Belgium is a country of two distinct halves, with the Dutch-speaking Flanders (northern Belgium) and the French speaking Wallonia (southern Belgium). While the landscape in north is flat and characterized by numerous historic cities, including Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent, the southern area is predominantly rural: caves, castles and green valleys, which offer numerous possibilities for outdoor activities, are dotted around the area. Its cuisine is another reason to visit, not to mention more than 1000 beers produced here – thus Belgium earned a nickname the Bordeaux of beer.
If you’re a foodie, then Belgium definitely must be on your bucket list. Just think of Belgian chocolate, Belgian waffles, Belgian endive, Belgian beer, Brussel sprouts. With tons of local specialties, that’s just the beginning of it. Mosselen-friet, a big bowl of mussels with a plate of Belgian fries, is another must try. Because once you've finished the mussels, the white wine broth that's left in the bottom of the bowl is the best thing to dip fries in. Dutch, German and French influences result in varied food and drink culture. Whether you are looking for Michelin starred cuisine, hearty bistrot fare, cafes or simple waffle and French fry stands, Belgium is just delicious. The icing on the cake are more than 2,000 chocolate shops throughout Belgium – did you know that over 172,000 tons of chocolate is produced in Belgium per year?
If you are more into beer, then learning “Cheers” in Flemish (proost) and French (santé) is a must. Belgium produces more beer per capita than any other country in the world. There are about 125 breweries producing about 1000 different types of beer. If you include special one-off beers, the total rises to more than 8,000. This happy scenario has been caused by good quality water, Belgium’s mix of German and Latin cultures and entrepreneurial religious orders with brewing traditions. Many of them are also today still brewed by monks, including one called Duvel, which means ‘devil’.
From late November to early January, some of the prettiest towns in Belgium turn into real Christmas wonderlands. With all the canals, twinkly lights, ice rinks and stepped gables, a number of charming medieval is there for you to explore and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. The main Belgian Christmas market is the Brussels Christmas market, which transforms into a winter wonderland with 240 chalets offering a variety of gifts and local delicacies. Other destinations worth visiting during the Christmas period are Liege, Bruge, Anwerp and Ghent.
Thanks to Tintin, the famous comic strips character, Belgium is the centre of comic strips. As well as the boy detective, there’s Lucky Luke, Gaston and Gil Jourdan, so no wonder that a real Comic Strip Centre (Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée) has been established in Brussels. You’ll find exhibitions and artworks, including Tintin’s rocket from Destination Moon, all housed in splendid Waucquez Warehouse, an art nouveau masterpiece by architect Victor Horta. There’s even a Brussels' Comic Book Route following murals through the city’s neighbourhoods.
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Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is the administrative centre of the European Union. But there is much more to Brussels than just a bureaucracy. The vibe of the city is characterized by picturesque medieval streets, lively squares, beautiful boulevards, impressive monuments, spacious parks, cozy cafés, fabulous restaurants and an active cultural life. Highlights of the city include the Grand Place with the remarkable Town Hall, the Royal Palace, Manneken Pis, a statue of a little boy peeing in a fountain, Galeries St Hubert, Atomium, Place du Grand Sablon, where antique flee markets take place, and numerous museums, including the recently opened Magritte Museum. Apart from this, numerous events take place throughout the whole year. This includes Arts, Classical Music, Film, Festivals and Heritage, Kids & Family, Christmas Markets...
With the entire city centre named as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the picture perfect Bruges is a must-see for any visitor to Belgium. One of Belgium’s best-preserved medieval cities boasts a compact, bustling city centre with colourful buildings and circling canals. The city’s looming clock tower, with its 365 steps, is one of the enduring symbols of Bruges’ earlier prosperity. Without any doubt one of Belgium’s cultural capitals, and even the most demanding museum lovers will be able to find something they like. Did you, for example, know that Frietmuseum, a rather quirky initiative on the fate of potato – as chips, crisps or fries, is located in Bruges? Bruges also hosts a wide range of festivals and events, from classical music concerts at the Concertgebouw to UNESCO World Heritage listed events such as the Procession of the Holy Blood.
Ghent, the historic Flanders port, where beer and bicycles reign, is a compact, authentic city filled with music, theatre, film and visual arts. It boasts rich and vibrant history. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the richest and most powerful cities in Europe and the second largest city north of the Alps, right after Paris. The impact of this rich past can still be clearly seen in the imposing architecture. Major churches and grandiose houses of traders remind you of the rich past on every step. When there, make sure to visit attractions such as St Bavo’s Cathedral, home to world-famous late-medieval treasures such as the painting, ‘Mystic Lamb’, the ancient port, Belfort, the UNESCO-listed 14th century belfry, St Nicholas’ Church and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders.
Antwerp is Belgium’s second city and biggest port. Back in the 16th century, it was one of Europe’s most important cities and home to famous baroque artist Pieter Paul Rubens. Although the city encountered many historical disasters and was severely damaged during WWII bombings, Antwerp has managed to retain its charming medieval heart with cobbled streets, a riverside fortress and an impressive cathedral. Today, Antwerp is considered one of the fashion capitals in the world (probably thanks to the famous fashion university) and a must-see for art lovers and diamond dealers. Renowned for being the "world's leading diamond city", more than 70% of all diamonds are traded in Antwerp. Gentleman, get your wallets ready!
Be it because of Paris, Mont Blanc, Cote d'Azure, Provence, french wine, food or its luxury fashion, maybe even the language, France has become a trademark of its own and the world's most desired destination.
Could be because they had extracted as much as a third of the country from the sea, that the Dutch put more attention to the look of their homes then anyone else. Famous for gardens and tulips, canals and cheese and Amsterdam as for that matter.
