Map Of Europe Belgium Travel Guide
Introduction
Welcome to Belgium, a small country located in the heart of Europe. Despite its size, Belgium boasts a diverse range of attractions, from historic landmarks and cultural experiences to stunning natural scenery and outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover all the top things to see and do in Belgium, including hidden gems, budget-friendly tips, and family-friendly activities.
Top Attractions
Grand Place
The Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the central square of Brussels. It is surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the magnificent Town Hall, making it one of the most beautiful squares in the world. The Grand Place is also home to many cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect spot to relax and people-watch.
Atomium
The Atomium is a unique building that was built for the 1958 World Expo. It is shaped like an atom and consists of nine spheres that are connected by escalators. Visitors can take an elevator to the top sphere for panoramic views of Brussels.
Bruges
Bruges is a picturesque city that is often called the “Venice of the North” due to its numerous canals. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many beautiful buildings, including the Belfry of Bruges and the Church of Our Lady.
Hidden Gems
Gravensteen Castle
The Gravensteen Castle is a medieval castle in the city of Ghent. It was built in the 12th century and is one of the best-preserved castles in Europe. Visitors can explore the castle’s towers and dungeons and learn about its history.
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a beautiful shopping arcade in Brussels. It was built in 1847 and is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Europe. Visitors can shop for luxury goods and enjoy a coffee or pastry at one of the many cafes.
Food Scene
Belgium is known for its delicious cuisine, including waffles, chocolate, and beer. Some of the top dishes to try include moules frites (mussels and fries), stoofvlees (beef stew), and carbonade flamande (Flemish beef stew). Visitors should also make sure to try some of the country’s famous chocolates and beers.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Belgium can be an expensive country to visit, but there are ways to save money. Some tips include staying in budget-friendly accommodations, using public transportation, and eating at local cafes instead of restaurants. Visitors can also save money by visiting museums on free days or taking advantage of discounted tourist passes.
Outdoor Adventures
Ardennes
The Ardennes is a beautiful forested region in the southeast of Belgium. It is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Visitors can also explore the many historic villages and castles in the region.
De Panne Beach
De Panne Beach is a long sandy beach on the North Sea coast. It is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Visitors can also explore the nearby nature reserve and sand dunes.
Historical Landmarks
Basilica of the Holy Blood
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a beautiful church in Bruges. It is famous for its relic of the Holy Blood, which is said to have been brought to Bruges after the Crusades. Visitors can see the relic and explore the church’s beautiful interior.
Battlefield of Waterloo
The Battlefield of Waterloo is the site of the famous battle that took place in 1815. Visitors can explore the battlefield and learn about the history of the battle at the onsite museum.
Family-Friendly Activities
Mini Europe
Mini Europe is a miniature park in Brussels that features scale models of famous European landmarks. Visitors can explore the park and learn about the history and culture of each country.
Pairi Daiza
Pairi Daiza is a zoo and botanical garden in Brugelette. It is home to over 7,000 animals from around the world, as well as beautiful gardens and water features. Visitors can also stay overnight in one of the park’s lodges.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Ghent Street Art
Ghent is known for its vibrant street art scene. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the city’s many murals and graffiti artworks.
Hergé Museum
The Hergé Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous Belgian cartoonist, Hergé. It is located in Louvain-la-Neuve and features many of Hergé’s original drawings and sketches.
Natural Wonders
Han-sur-Lesse Caves
The Han-sur-Lesse Caves are a network of underground caves in the Ardennes region. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caves and see the stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
Hallerbos
Hallerbos is a beautiful forest in the Flemish Brabant province. It is famous for its bluebell carpet, which blooms in the spring. Visitors can take a walk through the forest and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Vibrant Nightlife
Belgium is famous for its beer culture, and visitors can enjoy a night out at one of the many bars and cafes in the country. Some of the top destinations for nightlife include Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent.
Local Markets
Brussels Flea Market
The Brussels Flea Market is a popular destination for vintage and antique lovers. It takes place every day in the Marolles neighborhood and features a wide range of items, from furniture and clothing to artwork and jewelry.
Ghent Flower Market
The Ghent Flower Market takes place every Sunday in the city’s Kouter square. Visitors can browse a wide range of flowers and plants and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Beaches and Mountains
Ardennes Mountains
The Ardennes Mountains are a beautiful mountain range in the southeast of Belgium. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and skiing in the winter months. The region is also home to many charming villages and historic castles.
Ostend Beach
Ostend Beach is a popular destination for sunbathing and swimming in the summer months. Visitors can also explore the nearby town and its many seafood restaurants.
Cultural Immersion
Belgium is a country with a rich history and culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting museums, attending cultural events, and trying local foods and drinks.
Art and Music Scene
Musical Instruments Museum
The Musical Instruments Museum is a museum in Brussels that features a wide range of musical instruments from around the world. Visitors can see and hear the instruments and learn about their history and cultural significance.
BOZAR
BOZAR is a cultural center in Brussels that features exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events. It is one of the top destinations for contemporary art and music in the country.
Walking Tours
Belgium is a country with many charming cities and towns, and visitors can explore them on foot with a guided walking tour. Some of the top destinations for walking tours include Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent.
Architectural Marvels
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is a beautiful Gothic cathedral in Brussels. It is one of the most important religious buildings in the country and features stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings.
Citadel of Namur
The Citadel of Namur is a historic fortress in the city of Namur. Visitors can explore the fortress and learn about its important role in Belgian history.
Historical Sites
Menin Gate
The Menin Gate is a war memorial in the city of Ypres. It was built to commemorate the soldiers who died in World War I and features the names of over 54,000 soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient and have no known grave.
Fort Breendonk
Fort Breendonk is a former Nazi concentration camp in the city of Willebroek. Visitors can learn about the history of the camp and the atrocities that were committed there during World War II.
Biking Routes
Belgium is a country that is perfect for cycling, with many scenic routes and dedicated bike paths. Some