When it comes to gorgeous cities and villages, Belgium, a small European country sometimes eclipsed by its bigger neighbors, is a secret treasure.
Tucked in the center of Western Europe, this nation boasts an incredible range of little towns with beauty and character that will enthrall visitors.
Though every city in Belgium is worth visiting, the best ones are those that can provide visitors a blend of history, culture, architecture, and activities. There are structures in Belgian cities that have been standing for almost a millennium.
Many of the most lovely towns and cities are so because of their great abundance of architecture and history.
List Of Top 10 Most Beautiful Cities In Belgium 2024
1. Antwerp
Long recognized as a busy commerce port and a hub for artists and crafters, the Dutch-speaking city of Antwerp has Just a block north is the elaborate Butcher’s Hall (Vleeshuis), and you may tour the Grand Place (Grote Markt) to view the medieval guild houses and the old Town Hall (Stadhuis). Not far away are more historic buildings with public collections: the Plantin-Moretus Museum and the Rubens’ House (Rubenshuis). Among Belgium’s top museums are Antwerp’s; the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) boasts an astonishing range of locally and internationally focused historical artifacts. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum Mayer van den Bergh concentrate on fine arts created by some of the most well-known local artists, including Van Dyck, Rubens, and Jordaens.
2. Ghent
Beautiful historic structures abound in the old city of Ghent, many of which are guild houses and markets situated alongside the Graseli Canal. Built about 1200, the Romanesque Koornstapelhuis is the oldest of these structures. Early in the 16th century, the House of the Masons (Gildehuis der Metselaars) and House of the Free Boatmen (Gildehuis der Vrije Schippers) were constructed; the Customs House (Tolhuisje) was completed in 1682. More exquisite examples abound along the Korenlei Canal, most of which originally housed rich city merchants as private residences. Beginning with the magnificent medieval construction erected in 1410, the Groot Vleeshuis ( Meat Market), Ghent’s Old Market Area sits adjacent to the canals. Two blocks away from the Vismarkt (Fish Market), constructed in 1689, sits the Korenmarkt (Wheat Market), head of an old market square now home to many cafés and restaurants next door. Not far away lies the historic Town Hall (Stadhuis), which is renowned for its mix of architectural styles from centuries of additions. Among the remarkable churches in the city are the Cathedral of St. Bavo (Sint-Baafskathedraal), which also records architectural styles including a Romanesque crypt, a 13th-century High Gothic choir, and a 16th-century late Gothic nave and tower.
3. Bruges
Among Belgian cities, if not worldwide, Bruges is one of my particular favorites. This fairy tale location appeals to guests with its elegant mediaeval appeal. Dubbed rightfully “the Venice of the North,” Bruges is clearly among Belgium’s most gorgeous cities. Imagine slow boat journeys along picturesque canals, ambles along cobblestone streets (stopping off at a chocolatiers or two), and raising your camera to capture image after image of stunning architecture.
Regretfully, that also means it attracts hordes of visitors; so, I advise careful planning of your vacation and excursions and, if at all possible, visiting during the shoulder seasons or off-peak. I would advise spending some time seeing Bruges’ historic center, which features sites including Quai du Rosaire, Church of our Lady (home of Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child) and Belfry.
4. Dinant
Dinant, in the province of Namur in Belgium, gives the quotation “Great things come in small packages” vitality. Unquestionably among the most beautiful cities in Belgium, this small jewel is located on the coast of River Meuse. With its magnificent castle and calm views of the countryside, it presents fierce competition for Belgian big cities. Of the famous sights in the city are the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Dinant and the strengthened Citadel of Dinant. The house of Adolphe Sax, the creator of Saxophone, is also somewhat well-known. Eat the Couque de Dinant, the toughest biscuit available in Europe, while discovering this city of birth.
5. Durbuy
With its history, terrain, and cobblestone streets, the smallest city in Belgium shocks its visitors greatly. This small city is worth seeing for its remarkable castles and monuments as well. Durbuy Castle is one of Belgium’s most exquisite and finest castles as well. Popular sites of this city are the Halle aux Blés and the natural Rocher de la Falize. Apart from historical landmarks, Durbuy is well-known for its choices for leisure outdoor sports.
6. Brussels
Brussels, the capital city, cannot be overlooked even while we discuss the most breathtaking sites in Belgium. Located in the center of Belgium, it features several architectural wonders including UNESCO world heritage sites. Among the well-known attractions are the Atomium and the bronze monument Manneken Pis as well as the Grand Palace. See all of the Brussels tours here. Brussels is the finest place to be if you define pleasure in chocolate, jazz, beer, comics, and shopping. With elegant retail arcades such as the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, this is a shopper’s heaven. To have their hands-on magnificent selections from well-known chain establishments, visitors also swarm the Rue Neuve shopping district. From the most mouthwatering waffles to energetic jazz performances and comic strip tours, the city has much to offer its guests.
7. Leuven
Beautiful Leuven, east of Brussels, is the ideal spot to relax among little sidewalk cafes and old buildings. Leuven is Belgium’s brewing hub, hence beer aficionados shouldn’t miss this city; Stella Artois is the most well-known beer made here. Leuven is a personal place worth seeing whether one choose to stay a few days or a day excursion from Brussels.
8. Liege
Liege, the biggest city in French-speaking Wallonia, draws tourists with its cuisine, old center and clos ness to Belgian countryside. The industrial façade of the city should not deter you; dig a bit further and you will discover a vibrant metropolis bursting with original sites. After ascending Montagne de Bueren in your most comfy shoes, treat yourself to a sugar-coated Liege waffle.
9. Bastogne
Near the border with Luxembourg, Bastogne is the site of thousands of deaths among soldiers in the Battle of the Bulge, sometimes referred to as the most fierce of World War II. One might study about this well-known conflict at the enlightening Bastogne War Museum. Along with the Mardasson Memorial and a Sherman Tank, you may tour the Wood of Peace—four thousand trees planted for the 50th anniversary of the fight in honor of American veterans.
10. Namur
Wallonia’s capital, Namur boasts especially fascinating architectural and historical legacy. Thanks to the renovations done over the previous few years, all of its several monuments from earlier centuries still seem their natural state. Definitely the most famous monument is the citadel. Among the biggest strongholds in Europe, this one stands Discovering the city on foot, you should pay close attention to the several structures all around. Since in Namur nature is never truly far away, a visit to the area also lets you explore the neighboring countryside.