Sitting at the crossroads of Western Europe is Belgium, a land of striking contrasts, where historical landmarks blend seamlessly with modern architecture. A land united by boundaries, but subtly divided by language, where Dutch is the lingua franca of the flat northern area, while the hilly south speaks French. Some of the top things to do in Belgium are to visit the amazing medieval landmarks that the country is so famous for.
Most of these entrancing landmarks are located in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of the country. Whether it’s picture-perfect, Bruges, historic Ghent, the capital Brussels, or fashionable Antwerp, be prepared to gasp in awe at some of the most amazing architecture. Medieval castles, step gabled houses, towering belfries, and enchanting market squares characterize this part of the land. Another activity that ranks high is exploring beautiful art galleries and world-class museums in different cities.
Possibly due to its location, Belgium has often found itself in the midst of chaos right from Roman times. Once referred to as the ‘Battlefield of Europe,’ Belgium has been the site of many battles, one of the most famous being Waterloo. Rows upon rows of white gravestones in Flanders are poignant reminders of the horrors unleashed on the country by the World Wars. Today, Belgium is one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world.
Besides exploring Belgium’s rich past, another top thing to do is to indulge in its quirky present. Carnaval de Binche, a UNESCO-listed carnival has to be experienced to be understood, it’s the reason why the word ‘binge’ found its way to the English dictionary. Most visitors to Belgium have a favorite indulgence, Belgian chocolate, but chocolate is not the only thing that can add to your waistline here. Belgium is beer-paradise, the perfect place for a beer-guzzling aficionado.
Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium, is, without doubt, one of the most picturesque destinations in Europe, dubbed as the Venice of the North due to its water canal streets. With its charming squares, characteristic narrow streets and quaint old houses, it offers everyone a taste of the medieval ages through architecture, history…
Ghent is the capital city of the East Flanders province of Belgium. The city which originally began as a settlement at the confluence of the Rivers Scheldt and Leie, became one of the largest and richest cities of Europe during the Late Middle Ages. The rich history of the city is reflected in the beautiful…
When people think of Brussels, they think mainly three things: the headquarters of the European Union, waffles and chocolates. However, Brussels has lots to offer and many hidden secrets to be discovered. Did you know that they are home to the oldest shopping centers in Europe? Did you know that they have changed the main…
The charming capital of Belgium, Brussels is famously the birthplace of the Belgium Waffle and the French fry. However, it also packs a big punch one of Europe’s fiercely progressive capitals. Brussels is historic yet hip, by-the-book and yet unorthodox, and Brussels is multicultural to its roots. To that end, it’s this forward-thinking attitude that…
Situated in the province known as Namur in Belgium. Dinant is a small town with many hidden treasures. Just an hour’s drive from Brussels, the town is centered around the Meuse River. This picturesque Belgian gem is like stepping into the past. Dinant is one of the most beautiful towns in Belgium and has a fascinating history. It…
Situated about 44 km (27 miles) from Brussels, Antwerp is a vibrant city that is famous for its thriving port, outstanding cuisine, its vibrant artistic community, many museums and art galleries and its traditional role as Europe’s diamond market. Antwerp is just perfect for a short weekend getaway so take a look at our list of the Top 10 Things To Do…
Belgium conjures images of world-class beers, chocolate, and Art Nouveau architecture. The country might be small in size, but it packs a punch with beautiful and charming towns. Beyond the larger cities of Bruges and Brussels, there are many scenic small towns of Belgium to visit that even include the world’s smallest town. What’s more, many…
Brussels, what an extraordinary city! It’s like a fascinating melting pot, where various types of culture, characters, habits, and people mingle into one. For those who crave a European destination with high versatility, this is the place to be. The Belgian capital has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. Ranging from scenic parks and…
Have you ever heard of Ghent? If not, we’re here to introduce it to you. Ghent is the largest city of the Flanders region in Belgium. It’s the rising star in tourism, where most restaurants, shops, venues, hotels, and hundreds-year-old architectures are within walking distance from one another. Due to the large population of students,…
Step into the city that stops time and watch as it dissolves away all your troubling thoughts. Dinant is a quaint town in southern Belgium where you only need feet to explore the entire city. This beautiful city by the River Meuse holds mystery and history on every corner and beyond its solemn cliffs and…
The year is 1929 in Brussels when “Tintin” was born and has since touched so much of our childhood with his historical and thrilling adventures throughout the world (and time!). It’s no wonder that such a masterpiece was born here because Brussels was once the pinnacle of arts and culture in Europe. On this occasion,…
Bruges is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe with its stunning architecture, picturesque cobbled lanes and canals. Although many visitors descend on the city during the summer, not many linger on to truly experience all that the city has to offer. Spending a few days in ‘the Venice of the north’ will definitely…
Say hi to Antwerp, home to the second-largest port in Europe and the second-largest metropolitan region after Brussels. It’s also known for its historic status as the home of moguls and diamond dealers. Since there are many famous breweries in Antwerp, it’s also an excellent place to improve your acquaintance with the Belgian beers. The…
The multicultural city of Brussels sees a massive footfall of visitors throughout the year, especially during an international convention. As the capital of the European Union, the city is never short of visitors. As such, hotel prices in Brussels are never steady, they rise and fall with the demand. Rates are exceptionally high during the…