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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 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
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
 · 
Alison Cornford-Matheson
The Best Shopping in Brussels
Charming any time of year, Brussels’ arcades and shopping streets offer top designer boutiques, whimsical gifts, or that perfect vintage treasure. Brussels may be known for diamonds, but you can find everything here: designer fashions, trendy vintage clothes, housewares, gifts for gourmets, and so much more.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alison Cornford-Matheson
The Best Hotels in Brussels
The capital of Belgium has small town charm with big city attractions such as cute cafes, excellent restaurants and distinctive architecture. The eight-room, Fellini-inspired Odette en Ville is an ideal base to explore the well-heeled Châtelain neighborhood. The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel puts you in an art deco–inspired building in the heart of the city. Design lovers will want to book one of the bright rooms of the Pantone Hotel, each themed according to its own color.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Staff
Belgium for Foodies: Can’t Miss Places to Eat in Belgium
Belgium may be famous for fries, waffles and chocolates, but there is so much more to this food-lover’s paradise. I’ve spent the past 8 years exploring this country through food and drink and I can’t think of a better way to discover Belgium. Bon appetit!
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
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
 · 
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
 · 
Alison Cornford-Matheson
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
 · 
Alison Cornford-Matheson
The Best of the Belgian Coast
Belgium has only 43 miles of coastline but, as with everything here, good things come in small packages. From vibrant coastal cities like Oostende to quieter villages like Blankenberge, the highlight is watching the traditional horse fishermen haul in their catches of gray shrimp. The best way to explore the area is on the world’s longest tramline, which stretches the length of the Belgian coast.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alison Cornford-Matheson
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
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