Belgium, a small country located in Western Europe, is often overlooked as a travel destination but it is a hidden gem that should not be missed. From charming medieval towns to beautiful natural landscapes, and from delicious cuisine to rich cultural heritage, Belgium has something to offer for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit in Belgium:

Brussels: The capital city of Belgium, Brussels is a must-see destination. Known for its historic architecture, including the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the famous Manneken Pis statue. Visitors can also enjoy the delicious chocolate and beer for which Belgium is famous. The city also has a vibrant nightlife and the famous Atomium is a must visit, it is a landmark building in Brussels, originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair.

Brussels is also home to several other notable architectural landmarks, such as the Gothic-style Notre-Dame du Sablon, and the Art Nouveau-style Stoclet Palace. Visitors can also explore the many museums in the city, such as the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the famous Belgian artist René Magritte.

In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Brussels is also known for its delicious cuisine. Visitors can indulge in traditional Belgian dishes such as mussels and fries, waffles, and chocolate. The city is also famous for its beer and is home to many microbreweries and pubs.

For visitors interested in shopping, Brussels has a wide variety of options, from luxury boutiques to local markets. The famous Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, is a beautiful 19th-century shopping arcade that houses luxury shops and restaurants.

The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide range of bars, clubs and live music venues. There are also many festivals and events held throughout the year, such as the famous Brussels Beer Weekend and the Brussels Summer Festival.

Bruges: Known as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges is a picturesque medieval town with canals, cobblestone streets, and beautiful architecture. Visitors can take a boat tour of the canals, visit the Belfry, and see the famous Michelangelo sculpture, “Madonna and Child,” in the Church of Our Lady. Bruges is also famous for its chocolate, lace and beer making it a paradise for those with a sweet tooth.

Bruges is a small, but charming city that is perfect for those who enjoy history and culture. The city is well-preserved, with many of its medieval buildings and structures still standing, making it a popular destination for history buffs. Visitors can also take a stroll along the charming cobblestone streets, lined with quaint shops and cafes.

One of the main attraction of Bruges is its canals, which give the city its nickname of the “Venice of the North”. Visitors can take a boat tour of the canals to see the city from a different perspective, or simply relax on a canal-side terrace and enjoy the view.

Bruges is also known for its art and culture. Visitors can visit the Groeninge museum, which houses an impressive collection of Flemish art, including works by Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling. The city is also home to several other museums and art galleries, including the Choco-Story Museum, which is dedicated to the history of chocolate-making in Bruges.

Bruges is also a paradise for those with a sweet tooth, with its famous chocolate, lace and beer. Visitors can indulge in traditional Belgian chocolate and learn about the history of chocolate-making in Bruges at the Choco-Story Museum. Visitors can also find many shops selling traditional Belgian lace, a craft that has been practiced in Bruges for centuries. The city is also home to many microbreweries and pubs, where visitors can sample the local beer.

Ghent: Ghent is another beautiful medieval city with a rich history and culture. Visitors can see the impressive St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the Castle of the Counts, and the Gravensteen Castle. The city also boasts a vibrant student life and nightlife scene. Ghent is also famous for its Flemish Art, which can be seen in the Museum of Fine Arts and the Design Museum.

Ghent is a city that offers a unique blend of history and culture, making it a must-see destination for any traveler. The St. Bavo’s Cathedral is a Gothic-style church that is home to many works of art, including the famous painting “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by Jan van Eyck. The Castle of the Counts is another important historical site, it is a medieval fortress that has been well-preserved and now serves as a museum. The Gravensteen Castle is another impressive fortress and a must visit, it is also known as the “Castle of the Counts” and offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past.

The city also boasts a vibrant student life, thanks to its many universities and colleges. The city center is home to many bars and clubs, as well as live music venues, making it a popular destination for nightlife. Ghent is also famous for its Flemish Art, which can be seen in the Museum of Fine Arts and the Design Museum, both of which house impressive collections of art and artifacts from the region.

In addition, Ghent is also known for its delicious cuisine, visitors can indulge in traditional Belgian dishes such as mussels and fries, waffles, and chocolate. The city is also home to many microbreweries and pubs, where visitors can sample the local beer.

Overall, Ghent is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, making it a must-see destination for any traveler. With its rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant student life and nightlife, Ghent is a city that has something to offer for everyone.

Antwerp: Antwerp is a port city known for its fashion and diamond industry, as well as its historic architecture and art. Visitors can see the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady, the Rubens House, and the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also known for its lively nightlife, with a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from.

Antwerp is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture and entertainment, making it a must-see destination for any traveler. The Cathedral of Our Lady is a beautiful gothic-style church that is home to many works of art, including several paintings by Rubens. The Rubens House is another must-see attraction, it was the home and studio of the famous artist Peter Paul Rubens and it now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and work. The Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another important historical site, it is a former printing press and publishing house that has been well-preserved and now serves as a museum.

Antwerp is also known for its fashion and diamond industry, visitors can find many luxury boutiques and jewelry stores in the city, as well as the famous Diamond District where visitors can learn about the history and trade of diamond cutting and polishing.

The Ardennes: The Ardennes is a picturesque region in the southeast of Belgium, known for its rolling hills, forests, and rivers. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as visit the charming villages and castles in the area. The Ardennes is also home to the famous Battlefields of WWI and WWII, making it a great destination for history buffs.

Spa: Spa is a small town in the Ardennes region, known for its natural hot springs and thermal baths. Visitors can enjoy the therapeutic properties of the mineral-rich waters and take in the beautiful scenery of the area. The town is also home to the famous Spa-Francorchamps race track, which is one of the oldest and most challenging circuits in the world.

Belgium is a small country with a big heart and an even bigger history and culture. From the historic cities to the natural landscapes, and from the delicious cuisine to the rich cultural heritage, there is something for everyone in Belgium. It’s definitely worth taking the time to explore this underrated European destination.