last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Belgium
Location Map of Belgium
Belgium
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Belgium has eleven sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, including several "ensembles":
- Belfries of Flanders and Wallonia (1999): A total of 33 belfries in Belgium (plus others in northern France) are classified by UNESCO for their architectural and historical value.
- Flemish Béguinages (1998): These medieval architectural ensembles, often built around a courtyard, are inscribed on the UNESCO list. They cover 13 cities in Flanders (Bruges, Kortrijk, Ghent, Leuven...).
Brussels-Capital Region
Grand-Place, Brussels
This is the city’s central square, with magnificent façades dating largely from the late 17th to early 18th centuries. The Town Hall and the King’s House are among the most significant buildings. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998.
This is the city’s central square, with magnificent façades dating largely from the late 17th to early 18th centuries. The Town Hall and the King’s House are among the most significant buildings. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998.
Victor Horta's Architectural Works in Brussels
A walk to discover the Art Nouveau architectural heritage of the city. Brussels boasts several dozen buildings in this style, including those by Victor Horta, who led the movement in Belgium and whose works are UNESCO-listed.
A walk to discover the Art Nouveau architectural heritage of the city. Brussels boasts several dozen buildings in this style, including those by Victor Horta, who led the movement in Belgium and whose works are UNESCO-listed.
Stoclet Palace in Brussels/Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
Located in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, near Brussels, this building with geometric lines and a rather austere appearance dates from 1904. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Located in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, near Brussels, this building with geometric lines and a rather austere appearance dates from 1904. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Flanders
Plantin-Moretus Printing Museum
Located in Antwerp, this UNESCO-listed site is valued for its architecture and as a testament to printing techniques and labor in the late 16th century.
Located in Antwerp, this UNESCO-listed site is valued for its architecture and as a testament to printing techniques and labor in the late 16th century.
Historic Centre of Bruges
The entire old town of Bruges, around the Grand Place, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique architectural and cultural value.
The entire old town of Bruges, around the Grand Place, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique architectural and cultural value.
Wallonia
Boat Lifts of the Canal du Centre
Located in La Louvière (and Le Roeulx), these four "locks" from the late 19th to early 20th century are UNESCO World Heritage sites for their technological significance at the time.
Located in La Louvière (and Le Roeulx), these four "locks" from the late 19th to early 20th century are UNESCO World Heritage sites for their technological significance at the time.
Neolithic Flint Mines of Spiennes
On the outskirts of Mons. This archaeological site is one of the best-preserved of its kind, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.
On the outskirts of Mons. This archaeological site is one of the best-preserved of its kind, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Tournai Cathedral
A striking 13th-century structure blending Romanesque and Gothic styles, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A striking 13th-century structure blending Romanesque and Gothic styles, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Mining Sites of Wallonia
Since 2012, four mining sites (in Blegny, Boussu, Charleroi, and La Louvière) have been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are open to visitors.
Since 2012, four mining sites (in Blegny, Boussu, Charleroi, and La Louvière) have been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are open to visitors.
Brussels-Capital
Brussels
With its stunning architecture, museums, and monuments (several of which are UNESCO-listed), the capital of Belgium—and in many ways of the European Union—offers plenty of attractions for visitors, including in its outlying districts (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Ixelles, Saint-Gilles).
With its stunning architecture, museums, and monuments (several of which are UNESCO-listed), the capital of Belgium—and in many ways of the European Union—offers plenty of attractions for visitors, including in its outlying districts (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Ixelles, Saint-Gilles).
Flanders
Antwerp
Located at the mouth of the Scheldt, the city is both a major port, the diamond traders' hub, and an urban area boasting fine architecture and numerous remarkable sites and monuments, such as its Grand Place.
Located at the mouth of the Scheldt, the city is both a major port, the diamond traders' hub, and an urban area boasting fine architecture and numerous remarkable sites and monuments, such as its Grand Place.
Bruges
One of the "Venices of the North" and one of Belgium’s most beautiful cities, with its canals and stunning UNESCO-listed historic centre.
One of the "Venices of the North" and one of Belgium’s most beautiful cities, with its canals and stunning UNESCO-listed historic centre.
Beersel Castle
This 14th-century fortress was part of the castles tasked with defending Brussels in the late Middle Ages.
This 14th-century fortress was part of the castles tasked with defending Brussels in the late Middle Ages.
Kortrijk
An old Flemish city not far from Lille, known for its UNESCO-listed belfry and béguinage, both recognized under these monument categories in Flanders and/or Wallonia.
An old Flemish city not far from Lille, known for its UNESCO-listed belfry and béguinage, both recognized under these monument categories in Flanders and/or Wallonia.
Diest
A town in Brabant with several churches and, above all, a béguinage that is one of the most significant and best-preserved in Belgium.
A town in Brabant with several churches and, above all, a béguinage that is one of the most significant and best-preserved in Belgium.
Ghent
Between Antwerp and Bruges, the city is a port, university, and cultural hub. Steeped in history, it boasts many medieval buildings, particularly religious ones.
Between Antwerp and Bruges, the city is a port, university, and cultural hub. Steeped in history, it boasts many medieval buildings, particularly religious ones.
Heverlee
On the outskirts of Leuven, the town is home to a beautiful 15th-century castle (Arenberg Castle) and a 12th-century abbey.
On the outskirts of Leuven, the town is home to a beautiful 15th-century castle (Arenberg Castle) and a 12th-century abbey.
Knokke-Le Zoute
This is the seaside part of the Knokke-Heist municipality and remains a premier Belgian tourist destination, known for its rather upscale clientele. The Zwin Nature Reserve is located within its territory.
This is the seaside part of the Knokke-Heist municipality and remains a premier Belgian tourist destination, known for its rather upscale clientele. The Zwin Nature Reserve is located within its territory.
De Panne
A seaside resort on the French border famous for sand yachting. It also boasts the most beautiful dunes on the North Sea, along with some stunning late 19th-century villas.
A seaside resort on the French border famous for sand yachting. It also boasts the most beautiful dunes on the North Sea, along with some stunning late 19th-century villas.
De Haan
A popular seaside resort near Bruges, known for its beautiful villas and hotels from the early 20th century. It’s also home to Belgium’s longest beach.
A popular seaside resort near Bruges, known for its beautiful villas and hotels from the early 20th century. It’s also home to Belgium’s longest beach.
Lier
Southeast of Antwerp, the town features a beautiful Gothic collegiate church and, most notably, one of the thirteen Flemish beguinages classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Southeast of Antwerp, the town features a beautiful Gothic collegiate church and, most notably, one of the thirteen Flemish beguinages classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Leuven
This city is primarily known for its universities, though it also has a beautiful UNESCO-listed béguinage.
This city is primarily known for its universities, though it also has a beautiful UNESCO-listed béguinage.
Mechelen
Located between Antwerp and Brussels, Mechelen has preserved many traces of its past (starting with its impressive cathedral), which can be discovered in its old quarters.
Located between Antwerp and Brussels, Mechelen has preserved many traces of its past (starting with its impressive cathedral), which can be discovered in its old quarters.
Tongeren
This town in the province of Limburg features a charming UNESCO-listed begijnhof and several interesting religious buildings.
This town in the province of Limburg features a charming UNESCO-listed begijnhof and several interesting religious buildings.
Turnhout
East of Antwerp, the town is home to one of the 13 UNESCO-listed beguinages of Flanders, as well as a small 12th-century castle.
East of Antwerp, the town is home to one of the 13 UNESCO-listed beguinages of Flanders, as well as a small 12th-century castle.
Ypres
Close to the French border, Ypres is primarily known for the battles that took place here during World War I. Several memorials, museums, and monuments commemorate the events, as does its charming rebuilt city centre in its own way.
Close to the French border, Ypres is primarily known for the battles that took place here during World War I. Several memorials, museums, and monuments commemorate the events, as does its charming rebuilt city centre in its own way.
Natural Heritage
Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide Nature Reserve
This shared park between Belgium and the Netherlands consists mainly of heathlands.
This shared park between Belgium and the Netherlands consists mainly of heathlands.
Zwin Nature Reserve
By the sea, serving as the border between Belgium and the Netherlands, this mudflat and salt marsh area is the traditional habitat of many birds.
By the sea, serving as the border between Belgium and the Netherlands, this mudflat and salt marsh area is the traditional habitat of many birds.
Wallonia
Orval Abbey
An 11th-century Trappist monastery in the south of the country, just a stone's throw from France. It is also one of the seven Trappist breweries in the world.
An 11th-century Trappist monastery in the south of the country, just a stone's throw from France. It is also one of the seven Trappist breweries in the world.
Bastogne
This town near Luxembourg is home to one of the key "secondary" museums on the same theme: an important memorial museum dedicated to the Battle of the Bulge, which took place here during the winter of 1944-45.
This town near Luxembourg is home to one of the key "secondary" museums on the same theme: an important memorial museum dedicated to the Battle of the Bulge, which took place here during the winter of 1944-45.
Binche
The city in Hainaut is known for its carnival, which is the most famous in Belgium. It is also its only tourist attraction.
The city in Hainaut is known for its carnival, which is the most famous in Belgium. It is also its only tourist attraction.
Charleroi
This major city in the heart of the former coal-mining region is not particularly touristy. It is best known for its airport, Charleroi Brussels-South, the country’s second-busiest with around 6 million passengers (low-cost).
This major city in the heart of the former coal-mining region is not particularly touristy. It is best known for its airport, Charleroi Brussels-South, the country’s second-busiest with around 6 million passengers (low-cost).
Bouillon Castle
This hilltop fortress, located in the town of the same name, is one of Belgium’s most beautiful castles and one of the country’s most visited sites.
This hilltop fortress, located in the town of the same name, is one of Belgium’s most beautiful castles and one of the country’s most visited sites.
Lavaux Castle - Sainte Anne
A blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture for this 15th-century building.
A blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture for this 15th-century building.
Dinant
On the banks of the Meuse, the town is visited for its hilltop citadel, its 13th-century collegiate church, and the Grotte la Merveilleuse. You can also enjoy the many river cruises on the Meuse departing from Dinant.
On the banks of the Meuse, the town is visited for its hilltop citadel, its 13th-century collegiate church, and the Grotte la Merveilleuse. You can also enjoy the many river cruises on the Meuse departing from Dinant.
Durbuy
Its tourist slogan claims Durbuy is "the smallest city in the world". But this is mainly a marketing tagline.
Its tourist slogan claims Durbuy is "the smallest city in the world". But this is mainly a marketing tagline.
La Louvière
This industrial city is home to the four UNESCO-listed boat lifts of the Canal du Centre, located on its outskirts.
This industrial city is home to the four UNESCO-listed boat lifts of the Canal du Centre, located on its outskirts.
Liège
Belgium’s third-largest city boasts historic quarters and a rich religious heritage. It’s also a lively university town.
Belgium’s third-largest city boasts historic quarters and a rich religious heritage. It’s also a lively university town.
Louvain-la-Neuve
Just a few kilometres from its Flemish counterpart (Leuven), which it owes its existence to in the early 1960s. It is also renowned for its universities.
Just a few kilometres from its Flemish counterpart (Leuven), which it owes its existence to in the early 1960s. It is also renowned for its universities.
Neolithic Flint Mines of Spiennes
On the outskirts of Mons. This archaeological site is one of the best-preserved of its kind, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.
On the outskirts of Mons. This archaeological site is one of the best-preserved of its kind, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Mons
The cultural capital of Wallonia has a historic district centered around its Grand-Place. It’s also on the outskirts where you can see the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The cultural capital of Wallonia has a historic district centered around its Grand-Place. It’s also on the outskirts where you can see the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Namur
The "capital" of Wallonia boasts a rather pretty urban heritage and a citadel built by Vauban, ranking among the largest in Europe.
The "capital" of Wallonia boasts a rather pretty urban heritage and a citadel built by Vauban, ranking among the largest in Europe.
Mining Sites of Wallonia
Since 2012, four mining sites (in Blegny, Boussu, Charleroi, and La Louvière) have been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are open to visitors.
Since 2012, four mining sites (in Blegny, Boussu, Charleroi, and La Louvière) have been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are open to visitors.
Spa
A small spa town in the Ardennes whose name has become generic. Right next door is the Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 circuit.
A small spa town in the Ardennes whose name has become generic. Right next door is the Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 circuit.
Torgny
It is the southernmost municipality in Belgium and one of the 24 "most beautiful villages of Wallonia".
It is the southernmost municipality in Belgium and one of the 24 "most beautiful villages of Wallonia".
Tournai
One of Belgium’s oldest cities. Among the historic buildings in its charming centre, its belfry and cathedral are both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
One of Belgium’s oldest cities. Among the historic buildings in its charming centre, its belfry and cathedral are both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Waterloo
This small town near Brussels is where the famous 1815 battle took place. Several museums and a mound topped with a lion statue commemorate the event.
This small town near Brussels is where the famous 1815 battle took place. Several museums and a mound topped with a lion statue commemorate the event.
Natural Heritage
Belgian Ardennes
This is the highest part of Belgium, located in the south of the country. You can hike or go cross-country skiing, and even downhill skiing at several small resorts (Baraque de Fraiture, Val de Wanne, etc.).
This is the highest part of Belgium, located in the south of the country. You can hike or go cross-country skiing, and even downhill skiing at several small resorts (Baraque de Fraiture, Val de Wanne, etc.).
Hautes Fagnes Nature Reserve
This peat bog area, with its local wildlife and flora, is the largest nature reserve in Belgium. It is located on the German border, in the east of the country.
This peat bog area, with its local wildlife and flora, is the largest nature reserve in Belgium. It is located on the German border, in the east of the country.
Meuse Valley
The Meuse flowing through Wallonia is a major tourist destination, with its beautiful landscapes that can be explored on cruises—particularly from Dinant—or by bike.
The Meuse flowing through Wallonia is a major tourist destination, with its beautiful landscapes that can be explored on cruises—particularly from Dinant—or by bike.
Must-see & highly recommended
Bruges
★★★★ One of the "Venices of the North" and one of Belgium’s most beautiful cities, with its canals and stunning UNESCO-listed historic…
Brussels
★★★★ With its stunning architecture, museums, and monuments (several of which are UNESCO-listed), the capital of Belgium—and in many ways…
Historic Centre of Bruges
★★★★ The entire old town of Bruges, around the Grand Place, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique architectural and cultural value.
Grand-Place, Brussels
★★★★ This is the city’s central square, with magnificent façades dating largely from the late 17th to early 18th centuries. The Town Hall…
Recommended
Antwerp
★★★ Located at the mouth of the Scheldt, the city is both a major port, the diamond traders' hub, and an urban area boasting fine architecture…
Bouillon Castle
★★★ This hilltop fortress, located in the town of the same name, is one of Belgium’s most beautiful castles and one of the…
Ghent
★★★ Between Antwerp and Bruges, the city is a port, university, and cultural hub. Steeped in history, it boasts many medieval buildings…
Worth a look / Other
Orval Abbey
★★ An 11th-century Trappist monastery in the south of the country, just a stone's throw from France. It is also one of the seven Trappist…
Villers Abbey
★★ These are the beautiful remains of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey.
Belgian Ardennes
★★ This is the highest part of Belgium, located in the south of the country. You can hike or go cross-country skiing, and even downhill skiing…
Tournai Cathedral
★★ A striking 13th-century structure blending Romanesque and Gothic styles, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Beersel Castle
★★ This 14th-century fortress was part of the castles tasked with defending Brussels in the late Middle Ages.
Corroy Castle
★★ A beautifully preserved 13th-century fortified castle located in Corroy-le-Château.
Horst Castle
★★ It's a charming 13th-century castle by the lakeside in the province of Brabant.
Lavaux Castle - Sainte Anne
★★ A blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture for this 15th-century building.
Kortrijk
★★ An old Flemish city not far from Lille, known for its UNESCO-listed belfry and béguinage, both recognized under these monument categories…
Dinant
★★ On the banks of the Meuse, the town is visited for its hilltop citadel, its 13th-century collegiate church, and the Grotte la Merveilleuse…
Han-sur-Lesse Caves
★★ Beautiful, well-visited caves located in the municipality of the same name.
De Panne
★★ A seaside resort on the French border famous for sand yachting. It also boasts the most beautiful dunes on the North Sea, along with some…
Le Coq
★★ A popular seaside resort near Bruges, known for its beautiful villas and hotels from the early 20th century. It’s also home to…
Liège
★★ Belgium’s third-largest city boasts historic quarters and a rich religious heritage. It’s also a lively university town.
Lier
★★ Southeast of Antwerp, the town features a beautiful Gothic collegiate church and, most notably, one of the thirteen Flemish beguinages…
Mechelen
★★ Located between Antwerp and Brussels, Mechelen has preserved many traces of its past (starting with its impressive cathedral), which can be…
Mons
★★ The cultural capital of Wallonia has a historic district centered around its Grand-Place. It’s also on the outskirts where you can…
Namur
★★ The "capital" of Wallonia boasts a rather pretty urban heritage and a citadel built by Vauban, ranking among the largest in Europe.
Zwin Nature Reserve
★★ By the sea, serving as the border between Belgium and the Netherlands, this mudflat and salt marsh area is the traditional habitat of many…
Hautes Fagnes Nature Reserve
★★ This peat bog area, with its local wildlife and flora, is the largest nature reserve in Belgium. It is located on the German border, in the…
Mining Sites of Wallonia
★★ Since 2012, four mining sites (in Blegny, Boussu, Charleroi, and La Louvière) have been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are…
Tournai
★★ One of Belgium’s oldest cities. Among the historic buildings in its charming centre, its belfry and cathedral are both UNESCO World…
Meuse Valley
★★ The Meuse flowing through Wallonia is a major tourist destination, with its beautiful landscapes that can be explored on…
Ypres
★★ Close to the French border, Ypres is primarily known for the battles that took place here during World War I. Several memorials, museums…
Boat Lifts of the Canal du Centre
★ Located in La Louvière (and Le Roeulx), these four "locks" from the late 19th to early 20th century are UNESCO World Heritage sites for…
Bastogne
★ This town near Luxembourg is home to one of the key "secondary" museums on the same theme: an important memorial museum dedicated to the…
Binche
★ The city in Hainaut is known for its carnival, which is the most famous in Belgium. It is also its only tourist attraction.
Charleroi
★ This major city in the heart of the former coal-mining region is not particularly touristy. It is best known for its airport, Charleroi…
Vêves Castle
★ A charming small castle located in Houyet, not far from the French border.
Koksijde
★ This is a large seaside resort located almost at the French border.
Diest
★ A town in Brabant with several churches and, above all, a béguinage that is one of the most significant and best-preserved in Belgium.
Durbuy
★ Its tourist slogan claims Durbuy is "the smallest city in the world". But this is mainly a marketing tagline.
Victor Horta's Architectural Works in Brussels
★ A walk to discover the Art Nouveau architectural heritage of the city. Brussels boasts several dozen buildings in this style, including…
Hasselt
★ Capital of Limburg, the city offers a charming old centre.
Heverlee
★ On the outskirts of Leuven, the town is home to a beautiful 15th-century castle (Arenberg Castle) and a 12th-century abbey.
Knokke-Le Zoute
★ This is the seaside part of the Knokke-Heist municipality and remains a premier Belgian tourist destination, known for its rather upscale…
La Louvière
★ This industrial city is home to the four UNESCO-listed boat lifts of the Canal du Centre, located on its outskirts.
Leuven
★ This city is primarily known for its universities, though it also has a beautiful UNESCO-listed béguinage.
Louvain-la-Neuve
★ Just a few kilometres from its Flemish counterpart (Leuven), which it owes its existence to in the early 1960s. It is also renowned for its…
Neolithic Flint Mines of Spiennes
★ On the outskirts of Mons. This archaeological site is one of the best-preserved of its kind, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Plantin-Moretus Printing Museum
★ Located in Antwerp, this UNESCO-listed site is valued for its architecture and as a testament to printing techniques and labor in the late…
Ostend
★ A busy port and seaside town in summer for its beaches.
Stoclet Palace
★ Located in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, near Brussels, this building with geometric lines and a rather austere appearance dates from 1904. It is a…
Hoge Kempen National Park
★ This is a region of heathland and pine forests located east of Flanders.
Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide Nature Reserve
★ This shared park between Belgium and the Netherlands consists mainly of heathlands.
Spa
★ A small spa town in the Ardennes whose name has become generic. Right next door is the Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 circuit.
Tongeren
★ This town in the province of Limburg features a charming UNESCO-listed begijnhof and several interesting religious buildings.
Torgny
★ It is the southernmost municipality in Belgium and one of the 24 "most beautiful villages of Wallonia".
Turnhout
★ East of Antwerp, the town is home to one of the 13 UNESCO-listed beguinages of Flanders, as well as a small 12th-century castle.
Waterloo
★ This small town near Brussels is where the famous 1815 battle took place. Several museums and a mound topped with a lion statue commemorate…
Zeebrugge
★ Essentially Bruges' port, including ferries to England, as well as a seaside resort.