a pond with ducks and swans that gives it a very special charm.
15. La Roche-en-Ardenne, a beautiful city to see in Belgium
On the banks of the River Outhe you will find the beautiful city of La Roche-en-Ardenne. It is surrounded by beautiful forests. Its main attraction is its medieval castle. If you are looking to add a touch of nature to your trip to Belgium, this area is beautiful.
16. The Last Post at the Menin Gate
In the year 1928 the Menin Gate was inaugurated in the city of Ypres. It is a war memorial to remember the victims of the Battles of Ypres during World War I.
Since then, every night at 8:00 p.m. a moving ceremony has been held under the Menin Gate. The local fire brigade prepares the bugles and plays the "Last Post" as a tribute to the fallen. It is something very interesting and curious to see in Belgium.
17. Kortrijk
Kortrijk is located on the border with France and is a beautiful medieval city. Its main attraction is the Broelbrug, a bridge over the river with its two towers that was built in the 15th century. Its Gothic church, the 16th century town hall and the historic center are the essential places to see in the city.
18. The river Lesse and surroundings
If you are looking to add nature to your trip and some adventure activities, making a stop at the Río Lesse river is a great idea. In it, kayaking, paddle surfing activities are carried out... Along the route you will see several castles and palaces located on the river bank.
19. Ostend
If you want to add a beach to your trip to Belgium, Ostend is your place. In addition to being an ideal place to disconnect while walking along the sand, it has a very beautiful promenade. In the city you cannot miss visiting the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul of Ostend, the Atlantic Wall open-air museum and the Napoleon fort.
20. Mons
Walk its cobbled streets and delight yourself with its architectural mix. Also, don't miss the Grand Place and the Gothic-style Mons Town Hall. The city is beautiful and not very touristy, although it is known for hosting the NATO headquarters.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Belgium a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!