Wondering which are the most beautiful places in Belgium for your next visit? Let me help you! I grew up in the east of Belgium, in a small village in Limburg. I then moved to Antwerp, and I’ve now been working and living here for more than 10 years. I feel completely at home here.
People often ask me if I would ever move out of Belgium, as I love to travel and spend so much time abroad. But Belgium feels like a real home to me, and I love the security and comfort I have here. It’s a mesmerising country, though often underrated – which is exactly why I’m going to take you to the most beautiful places in Belgium to add to your bucket list.
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23 Most beautiful places in Belgium
Belgium is a small country, so it’s super easy to travel through. Travelling from the north to the south takes no longer than 3 hours by car. Along the way, you’re spoiled with stunning architecture and astonishing scenery.
Brussels is the capital of Belgium, and from here you can explore more of the country by day trips or on extended road journeys, enjoying stops along the way.
The cities of Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent are without doubt the top cities to visit in Belgium, so definitely add them to your to-do list. You can also opt for a day by the sea, or immerse yourself in our gorgeous natural scenery on bike or foot. Belgium has something to offer everyone and besides the fickle weather, it’s a beautiful country that will charm you instantly.
Belgium is associated with beer, chocolate and football (and of course, everybody knows us for holding the record as the country who’s gone longest without a government).
Some people tend to make fun of our tiny spot on the world map. But fortunately, Belgium is so much more than just the place where you can eat the best fries and chocolate in the world. If you love modern world history, there is no better place like Belgium to visit many tourist attractions such as Mini Europe, Flanders Fields museum and other World War II sites.
Preparing for your trip to Belgium Travel Inspiration
Public Transport in Belgium Travel Guide: Getting to the country
Brussels Airport is one of the most important hubs in Europe, so it’s easily accessible from all corners of the globe. We also have airports in Deurne (Antwerp), Charleroi and Ostend.
When traveling from North America, I recommend flying to Brussels and then connecting to the rest of the country by road (renting a car), or using public transport.
We have an extensive train network, with direct trains (including high-speed trains) from Brussels to Paris, London and Amsterdam (among others).
When you’re in Belgium, you can reach all cities by train. Although I have to be honest, our public transport is quite expensive and does not always run punctually.
You can also easily move around Belgium by car. There are good highways that help you move around the country quickly, but just beware of our rush hours. Driving around the major cities between 7:00 – 9:00 am and 4:00 – 6:00 pm guarantees you’ll stumble into a couple of traffic jams.
Belgium overall is a safe country, and you can travel solo, or as a group, without any issues.
As a European Union member, Euros is our official currency, and we have three official languages. They are Dutch, French, and German. But English is spoken and you shouldn’t have issues in popular cities. However, I do recommend learning a few phrases in Ducth and French – depending on the region you are planning to visit! It will be handy to communicate with the locals or staff in small towns.
In terms of visa, US passport holders can travel to Belgium visa-free, and stay here for upto 90 days.
Where to stay in Belgium? Here is my guide to the best places to stay in Belgium
23 Most beautiful places in Belgium to add to your bucket list
Here’s a list of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium
From the fashion capital Antwerp to hiking around Le Tombeau de Géant or visiting historic castles, there’s never a dull moment in our underrated European gem. Keep reading to find out more about the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium.
DISCOVER THE LOMMELSE SAHARA IN BEAUTIFUL LIMBURG
Yep, you read that right – sand dunes in Belgium.
My favorite spot in Belgium is without a doubt the Lommel Sahara. This is where I grew up, and I still love to visit this beautiful park in the north east time and time again.
You can enjoy a pleasant hike, indulge in a picnic with friends by the water, or just relax and do nothing in the tranquility. It’s one of the most beautiful natural areas in our country, and I highly recommend it to everyone!
You can even grab yourself a free hammock on-the-go when you register at the info desk.
Address: De Souverein, Sport Veldstraat 10, 3920 Lommel. The park has a huge parking lot where you can leave your car.
GO FOR A BIKE RIDE IN THE BEAUTIFUL REGION OF MAASEIK
Did you know that Maaseik is part of a cycle path network of over 2,000 kilometers – most of which are completely car-free and pedestrian-only?
The unique road system, the convenient cycling map (for sale at Maaseik Tourism) and the handy number plates at each junction help you find your way without a hitch – even if you spontaneously divert from your intended course. You can find more info about Maaseik here.
Hotel tip: For an overnight experience in nature, you should stay at Warredal, Maaseik. Sleep under the stars in a treehouse in the middle of the forest!
Location: Maaseik is 1.50 hours by car, or 2.50 hours by train from Brussels
VISIT THE HELIXAGON IN LINTER
Helixagon comes from ‘Helix’ and ‘Hexagon’, two figures that occur frequently in nature. The artwork from Frederik Vaes is a playful ode to nature and the bee. A tilted and twisted hexagonal viewing tube on the beautiful landscape.
Address: Rodestraat 3350, 3350 Linter (about 50 minutes by car from Brussels or 1.25 hours by train).
READING BETWEEN THE LINES CHURCH, BORGLOON
Want to see something truly unique during your trip? The architect duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh built a breathtaking transparent church in Borgloon. The beautiful landscape is visible through the church, both from a distance and up close. The unique church appears both present and absent from the landscape at the same time.
The construction weighs no less than 30 tons. It’s 10 meters high, and consists of 100 stacked layers of steel plates in the shape of a Loons church. Visit it during sunset to witness the colourful setting sun shining through the church!
Hotel tip: Stay at Hoeve Roosbeek. You can find more details here.
Address: Grootloonstraat 2, 3840 Borgloon.
VLOOYBERG TOWER (VLOOYBERGTOREN) IN FLANDERS
This floating staircase is made of stainless Corten steel, with a colour that reflects the iron sandstone heritage of this part of Belgium. The Vlooyberg Tower is over 20m long and 11m high. It was built in 2013.
It serves as a lookout point, and it’s located at one of the highest locations of the Hageland (around 80m).
Address: Oudepastoriestraat 22, 3390 Tielt-Winge (Travel to Tielt-Winge from Brussels in 45 minutes by car, or by train in 1.25 hours).
HORST CASTLE (KASTEEL VAN HORST) IN HOLSBEEK
This water castle can be found in the green valley of the Wingebeek, nestled between the hills of the Hageland. The castle, with its large pond and moat, is home to the famous Belgian cartoon character De Rode Ridder by Willy Vandersteen.
A beautiful parkland extends around the castle, owned by the Agency for Nature and Forests.
Address: Horststraat 28, 3220 Holsbeek (Travel to Horst Castle by car in 45 minutes, and by train in 1.25 hours from Brussels).
CYCLE THROUGH THE BLOSSOMS IN HASPENGOUW
Haspengouw guarantees stunning sights all year round, but April is by far the best month to explore this region. Make sure you’ve got your camera handy – all the trees are in bloom at this time of year, so you’re guaranteed a wonderful one-of-a-kind floral display!
The trees only bloom on average around 10 days per year and it’s difficult to predict exactly when this will happen, so do some research before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Hotel tip: Stay at B&B Maison Mairie Hasselt. You can find more details here.
Address: An hour away by train, or drive from Brussels.
STROLL THROUGH THE INNER STREETS OF GHENT
When it comes to the best cities to visit in Belgium, Ghent is a super fancy city for both architecture and shopping. You’ll find plenty of boutique shops in a gorgeous authentic setting.
Be sure to sit and enjoy a drink or a snack taking in the beautiful view over the water, or take a boat trip through the city center.
When in Ghent, you must try their local sweet, the cuberdon! A cuberdon is a traditional cone-shaped Belgian piece of candy from the East Flanders Region. It’s hard on the outside but gelatinous on the inside – and it has a really short shelf life. Because of this, it’s only available in Belgium, making it a delicious exclusive treat.
Address: 45 minutes by car from Brussels or less than 40 minutes by train.
GRAVENSTEEN GHENT
A visit to the mystical castle ‘Het Gravensteen’ absolutely cannot be missed on your to-do list of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium.
This important sight in Ghent is a castle with a very turbulent history, closely intertwined with the complex political and social history of the city. It’s the only remaining medieval moated castle with an (almost) intact defense system in Flanders. Your visit to the Gravensteen will give you a complete picture of knight culture in the 12th century in Belgium.
Address: Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Ghent
VISIT THE CENTRAL STATION IN ANTWERP
Antwerp is definitely one of the best cities to visit in Belgium – but did you know we have the most beautiful train station in the whole of Europe? Whether you actually need to take a train or not, you definitely need to check out this amazing station when visiting Belgium.
If you want to snap some Insta pics in the station, make sure to be there around 6:00 am – the station becomes extremely crowded in the early mornings!
Hotel tip: De Gulde Schoen, you can find more info and details here.
Address: Koningin Astridplein 27, 2018 Antwerp. 45 minutes by car from Brussels or less than 40 minutes by train.
TOMORROWLAND FESTIVAL (BOOM)
Many visitors worldwide flock to Antwerp every year for this world-famous festival. Is it really worth the trip?
The short answer is yes! It’s simply a phenomenal festival that will blow you away. Not just because of the music, but also through all breath-taking details like the podium constructions, mystical signalizations, unique lighting concepts and much more.
Tomorrowland is truly a fairytale. The festival takes place each year in July, with different types of tickets going on sale far in advance.
Address: De Schorre in Boom. 30 minutes from Brussels by car, or 1.25 hours by train.
ON A TROLL HUNT IN BOOM
Missed out on your chance to grab a ticket for the festival? No worries – the De Schorre domain is a beautiful slice of nature in Belgium. It’s also a great day out with children.
You can do a pleasant walk here in search of trolls that are hidden deep in the forest. There’s also a barefoot path that the kids will love – I highly recommend a visit!
Address: Schommelei 1, 2850 Boom. 30 minutes from Brussels by car, or 1.25 hours by train.
ASTONISHING LITTLE ALLEY IN BELGIUM
Discover the most beautiful alley in the country: De Vlaykensgang in Antwerp. The alley used to be home to shoemakers who had to sound the cathedral’s bell, and the poorest people in the city used to live here.
It’s now filled with antique shops, galleries and even an exclusive restaurant, Sir Anthony Van Dyck.
The alley dates back to the year 1591 and connects the Hoogstraat, the Oude Koornmarkt and the Pelgrimstraat. When you step through the gate at Oude Koornmarkt 16, you imagine yourself in another time. You can find a more detailed blog post about Antwerp here.
Address: Vlaaikensgang 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium. 45 minutes by car from Brussels or less than 40 minutes by train.
read next | ANTWERP TRAVEL GUIDE
GALLERY SAINT- HUBERT BRUSSELS
If you are spending a weekend in Brussels, you need to visit the Gallery Saint Hubert. Initiated by the architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer, the spectacular Galeries Royales project took shape in the 1830s.
The works began in 1846 and were (almost) completed in time for the official opening on 20 June 1847. The gallery includes several shops, auditoriums, cafes, restaurants and apartments.
Right away, it became the place to be seen for the fashionable. Instantly the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert drew a wide audience attracted by the many luxury brands, elegant cafes and cultural hotspots.
Address: Galerie du Roi 5, 1000 Brussels.
GRAND PLACE BRUSSELS
Brussels is without a doubt one of the top cities to visit when in Belgium. Stroll around the Grote Markt, enjoy the famous landmarks and most spectacular historically-preserved architecture in our country!
You’ll also find plenty of nice souvenir shops, and the finest chocolate from the world’s most famous chocolatiers. Brussels City Hall is also located at the complex, and its museum is worth a visit.
Hotel tip: Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Place Rouppe.
LA HULPE CASTLE IN LA HULPE
La Hulpe Castle is located in the heart of a vast domain classified as an exceptional Walloon heritage. This castle is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium. It was once owned by Count Solvay and the architecture is based on the French castles.
It is a beautiful area to enjoy a pleasant walk, they even welcome dogs in the park!
Address: Chaussée de Bruxelles 111, 1310 La Hulpe. (30 minutes by car and train from Brussels).
VISIT THE WALZIN CASTLE IN DINANT
Walzin Castle is located in Dréhance, which is a part of the greater area of Dinant, in the province of Namur. This neo-gothic castle stands on a steep rock above the right bank of the Lesse, where the river flows over into the Maas. It’s a beautiful castle, definitely worth a visit from afar.
Though as it is a private domain, unfortunately it’s not possible to visit the castle itself. Despite this, the castle is still one of the most beautiful places in Belgium to visit.
Address: Rue de Walzin 1, 5500 Dinant. (1.25 hours by car from Brussels or 2 hours by train).
WANDER THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL CITY OF DINANT
Dinant is without a doubt one of Belgium’s most hidden gems. Historically speaking, its location on the water and along multiple trade routes supported the economic development of this charming town.
Dinant is located in the French-speaking municipality of Namur, and is known for its colorful scenery. What makes the city so picturesque is the lovely Meuse river that flows through it.
It also has a perfect blend of culture, adventure and nature. I have to admit I only discovered Dinant recently!
Because of coronavirus, I was unable to travel abroad – so I was ‘forced’ to explore my own country a bit more. It was a real pleasure to tick this city off my Belgium bucket list.
Address: Located 1.25 hours by car from Brussels or 2 hours by train.
PARK FURFOOZ NEAR DINANT
A place for both young and old to enjoy! The park of Furfooz near Dinant invites you to enjoy its archaeological, natural and geological heritage. You can discover it to the fullest during a pleasant walk, around 4 kilometers long, along the edge of the river Lesse.
Entrance fee is 5 euros.
Address: 79 Rue du Camp Romain, 5500 Dinant. (1.25 hours by car from Brussels or 2 hours by train).
FONDRY DES CHIENS IN VIROINVAL
Close to Nismes lies Fondry des Chiens, a protected and unique place in Belgium (occasionally referred to as the Belgian canyon). Millions of years of reclamation in the limestone have created this huge canyon, which reaches up to 20 meters! In short, a unique piece of nature in Belgium and definitely worth a visit.
Address: Located 1.30 hours by car from Brussels or 3.50 hours by train.
GO HIKING NEAR LE TOMBEAU DE GÉANT
Belgium’s nature at its finest! Hidden in the most southern point of our country is without a doubt one of the windiest places in Belgium – you will be blown away by its pure beauty!
This place helps you forget all your worries while enjoying the sweeping panoramic view and a wonderful hike through the Belgian Ardennes.
Address: Moulin du Rivage, 6833 Bouillon. Located less than 2 hours by car from Brussels, or a 4 hour train ride away.
ROCHER DU HAT IN CHINY
Without doubt one of the most beautiful sights in Belgium is Rocher Du Hat. Located in the picturesque village of Chiny and hidden deep in the forest, you’ll stumble across the perfect place to get away from all the stress and bustle of our everyday lives with your whole family.
Address: 6810 Chiny, Belgium (2 hours by car from Brussels or 4 hours by train).
DISCOVER MONS
A unique historical gem that reminds us of our important role in industrial history. This city is a model for the respectful conservation of our heritage. It is no coincidence that Mons was proclaimed the European Capital of Culture in 2015. Read all about the sights in Mons here.
Address: An hour by car or train from Brussels.
GO TO THE FAIRY TALE OLD TOWN CENTRE OF BRUGGE
The fairytale old town of Brugge must not be missed from your Belgium bucket list. Home to the beautiful market square, and one that is filled with historic buildings including a 13th century Belfry tower, Brugge makes for a great visit at any time of year, but it is particularly magical in the winters!
Do make a stop at the Burg square, a 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall), and go on a romantic canal tour to enjoy the city from the waters!
Address: It takes 1.25 hours by car from Brussels or 1.25 hours by train.
HOGE KEMPEN NATIONAL PARK IN MAASMECHELEN
If you are craving some time outdoors, then look no further than the Hoge Kempen National Park. This is the first recognized National Park in the region of Flanders, and is located in the province of Limburg.
The national park is home to pine forests, with a gorgeous landscape of ponds, and lovely flora covering it all. There are hiking trails of all difficulty levels, and you can also go cycling, horse riding or more! You can also see rare animals and other fauna that live inside the park in a natural setting.
Located only an hour or so away from the capital city of Belgium, Hoge Kempen National Park is perfect for a weekend trip. You can book overnight accommodation at the park, and relax and rejuvenate soaking in the views of the mountains.
Read about hiking trails in Flanders here
Address: 3630 Maasmechelen, Belgium (It takes 1.25 hours by car from Brussels).
Visiting Belgium
So there you have it. These are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium, and also my personal favourites. Belgium is home, and if you are planning a trip here, I say – do it! You won’t regret it – there is nature, history, and who doesn’t love chocolates? I know I do!
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