Belgium Classic Grand Tour

Belgium's capital is the seat of the EU and boasts a metropolitan cultural diversity, many historic curiosities, and great museums.

A wonderful square in the heart of the city, surrounded on all sides by historic buildings, including the Town Hall and a city museum.

A must-see museum, this collection thoroughly covers the European masters from the 14C-20C. Visitors often stay for several hours.

Get pleasantly lost in this fabulous historic center that takes you along cobbled streets to museums, homes, and historic sites.

Built for the 1910 Universal Exposition, this area was revitalized to what today is a lovely district of museums and amazing city views.

One of Belgium's oldest Renaissance castles, Rumbeke Casle is enveloped in interesting history and legend.

Home to Belgium's oldest university, Louvain is largely known for its history, culture, and beer.

Built in the 19C, this complex of greenhouses are built from alluring glass and iron architecture and house stunning flora.

Home to Europe’s largest exhibit of dinosaurs, this museum also excels in its presentation of evolution, minerals, and marine life.

A must-see museum, it features work by Bruegel the Elder and Rubens among its unsurpassed collection of early Flemish art.

This Gothic town hall boasts a 95 m tall tower, statues, a mirrored hall, and amazing artwork.

Spanning over 11,000 ha of land, this large protected park boats a collection of over 250 plant species and great hiking trails.

Visiting Namur offers a rich experience due to its history, landmarks, commerce, political influence, and university.

Whether shopping for antiques or stepping out among the locals, this atmospheric square is an exciting area to explore.

Art and history are exhibited through all media in this museum. Its thousands of artifacts span multiple centuries and countries.

Focusing primarily on the Congo, this museum thoroughly covers the ethnography, natural history, and environment of Africa.

Music lovers will be overwhelmed by more than 7,000 instruments, each of which can be heard via a recording.

A privately owned botanic garden and zoo, featuring several excellent themed exhibits of unique animals from all over the world.

According to legend, Charlemagne's horse split this massive rock in order to allow passage through the cliff.

More than 250 works by the Belgian surrealist Rene Magritte are housed in this impressive beautiful museum.

These two homes were built by Horta himself. They are fine examples of Art Nouveau, from the architecture to the furnishings to the doorbell.

A must-see for all chocolate lovers, this museum explains the history, development, and production of chocolate.

Made up of mostly pine forests, this vast nature park is a great place for hiking through the woods or enjoying an outdoor picnic.

The largest and oldest forest in Belgium is home to many trees - some are hundreds of years old - and is a rich wildlife habitat.

As a river port, Liege has prospered economically and culturally, which is evident in its many architectural and historical sites.

Documenting the 19C lives of French-speaking Belgians, this museum features their folklore, arts and crafts, puppets, and more.

Stroll through this lovely town, getting to know the rich local history, and stopping for a bite in one of the cafes.

Visit this museum complex to admire archaeology and decorative, religious, and Mosan art collections.

A beautiful medieval church, it is notable for its nave and choir, Gothic vaults, and Renaissance "Dream of Jacob" sculpture.

A large and beautiful park that reaches into Germany. The nature park once served as a training ground for Belgian soldiers.

Made up of mostly pine forests, this vast nature park is a great place for hiking through the woods or enjoying an outdoor picnic.

Used today for provincial services, this 16C palace offers a tour through grandeur, including a beautiful courtyard.

This museum displays masterpieces by the Belgian Caus, Ensor, and Khnopff and the French Gauguin, Monet, Chagall, and Signac.

Located in an ornate 18C mansion, this museum is rich in decorative arts. Many consider it to be one of the best collections in Europe.

A formal tour of this beautiful 10C Gothic cathedral is worthwhile to see the several amazing artifacts it holds including the Lucifer of Liege statue.

Spanning over 11,000 ha of land, this large protected park boats a collection of over 250 plant species and great hiking trails.

Home to Belgium's oldest university, Louvain is largely known for its history, culture, and beer.

Despite this museum's drab exterior, inside is an enlightening collection of 16C-21C works by French-speaking Belgians.

This well preserved 12C Romanesque church boasts Saxon towers. Its baptismal font dates to 1118 and is a treasure of Mosan art.

This aquarium houses more than 2,500 marine animals. Its adjacent museum features over 20,000 exhibits.

Feel like time is standing still in this beautiful old quarter, full of well preserved old buildings and elegant houses.

According to legend, Charlemagne's horse split this massive rock in order to allow passage through the cliff.

Visiting Namur offers a rich experience due to its history, landmarks, commerce, political influence, and university.

Explore this stunning castle, a perfect example of 18C French architecture with Italian and English influences.

Along with its diverse natural beauty, this park also was the site of important archaeological artifacts, dating to the 10C.

Steeped in history, Antwerp is highly cosmopolitan yet youthful while remaining one of the largest port cities in the world.

Explore this historic center, admiring its monuments, architecture, and charm, and enjoying cafes and shops.

Admire the bronze carriages as you step into this museum full of superb paintings by masters from the 14C to today.

The collections here are unique in focus, including illuminated manuscripts, ivory works, and Bruegel the Elder's "Mad Meg."

Housed in a fun brick building, this museum offers a compelling look at Antwerp's history as a port city and diverse cultural gem.

One of Belgium's oldest Renaissance castles, Rumbeke Casle is enveloped in interesting history and legend.

Home to Belgium's oldest university, Louvain is largely known for its history, culture, and beer.

Take a lovely walk through this neighborhood while admiring the beautiful and unique 19C homes representing the best of Art Nouveau.

Dating to 14C, this cathedral is a delight to explore. Its towers are majestic, and the interior features works by Rubens.

Explore every inch of Rubens' long-time home including his studio, paintings, collections, the family rooms, courtyard, and more.

As home to thousands of marine creatures, the settings in this aquarium are based on the animals' natural habitats.

Visiting Namur offers a rich experience due to its history, landmarks, commerce, political influence, and university.

One of the best nature reserves in Belgium, it is famous for its salt-resistant flora, small zoo, and great bird-watching.

Driven by temporary exhibits, this museum is always fresh and unique. Textile production and cutting-edge style are core themes.

Founded in 1843, this massive 25 acre zoo is home to numerous animal species, and is known for its Art Nouveau style.

This 17C house exhibits a wealth of decorative arts and paintings by Rubens, Bruegel the Younger, Van Dyck, and many more.

Made up of mostly pine forests, this vast nature park is a great place for hiking through the woods or enjoying an outdoor picnic.

The largest and oldest forest in Belgium is home to many trees - some are hundreds of years old - and is a rich wildlife habitat.

Known as the "Venice of the North," Bruges boasts superb Flemish art, scenic canals, and a prosperous past.

Prepare to be awed while exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a gem of architecture and activity set among the canals.

Don't miss a trip on the canals, which show you the calm side of Bruges, not seen from the sidewalks and streets.

Housed in a 12C hospital, this museum is dedicated to the history of the hospital, and features a collection of Memling artwork and chapel.

Climb up the 366 steps to the top of this massive 13C belfry to discover where the sound of the bells comes from.

One of Belgium's oldest Renaissance castles, Rumbeke Casle is enveloped in interesting history and legend.

One of the best nature reserves in Belgium, it is famous for its salt-resistant flora, small zoo, and great bird-watching.

Showing off masterpieces of Van Eyck, David, and many others, this museum offers deep insights into particularly 15C-17C Belgium.

The whole family will love this amazing nature park, home to several rides as well as over 300 rare animal species.

Home to Benedictine nuns, a visit here transports you to a tranquil space of greenery and modest homes, a break from city life.

Spread among 14C almshouses, this center offers demonstrations, workshops, and a museum that go deep into the art of lacemaking.

A hiking and biking trail, stretching along an old railroad track, full of history from the World Wars along the way.

Belgium's oldest nature reserve is famous for its sea birds, especially storks, which visitors come to see be fed.

Dominated by the belfry, this pedestrian square is more popular than ever for business, pleasure, and exploring.

In business since 1856, this historic brewery not only produces excellent beer and food but also features a tour and a museum.

Exquisite architecture dominates this square, from the Gothic town hall, to the Renaissance registry, to the Baroque deanery.

Dating to the 13C, this Gothic church has the second tallest brick tower in the world. Its altar and tombs are captivating.

The largest and oldest forest in Belgium is home to many trees - some are hundreds of years old - and is a rich wildlife habitat.

A privately owned botanic garden and zoo, featuring several excellent themed exhibits of unique animals from all over the world.

This 15C Gothic museum boasts a collection of Flemish art, decor, everyday objects, and other artifacts dating from 15C-19C.

Now a museum, this 18C mansion is home to a collection of ancient lace and the works of Brangwyn, a notable Bruges artist.

Several small 17C houses are staged to take you back in time to workshops, a confectionery, a pharmacy, and old traditions.

As the oldest town hall in Belgium, this 14C Gothic building is architecturally captivating, complimented by splendid murals.

Home to Belgium's oldest university, Louvain is largely known for its history, culture, and beer.

A large and beautiful zoo and botanical garden, home to several amazing species including an underwater exhibit.

Ghent is alive with activity day and night, with a large port, major university, and history that goes back at least 1,500 years.

Be sure to enjoy the town center at night, when light glistens off the water, and the old buildings tower romantically over your path.

Once a hospital, this medieval structure is now a performance center dedicated to music.

A visit to this museum is an inspiration. Its collection is world renowned for its uniqueness and its first-class exhibits.

Bordering the lovely Citadel Park, this museum houses a must-see collection of works dating from the Middle Ages to the 20C.

One of Belgium's oldest Renaissance castles, Rumbeke Casle is enveloped in interesting history and legend.

One of the best nature reserves in Belgium, it is famous for its salt-resistant flora, small zoo, and great bird-watching.

The center of Ghent's medieval harbor, the quay is lined with exquisite must-see homes of all styles, sizes, and centuries.

The tallest belfry in Belgium offers amazing views. Attached is the medieval cloth hall, the former center of local industry.

Inspired by Syrian forts observed during the Second Crusade, this 12C castle includes a torture room, crypt, dungeon, and barn.

Housed in an 18C mansion, this museum creatively traces the history of decor and design from the 16C to present day.

Home to Belgium's oldest university, Louvain is largely known for its history, culture, and beer.

A hiking and biking trail, stretching along an old railroad track, full of history from the World Wars along the way.

Dating to the 10C, this cathedral has evolved into Gothic splendor. Its numerous paintings include Van Eyck's revered masterpiece.

Set in a 14C almshouse, this peaceful museum exhibits 20C life through folk art, reconstructed interiors, and relaxing courtyards.

One of the oldest landmarks in Ghent, this 13C church catered to the city's guilds. Its tower is uniquely set above the nave.

Founded in the 13C, this convent is a tranquil respite from the pace outside its walls.

Belgium's oldest nature reserve is famous for its sea birds, especially storks, which visitors come to see be fed.

The largest and oldest forest in Belgium is home to many trees - some are hundreds of years old - and is a rich wildlife habitat.

Belgium's capital is the seat of the EU and boasts a metropolitan cultural diversity, many historic curiosities, and great museums.

A wonderful square in the heart of the city, surrounded on all sides by historic buildings, including the Town Hall and a city museum.

A must-see museum, this collection thoroughly covers the European masters from the 14C-20C. Visitors often stay for several hours.

Get pleasantly lost in this fabulous historic center that takes you along cobbled streets to museums, homes, and historic sites.

Built for the 1910 Universal Exposition, this area was revitalized to what today is a lovely district of museums and amazing city views.

One of Belgium's oldest Renaissance castles, Rumbeke Casle is enveloped in interesting history and legend.

Home to Belgium's oldest university, Louvain is largely known for its history, culture, and beer.