As a travel enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for unique experiences that showcase the beauty and charm of a destination. Belgium, often associated with chocolate, beer, and medieval towns, is more than just a stereotype. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Belgium has so much to offer visitors from around the world.
In this article, we’ll delve into the lesser-known destinations near Brussels, exploring the cities, towns, and landmarks that make Belgium a must-visit destination. From medieval castles to modern breweries, we’ll uncover the secrets of this fascinating country.
The Grand Place: A Symbol of Brussels’ Rich History
Our journey begins in the heart of Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. The Grand Place, or Grote Markt as it’s known locally, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and a symbol of the city’s rich history. This iconic square has been the center of Brussels since the 15th century, hosting various markets, festivals, and events throughout the years.
The Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous squares in Europe. Its majestic buildings, including the Town Hall and King’s House, are adorned with intricate stone carvings and ornate decorations. Visitors can explore the square’s many shops, cafes, and restaurants, which offer a wide range of Belgian specialties like waffles, chocolate, and beer.
Leuven: A City of Beer and Innovation
Just 26 kilometers southeast of Brussels lies Leuven, a charming university town known for its lively atmosphere and innovative spirit. As the birthplace of Stella Artois beer, Leuven is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. The city’s many breweries offer tours and tastings, while its historic center features beautiful parks, Gothic-style churches, and stunning architecture.
Leuven is also home to several world-class universities, including KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) and Leuven University of Applied Sciences. The city’s vibrant cultural scene includes numerous museums, theaters, and concert halls, which showcase the best of Belgian art, music, and literature.
Aalst: A City Steeped in History
Located between Brussels and Ghent, Aalst is a city with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Its charming old quarter, Begijnhof Aalst, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while its central square, Grote Markt, boasts an impressive campanile that’s also a World Heritage Site.
Aalst is known for its beautiful architecture, including the 12th-century St. Peter’s Church and the 14th-century Town Hall. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, which showcase the history of Aalst from the Middle Ages to the present day. The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Aalst Jazz Festival and the Aalst Folk Festival.
Anversa: A Dynamic City with a Rich History
Located in the north of Belgium, Anversa (Antwerp) is a dynamic city with a rich history. Its historic center features a mix of medieval and modern architecture, while its picturesque canals and vibrant nightlife make it an ideal destination for those seeking entertainment.
Anversa is known for its diamond industry, which has made the city a hub for luxury goods and jewelry. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, including the Antwerp Cathedral Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Anversa (MIRA). The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Antwerp Diamond Festival and the Anversa Jazz Festival.
Gand: A City of Medieval Charm
Between Brussels and Bruges lies the charming city of Gand (Ghent), known for its medieval architecture and picturesque canals. Its historic center is home to stunning buildings like St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Gravensteen Castle, and the largest pedestrian area in all of Belgium.
Gand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, including the Gand Museum and the Sint-Pieterskerk (St. Peter’s Church). The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Ghent Festival and the Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festivals).
Namur: A Romantic City by the Moselle River
Located in the southwestern part of Belgium, Namur is a romantic city surrounded by steep rocky hills and the picturesque Moselle River. Its historic center features charming streets, small boutiques, and traditional restaurants serving local cuisine.
Namur is known for its beautiful architecture, including the 14th-century City Hall and the 15th-century Cathedral of Saint Peter and Paul. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, including the Namur Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Namur (MIRA). The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Namur Festival and the Namur Jazz Festival.
Tournai: A City Steeped in History
Also located in the southwestern part of Belgium, Tournai (Doornik) is an ancient city with a rich history dating back to the Roman era. Its historic center boasts several fountains, grand buildings, and beautiful architecture, while its surrounding countryside offers stunning views.
Tournai is known for its medieval architecture, including the 12th-century Town Hall and the 14th-century Church of Saint John the Baptist. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, including the Tournai Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Tournai (MIRA). The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Tournai Festival and the Tournai Jazz Festival.
Dinant: A City of Castles and Breweries
Located in the southeastern part of Belgium, Dinant is a charming city situated on the banks of the Moselle River. Its medieval castle, surrounded by steep rocky hills, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Dinant is known for its beautiful architecture, including the 14th-century Town Hall and the 15th-century Cathedral of Saint Peter and Paul. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, including the Dinant Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Dinant (MIRA). The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Dinant Festival and the Dinant Jazz Festival.
Bruges: The Pearl of Flanders
One of Belgium’s most famous cities, Bruges (Brugge) is a stunning example of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its picturesque canals, charming streets, and historic center make it an ideal destination for those seeking a romantic getaway.
Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, including the Bruges Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Bruges (MIRA). The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Bruges Festival and the Bruges Jazz Festival. Don’t miss the famous Belfry Tower, which offers stunning views of the city from its 83-meter-high bell tower.
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De Haan: A Coastal Resort with a Picturesque Style
Located on the Belgian coast, De Haan is a small town with a picturesque style, featuring many cottages in Norman architecture. Its fine sandy beaches, bike paths, and nature reserve make it an ideal destination for families and those seeking relaxation.
De Haan is known for its beautiful architecture, including the 18th-century Town Hall and the 19th-century Church of Saint Martin. Visitors can explore the town’s many museums, including the De Haan Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in De Haan (MIRA). The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the De Haan Festival and the De Haan Jazz Festival.
Ypres e Flanders Battlefields: A Memorial to World War I
Located in the western part of Belgium, Ypres (Ieper) is a city with a somber history, having been the site of some of the most terrible battles of World War I. Its battlefields are now home to numerous cemeteries and monuments that remember the fallen soldiers.
Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, including the First World War Museum and the Tyne Cot Cemetery. The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Ypres Festival and the Ypres Jazz Festival. Don’t miss the famous Menin Gate Memorial, which commemorates over 11,000 soldiers who lost their lives during World War I.
Conclusion: Exploring the Hidden Gems of Belgium
Belgium may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of travel, but it has so much to offer visitors from around the world. From its stunning medieval architecture to its vibrant cultural scene, Belgium is a country that has something for everyone.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, music, or relaxation, Belgium has plenty to offer. So why not start planning your trip today and discover the hidden gems of this fascinating country?
Tips and Recommendations
- Visit the Grand Place in Brussels during the day to admire its stunning architecture.
- Take a tour of the Stella Artois brewery in Leuven to learn about the history of Belgian beer.
- Explore the charming old quarter of Aalst, which is full of narrow streets and picturesque squares.
- Visit the Anversa Diamond Museum to see some of the world’s most beautiful diamonds on display.
- Take a boat tour of Gand’s canals to admire the city’s stunning architecture from a different perspective.
- Visit the Namur Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and features stunning stained glass windows.
- Explore the medieval castle in Dinant, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Visit the Bruges Museum to learn about the history and culture of this beautiful city.
- Take a bike ride through De Haan’s picturesque countryside, which is surrounded by fine sandy beaches and scenic bike paths.
- Visit the Ypres First World War Museum to learn about the history of the battlefields.
Accommodation
Belgium has plenty of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some popular options include:
- Hotel Grand Place in Brussels
- Hotel Stella Artois in Leuven
- Hotel Aalst in Aalst
- Hotel Anversa in Antwerp
- Hotel Gand in Ghent
- Hotel Namur in Namur
- Hotel Dinant in Dinant
- Hotel Bruges in Bruges
- Hotel De Haan in De Haan
- Hotel Ypres in Ieper
Getting Around
Belgium has a well-developed transportation system, with plenty of buses, trains, and taxis available. Some popular options include:
- Train: The Belgian train network is efficient and reliable, with frequent services connecting major cities like Brussels, Leuven, Aalst, Anversa, Gand, Namur, Dinant, Bruges, De Haan, and Ypres.
- Bus: Many towns and cities in Belgium have bus networks that connect them to nearby towns and cities. Some popular bus companies include De Lijn and FlixBus.
- Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Belgian towns and cities, but may be more expensive than public transportation.
Language
The official language of Belgium is Dutch, but many Belgians also speak French, German, English, and other languages. Visitors can easily get by without speaking Dutch, as many signs and menus are translated into multiple languages.
Currency
The official currency of Belgium is the Euro, which is widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards are also widely accepted, so it’s easy to pay for goods and services with your credit card.
Food and Drink
Belgium is famous for its delicious cuisine, including waffles, chocolate, beer, and more. Some popular dishes include:
- Waffles: A classic Belgian dish made from crispy batter, often served with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
- Chocolate: Belgium is home to some of the world’s best chocolatiers, such as Godiva and Neuhaus.
- Beer: Belgium has a rich brewing tradition, with many local breweries offering a wide range of beers. Some popular styles include Trappist beer and lambic ale.
Tips and Recommendations
- Try some Belgian waffles or chocolate when you visit the country.
- Visit a local brewery to taste some of Belgium’s famous beers.
- Explore the charming old quarters of Aalst, Gand, and Bruges.
- Take a boat tour of Gand’s canals to admire the city’s stunning architecture from a different perspective.
- Visit the Namur Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and features stunning stained glass windows.
- Explore the medieval castle in Dinant, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Conclusion
Belgium is a country that has something for everyone. From its stunning medieval architecture to its vibrant cultural scene, there’s plenty to see and do in this beautiful country. Whether you’re interested in history, art, music, or relaxation, Belgium is a destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
