Belgium

15 Things to Visit in Belgium

You’re looking for things to do in Belgium. You can use this guide to tour the land of beer, chocolate, fries, and waffles and to decide what to do or not do. As a connoisseur of craft beer, Belgium is one of my favourite countries because it is without a doubt the world’s best beer country. There are so many different types of regional beers, but there isn’t enough time to try them all. Although meandering through Bruges after a few “Brugse Zotten” certainly appeared to make the experience even more lovely, of course, there are many more reasons to visit Belgium. You might also enjoy our list of the top tourist attractions in Belgium! Did you know that there are three official languages in Belgium? Most people are familiar with Dutch and French, but just a small percentage of the country—roughly 1%—speaks German. Here are the top things to do in Belgium, including the most well-known tourist attractions, so let’s get started!

Visit the Grand Place in Brussels

The Grand Place
The Grand Place

The Grand Place in Brussels is stunning with its historic buildings.

Enjoy a Belgian Waffle

Waffles
Waffles

Whether it’s from one of the waffle vendors or in a cafe with a cup of coffee, make sure to indulge in a Belgian waffle while you’re there. The Belgian waffle is a little thicker than a normal waffle and can have toppings like whipped cream, icing sugar, strawberries, and jam.

A canal cruise in Bruges

Bruges
Bruges

Due to its numerous canals, Bruges is frequently referred to as the “Venice of the North,” but in my opinion, Venice should be referred to as the “Bruges of the South.” In many ways, Bruges is one of the most enjoyable cities in Belgium, and taking a boat through its canals is a wonderful way to take in all of its beauty. This is a place that needs to be high on your travel wish list.

Enjoy the city of Ghent

Ghent
Fernando González SanzCC BY-SA 4.0

This city is perfect for both a day trip and a full city trip because it is near Bruges. It is one of Europe’s hidden beauties and is less well-known than Bruges, yet it is undoubtedly every bit as stunning.

The Atomium

Atomium
Atomium

The Atomium is a structure in Brussels that was initially built for Expo 58, the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels.

Relax in Spa

Guus Verveen, CC BY-SA 3.0

You must go to the town of Spa, from whence all spas get their name, if you wish to unwind and indulge in a little pampering.

Mini-Europe

Mini Europe
Mini Europe

At the base of the Atomium in Brussels’s Bruparck neighbourhood is a miniature park called Mini-Europe.

Visit the Manneken Pis landmark in Brussels

Brussels
Brussels

Despite being only a little bronze sculpture, it is a famous landmark and a great photo opportunity.

The Rubenshuis in Antwerp

Rubenshuis
Steven LekCC BY-SA 4.0

The Rubenshuis was Peter Paul Rubens’ former residence and workspace in Antwerp. It is currently a museum. See our guide to activities in Antwerp as well.

Visit the In Flanders Fields Museum in Lakenhallen

Zeisterre, CC BY-SA 3.0

There is no better venue to study World War I in Europe than the In Flanders Fields Museum.

Castle Gravensteen

Gravensteen
Gravensteen

In Ghent, there is a castle from the Middle Ages called the Gravensteen. The name translates into Dutch as “castle of the counts.” The elevation of Gravensteen is 9 meters.

Eat some of the tasty Belgian Chocolate

Belgian Chocolate
Belgian Chocolate

Nearly every Belgian village has its own chocolate store, where family recipes are frequently passed down for generations. The art of creating and perfecting chocolate is celebrated worldwide. The finest chocolate available is thought to be Belgian. There is no shortage of it, however; according to estimates, Belgium produces 220,000 tonnes of chocolate annually.

Visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels

Neoclassicism Enthusiast, CC BY-SA 4.0

An art gallery in Brussels is called the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

Taste the wide variety of craft beers

Belgian beer
Belgian beer

When it comes to craft beer, Belgium is hands-down the best, and every region you visit will have some fantastic local beers you should try out. Try to locate one close to you and ask the host or owner for some recommendations on beers you should try. There are numerous beer bars with a wide variety of beers (they are likely eager to help you out and honoured to be asked for their recommendation). Be warned that several of the beers have quite a high alcohol content and that a few of them could cause you to pass out. The Leffe Brown, St. Bernardus Abt. 12, and Westmalle Tripel are some of my favourites. Visits to breweries, where you may frequently reserve tours, are another fantastic activity.

Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

 Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
Clemens Vasters from Viersen, GermanyCC BY 2.0

In Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels, Belgium, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is a military museum that takes up the two northernmost halls of the old building.