Belgium, Europe. The land of all things bright and wonderful. It is impossible not to love it!
Mediaeval sites to feast your imagination on. Freedom of expression through street art and design. More castles per square inch than any other country and of course a cuisine that everyone can devote themselves to – beer, chocolate and fries!
With so much to unpack you’ll need some pointers on what not to miss! Here are our 17 top things to set your heart on…
Belgian Beer
Starting with the obvious, you simply cannot come to Belgium without tasting the sweet, floral beer that brings them so much recognition.
Brewing and sipping are two fundamental parts of Belgian culture. That is why they are known for hosting one of the biggest beer festivals in the world.
For the final weekend in April, get yourself to Leuven to celebrate Zythos Bierfestival. Pace yourself as there are over 100 stalls exhibiting their talents by the glass. We recommend opting for halves to maximise your possibilities!
Meanwhile, you can get your mitts on the likes of Tripel Karmeliet and Chimay Blue any day at most bars. Look out for Delirium Café whilst in Brussels and Kulminator in Antwerp which both serve hundreds of vintage bottles. Delirium holds the world record for the biggest selection of fizz!
Keep your tastebuds open to try modern craft beers as well as traditional Belgium blondes. You will be pleasantly surprised by the endless creations from passionate Belgian brewers.
Eat Chocolate
While in the world’s chocolate capital, it is only right to pay a visit to the gourmet chocolate bakeries spread around the country.
Cocoa, like beer, makes up a huge portion of the culture and economy. It is a part of the Belgian experience that everyone can get in on. Even if you think you have tried Belgian goodness before, you must taste the authentic wonders fresh from the chocolatiers’.
There are boutiques where you can try your hand with the experts—7th heavens to gawp at the molten chocolate being crafted and even 100% chocolate-dedicated museums.
Put the original pralines to the test at Neuhaus; savour the royal flavours at the Wittamer store and add a chocolate lippy to your collection at Bruge’s The Chocolate Line.
Discover Comic Book Culture
With the highest concentration of comic book artists globally, taking a look into Belgium’s comic book heritage is something everyone must do.
Big names like the Smurfs, Tin Tin and Lucky Luke, to name a few, rose from the streets of Belgium.
Check out the comic book museums that you can find in most cities. The Belgian Comic Book Centre in Brussels is worth a visit for anyone looking to learn about the craft and history of these famous cartoons.
Brussels also have a walking route that leads you through the comic art murals. This makes exploring the city exciting for even the youngest of enthusiasts.
Admire the Art
You will find a trend of art fanatics around the Flemish country. Every city has its own quirk, Ghent is recognised for its liberality and street art, while medieval Bruges is recognised for housing art galleries within historic settings.
In the capital of Brussels, you can visit the King’s House to discover Belgium’s rich history through the paintbrush of icons. This is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover the evolution of the city. And those tickled by surrealism will adore the home of René Magritte.
Meanwhile, Leuven showcases the pivot from Middle Ages artwork to modern-day at The M. Saint Peter’s Church where you can find one of the most important religious paintings of the Last Supper and see it come to life through the hololens headset.
Aficionados in Mons will be blessed by the cultural capital of Wallonia (northern Belgium) and its bountiful creativity. Ghent follows in their footsteps with the constantly-redecorated Graffiti Alley and the Sorry Not Sorry street art trail.
Don’t miss Belgium’s longest-running museum, the MSK, in Bruges. And of course, the ever-classy Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp and their local legend’s home/gallery, Rubenshuis.
Diamond District
Discover all that glitters in Antwerp’s Diamond Quarter.
The diamond capital of the world is where you should head if you have a special occasion upcoming, are hoping to restock your business or simply have a thing for sparkle.
Seeing where 85% of the world’s diamonds are crafted, you will be spoiled rotten with the choices at the best rates in the world. This is the place to head for those who only believe in the best.
Explore the Castles
It is impossible not to notice the frequency of castles spread over Belgium. You will find them in almost every town, city and countryside you visit. With over 3000 of them to explore, there are more castles here per square metre than anywhere else in the world!
Of course, the Castle of Laeken is worth a visit in Brussels, since this is the current home of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and their family. The architecture is stunning and they even open their immaculate greenhouses to the public during spring.
Those who take a liking to the royal greenhouses will swoon over Groot-Bijgaarden in Dilbeek. Every room has its own floral theme and there is even a giant tulip field where you can purchase bulbs and begin your own royal garden.
For tradition, you won’t want to miss Belgium’s oldest castle, Het Steen. It is situated on the riverbank in Antwerp. And for unforgettable mediaeval views inside and out, Ghent’s Gravensteen has gardens open to picnickers and dog-walkers.
Discover the Lace Process
Lace has been a definitive part of the Belgian way of life for hundreds of years and therefore must be on your list of things to delve into.
You can watch the craft at the Kantcentrum in Bruges and learn about the social history of lace in the adjacent Folklore Museum. Purchase your luxury lace products onsite to guarantee authenticity and quality.
You will find lacemakers’ shops around Belgium, particularly in the northern regions such as Brussels and Bruges.
Many boutiques offer clothes made to wear, so you have the freedom to customise your special Belgian treat as you desire.
Grand Place, Brussels
Brussels boasts one of the most breathtaking squares in the whole of Europe.
At the heart of the historic centre of Belgium, Grand Place is a square on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
Besides the modern shops, Brussels’ main square is almost exactly as it was a thousand years ago. See the original guild houses and their spectacular architecture.
The tallest building is the City Hall where you can see the story of the city told through artwork. Make out which way its crooked tower is leaning and admire the building design which is illustrative of the period.
Standing opposite the Hall is Maison Du Roi (Ther King’s House) where you can visit the original Mannekin Pis (Peeing Boy) fountain and his thousands of outfits. The current peeing statue is found just a short walk away from the square.
The museum makes a fascinating learning experience to grow your understanding of the capital’s history.
Historic Centre of Bruges
Find out why Bruges is referred to as the Venice of Belgium…
The 12th-century city is loaded with history. It is best to work from the centre outwards as boat tours can take you from one end of the city to the other.
Beginning at Grôte Markt, you can enjoy phenomenal views of the city from the UNESCO Belfry.
The Historium is the most visited attraction in the city, also found in the square. They offer a VR city experience which you can take with you to compare the before and afters of the medieval innards.
Perhaps one of the most spectacular visits is the relic of Jesus’ blood from the crucifixion found inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood on the square. You can see this between 2 and 4 pm daily.
To get a feel for what the city was like during the 12th century, follow the remaining 4 city gates around the outskirts and enjoy a coffee or a Belgian pint inside one of the decorative gable houses.
Ghent Centre
You don’t need a time machine to travel back to the Middle Ages. Wandering through Ghent’s city centre is like rewinding the clocks to the year 1000.
The gem has been frozen in time with its famous three towers: the Belfry (which is the tallest of its kind in Belgium), St Nicholas’ church, which has hosted the antiques fair for decades; and St Bavo’s Cathedral which guards the 15th-century painting of the ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’.
Beautiful both day and night, we suggest you allow at least a couple of days to thoroughly enjoy this magically medieval city centre.
Graslei and Korenlei, Ghent
It is no surprise that one of Belgium’s most beautiful attractions is in Ghent.
The long-established quays of Graslei and Korenlei are found along the River Leie in the city centre, where boats still regularly pass through. You can catch a narrowboat and enjoy the sites from the water, or cross over St Michael’s Bridge for a captivating upriver view.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy open-air dining at the riverside café terraces. The 13th-century guild houses, often decorated with vibrant flowers make superb tea rooms.
Graslei stupefies on the right river bank, while Korenlei staggers on the left. We guarantee you won’t want to leave.
Flanders Fields, Ypres
Belgium is a popular destination with historians because of its importance in World War I.
A visit to the western front in Waregem will take you to the patch of land that inspired the notable ‘In Flanders Fields’ poem and the red poppies we wear in remembrance.
Today, you can still spot some poppies over at the American Cemetery and discover the events of the war at Flanders Field Museum inside the Cloth Hall.
Despite the total destruction of Ypres, you can still trace the streets of the towns that were rebuilt in the same layout as the original plan.
Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres
After visiting the brutal burial site and warzone, pay your respects at the nightly Last Post Ceremony.
Every evening at 7 pm you can take part in the sombre tradition that takes place at the Menin Gate Memorial. Hear the bugle call which takes place whatever the date or weather conditions.
During quieter hours, you can pass through the giant triumphal arch by car and stop for a look at the 54900 names that are squeezed in.
Harrowingly, the Hall of Memory wasn’t large enough to fit all the names of the lost Brits. See the rest at the Tyne Cot Cemetery in East Ypres.
NATO Headquarters, Brussels
Those with an interest in politics should not miss the opportunity to visit the NATO headquarters.
The capital is home to one of the most important political organisations in the world. Visit Brussels to see where the state European and American representatives have their crucial meetings.
Though you can only see it from the outside, the outstanding building itself with its 28 flags is bound to leave an impression.
Central Station, Antwerp
Whether visiting the city or just passing through, a wander around Antwerp’s Central station is proven to bring chills.
Ranked one of the most attractive stations in the world, this is the best place in Belgium to get delayed. Be sure to head outside to witness the 20th-century architecture which is just as impressive as its grand halls, mighty beams and majestic clock face.
Middenstatie is unforgettable inside and out and surrounded by thrilling attractions. The main square, Antwerp Zoo and the fascinating Plantin-Moretus Museum.
Mechelen Old Town
Ideally sandwiched between the capital and Antwerp, on the picturesque River Dyle, is the historic old town of Mechelen.
This is a place where women are looked upon with the utmost respect, a place where the past lives on through the culture. You can explore this part of history at one of the 2 beguinages not far outside the old town, where widows used to live together.
Grote Markt is a place to go to admire the famous sites of the city. Check out Lakenhall (the town hall), Margaret of Austria’s statue who was a bold inspiration to medieval women and the glamorous Sint Rombouts Cathedral.
Mechelen is notorious for its aged beauty, admirable in its gabled guild houses.
Shopping
As the capital of the European Union, Belgium is proud to have access to some of the biggest names in superstores.
In addition to the high-fashion brands and independent clothing boutiques, there are a few things that reflect Belgian culture that is worth adding to your shopping list.
Scour the arcades, flea markets and cobbled high streets for Belgian favourites. Stock up your comic collection; invest in a luxury box of chocolates; treat yourself to a new staple in the Diamond Quarter and fuel your gallivanting with syrupy Cuberdons.
Don’t miss Belgian’s main street, Rue Neuve, in Brussels. Nearby, Galleries Royales are Europe’s first covered shopping arcade, providing an exclusive backdrop. And for anything unique, Ghent’s Vlaanderenstraat is famous for being one of the trendiest spots in the country!
