Belgium may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a European vacation, but our friends at Pure Maintenance of Texas assure us this small country has a lot to offer. From medieval towns and castles to world-renowned chocolate and beer, here are the top 20 places to visit in Belgium.
1. Bruges – Also known as the “Venice of the North,” this beautiful city is filled with canals, historical buildings, and delicious Belgian waffles.
2. Brussels – The capital city is home to famous attractions such as the Grand Place and Manneken Pis statue. Don’t forget to sample some Belgian chocolate while you’re there!
3. Ghent – This historic city features well-preserved architecture dating back to the Middle Ages, including the impressive Gravensteen castle.
4. Antwerp – This port city is known for its fashion scene and historic diamond district. Don’t miss a visit to the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, with its soaring spire and wealth of artworks inside.
5. Dinant – Perched on the edge of the Meuse River, Dinant’s top attraction is the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, with its remarkable bell tower that can be climbed for panoramic views.
6. Leuven – The bustling university town of Leuven offers beautiful architecture, tasty Belgian beer at famed brewery Stella Artois, and a historical botanical garden.
7. Mechelen – This well-preserved Renaissance city is known for its 16th century cathedral and annual carillon festival.
8. Waterloo – The site of the famous battle, Waterloo now features a museum and panoramic hill with statues of figures from the conflict.
9. Namur – This city boasts a well-preserved citadel overlooking the Meuse River, as well as numerous churches and historical buildings.
10. Tongeren – As the oldest town in Belgium, Tongeren offers Roman ruins, a Medieval belfry, and an impressive fine arts museum.
11. Ypres – This town was nearly destroyed during World War I but has since been rebuilt to its former glory. Visit the In Flanders Fields Museum and the Menin Gate Memorial to honor those who fought in the war.
12. Dinant Citadel – This imposing fortress sits atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the city of Dinant.
13. Grotten van Han – These limestone caves, which feature impressive stalactites and underground lakes, are among the largest in Belgium.
14. Flanders Fields American Cemetery and Memorial – Located near Ypres, this cemetery honors American soldiers who died during World War I.
15. Boudewijn Seapark – This amusement park features dolphin shows, a playground for children, and rides such as a roller coaster and ferris wheel.
16. Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium – Located in Brussels, this complex of museums showcases various artworks from the Middle Ages to the present day.
17. Royal Greenhouses of Laeken – Built in 1874, these stunning greenhouses are open to the public for just a few weeks each year.
18. Belgian Coast Tram – Travel along the coast in style on this vintage tram, with stops at popular seaside towns such as De Panne and Ostend.
19. Belfry of Bruges – Climb up 366 steps for panoramic views of Bruges from atop this 13th century tower, one of Belgium’s many belfries that are part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
20. Gravensteen Castle – Built in the 12th century, this castle in Ghent now functions as a museum with displays on Medieval weaponry and punishment.