Discover Belgium: A European Gem of Medieval Cities, Culinary Delights & Rich History

When travelers dream of Europe, Belgium may not always be the first country that comes to mind. Yet this small but vibrant nation offers everything you could want from a European getaway — fairytale towns, stunning Gothic architecture, delicious cuisine, and a deep historical soul.

From the canals of Bruges and medieval squares of Ghent, to the cutting-edge modernity of Brussels and the Battlefields of Flanders, Belgium is a compact country packed with rich experiences.

---

Why Visit Belgium?

• Iconic medieval cities
• UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Famous Belgian beer, chocolate, and waffles
• World-class art museums
• World War I history & memorials
• Breathtaking countryside and coast
• Easy access from London, Paris, Amsterdam

Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, art lover, or just want a beautiful European weekend escape, Belgium delivers — and often at more affordable prices and fewer crowds than its bigger neighbors.

---

Quick Facts About Belgium

• Size: ~30,500 km²
• Population: ~11.6 million
• Capital: Brussels
• Languages: Dutch (Flemish), French, German
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Visa: Schengen zone (easy for EU & many global visitors)
• Best time to visit: April–October (spring flowers, summer cafes, autumn markets)

---

Best Things to Do in Belgium

---

 1. Wander the Medieval Streets of Bruges

Often called the “Venice of the North,” Bruges is a perfectly preserved medieval city.

Don’t miss:

• Market Square (Markt) & Belfry Tower
• Canal boat tour (best way to see the town!)
• Basilica of the Holy Blood
• Groeningemuseum (Flemish masters)
• Evening strolls when the day-trippers leave

---

 2. Explore Ghent: A Cultural Powerhouse

Ghent blends medieval charm with youthful energy — thanks to its thriving university scene.

Top sights:

• Gravensteen Castle
• St. Bavo’s Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece
• Patershol district — cobblestone streets & bistros
• Grafitti street
• Evening light shows along the canal

---

 3. Discover Brussels: More Than Just the Capital

Brussels may house the European Union, but it’s also a city of quirky art nouveau architecture, fantastic food, and rich history.

Highlights:

• Grand Place — one of Europe’s most beautiful squares
• Manneken Pis (iconic statue)
• Atomium — futuristic expo building
• Royal Palace & gardens
• Comic Strip Museum (Tin Tin & Belgian comic heritage)
• Belgian beer tours & chocolate workshops

---

 4. Savor Belgian Cuisine

Belgium is a foodie paradise:

Must-eats:

• Mussels & fries (moules-frites)
• Belgian waffles — Brussels-style & Liege-style
• Belgian chocolates — pralines & truffles
• Carbonnade flamande (beer-braised beef stew)

Beer lovers can explore over 1,500 Belgian beer varieties — with brewery tours in Brussels, Leuven, and West Flanders.

---

 5. Remember at Flanders Fields & WWI Memorials

Flanders Fields is a moving destination for anyone interested in World War I history.

Sites to visit:

• In Flanders Fields Museum (Ypres)
• Tyne Cot Cemetery
• Menin Gate — daily Last Post ceremony
• Trenches of Death at Diksmuide

---

 6. Cycle Through the Belgian Countryside

Belgium is one of Europe’s most bike-friendly countries. Rent a bike and explore:

• The Flanders countryside
• Belgian coast & dunes
• Ardennes region for hilly, forested rides

---

 7. Marvel at Leuven’s Architecture & University Life

Less known than Brussels, nearby Leuven is home to Europe’s oldest Catholic university.

Why go?

• Gothic Town Hall — spectacular detail
• University library
• Beer tours in Leuven — birthplace of Stella Artois
• Less touristy than Brussels or Bruges

---

Belgian National Parks & Nature

• Hoge Kempen National Park — Belgium’s first national park (hiking & cycling)
• Ardennes Forest — castles, caves, and outdoor adventure
• Zwin Nature Park — birdwatching & nature reserve along the coast

---

Best Time to Visit Belgium

Season	Why visit
Spring (April–June)	Flower festivals, mild weather
Summer (July–August)	Best for cafe terraces, beaches, festivals
Autumn (September–October)	Fall colors, beer festivals
Winter (December)	Christmas markets & cozy cities

How to Get to Belgium

By plane:

• Brussels Airport (BRU) — major European hub
• Charleroi Airport (Brussels South) — budget flights

By train:

• High-speed trains connect Belgium to:
  • London (Eurostar)
  • Paris (Thalys)
  • Amsterdam (Thalys, IC)

By car:

• Well connected by European motorways

---

Is Belgium Safe?

Yes!

Belgium is safe for tourists, including solo travelers and families. Standard precautions in busy cities apply (watch out for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas).

---

Where to Stay in Belgium

City/Region	Top stays
Brussels	Luxury hotels, business hotels, boutique B&Bs
Bruges	Romantic canal-side hotels, cozy inns
Ghent	Boutique hotels, artist lofts
Leuven	Affordable student hotels, charming guesthouses
Flanders Fields	Historic inns, countryside lodges
Belgian Coast	Seaside hotels, resorts

https://trip.tpo.lu/4BnSh8iN

https://trip.tpo.lu/fCdCXHqZ

Top Tours & Experiences in Belgium

Experience	Where to book
Brussels Grand Place & Beer Tour	GetYourGuide, Viator
Bruges Canal Cruise	Local tours, GetYourGuide
WWI Battlefields Tour	From Brussels or Bruges
Belgian Chocolate Workshop	Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp
Beer Tour in Leuven	Local operators, GetYourGuide
Cycling in Flanders	Bike rental and guided tours
Belgian Coast Day Trip	Organized coach to

Final Thoughts: Why Belgium Belongs on Your Bucket List

Belgium may be small — but it packs in a huge range of experiences:

 Beautiful medieval towns

 Amazing food & drink

 World-class art & architecture

 Powerful history & culture

 Friendly locals

 Easy transport & affordability

It’s a country where you can enjoy a beer in a centuries-old square one day, paddle a nature reserve the next, and explore castles the third.

Whether you’re on a European tour or planning a long weekend escape, Belgium deserves a spot on your bucket list — and you’ll likely want to return for more.