Discover
Belgium
Medieval towns, extraordinary chocolate, and the historic charm of Bruges and Brussels.
Top Destinations
Explore our curated selection of landmarks and cities you must visit.
Grand Place
The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels, renowned globally for its decorative and aesthetic wealth. Surrounded by opulent guildhalls and the magnificent Gothic Town Hall, the square reflects the historical prosperity of the city. Every two years in August, an immense flower carpet is laid out, transforming the cobblestones into a vibrant tapestry of color. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Best Time
April to May or August (during the Flower Carpet)
Insider Tip
Visit at dawn or late...
Atomium
Constructed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, the Atomium is an iconic modernist structure representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Its nine massive stainless steel spheres are connected by tubes housing escalators and elevators. Inside, visitors can explore surreal exhibitions on science, design, and society, capturing the post-war optimism of the atomic age. The top sphere offers a panoramic restaurant with breathtaking views over the entire city of Brussels.
Best Time
September to October
Insider Tip
Book your tickets online in...
Bruges Canals
Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', the canals of Bruges form a picturesque network that weaves through the meticulously preserved medieval city. Lined with weeping willows, historic brick houses, and romantic stone bridges, these waterways were once the lifeline of the city's booming textile trade. Gliding along the serene waters offers a tranquil and enchanting perspective of the city's hidden gardens and centuries-old architecture. The reflections of the historic facades on the calm water create a truly magical atmosphere.
Best Time
May to September
Insider Tip
Opt for the earliest boat...
Ghent Altarpiece & Belfry
The Ghent Altarpiece, also known as 'The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' by the Van Eyck brothers, is a staggering masterpiece of early Flemish painting housed in St Bavo's Cathedral. Known for its incredible detail and luminous colors, it is considered one of the most important and frequently stolen artworks in history. Just a short walk away stands the magnificent Belfry of Ghent, a medieval tower symbolizing the city's independence and wealth. The soaring belfry offers spectacular panoramic views of the city's famous three-tower skyline.
Best Time
April to June
Insider Tip
Take advantage of the cathedral's...
Waterloo Battlefield
The Waterloo Battlefield marks the site of the historic 1815 clash where Napoleon Bonaparte met his final defeat, forever altering the course of European history. The landscape is dominated by the Lion's Mound, a massive artificial hill commemorating the spot where the Prince of Orange was wounded. The surrounding memorial site includes an immersive underground museum that vividly details the strategies, uniforms, and profound human cost of the battle. Visitors can also explore preserved farmhouses that served as crucial strongholds during the intense fighting.
Best Time
June (especially during battle reenactments)
Insider Tip
Visit around June 18th to...
Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis is a small bronze sculpture of a naked little boy urinating into a fountain's basin, an emblem of the rebellious spirit of the city of Brussels. Created in the early 17th century by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder, the statue has survived theft, bombardment, and the test of time. The statue is frequently dressed in elaborate costumes, with a wardrobe of over a thousand outfits displayed in the nearby GardeRobe MannekenPis museum. Despite its diminutive size, it remains one of the most photographed and beloved landmarks in the capital.
Best Time
Year-round
Insider Tip
Don't miss his lesser-known 'siblings',...
Dinant Citadel
Perched dramatically on a sheer cliff face high above the picturesque Meuse River, the Dinant Citadel is a formidable 19th-century fortress. Originally built in the 11th century to control the vital river valley, the current structure features defensive walls, dungeons, and cannons. Visitors can reach the top via a steep 408-step staircase or a convenient cable car, both offering spectacular vistas along the way. Inside, the fortress houses fascinating exhibits on military history, including a poignant recreation of World War I trench warfare.
Best Time
May to October
Insider Tip
Take the cable car up...
Royal Palace of Brussels
The Royal Palace of Brussels is the spectacular official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians, situated in the center of the capital facing Brussels Park. While not the royal residence, it serves as the grand stage for state ceremonies, royal receptions, and official duties. The palace boasts magnificent interiors, featuring grand staircases, glittering chandeliers, and opulent state rooms decorated with historic tapestries and fine art. One of its most famous features is the Heavenly of Delight ceiling, completely covered in over a million shimmering jewel scarab wing cases.
Best Time
Late July to early September (when it opens to the public)
Insider Tip
The palace is only open...
Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are an immense complex of monumental heated greenhouses set within the park of the Royal Castle of Laeken. Designed in the late 19th century by architect Alphonse Balat for King Leopold II, the sprawling glass and iron structures resemble a magnificent crystal palace. They house an extraordinary collection of rare and valuable flora from around the globe, including ancient camellias, towering palms, and vibrant fuchsias. The architecture flawlessly integrates with the lush, tropical environments created inside the pavilions.
Best Time
Late April to early May (only open for three weeks)
Insider Tip
Visit during the evening openings...
Antwerp Central Station
Antwerp Central Station is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, often dubbed the 'Railway Cathedral'. Constructed between 1895 and 1905, the building features an eclectic mix of architectural styles, crowned by a magnificent vast glass dome over the waiting hall. The opulent interior makes lavish use of more than 20 different types of marble and stone, complemented by intricate ironwork and a monumental clock. The multi-level platform structure brilliantly accommodates modern high-speed trains while preserving the historic grandeur of the terminal.
Best Time
Year-round
Insider Tip
Head to the uppermost level...
In Flanders Fields Museum
Located within the beautifully reconstructed Cloth Hall in Ypres, the In Flanders Fields Museum is a profoundly moving institution dedicated to the history of World War I. The museum utilizes innovative multimedia installations, personal artifacts, and interactive exhibits to tell the harrowing human stories of the Great War. Visitors are given a poppy bracelet containing a microchip that personalizes their journey, following the narrative of a specific individual who lived during the conflict. The exhibits cover the invasion, trench warfare, medical care, and the enduring legacy of the devastated Flanders landscape.
Best Time
April to October
Insider Tip
Combine your visit with the...
Hallerbos (Blue Forest)
Hallerbos, famously known as the Blue Forest, is a magical woodland located just south of Brussels. For a few short weeks each spring, the forest floor is completely blanketed by millions of blooming wild bluebells, creating a breathtaking floral carpet. The striking contrast between the vibrant purplish-blue flowers and the fresh, bright green canopy of the young beech leaves creates a surreal, fairy-tale landscape. The forest features several well-marked walking trails that guide visitors safely through this fragile and spectacular natural phenomenon.
Best Time
Mid-April to early May
Insider Tip
Arrive on a weekday at...
Gravensteen Castle
The Gravensteen, or 'Castle of the Counts', is an imposing medieval fortress situated right in the center of Ghent. Built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace, its imposing walls, battlements, and moat were designed to intimidate both external enemies and the rebellious citizens of Ghent. The stark, stone interior houses a fascinating collection of medieval weapons and a slightly macabre museum of historical torture devices. The steep spiral staircases lead up to the restored keep, offering commanding, panoramic views over the historic city rooftops.
Best Time
May to September
Insider Tip
Make sure to grab the...
Mini-Europe
Located at the foot of the Atomium, Mini-Europe is a sprawling park that features precise, highly detailed miniature models of famous European landmarks. Constructed at a scale of 1:25, the park includes incredible replicas of the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, the Acropolis, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The park is highly interactive, featuring moving trains, erupting volcanoes, and miniature cable cars that bring the tiny continent to life. It is designed to celebrate the cultural and architectural diversity of the European Union in a visually captivating manner.
Best Time
April to October
Insider Tip
Purchase a combined ticket for...
Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp)
The Cathedral of Our Lady is an awe-inspiring Gothic masterpiece that dominates the Antwerp skyline with its soaring, intricately carved spire. Construction began in 1352 and continued for nearly 170 years, resulting in a magnificent, cavernous interior characterized by soaring vaults and vast stained glass windows. The cathedral is most famous for housing four monumental masterpieces by the legendary Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens, including 'The Elevation of the Cross' and 'The Descent from the Cross'. The building stands as both an active place of worship and a world-class art gallery.
Best Time
Year-round
Insider Tip
Check the schedule for the...
Mechelen Old Town
Mechelen Old Town is a picturesque, historic district bursting with beautiful gabled houses, charming canals, and serene beguinages. Historically the capital of the Burgundian Netherlands, the city retains an air of noble grandeur mixed with a relaxed, contemporary vibe. The towering St. Rumbold's Cathedral dominates the main square, while hidden courtyards and the peaceful Dyle Path (a floating wooden walkway on the river) offer quiet escapes. The city is also famous worldwide for its historic carillon school and rich tapestry-weaving heritage.
Best Time
May to September
Insider Tip
Take a stroll along the...
Leuven Town Hall
The Leuven Town Hall is a jaw-dropping masterpiece of Brabantine Gothic architecture, renowned for its incredibly ornate and intricate exterior. Built in the 15th century, the building resembles a delicate stone lace reliquary, adorned with 236 detailed statues of local scholars, saints, and nobles added in the 19th century. The striking facade features steeply pitched roofs, elaborate corbels, and elegant turrets that look stunning from every angle. It proudly anchors the city's vibrant Grote Markt, surrounded by lively cafes and historic university buildings.
Best Time
April to October
Insider Tip
Join the daily guided tour...
Beguinage (Bruges)
The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde is a remarkably tranquil and enclosed complex in Bruges, founded in 1245. Originally built to house beguines—emancipated laywomen who led a pious, celibate life without taking strict religious vows—it consists of white-painted houses surrounding a serene, tree-lined central courtyard. Today, it is inhabited by nuns of the Order of St. Benedict, who maintain its atmosphere of profound silence and contemplation. The pristine lawns are famously blanketed with vibrant yellow daffodils every spring.
Best Time
March to April (for the daffodils)
Insider Tip
Respect the signs requesting silence;...
Bouillon Castle
Perched high on a rocky spur overlooking a sharp bend in the Semois River, Bouillon Castle is one of the oldest and most striking feudal ruins in Europe. Most famously owned by Godfrey of Bouillon, a leader of the First Crusade in 1096, the fortress is a sprawling maze of dark dungeons, thick walls, and secret passageways. The castle's rugged, defensive architecture perfectly complements the wild, forested landscape of the Ardennes region. Today, the courtyards regularly host spectacular birds of prey shows featuring eagles, falcons, and owls.
Best Time
May to September
Insider Tip
Try the night tour during...
Sonian Forest
The Sonian Forest is a vast, ancient woodland spanning over 4,000 hectares on the southeastern edge of Brussels. Renowned for its majestic, towering 'cathedral beech' trees—some over 200 years old—parts of the forest are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for their pristine ecological importance. The forest offers hundreds of kilometers of tranquil walking, cycling, and equestrian trails that wind through deep valleys, tranquil lakes, and dense canopies. It serves as a vital green lung for the capital region and a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including deer and wild boar.
Best Time
October to November (for autumn colors) or May
Insider Tip
Rent a bicycle to cover...
Travel Tips for Belgium
- 1.
Try Belgian waffles and frites
- 2.
Visit chocolate shops in Brussels
- 3.
Explore Bruges by boat