Best of Belgium's Classic Cities

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.