Belgium

Bruges

Located in northwest Belgium, the capital of West Flanders, Bruges, has long held travellers in awe with its narrow cobbled streets, astonishing gilded architecture, and gorgeous canals. Bruges miraculously escaped much of the destruction associated with conflicts that devastated much of western Europe, resulting in a perfectly preserved medieval city filled to the brim with wonderful testaments to its prosperous past. Stroll through enchanting market squares lined with soaring towers, old whitewashed almshouses and historic churches; while away an afternoon in charming quaint cafes or meandering through world-class museums. The compact centre means that day trippers can cover the major sights without too much difficulty. Essential viewing includes the main square with the awe-inspiring belfry, the astonishing, colourful frescoes of the Burg with the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and of course, a leisurely boat trip on the dreamy canals.

Ghent

Set at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers in northwest Belgium, Ghent is a marvellous melting pot of contrasts and contradictions. At first glance, this small, compact city resembles a medieval masterpiece, but dig a little deeper and you will discover a thriving, modern community rich in innovative design, edgy underground music, and groundbreaking sustainable development. Historical treasures include ornate historic buildings, an impressive cathedral housing the famous Van Eyck altarpiece, and fabulous canal-side architecture. The city’s heritage is interspersed with contemporary art and design museums, quirky shops, and uber-trendy restaurants and cafes. With all of this diverse culture on offer, it is rather surprising that Ghent has managed to dodge the tourist hordes typically headed for the bright lights of Bruges or Brussels.

Ostend

Located on the northeast coast of Belgium, the city of Ostend is a popular seaside resort and an excellent day trip option from Bruges, which is located just 30 kilometres away. A bustling city with excellent restaurants and a variety of superb nightlife options, Ostend is also home to some fine heritage sights, including the fascinating Atlantikwall complex of defensive structures and the James Ensorhuis, a museum dedicated to the renowned Anglo-Belgian artist. The St. Peter and Paul Church is a neo-Gothic masterpiece with gorgeous stained-glass windows, and the Driemaster Mercator is a magnificent former merchant ship now serving as a floating maritime museum. Of course, when you have had your fill of sightseeing, there is always the wide, sandy Ostend Beach (Grootstrand) to explore and relax on for sundowners.

Namur

Located in central Belgium at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse Rivers, the city of Namur is a compact and picturesque destination with some wonderful sights and attractions. Only 60 kilometres from Brussels, Namur works well for day trips, though it has enough to see and do to keep travellers entertained over longer stays. Begin by walking around the beautiful old city area, full of traditional Mosan-style buildings such as the grand, exquisitely-decorated Saint-Loup Church and the imposing Beffroi de Namur. From there, head to the Citadel, a tenth-century fortress with a history dating back to the Roman occupation of the area, and explore its fascinating network of underground escape tunnels. Namur is also home to a first-class museum, the Musee des Arts Anciens du Namurois, which houses an impressive collection of historic paintings and religious treasures.

Charleroi

Located in south-central Belgium in the Walloon province of Hainaut, the city of Charleroi is a former industrial powerhouse often overlooked by travellers as being anything other than a convenient entry-point into the country. (Its airport – Brussels South Charleroi (CRL) – generally offers cheaper flights). This is a shame, as Charleroi offers plenty of excellent sights to those willing to explore it, including the world-class Museum of Photography and the architecturally unique Saint-Christophe Church, which has absorbed numerous styles into its appearance since it was first constructed in 1667. Elsewhere, with its abandoned and decaying factories, Charleroi can have a rough look, but it also boasts some magnificent Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings (including the Palais des Beaux-Arts) and has a vibrant, quirky character as the home of Belgian comic strip culture.

Mons

Mons is located in the eastern region of Belgium, near the French border. Voted European Capital of Culture in 2015, the city is a delight for travellers interested in cultural and historical sights. Walk from one of the cafes fringing the Grand Place (the historic town centre) to the nearby Belfry, the only Baroque bell tower in Belgium and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or to the Collegiale Sainte-Waudru, a church housing the golden carriage of Sainte-Waudru with her remains contained inside it. From there, explore one of Mons’s many museums or galleries, like the Doudou Museum (documenting the city’s heritage), or visit Vincent Van Gogh’s former country home. Visitors can also spend a leisurely afternoon strolling and picnicking in the gorgeous leafy Parc du Chateau, home to the eleventh-century Chapel Saint-Calixte.

Luxembourg Province

Luxembourg, the southeast province of Wallonia and Belgium (not to be confused with the neighbouring country of the same name), is home to some fascinating heritage attractions and impressive natural scenery. The beautiful Ardenne region, known as one of the wildest areas in Europe, occupies a large part of the landscape, offering a world of outdoor adventures to enjoy. The Semois and Ourthe Rivers are perfect for kayaking and have several kayak rental stores nearby. Discover the history of the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne at the memorial and military base museum, where you can wander among several artefacts, movies, weapons and German and Americal military sidecar motorbikes. There is also an impressive medieval castle to see in Bouillon. Other highlights include the French cities of Thionville, Metz and Nancy in Gaume.

Waterloo

Famous as the sight of the Battle of Waterloo, a pivotal fight which ended 22 years of war and forever changed the course of European history, the prosperous little town of Waterloo is a history lover’s dream destination. The town is conveniently located only 18kms from the bustling capital city of Brussels and is by far the most popular attraction in the province of Walloon Brabant. Must see historical attractions include the Waterloo Battlefield surrounded by several monuments and memorials, the most satisfying of which is the Butte de Lion. This man-made 43 metre high hill offers spectacular views over the battlefield and is topped by an impressive statue of a lion, roaring southwards in the direction of France. The town itself is brimming with elegant historic buildings, upmarket hotels and restaurants and a number of fascinating museums showcasing the area’s intriguing and significant heritage.

Ostend

Located on the northeast coast of Belgium, the city of Ostend is a popular seaside resort and an excellent day trip option from Bruges, which is located just 30 kilometres away. A bustling city with excellent restaurants and a variety of superb nightlife options, Ostend is also home to some fine heritage sights, including the fascinating Atlantikwall complex of defensive structures and the James Ensorhuis, a museum dedicated to the renowned Anglo-Belgian artist. The St. Peter and Paul Church is a neo-Gothic masterpiece with gorgeous stained-glass windows, and the Driemaster Mercator is a magnificent former merchant ship now serving as a floating maritime museum. Of course, when you have had your fill of sightseeing, there is always the wide, sandy Ostend Beach (Grootstrand) to explore and relax on for sundowners.

Brussels

Brussels is the capital city region in north-central Belgium known for its aesthetic chaos, which thankfully only adds to its charm. Walking through the city, you are likely to wander past a souk-like bazaar alongside a glitzy modern shopping mall, a medieval crow-step gabled house beside an elegant art deco building designed by Victor Horta himself, or shabby rows of tenements adjoining an upmarket square of expensive boutiques and restaurants. Add to this maelstrom a diverse culinary scene and a wide variety of multicultural locals and it is easy to see why Brussels is one of Europe’s most misunderstood and underrated cities. Make sure to visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, a prestigious dual-gallery home to both ancient and modern art; and the legendary Music Village, a chic 100-seater jazz venue.

Liege

The city of Liege is located in the west of Belgium along the Meuse River, near the borders with the Netherlands and Germany. A historic hub, Liege offers tourists a wealth of cultural and historical sights, from the medieval Romanesque Church of St. Bartholomew to the neo-Gothic Prince-Bishops’ Palace, situated in the old city. Get your dose of culture in one of the many speciality museums like the Curtius Museum (featuring decorative arts) and the fascinating Museum of Walloon Life, and then admire the architectural variety as you walk through Liege’s pedestrian zone to a centuries-old market (Marche de la Batte), and finally on to the Carre district to enjoy the nightlife, abuzz with students from the University of Liege.

Dinant

Located in southern Belgium, Dinant is an impossibly photogenic town on the banks of the Meuse River, backing onto steep cliffs on the eastern side and verdant forest in the west. Most of the town’s small but spectacular selection of sights can be seen in one day, but travellers who linger longer will be richly rewarded by Dinant’s inimitable atmosphere. The Collegiale Notre Dame de Dinant, the extraordinary thirteenth-century cathedral with a beautiful bell-tower, dominates the town’s skyline; while the Citadelle de Dinant is an impressive fortress that crowns Dinant’s most prominent cliff. The Grotte la Merveilleuse is one of the country’s most scenic caves, containing some small waterfalls. The city also provides convenient access to the Castle of Freyr, which has been aptly dubbed the ‘Versailles of Belgium’.

Ypres

Located in western Belgium, in the province of West Flanders, Ypres is a dignified place with a weighty history, and will appeal most to those looking to deepen their understanding of the tragedies of World War I. Most of its sights are spread between its lovely centre – full of charming chocolate shops and local brew houses – and its scenic, though sombre, countryside, which active travellers will find makes a great cycling circuit. Key sights include the Menin Gate Memorial, the Flanders Fields Museum and the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, all of which feature moving memorials to the hundreds of thousands of lives lost near Ypres during the closing stages of the Great War. Meanwhile, sights such as the reconstructed Lakenhalle (Cloth Hall) and Leperse Vestingen (the city’s ancient fortifications) link the city with antiquity.

Genk

Situated in the Belgian province of Limburg, the city of Genk is set on the Albert Canal in Flanders. This popular tourist city is home to a variety of museums, postcard-perfect heritage buildings, and lush green spaces. It is known for its history, beer, shopping, gastronomy, markets and sightseeing. Renowned for Belgian beer heritage, the nearby Ter Dolen is worth a visit for beer-lovers, as it offers a brewery tour, a magnificent castle to admire and an array of beers to sample. History enthusiasts can look forward to visiting Bokrijk, an open-air museum; while nature lovers can explore Hoge Kempen National Park, which offers excellent hiking, horse riding and bird watching opportunities. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Fietsen Door Het Water, an incredibly scenic cycling trail and soak up the picturesque country scenes.

Antwerp

Set on the River Scheldt, close to the northern border, Antwerp is a thriving port city. It has taken full advantage of its commercial heritage and transformed itself into Belgium’s premier shopping destination and the country’s capital of cool. Innovative local designers have infiltrated all aspects of the metropolis, creating cutting-edge and groundbreaking scenes for cuisine, nightlife, and art (make sure to explore the range of avant-garde photography and contemporary art museums). Hip developments aside, Antwerp has managed to retain its charming medieval atmosphere. It’s quaint cobblestone streets are lined with lovely old churches, an impressive riverside fortress and a grand Gothic cathedral adorned with masterpieces by the city’s Baroque superstar painter, Peter Paul Rubens. Antwerp presents its visitors with a wonderfully colourful, quirky and atypical city experience.

The Ardennes

The Ardennes, located in southern Belgium, refers to a densely forested and mountainous area offering fantastic hiking and other outdoor activities in addition to numerous picturesque towns. The western Ardennes are the most notable, and Namur – a lovely town at the junction of the Meuse and Sambre rivers – makes an excellent entry point. From there, it is possible to take a train into the Meuse Valley and then go boating or canoeing on the Meuse and Lesse Rivers, before exploring the wondrous caves of Han-sur-Lesse. Don’t miss a visit to the intriguing feudal castle, Chateau de Bouillon, a tenth-century structure. In the eastern region of the Ardennes, you can begin hikes or canoe trails in Spa or Stavelot, into the magnificent Hautes Fagnes, a protected national park home to Belgium’s highest peak, Signal de Botrange.

Leuven

Centrally located, just 25 kilometres east of Brussels in Belgium’s Brabant province, the university city of Leuven boasts a rich and lively arts, nightlife and beer culture. The historic Catholic University (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) boasts an impressive library which is worth visiting, and its students lend Leuven youthful energy. A city best explored on foot or by bicycle, Leuven offers numerous roads that have been closed off to vehicles. Visit the ornate 15th-century Town Hall (Stadhuis), or one of the many churches in the city such as the impressive Saint Peter’s Cathedral (Sint-Pieterskerk), accessible from the Main Square. When you’re finished there, take a stroll through the quiet Botanical Gardens (Kruidtuin) before a guided tasting at one of the breweries (Stella Artois originates here) and then a night out on the town.

Mechelen

Located in northern Belgium, about halfway between Antwerp and Brussels, Mechelen is an underrated tourist city boasting exquisite churches, palaces and baroque houses interspersed with modern buildings. The impressive St. Rumbold’s Cathedral – flanking the Grote Markt (Central Square), and whose carillon bells sound throughout the central city – is a must-see, and climbing the Bell Tower for its panoramic views is an essential part of any Mechelen visit. Other historical sights include the thirteenth-century gate of Brusselpoort and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the fourteenth-century Belfry (located in the Stadhuis) and Groot Begijinhof (a thirteenth-century district of medieval houses). Enjoy a mouth-watering authentic Belgian waffle at the Saturday market at Grote Markt and then head to the picturesque Botanical Gardens for a leisurely afternoon on the lawns.

Bruges

Located in northwest Belgium, the capital of West Flanders, Bruges, has long held travellers in awe with its narrow cobbled streets, astonishing gilded architecture, and gorgeous canals. Bruges miraculously escaped much of the destruction associated with conflicts that devastated much of western Europe, resulting in a perfectly preserved medieval city filled to the brim with wonderful testaments to its prosperous past. Stroll through enchanting market squares lined with soaring towers, old whitewashed almshouses and historic churches; while away an afternoon in charming quaint cafes or meandering through world-class museums. The compact centre means that day trippers can cover the major sights without too much difficulty. Essential viewing includes the main square with the awe-inspiring belfry, the astonishing, colourful frescoes of the Burg with the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and of course, a leisurely boat trip on the dreamy canals.

Limburg Province

Limburg, the easternmost of five Belgian provinces, is known as the country’s ‘bicycle paradise’ for its beautiful scenery and number of attractive cycling trails. At the High Kempen National Park, explore a gorgeous landscape of sweeping pine forests, green hilly areas, purple heather, sand dunes and numerous small lakes. Amphibians and reptiles like smooth snakes, natterjack toads, and various lizards flourish here. There are good chances of spotting deer, especially in the morning and evening. The rich birdlife includes woodlark, nightjar, hawk and curlew. Other important attractions include the numerous grand castles and historic buildings. Make sure to visit the Bokrijk Open Air Museum, a collection of buildings dating back as early as 1507, and including interactive displays on the lives of people from different time periods. Other highlights include the famous Terlaemen Racing Circuit in Zolder.