Belgium is sometimes overlooked by travelers in favor of neighboring countries like France and the Netherlands, yet it is one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Belgium travel is a delightful experience, offering a blend of old-world charm and modern cultural attractions. The country's compact size allows travelers to easily explore numerous sites, including the cosmopolitan capital, Brussels.
Brussels
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Brussels, Belgium's capital and the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, is considered one of Europe's most cosmopolitan towns. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium is made up of six separate museums, including the must-see Magritte Museum, the Boghossian Foundation at Villa Empain, a spectacular art deco building, and the contemporary Center for Fine Arts, a multipurpose cultural venue known as BOZAR. Many architectural treasures may be found in the city, including the Grand Place, a Unesco World Cultural Heritage site, and the famed Maison Cauchie, which is available to the public only on the first weekend of the month with previous appointments. The flea markets in Brussels, particularly the daily open-air antique market at Place du Jeu-de-Balle and the stores in the Sablon neighbourhood, provide some of the best and most cheap vintage shopping in the world. Brussels is the destination to go for foodies who want to sample all of Belgium's gastronomic treasures. Délirium Café is a popular, always-crowded café that serves over 2000 different varieties of beer, including that of the country's famous Trappist brews. There are a few outdoor kiosks nearby called frietkot (snack stalls) where you can get your frieten fix - fries served in a distinctive paper cone with your choice of sauce. To satiate a sweet taste, try Pierre Marcolini's Belgian chocolate and, of course, Maison Dandoy's fluffy Brussels-style waffles.
Bruges
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Visiting Bruges is like entering a fantasy. With its elaborate system of tree-lined canals, cobblestone alleys, and well-preserved buildings, the city is sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North. To add to the charm, much of the distinctly mediaeval architecture, due to the red Gothic brick, resembles gingerbread cottages. All of this, as well as the fact that it is the cradle of Flemish Primitive art, contributed to the designation of the entire mediaeval city centre of Bruges as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Bruges are best enjoyed at your own speed. Wander about Old Town on foot, taking in the city squares, the Markt, and the Burg; take a canal boat trip and count all the bridges (54 in all), then cycle down the canals to less congested spots. Head to the Belfort, one of Bruges' most famous monuments, and climb the 366 steps to the summit for the greatest bird's-eye views. Grasp your breath with a refreshing Belgian beer, which can be found on almost each corner of the city. De Halve Maan, a 16th-century brewery that also provides brewery tours with tastings, and 't Brugs Beertje, a famed beerhouse with over 300 Belgian beers on the menu, are two notable beer attractions. Last but not least, no trip to Bruges is complete without a stop at the Groeningemuseum, a fine-art museum with an exceptional collection of Flemish Primitive art.
Namur Province
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Namur, known as the "Land of Valleys" in Wallonia, is surrounded by nature, with rivers, cliffs, undulating agricultural hills, and rich Belgian Ardennes flora. Dinant is the ideal day-trip destination, with postcard-perfect beauty and a powerful fortress built on limestone cliffs. Stroll through the picturesque riverside town, sailing along the river, take the cable car up to the fortress for sweeping views, and admire the scenery from a cafe while sampling regional specialties like the Couque de Dinant, an exceedingly difficult honey-flavoured biscuit that is available in a variety of shapes. They can be preserved indefinitely and are made entirely of wheat flour and honey, making them ideal keepsakes to take back home. Travel to Liernu, another even smaller hamlet that exudes tranquillity, for a once-in-a-lifetime gastronomic experience. L'air du Temps, a fine-dining establishment in a beautifully refurbished farmhouse, is located on 12 acres of private land. Approximately 80% of the foods served here are taken from the onsite garden and frequently contain characteristics of the local terroir, such as the Petits Gris de Namur snails, Wallonia's most sustainable food source. From there, you're just a short distance from Namur, the provincial and regional capital. This laid-back city is home to one of Europe's largest citadels, as well as the adults-only Musée Félicien Rops, which showcases the life and work of the controversial 19th-century Belgian artist. It's the ideal starting point for your journey through the Belgian Ardennes woodlands.
Antwerp
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Antwerp, Belgium's second city and residence to the world famous Royal Academy of Fine Arts, is also its coolest. Some of fashion's most influential designers, including Martin Margiela and Demna Gvasalia of Balenciaga, have heritage in Antwerp, and a handful have gone on to open one-of-a-kind stores worth visiting, such as Dries Van Noten's Het Modepaleis and Ann Demeulemeester's sleek, black-and-white flagship store. More stylish boutiques may be found in the Fashion District's Kammenstraat and Nationalestraat sectors. The magnificent Fashion Museum Antwerp is also located here (MoMu; reopening September 2022). Aside from its elegant residents, the city has an aesthetic edge due to its various architectural styles. Recent contemporary developments have joined the mediaeval structures, adding to Antwerp's rich environment. Take a stroll down to the waterfront to see architect Zaha Hadid's Antwerp Port House and the MAS, which houses exhibitions and artefacts centred on Antwerp.
The Belgian Coast
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The white, beachfront Belgian coast runs for 65 kilometres (40 miles), allowing you to explore many diverse communities without feeling overwhelmed. There's also the de Kusttram, a public coastal tram that begins near the French border at De Panne and runs all the way to the bottom to Knokke-Heist, close to the Dutch border, making 68 stops in all. The entire trip would take 2.5 hours and enables you to see the coastline from the luxury of your seat. De Haan and Oostduinkerke are two must-see destinations. De Haan is unique in that all structures must be no taller than five stories, preserving the original small-town charm. Many fall in love with the modest beachside skyline made primarily of Belle Epoque houses and pristine grassy dunes. Are you still not convinced? The nostalgic Wafelhuis Annie's sweet delicacies or high tea in the antique 't Stil Genot tea restaurant are guaranteed to win you over. Oostduinkerke, or East Dunkirk, is a protected dune region and the only spot on the planet where shrimpers still pull nets across the sand to harvest small grey shrimp. This nearly extinct centuries-old ritual is carried out by a small group of highly trained locals during low tide during the summertime, generally between April and October. Shrimp fishing on horseback in Oostduinkerke was designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco in 2013. Visit Navigo, a national gallery located in a 19th-century fisherman's home, to learn more about these and other local marine customs.
Ghent
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Ghent, nestled between Brussels and Bruges, offers the finest of Belgian cities, including winding canals, mediaeval architecture, excellent museums, and cobblestone alleyways lined with shops and restaurants. The difference is that Ghent has Belgium's greatest student population - a youthful, pounding core in one of the oldest existing cities. Take a deeper look, and you'll discover an out-of-the-box creative culture, a thriving music scene, and enough drool-worthy plant-based menu selections to make the town the Vegetarian Capital. Furthermore, more than half of the population and 120 establishments engage in Donderdag Veggiedag, or Thursday Veggie Day, an effort that encourages omnivores to abstain from meat and fish for 24 hours. Ghent has been a Unesco Creative City of Music since 2009. There's something for everyone's taste, from Belgium's first silent disco at Abacho to performances at the never-boring Vooruit Art Center, and also from traditional performances at De Bijloke Muziekcentrum to live music on the roadside and in cafes and bars like Kinky Star, a native record-label-owned cafe renowned for its Irish coffees and alternative concerts.
Hoge Kempen National Park
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Hoge Kempen National Park, a former coal-mining site, is Belgium's first and only national park, having been created in 2006 as a consequence of the collaborative conservation efforts of enterprises, government agencies, and environmental groups. The 5700-hectare (14,085-acre) natural reserve is largely heathland and pine forest, with a beautiful environment of evergreen trees - and brilliant purple-flowering shrubs in August and September - close to huge man made rivers. It is now home to over 6,000 types of flora and wildlife, which is especially astounding given the area's industrial background. There are five primary gates that act as park entrances. Those without a car can only get to the park via the Kattevennen Gateway, which may be reached by catching a train to Genk station, then a De Lijn bus or a short walk. Once inside, the park offers many paths for exploring the park walk, cycle, mountain bike, or horseback. The park is accessible all year and admission is always free. On the initial and third Sundays of each month, Rangers provide guided excursions for all ages with advance registration.
Belgium revolves around blending old world charm with current culture and ideas. From historic castles, houses, museums, and cathedrals to modernist architecture, shopping arcades, and amusement parks, this European jewel is home to a plethora of wonderful sites for all sorts of visitors. While looking through hundreds of lists or websites, one may become overwhelmed by the number of options, so choose the locations based on your time constraints, holiday plan, and other factors. All the Thes sites in Belgium promise to bring a dash of adventure and fun to your vacation and will undoubtedly make it an unforgettable occasion while you're in the lovely country of Belgium.
FAQs
1. What are the top attractions in Belgium?
Explore iconic landmarks like the Grand Place, the medieval charm of Bruges, and the Fashion Museum Antwerp.
2. How to explore the Belgian Coast?
Discover the 65-kilometer coast via the de Kusttram, stopping at charming spots like De Haan and experiencing unique cultural heritage in Oostduinkerke.
3. What outdoor experiences does Belgium offer?
Immerse yourself in nature at Hoge Kempen National Park, known for its heathland, pine forest, and guided excursions on select Sundays.
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