{{filter.label}}
Holidays in Belgium
Belgium is a small, but culturally rich country located in Western Europe. Known for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, art, chocolates, and a strong beer culture, Belgium offers a lot of diverse activities for visitors. Below is an overview of Belgium's key information and popular activities:
Regions of Belgium
Flanders (Dutch-speaking, northern part)
Major Cities: Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Mechelen
Known for its rich medieval history and art.
Wallonia (French-speaking, southern part)
Major Cities: Liège, Charleroi, Namur
Famous for its natural landscapes, castles, and beautiful hilltop villages.
Brussels-Capital Region (Bilingual, located in the center)
Contains the capital city of Brussels and is a political and administrative center of Europe.
Belgium's Top Tourist Activities and Attractions
1. Brussels
Grand Place: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this beautiful square is surrounded by opulent guildhalls and the Town Hall.
Atomium: A unique building designed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair. It’s a giant molecule structure and offers panoramic views of the city.
Royal Palace: The official palace of the Belgian King, which can be visited in the summer months.
Manneken Pis: A small, but famous statue of a little boy peeing, located near the Grand Place.
European Quarter: Home to the European Parliament and several EU institutions, it’s an important area for international diplomacy.
2. Bruges
Historic Center: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bruges is famous for its canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval buildings.
Belfry of Bruges: A medieval bell tower offering panoramic views of the city.
Canal Boat Tour: Explore Bruges from its picturesque canals, often called the "Venice of the North."
Basilica of the Holy Blood: A 12th-century church said to house a vial of Christ's blood.
3. Ghent
Gravensteen Castle: A medieval castle with exhibits about medieval life and great views of the city.
St. Bavo's Cathedral: Famous for housing the Ghent Altarpiece, one of the world’s most important Renaissance artworks.
Korenmarkt: The central square surrounded by impressive buildings, shops, and restaurants.
The Museum of Fine Arts: A must-see for art lovers, showcasing works from the Middle Ages to modern art.
4. Antwerp
Cathedral of Our Lady: A stunning Gothic cathedral with works by the famous artist Peter Paul Rubens.
Antwerp Zoo: One of the oldest zoos in the world, located right next to the central station.
Diamond District: Antwerp is known as the "diamond capital of the world," and you can explore its many diamond shops and the Museum of Diamonds.
Museum aan de Stroom (MAS): A modern museum with a fantastic rooftop view over the city.
5. Ardennes Region (Wallonia)
Hiking and Cycling: The Ardennes is a great region for outdoor enthusiasts, offering beautiful forests, rolling hills, and charming villages.
Castles: The region has many medieval castles such as Château de Bouillon and Château de Modave.
La Roche-en-Ardenne: A picturesque town known for its castle and surrounding nature.
Caves of Han-sur-Lesse: Explore these impressive caves, which also offer a safari park to see European wildlife.
6. Belgian Coast
Oostende: A lively beach town with a long promenade, museums, and a marina.
Nieuwpoort: A coastal town with a beautiful marina and a historic World War I memorial.
De Haan: Known for its natural beauty and a quieter alternative to the busier seaside resorts.
Cultural and Culinary Activities
Belgian Chocolate Tasting:
Belgium is famous worldwide for its high-quality chocolate. You can visit chocolate shops, participate in chocolate-making workshops, or take a chocolate tour in cities like Brussels and Bruges.
Beer Tours and Tastings:
Belgium has a long tradition of brewing beer, and there are over 1,500 unique types to explore. Key beer regions include Bruges, Brussels, and Antwerp. You can take brewery tours and visit beer cafes to sample world-renowned Belgian beers, like Trappist beers, Lambic, and Belgian ales.
Comic Book Culture:
Belgium is home to the famous comic character Tintin, created by Hergé. The Belgian Comic Strip Center in Brussels is dedicated to comic art.
The city of Brussels has murals throughout the city featuring iconic Belgian comic characters.
Flemish and French Cuisine:
Moules-frites: Mussels served with fries (a national dish).
Waffles: Available in various styles, the Liège waffle is dense and caramelized, while the Brussels waffle is lighter and airier.
Stoofvlees: A traditional Flemish stew made with beef and served with fries.
Speculoos: A spiced biscuit that's popular around Christmas but enjoyed year-round.
Festivals and Events
Carnival of Binche (February): A UNESCO-listed event where people dress in elaborate costumes and throw oranges at the crowd.
Brussels Jazz Festival (January): A renowned festival showcasing local and international jazz talent.
Tomorrowland (July): One of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world, held annually in Boom, near Antwerp.
Gentse Feesten (July): A 10-day celebration in Ghent, featuring music, theater, and street performances.
Day Trips and Excursions
Waterloo: The site of the famous Battle of Waterloo (1815) where Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated. The battlefield and museum are great for history enthusiasts.
Luxembourg: A short drive from Belgium, the country of Luxembourg is a picturesque destination with medieval castles and scenic landscapes.
Maastricht (Netherlands): A charming Dutch city near the Belgian border, known for its historical architecture, vibrant shopping scene, and cafes.
Practical Travel Tips
Public Transportation: Belgium has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. The SNCB (Belgian National Railway Company) connects major cities, and De Lijn operates buses in Flanders.
Language: While French and Dutch are the official languages, many Belgians also speak English, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations.
Safety: Belgium is a very safe country for travelers, but like in any city, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Belgium offers a mix of history, culture, art, nature, and gastronomy, making it a great destination for a variety of travelers. Whether you're an art lover, food enthusiast, or outdoor adventurer, Belgium has something to offer!
Regions of Belgium
Flanders (Dutch-speaking, northern part)
Major Cities: Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Mechelen
Known for its rich medieval history and art.
Wallonia (French-speaking, southern part)
Major Cities: Liège, Charleroi, Namur
Famous for its natural landscapes, castles, and beautiful hilltop villages.
Brussels-Capital Region (Bilingual, located in the center)
Contains the capital city of Brussels and is a political and administrative center of Europe.
Belgium's Top Tourist Activities and Attractions
1. Brussels
Grand Place: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this beautiful square is surrounded by opulent guildhalls and the Town Hall.
Atomium: A unique building designed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair. It’s a giant molecule structure and offers panoramic views of the city.
Royal Palace: The official palace of the Belgian King, which can be visited in the summer months.
Manneken Pis: A small, but famous statue of a little boy peeing, located near the Grand Place.
European Quarter: Home to the European Parliament and several EU institutions, it’s an important area for international diplomacy.
2. Bruges
Historic Center: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bruges is famous for its canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval buildings.
Belfry of Bruges: A medieval bell tower offering panoramic views of the city.
Canal Boat Tour: Explore Bruges from its picturesque canals, often called the "Venice of the North."
Basilica of the Holy Blood: A 12th-century church said to house a vial of Christ's blood.
3. Ghent
Gravensteen Castle: A medieval castle with exhibits about medieval life and great views of the city.
St. Bavo's Cathedral: Famous for housing the Ghent Altarpiece, one of the world’s most important Renaissance artworks.
Korenmarkt: The central square surrounded by impressive buildings, shops, and restaurants.
The Museum of Fine Arts: A must-see for art lovers, showcasing works from the Middle Ages to modern art.
4. Antwerp
Cathedral of Our Lady: A stunning Gothic cathedral with works by the famous artist Peter Paul Rubens.
Antwerp Zoo: One of the oldest zoos in the world, located right next to the central station.
Diamond District: Antwerp is known as the "diamond capital of the world," and you can explore its many diamond shops and the Museum of Diamonds.
Museum aan de Stroom (MAS): A modern museum with a fantastic rooftop view over the city.
5. Ardennes Region (Wallonia)
Hiking and Cycling: The Ardennes is a great region for outdoor enthusiasts, offering beautiful forests, rolling hills, and charming villages.
Castles: The region has many medieval castles such as Château de Bouillon and Château de Modave.
La Roche-en-Ardenne: A picturesque town known for its castle and surrounding nature.
Caves of Han-sur-Lesse: Explore these impressive caves, which also offer a safari park to see European wildlife.
6. Belgian Coast
Oostende: A lively beach town with a long promenade, museums, and a marina.
Nieuwpoort: A coastal town with a beautiful marina and a historic World War I memorial.
De Haan: Known for its natural beauty and a quieter alternative to the busier seaside resorts.
Cultural and Culinary Activities
Belgian Chocolate Tasting:
Belgium is famous worldwide for its high-quality chocolate. You can visit chocolate shops, participate in chocolate-making workshops, or take a chocolate tour in cities like Brussels and Bruges.
Beer Tours and Tastings:
Belgium has a long tradition of brewing beer, and there are over 1,500 unique types to explore. Key beer regions include Bruges, Brussels, and Antwerp. You can take brewery tours and visit beer cafes to sample world-renowned Belgian beers, like Trappist beers, Lambic, and Belgian ales.
Comic Book Culture:
Belgium is home to the famous comic character Tintin, created by Hergé. The Belgian Comic Strip Center in Brussels is dedicated to comic art.
The city of Brussels has murals throughout the city featuring iconic Belgian comic characters.
Flemish and French Cuisine:
Moules-frites: Mussels served with fries (a national dish).
Waffles: Available in various styles, the Liège waffle is dense and caramelized, while the Brussels waffle is lighter and airier.
Stoofvlees: A traditional Flemish stew made with beef and served with fries.
Speculoos: A spiced biscuit that's popular around Christmas but enjoyed year-round.
Festivals and Events
Carnival of Binche (February): A UNESCO-listed event where people dress in elaborate costumes and throw oranges at the crowd.
Brussels Jazz Festival (January): A renowned festival showcasing local and international jazz talent.
Tomorrowland (July): One of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world, held annually in Boom, near Antwerp.
Gentse Feesten (July): A 10-day celebration in Ghent, featuring music, theater, and street performances.
Day Trips and Excursions
Waterloo: The site of the famous Battle of Waterloo (1815) where Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated. The battlefield and museum are great for history enthusiasts.
Luxembourg: A short drive from Belgium, the country of Luxembourg is a picturesque destination with medieval castles and scenic landscapes.
Maastricht (Netherlands): A charming Dutch city near the Belgian border, known for its historical architecture, vibrant shopping scene, and cafes.
Practical Travel Tips
Public Transportation: Belgium has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. The SNCB (Belgian National Railway Company) connects major cities, and De Lijn operates buses in Flanders.
Language: While French and Dutch are the official languages, many Belgians also speak English, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations.
Safety: Belgium is a very safe country for travelers, but like in any city, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Belgium offers a mix of history, culture, art, nature, and gastronomy, making it a great destination for a variety of travelers. Whether you're an art lover, food enthusiast, or outdoor adventurer, Belgium has something to offer!
10 regions in Holidays in Belgium. Show all
Click to show the map