25 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Belgium
Traveling in Belgium
brings images of medieval rooftops, beautiful canals, tasty beer, and even more
indulgent chocolates. However, there is plenty to see in this remarkable
European country, where time seems to pass at a slower pace and the people are
friendly and welcoming to tourists. From modern cities teeming with designer
boutiques and glamorous galleries to cobbled streets loaded with museums and
native delights, the best places to
visit in Belgium have something for everyone on their vacation.
Eifel Nature Park
With its low-lying mist and miles of wild, untamed nature,
this park has a mystical, almost otherworldly beauty. The conversation area
covered with beech forests lies mainly in Germany but also borders Belgium.
There are also amazing wildlife species in this area, and
there have been reports of lynx sightings here for the first time in the last
three centuries here in this remote and highly protected area - wildcats,
boars, wildcats, black grouse, red deer, and even the eagle owl. Part of the park's
moors date from the last ice age, a must-see place in Belgium!
Chateau de la Hulpe
France is not the only country with fairy tale castles and
one of the most beautiful in Belgium
is truly exquisite. Located in the commune of La Hulpe in Walloon Brabant and
less than an hour from Brussels, this magnificent castle was inspired by the
castles of the Loire Valley in France and served as the residence of the
Marquis Maximilien de Béthune.
The castle itself is not open to the public but you can
visit the sculpture-strewn garden overflowing with colorful flowers and also
the surrounding park which is known for its rolling lawns, small ponds, and
fragrant rhododendrons where you can relax take a walk, have a picnic or relax
and unwind.
Bruges
Located in the northwest of Belgium, Bruges is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in
Europe, offering old-world charm and a romantic atmosphere. Once an important
center of Flemish art and textiles, today Bruges is best known for its
beautiful canals.
Bruges may be the largest city in the province of West
Flanders, but it's still small enough to explore on foot. The main attraction
of Bruges is the postcard-like old town. Surrounded by picturesque canals and
medieval walls, the historic district is full of beautiful old architecture,
including Romanesque and Gothic churches like the Church of Our Lady which
houses a sculpture by Michelangelo, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which
claims to possess a vial of blood. of Jesus Christ.
The city's most famous landmark is the Belfry on Markt
Square. Visitors can scale this 13th-century bell tower for spectacular views
of the city. Other must-see sites include the spectacular Gruuthuse Mansion and
the impressive Saint John's Hospital, built-in 1188.
Must-do activities in Bruges include visiting the museums,
which display the city's culture, traditions, and works of art by famous
Flemish artists. Walks through the cobbled streets offer dozens of shops
selling delicious chocolates, Belgian beer, and traditional lace. Scenic canal
cruises are readily available, while horse-drawn carriage rides offer romantic
experiences.
One of the most beautiful
places to visit in Belgium, Bruges - the perfectly preserved medieval city
- is the place to go for couples looking to go on a romantic European getaway.
Thousands of visitors can't be wrong and with a collection of attractive market
squares, steep gabled houses lining dreamy canals, and winding cobbled streets,
all tied together in a compact, mostly traffic-free whole, makes Bruges, the
channel suspended in time. -the city side is very romantic, it is also
undeniably photogenic.
Be sure to include Burg Square, the 14th century Stadhuis
(Town Hall) which has an ornately carved ceiling, the Market Square which
includes a 13th-century belfry with panoramic views, and of course one of the
restaurants critically acclaimed (of which there are many)!
Read More:
Top Attractions in Bruges
Brussels
Known for its diversity of sights and places of interest,
Brussels is the capital of Belgium
and is likely where visitors will begin their visits. As the seat of many
European institutions, Brussels could also be considered a kind of capital of
the European Union.
Most notably, the Grand Place is the center of the city and
was created in the 13th century. Sidewalk cafes and pubs abound around this
central square, as do other landmarks such as the stunning Gothic-style town
hall. Shopping is plentiful amid the Galeries Saint-Hubert, a centrally located
glass-roofed arcade filled with boutiques, cafes, and theaters.
Forget the dull image that one of Europe's premier cities
seems to struggle with, Brussels is a very beautiful city worthy of a trip.
Over the past few decades, the city has grown into a thriving cosmopolitan
metropolis.
The historic architecture (including a perfectly preserved
late 17th-century center) is truly stunning and adds to a fine collection of
art galleries, museums, a famous food scene (including everything from
chocolate and waffles to the fine cuisine adorned with Michelin stars), and of
course the delicious beer, then Brussels easily deserves a place on this list!
Read More:
Best Things to do in Brussels
Ghent
Belgium's best-kept secret, Ghent is a city of history. In
the Middle Ages, it was one of the richest and most powerful cities in Europe.
At one time, it was thought of as the largest city north of the Alps, after
Paris. The impact of this rich past is seen in the sight of the imposing
architecture of the churches and the houses of wealthy merchants. The entire
city center is restored in this way and still exudes the atmosphere of a
flourishing city-state of the late Middle Ages. This is particularly the case
along with the picturesque old port of Graslei, the great medieval cathedrals,
and the Gravensteen castle.
I loved Ghent. While most head to Brussels or Bruges, the
small but beautiful port city is arguably Europe's best-kept secret. Ghent was,
in fact, the most powerful in Europe, but today it is a very relaxed,
picturesque place with more than a breath of bohemian air.
Beautiful Ghent is also a storybook with a collection of
medieval canal-side architecture, Michelin-starred restaurants, quirky shops,
and a rich calendar of cultural events. To get a feel for the place, skip the
tourist canal boat tours and instead check out all the local hotspots.
Antwerp
Antwerp is a city with many faces. Although not as
historically preserved as Bruges or Ghent, it is a very dynamic city, offering
the perfect mix of history and current modern life. Lovers of good food, good
beer, and good times, this city are best known for the Diamond District, where
more than 70% of the world's rough diamonds are traded. Art abounds in Antwerp,
with Revenshuis famous for the Baroque works of Peter Paul Ruebens and the
Plantin Museum Moretus is the home of printer and bookbinder Christoffel
Plantin. Architectural marvels await you with the construction in 1351 of the
Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral and the majestic combination of Baroque and Gothic
architecture of Saint Paul's Church.
Ardennes
In Belgium,
visitors can go hiking, biking, and camping in the Ardennes, a region of steep
hills, caves, and cliffs. They are home to wild boar, deer, and lynx and hide
several friendly villages, numerous castles, and a few other notable sites. The
impressive caves of Han-Sur-Lesse, the castle of Bouillon, and the modern
labyrinth of Barvaux are among the best choices. The city of Namur makes an
ideal base for exploring the Ardennes and also has some beautiful sights.
Mechelen
A vibrant city that doesn't attract the tourism that many
other Belgian cities do, Mechelen is one of the best places to visit in Belgium. From tours of the Beguinage
brewery to riverboat trips, there's plenty to see and do in this Flemish
region. A trip to the top of the massive tower of St. Rombout's Cathedral is
the best way to get a panoramic view of the port of Antwerp and this charming
city. A must-see stop is the magnificent Carillion School, where students come
from all over the world to learn how to play this intricate bell-shaped
instrument.
Tournai
Adjacent to France, the charming and picturesque community
of Tournai is a great place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of
Belgium's big cities. Over 2000 years of rich cultural history can be explored
here, and this city is home to what is believed to be one of the most beautiful
churches in the world - the five-towered Gothic and Romanesque Notre-Dame
Cathedral. Built-in the 12th and 13th centuries, the cathedral houses the
Notre-Dame Sanctuary and works by Ruvens and Jordaens. The Belfry of the town
is the oldest in the country and offers visitors 257 steps to the most
remarkable viewpoints of the city of Tournai. The Museum of Fine Arts is full
of masterpieces by primitive and contemporary artists ranging from Campin and
Rubens to Roger Van der Weyden and Van Gogh.
Leuven
Home to the oldest Catholic university in the world, Louvain
has around 100,000 inhabitants, including nearly 35,000 students who liven up
the city during lessons. Two seemingly endless streets are packed with
interesting shops and galleries, while the more historic part of town is home
to sights such as the belfry of St. Peter's Church and the Great Beguinage.
Visitors will find plenty of action and things to do in Leuven's Grote Market,
where sights like the Town Hall are adjacent to outstanding restaurants and
streetside pubs and cafes. This city's location makes it an ideal alternative
to Brussels as the main hub for holidaymakers to explore the rest of the
country.
Durbuy
With the distinction of being the smallest town in the world
and a population of just 500, Durbury, located just 2 hours from Brussels, is
living proof that the best things come in small packages. It has also managed
to retain its charming medieval setting and today its pedestrian streets are
flowery, narrow, and cobbled, winding between old bluestone houses and
buildings, attracting curious visitors to its shops, fine restaurants, and
hotels.
Shop for handicrafts, admire the 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. Athletes can also go
kayaking or rafting on the Ourthe river which crosses the town.
Dinant
This city is located along the shimmering Meuse in the
province of Namur, just 65 km (40 miles) south of the capital. The Caves of Han
and the Cave of Dinant are some of the natural attractions that attract
visitors here. These caves are among the largest and most beautiful in Europe
and are located in a wildlife sanctuary teeming with native flora and fauna.
However, the city's landmark, the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, is still
notable after being partially rebuilt after a massive landslide, as is the
restored citadel that overlooks the city. Access to most Dinant sanctuaries is
accessible by appointment, but the Beauraing Sanctuary is open every day.
This beautiful under-the-radar gem of a town sits on the
banks of the River Meuse in the Walloon region of Belgium. The picturesque town is backed by a dramatic cliff and
protected by the old fortified citadel and the town's historic buildings are
steeped in legend - as you wander through the narrow streets you can feel this
is a place with a lot of charm. stories to tell.
Perhaps the town's most famous connection comes from being
the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the man who invented the saxophone whose house
you can now tour. Gourmets will not fail to taste the delicious Flamiche (a bit
like a Tarte Flambée) or the Couques de Dinant which are delicious brittle
honey biscuits. Certainly one of the most
beautiful places to visit in Belgium!
Vallee du Ninglinspo
Nicknamed "The most beautiful promenade in
Adrennes", the Ninglinspo Valley is one of Belgium's greatest outdoor
attractions. It offers miles of paths and pleasant landscapes through a wild
nature of remarkable beauty. A hiker's paradise, the Nignlinspo Valley offers
something new at every turn.
Waterfalls, natural pools, and rocky landscapes blend
beautifully with the unspoiled wilderness of this region. When you visit the
Ninglinspo Valley, be sure to bring your camera and respect the natural beauty
of the land by taking out all trash so that everyone can enjoy its splendor for
many years to come.
Mons
As the capital of the province of Hainaut, Mons is best
known for the magical and startling ringing of the city's glorious Belfry
bells, which hail from the 80-meter (270-foot) tower. The winding streets make
it easy for visitors to navigate the sights of the city which are a rich mix of
architectural styles. The Gothic-style Mons town hall is an eye-catcher and the
Sainte-Waudru collegiate church houses a very impressive collection of
alabaster statues by Jacques Du Broeucq from the 16th century. Naturally, a
stop at the Maison Van Gogh is essential to see astonishing reproductions of
the works of this master.
Oud Rekem
Nicknamed "The most beautiful village in
Flanders", Oud Reken simply waits for visitors to wander its historic
paths and cobblestone paths. If you're one of those people who likes to take
things a little slower, Oud Reken is the place to be. The Château d'Aspremont-Lynden
is one of the most famous sites, but it is not the only one.
Visitors enjoy access to this historic village filled with
various museums, indoors and outdoors, and friendly locals around every corner.
If picturesque is your idea of perfection, Oud Reken should be on your bucket
list when visiting Belgium.
Spa
The spa is a beautiful and stylish place to visit in Belgium and yes, you guessed it, it's famous for
being a "quirky" spa. Located in the Ardennes region of eastern Belgium, it is naturally
blessed with an abundance of mineral-rich thermal waters. Tourists flock here
to relax and enjoy the health and wellness benefits of the water and hot
springs.
It's also very pleasing to the eye with beautiful buildings,
thermal baths, a historic casino, a range of luxury hotels, and endearing
19th-century retro charm.
La Roche-en-Ardenne
Driving in Belgium
offers some beautiful scenery, but if you're looking for something to enjoy
outside of your vehicle, La Roche-en-Ardenne is the perfect place to go.
Located above it all just 25 km northeast of Saint-Hubert you will find La
Roche-en-Ardenne.
This place is full of scenic landscapes ranging from hills
to castle ruins. Use your experience to explore this rugged countryside
surrounded by vast wilderness. Cave explorers and outdoor enthusiasts of all
types enjoy their time in this spectacular region
of Belgium. Bring a camera, you will need it.
Damme
Damme is a region of
Belgium which encompasses Oostkereke, Vivenkapelle, Sint-Rita, Sijsele,
Lapscheure, Hoeke and Moerkerke. The population of this growing area is just
under 11,000. It remains a remarkably small and intimate city but has plenty to
offer tourists and locals alike.
Book lovers flock to Damme, located in the northern region of Belgium, as it is
home to a growing number of bookstores. If you are one of the many bookworms
and lovers of poetry, you will enjoy your stay in Damme!
Damme has a very pedestrianized layout, but also maintains
an excellent bus route and is a bicycle-friendly area, so however you choose to
travel to Damme, you will enjoy this quaint village.
The Sonian Forest
Part of this forest of exceptional beauty has just been
classified as a UNESCO heritage site. From the Iron Age, the 4,000 hectares of
woods were part of a long natural border of beech and oak trees that stretched
from Brabant to northern France.
It is a precious, peaceful, and unspoiled place in Belgium and a naturally
picturesque destination perfect for observing stray and wild boars, foxes, and
roe deer.
The Wallonia region
A visit to Belgium
would not be complete without a visit to beautiful Wallonia. This
French-speaking region of the country is among the largest regions in the
country but still has a traditional and relaxed atmosphere.
Wallonia has plenty to offer tourists and locals alike,
including medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and traditional Trappist
beers galore.
Veurne
Veurne was once a region of Belgium surrounded by fortresses to fend off imminent Viking
attacks. However, the fortification failed and the area was overrun, but
luckily all the scars of the past have faded and left Verne as a historic yet beautiful part of Belgium.
As Veurne is a town of historical importance, it, therefore,
retains obvious landmarks of the past. Many buildings and ruins in Veurne
depict a distinct Renaissance and Gothic style, so if this type of history is
important to you, Veurne may be your perfect location.
Hoge Kempen National Park
Our national parks are treasures just waiting to be explored
and in the Belgium Hoge Kempen National Park, you can explore and stay directly
in the park to immerse yourself in its intense beauty.
Hiking and camping are available at this traveler's dream
park and for those unaccustomed to such harsh conditions or for those who
simply don't want to camp, Hoge Kempen National Park offers modern
accommodation for a more comfortable stay.
De Haan
The coastal regions of Belgium
attract tourists from all over the world and among the most popular is De
Haan. De Haan is populated by just under 13,000 people and retains a
spectacular small-town feel. De Haan's attractions range from unique shopping
opportunities to traditional windmills 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 which only cater to high-end travelers, this area offers something
for everyone and all tastes. budgets. The views from Spioenkop are among the
best photo opportunities in De Haan.
Gaasbeek Castle
Looking for a romantic place to take the one you love?
Gaasbeek Castle is the perfect place in
Belgium. From April 1 to August 30, visitors can visit Gaasbeek Castle for
an incredible tour. Romance surrounds every turn of the castle and the
surrounding grounds are some of the most
beautiful in all of Belgium.
Entrance to the grounds is relatively inexpensive, and tours
of the castle itself are available at various times of the day. Be sure to
bring your camera as you'll want to take advantage of the endless photo
opportunities in this epic castle.
Ypres
A city of almost 35,000 people, Ypres is not a small
village, but a thriving city ready to make your tourist dreams come true.
Historically, Ypres has seen its share of fighting, including during World War
II, but today's Ypres is full of stunning sights and a key pilgrimage site for
those wishing to pay their respects to those who tragically lost their lives in
wartime.
Of the many historic sites found throughout the city,
tourists enjoy strolling along the banks of the Yperlee River and taking photos
of the many memorials placed around Ypres. History comes alive in the town of
Ypres, so bring your camera and a good pair of walking shoes to take it all in.
A unique stay in Belgium
For a beautifully unique place to stay in Belgium, I stayed at Indrani Lodge, located in the
heart of the historic Brabant-Walloon village of Loupoigne, just a 45-minute
drive from Brussels. Combining contemporary sleek luxury, historic elegance,
and personalized service, the lodge is a meticulously renovated medieval
farmhouse set in the middle of rural farmland - so a place to escape the hassle
of the city but still close to the cultural attractions of one of the towns.
the most eccentric in Europe.
Surrounded by beautiful green landscapes, go hiking or
walking or horseback riding through rural farmland, ancient abbeys, historic
battle sites, or a round of golf at one of the many courses nearby! Indrani
Lodge offers 5 luxuriously appointed and designed en-suite bedrooms, a relaxing
green garden, and a rejuvenating sauna.
In keeping with the harmonious environment, they have also
recently launched a new retreat program offering a wide selection of wellness
retreats and emphasizing the themes of yoga, wellness, mindfulness, and Healthy
food. For more information, visit the Indrani Lodge website.
When is the best time
to apply for Belgium visa? Apply Belgium visa from Pakistan 1 to 2 months before your traveling date.
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