10 Best Things To Do In Belgium: Attractions, Food, And Experiences In Your Next Trip

Image of landscape photography of High Rise Building - things to do in Belgium

Belgium is a highly developed country surrounded by France, Germany, and the Netherlands. No wonder it has a rich history, culture, and delicious food; all working magic in the hearts of its visitors. Belgium, even though it is small in size you can never get enough of this country as it will mesmerize you in your every tourist exploration. There are so many fascinating things to do in Belgium that will keep you hooked throughout your stay. This is a gem for all history buffs, nature lovers, and gastronomists looking to have a fantastic time in Belgium.

Top 10 Things To Do In Belgium

Discover rich culture, exquisite cuisine, and stunning landscapes with things to do in Belgium, from historic sites to delectable chocolate tastings and vibrant festivals.

1. Explore The Magnificence Of The Grand Place In Brussels

A visit to the royal palace in Brussels is one of the things to do in Belgium

Photo: Martin Falbisoner / Wikimedia Commons

Grand Place’s eastern region has a central square. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides, this square has cobbled sidewalks bedecked with beautiful guild halls, a giant Town Hall, and a superior King’s House. Every August, within the square, there is a Flower Carpet, an exquisite work of art practically covering the whole square. There are museums within reach, chocolate shops, and ethereal views of this historical area. The square is beautiful, even more at night when all the buildings are lit with lights, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.

Timings: 9 AM – 12 AM
Entry Fee: Free

2. Go To Bruges’ Canals And The Belfry Tower

A boat ride to the canals is one of the most loved things to do in Belgium

Photo: Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons

Bruges is the ‘Venice of the North’ city where canals run through its buildings mostly of medieval design. A ride on a boat down the canal gives views of the exteriors of ancient houses and many other sights including beautiful arches and secret gardens. Once finished with the canals, get into the Belfry and climb up to the top for a view of the Market Square and the roofs of Bruges. In its 13th-century tower, a chime of 47 bells attracts many tourists. This town is also popular with several lace boutiques, posh art establishments, and warm cafes with tasty Belgian waffles making it a perfect place for a romantic holiday.

Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

3. Visit Atomium Brussels

Tourists flock in to see the Atomium, one of the things to do in Belgium.

Photo: lil artsy / Pexels

The structure, resembling a common iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, consists of nine spheres built of steel connected with tubes, some of which are accessible. Visitations include several interactive areas with displays on space and science, works of art, and historical materials turned into educational displays. The uppermost sphere provides a 360-degree view of Brussels and its adjoining areas including the Mini Europe amusement park. This visionary structure is a perfect example of art, architecture, and science and looks stunning.

Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

4. Chocolate Tasting Tour In The Belgian Chocolateries

A visit to the Chocolateries is one of the famous things to do in Belgium

Photo: Thaler Tamas / Wikimedia Commons

Belgium is a paradise for chocolate lovers and so is the country of chocolate sampling. Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp have famous chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini, Neuhaus, and Godiva. There are many places for tastings, demonstrations, and even some chocolate-making classes where people can join in and learn how to make chocolate themselves. Pralines and truffles, all made with Belgian chocolates taste rich, and deep with flavor as indulgent care and exquisite recipes go into their making.

Top Belgian Brands: Godiva, Côte d’Or, Leonidas, Mary and many more

5.Trip To Gravensteen Castle In Ghent

 A visit to the famous castle is one of the things to do in Belgium.

Photo: Davidh820 / Wikimedia Commons

Gravensteen castle, a medieval building was constructed in the twelfth century and has towers, battlements, torture equipment, weapons, and even a dungeon. Visitors are also treated to the delightful sight of the canals and the old town of Ghent from the high castle walls. The castle and its rich history with its distinctive design and narrative displays of forty-five-minute movie guides history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, or anyone looking to explore good places for photography. It is one of the castles most visited in Europe. There are plenty of attractions in this country for every type of tourist.

Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

6. Tomorrowland In Boom

The amazing stage of Tomorrowland in Boom, duringd ay time view

Photo: Semirben12 / Wikimedia Commons

The famous electronic dance music festival Tomorrowland is the biggest electronic music event. This three-day event attracts many tourists and has DJs and other performers entertaining all the fans on several elaborately built stages. Tomorrowland is known for its highly imaginative and fanciful decoration, amazing sound quality, and fantastic audio-visual entertainment. There are also laser shows and works of art with pop, house, and techno music.

Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

7. Walk Hallerbos Forest

The inviting hallerbos forest is the most visited place in Belgium

Photo: Donar Reiskoffer / Wikimedia Commons

Hallerbos, also called the Blue Forest, is a breathtaking forest located outside Brussels. Every year without fail, during springtime, the forest floor becomes a sight to behold as it gets covered with a wave of bluebell flowers that look like out of a fairy tale. The colorful flowers that bloom in April, attract lovers of nature, tourist photographers, and active hikers from all walks of life. The forest also provides well-sign-posted routes appropriate for leisurely strolling or cycling activities.

Activities: Hiking, cycling, Horse riding

8. Explore Antwerp

The riverfront view of Antwerp, the diamond city of Belgium

Photo: Jahoe / Wikimedia Commons

Antwerp is called the diamond city and the biggest port in Belgium. Situated close to the city’s Central Midtown Station, the diamond district accommodates thousands of diamond traders, cutters, and polishers. Tourists can participate in a diamond shopping experience, the diamond trade history, and the Antwerp Diamond Museum, which delves into the study of diamonds. Some tours allow visitors to watch the diamond polishing and the history of the diamond industry. Apart from the diamonds, Antwerp will make you fall in love with its medieval streets, renaissance monuments, and vibrant nightlife.

Activities: Museums, Historical sites, Beautiful architecture
Nearest Airport: Antwerp Airport

9. Visit The Battlefield Of Flanders

The Battlefield of Flanders is a must-visit place in Belgium

Photo: ViennaUK / Wikimedia Commons

The Flanders area is significant because of its tragic past connected to the events of the First World War, with key locations including Ypres, Tyne Cot Cemetery, and Menin Gate Memorial which draw thousands of visitors. It includes activities such as taking trips to well-kept trench systems, temples built to commemorate wars, and exhibits of the Great War. A special ‘Last Post’ ritual is performed every night at the Menin Gate, to remember the soldiers who died in the war. The Flanders’s battlefields invoke a deep sense of immersion and allow people to understand how important Europe, and Belgium is in world history.

Attraction: Sanctuary wood museum, trench of death, Yorkshire Trench, and Dugout

10. Explore Meuse Valley

The breathtaking view of Meuse Valley attracts many tourists every year

Photo: Gilles San Martin / Wikimedia Commons

Meuse Valley is known to be one of the country’s most beautiful and mountainous regions in the southern part of Belgium, where you can enjoy hiking and cycling. The Meuse Valley is the most loved region within this continent for its stunning views. The great vertical cliffs on the river and the city of Namur are known for their medieval architecture, and boat rides along the river give a good view of the countryside. The picturesque landscapes and historical architecture of the Meuse Valley attract tourists, with its quiet countryside, allowing you to enjoy Belgium.

Attractions: Castles, Farms, Shopping, cruise, brewery
Nearest Airport: Brussels Airport

Belgium is a country of many faces filled with rich history, deep culture, nature’s bounty, and great cuisine. Things to do in Belgium offers from spring walks in the Hallerbos Forest with its blooming bluebells to music events at Tomorrowland, Belgium is a country where its distinct beauty and graciousness beckons every traveler with amazing experiences and recollections. So, book your amazing trip from TripXL to experience Belgium like never before.

Cover Photo: Petar Starčević / Pexels

Frequently Asked Questions

Belgium is most visited in spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) Spring is especially favorable for the Hallerbos Forest when the bluebells are in bloom. On the other hand, May-August (the summer season) has many music festivals such as Tomorrowland, while wintertime has beautiful Christmas markets.
Belgium offers a variety of food such as classic Belgian waffles which are better enjoyed at street carts or cafes, fish and chips with various sauces, mussels, and a range of chocolates from chefs such as Neuhaus and Pierre Marcolini. Belgian beer is famous around the world.
Yes, most major cities are connected by rail services. There are buses and trams for in-city travel, however, it is also easy to walk around or rent a bike to tour the city.
One of the biggest electronic music festivals takes place in Boom City. Other festivals include the Flower Carpet (which takes place in Brussels every two years in August), the Light Festival in Ghent, and Christmas fairs in every part of the country.
The officially recognized languages are Dutch, French, and German. Tourist information centers, hotels, restaurants, and public transport services usually offer English-speaking assistance.

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