Branching out to try some traditional Belgian foods is one of the top things to do in Brussels. Cantillon is one of them, and beer doesn’t get more Bruxellois than this – its specialities, gueuze and kriek, can only be brewed in this area, and though their sour flavour might take some getting used to, it’s a real taste of the capital. Visit the Fine Arts Museum to watch experts painstakingly restoring sections of the work, before getting the bigger picture at Sint-Baaf’s cathedral. has an outstanding collection of old masters and contemporary art – but stay for the nightlife. The land here is boggy and criss-crossed with boardwalks, and the park is a wild, faintly eerie place where at times you can walk for miles without seeing another soul (just be sure to take a map). Discover life in medieval Ghent at Gravensteen. From the Art Nouveau splendour of Brussels to Flanders’ medieval cities and the rolling hills of Wallonia, there are so many things to do in Belgium, a small but perfectly formed country that is crying out to be explored. The Pierre le Grand spring in the centre of town pumps out thousands of litres of mineral-rich sparkling water every day; ride the cable car up the hillside to soak in a copper bath of the stuff at the modern Thermes de Spa, or laze in the outdoor pool with a view of the surrounding valley. View the latest Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) stock price, news, historical charts, analyst ratings and financial information from WSJ. The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the king and queen of Belgium and is... 2. Something of an institution in the city of Brussels, the Cafe Belga is hugely popular with locals, expats and tourists alike. Its medieval houses, cobbled lanes, charming cloisters and meandering canals add up to a must-see city that’s easily explored in a day or two. On this blog, we share travel inspiration and planning information so that you can go on a worry-free trip. Click here to find the best flights for your trip. In summer, explore the town’s darker side with a torchlit night-time tour of the castle’s dungeon and torture chambers. 6. Dreamed up by an architect with a love for travel and mystery, the inventive accommodation includes a treehouse, a caravan and a Gaudi-inspired suite with hot tub and sauna. Cycling is an obsession in Flanders, the flat, northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. We have reviews of the best places to see in Belgium. Click here for timetables and train prices. Not only is it an excuse for a week-long letting-off of steam, with elaborate outfits and centuries-old rituals, it’s an important part of local cultural identity. Walk in Colin Farrell's footsteps in Bruges, 13. Aside from the farms, notable sights include the Val Dieu Abbey and brewery and the pretty villages of Aubel and Clermont. Begin at the In Flanders Fields museum, where the battles are brought vividly back to life, and don’t miss the moving Last Post ceremony held every evening at the Menin Gate. You can also get around by car following the tiny country roads. Climbing the 366 winding and narrow steps of the belfry is one of the most popular things to do for tourists in Belgium. A collaboration with the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. , or laze in the outdoor pool with a view of the surrounding valley. Cycling is an obsession in Flanders, the flat, northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. , where you can harvest your own raspberries and pick up farm-fresh jams and liqueurs. This city has a fusion of multicultural backgrounds and people from everywhere have prioritized it on their top places to visit in Belgiumin winter list. We have reviews of the best places to see in Belgium. See 112 Experiences. Dinant is located in Belgium and entry to the country is visa-free for European Union passport holders. Painted by the Van Eyck brothers in the fifteenth century, the 18-panel work is one of the great European masterpieces – and one of the most frequently stolen. The brewery itself is open to curious visitors, and you can sip brews in the cosy bar afterwards. , a Michelin-starred address atop the riverside MAS museum. Site by Ready to Blog Designs. Built for the 1958 World’s Fair, the giant. 5. 5. Get acquainted with Belgium's mining history, 17. Once a month, chefs take visitors on a tour of the site before cooking and eating their fresh produce together. Brussels has an excellent choice of markets—from the crowded, functional Gare du Midi on Sundays to the eclectic Marolles flea market or the chichi Chatelain affair every Wednesday evening. Playing a 21st-century Willy Wonka, one of Belgium’s foremost chocolatiers has turned his modern factory into a superb interactive museum experience. In the summer of 2019, the conversion of an old Citroën showroom will open as Brussels’ brand-new Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art; in the meantime it’s open to visitors in its raw, undeveloped state, hosting art and architecture exhibitions, installations and new creations by local artists. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. When you’re done reading, head out on horseback through the surrounding countryside or visit the Framboiserie, where you can harvest your own raspberries and pick up farm-fresh jams and liqueurs. The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Normandy, France - February 5, 2019 The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurants in Brussels, Belgium - January 11, 2019 We are Canadians, Alison & Andrew, and we are slow travelling the world – with our cats. Get naked in the North Sea. Expect to be moved when visiting this city that played such an important role in the First World War and saw the loss of a generation of soldiers during the fierce battles that took place here and in the surrounding areas. The brewery itself is open to curious visitors, and you can sip brews in the cosy bar afterwards. There’s no such thing as off the beaten track here, but follow Potterierei north along the canal for a bit of respite from the crowds, then tour the brewery at. This ancient forest has beautiful old oaks, and smooth, well – marked routes that criss-cross through the dense beech trees. Image Source The capital city of Belgium, due to its own cultural and heritage vibes is the first place to visit while your trip to Belgium. Housed in a former slaughterhouse, it’s a riot of fruit, spices, fish, flowers and more. is part of ongoing efforts to smarten up the canal district of the capital. Thanks for subscribing! Deep beneath the Walloon countryside is the Grotte de Han, a major cave complex made up of spectacular galleries, chambers, stalactites and an underground river. In the cathedral city of Mechelen, a short train ride from Brussels. Top Attractions in Belgium. Done something on this list and loved it? The Belgians are serious about Carnival, the festival that brings many towns grinding to a halt for several days. Brussels isn’t overly blessed with must-see landmarks, but the Grand Place is definitely one of them: lined on four sides by majestic guildhouses and approached by narrow cobbled lanes, it’s a medieval masterpiece. Dreamed up by an architect with a love for travel and mystery, the inventive accommodation includes a treehouse, a caravan and a Gaudi-inspired suite with hot tub and sauna. without having to rush so you make the most of your visit to this enchanting city.. 1. The daddy, however, is the sprawling Abattoir alongside the canal. Cafe Belga. Enjoy a Belgian Waffle. Most people associate Belgium with waffles, frites, and beer. Make like a local on an early-morning bike ride that starts and ends at the Westmalle brewery, where the Trappist monks have been living, praying and brewing their eponymous beer in contemplative silence for centuries. Brussels has an excellent choice of markets—from the crowded, functional Gare du Midi on Sundays to the eclectic Marolles flea market or the chichi Chatelain affair every Wednesday evening. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bruges 3. Enjoy a delicious introduction to Belgium’s chocolate-making traditions on this tasting tour of Brussels. Great Barrier Reef tours: all you need to know + review, Where to stay in Yellowstone National Park. But, the thing that makes Belgium, ‘Belgium’ is its happening culture, mind-blowing music love, surreal landscapes, and a never-ending list of atypical gems. 3. Its annual Book Night brings visitors from far and wide for calligraphy workshops and author talks, but it’s a must-visit for book-lovers throughout the year. 10 memorable things to do in Ghent, the gem of Belgium. Antwerpen-Centraal. Be sure to visit at least twice, once during the day and once in the evening when the surrounding buildings are illuminated. Brave the crowds at Knokke, Blankenberge and Ostend, let it all hang out at Bredene’s nudist beach, or have a breather at the Zwin nature reserve. The cobbled lanes and canals linking the market squares are so picture perfect that you may find it difficult to put your camera away and absorb the beauty for yourself. Eat some of the tasty Belgian Chocolate. Happy Day Art & Live. 4. A short metro ride from the city, it’s unlike anything else you’ll see on your travels and is well worth a look even if you don’t shell out on a ticket to see the exhibitions hosted in its silver spheres. Add Royal Greenhouses of Laeken to a New List. Take a boat ride on the canal to get up close and personal with its history, or take a horse and carriage ride- its a beautiful city to explore! A canal cruise in Bruges. With rooms christened Monk’s Despair and Legend of the Trolls, you know straight away that Balade des Gnomes isn’t going to be your standard holiday home. Belgium is the absolute number 1 when it comes to craft ... 2. Source: Marc Venema / shutterstock. The lakeside Frit Flagey is a scenic spot to stroll as your arteries slowly harden, or you can tuck into your fries from Maison Antoine on the terraces of the surrounding bars. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Meet your group directly at the city’s famous Grand Place, and venture to an array of Brussels’ beloved chocolate shops. Attend a music festival (but not this year + an alternative), 9. Belgian Beers. The French influence is evident in Belgium’s food, with more Michelin stars per head than just about anywhere in Europe and a flourishing vegan scene in cities like Ghent. The city museum here is free on the first Sunday of the month and worth ducking into. Quench your thirst on the terrace of the Café Trappisten once you’ve complete the, is overrun with tourists, but with good reason: it’s stunning. Ghent is home to one of the world’s earliest oil paintings: , also known as the Ghent Altarpiece. Its annual Book Night brings visitors from far and wide for calligraphy workshops and author talks, but it’s a must-visit for book-lovers throughout the year. I realize a waffle isn't the most nutritious breakfast,... 2. 25 Top Things To Do In Belgium 1. For the better part of the Great War, allied troops found themselves buried in a gruesome trench-war stalemate in the fields surrounding Ypres, in the Flemish part of Belgium. 25 Best Things to Do in Belgium. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world. 20 delicious and fun things to do in Belgium in 2020 1. Atomium is a 335-foot-tall building in Brussels that was built on the occasion of … This place is separately known for its food, chocolates, waf… Ghent is home to one of the world’s earliest oil paintings: The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, also known as the Ghent Altarpiece. Brave the crowds at Knokke, Blankenberge and Ostend, let it all hang out at Bredene’s nudist beach, or have a breather at the. Here, we have hand-picked the most fascinating things to do in Belgium for you. A stone’s throw from the German border you’ll find Spa, the original spa town known for its healing thermal waters. is a chilling reminder of a dark chapter in European history. is the place to catch international acts as well as up-and-coming local bands, while M hosts a rooftop cocktail bar throughout the summer. Find what to do today, this weekend or in December. Through haunting exhibitions and personal Holocaust testimonies, the museum stands as a memorial to the victims while exploring wider issues of human rights and mass violence. Brussels, Belgium. With a name that translates into English as "Lake of Love," you might be tempted to dismiss... St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal). If you’re a history buff, this is certainly one of the top things to do in Belgium. Its medieval houses, cobbled lanes, charming cloisters and meandering canals add up to a must-see city that’s easily explored in a day or two. Taste the wide variety of craft beers. Royal Palace of Brussels. The Blue Forest. You can also arrive in Dinant via roadways from Luxembourg or France. Déjà vu! 25 Best Things to Do in Belgium 1. Het Depot is the place to catch international acts as well as up-and-coming local bands, while M hosts a rooftop cocktail bar throughout the summer. Antwerp and fashion have been synonymous since the 1980s, when six local designers took London Fashion Week by storm. 3. Visit the beautifully renovated Festival Hall, check out the designer boutiques, then splash out on dinner with a view at. Once a month, chefs take visitors on a tour of the site before cooking and eating their fresh produce together. The western corner of Belgium will forever be remembered as the bloodiest theatre of World War I. Grand Place. The Pierre le Grand spring in the centre of town pumps out thousands of litres of mineral-rich sparkling water every day; ride the cable car up the hillside to soak in a copper bath of the stuff at. Discover the best top things to do in The Ardennes including Château de Bouillon, Bastogne War Museum, Blégny Mine. Painted by the Van Eyck brothers in the fifteenth century, the 18-panel work is one of the great European masterpieces – and one of the most frequently stolen. There are more castles per square kilometer in Belgium than there are in any other country in the... 3. This must be Belgium’s most magical place to spend the night; the on-site restaurant is equally creative in both design and menu. Museums. Quench your thirst on the terrace of the Café Trappisten once you’ve complete the scenic 44km circuit. Come for the culture – the intricate facade of the town hall is a masterpiece of Gothic craftsmanship, while Museum M has an outstanding collection of old masters and contemporary art – but stay for the nightlife. Ghent City Center. Belgium’s short North Sea coast is charming. Try another? check out the posts I wrote about my home country. Housed in a former slaughterhouse, it’s a riot of fruit, spices, fish, flowers and more. Its design represents an iron crystal multiplied several billion times, to signify the post-war faith in science and progress. It’s ideal for active travellers, with great hiking trails, water sports and (outside Brussels, at least) excellent cycle infrastructure. Watch a folkloristic parade (but not this year + an alternative), 11. 2. An ironic urban safari takes you to the places other tours gloss over: slagheaps, abandoned factories, burnt-out cars and the tracks of a deserted metro station, but the city’s smart Photo Museum in a converted convent is one of many spots demonstrating that things are moving in the right direction. This may top the list of things to do in Belgium, so it’s a must-see! Spend the day in the living museum that is Bruges. Looking for the things to do in Belgium? Some 40 kilometres of trail pass through the Herve region and exploring it by bike is one the best things to do in Belgium’s countryside. 15 Best Things to Do in Ghent (Belgium) 15 Best Things to Do in Ghent (Belgium) Locals and tourists alike love Ghent. General Travel Tips (Things to do in Dinant Belgium) As mentioned earlier in the article, the nearest airport to Dinant is located in Brussels Belgium. 4. Find what to do today or anytime in November. It’s part of a Unesco-recognised wildlife domain with some offbeat accommodation: spend the night in the trapper’s log cabin and you’ll get dinner, drinks and a chance to give the park’s bears their breakfast the next morning. Find what to do today, this weekend or in December. But Belgian food goes beyond these snacks and sips to some really delicious specialties. how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world. wetland nature reserve contains the highest point in Belgium, at a scratch under 700 metres above sea level. And there’s good reason for that—they’re everywhere, and they’re excellent. Brussels has a lot to offer to its visitor’s along with the best cultural architecture and modern art. takes you to the places other tours gloss over: slagheaps, abandoned factories, burnt-out cars and the tracks of a deserted metro station, but the city’s smart. We already have this email. It’s rich pickings for nature-lovers, too: keep your eyes peeled for wild boar, roe deer, hen harriers and black grouse. One of the best things to do in Brussels in a day is exploring an expansive green forest, the Sonian forest on two wheelers. Antwerp and fashion have been synonymous since the 1980s, when six local designers took London Fashion Week by storm. Bruges is overrun with tourists, but with good reason: it’s stunning. Beer is a way of life in Belgium, but only a handful of breweries remain in Brussels. There is … A stone’s throw from the German border you’ll find Spa, the original spa town known for its healing thermal waters. Home to Europe’s oldest Catholic university, Leuven is Belgium’s answer to Oxford. Visit a castle. is one of them, and beer doesn’t get more Bruxellois than this – its specialities, gueuze and kriek, can only be brewed in this area, and though their sour flavour might take some getting used to, it’s a real taste of the capital. Climb to the highest point of Belgium. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. It’s part of a Unesco-recognised wildlife domain with some offbeat accommodation: spend the night in the trapper’s log cabin and you’ll get dinner, drinks and a chance to give the park’s bears their breakfast the next morning. Grand Place. Visit the Fine Arts Museum to watch experts painstakingly restoring sections of the work, before getting the bigger picture at Sint-Baaf’s cathedral. While others hike its hilly streets to enjoy the panorama from on high, you’ll get a different perspective from a paddle board along the meandering Semois river. Make like a local on an early-morning bike ride that starts and ends at the Westmalle brewery, where the Trappist monks have been living, praying and brewing their eponymous beer in contemplative silence for centuries. You can't start the year hungry, now can you? . View a carefully curated list of activities and attractions brought to you by Travel + Leisure. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. When you’re done reading, head out on horseback through the surrounding countryside or visit the. Heads up! 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