Its many cobbled streets and remarkable monuments will make you discover a magnificent homeland. Besides being pretty, it is also a place where gastronomy holds an important place, something to please the whole family. So, if you are wondering what to do in Belgium, find here the 11 must-see places not to be missed!
Stroll through Bruges
Bruges is considered the "Venice of the North". Its cobbled streets, its stone monuments and the various canals that pass through the city center, make it a particularly romantic city. It is very nice to take a boat, walk or bike ride there. Especially since the city center is closed to cars. Very pleasant too: enjoy the city by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride! Not to be missed in this pretty Flemish city:
- Its historic center classified by UNESCO
- The Basilica of the Holy Blood
- The Palace of the Franc of Bruges
- Saint-Sauveur cathedral
Bruges can be visited perfectly in a day or two. And you can even book a free guided tour right here !
Bruges
Climb the Lion's Mound
Waterloo… Symbol of the place where France was defeated! Climbing the Lion's Mound, the vision can extend over all the ground which served as a terrible battlefield. The wax museum, at the foot of the Butte, offers very realistic scenes on the main players in this fight.
The Lion's Mound
Walking around Ghent
Less well known than Bruges… Ghent is nevertheless a charming city which certainly allows you to travel back in time! Also seen as another "Venice of the North", this medieval town is a wonderful place to spend a weekend, moreover, far from the tourist crowds of Bruges. It is essential to visit the castle of the Counts, an impressive medieval fortress. Many activities are offered, which makes the city very lively and enjoyable for a weekend.
Ghent
Visit the Horta house in Brussels
Superb house of Victor Horta, architect who died in 1947, it is located in Saint-Gilles. It is a unique place, which consists of the dwelling house and the workshop of Mr Horta. This place is entirely devoted to art nouveau. When we enter this museum, we have the impression that time has stood still at the beginning of the XNUMXth century. It is a real pleasure for the eyes!
The staircase of the Horta museum
Admire the panorama from the Atomium
Great symbol of Brussels, the Atomium is a surviving monument of the 1958 international exhibition. Created by André Waterkeyn, it symbolizes an elemental crystal of iron. From a height of 102 meters, it offers you a splendid view of Brussels. Two of its spheres are devoted to exhibitions.
The Atomium of Brussels
Contemplate the Manneken Pis
The Manneken-Pis is the small symbol of Brussels which shows a little boy urinating. It is a stone's throw from the Grand-Place, which is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. You should not miss either his little sister, less known than his brother, Jeanneke-Pis. Since 1999, you can also admire the Zinneke-Pis, a dog urinating and which is located on rue des Chartreux.
The famous Manneken Pis
CONTINUE YOUR VISIT OF BRUSSELS:
What to see in Brussels for a weekend? Our essentials!
Take a walk in Durbuy
Nicknamed the "smallest city in the world" with its 400 inhabitants, Durbuy is a small city of character! Endowed with great dynamism, this city is steeped in history. With its cobbled streets and pedestrian access, it is a real pleasure to walk there. Its gardens, its museum, its castle, its stalls… Everyone finds pleasure there. Considered the Saint-Tropez of the Ardennes, but without the sea, it is a very popular destination! If you were wondering what to do in Belgium, this destination is for you.
Durbuy
Discover the Belgian brewing world
Belgium is the land of beer par excellence. Moreover, out of 12 Trappist abbeys in the world, 6 are in Belgium: Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren and Achel. But the Belgian brewing world does not stop there! It is in this country that you will find the greatest variety of beers in the world. Something to satisfy all tastes! Many breweries offer visiting hours. This is perfect for learning a bit more about how to brew beer. Do not hesitate to look at those located near your place of stay, in order to know their opening hours to the public. And for the more amateurs, let yourself be tempted by this tasting route of Belgian beers across Brussels.
The famous Belgian beers
Walking in the footsteps of minors
Belgium has a very strong mining past. What a fabulous experience to visit one of these mines! Some have become veritable museums. If you don't know what to do in Belgium, this is one thing you should not miss. Dressed in a frontal, you will be able to discover the past of the miners and learn a "mine" of information! Do not hesitate to go to the tourist office of your place of vacation, in order to know the closest visits for you.
A Belgian coal mine
Walk around the ugliest city in Europe
Charleroi, capital of Hainaut, is seen as the ugliest city in Europe (even in the world, according to a Dutch newspaper). One of these inhabitants then had the idea of creating an “urban safari” in order to reveal all the decrepitude caused by the end of the steel industry. A unique experience, led by Nicolas Buissart.
Charleroi
Barouder on the Belgian coast
The Belgian coast is on the coast of the North Sea and stretches for nearly 68 km. There are magnificent beaches, an anthology of fresh seafood, museums, exhibitions, but also more unusual things like fishermen on horseback! Maybe it's time to treat yourself to a mussels and chips and beer break by the sea?
Sunset in Ostend
The essentials of Belgium…. And after ?
Europe offers wonderful places of discovery and Belgium is one of the countries not to be missed on your trip! You will find a warm welcome, can eat good meals and be amazed. So don't wait, and read on with our complete guide to Belgium (and all the questions we ask ourselves) in order to be fully prepared for your next trip.
