Belgium is in Western Europe, and you have to equip yourself with a well-planned itinerary to visit this beautiful country. As you tour the country you become aware of its rich contributions to painting and architecture. Belgium is also known as the No.1 beer country in the world.
If you are a history enthusiast, Belgium will delight you with the many world war sites you can visit, as it had an important role to play. It is a part of the European Union as well as the Schengen zone. In fact, Belgium is one of the top places to visit in Europe on a Schengen visa. Some of the best things to do in Belgium are given below.
Take a Canal Cruise in Bruges
Bruges is a beautiful country and is called the “Venice of the North.” Take a boat ride on its web of canals and tour this picturesque medieval town with its historic buildings. Then visit Belfort – the Belfry of Bruges, climb up the 366 steps, and view the entire city. Wander Burg Square and admire the historic architecture of Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Town Hall. Explore the Sint-Anna Quarter and the Kantcentrum and shop for delicate lacework. Do not leave before you visit the windmills along the park and the river that encircles the city.
Visit the Grand Place in Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and is also known as the “capital of Europe.” It is a small city and is Belgium’s economic and educational hub. Right in the heart of Brussels Old Town is the main plaza known as Grand Place, which is one of the best-preserved in Europe. Admire the unique architecture of its elegant guild houses with marvelous gables, pilasters, and balustrades, ornately carved stonework, and rich gold decoration. The Town Hall has several grand rooms with beautiful tapestries and panels. Do not miss visiting the Manneken Pis, the famous fountain statue.
Explore the Hoge Kempen National Park
This is Belgium’s only national park. The park not only preserves nature and the environment but has created jobs for the local community and brought financial gain to the region. The Hoge Kempen National Park is accessible via five local ‘Gateways’. Each gateway offers a car park, a cafe, and an information board, while some have visitor centers. These gateways are a good starting point for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and horse riding activities. You can experience the national park in a unique way at each of the gateways.
Tour the city of Ghent
Ghent is a port city, a university town, and a cultural hub. The Ghent Altarpiece, housed at St. Bavo, ranks among the most significant works of art in Europe. The mysterious ‘Castle of the Counts’, with a very violent past, is the only remaining medieval castle with a moat. Of the famous three towers of Ghent, the Belfry is the middle tower and symbolizes the city’s prosperity and independence. Climb the stairs of this world heritage to see the stunning view over Ghent. The many museums here are unique and worth a visit.
Explore Mini Europe
At Belgium’s Mini Europe, you get to view most of these destination’s marvellous landmarks and monuments at Mini Europe theme park. Mini-Europe is a miniature park located in Bruparck, in Brussels, Belgium featuring all the wonders of Europe, in miniature size. Have a wonderful family time and learn about the rich and diverse European cultures. Ride a gondola in Venice or go see Big Ben in London. You will love working the models and taking down the Berlin wall, or making Vesuvius erupt. Enjoy the interactive games and activities.
Taste the Culinary Delights and Beer
Belgium is famous for its craft beers, and every region has some famous local beers. Visit a brewery near you and have a taste of the different brews. Belgian chocolate is known as the best in the world, and every village here has its own chocolate shop. Enjoy some and buy some to take back home. The waffle is another delicacy that is famous in Belgium. Have it with your favorite toppings and be transported into a different world. Belgian fries must be tasted to understand why they are so delicious. Try the mussels too.
Admire the Train Station in Antwerp
Stand outside the station and the Gothic architecture of the building’s exterior impresses you. The magnificent main hall awes you as you step inside. No wonder that the station has been rated as one of the world’s top five most beautiful train stations. But that’s not all that Antwerp has to offer. Visit the home of Rubens built by himself as a place to live and also as a studio to work in. Do not miss the Cathedral of Our Lady whose spire is visible from many areas of the city as well as Het Steen, the pretty castle on the side of the river.
Belgium has plenty of attractions and you will find your stay too short to enjoy all of it. Be warned that there is also plenty of good shopping to be done here. Have a wonderful tour of Belgium and consume a lot of chocolates.
FAQs
1. Which region of Belgium should I go to?
It is therefore recommended that one plans to visit Flanders, which is famous for its cities such as Bruges and Ghent, among others. These cities are perfect to visit while you apply for a Schengen visa, as these cities have historical backgrounds and unique architectures and cultures.
2. Which Belgian is the most well-known?
René Magritte is one of the most famous Belgians. He was a surrealist painter. His works challenge, in a playful way, everything. They had a significant impact on modern art. This has drawn tourists who want to learn about Belgium during their visit in Europe on a Schengen visa.
3. How long is enough to spend in Belgium?
To get the best view of Belgium and its major cities such as Bruges, Antwerp, and Brussels, it is recommended to spend a week. Such an amount of time would allow me to get the most out of the Schengen visa while still staying culturally and linguistically absorbed by the local food, customs, and sights.
4. Which month is ideal for travel to Belgium?
As for me, it is better to travel to Belgium in May because the weather is good, and there are no crowds of other tourists. It has a burgeoning young population and hosts many festivals and flowers; hence is suitable for travelers with Schengen visas who enjoy outdoor activities.
5. Which area of Brussels is the greatest place to stay?
The place to stay in Brussels is in the old town, particularly in the arterials around the Grand Place. Accessibility to shopping malls, restaurants, and significant attractions makes this place strategic for sightseeing around the city as one waits for the processing of their Schengen visa.
6. Is Bruges or Ghent superior?
Bruges has instead a fairy tale atmosphere and beautiful, and above all, exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture. Thus, many thought it was better. Yet, due to this modernity with a touch of tradition, it is easy to see that Ghent comes alive. Visiting the two cities within Europe, one can indulge in all the traveling-related actions.
7. What activities are available in Belgium?
The things that can be done in Belgium include visiting historical sites, chocolate tasting, and visiting beer tasting, among others. But if one has a Schengen visa, then it is definitely a wonderful place to be in. Cycling tours or fantastic festivals, one can say everything is possible here for a tourist.