12 Must-Visit Cities in Belgium That Offer More Than Just Waffles and Beer

Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent are just some of the must-visit cities in Belgium. The country is known worldwide for its exceptional cuisine, rich history, and magnificent architecture.

With over 9 million tourists flocking to Belgium annually, it’s no surprise that cities like Brussels and Bruges are iconic stops. You can visit the iconic Grand Place and tuck into its famous fries in Brussels. Meanwhile, you can indulge in delicious Belgian chocolates in Bruges and enjoy picturesque strolls along the canal.

Having lived in Brussels for over 12 years, these urban areas offer many fascinating activities. Here are 12 cities in Belgium for your bucket list with tips from a local.

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Which Belgian city deserves your first ‘wow, I had no idea it was this cool’ moment?

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Brussels 1/5

Countries You Can Visit with a Schengen Visa Belgium rote Market Square

Bruges 2/5

Most Beautiful Cities in Europe Ghent Belgium

Ghent 3/5

Must-Visit Cities in Belgium Antwerp Brabo fountain market square

Antwerp 4/5

Spa 5/5

Results

Brussels

9 4

Bruges

8 5

Ghent

9 4

Antwerp

7 6

Spa

4 9

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Brussels

Brussels, the capital, is the most popular city in Belgium, welcoming over 3 millions of visitors yearly. It is famous for many things, including architecture, food, and its significant role in European politics. However, you’ll unlikely want to spend too much time learning about European politics.

Instead, you’ll want to tuck into traditional Belgian fries at Maison Antoine, buy Belgian chocolate at Neuhaus, the inventor of the pralines, and explore the most famous attractions in Brussels.

The Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage site with guild halls and the majestic Town Hall. It’s free to enter and explore. Atomium is an iconic building shaped like an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Tickets cost approximately €16 for adults. Parc du Cinquantenaire has impressive arches and museums.

Food enthusiasts searching for delicious cuisine can also visit Wolf Sharing Food Market. This market has over 15 food stalls serving cuisine from across the globe.

Travel Tips

Best Time To Visit: Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are great for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Transportation: Use the metro or tram. A single ticket costs around €2.10, valid for one hour.
Opening Hours: Most restaurants serve lunch from 12 PM to 2 PM and dinner from 7 PM to 10 PM. Between 2 PM and 7 PM, you can still find snacks, like waffles, or fast food options, like fries.

Bruges

Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. This medieval town in northwest Belgium is distinguished by its scenic canals, winding cobblestone streets, and vibrant architecture. Its port, Zeebrugge, is also an important European trade and fishing center.

You can spend plenty of time in Bruges overindulging in Belgian food, like stoofvlees and waterzooi. The weekly food market in Market Square is a great place to sample local cuisine, such as Belgian beer and waffles. Market Square is also close to many fascinating attractions, including Provinciaal Hof and the Belfry of Bruges.

Other must-visit attractions in the city include the Basilica of the Holy Blood, De Burg, and Rosary Quay.

Travel Tips

Canal Boat Tours are a must-do activity that provides a unique perspective of Bruges. Tours last about 30 minutes and cost around €10.
Walking: Bruges is compact and best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes to navigate its cobblestone streets.
Best Time To Visit: Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) for good weather and fewer tourists.

Ghent

Ghent is one of Belgium’s best places to visit if you want a more laid-back city break. Despite offering a quintessential Belgian experience, Ghent is much quieter than Brussels and less touristic than Bruges.

Tucked between Brussels and Bruges, Ghent offers traditional food and drink, vibrant medieval buildings, exciting attractions, and narrow cobblestone streets with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Our favorite cocktail bar is Ray, a small glasshouse next to Sint-Niklaaskerk. You’ll also find a thriving music scene in Ghent. Abacho 2K18 is the first silent disco venue in Belgium.

Interestingly, the city is also a UNESCO Creative City of Music. History lovers also enjoy Ghent, as there are many historic attractions. Don’t miss Gravensteen, the castle in the heart of Ghent, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, and the stunning Saint Michael’s Bridge.

Canal Tours: Take a guided boat tour or rent a kayak for a unique view of the city’s beautiful architecture. A typical boat tour lasts about 40 minutes and costs around €7.50.
Patershol Neighborhood: Stroll around the cute Patershol area for its narrow cobblestone streets and cozy pubs.

Spa

Spa in the Ardennes region is one of Belgium’s most unique cities. You probably won’t be surprised to hear that it is most famous for its thermal hot springs and mineral water. After all, all spas take their name from it.

You’ll likely spend most of your time relaxing in Les Thermes de Spa, one of the city’s most famous spas. You’ll find indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, and massage facilities at this wellness center.

In addition to the hot springs and spa facilities, Spa is recognized for its traditional architecture and exciting attractions. Popular attractions include Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand and the Formula 1 track Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps.

Travel Tips

Spa Treatments: Book Les Thermes de Spa in advance for their copper bathtub immersions and mineral water treatments.
Formula 1: Visit the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, located about 20 km from the town. You can see the Formula 1 track and even take a passenger ride with a professional driver.

Antwerp

Antwerp, a port city on the River Scheldt, has a history dating back to the Middle Ages. Furthermore, the thriving diamond trade started over 500 years ago. You can learn more about the city’s history in the Museum aan de Stroom.

Alternatively, you could visit the centuries-old Diamond District. This luxurious district features diamond traders, cutters, and polishers. Then, visit the breathtaking Antwerpen-Centraal Station and admire the Flemish Renaissance architecture in Grote Markt.

Those of you traveling with children might also want to visit Zoo Antwerpen and Chocolate Nation, the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world.

Travel Tips

Rent a Bike: You can rent a bike through VeloAntwerpen’s app. The app offers one-day passes, and the city has 700 km of cycling lanes.
Free Museum Rooftop: Visit the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) and go to its rooftop for a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Antwerp, completely free of charge.

Durbuy

Like something out of your favorite fairytale story, Durbuy is a spectacular city in Eastern Belgium. This magical destination draws travelers in with its rich history, outstanding architecture, and awe-inspiring natural scenery. Despite its small size, there is much to see and do in Durbuy.

Start your adventure at Château de Durbuy before visiting Topiary Park and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Durbuy. Then, head outside the city to have fun at Adventure Valley Durbuy, an indoor and outdoor adventure center.

It’s also worth noting that Durbuy comes to life with bright lights, Christmas markets, and festive events around Christmas.

Travel Tips

Walk: Durbuy is best experienced on foot, as it’s very small. Stroll around its charming streets to appreciate the medieval architecture.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours: To avoid crowds, plan your visit to popular attractions like Topiary Park early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

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Liège

Must-Visit Cities in Belgium Liège — © Allard1 / Adobe Stock

Liège is a bustling city in the Wallonia region. It is best known for its rich history, vibrant architecture, and industrial heritage. Partygoers might also be pleased to hear Liège has a lively nightlife scene.

Le Pot au Lait, Escape Club, and Billie Jean are just some places where you can listen to live music and drink Belgian beer. When not partying hard or recovering from a hangover, visit the city’s most famous attractions.

You don’t want to miss Montagne de Bueren, La Boverie, Brasserie C, and Palace of the Prince-Bishops. You should also visit Marché de la Batte, where you can buy food, arts, and crafts.

Travel Tips

Explore Le Carré: Visit Le Carré, a lively district with bars and clubs.
Visit on a Sunday: If you’re in town, check out the Marché de la Batte for fresh produce and delicious street food.
Use Public Transport: Use buses and trains to go to nearby cities like Maastricht in the Netherlands.

Mechelen

Mechelen is one of Belgium’s quietest cities, making it a firm favorite with travelers seeking a more relaxed break. It is between Antwerp and Brussels in Belgium’s Flanders region, and it’s known best for its historic architecture, which includes the imposing 13th-century St. Rumbold’s Cathedral.

The cathedral is free to enter and open seven days a week, so look inside. The artwork by Anthony van Dyck and city views from the tower are remarkable. Once you’ve explored St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, enjoy a local beer at Brewery Het Anker and walk around Grote Markt.

Alternatively, learn more about the city in the Museum Hof van Busleyden.

Travel Tips

Beer Tasting: Visit Brouwerij Het Anker for a guided brewery tour for around €15 per person to try their famous Gouden Carolus beer.

Leuven

Leuven is a must-visit city in Belgium for beer drinkers. Often referred to as the beer capital of Belgium, this lovely city east of Brussels is renowned for its breweries. It’s the official home of Stella Artois, which has been brewed in the city since 1366.

As if that wasn’t enough, Leuven is also home to the headquarters of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest beer brewer. Some of Leuven’s best places to drink beer include the Stella Artois Brewery, Baouzza City Garden, and Brewery De Coureur.

When you’re not drinking beer, lose yourself visiting the city’s most famous attractions. Highlights include Leuven Oude Markt, Groot Begijnhof Leuven, and the Town Hall of Leuven.

Travel Tips

Oude Markt: Spend an evening at the Oude Markt, known as the “longest bar in the world,” and hop between bars and cafes.
Brewery Tours: Plan a tour of the Stella Artois Brewery to learn about its history and brewing process. It lasts about 1.5 hours and includes tastings, so book in advance.

Namur

Namur, the capital of the Wallonia region, is popular with history buffs and romantic couples. Situated where the Meuse and Sambre rivers meet, it offers scenic river walks, historic attractions, and quaint streets with cafes and restaurants. The city’s relaxed atmosphere allows travelers to enjoy an authentic Belgian experience away from the crowds.

Start your day in Namur with a charming walk along the riverfront. Make sure you have a camera with you because there are plenty of scenic viewpoints to enjoy. Then, explore the city’s historic attractions. You must visit Citadelle de Namur, Église catholique Saint-Loup, and Musée Africain de Namur. Afterward, enjoy a river cruise to see the city from a different perspective.

Travel Tips

Visit the Citadel at Sunset: Plan your visit to the Citadelle de Namur during sunset for great views of the city and rivers.
Explore Local Cuisine: Try local specialties like Namur ham or Liège syrup.
Take a Bike Ride: Rent a bike for the paths along the Meuse River. You can stop at cute villages along the way.

Dinant

Dinant is one of the most underrated cities in Belgium. This hidden gem is jam-packed with fascinating things to see and do, and it’s also one of the most naturally beautiful places in Belgium.

Along the Meuse River, Dinant’s vibrant architecture is packed with verdant hills, creating a dreamy, postcard-perfect scene. The city’s best views can be enjoyed from Citadelle de Dinant, a 19th-century fort that stands proudly above the city center. You can reach the fort via a steep staircase or cable car.

Another scenic photo spot is Lettres Dinant. You can see the fortress, Dinant’s colorful buildings, and Notre Dame de Dinant from this point.

Travel Tips

Try Local Treats: Don’t miss the Couque de Dinant, a traditional hard biscuit that resembles gingerbread, available at local bakeries throughout the city.
Combine Tickets: Purchase an all-in ticket for the Citadel and a river cruise for a discount.
Parking: Park at the top of the Citadel for free; it offers easy access to the fortress and great views, and you can take the cable car down to the center.

Ypres

Ypres, in Western Belgium, is a must-visit city if you’re interested in the history of World War 1. This historic city is surrounded by the Ypres Salient Battlefields, where you’ll find war museums, memorials, and cemeteries.

You can also visit many fascinating buildings carefully reconstructed after the war, including the dramatic Sint-Maartenskathedraal. Besides its rich history, Ypres is also known for its family-friendly attractions. Bellewaerde Amusement Park and Aquapark, and the Sanctuary Wood Museum are all nearby.

Other must-see attractions in Ypres include the Yper Museum, Menin Gate, and Rijselpoort. Regarding food and drink, visit Marktcafé Les Halles. Here, you can buy everything from burgers and tapas to Flemish stew and hearty pies.

Travel Tips

Attend the Last Post Ceremony: Visit the Menin Gate at 8 PM sharp to witness the daily Last Post Ceremony, a tribute to Commonwealth soldiers held every evening since 1928 (except during World War II).