The tiny nation of Belgium may be primarily known for chocolate, beer and lace, but Belgium travel also offers the opportunity to visit some of Europe’s most exciting multicultural cities, see extraordinary architecture, and take in some serious history. To help you make the most of your tour, we’ve compiled a list of the best of Belgium tourism.
Fall in love with Bruges
Cruise medieval canals, listen to the gong of the 13th century Belfry Tower and dodge truffle-tasting tourists in cobbled Markt square. Bruges is well and truly on the map as a hot Belgium travel destination, and when you arrive in the tiny town straight out of fairy tale it’s easy to see why.
Bustle through Brussels
Those who slate the capital as boring are wrong. Lively Brussels is full of international residents that give a multicultural vibe – a fact helped by its status as home of the European Union Parliament. The city at the centre of Europe is awash with beer cafes, gold plated guilds and lashings of ‘moules et frites’ followed by sugar-coated waffles. Grand Place at Christmas (or any other time of year) is the very definition of beautiful squares, and don’t forget your token photo at the Atomium, built for the 1958 Brussel’s World Fair.
Muse over Manneken Pis
The unofficial national symbol of Belgium – a little boy peeing – has been costume dressed for four centuries, with his wardrobe housed in the City Museum in Brussels. In light of bizarre political correctness, 1987 saw the Jeanneke Pis statue installed (little girl peeing) and in 1998, Zinneke Pis (little dog peeing) followed.
Gaze in awe at gabled guildhalls
Belgium is home to some of the most beautifully ornate guildhalls in Europe, with two particularly famous examples in the form of the Round Table, originally built between 1480-1487, and Renaissance-style The Salmon, build around 1530. The Round Table was sadly demolished in the early 19th century, before being reconstructed following the original plans in 1921.
Loosen your belt for Chocolates and Beer
Belgians are experts of life’s two indulgences, chocolate and beer – and even chocolate-tasting beer! Nibble the countless morsels of chocolate divinity, or sample full-flavoured brews, with the most famous fermented from the abbeys of Trappist monks. Délirium Café in Brussels holds the Guinness Book of Records beer list entry with 2,004 brands to choose from. Thirsty work, but you earned it.
Art and diamonds in Antwerp
The large industrial port city retains medieval charm from its position over the Scheldt river, and has recovered from WWII bombings to become a fast-growing Belgian museum and art epicentre, not to mention a leader in the diamond industry.
Nerd out at comic book stores
Great news for fans of the comic book – not only is Belgium the home of The Adventures of Tintin, Brussels happens to be considered by some ‘the comic strip capital of Europe’.
Courtney Gahan is a serial expat, traveller and freelance writer who has bartered with Moroccan marketeers, seen the sun rise at Angkor Wat and elbowed her way through crowds on NYE in NYC
