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Top 10 Must Visit Destinations in Belgium for Memorable Vacation

Belgium

Belgium is a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern culture and trends. From old palaces, mansions, museums, and churches to modern architecture, shopping arcades, and entertainment; this European gem is home to many amazing places for all kinds of vacations.

And if you are planning a trip to this mesmerizing country, here is a complete list of places to visit in Belgium. You might get overwhelmed with the choices while looking at the list, so it is advisable to choose the places according to the timings, holiday schedule, etc. Promising to add a tadka of fun and excitement to your trip, these places in Belgium will surely make your stay in the beautiful country of Belgium a memorable experience for you.

Places to Visit in Belgium

1. Brussels

Brussels

Being the capital city and one of the largest hubs of the finest museums, palaces, chapels, and mansions, Brussels is one of the most popular places to visit in Belgium. It is also the administrative capital of the European Union and attracts tourists from different parts of the world.

Famous for world-class cafes, pubs, restaurants, and shopping arcades – Brussels offers a plethora of options to make your European vacation engaging and exciting. There are many places to visit in Brussels for all kinds of travelers in Belgium that won’t disappoint!

Tourist attractions: Grand Palace, Atomium, Mini Europe, Mannequin Pis, and Tintin Museum

Where to stay: Hotel Amigo, NH Brussels Grand Place Arenberg, Radisson Blu Royal, Floris Usthel Midi

2- Ghent

Ghent

Another famous place to visit in Belgium is Ghent – ​​a quaint and calm city, endowed with historical sites, medieval structures, and Belgian churches. Famous for housing the Alter Pis; Ghent is a favorite spot for art lovers and history buffs, but the serenity and charm of this place attracts all kinds of travelers.

This wonderful blend of history and calm atmosphere makes this city one of the most unique places to visit in Belgium.

Tourist attractions: St. Bavo Cathedral inside which is located Alter Peace, Gravensteen, Belfry of Ghent and St. Nicholas Church

Where to stay: Ghent Marriott, Golden Tulip Hotel de Medici and Hotel Gravensteen

3- Bruges

Bruges

One of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Belgium is Bruges- a picturesque medieval city, filled with historic buildings and canals. The grand castles, chapels and mansions of Bruges reflect the history of the Vikings, while the network of canals flowing through the city has helped Bruges earn the title of ‘Venice of the North’. Explore this quaint city by bicycle, enjoy boating in the canal or enjoy a Belgian hot chocolate at any of the quaint cafes in the main market square.

Tourist attractions: Grote Market Square, Belfry Tower and Gruuthuse Mansion

Where to stay: Hotel Aragon, Floris Hotel and Golden Tulip Hotel de Medici

4- Tournai

Tournai

Located on the Belgium-France border, this bustling city has one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. It is a hub of art and sculptures and attracts art lovers and history buffs all year round. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium, Tournai has some of the best museums and art galleries and the city Belfry is the oldest in the country. If you are looking for interesting things to see in Belgium, then this place is a must visit.

Tourist attractions: Belfry of Tournai, Folklore Museum, Musée d’Histoire Naturelle et Vivarium and Notre Dame Cathedral in Tournai

Where to stay: Hotel Cathédrale, D’Alcantara and Floreal Le Panoramic

5- Leuven

Leuven

Due to the presence of the best Belgian breweries, Leuven is another name on the list of best places to visit in Belgium. This beautiful place is just as famous for markets, street-side pubs, cafes and churches and galleries as any other Belgian city, but being home to the oldest Catholic university in the world, Leuven is always buzzing with crowds of students from different parts of the world. Here, you will also find one of the best hotels in Belgium.

Tourist attractions: Town Hall, Botanical Garden Kruidtuin, University Library and Bell Tower and St. Peter’s Church.

Where to stay: Pentahotel, Park Inn by Radisson and Hotel Ibis

6- De Haan

De Haan

Located in northern Belgium, De Haan is a beautiful seaside village. It is most popular for its 11-kilometer-long beach, which is lined with great restaurants, hip cafes, exciting bars, and some of the best homestays in Belgium. But its fine white sand and great nightlife are not its only highlights. Couples also love to stroll the streets of Conix, which is another fun part of this seaside town and makes it one of the most romantic places to visit in Belgium.

While you are here, you must not miss the magnificent Belle Epoque buildings and the grand Town Hall. When here, you can also go hiking and biking on the huge sand dunes or visit exciting amusement parks.

Tourist attractions: Belle Epoque, Villa Savoyarde, Spioenkop, La Potiniere, Astridpark, De Groot Schmale VK, and more

Where to stay: Hotel Estelle, Hotel Rubens, B&B Yaka, Villa Verde, and more

7- Antwerp

Antwerp

A true Belgian delight; Antwerp is all about culture, art, and traditions. On one hand, it displays old architectural marvels and palaces, but on the other, there are some modern and trendy art galleries and museums. Known for fine dining and beer, this place is the diamond district of Belgium as more than 70% of the world’s uncut diamonds are traded here. It is one of the best places to visit in Belgium in 2 days.

Tourist attractions: Plantin Moretus Museum, Rubenshuis, Museum aan de Stroom, and Antwerp Zoo.

Where to stay: Leonardo Hotel, Ibis Hotel and Trip By Wyndham

8- Dinant

Dinant

Located along the Meuse River in the Namur province of Belgium, Dinant is another tourist attraction and one of the best places to visit in Belgium. Home to famous natural caves, caves of Europe such as the Caves of Han and the Grotto of Dinant, as well as one of the best national parks in Belgium, Dinant has a rich wildlife reserve with exotic biodiversity. Located 65 km from Brussels, Dinant is one of the best places to visit in Brussels.

Tourist attractions: Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, La Citadelle, Charles-de-Gaulle Bridge, Adolphe Sax Statue and Parc de Forfouz

Where to stay: La Panama, Hotel Ibis and Castel-de-Pont-a-Lesse

9- Mons

Belgium

Mons is also included in the list of best places to visit in Belgium. A large cobblestone square, Grand Palace and centuries-old town hall await every tourist in Mons, the beautiful capital of Hainaut province of Belgium. But what attracts and enthralls every traveler is the melodious melody of the bells of the city’s magnificent belfry, which are located at the top of a 270-feet high tower. It is one of the best tourist places in Belgium.

Tourist attractions: Collegiate Church of Saint-Waudru, Jacques du Bruc alabaster sculptures and Van Gogh House

Where to stay: Congress Hotel Mons Van der Valk, Hotel Dream and Hotel Lido

10. Mechelen

Mechelen

Located close to Antwerp is Mechelen – another lively and beautiful place in Belgium. Mechelen is unique in many ways. Famous for boat trips and visits to breweries; You can climb the huge tower of St. Rombout Cathedral to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Antwerp harbor or visit the world-famous Carillion School, famous for lessons on the complex instrument of bells. It would be really unfair if we don’t mention Mechelen when talking about the best places to visit in Belgium.

Tourist attractions: Brouweri Het Anker, St. Rumbold Cathedral and Provincial Groendommen Vrijbroekpark

Where to stay: Hotel Hobbit, Best Western and NH Mechelen

Best time to visit Belgium

The best time to visit Belgium depends on your interests, but here are some things to consider:

Summer:
The best season for visitors, with warm weather, cultural events, and festivals.

Shoulder season:
The months between March and May and September, when crowds are less and nature is in full bloom.

Spring:
April to May is pleasant weather, with mild days and cool nights and spring flowers in bloom.

Fall:
September to October is pleasant weather, with mild days and cool nights and fewer crowds than summer.

Winter
Low season, with quiet museums and great value, but Christmas markets and carnivals can cause crowds.

Belgium has four distinct seasons, and each season offers a unique view of the country’s history, heritage, and sights. It doesn’t have a rainy season, but it can rain all year round

Here is a general FAQ guide for traveling to Belgium:

1. Do you need a visa to visit Belgium?

  • EU/EEA citizens: No visa required for stays of less than 90 days.
  • Non-EU citizens: Visa requirements depend on your nationality. US citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.

2. What is Belgium’s currency?

  • It uses the euro (€).

3. What is the best time to visit Belgium?

  • The weather is mild and less crowded in spring (April to June) and fall (September to October).
  • July and August are hot but see more tourists.

4. How to get around Belgium?

  • Trains: Belgium has a well-connected train system. Major cities like Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp are easily accessible by rail.
  • Public transportation: Buses, trams and metro are widely available in the cities.
  • Driving: Belgian roads are in good condition, but be mindful of parking rules in cities.

5. What are the emergency numbers?

  • 112 is the general emergency number for police, fire and ambulance.

6. Is Belgium safe for tourists?

  • Belgium is generally safe, but like any major destination, be wary of petty crimes such as pickpocketing in crowded areas.
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