If you’re travelling to Belgium soon or if you just enjoy seeing travel pictures, you’ll enjoy the beauty of these 12 towns and places in Belgium. Even though Belgium is one of the smallest European countries, there’s a lot to see. There are tons of breathtaking medieval towns with incredible architecture that dates back to the 12th century. If you love history, especially medieval and European history, then you will enjoy learning a little bit more about these towns. Hold on to your hats, we’re taking you to these gorgeous places in Belgium!
Most Beautiful Places in Belgium
Dinant
This city is located in the Walloon Region, in the southern part of Belgium. The town is on the banks of the Meuse River and is protected by vertiginous cliffs. An 11th century fortified Citadel sits above the town, protecting it and the majestic Gothic Collegiate Church of Our Lady. Visit the Citadel for gorgeous views of this town. If you’re a fan of the saxophone, the inventor of this musical instrument, Adolphe Sax, was born in this town so there is plenty of exhibits to learn more about this man. It is a very small town so you can expect to see everything of this charming town in one day. It is quite a popular tourist destination so if you’re planning on going during the warmer months, book in advance.
Durbuy
Durbuy is also located in the Walloon Region. This city is inside Belgium but it is actually a province of Luxembourg. This is another very small town, there is even a city limit sign which describes it as the smallest city in the world. Visit the old town and the castle for some Medieval architecture but make sure you take the time to visit the Topiary park with its beautiful abstract shaped plants and trees. Apart from the park, you have the opportunity to explore the surrounding forests and green spaces. A real paradise! They also have excellent beer so make sure you stop at one of their famous breweries for a taste of the local drink!
Damme
This city is close to Bruges and is a historic inland-port village. This is a very popular destination during the summertime for the locals as well as for tourists. It’s only 5km from Bruges so it gets crowded fast. The town consists of a town square and the main street with a statue of the 13th century Flemish poet, Jacob Van Maerlant. If it’s a nice day, we suggest you sit outside one of the numerous cafes in the town, where you can people watch for a whole afternoon. Or think about other places in Belgium you want to visit… Since this town is on a canal, another great way to visit is to take a boat tour in a paddle steamer. You can also rent a bike to go along the canal. This is a great day trip to do while you are staying in Bruges since the two are so close.
Malmedy
Malmedy is another small town in the Walloon Region. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush forests. This is a city full of history and known for the 1944 Malmedy massacre. 84 American soldiers were murdered by German troops during World War Two close to this city. This city is great to visit during the summer or the winter since they have some skiing and hiking available. The Eifen Nature Park, a protected moorland park, is the ideal place for nature lovers.
Rochefort
Rochefort is another city in the Walloon Region which means you can easily visit these four cities by car (we suggest you rent a car so you can take your time without the constraints of a tour bus schedule). This city is also quite small and has one main road with three names (Rue de Behogne, Place Roi Albert 1er and Rue Jacquet). Visit the Château Comtal castle, a castle full of history even though it is in ruins, make sure you visit the caves since the city is well-known for them, and drink this city’s most famous beer: the Trappist. The beer is brewed inside the Abbaye of St-Rémi but unfortunately, you cannot visit it.
Bruges
Bruges is located in the northwestern part of Belgium and is known for its romantic and charming canals, its cobbled stone streets, and its medieval architecture. There are a lot of things to see here. This town looks like a typical fairy tale town but it is extremely touristy, especially during the summer months. Don’t except empty streets unless you go around Christmas Time or in early spring. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a must-see, as well as the Church of Our Lady, the Markt (a plaza in the centre of town), the Belfry (a medieval bell tower), and the Brewery De Halve Maan or the Beer Wall, of course for more beer!
De Haan
This town is also a stone’s throw away from Bruges (18 km away by car) but what’s really great about it is that it’s a coastal town so there’s a beach! This is a great place to visit in the summertime if you want to spend a day or two lounging around, getting a nice tan and enjoying the English Channel and North Sea water. The Concessie district has some eye-catching belle époque buildings. If you are travelling with kids, this is a great town to give them a bit of a rest from the more intellectually stimulating towns. There are accommodations for all types of travellers: from camping to luxury hotels. Even Albert Einstein stayed here for a few months in 1933 when he was escaping Hitler’s Germany.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium so you probably know a little bit about this city or have heard of it. It is, of course, the biggest city in all of Belgium. This city is multicultural, historic, bureaucratic (it is the EU’s capital and numerous politicians and businesses are based in this city), and hip. You have to visit the Magritte Museum (the famous surrealist painter known for his famous painting ceci n’est pas une pipe), the music village, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts (this museum has more than 20 paintings by the German painter Rubens), the Grand Place (the most central square in the city), the list goes on! They have tons of beers to try and of course, don’t forget to try those famous Belgian fries.
Spa
You probably think that naming a city Spa means that it is linked to the leisurely activity loved by many… You are right! The word spa comes from this town. Spa is located in the eastern part of Belgium and is known for its thermal waters. The mineral-rich waters make it a relaxing destination surrounded by beautiful nature. If you’re in the mood for a break from the big cities, spend a few days decompressing in this idyllic atmosphere. Visit the Lake Warfaaz, the Museum of the City of Water, the Franchimont Castle, and the Forestia to really connect with nature.
Bouillon
Bouillon is near the French border, in the Southern part of Belgium. A river (the Semois River) snakes through the town and Bouillon medieval castle looms over the city. You can easily visit the whole town in one day and it is easy to get there from the Capital or even from France.
Antwerp
Antwerp is another port city in Belgium. Pieter Paul Rubens, the Flemish painter, lived here so if you’re a fan, you have numerous places where you can admire his work. Even if it was severely bombed during the second world war, the city is still charming and has gorgeous medieval architecture. The most important medieval architecture can be seen in the Grote Markt, the central square in the oldest part of town and in the 13th-century Cathedral of Our Lady (which houses numerous Rubens). The mix of old and new is beautifully done like on the extension port building extension added by the late British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. The Museum aan de Stroom (modern museum) is also a great example of modern and avant-garde architecture. You can easily get here from Brussels but make sure to take your time when you get here.
Veurne
Veurne is a coastal town near the French border where you can see a lot of Gothic and Renaissance art and architecture. If you like food then you will love this town. It is a true foodie place. The Grote Markt (central square) houses the Renaissance-style buildings like the city hall and the belfry. If you are looking to see some Gothic architecture, check out the church of Saint Walburga.
Would you recommend other places in Belgium? There are so many great places in Belgium, that you can easily take a few weeks to visit Belgium. Have you been to Gand (or Gent)?
