Belgium may be small, but it’s packed with charm, history, and beautiful sites. Here are some of the top destinations to visit:

1. Brussels

• Highlights: Grand Place, Atomium, Manneken Pis, Royal Palace, and Magritte Museum.
• Why Go: The capital city is known for its grand squares, stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, and diverse cultural scene. Brussels is also a haven for chocolate, beer, and comic book fans, with Tintin and other famous Belgian comics originating here.

2. Bruges

• Highlights: Market Square, Belfry of Bruges, canals, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Groeningemuseum.
• Why Go: Bruges is often called the “Venice of the North” because of its picturesque canals and well-preserved medieval buildings. It’s one of Belgium’s most romantic and beautiful cities, perfect for a canal boat ride or a stroll along its cobblestone streets.

3. Ghent

• Highlights: Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Graslei and Korenlei waterfront, and the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.
• Why Go: Ghent combines medieval architecture with a lively student vibe. It’s less touristy than Bruges but just as charming, with a beautiful mix of history, art, and vibrant nightlife.

4. Antwerp

• Highlights: Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp Zoo, MAS (Museum aan de Stroom), Diamond District, and the home of Peter Paul Rubens.
• Why Go: Known as the world’s diamond capital, Antwerp is also famous for its fashion, art, and bustling port. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with impressive architecture and museums celebrating its history.

5. Leuven

• Highlights: University Library, Old Market Square, Saint Peter’s Church, and the Gothic-style Town Hall.
• Why Go: Leuven is a lively university town, known for its medieval architecture, bustling student life, and great breweries. It’s the birthplace of the famous Stella Artois beer.

6. Dinant

• Highlights: Dinant Citadel, Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, Caves of Han, and the Meuse River.
• Why Go: Nestled between steep cliffs and the Meuse River, Dinant is incredibly picturesque and a great spot for nature lovers. It’s also the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, and you can find saxophone sculptures throughout the town.

7. Liège

• Highlights: Montagne de Bueren staircase, Liège Cathedral, and La Boverie art museum.
• Why Go: Liège is one of the oldest cities in Belgium and has a rich cultural scene with plenty of museums, galleries, and festivals. It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife and culinary specialties like Liège waffles.

8. Namur

• Highlights: Namur Citadel, the Saint Aubin Cathedral, and the Meuse River cruises.
• Why Go: Namur, the capital of Wallonia, is a quaint city with a fortress on a hill offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s a peaceful place to explore Belgian history and nature.

9. Mechelen

• Highlights: St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, the Toy Museum, and the historic city center.
• Why Go: Mechelen is a small but historic city with charming streets and beautiful architecture. Known for its bell towers, it’s a great place to see traditional carillon performances.

10. Ypres

• Highlights: Menin Gate, In Flanders Fields Museum, and the Ypres Salient battlefields.
• Why Go: Ypres is deeply connected to World War I history, with many memorials and cemeteries dedicated to the soldiers who fought here. The Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate is a moving tribute to the fallen.

11. Ardennes Region

• Highlights: La Roche-en-Ardenne, Bouillon Castle, and the forested hills ideal for hiking, cycling, and kayaking.
• Why Go: The Ardennes is a beautiful natural region known for its rugged hills, forests, and outdoor activities. It’s a popular destination for those seeking adventure sports or a peaceful getaway in nature.

12. Mons

• Highlights: Mons Belfry, the Grand Place, and the Van Gogh House.
• Why Go: Mons is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its Belfry and unique cultural festivals. The city’s Doudou Festival, which includes a famous dragon-slaying ritual, is one of Belgium’s most unique events.

13. Spa

• Highlights: Thermal baths, Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 circuit, and the surrounding Ardennes forest.
• Why Go: Spa is the original spa town, famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters. Visitors come to relax in its thermal baths or to attend the Belgian Grand Prix held nearby.

14. Tournai

• Highlights: Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Belfry of Tournai, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
• Why Go: Tournai is one of the oldest cities in Belgium, with a 12th-century cathedral and a charming town square. Its architecture and art museums make it a great stop for history enthusiasts.

15. Hasselt

• Highlights: Japanese Garden, the Jenever Museum, and the Herkenrode Abbey.
• Why Go: Known as the “Capital of Taste,” Hasselt is a culinary gem, famous for its gin (jenever) distilleries and food scene. The city also has one of the largest Japanese gardens in Europe.

15. Waterloo

• • Highlights:  The Battle of Waterloo – one of the most famous battles in European history; this battle actually took place at the small Belgium hamlet of Mont-Saint-Jean, just south of the town of Waterloo.
  • Why Go: A contained Battlefield where it is easy to see how the famous battle unfolded. On-site video and other presentations add greatly to the understanding of the Battle.

Belgium is a fantastic destination for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and those looking to explore charming medieval cities. Each destination offers a unique perspective on Belgian culture, with a rich mix of art, architecture, and culinary delights.