Here's a detailed guide to Belgium's best 20 tourist attractions, including transportation options, locations.
1. Grand Place, Brussels
Location: Brussels City Center
Description: Grand Place is the central square of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's renowned for its opulent guildhalls, the Town Hall, and the stunning floral carpet laid out every two years.
Transportation: Easily accessible via public transportation, including metro, tram, and bus. Brussels Central Station is within walking distance.
2. Bruges Historic Center
Location: Bruges City Center
Description: Bruges is often called the Venice of the North due to its picturesque canals and well-preserved medieval architecture. Explore the Markt, Belfry of Bruges, and take a canal boat tour.
Transportation: Bruges is well-connected by train from Brussels (about 1 hour journey).
3. Ghent's Gravensteen Castle
Location: Ghent City Center
Description: Gravensteen Castle is a medieval fortress with a dark history. Visitors can explore its dungeons, climb the battlements for panoramic views, and learn about its role in Ghent's past.
Transportation: Ghent is easily reachable by train from Brussels (around 30 minutes).
4. Antwerp's Cathedral of Our Lady
Location: Antwerp City Center
Description: This stunning Gothic cathedral houses several masterpieces by renowned artist Peter Paul Rubens. Visitors can admire its architecture and climb to the top for panoramic views of Antwerp.
Transportation: Antwerp is accessible by train from Brussels (about 40 minutes).
5. Atomium, Brussels
Location: Heysel Plateau, Brussels
Description: A symbol of modern Brussels, the Atomium is a unique structure representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Visitors can explore its exhibition spaces and enjoy panoramic views from the top sphere.
Transportation: Easily accessible by metro and tram from Brussels city center.
6. The Battlefields of Ypres
Location: Ypres, West Flanders
Description: Ypres was a major battleground during World War I. Visitors can explore sites like the Menin Gate, Tyne Cot Cemetery, and In Flanders Fields Museum to learn about the war's impact on the region.
Transportation: Ypres is reachable by train from Brussels with a change in Kortrijk.
7. The Ardennes
Location: Southern Belgium
Description: The Ardennes is a beautiful region known for its dense forests, rolling hills, and picturesque villages. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking, and exploring charming towns like Durbuy and La Roche-en-Ardenne.
Transportation: Best accessed by car for flexibility, but some towns are reachable by train or bus.
8. Leuven's University Library
Location: Leuven City Center
Description: The University Library of Leuven is a masterpiece of architecture and houses a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and books. Visitors can admire its stunning interiors and learn about its history.
Transportation: Leuven is a short train ride from Brussels (around 30 minutes).
9. Dinant and the Meuse Valley
Location: Dinant, Namur Province
Description: Dinant is a picturesque town nestled in the Meuse Valley, known for its stunning citadel, collegiate church, and saxophone-shaped bridge. Visitors can take boat trips along the river and explore nearby caves.
Transportation: Dinant is reachable by train from Brussels with a change in Namur.
10. Horta Museum, Brussels
Location: Saint-Gilles, Brussels
Description: The Horta Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Belgian Art Nouveau architect Victor Horta. Visitors can explore his former home and studio, which are prime examples of Art Nouveau design.
Transportation: Accessible by tram and bus from Brussels city center.
11. The Belfry of Ghent
Location: Ghent City Center
Description: This medieval bell tower offers panoramic views of Ghent's historic center. Visitors can climb its 300 steps to the top and admire the cityscape.
Transportation: Ghent is reachable by train from Brussels (around 30 minutes).
12. The Royal Palace of Brussels
Location: Brussels City Center
Description: The Royal Palace serves as the official residence of the King of the Belgians, but it's open to the public during summer. Visitors can explore its opulent interiors and stroll through the surrounding park.
Transportation: Easily accessible by tram and bus from Brussels city center.
13. Cathedral of Saint Bavo, Ghent
Location: Ghent City Center
Description: This Gothic cathedral is home to several masterpieces, including "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by the Van Eyck brothers. Visitors can admire its architecture and explore its interior.
Transportation: Ghent is reachable by train from Brussels (around 30 minutes).
14. The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
Location: Laeken, Brussels
Description: These stunning greenhouses are part of the Royal Palace of Laeken and are only open to the public for a few weeks in spring. Visitors can admire the rare plant species and intricate architecture.
Transportation: Accessible by tram and bus from Brussels city center.
15. Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral, Brussels
Location: Brussels City Center
Description: This Roman Catholic cathedral is an iconic landmark of Brussels. Visitors can admire its Gothic architecture, stunning stained glass windows, and impressive organ.
Transportation: Easily accessible by metro and bus from Brussels city center.
16. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp
Location: Antwerp City Center
Description: This museum houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings by Belgian and international artists. Visitors can admire works by Rubens, Van Dyck, and other masters.
Transportation: Antwerp is accessible by train from Brussels (about 40 minutes).
17. The Halle Gate, Brussels
Location: Brussels City Center
Description: The Halle Gate is a medieval city gate that now serves as a museum. Visitors can learn about Brussels' history, explore its exhibitions, and climb to the top for views of the city.
Transportation: Easily accessible by tram and bus from Brussels city center.
18. The Rubenshuis, Antwerp
Location: Antwerp City Center
Description: The Rubenshuis is the former home and studio of the famous Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. Visitors can explore his house, art studio, and admire his works.
Transportation: Antwerp is accessible by train from Brussels (about 40 minutes).
19. The Citadel of Namur
Location: Namur, Namur Province
Description: This ancient fortress overlooks the city of Namur and the Meuse River. Visitors can explore its underground passages, climb its ramparts, and enjoy panoramic views.
Transportation: Namur is reachable by train from Brussels (around 1 hour).
20. Mini-Europe, Brussels
Location: Heysel Plateau, Brussels
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