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Things to do in Belgium

Things to do in  Belgium

Welcome to Belgium

Multicultural Belgium—the political center of Europe—is a small-but-important country that entices visitors with its specialty beers, tantalizing chocolate, and myriad waffles, along with an equally rich history. Belgium's location, squished between Germany and France, give it an often-outsized historical importance, with World War I and II having left notable marks; day tours from the capital make stops at historic sites related to the well-known Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Waterloo. Brussels itself boasts a warren of medieval architecture, the Houses of Parliament, and plenty of that renowned Belgian beer and chocolate that you won't want to leave without sampling. Head just an hour outside the capital, though, and big city life fades away in favor of the picturesque fields of Flanders, and secondary cities such as Antwerp and Bruges. Visitors can easily see one or both in a single day with the help of a guided tour. Antwerp's beautiful port and majestic town square open to reveal celebrated art by Rubens and the intense center of the diamond industry. Meanwhile, Bruges' quaint serenity creates a timeless fairy-tale scene where travelers can step back a few centuries via canal cruises or walking tours through the town.

Top 15 attractions in Belgium

Grand-Place (Grote Markt)

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Arguably Europe’s most beautiful square, Brussels’ Grand Place—in the heart of the historic and hip city—is surrounded by nearly 40 baroque and gothic guildhalls and the stunning Brussels Town Hall. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the large cobblestone square, also known as Grote Markt, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belgium.More

Atomium

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One of Brussels’ most iconic structures, the futuristic Atomium is a gargantuan structure designed to resemble an iron molecule magnified 165 billion times. It was created in 1958 for the Expo 58, and though it was originally slated for demolition, it was so popular with locals that it became a permanent feature of the city’s skyline.More

Manneken Pis

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The Manneken Pis—sculptor Jerome Duquesnoy’s small bronze statue of a little boy urinating into a Brussels fountain—is one of Belgium’s most beloved landmarks. Built in 1619, the boy is hailed as the capital’s oldest resident and remains a favorite of both locals and tourists, with a host of myths and legends to his name.More

Cinquantenaire Park (Parc du Cinquantenaire)

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Spanning around 74 acres (30 hectares), sprawling Cinquantenaire Park (Parc du Cinquantenaire) was named in honor of the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence, which was celebrated there with the 1880 National. Today, the park is home to three museums, along with the Great Mosque of Brussels and a triumphal arch dating to 1905.More

Brussels Royal Palace (Palais Royal de Bruxelles)

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Dating back to the 18th century and fronted by the idyllic Parc de Bruxelles (Brussels Park), the Brussels Royal Palace (Palais Royal Bruxelles) might no longer be the official residence of Belgium’s royal family, but it remains one of the capital’s most magnificent landmarks and the site of various royal and state events.More

Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk)

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The brick spire of the Church of Our Lady is visible across the city. Home to several important artworks, including Michelangelo’s marble Madonna and Child, the restored interior of the church is a must-visit for fans of European architecture.More

Market Square (Markt)

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The medieval-style Markt (Market Square) is the setting for Bruges’ most photogenic landmarks, including the belfry (Belfort) and the Provinciaal Hof. At its center stands a statue of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, who played leading roles in the Flemish resistance against the French in the 1302 Battle of the Golden Spurs.More

Historic Centre of Bruges (Historisch Centrum van Brugge)

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Bruges often tops the list of Europe’s most picturesque cities, and its Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, abounds with photo opportunities. A warren of cobbled lanes and scenic canals opens out onto grand medieval squares framed by colorful old buildings and dramatic Gothic facades.More

Burg Square

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Burg Square sits on the former site of a castle, which was originally built to protect the area from invading Vikings and Normans (and remained the seat of the Counts of Flanders for more than 500 years). The castle is now gone, but the charming public square that replaced it, the Burg, has been the heart of Bruges ever since.More

Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert (Les Galeries St-Hubert)

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Inaugurated in 1847, the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert in Brussels form one of Europe’s most beautiful and oldest glass-roofed shopping arcades. Composed of three elegant, Florentine-inspired arcades, the galleries are lined with upscale shops and restaurants and draw around 6 million visitors each year.More

St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)

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Fronted by a Romanesque, baroque and Gothic facade, Ghent’s cavernous cathedral serves as a repository for a valuable collection of art treasures, including works by Rubens and Laurent Delvaux. Its showpiece attraction is the Van Eyck brothers’ world-renowned 24-panel altarpiece,The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.More

Minnewater (Lake of Love)

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Surrounded by a park that’s long been known as a romantic place for a stroll, Minnewater—also known as the Lake of Love—is a great place for anyone looking for some quiet time in nature. Swans are a common site on the lake, and the traditional Belgian brick houses around it make the park particularly photogenic.More

Belfry of Bruges (Belfort van Brugge)

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Dominating the Bruges skyline at a height of 272 feet (83 meters, this striking Gothic belfry (known as the Belfort stands proud over Markt Square as one of the city’s most cherished landmarks. This 13th-century tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing tourists with its historic galleries and panoramic views from the top.More

Graslei and Korenlei

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The medieval quays of Graslei and Korenlei face each other across the canalized River Leie and originally formed part of Tusschen Brugghen, the city’s thriving harbour. Their banks are lined with a rare architectural treat – the loveliest gabled guild houses and warehouses in Belgium, built between the 1200s and 1600s by rich merchants and guilds whose wealth came from trade. The streets are united by St Michael’s Bridge, from where their gabled delights can be seen at best advantage, and although considerable restoration work has taken place, these distinctive townhouses have maintained their allure.Graslei is lined by canal-side restaurants blessed with a graceful backdrop of gabled gild houses; the oldest is the Het Spijker (Stockpile House) at no. 10; other ornate façades once contained the guild houses of the stonemasons, the free boatmen and the grain measurers as well as the former customs house. Across the river from Graslei, Korenlei offers many surprises of its own, including imposing step-gabled, red-brick 16th-century houses. No. 9 is of particular interest for the gilded swans adorning the facade; in its time De Swaene has been both a brewery and a bordello. The pink-and-white Gildehuis van de Onvrije Schippers (Guild House of the Tied Boatmen) dates from 1739 and is a masterpiece of Flemish Baroque architecture.By day, tour boats leave from the quays of Graslei and Korenlei; after dark the district morphs into party central and restaurants, cafés and bars sprout along the quaysides.More

St. Nicholas’ Church (Sint-Nik­laas­kerk)

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Owner of the oldest of the three great spires that dominate the pedestrianized heart of Ghent, the St. Nicholas’ Church (Sint-Nik­laas­kerk) was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries in an eye-catching mixture of Romanesque and Flemish Gothic architectural styles. Built of Tournai limestone, its lovely exterior is adorned with flying buttresses and spiky spires as well as an imposing central tower; all this grandeur was paid for by Ghent’s wealthy medieval merchants to signal their wealth to the rival Flanders trading cities of Bruges and Antwerp. It’s probably more beautiful inside than out, but nevertheless all eyes lead to the Baroque high altar with its twisted side columns, floodlit through stained-glass windows high above. The church is currently under restoration but faint traces of fresco can still be seen on the supporting pillars of the nave. For the best view of St Nicholas’s flying buttresses, head for the viewing platform of the Belfry a few steps away.More

Trip ideas

Bruges Tours from Brussels

Bruges Tours from Brussels

Top activities in Belgium

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Top Destinations

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Recent reviews from experiences in Belgium

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Guide and the entire...
MarvinRayB, Jan 2023
Legends of Brussels - Historical Walking Tour of Brussels
We covered pretty much all the tourist attractions in Belgium.
star-5
Steven was an excellent...
Daniel_F, Nov 2022
Antwerp Bike Tours
It was a great way to see the city.
star-5
Fantastic Way to Experience Brussels
Keaton_C, Nov 2022
Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour
Great way to see the sights and enjoy some delicious bites & drinks while learning about the history of Brussels & Belgium.
star-5
Best trip
Rebecca_W, Oct 2022
Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track
You get to see the hidden spots and know about local.
star-5
Good value for money, comfortable way to see both Ghent and Bruges from / to Brussels!
Ellie_M, Dec 2022
Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels
especially on the way back to the Brussels when we spent almost 2 hours on the bus without anything else to see or do.
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The Best Tour Ever
Spencer_M, Dec 2022
Brussels Chocolate Beer Waffle and Belgian Whiskey All-in-One (Small Group) Tour
Let me tell you Avo’s tour was absolutely the best way to see this city!
star-5
Jan is the BEST!!!
Sarah_R, Oct 2022
Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges
We covered the entire City center and also were able to go over our Wish List of things to see with Jan and he was beyond helpful in answering all of our questions.
star-5
Worth The Time!
James_R, Sep 2022
Marc's Belgian Beer Tour in Brussels
What a great way to visit historic bars and taste all the delicious beer Belgium has to offer!
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Highlight of Brussels!
Alexandra_G, Jul 2022
Marc's Belgian Beer Tour in Brussels
I met so many great people, learned new things, and got to see other parts of Brussels I wouldn't have otherwise.
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A lovely day
Genell_H, Jun 2022
Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels
Good way to see more of Belgium than just Brussels.
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Great Tour
LAURA_O, Jul 2019
Brussels Small-Group Chocolate Appreciation Tour
The tour was a great way to see Brussels while experiencing some chocolate tastings and learning about the history of the famous chocolate makers of Belgium.
star-5
Amazing Chocolate, Tasty Beers, Incredible Guide
John V, Nov 2018
Hungry Mary's Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour in Brussels
This tour, with an engaging, knowledgeable, and humorous guide, was the perfect way to not only learn about Belgium's beers and chocolates, but to see Brussels as well.
star-5
Great tour! I have always wanted to...
Erin S, Jul 2017
Luxembourg and Dinant Day Trip from Brussels
I have always wanted to see Luxembourg, but I did not want to commit to staying a night in this city.
star-5
Anyone with a connection to WWI...
Kyle H, Aug 2017
Remembrance Tour from Brussels: The poppies of Flanders Fields
It really is a powerful feeling to visit the graves of so many young men, and see the areas where they fought.
star-5
The best of five tours we took with...
Larry_B, Oct 2016
Antwerp: Diamonds galore, elegance, arts and stunning architecture
Had an adequate amount of time to walk through the old city, but as with all beautiful old cities, not nearly enough time to see everything.
star-5
Worth the visit. The tour guide was...
Michelle H, Aug 2016
Luxembourg and Dinant Day Trip from Brussels
We had plenty of time to see Luxembourg then we visited Dinant in Belgium.
star-5
We only had a day in Brussels and...
Sally C, Nov 2015
Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop
We only had a day in Brussels and this tour was the perfect way to see the city and indulge in chocolate Belgium style at the same time.
star-5
Great experience with spectacular weather
Gianluca_P, Jun 2022
Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels
Bruges is an authentic gem and maybe deserves more time to visit, but if you don't have time and want to visit new places in Belgium that's the right experience to go.
star-4
We had a very qualified guide who told...
VIOREL D, Aug 2008
Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels With Cheese, Clogs and Windmills
She speaks English, French, Spanish etc.
star-5
Highly Recommend!
Adam_J, Sep 2022
Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour
Very knowledgeable about the history of Belgium and key Brussels tourist attractions.
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All about Belgium

When to visit

Belgium gets plenty of rain, but your best chances of dry weather are during its warm summer, particularly in July and August. However, this time of year is more crowded and accommodation rates can go up, particularly in popular areas such as Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels. September is a good alternative, when local children are back in school for the year.

Getting around

It’s easy to get around Belgium without renting a car—in fact, finding parking for your rental car may negate the convenience of having your own wheels. Belgium has an extensive train network connecting cities big and small, and train travel is both reliable and affordable. If you plan to travel a lot, you can buy 10-journey passes at railway stations or on the Belgian Railways’ SNCB app.

Traveler tips

Belgium is known for its waffles, but if you want the fluffy breakfast treats known as Belgian waffles in much of the English-speaking world, you’ll want to order them as Brussels waffles in Belgium. Liège waffles—Belgium’s other main waffle type—are characterized by ragged edges and a thicker, chewier dough. Both varieties are usually served up from waffle counters or windows and come wrapped in paper and dusted with powdered sugar, making them easy to eat on the go.

Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
CEST (UTC +1)
Country Code
+32
Language(s)
French

People Also Ask

What is Belgium famous for?

Belgium is a European political center; its capital city Brussels is home to many EU institutions as well as the NATO headquarters. Belgium is also famous for its chocolate and French fries (which originated here, not in France), as well as a long tradition of Trappist beer brewing and lace making.

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What should you not miss in Belgium?

Don’t miss out on visiting Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent. Brussels is home to many EU institutions and fantastic museums, while Bruges is celebrated for its beautiful medieval architecture. Ghent’s big draw is the Ghent Altarpiece tryptic, painted by Hubert and Jan van Eyck.

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What is the most visited place in Belgium?

Brussels is the most visited place in Belgium, because of its role as the country’s capital and a major hub for international organizations, as well as its wide array of tourist attractions, from the landmark Atomium structure to the elegant guildhalls near the Grand-Place.

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Is 3 days in Belgium enough?

Yes. With three days in Belgium, you’ll have enough time to get a feel for the country. Spend two days in Brussels taking in the major attractions and world-class museums, and then head out on a day trip to explore Bruges with its quaint canals and medieval architecture.

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What activities is Belgium known for?

Belgium is known for a variety of tourist activities, from the canal cruises of Bruges to culinary adventures such as brewery-hopping and chocolate-making workshops. The country is also known for more somber activities; many visitors seek out its numerous World War II-related historic attractions scattered across the country.

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What is the prettiest town in Belgium?

Most people would agree that Bruges is the prettiest town in Belgium. Its beautifully-preserved medieval city center is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find beautiful old buildings and historic town squares, all interspersed by a series of canals.

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Belgium information

Number of Attractions

121

Number of Tours

884

Number of Reviews

22,174

Currency

EUR
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