Top Tourist Attractions in Belgium
Even though Belgium is a small nation in Western Europe, its history is rich, including the crusader knights who served there, the site of Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, and its involvement in World Wars I and II.
Since Belgium is so small, it only takes three to four hours by train to reach practically all of its tourist destinations. If you need additional motivation to visit Belgium, it is also the country that creates Belgian waffles.
Must Visit Tourist Attractions in Belgium
If you’re looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation, here are eight top tourist attractions in Belgium to tempt you:-
#1 Meuse Valley, upper
The Meuse River separates the country into two areas, with E42 connecting Liege with Namur and Dinant after that. The valley is well-known for its charming small towns, stunning limestone cliffs, and lush, trail-dotted forests.
Namur (also known as Namen) is situated in the valley’s center and has a big university and a variety of historical attractions. The Namur Citadel, built on an outcropping above the town, is interesting to visit and an excellent site to get wide-ranging views of the valley.
#2 The Grand Place
The Grand Place (or Grote Markt) is a must-see for travelers to Brussels. The principal landmark of the city is, in fact, this square. The square, surrounded by the town hall and guild halls, is small by international square standards, but the historic structures that line its sides give it a unique charm.
The establishment of the Grand Place happened in the eleventh century during the occurrence of marketplaces. Nowadays, the Grand Place is transformed into a massive “flower carpet” for a few days every two years in August. This area surrounds a million vibrant begonias arranged in designs.
(Image Credit: WHC UNESCO)
#3 Belfry of Bruges
For the 366 steep, confined steps that lead to the canopy of the Belfry of Bruges, climbers must be in high physical condition. Great city views await anyone who successfully ascends this significant emblem of Bruges.
The medieval bell tower was constructed around 1240 when Bruges was a significant player in the textile industry. After being destroyed by fire, it took 40 years to reconstruct. Subsequent centuries saw additional fires. Even today, bells still clang from the tower.
(Image Credit: Museabrugge)
#4 Brussels
Any visitor in Belgium must visit the capital city, Brussels, which is home to the residence of the Belgian Royal Family and the European Union’s headquarters. The Grand Place, the main square in Old Town, is where visitors may locate it (Grote Markt). This place is where the city’s numerous medieval Guild Houses and the towering Brussels Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles) are located (Gildehuizeb).
(Image Credits: Brussels.be)
#5 Tournai Cathedral
Although work on the Cathedral of Our Lady did not begin till the 12th century, Catholicism has played a significant role in the city of Wallon in Tournai since the sixth century.
It includes Transitional, Romanesque, and Gothic architectural elements. The five bell towers of the cathedral have 157-foot-high ceilings. The famed Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens’ masterpiece The Issue of Souls in Purgatory is also housed in the place of worship.
(Image Credits: UNESCO)
#6 Antwerp
The port city of Antwerp, renowned for its business and creative influences, offers a wealth of historical and cultural places to visit. The Grand Place (Grote Markt), in the heart of the old town, is home to most of the city’s most important structures. The 16th-century Town Hall (Stadhuis) and Rubens’ House is in this region (Rubenshuis). and the Butcher’s Hall (Vleeshuis).
The biggest Belgian chocolate museum in the world, Chocolate Nation, is next door to the magnificent Central Station (Middenstatie), where passengers arriving by rail will find delight. This place is quite popular with families and is right next to the Antwerp Zoo. The zoo, established in 1843, is renowned for housing over 950 different species in addition to its stunning Art Deco building and themed animal habitats.
(Image Credit: Antwerp)
#7 Canals of Bruges
Bruges is often called “The Venice of the North” because of its canal system. The “Reie” river had been converted into a system of canals throughout the Middle Ages, allowing the traders to transport their goods to the substantial Water Halls at the Market. Today, a boat tour on these famous canals is a beautiful way to explore some of Bruges’ most stunning sights.
(Image Credit: Visit Bruges)
#8 Mons Belfry
Mons, a historic city, is now the Hainaut Province’s capital. The Belfry is on the highest point in Mons, on a square where a castle formerly stood; today, one can still see the ruins of this castle. The tallest bell in this 49-bell carillon, which stands 87 meters (285 feet) tall, weighs five tonnes—a dome in the form of an onion above the 17th-century Belfry.
(Image Credit: Visit Mons)
Final Thoughts
Hence, if you’re planning to visit Belgium, read this blog, and there you have your guide on hand.
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