Top 10 Places to Visit in Belgium
Belgium is a historical, beautiful, and culturally rich country. If you are amused by medieval cities, modern art or peaceful countryside, this country will suit everyone. Belgium is ideal for both short or long vacation trips because of its romantic canals and world-class museums. In this detailed blog, we will discuss the top 10 places to visit in Belgium, which are ideal for families, individuals, and couples.
Brussels - The Heart of Belgium
Brussels, the capital city, is among the most beautiful areas in Belgium. It is known for its beautiful architecture, museums and tasty chocolates. You will have an opportunity to see the Atomium, which is a famous building in Brussels nowadays.
Don’t Miss
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Grand Palace
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Atomium
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Manneken Pis
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Magritte Museum
Bruges - The City of Canals
Bruges can be likened to a fairy tale. It is among the special places to be visited in Belgium whose streets are made of cobblestones and waterways which are romantic. It is possible to enjoy boat rides along the canals or to climb the Belfry Tower, which has a panoramic view.
Best for:
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Lovers seeking romantic holidays.
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History lovers who enjoy medieval towns.
Ghent - A Blend of Modern and Medieval
Ghent is the best place that offers both the old and the new culture experience. This city is characterized by a lively student culture and architecture of the past. Ghent is great to every art lovers.
Must-see spots:
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St. Bavo’s Cathedral
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Gravensteen Castle
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Korenlei and Graslei Streets.
Antwerp - The Fashion and Diamond Hub
Antwerp is creative, lively, and artistic. It is the best destination to visit in Belgium with family as it is famous as the diamond capital of the world. Another popular place in the city is the Cathedral of Our Lady.
Top attractions:
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Antwerp Zoo
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Cathedral of Our Lady
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Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)
Leuven - The Youthful City
Leuven is a vibrant university place that has a cool environment. It is known due to its old architecture and night life. It is an excellent place to explore when you have to visit Belgium in a day.
Highlights:
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University Library
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Old Market Square
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Town Hall
Dinant - The City on the River Meuse
Dinant is among the most beautiful Belgium sites situated on the Meuse River. The city is encircled with sharp cliffs and has a scenic beauty. Go to the Citadel of Dinant in order to have stunning scenery.
Top things to do:
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Visit the Citadel
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Explore caves of Dinant
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Take a river cruise
Mechelen - A Hidden Gem
Mechelen is a small town that offers charm. It is ideal in case you are seeking exclusive sites to explore in Belgium without people. The Toy Museum will be a favorite of families and history lovers normally prefer to visit climb the St.
Attractions:
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St. Rumbold’s Cathedral
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Toy Museum
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Beguinage District
Namur - The Capital of Wallonia
Namur is serene, peaceful and full of heritage. The Citadel of Namur is located above the Meuse River and is a very beautiful place to view. You can visit various small shops and local cafes in the old town.
What to enjoy:
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Citadel of Namur
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Old Town Walks
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Local Cuisine
Spa - The Original Wellness Destination
It is famous among residents and tourists due to its natural springs as well as thermal waters. It lies in an area of the Ardennes Forest, and it is among the lovely places that one can relax in Belgium.
Best for:
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Relaxation and wellness
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Nature and hiking
Durbuy - The Smallest Town in the World
Durbuy is known to be the smallest city in the world and it is one of the places to visit in Belgium which are unique. It is ideal as a weekend outing with the family or friends.
Things to see:
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Adventure Valley Park
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Old Town Square
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Topiary Park
Overview of Top 10 Places to Visit in Belgium
|
City |
Main Attractions |
Best For |
Average Visit Time |
|
Brussels |
Grand Place, Atomium, Museums |
Art & History Lovers |
2-3 days |
|
Bruges |
Canals, Belfry Tower, Chocolates |
Couples |
2 days |
|
Ghent |
Gravensteen Castle, Cathedrals |
Families & Students |
1-2 days |
|
Antwerp |
Diamonds, Museums, Zoo |
Family Trips |
2 days |
|
Leuven |
Old Market Square, Town Hall |
Day Trips |
1 day |
|
Dinant |
Citadel, River Meuse, Caves |
Nature Lovers |
1 day |
|
Mechelen |
St. Rumbold’s Tower, Toy Museum |
Families |
1 day |
|
Namur |
Citadel, Old Town |
History Enthusiasts |
1 day |
|
Spa |
Thermal Baths, Forests |
Wellness Seekers |
1 day |
|
Durbuy |
Old Town, Adventure Parks |
Weekend Getaways |
1 day |
Best Time to Visit Belgium
April to October is the most ideal time to visit Belgium. It is a nice day, and outdoor amusements are available. The spring is known to have colorful flowers and autumn has less people. Christmas markets are the best during winter, particularly in Bruges and Brussels.
Suggested Activities by Traveler Type
|
Traveler Type |
Best Cities to Visit |
Activities to Enjoy |
Recommended Duration |
|
Couples |
Bruges, Dinant, Durbuy |
Canal tours, Romantic dinners |
2-3 days |
|
Families |
Antwerp, Mechelen, Ghent |
Zoo visits, Museums, Parks |
2 days |
|
Solo Travelers |
Brussels, Leuven, Namur |
City walks, Museums, Local food |
1-2 days |
|
Nature Lovers |
Spa, Dinant, Durbuy |
Hiking, River tours, Thermal baths |
2 days |
|
History Lovers |
Ghent, Brussels, Namur |
Castles, Cathedrals, Old Towns |
2 days |
Conclusion
Belgium is charming, cultured and beautiful in its nature. The canals of Bruges as well as hot springs of Spa each city has something magical to experience. Whether you are traveling with family or going on alone, these 10 best places to visit in Belgium ensure that you remember the experience. To plan the best Belgian adventure, visit Mash List to get more inspiration to travel, guides, and even in-depth reviews.
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