If you’re planning a holiday to Belgium, you should know that the country offers many fantastic tourist attractions. You might want to visit Bastogne, Ostend, The Ardennes, Liege, and Brussels, among others. In this article, I will give you the lowdown on each city. Listed below are the 15 Best Places to Visit in Belgium. Once you’ve read this article, you’ll know exactly what to do and see when planning your trip to Belgium.
Bastogne
Among the 15 best places to visit in Belgian cities, Bastogne is a must for history and architecture lovers. The old town is filled with medieval buildings, and you can visit the Carillion School to hear lessons on bells. You can also explore the World War I battlefields. These historic sites provide a fascinating insight into the history of the country. The city is known for its fine cuisine.
The woods in Bastogne are home to memorial trees dedicated to American, Belgian, and local combatants. These trees were planted on the sites of wars that took place in the area. The memorial is in the shape of a UNICEF emblem. The museum is a 17th-century convent that houses nearly 70,000 pieces of art and other objects. The museum also has a collection of local legends and popular beliefs.
The Battle of the Bulge was fought in Bastogne during WWII. The city was a key area in this battle, and memorials to the American and other forces fighting in the region are located in the town. The Battle of the Bulge memorial is in Bastogne, as are several war museums and battlefields. You can also learn about Belgium’s military history by visiting the Colossal Mardasson Memorial, which commemorates the Battle of the Bulge.
Ostend
The coastal city of Ostend, in West-Flanders, is a bustling seaside resort town, a short drive from Bruges. The bustling seafront is lined with refined cafes and casinos, and there are also a number of hedonistic clubs. You can also visit the Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum, which details the German fortification of Europe’s seaboard. You can also check out various marine-themed expos and museums.
Near the sea, Bruges is a popular destination for art lovers, with its charming canals and upscale resort community of Knokke-Heist. The city also has several museums, including the Museum of Fine Art, which showcases local art and history. Near the sea, the Meuse River separates the country north and south and is home to a series of enchanting small towns. A short distance from the city center, the Meuse Valley is home to the world-famous Carnaval. madisonsdish.com
In the heart of the country is Brussels, the administrative capital of the European Union. While the city may be small, Brussels has plenty to offer for visitors. UNESCO has designated La Grand Place as Europe’s most beautiful medieval square. Chocolate shops abound on Place du Grand Sablon. In addition to chocolate shops, you may also want to check out the Mannekin Pis, a bronze statue of a boy relieving himself that serves as a constant reminder of the country’s quirky sense of humor.
The Ardennes
The Ardennes is a spectacular region in western Belgium, consisting of rugged hills, caves, and cliffs. Here, wild boar, deer, and lynx live, but you can also visit friendly villages and see a plethora of castles. Notable sights include the impressive caves of Han-sur-Lesse. Namur is an excellent base from which to explore the Ardennes.
If you’re traveling to Belgium on a budget, try visiting the town of Torgny, a quaint village on the border of France and Belgium. This historic town has over two thousand years of cultural heritage. The five-towered Notre Dame Cathedral was built between the 12th and 13th centuries and features a Romanesque and Gothic design. The cathedral also houses works by Ruvens and the Shrine of Our Lady. Lastly, don’t miss a climb up the Belfry, one of the oldest in Belgium. At 257 steps, this building affords some of the best views in the region. https://www.cakeresume.com/me/madisonsdish
Cycling through the region is another fun way to experience the country side. A network of recreational paths, known as the RAVel, stretches across 40 kilometers of Belgium’s countryside. Bike riders will enjoy cycling through the countryside, passing the Val Dieu Abbey, a brewery, and a picturesque village. There are plenty of activities to do in the Ardennes besides cycling.
Liege
Known as the city of ‘one hundred bell towers’, Liege is one of the top places to visit in Belgium. This small town has a rich architectural and cultural tradition. Its fountain represents freedom, and the alleys lead from one part of town to the next. You’ll find numerous religious buildings here, serving as historical references and meeting places. The province of Liege is also home to the UNESCO-listed Belfry.
In this charming, historical town, you’ll find a quaint cobbled-street layout, and beautiful, old buildings. You’ll be able to spend half a day exploring the old town. From there, you can ride your bike or take a hike along the trails in the area. The town is only ten minutes’ drive from Bruges. In addition to its medieval charm, the town is filled with renowned institutions. The Curtius Museum, for example, features an eclectic collection of Egyptology.
If you love history, Liege is a great place to go. The city’s medieval Citadel and underground cave network, Grotte La Merveilleuse, are both worth a visit. Waffles are a Belgian classic. And if you’re not a big eater, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts are the perfect place to go on rainy days. With so many options to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring this European country!
Namur
The ten-room Belgian Congo Museum features a variety of information on the history of the Belgian Congo and employs friendly staff that can answer questions about its many exhibits. The city is renowned for its spas, which attract wealthy tourists. The Royal Snail Hotel is one such establishment, boasting an ultramodern spa area with saunas, a swimming pool and sunbeds.
A visit to Namur is not complete without seeing the city’s cathedral and church. The Saint-Loup Church, built between 1621 and 1645, is a beautiful example of baroque architecture. Its interior is one of the most impressive in Belgium, and is a must-see when visiting the city. The crypt is the oldest building in Belgium. Nearby, the Place d’Armes is the main square of Namur. The belfry in the cathedral was designed by Peter Huyssens and is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
The town of Namur is a lively student town that is also the heart of gastronomy in the region. You can also visit the citadel, which is a popular drinking spot – especially in the summertime. A tour of the citadel is another popular activity in Namur, and you can opt for a guided tour for more information. While you are in Namur, be sure to visit the Musée de la Vieille Fabrique.
Mons
Visitors to Mons can view a variety of art works, including prehistoric tools, paintings, and more. In the Mons Museum of Art, visitors can examine pieces up close and explore interactive galleries. The museum’s striking architecture also makes the experience a unique one. Guests can view some of the best works of art in Belgium as well as enjoy a half-hour film on the city’s history and culture.
Located just one hour from Brussels, the town of Mons is filled with history. Its main square is lined with beautiful 17th-century buildings, and its impressive collection of 16th-century statues makes walking around a breeze. Visitors should also explore the Gothic-style Town Hall and the Van Gogh House, the former residence of the famous artist before he moved to Provence. There are also replicas of Van Gogh’s works on display.
Located on the coast, the city of Ostend became popular for its port and is now a favorite destination for visitors in Belgium. Aside from sandy beaches, it’s also known for the Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum. Visitors should take time to wander through the charming, narrow streets around the city center’s Het Visschersplein. There are also numerous markets where visitors can sample local fare. Mons is the proud former European Capital of Culture, and the Grand Place square is the centre of city life. You can admire the elaborate facades of the town hall and Belgium’s only Baroque belfry, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Brussels
The capital of Belgium is certainly among the most popular cities to visit in the country. The city is the center of European politics and boasts an elegant Grand Place, famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. It is also home to many flagship Belgian products. A visit to Brussels will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the country’s rich history, from the creation of the Smurfs to the comic books created by the country’s famous cartoonists.
The city is home to the Brussels Park, a large urban space located in the center of the city. It spans 32 acres and features Art Deco lamposts. It also boasts a Peter the Great monument and a 1782 theater, the Theater Royal du Parc. The park has many places to eat, drink, and see, so make sure to plan enough time to visit all of the most notable places in Brussels.
Leuven
A trip to Leuven will surely be a rewarding experience for any traveler. The city has an abundance of attractions to see, from the ancient Grote Markt to the Gothic Town Hall. In fact, Leuven is home to one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in all of Europe, and it also boasts some of the best examples of Flemish painting. In the Grote Markt, you can visit the beautiful Basilica of the Holy Blood, which is said to contain a vial of Christ’s congealed blood.
Leuven’s main square, Ladeuzeplein, is full of music stores, bookshops, and even a giant bug. There’s a statue of a totem, created by Jan Fabre to celebrate the city’s 575th anniversary. Nearby is the M-museum, an art museum with an excellent art collection. Visitors should also visit the city’s lively markets and souvenir shops.