Belgium is a travel destination made for history buffs and chocolate addicts. Though the nation is small, it plays a big part in the world’s history. There are over 3,000 castles to explore, battlegrounds from the World Wars, and every museum imaginable.

Rich in art and culture, Belgium has a fine heritage with many monuments in various cities of the country. Being the centre of EU and NATO, the country holds a lot of prominence among other countries. With long beaches in the north to the highlands in the south, the country offers you everything. Medieval cities like Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent play home to some stunning architecture. It’s compact, easy to travel around and boasts no fewer than 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Spring and fall are arguably some of the best times to visit the country. The temperatures are enjoyable, and there tend to be fewer tourists. During the fall, the countryside is painted with hues of red, orange, and yellow as the leaves begin to change. There are also a few festivals to look into during the season, particularly the Jazz Marathon and Ghent Film Festival.

Summer in Belgium, as with most European destinations, means warmer weather but larger crowds. Be sure to book in advance for the best rates and availability!

Belgium is known for its famous cuisine and gourmet specialities. The food here is often described as “French food in German quantities”. The special dishes in Belgium are Mussels, Balletjes, Frikadellen met krieken, Stoemp, Stoofvlees, Witloof met kaassaus and waffles. Their diet mainly consists of sea food and consists of a large variety including shrimps, sardines and other fishes. Rabbit and pheasant meat is also very common here which are prepared in French flavours. The food is best paired with Belgian beer and the famous chocolate pralines. Belgium is an abode for beer lovers as there are more than 400 types of beers found here. Belgian food is a mixture of German and French style of cooking, which makes it stand out.

One can never leave Belgium without buying the chocolate pralines as Belgian chocolate is famous all over the world. The best options are to buy Godiva or Neuhaus chocolates and these are available all over the country. There are also a number of beers available which you won’t get anywhere else, so stock up a few before you leave the country. The other items one can buy are Laces in Bruges; Designer wears in Antwerp and the special Belgian comic books from Brussels.

The country of Belgium has three official languages, Flemish (Dutch), French, and German. You’ll often see signs in both French and Flemish.

1. BRUSSELS

Brussels is the beautiful capital city of Belgium. It’s also the capital of comic books, fries, beer, waffles, and of course, chocolate! Walking through the city feels like magic. String lights hang above the cobblestone streets, and the plaza of the Grand-Place is striking. Apart from its critical role in global politics, Brussels is a great city to experience the mouth-watering and divine Belgian cuisine, one of the world’s most coveted gastronomical adventures. Given its heavy significance in the European Union, Brussels serves as a melting pot for European cultures.

Places to visit in Brussels: Grand Place (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Mannekken Pis, The Place Royale, The Atomium, Parc du Cinquantenaire, Mini-Europe, The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

2. BRUGES

Bruges is one of those few places that are soul stirring. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bruges is Belgium’s well preserved medieval city. Steeped in culture and architecture and unpretentiously Burgundian, the ‘Venice of the North’ will beckon you to unravel its mysteries, while you saunter along its alleys, picturesque winding canals and regal fortifications. Fancy some chocolate? Bruges is straight out of a gothic fairy tale flaunting a medieval touch.

Places to visit in Bruges: Church of Our Lady, Belfry, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Quay of the Rosary, The Burg

3. ANTWERP

Antwerp, Belgium is a vibrant and exciting city that should be on everyone’s travel list. Located on the banks of the River Scheldt in the Flemish region of Belgium, it has a rich cultural heritage and a unique atmosphere. As a tourist, the most important attraction in Antwerp is its beautiful old city centre. Here you can explore the impressive gothic cathedral, the grand old Town Hall, and the iconic Grote Markt or Market Square. Other popular attractions include the Rubenshuis Museum, the Plantin-Moretus Museum, and the impressive Antwerp Central railway station.

Places to visit in Antwerp: Gothic Cathedral, The Grand Old Town Hall, Iconic Grote Markt or Market Square, Rubenshuis Museum, Plantin-Moretus Museum, Antwerp Central railway station

4. GHENT

A hidden gem right outside Brussels, Ghent is the perfect place to spend the day wandering along cobblestone streets.

Everywhere you turn in this town it looks like it was ripped from the pages of a storybook. With canals running through, a giant castle, and a beautiful cathedral’s Ghent is incredibly picturesque. It is located between Brussels and Bruges, and is known for its picturesque canals, cobbled streets, and bustling squares. The city has a lot to offer in terms of shopping, nightlife, food, and culture.

Places to visit in Ghent: Belfry, the Castle of Counts, and the Graslei harbour, Gravensteen Castle, Citadelpark

5. DURBUY

Durbuy is a small village located in the Ardennes region of Belgium that is known for its picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and activities for all ages. It is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a peaceful escape.

The main reason to visit Durbuy is to experience its unique charm and natural beauty. The village is surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers, making it a great place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The area is also home to some of Belgium’s most beautiful castles, churches, monuments, and other historical sites, making it a great place to explore and learn about the country’s history.

Places to visit in Durbuy: Adventure Valley, Beach, Durbuy Castle, Grottes de Durbuy, Surrounding Forests

6. BLANKENBERGE

Blankenberge is a beautiful coastal town located in the West Flanders province of Belgium. It offers a unique mix of cultural and natural attractions, making it a great destination for travelers of all ages.

The most popular attraction in Blankenberge is the beach, with its wide sandy shoreline and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports activities, including surfing, sailing, and kite-surfing.

The town is also known for its lively nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs offering live music and entertainment. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as shopping, biking, and golfing. Finally, Blankenberge is also a great destination for nature lovers.

Places to visit in Blankenberge: Belgium Pier, St. Antonius Church, Blankenberge Beach, De Haan Castle, Marina

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