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Belgium

Belgium balances historic beauty and modern edge in a way few places do. Gothic cathedrals rise above cobbled squares, while bold architecture and design push cities like Antwerp and Ghent forward. It’s a country where beer is brewed by monks, meals stretch for hours, and every corner seems to hold a piece of Europe’s layered past.

a storefront with a display full of shelves of bottled beers in Ghent, Belgium.

Taste local brews in Ghent, Belgium, on Avalon’s beer-themed river cruise.

Katrina Eglite/Unsplash

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to Belgium.

Read Before You Go
Clockwise from top left: Drinks and food at Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman (1st and 3rd); Alesund, Norway; Abu Dhabi, UAE, The Aquarium near Margaret River in Western Australia; street scene in Istanbul, Turkiye; Antwerp, Belgium; Koks Restaurant in Greenland
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Resources to help plan your trip
The Best Restaurants in Brussels
Expect to find much more than pommes frites, moules, and Brussels sprouts at the restaurants and bistros of Brussels. Belgian cuisine picks up traditions from the tables of its neighbors, France and Germany, as well as reflecting the cuisines of its international population and the bounty of local farms, ocean, and gardens.
September 12, 2023 02:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
The Best of Brussels Architecture
Brussels is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, and many stunning examples still dot the city. But other eras are represented, and—if you’re willing to walk—you can spend a whole day admiring the best examples of Brussels architecture from throughout the ages.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alison Cornford-Matheson
Belgian Royal Spotting in Brussels
Belgium’s Royal Family may not be well-known outside the country, but over the years they have influenced the look of Brussels. You can drive by the Royal Residence and maybe catch a glimpse of the current King and Queen—or peek inside the Royal Place during the summer months. Here are places around Brussels to see the impact of the Belgian Royals.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Alison Cornford-Matheson
The Best of Autumn in Brussels
Autumn is busy in Brussels, with school and work beginning after the lazy summer holidays. New expats and students descend on the city, and the streets have a renewed bustle. Festivals and events mark the ramp-up to Christmas (think beer, wine, and food), and a walk in Parc Royale or Tervuren is a great way to see the changing leaves.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Alison Cornford-Matheson
A Weekend in Antwerp
Antwerp is the beating heart of Flemish Belgium and deserves at least a weekend of exploration. Here is great food, fascinating history, stunning architecture, and a bit of quirky fun.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Alison Cornford-Matheson
15 reasons to visit Belgium
We have been living in Belgium for almost three years now, after living in Italy for three years and Germany for five years. We love the food, the people, the amazing architecture, the proximity to other great countries. Do I love living here? Yes I do :)
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Adriana Yampey
Visit These 10 Castles in Belgium
Belgium has more castles per capita than even France. The country’s tiny size makes it easy to visit several chateau in one day-trip. Here are a few of the biggest and best that are on view to the public.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Alison Cornford-Matheson
Belgium’s Best Festivals and Parades
You wouldn’t expect a tiny country like Belgium to have thousands of festivals, every single year. But Belgian’s love an excuse to party and whether that excuse is food, drink, history, nature, music, or the downright quirky, there is a festival here for everyone.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Alison Cornford-Matheson
The Best Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium
While tour buses descend upon Bruges, in-the-know travelers in Belgium are discovering the Flemish city of Ghent. This lively university town has picturesque canals, stunning architecture, quirky shops, delicious dining options, and even its own castle. Here are the best things to do while on a trip to Ghent, Belgium.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Alison Cornford-Matheson
If You Only Have Three Days in Brussels
After you’ve seen the essentials—the City Centre, the government buildings, the botanic gardens and tulips, it’s easy to grab a bus or train to the surrounding towns for a flavor of rural life and many more fantastic experiences.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alison Cornford-Matheson
The Best of the Belgian Ardennes
The Ardennes refers to a hilly, forested corner of Wallonia and encompasses the cities of Namur and Dinant as well as many picturesque towns and villages. Largely undiscovered by foreign tourists, it’s a local getaway for sports activities, relaxing, and enjoying nature. The drive along the Meuse River is studded with castles, scenic lookouts, and wonderful restaurants.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alison Cornford-Matheson
The Best small museums in Brussels
Perhaps you don’t have all day to spend combing the extensive collections of the major museums. That’s OK, because Brussels has bite-sized cultural attractions, too.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alison Cornford-Matheson
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