Places To Visit Near Belgium: Ultimate Guide For Travellers

Belgium strategically lies in the heart of Europe. This place is surrounded by several countries which are home to a few of the top tourist destinations. Belgium makes an ideal gateway to explore these nearby countries which are rich in culture, history and natural beauty. Within a short journey from Belgium, visitors can explore several sites like Amsterdam, The Hague, Essen and more. Whether individuals are interested in art, culture or culinary delights, these places to visit near Belgium offer a range of experiences which cater to every individual.

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Top 10 Interesting Places To Visit Near Belgium

Below’s a list of a few of the interesting places to visit near Belgium. These places can be easily reached via a short journey and offer a variety of experiences.

1. The Hague

An aerial view of the city of The Hague, an interesting place to visit near Belgium

Photo: Joris van Rooden / Wikimedia Commons

The Hague is a beautiful city located on the North Sea Coast in the Netherlands and is one of the most visited sites near Belgium. Once the residence of the Dutch Monarch, today The Hague is home to several royal palaces which are among its key attractions. Mauritshuis, one of the most notable museums in The Hague, is a top tourist attraction and houses paintings which date back to the 19th Century. Some of the other interesting places to visit in The Hague are Madudoram, De Pier, Kunstmuseum The Hague, The Passage, the Noordeinde Palace and Grote Kerk.

Distance From Belgium: 228 KM
Best Time To Visit: September to November

2. Amsterdam

A view of a beautifully lit building in Amsterdam, a beautiful place to visit near Belgium

Photo: RIPSTIKwizard / Wikimedia Commons

Amsterdam is a city renowned globally for the amazing artistic heritage which it preserves to date. The city has lovely architecture comprising narrow lanes, canals, colourful houses, vibrant streets and an active crowd. This place is a good choice among people wanting to explore the areas beyond Belgium. This city is full of numerous bike paths and cycling on them is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam. A few of the notable places to visit here are the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, the peaceful Vondelpark, the Dam Square, the Cannabis Coffee Shop and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam.

Distance From Belgium: 246 KM
Best Time To Visit: March to May

3. Paris

An east view of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, a magnificent place to visit near Belgium.

Photo: Uoaei1 / Wikimedia Commons

Paris, France’s capital is an alluring place to visit near Belgium. This European city is a hub of arts, culture, culinary delights, history and fun. The cityscape of Paris is crisscrossed with boulevards and the River Seine. Besides the famous Eiffel Tower, some of the must-visit sites in Paris are the Louvre Museum, Palais Garnier, Pantheon, Sainte Chapelle, The Centre Pompidou, Arc de Triomphe and the Notre Dame Cathedral beautifully designed with Gothic Architecture. Paris is also known for its cafe culture and numerous designer boutiques precisely located in the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Distance From Belgium: 283 KM
Best Time To Visit: April and May, June to August

4. Calais

A lovely view of Calais Pier seen from a drone in Calais, a place to visit near Belgium.

Photo: Stefan Kühn / Wikimedia Commons

Calais is a lovely French Port City and is perfect for a day out or a small vacation. One of the top attractions in Calais is the White Cliffs of Dover which can be easily seen on a clear day. This place is a major port for ferries and speedboats running between England and France. Some of the top attractions in Calais are Calais Beach, Les Bourgeois de Calais, an important monument, the Dragon’s Company, a top landmark, Calais Town Hall, Museum of Fine Arts Calais and Tour du Guet. Magnificent views can be witnessed from the Calais Lighthouse.

Distance From Belgium: 224 KM
Best Time To Visit: May to July

5. Rotterdam

A cruise ship sailing near the coast of Rotterdam, a close place to visit near Belgium.

Photo: Martin Falbisoner / Wikimedia Commons

Rotterdam is another peaceful city in the Netherlands and is known for its multiple universities, riverside setting, lively cultural life, vibrant streets, pure maritime heritage and modern architecture. This city is also known by the nicknames “Gateway To Europe” and “Gateway To The World”. The city has a vibrant nightlife, numerous museums, cultural centres, cinemas and an Orchestra. Some of the must-see attractions in Rotterdam are the Rotterdam Riverfront, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Rotterdam Zoo, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Euromast Tower, Arboretum Garden, Dutch Pinball Museum, St. Lawrence Church and Market Hall.

Distance From Belgium: 185 KM
Best Time To Visit: April To June

6. London

The London Eye captured during the evening in London, a pretty place to visit near Belgium

Photo: Chait Goli / Pexels

London is an important centre and the capital city of both England and the United Kingdom. This city is a blend of history dating back to Roman times and modern architecture. The main attraction of London is the London Eye attracting thousands of tourists daily. This attraction gives a birds-eye view of the city. The city’s famous Big Ben Clock Tower stands still to date and is strategically located in the city centre. Some of the top sites for individuals to admire in London are Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, the National Gallery, the Westminster Abbey, Victoria and Albert Museum, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Trafalgar Square.

Distance From Belgium: 397 KM
Best Time To Visit: June To August

7. Luxembourg

A view of River Alzette flowing peacefully with coloured houses on the sides in Luxembourg

Photo: Cayambe / Wikimedia Commons

Luxembourg is a landlocked country and it shares its proximity and borders to the west and north with Belgium. This country is mostly rural and is home to Ardennes Forest, multiple nature parks and rocky gorges. Luxembourg is a typical medieval old town which is famed for sheer cliffs and old architecture. Some of the top attractions in Luxembourg are Palais Grand Ducal, Casemates Du Bock, Vianden Castle, National Museum of Feschmarkt, Luxembourg National Museum, William Square, Bourscheid Castle, Chemin de La Corniche, National Museum of Military History, La Passerelle and Medieval Castle Beaufort.

Distance From Belgium: 173 KM
Best Time To Visit: April To June

8. Cologne

An image of the Cologne Railway Station with beautiful architecture and clean indoors.

Photo: Martin Falbisoner / Wikimedia Commons

Cologne is a 2000-year old-city and a cultural hub in Germany located on the Rhine River in Western Germany. This cultural centre hosts more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries visited by ample tourists. One of the most visited landmarks in Cologne is the Cologne Cathedral which is twin-spired and a true example of High Gothic Architecture designs. It is also known for offering sweeping river views. Another important site, Museum Ludwig showcases 20th Century art and several masterpieces by Picasso. Other notable places to visit include the Lindt Chocolate Museum, Cologne Zoo, Cologne Triangle, Hohenzollern Bridge and Lanxess Arena.

Distance From Belgium: 220 KM
Best Time To Visit: June To August

9. Roubaix

An aerial view of individuals participating in the famous Roubaix Paris Cycling Race.

Photo: Jérémy-Günther-Heinz Jähnick / Wikimedia Commons

Roubaix is a pretty city located in Northern France and shares its borders with Belgium. This historic city is located in the Lille Metropolitan Area and attracts many tourists from the nearby country of Belgium. Some of the top attractions in Roubaix are Parc Barbieux, a pristine park and garden, La Piscine, a historic museum, La Condition Publique, a cultural centre, McArthurGlen Roubaix, a famous shopping outlet, La Manufacture, another museum, Stab Velodrome, a sports complex and Roubaix Grand Place, an underground station.

Distance From Belgium: 126 KM
Best Time To Visit: March To May

10. Canterbury

Visitors having leisure time during the morning along the River Stour in Canterbury.

Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons

Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a city in England. This place lies on the River Stour. This place is a popular tourist destination and relies heavily on tourism. Visitors step into 1400 years of history by visiting a few of the top attractions like cobblestone streets, timber-framed houses and ancient walls built by the Romans in Canterbury. A few notable places to visit here are Canterbury Cathedral, Westgate Gardens, St. Augustine’s Abbey, The Marlowe, Howletts Wild Animal Park, Canterbury Roman Museum, Malthouse Theatre and Franciscan Gardens.

Distance From Belgium: 317 KM
Best Time To Visit: June To August

Belgium’s proximity to nearby destinations promises an easy flow of tourists from one country to another. With multiple places to admire and tons of experiences awaiting, these places to visit near Belgium are perfect for unforgettable adventures. These sites cater to the travel preferences of every individual and present a world beyond Belgium’s borders. Now that you know about the above-mentioned exciting sites, book a trip with TripXL and have a hassle-free travel experience to these destinations.

Cover Photo: Agnes Monkelbaan / Wikimedia Commons

Top Beautiful Places To Visit Near Belgium for an Unforgettable Trip