A Guide To The 7 Best Places To Visit in Belgium

Although it may be small in size, Belgium has a lot to offer visitors, and this guide to the best places to visit in Belgium will leave you dreaming of this bijou country in the heart of Europe.

Packed with charming cities, picture-perfect towns, and fascinating cultural and historical landmarks, there’s plenty for you to discover on a trip to this vibrant European country.

The best places to visit in Belgium feature everything: historic architecture, picturesque canals, world-class museums, legendary battlefields, unique scenery, and a thriving culinary scene. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s something for every traveler in Belgium.

From the grand boulevards of Brussels to the scenic canals of Bruges to the diamond district of Antwerp to the towering limestone cliffs of Dinant, Belgium is full of can’t-miss destinations.

Belgium also has an interesting mix of cultures, with half the country speaking French and the other half speaking Dutch.

Since Belgium is quite small, you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. A trip to Belgium also pairs nicely with a visit to another nearby destination, like Paris in France, or Amsterdam in the Netherlands, both of which are less than two hours away by train.

But for now, let’s focus on Belgium. Here’s an in-depth look at the best places to visit in Belgium, from big cities to charming small towns.

7 Best Places To Visit in Belgium

1. Brussels

As Belgium’s capital city and the de facto administrative capital of the European Union, Brussels combines old-world grandeur with modern efficiency. This cosmopolitan city is a great place to start your trip to Belgium, filled with many unique attractions.

It’s also the perfect place to start discovering Belgian cuisine. Belgium can be credited for the creation of many world-famous foods: fries – yes, they’re Belgian, not French! – and waffles both originated here, and Belgium is also known for its delicious chocolate and smooth, sweet beers.

You can try all this Belgian food and more in Brussels, which also has excellent international cuisine.

Brussels is also known for its bilingual nature, with both French and Dutch being widely spoken. You’ll also hear dozens of other languages in this diverse metropolis, which seamlessly blends old and new.

Top Attractions in Brussels

The Grand Place, or Grote Markt, is one of the top areas to visit in Brussels, and it has even been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical significance.

This central plaza in the Old Town of Brussels is filled with stunning Baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century, including the historic Town Hall, the King’s House, and various guildhalls. 

Today, the King’s House has been turned into the Brussels City Museum, which is worth a visit if you want to learn more about the history of this city. The museum traces the city’s modern origins, from its founding in the 10th century to the present day.

The Royal Palace of Brussels is another impressive historic landmark to see. If you’re visiting Brussels from late July to the end of August, you can even book a tour to see the interior of the palace. Nearby Parc de Bruxelles is a nice place to go for a stroll after seeing the palace.

To experience the more modern side of Brussels, head to the European Quarter. This is where you’ll find many EU institutions, including the European Parliament, which has a free museum called the Parlamentarium that is open to visitors.

2. Bruges

Located less than an hour by train from Brussels in the Dutch-speaking Flanders region of the north, Bruges is one of the most picturesque destinations in Belgium. Often referred to as the Venice of the North because of its many canals, visiting Bruges feels like stepping back in time.

With its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and quaint waterways, you can easily spend a full day getting lost in the charm of Bruges. Many people visit Bruges on a day trip, but it’s worth staying overnight here if you’d like to fully immerse yourself in this destination.

Bruges is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, specifically its entire city center, which dates back to the medieval era. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot, making it possible to soak in the stunning Gothic churches, medieval marketplaces, and hidden courtyards.

Top Attractions in Bruges

The canals are by far the most popular attraction in Bruges. Like Venice, Bruges has historically been a powerhouse when it comes to trade, necessitating the canals for transporting goods to and from the nearby port of Zeebrugge.

Today, you can take a boat tour of the canals in Bruges, which offers a unique perspective of the city from the water.

The Bruges Markt, or Market Square, is an area of the city that you can’t miss. This is where you’ll find many historic buildings, including the Belfry of Bruges, a tower that soars 272 feet over the city and dates back to the 13th century.

If you’re feeling up to the challenge, you can climb 366 steps to reach the top of the Belfry and take in incredible views of the city and its winding canals from above.

While you’re in the Market Square, be sure to visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which is said to contain a relic of blood from Jesus Christ, collected during the Second Crusade and brought back to Bruges.

For chocolate lovers, you’ll be in heaven in Bruges. There are chocolate shops and chocolate cafés around every corner. If you’re looking for a really unique experience, you can even sign up for a chocolate-making class to learn how to create your own sweet, chocolaty treats.

3. Antwerp

Yet another of the best places to visit in Belgium is Antwerp. Rivaling Brussels in size, Antwerp is a major city in the Flanders region of Belgium. Like Bruges, Antwerp is also Dutch-speaking. Dating back to the Middle Ages, Antwerp has historically been an important port city.

Its trade and diamond industry made it one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, which can be seen in the grand architecture of Antwerp’s historic center. Like most Belgian cities, Antwerp is centered around a large square called the Grote Markt.

You’ll find charming historic buildings and hidden courtyards around this part of the city, but there’s also a more modern side of Antwerp closer to the port.

Antwerp is a great city for enthusiasts of art, fashion, and culture. The city was home to famous artists like Peter Paul Rubens and fashion designers like the Antwerp Six. For over 500 years, Antwerp has also been the diamond capital of the world.

Top Attractions in Antwerp

If you like museums, Antwerp has a couple of excellent ones you shouldn’t miss. The Rubenshuis is one of the best art museums in the city, dedicated to the life and works of Peter Paul Rubens, the famed Flemish Baroque painter.

He lived in Antwerp for most of his life until his death in 1640, and his home has been turned into a museum showcasing many of his most acclaimed paintings.

The MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) is another one of the best museums in Antwerp. This modern museum is dedicated to the history, art, and culture of Antwerp. Even if you don’t want to visit the museum itself, there’s a free rooftop terrace at the MAS that offers great views.

In the Grote Markt, you can take in beautiful Renaissance and Baroque architecture, including the most impressive building of them all, Antwerp’s Town Hall, which dates back to the 16th century. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ground floor of the Town Hall is open to visitors.

For those who love shopping, strolling along the Meir is a must. This pedestrian-only thoroughfare is lined with all kinds of shops, from chain stores to high-end designer boutiques.

4. Ghent

Ghent, located midway between Brussels and Bruges, is often overlooked in favor of the more popular Bruges. However, this beautiful Flemish city is a destination that should not be skipped. It’s another historic port city in Flanders, but with its own distinctive charm.

The city center of Ghent feels like stepping straight into a storybook, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, picture-perfect canals, and even a medieval castle. You can easily spend a full day exploring this vibrant city, which is worth a stop on your Belgium itinerary. 

In many ways, Ghent is similar to Bruges, yet it only receives a fraction of the tourists that Bruges does. If you’re looking for a quieter city with fewer crowds, this is the place to go.

Top Attractions in Ghent

One of the top things to do in Ghent is to visit the Gravensteen, or Castle of the Counts. Dating back to the 12th century, this imposing medieval fortress is extremely well-preserved, with its defense system and moat still intact.

It’s a fascinating place to visit to learn about the medieval defenses and life for the Counts of Flanders who lived here many centuries ago.

Another one of the most popular attractions in Ghent is Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. This Gothic cathedral is famous for its altarpiece, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, painted by the Flemish Van Eyck brothers.

This masterpiece from 1432 is considered one of the most exemplary works of early Renaissance painting, making it highly renowned.

Nearby, the Belfry of Ghent stands proudly at nearly 300 feet, an icon of the Ghent skyline. Visitors can take the steps to the top of the historic tower for a great view over the city. Afterwards, you can treat yourself to some chocolate and beer as a reward for climbing all those steps.

Much like Bruges, a canal cruise is another popular activity in Ghent. It’s a relaxing way to take in the sights of the city center and enjoy views from the water.

5. Waterloo

For history buffs, Waterloo is one of the best places to visit in Belgium. Located just 13 miles south of Brussels in the French-speaking Wallonia region of Belgium, this unassuming small town has been immortalized in history as the site of the 1815 Battle of Waterloo.

This battle marked the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte and the end of the Napoleonic Wars, ushering in a century of nearly uninterrupted peace in Europe until World War I.

After the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was forced to accept the end of the First French Empire, and he spent the rest of his life exiled on the remote island of Saint Helena.

Today, the town of Waterloo itself doesn’t have much to offer visitors in terms of sightseeing. But visiting the nearby Waterloo 1815 Memorial and the historic battlefield is a popular day trip from Brussels, and one that JayWay Travel offers.

Top Attractions in Waterloo

Just outside the town of Waterloo, visitors can walk in the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte on the battlefield where he was defeated by a coalition of troops led by the Duke of Wellington and Marshal Blucher.

The Waterloo 1815 Memorial is located on the flat farmlands where the battle took place, and it offers fascinating insight into this moment in military history. 

Visitors can explore an underground museum containing battle artifacts like uniforms, weapons, and other historical items, and learn more about the battle through immersive exhibits and a 3D film.

Part of the memorial also includes the Lion’s Mound, an earlier memorial to the battle, which was built in 1826. This large artificial hill was constructed by King William I of the Netherlands, whose son, Prince William of Orange, was killed in the Battle of Waterloo.

There’s also a building that houses a massive 1912 panoramic painting of the battle by Louis Dumoulin, and a historic farmhouse at Hougoumont Farm where the battle took place. You can easily spend half a day (or a full day if you want to take your time) exploring the Waterloo 1815 Memorial.

6. Dinant

While Belgium is known for its grand cities, the country is also home to many charming small towns. One of the most picturesque is Dinant, a town in southern Belgium located on the banks of the Meuse River. Steep limestone cliffs back the town, giving it a dramatic appearance.

The jaw-dropping view of the town from the Pont Charles de Gaulle or the opposite banks of the river is what draws many visitors to this beautiful destination, but there’s a lot more to Dinant than just scenic views.

For example, Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, was from Dinant, and you’ll see statues of the instrument all across town as homage to him.

Despite battles, invasions, and severe damage to the town in both World War I and World War II, Dinant rebuilt and now stands proudly along the Meuse River. It’s the perfect destination for a day trip in Belgium, located an hour and a half from Brussels by train.

Top Attractions in Dinant

Aside from photographing the iconic riverfront view of Dinant, there are plenty of other things to do in this lovely little town. The most striking attraction is the Collegiate Church of Our Lady of Dinant, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral with a unique pear-shaped dome.

After visiting the cathedral, you can walk or take the cable car up to the Dinant Citadel, a medieval fortress perched atop the limestone cliffs backing the town.

Unless you’re up for climbing over 400 steep stairs, taking a short cable car ride is the best way to get up there. From the top, you can see amazing views of the city and explore a museum about the history of Dinant and the fortress. 

If you’re intrigued by the saxophone-related history of Dinant, you can visit Maison Adolphe Sax, a small museum housed in the birthplace of Adolphe Sax. Even if you don’t enter the museum, it’s worth stopping by to pose with the statue of Adolphe Sax on a bench outside.

You can also get out on the water in Dinant, either renting a boat on your own or taking a sightseeing cruise to see more of the Meuse River.

7. Leuven

Last but not least, one of the best places to visit in Belgium is Leuven. Located less than half an hour from Brussels by train, Leuven is excellent for a day trip, or you can stay overnight to experience more of the city. Leuven is best known for its breweries, making this a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts.

Stella Artois originated in Leuven, tracing its beginnings back more than 600 years. The current brewery in Leuven has been producing Stella Artois for over 100 years, and it’s open for tours to visitors today.

Leuven is also a lively university city. Home to KU Leuven, the largest university in Belgium, the youthful student atmosphere of the city makes it a fun and vibrant destination. It’s also a beautiful city, with an elegant historic center that is very compact and walkable.

Top Attractions in Leuven

One of the most popular attractions in Leuven is the Stella Artois Brewery. Located just outside the city center, the brewery offers guided tours that include tastings in the taproom.

If you want to tour the brewery, it’s important to visit Leuven over the weekend, as tours are only offered on Saturday and Sunday.

You’ll also want to head to the Grote Markt, the historic main square of Leuven. Like most Belgian cities, the main square is surrounded by gorgeous architecture, including the ornate Gothic Town Hall. Saint Peter’s Church is another exemplary Gothic structure in the Brabantine style.

One of the most fascinating areas of Leuven to explore is the Groot Begijnhof, or Great Beguinage. This well-preserved neighborhood dates back as early as the 13th century.

It was constructed to provide housing for beguines, or religious lay women who had not taken vows to become full nuns. The Great Beguinage consists of restored alleys, courtyards, and homes where these women used to live.

Explore Belgium With Us

No matter its small size, Belgium is a land of wonders. To explore the best places to visit in Belgium in the most hassle-free, but also exciting way, we’re only a phone call or email away.

Our expert trip planners and passionate staff on the ground will make sure you experience the real Belgium and everything unique it has to offer on a bespoke itinerary you won’t easily forget.