Top Things to do in Belgium
Top Hotels in Belgium
Top 10 Historic Sites in Belgium, Belgium
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. Historic Centre of Brugge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17,556 reviews
The historic center of Bruges has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 thanks to its status as one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe and its enduring Gothic architecture. The Belgian city center is cited as a great example of a medieval historic settlement, even while it has evolved over the years.
Reviewed By Bubbles73uk - Weedon Bec, United Kingdom
I was just one day in Bruges and it was really really marvellous & so appealing. "The Venice of the North" is famous for its myriad canals, bridges & picturesque town square. Bruges is full of historic medieval buildings, old-style bars & cafes & speciality shops, soaring towers, historic churches, old whitewashed almshouses, chocolate & lace, quaint cobbled streets & the UNESCO World Heritage centre. If you have the opportunity to spend at least one day over there don’t waste it.
2. Grand Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34,326 reviews
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.
3. Basilica of the Holy Blood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,027 reviews
This chapel contains a phial that reputedly contains Christ's blood brought back from the Crusades.
Reviewed By aline901 - Beirut, Lebanon
This is a beautiful Basilica that comprises two level churches. It is snugly located in a corner of Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood consists of a Romanesque lower chapel and a Gothic upper chapel The lower level church, a dark Romanesque structure, is so beautiful and has amazing statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The upper level church, connected by staircase, is amazing with modern and gothic style, houses the Relic of the Holy Blood. We were so lucky to visit on a Sunday morning when they held a mass and the Relic was on display afterwards for visitors to see it and get the blessings.
4. The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,840 reviews
Reviewed By TheSGB
I've always loved Bruges as it was the first place I stayed when inter-railing as a student in the 90s with a backpack, some Belgian Francs in my pocket and a bunk bed in a youth hostel booked. What I remembered most was that it was Springtime and the daffodils at the Beguinage were stunning. Many years later I returned to Bruges last month with my boyfriend (his first visit) and I made sure to come in late March, hoping to catch the daffodils at their best. We got lucky...a beautiful sunny week and the Beguinage was a stunning as I remember. A beautiful, peaceful place to stroll around and reflect...even for a non-religious person like me. I could probably have done without the tourists who were doing a sexy, pouty photoshoot in mini skirt and thigh high boots (not sure this is quite the location!) but each to their own!
5. St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,171 reviews
Reviewed By john_tabac - Southampton, United Kingdom
St Bavo’s Cathedral was a 12th century Romanesque church which dedicated to St John the Baptist. During the 15th and 16th centuries, was converted into the imposing Gothic St Bavo’s Cathedral. It has a rich history and it is also filled with art treasures. From the baroque high altar in white, black and red flamed marble, the Rococo pulpit in oak, gilded wood and marble, a masterpiece by Rubens, the Calvary Triptych by Justus van Gent, the Gothic sanctuary lamp, the opulent tombs of the Bishops of Ghent – and the world-famous Mystic Lamb. St Bavo’s Cathedral is still used for worship and although it has a sign that cameras are not allowed inside, everybody take pictures and security staff didn't say anything. Only in Mystic Lamb they don't allow pictures.
6. Graslei and Korenlei
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,358 reviews
Reviewed By N3899ACrolandb - Ferndown, United Kingdom
Just a short stroll from central St.Michaels Bridge along each side of the quay,the range of picturesque and architectural styles are most pleasing to the eye;take along with you a descriptive guidebook,( available from the Tourist Office),and you will find interesting details of the purpose and history of the various buildings (alternatively,take the half hour informative boat trip there- currently a modest €7!)
7. Mardasson Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 880 reviews
Reviewed By 1991KEB - Navarre, United States
This star shaped memorial with all the 50 states wrapped around it is a tribute to the men and women, because women also died in WWII, who came here, faught here and ended their lives here so that the world would be a better place for everyone. As a soldier and has a daughter, whose Father fought here and returned, We should All honor our fallen. We came in winter to remember what it was like 75 years ago, in this cold winter days.
8. Citadelle (Citadel)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,151 reviews
Reviewed By karanvivek - Evere, Belgium
Beautiful castle .. with wonderful view from every level Best way to explore castle is by foot (walk up), stay at every level (there are plenty of sitting spaces here and there) There are car parking at the highest level and at a level below (just next to Parfumes of Namur shop) One can easily spend whole day here .. there is a museum, an expo and small yet beautiful shop, cafe and train ride, small kids play area and plenty of open space to sit around and relax
9. Town Hall (Stadhuis)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,299 reviews
Reviewed By GeryF17 - Leuven, Belgium
This is one of my favourite spots in Leuven.You can enjoy the splendid architecture, the hundreds magnificent statues decorating the walls of the building in the soft lights of the Winter garden,that gets constructed every year during December and stays on until.the beginning of January. I had the pleasure to enter the building 5 years ago while attending a wedding ceremony.
10. Groot Begijnhof
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,134 reviews
Reviewed By Vizoog - Belgium, null
If you are visiting the Grand-Beguinage (UNESCO world heritage site, now owned by the university) nearby you can find an hidden gem. ‘De Grote Spui’, a medieval river lock complex established in 1365 BC From the backyard of Bistro ‘The Spuye’ you have a spectacular view of the system consisting of four arches with wooden lock gates. How to get there: Take Volmolenlaan in the direction of the Ring road (Tervuursevest). You will find a tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists, where the road crosses the river Dyle. Here is the entrance of the University Sports Facilities (Universitair Sportcentrum). The place is popular among both students and locals.
