places to visit around belgium

8 of the best places to visit in Belgium

May 5, 2024 • 8 min read

Explore Belgium with this guide to the country's best places to visit © RossHelen / Getty Images

Travelers often overlook Belgium in favor of neighbors like France and the Netherlands, but it’s one of Europe’s best kept secrets. While its history means Belgium is linguistically and culturally diverse, it’s also small and compact, making it easy to hop between destinations. 

From perfect fries and chocolate to accessible nature breaks, picturesque medieval towns and vibrant art and fashion scenes, there's plenty to experience in Belgium. Here are the best places to visit.

1. Brussels

Best for shopping, museums and street food

Brussels , the capital of Belgium and seat of the EU and NATO, is one of Europe’s most multicultural cities. 

Art lovers can spend a whole day visiting the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium – its six different museums include the must-visit Magritte Museum – along with the Boghossian Foundation at Villa Empain, and the modern-chic Center for Fine Arts, a multipurpose cultural venue commonly referred to as BOZAR .

The city is filled with architectural masterpieces such as the Grand Place , a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, and the illustrious Maison Cauchie , which can be toured on certain weekends with advance reservations.

You can find some of the world’s best and most affordable vintage shopping at the Brussels flea markets, most notably the daily open-air antique market in Place du Jeu-de-Balle, and the shops in the Sablon district.

Planning tip: For food and drink lovers, Brussels is the place to taste all of Belgium’s highlights. Délirium Café is a beloved, always-crowded bar with more than 2000 types of beer, including the country’s famed Trappist beers. Nearby, there are a handful of outdoor kiosks, known as frietkot (snack stands), where you can get your fix of frieten – fries served in a paper cone with your sauce of choice. To satisfy a sweet tooth, try Belgian chocolate at Pierre Marcolini and the fluffy Brussels-style waffles at Maison Dandoy .

Start crafting your Belgium budget with these tips .

2. Namur Province

Best for forts, nature and river views

Known as the “Land of Valleys”, the land-locked province of Namur in the Wallonia region is rich in rivers, cliffs, rolling farm hills and lush Ardennes greenery.

With postcard-perfect aesthetics and a mighty citadel perched atop limestone cliffs, Dinant is the ideal day-trip destination. Stroll around the town, cruise along the river, ride the cable car up to the fortress to take in the sweeping views and enjoy the scenery from a cafe while tasting regional specialties like the Couque de Dinant, a hard biscuit that comes in various shapes. Made of equal parts wheat flour and honey, it can be kept indefinitely, making a great souvenir to take back home.

For a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience, head to Liernu, an even smaller town that’s the epitome of tranquility. Here you’ll find L’air du Temps , a fine-dining restaurant in a beautifully renovated farmhouse set on 5 hectares of private gardens. Most of the dishes served are sourced from the garden and often feature highlights of the local terroir, like Wallonia’s most sustainable food source, the Petits-Gris de Namur snails.

From there, you’re a stone’s throw from the city of Namur , capital of both the province and the region. This relaxed city is home to one of Europe’s largest citadels and also the adults-only Musée Félicien Rops , which exhibits the life and work of the scandalous 19th-century Belgian artist.

Best for wandering and romantic escapes 

A visit to Bruges feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Often called the Venice of the North, the city is incredibly charming with an intricate network of tree-lined canals, cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture. To add to the allure, many of the distinctively medieval buildings look like gingerbread houses, thanks to the red Gothic brick. All that and the fact that it’s the birthplace of Flemish Primitive painting led to the entire historic center of Bruges being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bruges is best experienced at a leisurely pace. Wander around the Old Town on foot, soaking up the atmosphere of the city squares, the Markt and the Burg ; hop on a canal boat tour and count all 54 bridges, then bike along the canals to the less crowded places. For the best bird’s-eye views, head to the Belfort , one of Bruges’ most recognizable landmarks, and climb the 366 steps to the top.

Catch your breath with a crisp Belgian beer, which can be found on every corner of the city. Noteworthy destinations are De Halve Maan , a brewery that also offers tours with tastings, and ’t Brugs Beertje , a legendary beerhouse with more than 300 Belgian brews on the menu.

Last but not least, no visit to Bruges is complete without a visit to the Groeningemuseum , a fine art museum with an impressive Flemish Primitive collection.

Best for fashion and design 

Home to the world-renowned Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp , Belgium’s second city is also its coolest. Some of fashion’s top creatives, including Martin Margiela and Balenciaga’s Demna Gvasalia, have connections to Antwerp . A few have gone on to open shops here that are worth a visit, such as Dries Van Noten’s Het Modepaleis and Ann Demeulemeester’s sleek, black-and-bone-white flagship store .

There are more trendy shops in the Kammenstraat and Nationalestraat areas that make up the Fashion District, where you can also find the impressive fashion museum MoMu .

Beyond its stylish inhabitants, Antwerp has a visual edge driven by the contrasting architectural styles of contemporary projects and medieval buildings. Make your way down to the port to marvel at late architect Zaha Hadid’s Antwerp Port House and the MAS , home to exhibitions and collections revolving around the city.

5. The Belgian coast

Best for beaches 

The  Belgian coast stretches for 65km (40 miles), meaning you can pack multiple towns into a visit without feeling overwhelmed. Making things even easier is de Kusttram , a coastal tram that’s one of the longest in the world. It starts near the French border at De Panne and travels all the way to Knokke-Heist near the Dutch border, making 67 stops. The complete journey takes 2.5 hours and allows you to admire the coastline in its entirety, jumping off whenever you like without having to worry about parking.  

The two must-visit stops are De Haan and Oostduinkerke. De Haan is unlike other towns in that all buildings must be under five floors, which helps preserve its small-village charm. The low beachfront made up of Belle Epoque architecture and unspoiled grassy dunes is love at first sight for many. Still not convinced? The sweet treats at the retro Wafelhuis Annie or high tea at the vintage 't Stil Genot tearoom are sure to win you over. 

Oostduinkerke, or East Dunkirk, is a protected dune area and the only place in the world where shrimpers still use horse-dragged nets to collect tiny gray shrimp from the sand. This centuries-old tradition is practiced by just over a dozen highly trained locals and takes place at low tide during the warmer months, usually between April and October. In 2013, shrimp fishing on horseback in Oostduinkerke received UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status. To learn more about this and the other local sea traditions, visit Navigo , a national museum housed in a 19th-century fisher’s cottage.

Best for a quirky weekend break

Located between Brussels and Bruges, Ghent encapsulates the best of Belgian cities: winding canals, medieval architecture, enviable museums and cobblestone alleyways filled with shops and restaurants. The difference is that it’s also home to the largest student population in Belgium – a young, beating heart in one of the country’s oldest urban areas. 

Take a closer look and you’ll find an unconventional creative community, flourishing music scene and so many plant-based menus that it’s often referred to as the vegetarian capital of Europe. 

Since 2009, Ghent has proudly held the title of UNESCO Creative City of Music. There’s a wide range of options for everyone’s tastes, from Belgium’s first silent disco at Abacho to performances at the never boring Vooruit Art Center and De Bijloke Muziekcentrum , and live music on the street and in bars and cafes like Kinky Star , a record-label-owned cafe famous for its Irish coffees and alternative concerts.

Best for thermal hot springs and well-being

Spas around the world take their name from this peaceful and breathtaking Ardennes town. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, Spa is known for its healing thermal springs and lightly sparkling mineral water. The most famous spa in Spa is Thermes de Spa , a modern and surprisingly affordable complex in the hills that’s backed by more than 150 years of knowledge and tradition. With a stunning natural landscape as your backdrop, resting and relaxing feels easy here.

Spa is also home to the world’s first casino , a permanent exhibition of Joan Miró lithographs , and the annual Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at the world-class Spa-Francorchamps track.

These road trips will take you to all the highlights in Belgium .

8. Hoge Kempen National Park

Best for nature

Hoge Kempen National Park is the only national park in Belgium. A former coal-mining site, it opened in 2006 following the cooperative conservation efforts of businesses, government agencies and environmental organizations.

The 57 sq km (22 sq mile) nature reserve is mostly heathland and pine forest, a lush landscape of evergreen trees – and vibrant purple-flowering shrubs in August and September – next to expansive artificial waterways. Today, it’s inhabited by more than 6000 species of flora and fauna, which is especially impressive considering the area’s industrial history. 

Planning tip:  There are numerous entrances to the park. For those without a car, the park can be accessed through the Kattevennen Gateway , first by taking a train to Genk station, followed by a De Lijn bus ride or a short walk. Once inside, there are different routes depending on whether you’re exploring by bicycle, mountain bike, horseback or on foot. Admission is always free, and the park is open all year long. Rangers offer guided experiences for all ages with advance registration.

This article was first published May 13, 2022 and updated May 5, 2024.

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Home » Travel Guides » Belgium » 25 Best Things to Do in Belgium

25 Best Things to Do in Belgium

Want to know what to do in Belgium? This guide will help you to explore the country of beer, chocolate, fries and waffles, and help you pick which things to do or don’t.

As an avid craft beer lover I’m actually very fond of Belgium as it is without a doubt the #1 beer country in the world. There are so many different local beers and there’s so little time to taste them all:P But that’s of course not the only reason for visiting Belgium, although strolling through Bruges after a few ‘Brugse Zotten’ really seemed to make the experience even more magnificent. You might also like our guide on the best places to visit in Belgium !

‘Did you know Belgium actually has three official languages? Most know about Dutch and French but there’s also a small portion of the country that speaks German (about 1%)’

But let’s get on with it, here are the best things to do in Belgium, also including the most popular tourist attractions!

1. Taste the wide variety of craft beers

Belgium is the absolute number 1 when it comes to craft beers and every region you visit will have some great local beers you should definitely try out! T

here’s many beer bars with a big selection of different beers, try to find one near you and let the host/owner make some suggestions you should try (they are likely eager to help you out and honored to be asked for their suggestion).

Be advised that some of the beers have quite a high percentage of alcohol and a few of them might knock you off your feet. Some of my favorites are the Leffe Brown, the St. Bernardus Abt 12 and the Westmalle Tripel.

Another great activity would be to visit one of the brewery’s, there are often tours you can book.

2. Eat some of the tasty Belgian Chocolate

Almost every village in Belgium has their own chocolate shop where recipes have often been handed down for generations. This culture of chocolate making and perfecting is appreciated all over the world.

Belgian chocolate is known for being the best chocolate you can get. And there’s no shortage of it as Belgium is said to produce around 220,000 tons of chocolate per year.

3. Enjoy a Belgian Waffle

Be sure to enjoy a Belgian waffle during your visit, wether this be from one of the waffle stands or in a cafe together with a cup of coffee.

The Belgian waffle is a little thicker then a normal waffle and can have toppings like whipped cream, icing sugar, strawberries and jam.

4. A canal cruise in Bruges

The many canals in Bruges make for people often referring to it as the Venice of the North, but in my opinion it would better to call Venice the Bruges of the south.

Bruges is in so many ways one of the most enjoyable cities of Belgium and cruising through it by boat on the canals is a great way to enjoy it’s beauty. A city that should be high on your bucket list.

Book online : Bruges: Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour

5. Visit the Grand Place in Brussels

The Grand Place in Brussels is absolutely stuning with it’s historic buildings.

Included in : Brussels Walking Tour

6. Visit to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is an art museum in Brussels

7. Visit the In Flanders Fields Museum in Lakenhallen

The In Flanders Fields Museum is the perfect place to learn about World War I in Europe

8. Enjoy the city of Ghent

Being located closely to Bruges this is city is ideal for as well a day trip as a complete city trip. It’s less known then Bruges but certainly just as beautiful, one of the hidden gems in Europe.

Recommended tour : Ghent: 2-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour

9. Relax in Spa

If you want to relax and enjoy a little pampering then surely you’re going to want to visit the town of Spa, from which the all spas take their name.

10. Visit the Manneken Pis landmark in Brussels

Although just a small bronze sculpture, it’s a world renown landmark that’s a perfect picture opportunity.

11. The Atomium

The Atomium is a building in Brussels originally constructed for Expo 58, the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair.

Book online : Atomium Admission Ticket

12. Mini-Europe

Mini-Europe is a miniature park located in Bruparck at the foot of the Atomium in Brussels.

Get tickets: Mini-Europe Admission Ticket

13. Castle Gravensteen

The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. The name means “castle of the counts” in Dutch. Gravensteen is situated at an altitude of 9 meters.

14. Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is a military museum that occupies the two northernmost halls of the historic complex in Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels, Belgium.

15. The Rubenshuis in Antwerp

The Rubenshuis is the former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerp. It is now a museum. Also see our guide on things to do in Antwerp .

16. Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, are a vast complex of monumental heated greenhouses in the park of the Royal Palace of Laeken in the north of Brussels. It is one of the major tourist attractions of the city

17. Pairi Daiza

Pairi Daiza is a privately owned 55-hectare zoo and botanical garden located in Brugelette in the province of Hainaut in Belgium. The animal theme park is located on the site of the former Cistercian Cambron Abbey, and is home to over 4,000 animals.

18. AutoWorld

AutoWorld is a vintage car museum in the center of Brussels, Belgium, located in the southern hall of the Cinquantenaire Park.

Book online: Brussels Autoworld Museum Admission Ticket

19. Castle of Vêves

The Castle of Vêves occupies a rocky platform just outside the village of Celles, in the province of Namur, Belgium. It is classified as Major Heritage of Wallonia

20. Antwerp Zoo

Antwerp Zoo is a zoo in the centre of Antwerp, Belgium, located right next to the Antwerpen-Centraal railway station. It is the oldest animal park in the country, and one of the oldest in the world, established on 21 July 1843.

21. Mont des Arts

The Kunstberg, meaning “hill/mount of the arts”, is a historic site in the center of Brussels.

22. Ypres Cloth Hall

The Cloth Hall is a large cloth hall, a medieval commercial building, in Ypres, Belgium. It was one of the largest commercial buildings of the Middle Ages, when it served as the main market and warehouse.

23. Bobbejaanland

Bobbejaanland is a theme park in Lichtaart, Belgium. It was founded by Bobbejaan Schoepen, a Flemish singer, guitarist, and entertainer who enjoyed international popularity in the fifties and early sixties. After 15 years he got weary of touring.

24. Royal Museum for Central Africa

The Royal Museum for Central Africa or RMCA, colloquially known as the Africa Museum, is an ethnography and natural history museum situated in Tervuren in Flemish Brabant, Belgium, just outside of Brussels.

Get tickets: AfricaMuseum Entry Ticket

25. Curtius Museum

The Curtius Museum is a museum of archaeology and decorative arts, located on the bank of the Meuse River in Liège, classified as a Major Heritage of Wallonia.

25 Best Things to Do in Belgium:

• Taste the wide variety of craft beers
• Eat some of the tasty Belgian Chocolate
• Enjoy a Belgian Waffle
• A canal cruise in Bruges
• Visit the Grand Place in Brussels
• Visit to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels
• Visit the In Flanders Fields Museum in Lakenhallen
• Enjoy the city of Ghent
• Relax in Spa
• Visit the Manneken Pis landmark in Brussels
• The Atomium
• Mini-Europe
• Castle Gravensteen
• Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
• The Rubenshuis in Antwerp
• Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
• Pairi Daiza
• Castle of Vêves
• Antwerp Zoo
• Mont des Arts
• Ypres Cloth Hall
• Bobbejaanland
• Royal Museum for Central Africa
• Curtius Museum

20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Belgium

Often overlooked as a travel destination in favour of France , Spain , and Germany , Belgium is actually home to gorgeous landscapes and a superb collection of impossibly picturesque medieval towns and cities. In my opinion, it’s filled with romance and elegance and is the underrated gem of Europe! Here are my favourite places I’d love to share with you…

I love this pretty under-the-radar gem of a city sits on the banks of the river Meuse in Belgium’s Walloon region. The picturesque town is backed by a spectacular sheer cliff face and protected by the ancient fortified gothic citadel, the striking  Notre-Dame collegiate church.

The city’s historic buildings are steeped in legend and I loved just wandering through the narrow cobbled streets, browsing the art galleries, Michelin star restaurants, quaint independent stores and home-made sweet shops.

I suggest trying the delicious Flamiche (a bit like a Tarte Flambe) or Couques de Dinant, which are delicious brittle honey biscuits.

Interestingly the city is also the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the man who invented the Saxophone and you can also visit his house and the small museum while you’re here (definitely do this)! 

Book A Trip!

  We can book your trip hopping around Belgium’s beautiful places through our top-rated travel planning service!

• Address: Wallonia region near the French border
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer to early autumn

My favourite highlights… 

• Going on a fantastic Cultural and Gourmet cruise river cruise Dinant-Dvasion, the views of the pretty town from the river were just incredible.
• Dining at the wonderfully charming Tout Simplement Restaurant which served up traditional dishes with inventive twists in cosy bistro surroundings. I highly recommend trying the croquets!

The perfectly preserved medieval city is the place for couples wanting to head out on a romantic European getaway.  Thousands of visitors can’t be wrong and I was personally a huge fan!

In fact, I couldn’t quite believe it existed! With a collection of attractive market squares, steep-gabled houses lining dreamy canals, and winding cobbled streets all tied up in a compact, primarily traffic-free package Bruges, the suspended-in-time canal-side city is very romantic and it’s also very photogenic! 

I recommend visiting  Burg Square, the 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall), which has an ornately carved ceiling, Market Square, which features a 13th-century belfry with panoramic views, and of course, one of the critically acclaimed restaurants (of which there are many)! 

• Address: Flemish region, northwest part of the country.
• Best time to visit: spring to early autumn, it does get very busy in the summer though.

My personal highlights…

• Photographing the iconic spot, the Quay of the Rosary (top photo above). It really is a truly stunning and romantic spot when you’re standing there gazing at it, especially at sunset.
• Stopping by the super-cute Tea-Room De Proeverie for a home made cup of hot chocolate served with delicious chocolates from Sukerbuyc.

3. Brussels

Forget the dull image that one of Europe’s premier cities seems saddled with; in my opinion, Brussels is a stunning city and definitely worth a visit! The city has become a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis in the last few decades and I thought it was a joy to explore.

The historic architecture – which includes a perfectly-preserved late seventeenth-century centre – is genuinely jaw-dropping and add in a fine collection of art galleries, museums, a famous foodie scene which consists of everything from chocolate and waffles to Michelin star adorned fine cuisine, and of course the delicious beer, then I think Brussels easily deserves a place on this list! 

My highlights…

• Tasting some of the best chocolate-based treats in the city at MIKE&BECKY , a funky little artisan shop. I highly recommend trying the freshly baked gooey cookies and the smooth walnut dark chocolate bar.
• Gazing over city views at the trendy Eight Rooftop and Cocktail Bar sipping on a Smoked chocolate old fashioned cocktail. Make sure you also try the smoked hummus and paprika! 

I loved Ghent! While most head for Brussels or Bruges, I think this small but beautiful port city is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.

Ghent was, in fact, the most powerful in Europe, but today, it’s a very relaxed, picturesque place with more than a whiff of bohemian air which I was totally charmed by.

Beautiful Ghent is also story-book pretty with a collection of canal-side medieval architecture, Michelin-starred restaurants, quirky boutique stores, and a rich calendar of cultural events.

To get the feel of the place, I recommend skipping the touristy canal boat trips and discovering all the local hotspots instead! 

• Address: Flemish Region, northwest part of the country
• Best time to visit: late spring to early autumn

My favourite highlights…

• Sampling home-baked pastries in vintage-style surroundings at the wonderful Julie’s House . I highly recommend trying the delicious Creme Brûlée Cupcakes!
• Wandering around the delightful Lousbergmarkt indoor food market, I highly recommend sampling the freshly baked products from the Breadmakers CoPain and the organic strawberries from the organic farm De Vroente.

Spa is an elegant town which, yep, you’ve guessed it; it’s famous for being an ‘original’ spa. Located in the Ardennes region of eastern Belgium, it’s naturally blessed with abundant mineral-rich thermal waters.

Tourists flock here to relax and enjoy the water’s and hot springs’ health and wellness benefits.

It’s also an easy-on-the-eye with beautiful buildings, thermal baths, a historic casino, an array of luxury hotels, and an endearing 19th-century retro charm which I loved! 

• Address: Wallonia region, 87 miles east of Brussels.
• Best time to visit: spring to autumn
• Spending a very relaxing afternoon at the health spa Thermes de Spa . I highly recommend trying the peat baths and the relaxing infrared sauna.
• Going on an e-Scavenger hunt which was a fun way to explore the city, I loved stumbling across some of the city’s best attractions such as the the Casino de Spa and the pretty Lake Warfaaz.

6. High Fens-Eifel Nature Park

With its low-hanging mist and miles of untamed, rugged wilderness, this park has a mystical and almost other-worldly beauty. The beech forest-covered conversation area lies mainly in Germany but also borders Belgium.

It also happens to be home to some incredible wildlife – wild cats, wild boars, wildcats, black grouse, red deer, and eagle owls all call this beautiful place home; since the new millennium, the lynx has again been sighted in this remote and highly protected area for the first time in three centuries.

I love that p art of the park’s moors dates back to the last Ice Age!

• Address: province of Liège, on the German border
• Best time to visit: spring to late autumn
• Trying to spot the park’s incredible wildlife which included eagle owls, red deer and even wildcats. Although I didn’t see everything I managed to spot a black stork!
• Biking the Maare-Mosel Cycle Path which was an easy trail around 36 miles. I loved the scenery which ranged from tunnels and viaducts to pretty villages and ancient forests. I particularly loved biking past the unique volcanic landscapes.

The accolade of the smallest town on earth and a population of just 500, Durbury is a tiny gem! It’s located just 2 hours from Brussels and in my opinion, it proves that the best things come in small packages! 

It’s maintained in its charming medieval setting. Today, its pedestrian streets are flowered, narrow, and cobbled, winding between the old bluestone homes and buildings, attracting curious visitors to its shops, fine restaurants, and hotels.

Shop for artisanal produce, gaze at half-timbered houses, visit the beautiful Topiary Park and stop to quench your thirst at La Ferme du Chêne, which brews beer using a 14th-century method. Sporty types can also kayak or raft the Ourthe River that passes through the city.

• Location: Wallonia region, 75 miles southeast of Brussels
• Best time to visit: May to September
• Taking a fun ride on the all-electric tourist train which took me around the best spots and ended up high up overlooking the small city.
• Sampling the freshly made artisan products at rue Saint-Amour some which are very unique. I highly recommend tasty the lilac jam!

8. Chateau de La Hulpe

France isn’t the only country boasting fairytale castles; Gium’s finest is truly exquisite.

Located in the municipality of La Hulpe in the Walloon Brabant and less than an hour away from Brussels, this beautiful chateau was modelled after the castles in the Loire Valley in France and served as Marquis Maximilien de Béthune’s home.

The castle itself is not open to the public. Still, you can visit the garden, which is littered with sculptures and brimming with colourful flowers, and also the surrounding park, which is known for its rolling lawns, small ponds, and fragrant rhododendrons where I would recommend you take a walk, take a picnic or kick back and relax! 

• Address: Chaussée de Bruxelles 111, 1310 La Hulpe
• Best time to visit: spring to autumn 8am to 9pm
• Wandering around the gorgeous the landscaped French gardens, I loved the elegant sculptures that were dotted around.
• Exploring the house at my own pace on an audio guided tour.

9. The Sonian Forest

Part of this magnificent forest has just been awarded a UNESCO heritage status. Beginning in the Iron Age, the 4,000 hectares of woodlands used to be part of a long natural border of beeches and oaks stretching from Brabant to the north of France.

It’s a treasured, peaceful, and unspoiled place and in my opinion, definitely deserves a place on this list! It’s also a naturally picturesque destination to spot roaming wildlife! 

• Address: The Sonian ForestDrève des Brûlés, 3 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
• Going on the leisurely Sentier de la Source Laineuse – Sentier du Vuylbeek hike which took me an hour and a half to complete and took me past sparkling lakes and through lush green forests.
• Spotting the gorgeous wildlife which resides here and included woodpeckers, foxes, wild boar and squirrels.

With more than a whiff of Provence, this idyllic little village is often cited as the prettiest in the country. Lying on the southernmost tip of Belgium lies Torgny in the Gaume region in the province of Luxemburg, south of the Ardennes and surrounded by France on three sides.

The houses consist of ochre-coloured, hand-hewn stones and red curved tiles, reminiscent of the south of France. The village also enjoys its little microclimate, which is well-suited for vineyards!

I would just say it’s a quiet place, so don’t expect too much going on. I suggest kicking back, relaxing, and taking in the rolling hills, the honey-coloured houses, the abundance of flowers, the gastronomy of the local restaurants, walks and bike rides in the countryside, and a visit to the Abbey of the Trappist Cistercian monks of Orval! 

• Location: Wallonia region, the southernmost part of the country
• Staying in the beautifully styled Gaume, bed and breakfast. I loved the trendy grey modern decor in the guest rooms and the homemade jams at breakfast.
• Going for a scenic riverside picnic by the Semois River.

11. Wallonia

This area takes up a large part of the country and is the French-speaking region of the country. The landscapes are particularly stunning and it is has a traditional and laid-back feel.

The region of Wallonia has much to offer and I love the picturesque medieval towns complete with half-timbered buildings, historic architecture (from the classy Renaissance period), ancient forests, rugged cliffs, traditional restaurants and my personal favourite, the traditional Trappist beers which I found for sale everywhere! 

• Location: southern part of the country
• Going on a wine tour of Domaine de la Falize vineyard, the scenery of the setting was really stunning. I also loved that it produced organic and farm-friendly wines. I highly recommend trying the vintage Pinot Noir.
• Visiting the Bouillon Castle a well preserved building perched high overlooking stunning scenery and a thick forest.

Veurne was once an area of Belgium encompassed by fortresses to fend off the impending Viking attacks.

However, fortification failed, and the room was invaded, but thankfully, all the scars of the past have faded and left Verne as a historical yet beautiful part of the country which I would recommend visiting!

Veurne is a city of historical significance, so it’s home to many beautifully preserved buildings. Many of the buildings and ruins throughout Veurne depict a distinct Renaissance and Gothic style and are very impressive! 

• Location: Flemish Region, Western part of the country
• Best time to visit: summer to early September
• Discovering the quirky Bakery Museum which was full of everything I needed to know about baked goods housed in an atmospheric historic farmhouse.
• Sitting out in the sunshine in the beer garden of The Court Of Heaven where they had a great selection of Belgium beers and even an in-house beer sommelier! 

13. Hoge Kempen National Park

The national parks here are treasures just waiting to be explored, and in Belgium’s Hoge Kempen National Park, you can explore and stay directly in the park to immerse yourself in its immense natural beauty! 

Hiking and camping are available here and I would highly recommend both. It also offers modern lodging arrangements for those who don’t wish to get that close to nature!

• Location: 3630 Maasmechelen
• Best time to visit: spring to autumn, but winter is pretty as well
• Biking the Mechelse Heide Route which just over 6 miles and was a stunning route which took us through a thick forest, and stunning heathlands with wildflowers.
• Going on a very unique “Tasting-walk” where were went on a guided tour with a National Park Ranger and learnt about foraging and the edible flowers which reside in the park.

14. De Haan

Coastal regions of Belgium draw in tourists from all over the world, and one my my personal favourites is De Haan. Just under 13,000 people populate De Haan and I love that it has a small-town vibe.

Attractions within De Haan range from unique shopping opportunities, traditional mills, and outdoor adventures such as exploring the dune forest.

There is no limit to what you can find in De Haan, and unlike other areas that only cater to high-end travelers, this area provides something for everyone on every budget. Views from Spioenkop are among the best photo opportunities in De Haan so I would suggest heading there!

• Location: West Flanders, 62 miles northwest of Brussels
• Best time to visit: summer
• Spending time at the wide gorgeous beach sandy beach and finding a private spot to have a picnic sitting amongst the sand dunes. 
• Dining on fresh croissants and an oat-milk latte at the funky Bruut coffee shop.

15. La Roche-en-Ardenne

Driving around Belgium offers some beautiful scenery, but if you want something to enjoy outside your vehicle then I would suggest stopping at the pretty but low-key city of La Roche-en-Ardenne. La Roche-en-Ardenne is located in a picturesque valley at the bend of the Ourthe River. 

This location is full of picturesque scenery, from forests and hills to castle ruins and miles of fields! Enjoy your experience exploring this rugged countryside surrounded by unspoiled wilderness.

Cave explorers and outdoor enthusiasts love it here and I also would recommend bringing your camera along too, you’ll need it! 

• Location: Ardennes, 75 miles southeast of Brussels
• Hiring a kayak from Brandsport Kayak Rental and paddling down the Ourthe River.
• Dining al fresco at Brasserie Benelux, I highly recommend the vegan ravioli!

16. Vallee du Ninglinspo

This is a stunning spot and one of the most famous and popular walks in the country and I love visiting this place.

I love hiking over the miles of trails, past babbling brooks, craggy rocks, gorgeous waterfalls complete with natural pools and historic green forests. It’s a zen-like spot!  

• Location: province of Liège
• Discovering the gorgeous waterfall Cascade du Ninglinspo which had natural pools and surrounding hiking trails.
• Exploring the Remouchamps Caves on a guided boat tour, it was quite an experience seeing the incredible stalactites and stalagmites, but I felt a bit claustrophobic in there at times! 

Damme is an area of Belgium that encompasses Oostkereke, Vivenkapelle, Sint-Rita, Sijsele, Lapscheure, Hoeke, and Moerkerke.

The population of this growing area is just under 11,000 people. It remains a tiny, intimate town with much to offer tourists and locals.

Book enthusiasts flock to Damme, located in Belgium’s north region, as it is home to an increasing number of bookstores. Bookworms, poetry lovers and culture vultures will especially love it here!

Damme has a very walkable layout but also maintains an excellent bus route and is a bike-friendly area, so no matter how you travel in Damme, I’m sure you will enjoy this picturesque village just like I did!

• Location: West Flanders, northeast of Bruges
• Going on an interesting tour of Hoeke Windmill and hearing about the history then taking lots of Insta-worthy photos of the striking building and the gorgeous surroundings.
• Hiring an e-bike and biking along the Damme Canal Route which is around 10 miles and took me past the gorgeous canals from Bruges to Damme. I also loved the striking historic architecture and windmills too.

18. Gaasbeek Castle

Located in Lennik, Flemish Brabant, Belgium, Gaasbeek Castle is a stunning and romantic spot! From April 1 to August 30, I recommend visiting the Castle for a tour.

The castle is beautifully preserved, and I think the surrounding grounds are among the most beautiful in the country.

Ground admission is relatively inexpensive, and tours of the castle are available at various times throughout the day. 

• Address: Kasteelstraat 40, 1750 Lennik
• Best time to visit: 1 May to 31 October
• Seeing the incredible tapestries and historic art, some of which incredibly dated back to 1520. I particularly loved intricate Doornik tapestries.
• Discovering the fragrant Italian-style orangery and the striking Neo-Gothic barn in the gardens.

19. Oud-Rekem

Dubbed “The Most Beautiful Village in Flanders,” Oud Reken is simply waiting for visitors to stroll their historic pathways and cobblestone pathways! 

If like me you like your travelling pace to be a little slower, then Oud Reken is the perfect place! The Castle d’Aspremont-Lynden is one of the most famous sites, but it is not the only one.

Visitors enjoy access to this historical village, of various indoor and outdoor museums and friendly locals around every corner. If quaint is your idea of perfection then I think you’ll love it here!

• Location: Limburg province, 56 miles east of Brussels
• Staying overnight at the cozy bed and breakfast Boven de Galerie, I loved having the tasty continental breakfast on the open-air terrace with the stunning views of the surroundings.
• Dining on avocados on a grainy sourdough bread at the trendy Vogelsanck eatery which offer dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

Ypres is a city of almost 35,000 people, not a tiny village but a thriving town which would recommend visiting if you can!

Historically, Ypres has seen its share of fighting, including during WWII. Still, today’s Ypres is full of beautiful sites and a key pilgrimage site for those wishing to pay their respects to those who tragically lost their lives during war times.

Among the many historical sites throughout the city, tourists enjoy walking along the shores of the Yperlee River and taking pictures of the many memorials placed around Ypres.

History comes alive in Ypres, so I would suggest bringing your camera and a good pair of walking shoes to take it all in but bring your tissues, I always find this area incredibly emotional! 

• Location: West Flanders, western part of the country
• Best time to visit: May to October
• Visiting the poignant site of the real trenches and the WW2 graves, it was incredibly moving!
• Exploring the In Flanders Fields Museum , I particularly liked the personal stories of the soldiers from their letters and diaries and also the exhibits of their personal belongings as well.

My Stay at Indrani Lodge

I stayed in Indrani Lodge , located in the heart of the historic Brabant-Wallon village of Loupoigne, only a 45-minute drive from Brussels.

The lodge is a meticulously renovated medieval farm set amidst rural farmland. It had five upscale bedrooms with en-suite bedrooms, a peaceful leafy garden, an indoor swimming pool and even an onsite sauna.

My favourite part though was their selection of holistic programmes and focusing on the themes of yoga, wellness, mindfulness, and even healthy eating! 

• Address – 1 Chemin de la waronche, 1470 Loupoigne

9 thoughts on “20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Belgium”

hi sir who doesnt want to visit those beautiful places… Gaasbeek Castle is cool place for me

I just love traveling, beautiful places, really thanks for blog and photos. This are really gonna help.

Belgium having some many tourist places to visit..Thanks for sharing the photos which has the important places for tourists.

Fantastic looking places!

Belgium looks like a truly beautiful place to visit what wonderful photos too!

Wow I love this, such beautiful places in a beautiful looking country!

Bruges has certainly been on our travel wish list for a while now! We hear it’s great for chocolate, beer and bicycling :-).

Wow I didn’t know much about Belgium other than Brussels before now, but these look like incredibly scenic places to visit! Thanks for the travel inspiration! 🙂

Belgium is very picturesque.. I have been to Dinant and this city is truly breathtaking I had no idea about Eifel Nature Park before reading this post, looks so beautiful will definitely go there on my next visit. Thanks for sharing Becky!!

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