Belgium is a small country, but it is packed with charm. From medieval towns to rolling hills, there’s so much beauty in every corner. Let me take you through some of the most beautiful places I’ve explored in Belgium. These are perfect for a short trip or even a long getaway if you love history, architecture, and natural scenery.
Bruges: The Fairytale City
Bruges looks like a town out of a storybook. Cobblestone streets, canals, and ancient buildings make it one of Belgium’s most magical places. Every turn brings you to a scenic view.
The main square, Markt, is surrounded by colorful buildings and the famous Belfry Tower. You can climb to the top and see the whole city from above. Take a boat ride on the canals, especially around sunset. It feels like you’re floating through a painting. Don’t miss the small chocolate shops either. They’re everywhere, and they’re delicious.
Ghent: A Hidden Gem Full of Life
Ghent is often skipped by tourists, but I think it’s one of the best cities in Belgium. It’s a mix of old and new. Historic castles and churches stand beside modern art and buzzing cafes.
Gravensteen Castle is a must-visit. It’s a big stone fortress right in the city center. From the top, you can see the skyline filled with spires. The Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is another spot worth visiting, especially for the famous altarpiece inside. At night, the city lights up beautifully. Take a walk along the Graslei and Korenlei for perfect riverside views.
Dinant: A Riverside Beauty
Dinant sits between cliffs and the River Meuse. It’s small but unforgettable. The Citadel of Dinant sits high on a cliff. You can take a cable car or climb the steps to reach it. The view from the top is amazing.
The town is also known as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the man who invented the saxophone. You’ll see saxophone art all over the city. The Church of Our Lady with its tall onion-shaped dome adds more charm to the riverside view. Try a local beer by the water while you take it all in.
Durbuy: The World’s Smallest City
Durbuy calls itself the smallest city in the world. Whether that’s true or not, it’s definitely one of the cutest. The old town is full of stone houses, winding streets, and flowers in every window.
There’s a topiary park with bushes cut into the shapes of animals and people. It’s fun to walk through, especially for kids. You can also take a hike up to a nearby viewpoint to see the town from above. It looks like a medieval postcard.
Brussels: A Mix of Modern and Classic
Brussels is the capital, and while it’s a big city, there are still many beautiful spots to enjoy. The Grand Place is the heart of the city. It’s a large square with tall golden buildings. Every hour, music plays, and the lights dance on the facades.
Nearby, you’ll find Manneken Pis, a tiny statue of a boy that’s oddly famous. But don’t stop there. Head to the Royal Palace and the lovely Parc de Bruxelles. The Atomium is also a cool place. It’s a giant metal structure shaped like atoms and offers great views of the city.
Leuven: A Student City with Style
Leuven is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Because of that, it’s young and lively. But it’s also very beautiful. The main square, Oude Markt, has the nickname “the longest bar in the world” because of all the cafes lined up together.
The Town Hall is a gothic masterpiece. Its detailed carvings are a work of art. Visit the University Library too. It has a sad past, as it was destroyed during World War I and rebuilt again. The city has a peaceful vibe, with plenty of green spaces to relax in.
Namur: Where Rivers Meet
Namur is a lovely city where the Meuse and Sambre rivers meet. The Citadel of Namur is huge and sits on a hill above the city. You can walk or take a little train to the top.
The view from the citadel is breathtaking, especially during sunset. The old town has cozy cafes and nice shops. Namur is perfect for slow travelers who enjoy walking, taking pictures, and sitting by the river with a drink in hand.
Mechelen: Full of Surprises
Mechelen is not as famous as Brussels or Bruges, but it deserves attention. The city has a calm, warm feel. The St. Rumbold’s Cathedral has a tall tower you can climb. From there, you can see all the way to Antwerp and Brussels on a clear day.
Walk along the Dyle Path, a wooden walkway over the river, to see the city from a different angle. The Toy Museum is also fun, especially if you have kids. Mechelen feels very local and authentic, which makes it special.
Antwerp: Stylish and Artistic
Antwerp is Belgium’s fashion and diamond capital. But it’s also a beautiful city filled with charm. The train station here is one of the prettiest in the world. It feels like a palace made of stone and glass.
The Grote Markt is lined with old buildings and statues. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady to see famous paintings by the artist Rubens. For something modern, head to the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS). The building is unique, and the view from the top is worth the visit alone.
The Ardennes: Nature at Its Best
The Ardennes region is full of forests, hills, and rivers. It’s one of the best places in Belgium for nature lovers. There are trails for hiking and biking, and in winter, even some snow sports.
The area has small villages with stone houses, peaceful farms, and castles hidden in the woods. Bouillon Castle is one of the top spots. It looks out over the Semois River and feels like stepping into medieval times. The Ardennes is perfect if you want to escape the city and enjoy quiet beauty.
Mons: Cultural and Colorful
Mons is full of character. It was once the European Capital of Culture, and you can still feel the creative energy around. The Grand Place here is wide and filled with color. Many buildings have flower boxes and lovely designs.
The Belfry of Mons stands tall over the town. It’s the only Baroque-style belfry in Belgium and offers a nice view of the area. There are lots of art museums and music festivals. Mons is fun, friendly, and full of history that you can feel in every street.
Belgium’s Beauty in Every Corner
You don’t have to travel far in Belgium to see something beautiful. Each place has its own flavor, from castles to cathedrals, rivers to forests. Whether you’re walking in a small town or enjoying a sunset over a city canal, Belgium always gives you something to admire.
Let yourself wander. Let yourself be surprised. Belgium has a quiet charm that grows on you with every step.
