Belgium's Best Cities and Nature

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Lier is a medieval delight, with attractions that draw romantics, artists, historians, and those looking for good cuisine and beer.

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

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

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

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

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

On the banks of the Meuse River, Dinant is known for its metal wares and cuisine. Its rich history dates to the 7C.

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.

Dating to 1619, this historic bronze sculpture of a boy urinating in the fountain has become a famous local icon.

Housed in an old Art Nouveau warehouse, this museum begins with the invention of the comic strip and covers everything up to today.

Located on the Dijle River, Mechlin offers a full plate of rich history, artistry, craftsmanship, and both natural and urban beauty.

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

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

Built for the 1958 Universal Exhibit, this 335-ft-tall iron crystal molecule is an astounding building to explore.

Shoppers will dive into this 19C Italianate glass-vaulted arcade, while their architecture-loving companions can admire it from a cafe.

Straddling the Escaut River, Tournai is known since Roman times. Along with agriculture, it has long been a major cultural center.

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

Dating to at least the 10C, Genk has long been a town of natural beauty and culture, despite its history as an industrial center.

Enjoy this atmospheric historic center, with delicious cafes, friendly locals, and beautiful vistas.

Experience local life 100 years ago at this excellent open air museum, and learn all about the crafts and trades of the time.

Explore space through this incredible cosmodrome, where visitors become explorers of the stars and planets.

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

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

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

Lier is a medieval delight, with attractions that draw romantics, artists, historians, and those looking for good cuisine and beer.

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

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

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

St. Hubert has been a pilgrims' destination since the Middle Ages. It is an inviting town and perfect base for nature day trips.

Stroll through this historic center, noting its several monuments among its charming cottages.

Located in the ironmaster's house, this museum displays how iron was made in the 18C-19C, with original tools and even a blast furnace.

Focused on Wallonian rural life, this mile-long path visits reconstructed shops, cottages, a school, and more.

With a foundation dating to the 7C, this Gothic basilica is a gem of the region. Its interior is awe-inspiring.

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

On the banks of the Meuse River, Dinant is known for its metal wares and cuisine. Its rich history dates to the 7C.

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

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

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

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

Enjoy a day at the farm and learn all about raising goats and the uses of goats' milk at this exciting and interactive farm.

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

Explore this historic center full of landmarks, exceptional architecture, and great cafes.

The 18C water gardens that surround the castle are captivating. French, Italian, and English styles elegantly overlap.

One of the oldest rivers on earth, the Meuse meets the Sambre River in Namur. A boat ride offers a different view of the city.

Visible from throughout Namur and its surroundings, this 17C fortress offers numerous activities, from its museum to a cave tour.

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

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

The collection of relics created by the 13C goldsmith Friar Hugo is the focus of this treasury. The Mosan work is exquisite.

Housed in a 16C meat market, this museum features a comprehensive collection of regional artifacts going back to the 1C.

Southwest of Namur, this 19C neo-Gothic abbey was designed by famed Bethune. It is home to an art school and cheese and beer production.

This Louis XV style abbey-turned-townhouse is the perfect home for this exceptional collection of 17C decorative arts.

Lier is a medieval delight, with attractions that draw romantics, artists, historians, and those looking for good cuisine and beer.

On the banks of the Meuse River, Dinant is known for its metal wares and cuisine. Its rich history dates to the 7C.

Located in a 17C building at the St. Aubin convent, this museum holds numerous priceless 11C-19C artifacts.

Located in the city of his birth, this museum honors Rops' talents in painting, drawing, and etching of unique themes and styles.

Spanning the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, this museum's collection includes artwork in gold, silver, stone, wood, and glass.

A Baroque gem, this 17C church prides itself on its sandstone vaulting, painted wood altar, and decorated confessionals.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lier is a medieval delight, with attractions that draw romantics, artists, historians, and those looking for good cuisine and beer.

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.

The museum's castle lures you in with its grandeur. Inside are collections of silver, jewelry, religious objects, and more.

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

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

Located on the Dijle River, Mechlin offers a full plate of rich history, artistry, craftsmanship, and both natural and urban beauty.

Considered a cathedral of train stations, this Baroque building features an iconic cupola that establishes it as a major landmark.

Spread across 30 acres, this park includes hundreds of sculptures from a variety of artists whose works range from 1870 to today.

On the banks of the Meuse River, Dinant is known for its metal wares and cuisine. Its rich history dates to the 7C.

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