Top 25 Must-See Attractions in Belgium

Are you keen to discover what Belgium has to offer? This comprehensive guide is designed to assist you in exploring a country renowned for its beer, chocolate, fries, and waffles, while aiding in your selection of activities to indulge in or forego.

As a passionate enthusiast of craft beer, I hold a deep appreciation for Belgium, an undisputed leader in the global beer landscape. With a multitude of local brews to sample, time seems limited to experience them all. However, this is not the sole justification for visiting Belgium; a leisurely stroll through Bruges after savoring a few ‘Brugse Zotten’ significantly enhances the overall experience. You might also find our guide on the best places to visit in Belgium of interest!

Did you know that Belgium officially recognizes three languages? While many are aware of Dutch and French, a small segment of the population, approximately 1%, speaks German.

Now, let us delve into the most exceptional activities to partake in while visiting this remarkable country, including its most sought-after tourist destinations!

1. Taste the wide variety of craft beers

Belgium is the unrivalled leader in the realm of craft beers, with each region boasting distinctive local varieties that are certainly worthy of tasting. There are numerous beer bars featuring extensive selections of different beers; seek out one nearby and let the proprietor provide recommendations (they are often more than willing to assist and take pride in offering their suggestions).

It is important to note that some beers contain a significantly high alcohol content, and a few may leave you feeling quite inebriated. Some of my preferred selections include Leffe Brown, St. Bernardus Abt 12, and Westmalle Tripel.

A further enjoyable activity would be to visit one of the many breweries, which frequently offer tours for guests.

2. Eat some of the tasty Belgian Chocolate

Practically every community in Belgium features its own chocolate shop, where recipes have often been meticulously passed down through generations. This rich tradition of chocolate crafting is recognized and celebrated around the globe.

Belgian chocolate is esteemed as the finest available. Furthermore, you can find plenty of it, with Belgium reportedly producing approximately 220,000 tons of chocolate annually.

3. Enjoy a Belgian Waffle

During your trip, be sure to indulge in a Belgian waffle, whether from a street vendor or accompanied by a cup of coffee in a café.

The Belgian waffle is slightly thicker than a traditional waffle and can be topped with a variety of garnishes, including whipped cream, icing sugar, strawberries, and preserves.

4. A canal cruise in Bruges

The extensive network of canals in Bruges has led many to refer to it as the “Venice of the North,” although I believe it would be more accurate to label Venice as the “Bruges of the South.”

In many respects, Bruges ranks among the most delightful cities in Belgium, and exploring its picturesque canals by boat offers an excellent means to appreciate its beauty. This is a city that deserves a prominent spot on your travel wishlist.

5. Visit the Grand Place in Brussels

The Grand Place in Brussels is breathtaking, featuring historic architecture.

6. Visit to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a distinguished art museum located in Brussels.

7. Visit to the In Flanders Fields Museum in Lakenhallen

The In Flanders Fields Museum provides an excellent opportunity to learn about World War I in Europe.

8. Enjoy the city of Ghent

Being in close proximity to Bruges, Ghent is ideal for a day excursion or a complete city exploration. It may not be as widely recognized as Bruges, but it is equally striking, representing one of Europe’s hidden gems.

9. Relax in Spa

If you seek relaxation and a touch of indulgence, the town of Spa is a must-visit, as it is the origin of the term “spa.”

10. Visit the Manneken Pis landmark in Brussels

Although it is a diminutive bronze sculpture, it is an internationally renowned landmark that provides excellent photo opportunities.

11. The Atomium

The Atomium is an iconic structure in Brussels, initially erected for Expo 58, the Brussels World’s Fair of 1958.

12. Mini-Europe

Mini-Europe is a miniature park situated in Bruparck, at the base of the Atomium in Brussels.

13. Castle Gravensteen

Gravensteen is a historically significant castle located in Ghent, dating back to the Middle Ages. Its name translates to “castle of the counts” in Dutch and stands at an elevation of 9 meters.

14. Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is a military museum located within the historic complex of Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels.

15. The Rubenshuis in Antwerp

The Rubenshuis, once the residence and studio of renowned artist Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerp, has now been transformed into a museum.

16. Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken comprise a grand complex of monumental heated greenhouses located in the park of the Royal Palace of Laeken in northern Brussels, representing one of the city’s key attractions.

17. Pairi Daiza

Pairi Daiza is a privately owned 55-hectare zoo and botanical garden located in Brugelette, Hainaut province, Belgium. This animal-themed park is situated on the grounds of the former Cistercian Cambron Abbey and is home to over 4,000 animal species.

18. AutoWorld

AutoWorld is a vintage car museum located in the heart of Brussels, situated within the southern hall of Cinquantenaire Park.

19. Castle of Vêves

The Castle of Vêves is perched on a rocky promontory just outside the village of Celles, located in Namur province, Belgium. It has been classified as a Major Heritage of Wallonia site.

20. Antwerp Zoo

Antwerp Zoo is located adjacent to the Antwerpen-Centraal railway station in the center of Antwerp, Belgium. This establishment is the oldest animal park in the nation and ranks among the oldest globally, having been founded on July 21, 1843.

21. Mont des Arts

The Kunstberg, which translates to “hill/mount of the arts,” is a notable site located in the heart of Brussels.

22. Ypres Cloth Hall

The Cloth Hall is an expansive medieval commercial building situated in Ypres, Belgium. It was among the largest commercial structures of the Middle Ages, serving as the main marketplace and storage facility.

23. Bobbejaanland

Bobbejaanland is a theme park located in Lichtaart, Belgium. Established by Bobbejaan Schoepen, a Flemish singer and entertainer who gained international acclaim in the 1950s and early 1960s, it was founded after he grew weary of touring for 15 years.

24. Royal Museum for Central Africa

The Royal Museum for Central Africa, also known colloquially as the Africa Museum, is an ethnography and natural history museum situated in Tervuren, Flemish Brabant, Belgium, just outside of Brussels.

25. Curtius Museum

The Curtius Museum is an institution dedicated to archaeology and decorative arts, beautifully positioned along the banks of the Meuse River in Liège, and is classified as a Major Heritage of Wallonia site.