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Things to see in Belgium

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Belgium Attractions

When it comes to world-class attractions and exciting sightseeing options Belgium packs a mighty punch for a country of such modest proportions. Take your pick from the heavyweight attractions and cosmopolitan thrills of the capital city Brussels, to the medieval charms of Bruges, and the lesser known historical treasures of Ghent. In between, you'll find welcoming people, great food and Europe's finest beer and chocolates to keep you energised.

Belgium is a year round destination too, although the countryside does look its best during the summer months of April to October. The transport infrastructure is excellent, and that makes getting around a true pleasure.

This is not a country to see from the confines of a tour bus, however. You need to get out on foot and explore the cobbled streets framed by medieval buildings; spend an afternoon on Grand Place watching the world go by; rent a bicycle and ride into the countryside alongside a burbling canal. However you choose to explore the pleasures of Belgium, spend some time here and you'll be rewarded with one of Europe's most underrated and overachieving destinations!


Grand Place (Central Square)

The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels and has been since the Middle Ages. One of Europe's more beautiful squares, it lies in the centre of a confusion of small cobbled streets, and is surrounded by richly decorated 17th century Baroque Guildhouses,...  see full details



Mannekin-Pis

The distinctive statue has been described as the Eiffel Tower of Brussels and tourists throng the streets in search of the tiny urinating urchin. The bronze Mannekin is thought to represent the 'irreverent spirit' of Brussels, but there are numerous tales about its beginnings....  see full details



Hôtel de Ville

Brussels' city hall is rated as the most splendid civic building in Europe. The foundations were laid in 1402 and it survived the mercifully inaccurate bombing during World War 2 when most of the other buildings on the Grand Place were destroyed. The façade...  see full details



Galeries Royales Saint Hubert

Mall lovers everywhere should make a pilgrimage to the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, the very first shopping arcade in Europe. Opened in 1847, the arcade became a draw card for the cream of 19th century society and today continues to inspire shoppers and browsers...  see full details



Royal Museums of Fine Arts

An unmissable attraction for art lovers: the twin Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art are Brussels' premier art museums. They feature art from the 15th to 18th centuries (ancient) and 19th century to the present day (modern). The larger...  see full details



The Atomium

Forget the Mannekin Pis - this is the structure that best symbolises Brussels and certainly the one locals are more proud of. Built for the 1958 World Fair, the Atomium takes its shape and proportions from the internal lattice of an iron atom....  see full details



Belgian Centre of Comic Strip Art

Belgium's love of wacky humour and comic book art come together in this wonderful museum housed in a fabulous Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta. You'll see plenty of its most famous subject, Hergé's Tintin, as well as the Smurfs and art from...  see full details



Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate

The Chocolate Museum is a fitting tribute to both the history of the cocoa bean and the Belgian's famed love of chocolate. The first chocolatier in the city appeared in the 1600s and today Belgians eat an average of 9kg a year! Visit...  see full details



Royal Museum of Central Africa

Under the direction of King Leopold, the Belgian Congo returned fantastic riches to Belgium in the 19th century, yet the people of that colony paid a terrible price. This museum was founded to explore the relationship between European colonial powers and the people they...  see full details


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