Belgium, a small but a captivating country in Western Europe is a combination of old charm and contemporary ideas. With lots of museums, castles, innovative architecture, beautiful attractions, famous chocolates and lovely vibes of different cities, this European Gem is filled with many awesome places for all types of travellers. So, if you are planning a trip to this delightful country, take a glance through this complete list of best places to visit in Belgium and make your vacation memorable. 

Brussels 

Take full advantage of Brussels vacation packages and visit this well-known city. Brussels is blessed with one of the iconic attractions, Grand Place, which was also named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will surely be impressed by the finely preserved guildhalls and other grand buildings that showcase Belgium’s amazing architecture at its best. The main attraction which you can’t miss at the Grand Place is the highly decorated medieval town hall, it’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. 

Besides Grand Place, Brussels, being the capital city, is also one of the largest hubs of great museums, palaces, chapels and mansions. Here you can also enjoy nightlife and shopping to the fullest having world-class cafes, pubs, restaurants, and markets. Additionally, Belgium is also known for some of the best beers, so you can taste some unique specialty beers at few of the Breweries. 

Coming to Belgium, you can’t miss the delicious chocolates of Brussels, also known as “the Chocolate Capital of the World”, where you will find so many chocolate shops and taste some delicious chocolates. Moreover, you can also join the chocolate making workshop to learn how to make such mouth-watering treats. 

Get Immersed in the Art and History of Ghent 

If you love history, then surely Ghent will become your favorite destination with numerous historic attractions and creative architecture. Firstly, explore Gravensteen, which is one of Europe’s best surviving examples of a moated fortress and has been incredibly well-preserved. Here you will come across the vast arched halls and chambers that contain exhibits of medieval life. Climb up the staircase to the roof to observe panoramic views across town and then walk through Ghent’s charming stone-paved streets. 

Secondly, visit the Cathedral of Saint Bravo, designed in Gothic and Romanesque style, where you will get to see the best of religious architecture in Belgium. Spend time in this cathedral decorated with harmonious stained-glass windows and praise famous artwork that adds to the grace of the interior, with the main highlight being the Flemish masterpiece known as the Altar of Ghent. Lastly, don’t forget to view the mammoth crypt under the cathedral, which contains important tombs and some beautiful wall paintings. 

Bruges 

Famous for Canals and some great palaces, Bruges is another popular city which you can’t miss. These canals serve as beautiful reminders of Bruges history. You can opt for Sightseeing boat trips, for exploring the city and getting absorbed in the charming vibes of canal tours, while coming across famous canal-side terraced house architecture and some of its finest buildings. 

Secondly, visit the beautiful Belfry in the main square of Bruges. This tower will give you a real taste of the architectural wonder of the Middle Ages. You can climb to the top to get the best panoramic views.  

If you are coming to Bruges, make sure to visit the nice blend of Romanesque and late Gothic architecture, where you will also come across the sacred relic kept inside. When you walk through the upper chapel, you will come across the container, which was believed to contain a drop of Jesus Christ’s blood that was brought back to Belgium after the Second Crusade. 

Antwerp 

This is another place, where you will get colored in art and history, Antwerp is a major destination for art fans. Here you can walk through Rubenshuis museum, which is known for being the home of the eminent painter Peter Paul Rubens. In this museum, you can learn about the artistic style and history of this acclaimed painter through the large collection of paintings by exhibits on his life. Moreover, you can walk through the tranquil gardens, courtyard and if you want to be part of a program of temporary exhibits of the museum. Apart from Rubenshuis museum, you can also visit The Antwerp Museum of Modern Art and witness a world-class collection of contemporary art from both Belgian and international artists.  

Pay Your Respects at Battlefields of Ypres, Flanders 

Ypres is one of the significant places to visit in Belgium representing the losses of World War 1 through the battlefields around, war museums, and memorials.  These battlefields have now become a major pilgrimage site filled with vast cemeteries for the thousands of soldiers who died here. The main fact is that many important buildings were destroyed during the war, but the Belgians have managed to re-construct a few including the famous St. Martin’s Cathedral, which you must explore.  

Vibrant old town of Mechelen 

There is nothing peaceful like walking through this medieval European city with its cobblestone streets and traditional buildings that offer insights into the town’s past in Mechelen. Don’t skip the central Grote Markt, which is bordered by some exceptionally fine buildings including the Town Hall and Laken Hall, while the impressive Sint-Rombouts Cathedral with its tall clock tower rises just behind. 

Meuse Valley and Dinant 

Apart from the history and culture, get immersed in the nature and rural heartland of Belgium with a visit to the Meuse Valley, where you will get the heavenly experience of mother nature covered with dense forest countryside filled with hilltop craggy castle and fortress ruins, and little waterfront towns supported by limestone cliffs. Plan your scenic river trip opportunities and reach the town of Dinant situated by the banks of the Meuse River. The main features of the town, which you must come across, are the fortified cathedral, impressive cliff, and colorful historic buildings overwhelmed with history.  

After exploring wonderful views, binge on a traditional Flamiche or Couques de Dinant, the honey brittle cookies are locally famous. Other than Dinant, explore Namur, situated at the junction of the two serene rivers of Meuse and Sambre, which is known for its high-rise citadel. 

De Haan 

Spend your day relaxing on the sandy beaches of Belgium at De Haan, which is a seaside heaven lying on the northern shores of the country and surely one of the Best Places to visit in Belgium. Enjoy this coastal and scenic village of the beaches while bingeing on fresh fish and chips at a restaurant by the sea.  

Along the seaside, there is also a wide sand dune forest where you can go for long walks and get absorbed in the lovely natural surroundings. Additionally, you can explore the adventures of hiking and biking on the enormous sand dunes or engage in the thrilling rides of the exciting amusement parks. Also, this is a place where you can indulge in an amazing nightlife. 

Semois Valley 

Enjoy nature’s delight at the Semois Valley, where you will get a glimpse of lush countryside after all the historic exploration through Belgium’s cities and towns. In this southern corner of the country, you will catch the attractive sight of winding Semois River that cuts through farmland faced by gently undulating forest-clad hills, and you will also get the opportunity for hiking and riverboat trips following the graceful curves of the river. Try to visit this place in spring, so you can see the wildflowers blooming. 

Genk 

Genk is one of the best places to visit in Belgium in the province of Limburg having great garden-city design, marshland nature reserves, quiet parks and more. Explore coal mining in Genk by visiting one of the old coal mines such as the André Dumont Monument. Try hiking, biking rides, or other outdoor adventures with a massive area having heather fields and shifting sand dunes through beautiful Hoge Kempen National Park. You can also explore the distinguished outdoor museum of sundials at the Genk Sundial Park. 

Step back in time with a visit to Bokrijk, most famous for its open-air museum, other than museum, drop by the botanical garden and nature reserve in this unique place to visit in Belgium. 

In Conclusion 

Apart from the places mentioned above, there are also countless other beautiful attractions that can be explored. Discover the charm of the country fully with Belgium holiday packages with trekhops.com which offers accommodation, transportation, and customized tours effortlessly and affordably.  

Whether you are looking to taste beers or chocolates in Brussels, explore canals of Brugges, art and history of Ghent, beaches of De Haan or some other stirring activities, Belgium has it all.  

Q1 What is the most beautiful place in Belgium?

Belgium has many beautiful places such as Grand Place of Brussels, Gravensteen of Ghent, beautiful nature of Dinant, Meuse Valley and more. 

Q2 What are the must-see attractions in Belgium?

Some of the must-see attractions are Brussels, canals of Brugges, battlefields of Ypres, Flanders, Semois valley, Hoge Kempen National Park in Genk, etc. 

Q3 How many days are ideal for a trip to Belgium?

It depends upon the preferences of vacation spot and budget of the traveler. You can visit trekhops.com for more details. 

Q4 What is the best time of year to visit Belgium?

The shoulder season of Spring from March to May or early fall in September months provide for favorable weather and less crowd. Also, the peak season of Summer is from July to August. 

Q5 What are the top things to do in Belgium for families?

With families, you can wander through the Grote Markt of Antwerp, enjoy the amusement parks of De Haan, adventures at Hoge Kempen National Park, explore museums and historic sites of Brussels, etc. 

Q6 Is Belgium expensive to visit?

Contact Trekhops.com to enquire about expenses and Belgium vacation packages. It surely offers pocket-friendly vacation packages with the option of customization according to all your needs.