10 Most Beautiful Travel Destination To Visit In Belgium

Home to amazing picturesque suspended-in-time medieval towns and cites Belgium actually offers some of the most beautiful and romantic city breaks in Europe.

Whether you are looking for art and culture or an adventurous outdoor experience, Belgium has something for everyone. From elegant cities to charming little towns, and from sandy beaches to rugged mountains, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to picking your itinerary.

With so many gorgeous views and exciting spots to choose from, where do you even start? That’s why we picked the ten most beautiful places to visit in Belgium to help you plan your next trip.

* Brussels

Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium but also the de facto capital of Europe. It is the seat of many important European organisations. As a result, Brussels is an incredibly international and multicultural city. Politicians and diplomats from all over the world have made it their own and turned the town into a bustling metropole. But while Brussels is known as a city of bureaucrats, it is also a popular tourist destination.

* Antwerp

Where Brussels is all business, Antwerp is all fun. The capital of the Flemish region is the second biggest city in Belgium. Antwerp also boasts the biggest port of the country and the critical trading position made the city rich in the 16th century. During that time, Antwerp also became a hub of art and culture.

Antwerp is known as the city of diamonds, due to its crucial position in the diamond trade. The historically orthodox Jewish diamond district still processes 85% of the world’s uncut diamonds. It lies close to arguably the most beautiful building in Antwerp: the central train station. This gorgeous gothic structure is lovingly nicknamed the railway cathedral.

* Ghent

Ghent is not the biggest city in Belgium, but it is one of the best-loved. Both locals and tourists immediately succumb to the charm of this beautiful city. From the gorgeous Medieval city centre to the trendy bars and boutiques, Ghent is a must-visit in Belgium.

Ghent is a university town with a relatively young population. As a result, the city has a lively atmosphere, a fun nightlife and a thriving art scene. There is never a dull moment in Ghent!

* Bruges

Bruges might be the most beautiful place in Belgium and is also undoubtedly the most famous! This fairytale town attracts around 8 million tourists annually. Not bad for a city with a population of just under 120,000. As a result of its popularity, Bruges struggles with over-tourism, especially in the summer months. For a more relaxed experience, visit Bruges offseason. The city is particularly charming in the winter with a real winter wonderland atmosphere and festive lighting.

* Mechelen

As we get to some of the lesser-known cities in Belgium, Mechelen is a personal recommendation. It is a lovely little city with a beautiful historic city centre. The short distance to Antwerp makes it a great spot for a day or afternoon trip.

* Leuven

Like many Belgian cities, Leuven boasts an array of Medieval architecture. The 15th century, ornately decorated City Hall is the crowning glory of the city. You can join a daily tour to learn more about this Gothic masterpiece. The 13th-century Beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also worth a visit.

Leuven is also home to one of the best universities in Belgium, especially when it comes to the arts and humanities. The Catholic University Leuven has many beautiful buildings, but the library is particularly impressive and houses a permanent exhibition on the history of the city.

* Spa

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Belgium is the small town of Spa. Its natural springs produce the world-famous “Spa” mineral water. It is also home to the Belgian Grand Prix, the world first beauty pageant in 1888 and one of the oldest casino in Europe.

But aside from quirky claims to fame, Spa is a massively popular resort town. Since the 14th-century, people have flocked here to enjoy the supposed health benefits of the natural spring water. The city’s name has become synonymous with wellness, health and hydrotherapy. Visiting the now modernised thermal baths is the main tourist attraction, but there is much more to see and do here.

* Dinant

Dinant is an important place in Belgian history. Archaeological finds suggest that people have inhabited the region along the Meuse Valley since the Stone Age. Throughout the ages, Dinant was occupied by different forces as it lies along a vital European trade route. Traces of all those influences are still visible today.

In the mid-19th-century, Dinant became a popular destination for painters and artists. It is not difficult to imagine how the picturesque town and sweeping landscapes inspired them. When you arrive in Dinant, the riverside promenade immediately catches your eye. The colourful houses and the impressive Cathedral offer a warm welcome to tourists. Towering above Dinant lies the old citadel atop a cliff.

* La-Roche-en-Ardenne

The Ardenne mountains are one of the most popular and beautiful places in Belgium. The mountainous region is covered in dense forest and is popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking and rafting.

La-Roche-en-Ardenne is a small town in the Ardenne region and the perfect base for an adventurous outdoor vacation. The historic village is nicknamed The Pearl of the Ardenne and gets quite busy in the summer. A small tourist train takes you around the sights, such as the castle La-Roche-en-Ardenne and Parc a Gibier, a natural reserve with wild animals and a petting zoo.

* Durbuy

Durbuy might look like a village, but it considers itself the smallest city in the world. The town got official city rights in 1331, and the clever motto is one of the reasons it’s popular with tourists. Durbuy is also incredibly picturesque and pretty. The well-preserved historic inner city dates back to the 17th century and looks like something out of a fairytale. Mostly thanks to the charming castle, which is unfortunately privately owned and not open to visitors.