10 Places in Belgium I think everyone should visit 

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Han-sur-Lesse

(pronounced: HAN sur LES)

Han-sur-Lesse was one of the biggest surprises of my trip to Belgium. I expected an interesting cave tour, but I wasn't expecting to be completely blown away by the scale of what was hidden beneath this tiny village.

The highlight for me was the underground boat ride. Drifting quietly along the river before rounding a corner into an enormous cavern was unforgettable. 

Even though I'd seen photos beforehand, nothing prepared me for just how vast the space felt. I found myself standing there in silence, just staring up into the darkness above.

After exploring the caves, I spent some time in the wildlife reserve, where I saw European bison, lynx, and wild boar roaming through the forests. It rounded out the day perfectly and gave me another reason to linger a little longer.

Han-sur-Lesse doesn't receive nearly as many international visitors as Belgium's famous cities, but I genuinely think it's one of the country's most memorable hidden gems.

How Han-sur-Lesse fits into your Belgium itinerary

Han-sur-Lesse works best as a day trip from Brussels or Namur, but it also fits naturally into an Ardennes road trip.

Tournai

(pronounced: TOOR-nay)

Tournai is one of those places that made me wonder why it isn't on more Belgium itineraries. It's actually Belgium's oldest city, yet it receives only a fraction of the visitors that flock to Bruges or Ghent.

The first thing that caught my attention was the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. From the outside, its five enormous towers completely dominate the skyline, and I've honestly never seen another cathedral quite like it in Northern Europe. 

Stepping inside was just as impressive, with a remarkably wide nave that somehow feels both grand and welcoming.

Beyond the cathedral, I enjoyed wandering through the Grand Place, climbing the city's medieval belfry, and strolling across the Pont des Trous over the Scheldt River. The whole city has a relaxed, lived-in atmosphere that I found incredibly refreshing.

If you're looking to experience a quieter, more authentic side of Belgium, I think Tournai deserves a spot on your itinerary.

How Tournai fits into your Belgium itinerary

Tournai makes an easy day trip from Brussels, but I also think it works well as a stop between Brussels and northern France.

If you enjoy medieval cities without the crowds, it's one of Belgium's most rewarding hidden gems.

Mechelen

(pronounced: MEK-eh-len)

For years, I passed through Mechelen on the train between Brussels and Antwerp without giving it a second thought. Then I finally decided to get off and explore, and now it's one of the places I recommend most often.

The city's skyline is dominated by St. Rumbold's Cathedral, whose tower was originally intended to become the tallest building in the world before the money ran out. 

Somehow, its unfinished appearance makes it even more memorable. If you climb to the top, you're rewarded with fantastic views across the rooftops of Mechelen.

One of my favorite memories was spending a summer evening in the Grote Markt, listening to a free carillon concert while enjoying a locally brewed Gouden Carolus beer. It felt wonderfully relaxed and far less touristy than many of Belgium's larger cities.

Mechelen may not be as famous as Bruges or Ghent, but I think that's exactly what makes it so special.

How Mechelen fits into your Belgium itinerary

Mechelen is the perfect stop between Brussels and Antwerp, only about 25 minutes from either city by train.

Even if you only have half a day, I think it's well worth hopping off the train to experience one of Belgium's most underrated cities.

Ypres

(pronounced: EE-per)

I came to Ypres expecting to learn more about World War I. I left feeling like I'd experienced something far more personal.

The first thing that stopped me in my tracks was the Cloth Hall. Rebuilt after the First World War almost exactly as it stood before its destruction, it's one of the most extraordinary buildings I've ever seen. 

In fact, I think it's the finest piece of Gothic architecture I've seen in person. Walking across the market square and seeing its enormous façade for the first time was unforgettable.

Inside the Cloth Hall, the In Flanders Fields Museum tells the story of the war with incredible care and humanity. Then, as evening approaches, make your way to the Menin Gate for the Last Post ceremony. Standing in complete silence beneath the thousands of names carved into the stone is something I'll never forget.

Ypres isn't just a history lesson. It's a place that stays with you long after you've left.

How Ypres fits into your Belgium itinerary

Ypres is best visited as an overnight stop or a full-day trip from Bruges or Ghent.

Spa

(pronounced: SPAH)

Spa is one of those places that lives up to its name. After all, this is where the word "spa" actually comes from.

The highlight of my visit was spending several hours at the Thermes de Spa. 

We moved back and forth between the indoor and outdoor thermal pools, relaxing in the warm mineral water while looking out over the Ardennes forests. We also made full use of the saunas, steam rooms, and other wellness facilities, and by the time we left, I felt completely recharged. It's one of my favorite spa experiences anywhere in Europe.

If you're interested in motorsport, the famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is only a short drive away and makes a fantastic addition to the day. Even without Formula 1 on the schedule, it's an incredible place to visit.

The town itself has a relaxed elegance with historic buildings, leafy streets, and a slower pace that makes it easy to unwind for a day or two.

How Spa fits into your Belgium itinerary

Spa works well as an overnight stop while exploring the Ardennes or as a relaxing escape from Brussels or Liège.

I recommend spending at least one night here so you can fully enjoy the thermal baths without feeling rushed.

Dinant

(pronounced: dee-NAHN)

Dinant gave me one of my favorite first impressions anywhere in Belgium. 

Instead of arriving by car or train, I rented a kayak upstream in Anseremme and paddled down the Meuse River. 

As I rounded the final bend, the entire town suddenly came into view, with its dramatic citadel perched high on the cliffs, the distinctive Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame below, and their reflections shimmering on the water. It was one of those travel moments I'll never forget.

After exploring the riverfront, I took the cable car up to the citadel for incredible views across the Meuse Valley. 

I also loved discovering that Dinant is the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. The colorful saxophone sculptures lining the waterfront and the small museum dedicated to his life give the town a fun personality that I wasn't expecting.

Dinant is beautiful from every angle, but arriving by river made it feel even more special.

How Dinant fits into your Belgium itinerary

Dinant makes an excellent full-day trip from Brussels or Namur, but I think it's even better as part of a road trip through the Ardennes.

Antwerp

(pronounced: ANT-werp)

Antwerp quickly became one of my favorite cities in Belgium. It has all the history and beautiful architecture you'd expect, but it also feels modern, creative, and full of energy. 

If I had to choose between spending extra time here or in Brussels, I'd choose Antwerp every time.

The highlight for me was the Cathedral of Our Lady. Seeing Rubens' The Descent from the Cross hanging in the cathedral where it was originally created was an incredible experience. 

I'd seen reproductions before, but standing in front of the real painting, surrounded by the architecture it was designed for, gave me a whole new appreciation for his work.

I also loved wandering through the city's fashion district. Antwerp has a reputation as one of Europe's fashion capitals, and you can really feel that creative spirit as you explore the boutiques, cafés, and stylish streets around Nationalestraat. 

Add in the Rubens House, the impressive Grote Markt, and the lively waterfront around the MAS Museum, and there's more than enough to fill a couple of days.

What really stood out to me, though, was the atmosphere. Antwerp feels confident without trying too hard. It's compact enough to explore on foot, packed with fantastic restaurants and bars, and has a personality that's completely different from anywhere else in Belgium.

How Antwerp fits into your Belgium itinerary

Antwerp is an essential stop on any Belgium itinerary and is easily reached from Brussels in under an hour by train.

I recommend spending at least two nights here, either before heading to Ghent and Bruges or after exploring Belgium's smaller cities.

Brussels

(pronounced: BRUS-elz)

I think Brussels gets a bad reputation that's completely undeserved. A lot of people see it as little more than the headquarters of the European Union, but once I started exploring beyond the government buildings, I discovered one of Europe's most interesting capitals.

The Grand Place was the moment that completely changed my opinion of the city. I made a point of visiting after dark when the crowds had thinned, and seeing the gold-covered guild houses illuminated against the night sky was unforgettable. 

I could immediately understand why Victor Hugo described it as one of the most beautiful squares in the world.

Beyond the historic center, I loved discovering a different side of Brussels. The Magritte Museum gave me a much deeper appreciation for one of Belgium's greatest artists, while the Horta Museum is one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture I've ever visited. 

I also enjoyed wandering through Saint-Gilles, where beautiful townhouses, neighborhood cafés, and local markets made the city feel much more authentic than I'd expected.

Brussels surprised me in the best possible way. It's a city that rewards slowing down and exploring beyond the famous landmarks.

How Brussels fits into your Belgium itinerary

Brussels is the perfect place to begin or end your Belgium itinerary thanks to its excellent international rail and flight connections.

I recommend spending at least two nights here before continuing on to Antwerp, Ghent, or Bruges.

Ghent

(pronounced: GHENT)

Ghent is probably the Belgian city I've recommended more than any other. Every time I talk to Belgians, they tell me the same thing: don't just visit Bruges, make sure you spend time in Ghent too. After visiting, I completely understand why.

It has everything people love about Bruges, including beautiful canals, medieval streets, and stunning historic buildings, but it feels much more like a real city than an open-air museum.

Students fill the cafés, locals cycle through the streets, and there's an energy here that makes it easy to imagine living in the city rather than simply sightseeing.

One of the biggest highlights for me was seeing the Ghent Altarpiece inside St. Bavo's Cathedral. I'd seen countless photos beforehand, but none of them prepared me for the level of detail in person. It's easily one of the most remarkable works of art I've ever seen. 

I also loved exploring Gravensteen Castle, which somehow looks perfectly at home sitting right in the middle of the city.

By the evening, I found myself strolling along the Graslei waterfront before wandering into the Patershol district for dinner. It was one of those evenings where everything just came together, and it's exactly why Ghent remains one of my favorite cities in Belgium.

How Ghent fits into your Belgium itinerary

I think Ghent is the perfect base for exploring Flanders. Spend two nights here and take an easy day trip to Bruges, then continue on to Antwerp or Brussels.

Bruges

(pronounced: BROOZH)

Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited. It's easy to see why it's Belgium's most famous destination, but I also understand why some people leave feeling underwhelmed. 

If you only experience Bruges at midday in the middle of summer, you're sharing it with thousands of other visitors.

The magic happens when the crowds disappear.

One winter morning, I was out just after sunrise, and it felt like I had the city entirely to myself. The canals were perfectly still, a light mist drifted across the water, and the only sounds were church bells and the occasional swan gliding past. It genuinely felt like I'd stepped inside a Flemish painting.

Beyond the postcard views, Bruges has incredible history. Climbing the Belfry rewarded me with sweeping views across the city's rooftops, while the Groeninge Museum introduced me to masterpieces by Jan van Eyck and other Flemish masters that I could have spent hours admiring. 

Every narrow street, canal, and hidden courtyard seemed to reveal another picture-perfect scene.

Yes, Bruges can be busy, but beneath the crowds is one of Europe's most extraordinary medieval cities. If you give yourself enough time to experience it early in the morning and again after many visitors have gone home, I think you'll understand why it's one of my favorite places in Belgium.

How Bruges fits into your Belgium itinerary

Bruges is an essential stop on any Belgium itinerary and pairs perfectly with Ghent.

The Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg are perfect to explore together.

Thanks to their compact size, excellent road and rail networks, and rich variety of historic cities, castles, countryside, and charming towns, you can experience all three countries in a relatively short trip.

Here's the route I'd personally recommend if it's your first visit.

Netherlands, Belgium & Luxembourg Itinerary: 10 Days

Why this route? This 10-day Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg itinerary combines the very best of the Benelux region without feeling rushed. You'll experience Amsterdam's canals and world-class museums, the medieval streets of Bruges and Ghent, the history and vibrant culture of Brussels, and the castles, forests, and dramatic scenery of Luxembourg.

*Driving gives you the greatest flexibility for exploring smaller towns and the countryside, especially in Belgium and Luxembourg, but this itinerary also works exceptionally well by train, with fast and frequent connections between nearly every major destination.

Why Belgium deserves more than just a weekend

Before my first trip, I thought Belgium was somewhere you visited for a couple of days to see Brussels and Bruges before moving on.

After exploring more of the country, I realized how much I'd been missing.

Beyond the famous medieval cities, I discovered dramatic river valleys, peaceful Ardennes forests, world-class art, beautiful Gothic architecture, relaxing thermal spas, and charming towns that barely appear in most travel guides. 

Every region has its own personality, from the Dutch-speaking cities of Flanders to the rolling landscapes of Wallonia.

If it's your first visit, don't feel like you need to see all 10 destinations. Some travelers will come for the history and architecture, while others will fall in love with Belgium's food, beer, art, or beautiful countryside.

FAQs about traveling to Belgium

Ready to explore Belgium? Optimise Travel is here to help

Belgium may be a relatively small country, but planning the perfect itinerary isn't as simple as it first appears.

At Optimise Travel, we create personalized travel itineraries based on your interests, travel style, and budget. Whether you're dreaming of exploring storybook cities, sampling world-famous beer and chocolate, discovering incredible art and architecture, hiking through the Ardennes, or uncovering Belgium's fascinating history, we'll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.

If you'd like help planning your trip to Belgium, click here to learn more about our concierge travel services.