Towns that showcase art, history and culture
The good news: Belgium is not a large country, which means that you can explore the best of what it has to offer in just a few days! You need only stop off in its large cities to enjoy its rich heritage. Starting with Brussels, a must-visit destination. The Art Nouveau buildings, comic strips, the smell of fries and crispy waffles, the Manneken Pis statue… Friendly and cosmopolitan, the capital of Europe has something for everyone. Then head east toward lively Liège or north toward the hip Flemish city of Antwerp. Before reaching Ghent and its Castle of the Counts, stop off in Mechelen, a jewel in Flanders. In under an hour, you then arrive in Bruges, “the Venice of the North,” with its romantic canals and charming gabled houses.
Refreshing sea air on Belgian shores
We sometimes forget, but the sea is never far away in Belgium. Between coastal villages and elegant seaside resorts, the Belgian coast immerses you in another world stretching along 67 km, with golden dunes and secret beaches lapped by often lively waves. Zwin, a birdwatcher’s paradise, Ostende and its street art frescoes, Knokke-Heist and its chic boutiques, not forgetting De Haan and its Belle Époque villas, follow one after the other through the window. En route, get a breath of fresh air during a kitesurfing or sand yachting session on Middelkerke beach before devouring shrimp croquettes and babelutte candies facing the North Sea.
A road trip to suit every traveler’s taste
Head for the Ardennes region to immerse yourself in nature. The roads here wind among wooded hills and steep-sided rivers. Offering hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and more, Belgium is the place to be for outdoor adventure lovers! As well as foodies: in a country with over 750 chocolate shops, it’s hard not to stop along the way to savor a few pralines. And don’t forget to try a Trappist beer in a traditional brewery and mingle among the revelers at folk festivals. In February, join the Gilles dancing in a lively circle in Binche, and celebrate the Ducasse de Mons festival in May… At the end of the day, just one trip won’t be enough!
