Belgium travel: Top cities to visit in Belgium
Belgium is full of beautiful places and fantastic cities to visit. Each offers a generous mix of things to do on a short break or vacation.
There are medieval old towns crammed with historic buildings and impressive architecture, networks of canals to take boat trips along, first-class museums, and coastal attractions. Not to mention the fact that when you visit you can sample the famous Belgian chocolate, try their waffles, and sip their renowned beer.
Each city has its own distinct charm and array of things to do and see.
They are all worth visiting. And the fact that Belgium is a small country means that you could easily combine a visit to more than one of these cities in the same trip.
Check out my guide to the top things to do in some of the best cities to visit in Belgium. This covers the main tourist attractions in each place, as well as some of the lesser-known sights.
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Brussels
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a fabulous place for a short trip or vacation. It’s a beautiful city, with an elegant central square, fascinating historic sites and landmarks to explore, a grand palace, leafy parks, and an excellent choice of museums.
The city is easy to get to by plane and also by train. It’s even possible to visit as a day trip from London if you take the Eurostar which runs between the two cities and takes less than two hours.
Being a large city, there are many things to do here, some of which are a little outside of the main centre. One of the best ways to get around is therefore on the Hop-on Hop-off bus.
This gives you the chance to visit the central tourist attractions and then go out to those slightly further out. If you plan to do a lot of these, consider purchasing a Brussels Card, which gives you free admission to 49 museums and sights.
Below are 10 of the best things to do on a trip to Brussels.
10 top things to do in Brussels
– Visit the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its Gothic Hotel de Ville and the La Maison du Roi
– Explore the Ilot Sacre area with the Rue De Bouchers and the 19th century glass-covered Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
– See the city’s famous statues, most notably the quirky Manneken Pis
– Stop off for refreshments in the atmospheric St-Gery and St-Catherine districts
– Go inside and wander around the molecule-shaped Atomium and look out across the city from the Upper Sphere
– Sample Belgian food and beer and learn about cocoa in the Choco-Story Brussels
– See the Royal Palace of Brussels and stroll around the nearby Mont Arts Garden
– Go to a museum: these include the Comic Art Museum, the Magritte Museum, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
– Visit some of the city’s beautiful churches and cathedrals
– See the triumphal arch in the Parc du Cinquantenaire
See my more detailed post for more information on the top things to do here.
Bruges
Bruges is – justifiably – one of the most popular destinations in Belgium. When you visit, it’s not hard to see why: it’s among the most beautiful cities in Belgium.
Every year, millions are drawn to the city’s historic landmarks, beautiful medieval buildings and cobblestone streets, and its scenic canals. The city’s historic centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is often regarded as the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its extensive network of waterways.
Bruges is located in the north of the country in the Flanders region. It’s only an hour’s train journey from Brussels, and there are also superb rail connections to other Belgian destinations.
It’s therefore an easy place to get to, making it an excellent place for a short break, or even as somewhere to day trip to if you’re staying elsewhere.
Here are 10 of the top things to do in Bruges. You can find out more in my separate post on a weekend in Bruges.
10 top things to do in Bruges
– Wander around the Grote Markt, where you can find distinctive step-gable roofed buildings, as well as the Belfry of Bruges
– Look out over the city from the top of the Belfry
– Stroll through Burg Square and see the beautiful buildings here, including the City Hall
– Pop over to Rosary Quay, one of the most photographed spots in the city
– Hop on a boat and cruise the canals
– Learn about the history of the city in the Historium Bruges
– Sample some Belgian beer in the Bruges Beer Experience
– Go to the 13th century Church of Our Lady: go inside to view Michelangelo’s Madonna with Child Sculpture
– See more art in the Groeninge Museum
– Get some fresh air around Minnewater Lake and cross Lover’s Bridge for everlasting love
Antwerp
Belgium’s second city has plenty to fill your time on a short break or vacation. It’s another of the top cities to visit in Belgium.
There is a medieval centre, a stunning cathedral, and a castle dating from the 1200s standing right next to the river.
There’s also some beautiful architecture to stare up at as you sightsee and an impressive array of first-class museums that will appeal to art lovers (it’s particularly famous for its art, Peter Paul Rubens having lived, worked, and died in the city).
Being a port city, and Europe’s second-largest seaport after Rotterdam, you can also learn about some of its maritime history when you’re here.
Brussels and Antwerp are close geographically and well connected. Antwerp Central Station is less than an hour by train from Brussels Midi (and you’ll get to see the incredible neo-gothic railway terminus if you arrive this way).
You can also book guided tours to Antwerp from Brussels if you’re basing yourself in the capital.
Read on for 10 top places to visit and things to do on a trip to Antwerp. You can also get top tips for your visit here.
10 top things to do in Antwerp
– Head to the Grote Markt and see the attractive guildhall buildings and Brabo Fountain
– Walk around Antwerp Cathedral (you can climb the tower but need to book in advance)
– Marvel at the stunning railway station with its spectacular glass-domed roof (and maybe pop into the zoo next door!)
– Learn about the history of the city in the Het Steen Castle
– Shop for souvenirs on Meir Street and see the legendary Giant’s Hand sculpture
– Go to Zurenborg to see the magnificent Art Nouveau buildings
– View some of Rubens’ Art and learn about the artist in the Rubens Experience
– See Antwerp’s 18th century rococo Royal Palace
– Visit a museum (MAS, the Red Star Line Museum, and the Plantin-Moretus Museum are recommended)
– Snap pictures in Vlaeykensgang, a tiny quaint 16th century street
If you plan to visit a few museums during your trip, I’d suggest purchasing the Antwerp City Pass. This gives you access to a large number of museums and several churches, as well as free use of the buses and trams.
Dinant
Dinant is a city in the Belgian province of Namur and is south of all the other cities included in my list. It’s just under two hours by train by Brussels.
Or if you prefer, you can day trip from Brussels to Dinant as well as Luxembourg.
Even if you haven’t heard of Dinant, you’ll probably recognise it from some of the images you’ve seen of Belgium: colourful buildings and a church in front of a large craggy cliff. You can take the cable car up to the citadel on the top to explore this and its weapons museum.
Aside from this, there’s plenty in Dinant to do on a trip.
You can wander around the old town, visit the striking church with its distinctive domed spire, cruise along the Meuse River, and visit the nearby caves (said to be one of the most beautiful grottos in Belgium).
You can also learn about the inventor of the saxophone as part of your visit, and take a snap of yourself alongside the giant saxophones on the nearby bridge.
Below are the top things to do in Dinant.
10 top things to do in Dinant
– Ride the Dinant cable car to the citadel on the hill
– Explore the citadel and its museum and take in the views across the Meuse Valley
– Visit the city’s 13th century Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame and see its Gothic inside
– Visit the house of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the Saxophone
– See the massive saxophones on the Charles de Gaulle Bridge
– Take a boat ride on the River Meuse
– Spot the statue of Charles de Gaulle and admire the beautiful view behind
– Try the beer in Maison Leffe and learn about the history of the beer which was first brewed in an abbey here
– Take a look at the geological formations in the Grotte la Merveilleuse caves
– Taste the local Couque de Dinant biscuit
Ghent
Just 30 minutes by train from Brussels and 20 minutes from Bruges, Ghent is another great Belgian city to put on your travel list. It’s also an historic city with sights that have UNESCO World Heritage status.
Although it is not as ‘chocolate-boxy’ as Bruges, there are many similarities between the two (you can read about these here, as well as the differences).
As with Bruges, there’s loads of eye-catching medieval architecture and many beautiful buildings. There’s a Belfry that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, a picturesque river with boat tours, and a smattering of first-class museums.
However, perhaps because Ghent is more of a working town than Bruges, many visitors opt for a trip to Bruges. This means the city doesn’t suffer so much from tourist overcrowding – which is probably a real draw for some people who are looking to escape the crowds.
If you fancy a trip to Ghent, here are the top things to do during your time. Also, check out my more detailed post on 15 top things to do in one day in Ghent.
You can also find trips that combine both Ghent and Bruges here.
10 top things to do in Ghent
– Snap the city’s skyline from St. Michael’s Bridge
– Climb the 91-metre Belfry tower and take in the spectacular view across the city (stop off and see the dragon in the Watchman’s Room)
– See the stunning stained-glass windows in St. Bavo’s Cathedral and see the famous Ghent Altarpiece (the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb)
– Explore inside Gravensteen Castle (the Castle of the Counts) and wander around the battlements
– Take a boat trip along the city’s waterways
– Relax along the Graslei quay area and see the fine step-gabled buildings
– Eat out at the Grotenmarkt
– View the street art in Graffiti Alley
– Wander around the medieval district of Petershol with its narrow cobblestone streets
– Visit a museum (note some are outside of the old town).
Leuven
The city of Leuven is one of Belgium’s more hidden gems. People tend to have heard of Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp, but are perhaps less likely to know of Leuven. However, it’s an equally beautiful city, and there are lots of great things to do here (at least 20, as my post outlines!).
As with it’s more well-known counterparts, it’s packed full of charm and is home to many historical and architecturally impressive buildings.
This includes one of Belgium’s most eye-catching town halls, the stately St Peter’s Church, and two fabulous beguinages (historic housing communities from the Middle Ages).
And for anyone who’s a beer lover or who fancies trying Belgium’s famous beer, you’re in luck. Stella Artois is brewed here, and you can sample this on a tour of the brewery.
You can also go from bar to bar in the Oude Markt (old market square). This is also known as ‘Europe’s longest bar’ because so many bars are located here.
You can get to Leuven from central Brussels in around 30 minutes by train.
Here are 10 of the main attractions in Leuven.
10 top things to do in Leuven
– Marvel at Gothic Town Hall, often described as an ‘architectural wedding cake’
– Stop off at the Grote Markt, with its attractive Flemish buildings
– Visit the 15th century St. Peter’s Church (you can view its art as part of its innovative visitor experience)
– Grab a drink at ‘Europe’s longest bar’ in the Oude Markt
– Explore the beguinages: the Grand Beguinage is one of the largest of its kind in the low countries
– Admire the striking University buildings, including the University Hall and the library
– Book a tour to sample the beer in the Stella Artois brewery
– Stroll through the botanical garden, the oldest one in Belgium
– Go out to Park Abbey, said to be one of Belgium’s best-preserved abbeys, which overlooks a lake
– Visit one of the city’s museums
Mechelen
Another picturesque city close to Brussels (it’s only 20 minutes by fast train), Mechelen is probably another lesser-known place in Belgium.
But like all the cities on this list, it’s worth visiting. You definitely won’t be lost for finding things to do – in fact, it’s said there are 300 listed monuments in Mechelen!
Among these is the majestic St Rumbold’s Cathedral and its imposing 15th century church belfry. The city also has a fabulous sweeping central square lined with beautiful Flemish historic buildings, a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and some notable architectural landmarks.
There are also a few places to visit just outside the city if you’re staying for more than a day.
Here are the top things to do in Mechelen. Also, take a look at my post which outlines 24 things to do in Mechelen.
10 top things to do in Mechelen
– Visit the impressive Grote Markt with its Town Hall which once housed a cloth hall
– Climb St Rumbold’s Tower, a 97-metre high UNESCO World Heritage Site
– Look out for the unique Opsingjoorke sculpture (it looks like a bouncing man on a large rug!)
– Go out to the beguinages (if you can only visit one, opt for the Large Beguinage)
– Peer up at the St. Joseph, Little Devils, and Little Paradise buildings in Haverwerf
– Visit the palaces of the two Margarets: Margaret of Austria and Margaret of York
– Grab a bite to eat in the food market, De Vleeshalle
– Go to the Winter Garden of the Ursuline Nuns and see its beautiful Art Nouveau design
– Cruise along the Dyle River or stroll along the Dyle Path
– Learn about Belgian beer at one of the country’s oldest breweries
Ostend
Ostend is a vibrant city West Flanders by the North Sea. As with the other cities in Belgium, it’s easily accessible from the other major cities. Bruges is less than 15 minutes away, Brussels is around an hour and a quarter by train, and Antwerp is around an hour and 45 minutes.
If you fancy some sea air while you’re in Belgium, this is a good place to head to, especially in the warmer months.
As you’d expect, many of the things to do focus on its location: outside on the beach (this stretches for 7 kilometres), inside museums housed in boats, or along the Atlantic Wall.
Music lovers will also enjoy its connections to one of the most famous soul singers, Marvin Gaye and there is a magnificent neo-gothic church.
Check out the top things to do on a trip to Ostend here.
10 top things to do in Ostend
– Stroll along the seafront and pier and breathe in the fresh air
– Go inside the neo-gothic St. Peter and St. Paul church with its twin spires
– Ride the free ferry to the 19th century Fort Napoleon, learn about its history, and take in the views from the roof
– Explore the old World War II bunkers in the Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum
– Learn more about the city’s famous resident Marvin Gaye, and see his statue
– Climb aboard the Mercator and explore the ship
– Get an insight into life on an Icelandic fishing boat on the Amandine
– Chill out in the 19th century Leopoldpark and see the floral clock
– Take a look inside the artist James Ensor’s home
– Ride the coastal tram, the Kustramm, along the Belgian coast
