The 16 most beautiful places to visit in Belgium

Without a doubt, the “flat country” has nothing of a morn land! Visiting Belgium is discovering sublime places, including a tour of the horizon.

"With the North Sea for the last vague terrain", "Brussels, my beautiful"... From Jacques Brel to Dick Annegarn and then Angèle, many artists sang their love of Belgium. It must be said that this small country has an identity well to it, and infinitely rich. It is rooted in a mosaic of cultures, a complex history, but also a creativity and an art of living apart.

Belgium is both the splendour of the Flemish cities and the melancholy of the North Sea. It is the thriving heart of the European Union, and the kingdom of comics and alternative arts. It is the cheerfulness of the Brussels night and the tranquility of the small Walloon villages. And it’s so much more.

You will have understood that there is a lot to do in Belgium. But it is today the most beautiful places in the country we invite you to discover. Sometimes obvious, other times unknown, they will give you all a glimpse of the richness and diversity of the territory.

1. Channels Bruges

The Flemish city of Bruges is a interlacing of canals that earned it its nickname "Vice of the North". This one is far from being usurped, because Bruges is a real and unquestionably one of Europe’s most romantic destinations.

Here, however, the atmosphere is resolutely northern. Through the water, the facades of ciseled bricks are discovered, among which the needles of Gothic monuments are exposed.

In fact, Bruges, a prosperous commercial city in the Middle Ages, also offers a grandiose heritage classified at Unesco. Thus, through your stroll, do not miss visiting some treasures, such as Beguinage or Belfry.

And to travel without leaving your couch, follow Colin Farell's steps in the thriller Bons Baisers de Bruges . The atmosphere of the city at night is particularly captivating.

2. The Grand Place Brussels

The Grand Place in Brussels is a great must for any visit to Belgium. Indeed, this huge central square is lined with all the more splendid buildings than others. Different architectural styles cohabit harmoniously, from Gothic to Baroque, and each emernet façade!

Today, this place which was a historic epicentre of the country and lives to take place many festivals or tragedies of agitation. The Grand-Place is the pride of any visit to the old city, which does not lack treasures to offer.

And to discover it in an even more breathtaking day, choose the weekend of August 15 to visit Belgium. Indeed, the place is set for the occasion of an incredible carpet of flowers.

3. Dinant

Let us now Wallonia to discover one of the most picturesque villages that you will be given to visit in Belgium: Dinant.

At the foot of a rock on the edge of the Meuse, the town offers a postcard decor. Especially when the enfilade of the pretty facades, disturbed only by the elegant silhouette of the collegial, is reflected on the water... In addition to this charming decor, you can visit a beautiful cave, “La Merveilleuse”, as well as an imposing citadel.

4. The Abbey of Villers

The Abbey of Villers is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium, but also one of the most atypical. Founded in 1146, this monastery located in the region of Brabant has been very busy. But, abandoned from the French Revolution, he gradually fell into ruins. But it is precisely this decadence that now makes all the beauty and singularity of the place.

Indeed, today, the stone walls, majestic, blend with perfection to vegetation to form a unique setting. Thus, when you stroll around, you think you're going to dive into a romantic novel, between spleen and sublime!

5. The cycle path on the water of Bokrijk

Don't be surprised to see a bike path in this ranking of the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium. In fact, Bokrijk’s air is not unusual, with its floating ribbon air on the surface of a pond. By borrowing it, you will have the impression of splitting peaceful waters, such as a modern Moses.

In addition, take the time, on the way, to stroll around Bokrijk, which is a real haven of peace. This natural park is also an open-air museum, which retraces the life of traditional Flemish campaigns.

6. The Town Hall of Louvain

Less tourist than Bruges and more peaceful than Brussels, Louvain is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Belgium. It is in particular its stubborn City Hotel that we invite you to discover.

This gothic pearl is set from the feet to the head of stone ornaments, and no less than 236 statues! She proudly sits on a great place in the heart of the historic centre, which has many other assets.

7. The tomb of the giant

Let us now set the course to one of the most beautiful natural panoramas to see in Belgium. To discover it, you will have to reach the viewpoint of Botassart, next to the village of the same name. From there, an amazing valley offers itself to you.

In its heart, the river forms a loop that embraces a wooded hill. It’s this amazing hot dome that we surname the giant’s tomb, and you’ll easily guess why!

8. Lissewege

If you like the unspoiled places, Lissewege will be a pretty, exciting ride to make in Belgium. Indeed, this small village now attached to Bruges seems straight out of another time.

Its small white houses on the roof of tiles, lined along a peaceful and flowery canal, are picturesque to wish. Take the time of a coffee at the terrace of a tavern to fully appreciate the charm of Lissewege!

9. The historic centre of Ghent

Difficult to choose only a few cities to introduce you, as Belgium is full of flamboyant cities. But Ghent has a special place in our hearts! From its tedious past, the city has kept a multitude of remarkable monuments and elegant houses.

In addition, she can also play the card of charm, with its channels and paved alleys. Finally, the historic heart of this large student city vibrates with a particularly vibrant atmosphere.

10. The High Fagnes

The Hautes Fagnes are perhaps the most beautiful nature reserve to visit in Belgium. Moreover, in this natural park stands proudly the (small) highest point of the Benelux , high 649 metres !

Between woods and hills, the Hautes Fagnes offer varied landscapes where it makes a good stroll. But the most singular are its immense peatlands, among the largest in Europe.

11. The invisible church of Looz

Jacques Brel sang about his “flat country” that he had “ cathedrals for single mountains”. In Looz, nature meets religious architecture in a disturbing landscape.

Dressed on green meadows, the church of Looz is one of the most impressive trumpets of the eye that you will see. Its air structure is made up of floating lines that fade or join according to the angle from which you observe them. The discovery of this poetic and playful work is perhaps the best unusual ride to make in Belgium!

12. The Zwin

Zwin is a natural reserve located on the border between Belgium and the Netherlands. Although today it is absorbed, it corresponds to a former sea arm and has kept some moisture. It is therefore a marshy area with peat air that we invite you to discover.

Under its modest looks, it becomes magical in the days when a beautiful light comes to decay the yellow grass and blue meanders. In addition, its unique biotope makes the paradise of birds, which you will have all the leisure to observe!

13. The beaches of the north

The beaches of Belgium have a unique melancholic charm, surrounded by winds, lined with elegant resorts or austere buildings. Here, the decor has nothing to scream, the water dies with emeralds and the clutches tickle the clouds.

Everything invites you to dream, to the point that you may be surprised to divaguer. And then find, like Alain Bashung, that "the memories make floating islands in Ostend".

14. The Sahara of Lommel

Who believed it: you can visit a small Sahara in Belgium! This is in any case the nickname given to the sandy expanses of Lommel. But these pretty dunes, far from being arid, are related to coniferous or land strips, and leave room for small ponds.

In addition, in this miniature desert, you may discover some works of land art in total harmony with the landscape.

15. The Atomium and Laeken Park

Symbol of Brussels, the Atomium marks the Belgian landscape of its eccentric silhouette. This extraordinary work will delight lovers of spectacular architecture!

In addition, it is located at the entrance of Laeken Park, a beautiful and large English garden. And this park, among other beads, houses the royal castle of Laeken and its beautiful greenhouses.

16. The Monument of Waterloo

Certainly, the Monticle of Waterloo (also known as the Butte du Lion) will seduce especially those who are sensitive to the charm of the desolate landscapes. But this imposing earthenware of a lion statue is undoubtedly an impressive monument.

Of course, the battle legend contributes to making the place striking. And at sunset, it dyes with a certain poetry. So, for all these reasons, this memorial site is one of the visits to Belgium!

A country of contrast with multiple facets, Belgium can be as warm as melancholic. Thus, its most beautiful sites oscillate between fast and splendor, or poetry and softness. One thing is for sure: you will love to visit Belgium!