Things to do in Belgium, Belgium: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

October 22, 2021 Toi Mattera

From canal-laced, fairy-tale cities like Bruges and Ghent to the urban centers of Antwerp and Brussels, Belgium sits at the crossroads of medieval and modern Europe. The chance to sample famous exports such as chocolate and beer straight from the source only sweetens a visit.
Restaurants in Belgium

1. Last Post ceremony

Menin Gate, Ieper (Ypres) Belgium http://www.lastpost.be/
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5.0 based on 2,613 reviews

Last Post ceremony

Reviewed By IainS768 - Bethesda, United Kingdom

Everything that has been written about this Ceremony is true,if you can possibly make the journey to Ieper then you must experience this very moving tribute carried out at 8.00pm every night. I had the honour of laying a Wreath recently and this experience ranks as one of the most emotional moments in my life and one that I was honoured to have taken part in. We owe a debt of gratitude to the thousands of people who gave their life’s so willingly in the name of freedom.

2. Menin Gate Memorial

Menenstraat Poort gebouw, Ieper (Ypres) 8900 Belgium +32 57 23 92 20 http://www.lastpost.be/en/home
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5.0 based on 4,861 reviews

Menin Gate Memorial

Ypres (now Ieper) is a town in the Province of West Flanders. The Memorial is situated at the eastern side of the town on the road to Menin (Menen) and Courtrai (Kortrijk). The YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. The memorial, designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield with sculpture by Sir William Reid-Dick, was unveiled by Lord Plumer on 24 July 1927. Each night at 8 pm the traffic is stopped at the Menin Gate while members of the local Fire Brigade sound the Last Post in the roadway under the Memorial's arches.

Reviewed By naggedman - Newbury, United Kingdom

Anyone can apply to lay a wreath at one of the 8pm ceremonies that have run every night for 90 years at this extraordinary memorial, thanks to the dedication of the Town's volunteers, including the buglers who play Last Post and a version of Reveille. On this evening there were children and youths from about ten schools, alongside the Royal Artillery Association standard bearer, here to present the standard to the Town in recognition of its extraordinary efforts to remember the fallen. Arrive early if you want a close to the arch front row position.

3. Grand Place

Grand Place Brussels Main Square, Brussels 1000 Belgium https://www.brussels.be/grand-place-brussels
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4.5 based on 34,326 reviews

Grand Place

Considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe, the ornate Grand Place is the center of Brussels, where many historic buildings dating from the 17th century are located.

4. Belfort

Markt 7, Bruges 8000 Belgium +32 50 44 87 43 http://bezoekers.brugge.be/en/belfort-belfry
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4.5 based on 7,834 reviews

Belfort

The most important of Bruges' towers stands 83 metres tall. It houses, amongst other things, a carillon with 47 melodious bells. In the reception area, waiting visitors can discover all kinds of interesting information about the history and working of this unique world-heritage protected belfry. Those who take on the challenge of climbing the tower can pause for a breather on the way up in the old treasury, where the city's charters, seal and public funds were kept during the Middle Ages, and also at the level of the impressive clock or in the carillonneur's chamber. Finally, after a tiring 366 steps, your efforts will be rewarded with a breath-taking and unforgettable panoramic view of Bruges and her surroundings.

Reviewed By colinb977 - Peterborough, United Kingdom

272feet (83m) 366 steps to the top, but well worth the effort,because the view is marvellous, There are a couple of landings on the way up with interesting items to see, while you catch your breath. At the top the carilllion chimed while we were there, Get there at opening time 09.30hrs because when we got down loads of people were queueing,

5. Belfry and Cloth Hall (Belfort en Lakenhalle)

Emile Braunplein, Ghent 9000 Belgium +32 9 233 07 72 http://www.belfortgent.be
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4.5 based on 1,275 reviews

Belfry and Cloth Hall (Belfort en Lakenhalle)

This municipal tower was a symbol of the city's autonomy, begun in 1313 and completed in 1380.

Reviewed By noahzieglerhazen - Birmingham, United Kingdom

The belfry was a Medieval masterpiece. It was interesting to climb the spiral staircase up to the top lookout where the bells rang. We stayed to watch the clock work ring the various bells every 15 minutes. Definitely recommend staying st the top until you see the show.

6. Burg Square

Burg 15, Bruges 8000 Belgium +32 50 44 46 46 [email protected] http://www.visitbruges.be/historischeplaatsen/burg-2
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4.5 based on 3,764 reviews

Burg Square

Reviewed By cvtmuench - Mesa, United States

Bruges is such a charming city: cobblestone streets, 17th century buildings, beautiful scenery along the canals, Christmas market, and hundreds of Catholic Churches. Mass at the Basilica of the Holy Blood and veneration of the relic, the only Michelangelo sculpture in Belgium (the Madonna and Child), and the tomb of Charles the Bold. Love Flanders!

7. The Markt

Markt, Bruges 8000 Belgium http://www.the-markt.com/
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4.5 based on 6,056 reviews

The Markt

Reviewed By cvtmuench - Mesa, United States

Bruges is such a charming city: cobblestone streets, 17th century buildings, beautiful scenery along the canals, Christmas market, and hundreds of Catholic Churches. Mass at the Basilica of the Holy Blood and veneration of the relic, the only Michelangelo sculpture in Belgium (the Madonna and Child), and the tomb of Charles the Bold. Love Flanders!

8. Grote Markt

Antwerp 2800 Belgium 215474845 http://www.visitantwerp.be
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4.5 based on 3,238 reviews

Grote Markt

Antwerp's "Great Market" square is a popular attraction in the heart of the old city.

9. The Belfry of Tournai

Grand-Place, Tournai Belgium +32 69 22 20 45 http://www.visittournai.be/spip.php?page=details&id=ALD-02-000JRB&id_rubrique=8
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4.5 based on 250 reviews

The Belfry of Tournai

Reviewed By Mb7400 - London, United Kingdom

A very long day, after travelling into the Wallonia region, via Eurotunnel and then, Dunkirk by car - it was a curiosity to me that it was merely two days, off a year, since an evening in Dunkirk, which was not very ‘pleasant or positive.’ Remarkable how quickly a year passes. Have driven through Wallonia several times, yet was not incredibly familiar with this region. (Liege - NOT good!) Conversely, Tournai was really very nice - a good place to stop off, to have a stretch of the legs, and have a breather. The architecture here is certainly highly impressive, and apparently, some buildings here are the oldest in Belgium. The deservedly revered Gabrielle Petit, was also from Tournai, as a colleague pointed out, interestingly. Were unable to go up the Belfry, understandably, which was a pity, as the view would certainly have been impressive. The Belfry itself is an impressive structure and well worth seeing, and overall Tournai seemed very nice - and reminded me, a little of Poperinge ‘mixed with’ Breda in the Netherlands.

10. Old Market Square

Oude Markt, Leuven 3000 Belgium +32 16 20 30 20 [email protected] http://www.oudemarktleuven.be
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4.5 based on 846 reviews

Old Market Square

The liveliest square in the heart of Leuven. During the day, you can enjoy some drinks on one of the many terraces. At evening, the ideal place the have a dinner or a drink to unwind after a tiring day. The longest bar in Europe with over 30 bars and restaurants. Also the place for a lot of (musical) events during the year.

Reviewed By TheAbbas - Leuven, Belgium

Its like a big bar that can fit 4000 people. Great atmosphere with the crowds and drinking beer and enjoying themselves. I visited during pandemic and it was empty but i can imagine how great in normal days it is.

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