Sightseeing in Belgium

Belgium is a small country that packs a punch when it comes to fun and cultural attractions. Tourists who want to do sightseeing in Belgium have a wide variety of places to see and things to do across a diverse historical landscape of Dutch speaking Flanders to the North, whose fairytale castles and expansive plains hearken to the pastoral beauty of Flemish painters, as well as the proud and prominent castles of Francophonic southern Belgium, home also to the world class city of Brussels.

Indeed starting in Brussels, a variety of exciting, fascinating attractions await the eager visitor. For those interested in ancient history, the absolute best museum in Brussels is the Museum of Ancient Art, which nods to the Belgians to the north by housing one of the country’s finest collections of Peter Bruegal and other Flemish greats. A lighter, more visually sprite collection of works will, of course, be found at Brussel’s Rene Margritte Museum. If you are looking for historical or architectural attractions, the Town Hall in Brussels is an excellent place to begin your walking tour of Brussels and of course round off your day in Brussels’ Grand-Place, drinking a sweet Kirk’s beer or a savory Duvel, either one will set you up right according to your taste.

No need to visit the numerous breweries throughout Brussels or anywhere in Belgium, as the incredibly delicious Belgian beer can be enjoyed amidst the much more relaxed aura of the historic architecture of the grand squares teeming with breathtaking architecture from the golden age, and alive with beautiful Belgians strutting their stuff while shopping and strolling through the bustling Belgian streets. That said, if you are a true Believer, then the Cantillon Brewery is among Brussels’ best.

For all of its splendid attractions, however, Brussels has nothing on Antwerp as far as Belgium’s big city destinations go. The quaint, port city charm to what is really one of the nation’s larger cosmopolitan centers gives a distinct edge to Antwerp, and the natural sense of style that brought the diamond trade there is also reflected the fashion magnet that Antwerp has turned out to be. Head west, and you’ll encounter one of the best-kept secrets in all of Northern Europe – Bruges alone makes it worth taking in Belgium, even if this country wasn’t originally on your list of places to go in Europe. Dubbed the “Venice of the North”, Bruges has a lot more than channels, but instead amazing architectural and historical attractions including the towering 122-meter spire of the Church of Our Lady. It’s also worth mentioning that Bruges might be the most Brewery-rich Belgian city: you’ll no doubt end up doing a beer tour here.