Belgium is famous for its stunning architecture, a rich history, and mouthwatering dishes.
Many beautiful towns in Belgium are worth exploring even though cities such as Brussels and Bruges are the most popular tourist destinations. These towns range from medieval villages to picturesque coastal towns each with its unique charm and beauty.
Belgium’s Flemish Region Gems
The Flanders region of Belgium is known to have some of the most beautiful cities in the country. In fact, many tourists head to these cities and forget about the rest of the country. Here are three gems that you should definitely consider visiting:
Bruges
Bruges is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” due to its numerous canals and beautiful bridges. The town’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with stunning architecture and picturesque cobblestone streets.
Be sure to visit the Markt, the town’s central square, and climb the Belfry for a stunning view of the town.
Bruges is one of the busiest cities in terms of tourism, but stay a night or two in this beautiful spot, and you will have the place to yourself both in the evening and in the morning.
Ghent
Ghent is a vibrant university town that is often overlooked by tourists. However, it is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Belgium, including the Gravensteen Castle and the stunning St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
Ghent is a fabulous place to stay during a trip to Belgium. It is centrally located between all the major cities and the downtown is full of great food and beautiful architecture.
Be sure to take a stroll along the Graslei, a picturesque canal lined with historic buildings.
Brussels
The heart of Brussels is marked by the stunning Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its ornate guildhalls and the impressive Gothic beauty of the Town Hall.
The city’s streets are lined with Art Nouveau buildings, showcasing the creative genius of architect Victor Horta. If you have always dreamed of seeing Manakin Pis, you will find him not far from the Grand Place with a crowd around him.
But make no mistake, Brussels is a modern city as well, so it is a great place to find a well known hotel chain to stay.
Leuven
Leuven is a charming university town that is often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Brussels.
However, it is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Belgium, including the stunning Gothic-style Town Hall and the St. Peter’s Church.
Be sure to visit the Grote Markt, the town’s central square, and try some of the local beer at one of the many bars and cafes.
Wallonia’s Most Beautiful Villages
If you’re looking for a unique and authentic experience in Belgium, French-speaking Wallonia has some beautiful cities to visit. This region is full of charming towns that are often overlooked by tourists, so you can enjoy a little quiet while you stroll through each of these towns.
Durbuy
Nestled in the heart of the Ardennes forest, Durbuy is often called the “smallest town in the world”. Despite its size, it’s packed with character and charm.
The town’s winding streets are lined with medieval buildings, and the central square is home to a weekly market. Be sure to try the local specialty, a savory buckwheat pancake called a “galette”.
Dinant
Located on the banks of the Meuse river, Dinant is a picturesque town with a long history. The town is dominated by the imposing Citadel, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
It is also the home of Adoph Sax, the inventor of the Saxaphone. Sop throughout the city you will find statues and paintings of saxaphones.
Spa
Famous for its natural hot springs, Spa has been a popular destination for centuries. The town is home to several spas and wellness centers, as well as a casino and a beautiful park.
Take a stroll through the town’s charming streets and admire the Art Nouveau architecture.
Beautiful Coastal Cities in Belgium
Belgium’s coastline is dotted with picturesque towns that overlook the ocean. While the coastline in Belgium is small, there are some charming cities here.
De Haan
De Haan is a charming seaside town that boasts of an old-world charm. Its pristine beaches, beautiful dunes, and quaint villas make it a perfect destination for a relaxing weekend getaway.
The town’s beach promenade is lined with elegant buildings that date back to the early 20th century, giving it a unique character.
De Haan is also home to several restaurants and cafes that serve delicious seafood and local delicacies.
Knokke-Heist
Knokke-Heist is a wealthy seaside town that is known for its luxurious boutiques, trendy bars, and high-end restaurants.
The town’s long sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Knokke-Heist is also home to several art galleries and museums, including the famous Museum Sincfala, which showcases the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Historical Highlights
Belgium has a rich history, and its towns are full of historical highlights. Each of these towns was an important city in Belgium’s past.
Ypres
Ypres is a town located in the West Flanders region of Belgium. It is known for its medieval architecture and its role in World War I.
The town was completely destroyed during the war, but it was rebuilt in the original style after the war ended.
One of the main attractions of Ypres is the Menin Gate, a memorial to the soldiers who died in the war. Every night at 8 pm, a ceremony is held at the gate to remember the soldiers.
Tournai
Tournai is a town located in the Wallonia region of Belgium. It is one of the oldest towns in Belgium and has a so much to see on every winding street.
The town has many historical buildings, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was built in the 12th century.
The cathedral is known for its five towers, which dominate the skyline of the town.
Architectural Marvels
Belgium is home to some of the most stunning architectural marvels in the world. The country boasts an impressive collection of architectural gems from Gothic cathedrals to Art Nouveau buildings. Antwerp
Antwerp is one of the largest cities in Belgium and is home to some of the most impressive Gothic buildings in Europe.
The Cathedral of Our Lady is one of the most notable landmarks in Antwerp and is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture.
The cathedral’s stunning spire is visible from all over the city and is one of the tallest in Europe.
Other notable buildings in Antwerp include the Town Hall, the Plantin-Moretus Museum, and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.
Mechelen
Mechelen is a small town that is often overlooked by tourists in favor of Brussels and Antwerp, but it is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Belgium.
The town’s Grote Markt is lined with stunning buildings, including the St. Rumbold’s Cathedral and the Town Hall.
The cathedral is particularly impressive, with its ornate Gothic facade and soaring spire.
Mechelen is also home to the Palace of Margaret of Austria, which is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture.
Mons
Mons is a historic town home to several cultural landmarks. One of the most notable is the Grand Place, a beautiful square surrounded by elegant buildings.
The square is home to the Town Hall, a Gothic masterpiece that dates back to the 15th century.
Another cultural highlight in Mons is the Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that is home to several important works of art.
Namur
Namur is another town that is rich in cultural offerings. One of the most notable landmarks in the town is the Citadel of Namur, an imposing fortress that dates back to the 10th century.
The citadel offers beautiful views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
Another must-visit cultural attraction in Namur is the Museum of Ancient Namur, which houses a collection of artifacts from the town’s rich history.
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