Belgium On World Political Map

Introduction

Belgium, located in Western Europe, is a small country known for its medieval towns, delicious chocolate, waffles, and world-renowned beer. Despite its size, Belgium is packed with incredible attractions and hidden gems, making it a perfect destination for travelers of all ages and interests. In this travel guide, we will cover everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Belgium.

Top Attractions

Grand Place, Brussels

The Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the centerpiece of Brussels. It is surrounded by stunning architecture, including the Town Hall and the Museum of the City of Brussels. At night, the buildings are lit up, creating a magical atmosphere.

Bruges

Bruges, also known as the “Venice of the North,” is a beautiful medieval town with winding canals and charming cobblestone streets. It is home to several museums, including the Groeningemuseum, which houses Flemish art from the 15th to the 21st century.

Antwerp

Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city and is famous for its fashion, diamonds, and art. The city’s main attraction is the Cathedral of Our Lady, which features stunning Gothic architecture and houses several works by famous artists, including Rubens.

Hidden Gems

The Atomium, Brussels

The Atomium is a unique building that was built for the 1958 World Expo. It is shaped like an atom and offers incredible views of the city from its observation deck. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits on science and technology.

The Horta Museum, Brussels

The Horta Museum is located in the former home and studio of famous Belgian architect Victor Horta. It is a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture and features furniture, stained glass, and decorative objects designed by Horta himself.

The Citadel of Namur

The Citadel of Namur is a massive fortress that dates back to the 10th century. It offers incredible views of the city and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Food Scene

Belgium is famous for its delicious food, including chocolate, waffles, and beer. There are also several traditional dishes that you should try, including moules-frites (mussels and fries), stoofvlees (beef stew), and waterzooi (a creamy soup with chicken or fish). For dessert, try a speculoos (a spiced cookie) or a Liege waffle (a denser, sweeter waffle than the Brussels waffle).

Budget-Friendly Tips

Belgium can be an expensive destination, but there are ways to save money. Consider staying in a hostel or renting an Airbnb instead of a hotel. Take advantage of free activities, such as visiting public parks or museums with no admission fee. Finally, look for local food markets, where you can find fresh produce and snacks at affordable prices.

Outdoor Adventures

Belgium may be small, but it offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Take a hike in the Ardennes forest, go rock climbing in the limestone cliffs of Freyr, or go kayaking on the Lesse River. There are also several bike routes throughout the country, including the Flanders Cycle Route and the RAVeL network.

Historical Landmarks

Belgium has a rich history, and there are several landmarks that you should visit to learn more about it. These include the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, which honors the soldiers who died in World War I, and the Waterloo battlefield, where Napoleon was defeated in 1815. You can also visit several castles, including the Castle of the Counts in Ghent and the Castle of Bouillon in the Ardennes.

Family-Friendly Activities

Belgium has plenty of activities that are fun for the whole family. Visit the Pairi Daiza Zoo, which is home to over 7,000 animals and has several themed areas, like the Land of the Cold, where you can see polar bears and penguins. Take a ride on the Mini-Europe train, which takes you on a tour of Europe’s most famous landmarks in miniature form. Finally, visit the Technopolis science museum, where kids can learn about science through interactive exhibits.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Belgium has plenty of unique experiences that are off the beaten path. Visit the Trappist monasteries, where monks brew some of the world’s best beer. Take a tour of the underground tunnels in the city of Mechelen, which were used to transport beer and wine in the Middle Ages. Finally, visit the small town of Dinant, which is known for its saxophones and offers stunning views of the Meuse River.

Natural Wonders

Belgium may not be known for its natural wonders, but there are several beautiful places to visit. The Han-sur-Lesse Caves are a network of underground caves with stunning rock formations. The High Fens nature reserve is a beautiful area of heathland, marshes, and forests that is perfect for hiking. Finally, the Zwin nature reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 species of birds.

Vibrant Nightlife

Belgium is famous for its beer, and there are plenty of bars and breweries where you can try some of the country’s best. Brussels and Ghent are known for their lively nightlife scenes, with plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues. Finally, visit the annual Tomorrowland music festival, which attracts some of the biggest DJs in the world.

Local Markets

Belgium has several local markets where you can find fresh produce, artisanal products, and souvenirs. The Sunday market in Brussels’ Place du Jeu de Balle is a flea market where you can find everything from vintage clothing to antiques. The Friday market in Leuven is a food market where you can find local specialties like cheese, bread, and sausages.

Beaches and Mountains

Belgium may be small, but it has both beaches and mountains. The Belgian coast is home to several popular beach towns, including Ostend and Knokke-Heist. In the Ardennes, you can hike, bike, and ski in the winter months.

Cultural Immersion

Belgium has a rich cultural heritage, and there are several ways to immerse yourself in it. Visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels, which house over 20,000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Attend a performance at the Royal Flemish Opera in Antwerp, which is known for its world-class productions. Finally, visit the Carnival of Binche, a UNESCO World Heritage event that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Art and Music Scene

Belgium has a thriving art and music scene, with plenty of museums and venues to explore. Visit the Magritte Museum in Brussels, which is dedicated to the works of the famous Belgian surrealist painter. Attend a concert at the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, which is one of the country’s most famous music venues. Finally, visit the M-Museum in Leuven, which hosts exhibitions on contemporary art and design.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore Belgium’s cities and towns. In Brussels, take a tour of the Art Nouveau architecture, which is found throughout the city. In Ghent, take a tour of the medieval city center, which is home to several beautiful buildings and churches. Finally, take a beer tour in Bruges, where you can learn about the city’s brewing history and taste some of the best beers in the world.

Architectural Marvels

Belgium is home to several stunning examples of architecture, from Gothic cathedrals to Art Nouveau buildings. Visit the Saint Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, which features stunning stained glass windows and the famous Ghent Altarpiece. In Brussels, visit the Palace of Justice, which is one of the largest courthouses in the world and features stunning neoclassical architecture. Finally, visit the Saint-Paul’s Church in Antwerp, which is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture.

Historical Sites

Belgium has a rich history, and there are several historical sites that you should visit. The Battlefields of Flanders are a series of sites that commemorate the battles of World War I. The Belfry of Bruges is a medieval bell tower that offers incredible views of the city. Finally, visit the Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, which was built in the 12th century and offers a glimpse into medieval life.

Biking Routes

Belgium is a great destination for biking, with several well-marked routes throughout the country. The Flanders Cycle Route is a 600-kilometer route that takes you through picturesque Flemish towns and countryside. The RAVeL network is a series of bike paths that cover over 1,400 kilometers and take you through several charming towns