Belgium is a small country in Western Europe, known for its old towns, beautiful buildings, and as the home of the European Union and NATO. It has three main regions: Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north, French-speaking Wallonia in the south, and a small German-speaking area in the east. The capital city, Brussels, is bilingual and famous for its historic Grand-Place and stylish art-nouveau buildings. In Flanders, Antwerp is known for its port, diamonds, and the home of artist Peter Paul Rubens. Ghent features a medieval castle and old churches, while Bruges mixes a modern port with historic squares. In the south, Wallonia has cities along the Sambre and Meuse rivers, including Liège, known for its sweet waffles. Belgium is also famous for its chocolate, lace, beer, and skilled diamond work.
places to visit in Belgium
Grand Place
Grand Place, also known as Grote Markt, is the main square in Brussels. It’s surrounded by beautifully decorated guildhalls, the city’s Town Hall, and the King’s House, which holds the Brussels City Museum. This square is a top tourist spot and a famous landmark in Brussels. It’s considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis is a small bronze fountain statue in Brussels that shows a little boy peeing into the fountain. It was made in the early 1600s by artist Jerome Duquesnoy the Elder. The statue seen today is a copy from 1965, while the original is kept in a museum. It’s one of the most famous symbols of Brussels, showing the city’s fun spirit and independence.
Atomium
The Atomium is a unique building in Brussels, built for the 1958 World’s Fair. It’s located at Heysel Plateau and now works as a museum. Inside, you can walk through tubes and spheres connected by stairs, escalators, and an elevator. The top sphere has a restaurant with amazing views of the city.
Mini-Europe
Mini-Europe is a theme park in Brussels, located near the Atomium. It features small models of famous buildings from across Europe, all built at a 1:25 scale. The park includes 350 miniatures from around 80 cities, along with moving displays like trains, erupting volcanoes, and cable cars.
Belfry of Bruges
The Belfry of Bruges is a tall medieval bell tower in the heart of Bruges. It once held the city’s records and served as a lookout for fires. Visitors can climb its 366 steps to reach the top and enjoy wide views of the city. It’s one of Bruges’ most iconic buildings.
Royal Palace of Brussels
The Royal Palace in central Brussels is where the King and Queen of Belgium handle official business, though they live elsewhere. The palace has grand rooms for events, offices for royal staff, and guest suites for visiting leaders. It’s a symbol of Belgium’s monarchy and national pride.
Gravensteen
Gravensteen is a medieval castle in Ghent, built in 1180. It used to be the home of the Counts of Flanders. Over the years, it has been used as a court, prison, coin mint, and factory. Today, it’s the only castle in the region with a moat and mostly intact defenses.
Pairi Daiza
Pairi Daiza is a zoo and botanical garden in Brugelette, in southern Belgium. It covers 65 hectares and is home to over 7,000 animals. The zoo is built on the site of an old monastery and is known for its large, themed animal habitats and beautiful gardens.
Museum aan de Stroom
Museum aan de Stroom, or MAS, is a museum in the Eilandje district of Antwerp. Its modern building is made from red sandstone and glass. Inside, you’ll find exhibits from around the world, including over 180,000 items in its collection. It tells the story of Antwerp’s history, trade, and culture.
Autoworld
Autoworld is a vintage car museum in Brussels, located in Cinquantenaire Park. It has more than 250 old cars from Europe and America, covering the time from the late 1800s to 1990. The museum also displays special Belgian-made cars and royal family vehicles.
Top destinations in Belgium
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the main center for the European Union. At the heart of the city is Grand Place, a large square surrounded by historic 17th-century buildings, cozy cafés, and shops. The Gothic-style Town Hall with its tall tower stands out here. Nearby, the King’s House (Maison du Roi) holds the City Museum, which showcases the famous outfits worn by the Manneken Pis statue.
Bruges
Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in northern Belgium, is known for its peaceful canals, old stone streets, and medieval charm. The city’s port, Zeebrugge, is an important hub for fishing and trade. In the center, Burg Square has a 14th-century town hall with detailed carvings. Just a short walk away is Markt Square, home to a 13th-century bell tower with 47 bells and a great view from the top.
Antwerp
Antwerp is a major port city along the River Scheldt, with roots going back to medieval times. Its Diamond District is famous around the world, with many diamond traders and cutters based there. The city features beautiful Flemish Renaissance buildings, especially in Grote Markt, the central square. The Rubens House, once home to artist Peter Paul Rubens, now displays his paintings and shows how he lived.
Ghent
Ghent is a lively port city in northwest Belgium, where the Leie and Scheldt rivers meet. It was once one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages. Today, it’s a vibrant university city full of history and culture. The old town has many medieval landmarks like the 12th-century Gravensteen Castle and the Graslei, a scenic riverside lined with historic guild houses.
Best Time To Visit Belgium
The best time to visit Belgium is from April to June and September to October.
During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing.
Spring brings blooming flowers and outdoor cafés, while early autumn has fewer crowds.
Many cultural festivals and local events take place during these seasons.
It’s the perfect time to enjoy Belgium’s cities, countryside, and coastal areas.
