If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, there are a lot of popular tourist sights that you can see. These places will give you a glimpse into the country’s rich history.
One of the most famous statues in Brussels is Manneken Pis. It depicts a naked little boy urinating into the fountain’s basin and has become an iconic symbol of the city over time.
Bruges
The city of Bruges is famous for its gilded architecture, stay-a-while cafes, vivid time-tunnel art and dreamy canals. The Belgian capital is also renowned for its heavenly chocolate, and is home to some of the world’s best beer.
One of the most popular tourist sights in Bruges is the Belfry Palace, an 83-metre-high medieval tower that dates back to 1240 and has 47 bells. It’s a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the city and is definitely worth a visit.
Another great thing to see in Bruges is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a church that’s considered to be one of the most important Christian monuments in Belgium and Europe. This medieval building is home to a collection of gilded tombs, beautiful carvings and artwork and even Michelangelo’s Madonna with Child sculpture.
If you want to learn more about Bruges’ history, the Historium Bruges is a great place to start. This museum is located within the famed market square and tells the story of the city’s 'golden age' through virtual storytelling experiences.
It’s also worth exploring the scenic Minnewater park and lake, a tranquil place to take in the magic of Bruges. It’s a short detour from the main tourist area, so it’s easy to add this to your itinerary if you have some extra time. It’s definitely one of the most relaxing and beautiful places to see in Bruges, so be sure to add it to your list!
Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Belgium has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Brussels Airport Charleroi will cost about 17 euros per day, in Liege - about 16 euros per day.
Antwerp
Antwerp is a bustling port city and one of the most popular tourist sights in Belgium. Its historic buildings, excellent museums, and lively shopping scene make it a top choice for culture lovers and fashion buffs.
The compact center of Antwerp juxtaposes beautiful medieval buildings with modern architectural landmarks. A great place to explore is the Grote Markt, a large square dominated by a magnificent Renaissance-style City Hall.
It’s also worth visiting Saint Carolus Borromeus Church, a 17th-century Jesuit church in the heart of the historic center. Inside, you’ll find rich interiors and a magnificent facade.
For art fans, Antwerp is home to some of the finest museums in Europe. There’s the Museum of Fine Arts, which has a collection of works from famous European painters.
Another impressive institution is the Museum Aan de Stroom, a red sandstone building that features high-tech exhibitions on the history of Antwerp. It also offers free views over the city from its 60-meter tower.
Lastly, the Red Star Line Museum is a newer tourist attraction in Antwerp that highlights the story of European migrants who used the Red Star Company’s steamers to emigrate to America in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It’s a fascinating look at the people who braved the journey and why they left their homes.
Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegan, Antwerp has a range of restaurants to suit your taste buds. It’s known for its traditional Belgian cuisine, but it also offers a variety of international dishes from around the world.
Waterloo
Waterloo, located in the Walloon region of Belgium, is a town that is famous for its historical sites, vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene, and recreational activities. The town is also home to several tourist attractions, including the Lion’s Mound and the Wellington Museum.
If you’re a history buff, make sure to visit Waterloo to see what happened in the Battle of Waterloo. This was a battle between Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington that took place in 1815.
You can visit the site of the battle by foot or by car and there is a museum with artifacts from the battle. You can also climb the Lion’s Mound for a spectacular view of the battlefield.
The Panorama of the Battle of Waterloo is another popular attraction in the area, featuring a painting by famous artists. It’s a great way to get an idea of the greatness of the battle and the many things that were involved in it.
In addition, if you’re interested in exploring the countryside, you can hike or cycle through the Sonian Forest, a dense wood that stretches from Brussels to the northeast of Waterloo. The forest is a great place to spend the day and there are several hiking trails to choose from.
You can also check out the Tomb of Lord Uxbridge’s Leg, a hut near a filling station that was used by the British cavalry during the battle. The site is a unique sight that you won’t want to miss.
Dinant
Dinant is a beautiful town that sits tucked below a cliff face and has a lot to offer. With its rich history and beautiful views of the Meuse River, it is a great stop for any Belgian travel itinerary.
The Citadel of Dinant dominates the city from a 100-meter cliff and is a fascinating military fortress that was built in 1051 to defend the Meuse valley. It was used and rebuilt several times over the years. It is also home to a museum that is really worth a visit.
Another must-visit is the house where Adolphe Sax was born and invented the saxophone, now the experience centre La maison de Monsieur Sax. This is a small museum that will not be to everyone’s taste but if you are interested in music and the saxophone then this is worth visiting as it has interesting displays and a statue of Mr. Sax outside the museum.
Lastly, it is definitely worth checking out the Grotte la Merveilleuse which is a beautiful cave that is located very close to the city centre. It is a very interesting experience and you can easily do it on the same day as the other attractions in Dinant.
Another thing that you should not miss is a cruise along the Meuse River. There are several tourists boats that run up and down the Meuse but if you want to get a bit more adventurous then you should check out Dinant Evasion and book yourself a boat ride. It only lasts about 45 minutes and gives you some of the best views of this cute town.
Leuven
Leuven is a historic city in Belgium that is home to many beautiful and well-preserved structures. Despite being heavily bombarded during World War I and World War II, these buildings are still in excellent condition, making them a wonderful place to visit for history buffs.
If you’re a beer lover, you’ll be happy to hear that Leuven has a number of breweries and restaurants where you can try their famous Stella Artois and other deliciously smooth Belgian beers. Be sure to stop in the Oude Markt, a lively square lined with open-air bars & restaurants.
The imposing town hall in Grote Markt is one of the most important landmarks in Leuven, a masterpiece of Gothic Brabantino. It was extensively damaged during World War I but was repaired to its former glory.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the medieval monastery church. Inside, the prelate’s palace, refectory, and library boast fine stucco reliefs.
There’s also a beautiful 15th-century Last Supper painting by the Flemish Primitives painter Dirk Bouts. But during renovations on the church treasury, the artwork will not be on display.
Alternatively, escape the busy hustle and bustle of the center for a respite in Het Groot Begijnhof, an area filled with unique old houses whose streets and green alleyways are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.
To end your day, don’t miss a stroll through the Botanical Garden, a thoughtfully tended plant collection. This is a perfect way to cap off a fun-filled day in Leuven!
Brussels
If you’re interested in classic European architecture and cosmopolitan attractions, then Brussels is the place for you. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a charming, compact city filled with small-town charm and a rich history.
Its medieval Grand Place, lined with guildhouses, is one of Belgium’s most celebrated landmarks. The square was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding representation of late 17th-century architecture.
The area is a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists at all times of year, but especially in August when a giant carpet of flowers blankets the square. It’s a beautiful sight and an interesting way to spend a few hours.
Another of Brussels’s most famous sights is the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert. The church is an important art center and draws tourists throughout the year.
While it’s not the most renowned building in the capital, it is certainly worth checking out for its unique design and stunning interior. It’s also home to the Rene Magritte Museum, which features a collection of paintings in a variety of styles by the artist.
A little further from Brussels is the town of Namur, a fortified medieval citadel with graceful buildings and one of Europe’s largest ancient citadels. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing visit with a picnic in the park and a stroll through the historic city centre.