Whether you're looking for a city to visit with your family or friends, Belgium has a lot to offer. From the quaint and cozy towns of Leuven and Antwerp to the cosmopolitan cities of Brussels and Bruges, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
Antwerp
Besides the well-known landmarks, Antwerp is also a thriving city with a youthful population thanks to the university. Antwerp has many museums, a vibrant nightlife and a lot of green spaces, making it a perfect destination for culture lovers.
The Port of Antwerp is also important to the city. Cruise ships dock at the new cruise terminal located next to the Steen fortress.
The Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady is the highest Gothic building in the Low Countries. It has an incredible panoramic view of the port of Anvers. It also houses several paintings by Rubens.
The best way to see the city is on foot. There are a lot of green spaces and parks to explore. Using a bike is another way to see the city. You can rent one and ride it to different Velo stations.
The Antwerp ferris wheel is a fun way to see the city, but it does not belong on your must-see list. You'll have to pay 8 euros to ride the wheel. It's also only a couple of minutes long.
The Antwerp photo museum is a great way to see the best of Belgian fashion. It has an impressive collection of works by photographers from all over the world.
Bruges
Bruges is a beautiful city located in Western Belgium. Its historic center is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a perfect destination for a romantic getaway.
The medieval center of Bruges is filled with cobblestone streets, medieval churches, and 17th-century mansions. The city was spared damage during two world wars, allowing the city to maintain its old world charm.
There are plenty of museums in Bruges, including the Memling Museum, which is housed in the oldest building in the city. The Groeninge Museum features an impressive collection of Old Flemish masters.
The city is also home to the world's oldest casino, the Casino de Spa. The Grand Place is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can explore the historic guild houses on Rue de l'Etuve.
Visitors can also check out the Saint John's House Mill, which is the only mill still functioning in the city. It is located on the northeast side of town. You can tour the mill for a fee of three euros. The mill was built in 1770 and is the oldest still in operation.
The city is home to the Saint-Bavo Cathedral, which is Gothic in style. It features a Romanesque crypt and a 13th-century High Gothic choir.
Mechelen
Located between Antwerp and Brussels, Mechelen is a historic Flemish city. During World War II, the city was heavily bombed. However, it remains a lovely city with a medieval historical centre, quaint shops and restaurants, and a fun Toy Museum.
Mechelen is a good place to spend the day exploring. The city is also home to the Saint-Romboud's Cathedral. This Gothic structure features a Romanesque crypt and a 16th-century late Gothic nave. It has a tower that is 97 meters high. It is also home to a 13th-century High Gothic choir.
Another must-see is the Saint-Anne Tunnel. The entrance is under the River Schelde and provides sweeping views of the city. It is a good place to have a beer at sunset. The tunnel is also home to a number of shops around the entrance.
Another notable building in Mechelen is the Tournai Belfry. This is the city's oldest building.
The Saint-Romboud's Cathedral is another top attraction in Mechelen. The cathedral has a tower that is 97 meters tall. It also has a beautiful Baroque architecture. It is built of Belgian sandstone. The tower is 500 steps to the top.
Another attraction is the Stedelijk Museum of Religious Art. This museum houses a small collection of works by Hans Memling.
Namur
Located at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, Namur is the capital of Wallonia. Although it is a small city, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. The old town is full of lovely old structures, and there is a lively atmosphere.
The citadel of Namur is the main tourist attraction, and offers great views of the city. You can take a guided tour of the citadel, or explore the underground tunnels and barracks.
The city is also known for its restaurants, which offer culinary tours and extensive cocktails. You can even go rafting or climbing along the Meuse River. The Thermes de Spa is an excellent way to relax.
The city has an excellent public transportation system, which is both safe and clean. You can download the Komoot app to find routes.
One of the oldest nature reserves in Belgium is located nearby. There are also several folk museums to explore.
If you're interested in the history of Belgium, you can visit the Lakhenhalle World War I museum. Alternatively, you can also visit the Museum of Ancient Art, which displays art from the Middle Ages and the Baroque period.
Leuven
Located in the Flanders region, Leuven is one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. Its architecture is a mix of medieval and modern styles. The city has a thriving university and a number of historic buildings. The university has been in existence since the 15th century and is one of the oldest in Europe.
Leuven has a vibrant social life, and the town is full of young people during the academic year. The old town's Grote Markt is the center of social activity. There are numerous shops, cafes and restaurants to choose from.
Leuven is also home to a number of museums. The M-Museum Leuven has a collection of art from around the world. It also houses local crafts.
The city has an annual Christmas market held in mid-December. There is also a flea market every Saturday.
The city is known for its beer. The city is the home of Inbev, one of the world's largest brewers. The city is also home to the Artois Brewery.
The city has a number of historical buildings, including the Cathedral of St. Bavo, which is a Gothic structure. The cathedral has a 13th-century High Gothic choir, a Romanesque crypt and a 16th-century late Gothic nave.
La Roche-en-Ardenne
Located in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, La Roche-en-Ardenne is a great place for hiking, biking, kayaking and much more. The city was heavily bombed during the Second World War, but its residents re-built a new town. The region is also known for its terroir delicacies, which include local sweets, butter cream, almond paste and meringue biscuits.
La Roche-en-Ardenne offers 10 marked hiking trails, ranging from a short family stroll to a forest ramble. Hiking trails lead up into dark pine woods, and along quiet mountain streams.
"Les Baisers de la Roche" is a local favorite, made from almond paste, butter cream, and meringue biscuits. This town also has a local stoneware museum. The museum is a great way to learn more about the region's traditional pottery.
La Roche-en-Ardenne also offers a large wildlife park. The park is home to a number of animals, including roe deer, foxes, rabbits and wild boars.
La Roche-en-Ardenne has many attractions, including small museums and a wildlife park. You can also go kayaking or rafting on the river.
If you're looking for a place to stay, you should consider booking a room in one of the hotels in La Roche-en-Ardenne. Prices vary, depending on the season.
Durbuy
Located in Eastern Belgium, Durbuy is a small town that is perfect for those looking for a relaxing holiday. The town has a unique blend of history and modern amenities. It is a good destination for travelers looking to get away from the crowds of Brussels and other Belgian cities.
Durbuy is famous for its cobblestone streets. It's also home to a castle, which gives visitors an insight into the history of the town. Its natural crater, Rocher de la Falize, provides a spectacular view of the surrounding area.
Durbuy is one of the most visited destinations in Belgium. Visitors can go for a tour of the town or enjoy some of the many outdoor activities the town has to offer. It's also known for its fine-dining restaurants and Belgian beer joints.
Belgium is known for its beautiful picture postcard cities. Some of these include Bruges, Liege and Ghent. Bruges is famous for its picturesque views, canals and historic architecture.
Ghent is the fourth largest city in Belgium and is also known for its canal-side medieval architecture. It has a laid-back atmosphere and is home to many quirky boutique stores and Michelin starred restaurants. It also has a rich calendar of cultural events.