Belgium is a compact yet endlessly captivating destination where medieval architecture, world-renowned gastronomy, and a rich artistic heritage converge in one of Europe's most underrated treasures. From the dreamlike canals of Bruges and the grand Baroque splendor of Brussels to the haunting WWI memorials of Flanders Fields, Belgium offers travelers an extraordinary depth of culture, history, and flavor. With its legendary chocolates, extraordinary beers, and warm Burgundian joie de vivre, Belgium rewards curious travelers with experiences that rival — and often surpass — those of its more famous neighbors.
Essential Information
Must-See Experiences
Brussels' breathtaking central square is lined with ornate Gothic and Baroque guild houses and is widely considered one of the most beautiful town squares in all of Europe.
A fairytale medieval city of winding canals, cobblestone streets, and Gothic spires, Bruges is perfectly preserved and often called the 'Venice of the North.'
The haunting WWI battlefield and memorial sites around Ypres, including the Menin Gate where the Last Post has been sounded every evening since 1928, offer a deeply moving historical experience.
The historic university city of Ghent stuns visitors with its dramatic trifecta of medieval towers, vibrant street art scene, and the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.
Home to internationally renowned collections including the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts and the Magritte Museum, Brussels offers world-class art spanning the Flemish masters to surrealism.
The rolling green hills, dense forests, and dramatic rock formations of the Ardennes region offer outstanding hiking, cycling, and exploration of ancient cave systems like Han-sur-Lesse.
Did You Know?
Belgium has over 1,500 different types of beer, and the Belgian beer culture is officially recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Belgium is home to the world's largest flower carpet, a stunning mosaic of begonias that covers the Grand Place in Brussels every two years in August.
Belgians invented the 'French' fry — locals fiercely claim that fries were actually created in Belgium in the late 1600s, long before France got the credit.
Belgium has more castles per square kilometer than any other country in the world, with over 3,000 castles and château ruins scattered across its compact landscape.