Despite being overshadowed by its neighbours France and the Netherlands, Belgium is a hidden gem in Europe that should not be overlooked by travellers. The country’s rich history has contributed to its linguistic and cultural diversity, and its small size makes it easy for visitors to explore multiple destinations within a short amount of time. Belgium offers a wide range of attractions, including delicious fries and chocolate, beautiful natural areas, charming medieval towns, and vibrant art scenes, making it a place where everyone can find something to enjoy. Here are some top recommendations of places you should visit while in Belgium.
Namur Province
The Namur Province in the Wallonia region of Belgium is known for its natural beauty, including rivers, cliffs, and rolling hills. You can visit Dinant, a destination popular for its citadel and scenic riverside town. In Liernu, you can explore some of the best fine-dining restaurants, including called L’air du Temps which sources many of its dishes from its on-site garden. Namur, the capital of the province, is home to a large citadel and the Musée Félicien Rops, which exhibits the work of a 19th-century Belgian artist. The region is a good place for outdoor activities, including hiking and exploring the Belgian Ardennes forests.
The Belgian Coast
If you’re looking to relax on beautiful beaches and explore charming coastal towns, the Belgian coast is a great destination. Visit De Haan, known for its low beachfront skyline of Belle Epoque architecture and unspoiled grassy dunes. It’s also home to quaint vintage tea rooms and sweet treat shops. Also, check out Oostduinkerke, or East Dunkirk. In this protected dune area, visitors can witness the unique and near-extinct tradition of shrimping on horseback, which takes place during the warmer months from April to October.
This centuries-old tradition received Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status in 2013. You can easily explore the Belgian coast via the de Kusttram, a public coastal tram that travels the entire 65km (40 mile) stretch from De Panne to Knokke-Heist, making it easy to explore multiple towns and attractions along the way.
Explore Brussels
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and home to the European Union and NAT, is known for its diverse culture and has many museums, including the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Magritte Museum. The city also offers famous architectural landmarks, such as the Grand Place and the Maison Cauchie. If you would like some shopping, there are flea markets and vintage shops in the Sablon district. And if you’re a food lover, sample Belgian beer at the Délirium Café, fries at a frietkot, and chocolate and waffles at Pierre Marcolini and Maison Dandoy, respectively.
Bruges
Bruges is a charming city popular for its fairytale-like atmosphere, with tree-lined canals, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved medieval architecture. The city has been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site and is best experienced by wandering around Old Town on foot, taking a canal boat tour, biking along the canals, and visiting landmarks like the Belfort. While in Bruges, you should also try Belgian beer and visit the Groeninge museum to view the fine-art museum’s Flemish Primitive collection.
Ardennes
Ardennes is a popular destination for adventure seekers. The region is known for its hilly terrain, thick forests, cliffs, caves, and diverse wildlife, including lynx, deer, and wild boar. In Ardennes, you can enjoy activities like trekking, camping, and biking. Some of the top tourist attractions in the area include the Castle of Bouillon, Han-Sur-Lesse, and the Labyrinth of Barvaux. If you’re planning a trip to Belgium and want to experience the beauty and adventure of Ardennes, you can stay at hotels like Azur en, Hotel Eden, or Hotel des.
Tournai
Tournai is a city located on the Belgium-France border. The city is a hub for art and sculpture and attracts art lovers and history buffs throughout the year. In addition to its great museums and art galleries, Tournai also boasts the oldest Belfry in Belgium. If you’re seeking exciting things to do in Belgium, Tournai is worth a visit. Tourist attractions in the city include the Belfry of Tournai, the Folklore Museum, the Musee d’Histoire Naturelle et Vivarium, and Notre Dame Cathedral. There are several good places to stay in Tournai, including Hotel Cathedral, D’Alcantara, and Floreal le Panoramique.
Written by Bernard de Laguiche