Belgium City & Culture
Tourism Sites
Atomium
🧠 Fact: Built for Expo 58, this 102-meter-tall structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
💡 Tip: Book skip-the-line tickets in advance, especially during weekends.
Info - A symbol of post-war optimism, the Atomium is one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks. Originally built for the 1958 World Expo, it represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Visitors can explore its interconnected spheres, featuring exhibitions, futuristic walkways, and a panoramic restaurant offering stunning views over Brussels. It’s a unique blend of science, design, and retro-futuristic architecture.
BAM – Beaux-Arts Mons
🧠 Fact: The city's fine arts museum, hosting contemporary art exhibitions and collections
💡 Tip: Check the museum's schedule for temporary exhibitions and events.
Info -BAM, Mons’ leading contemporary art museum, hosts an impressive collection of modern and classic works. The museum regularly curates exhibitions by major international artists alongside local talents. Its sleek, contemporary design contrasts beautifully with the city’s historic surroundings. Visitors appreciate the thought-provoking installations, multimedia exhibits, and well-presented retrospectives. BAM is perfect for art lovers looking to explore Belgium’s contemporary creative scene in a fresh, dynamic space.
Bastogne War Museum
🧠 Fact: A comprehensive museum focusing on the Battle of the Bulge and World War II history.
💡 Tip: Combine your visit with the nearby Mardasson Memorial for a full historical experience.
Info - A powerful tribute to the Battle of the Bulge and World War II history, the Bastogne War Museum immerses visitors in the conflict through interactive exhibits and personal stories. Life-sized dioramas, audio guides, and original artifacts vividly portray the battle’s human and military impact, with the nearby Mardasson Memorial honoring fallen American soldiers.
Belfry of Bruges
🧠 Fact: The 83-meter medieval bell tower has 366 steps and offers panoramic city views.
💡 Tip: Go early to avoid the long queues and catch the bells ringing.
Info - The Belfry of Bruges is one of Belgium’s most iconic medieval towers, rising 83 meters above the Markt square. Dating back to the 13th century, it served as a watchtower and treasury for the city’s merchants. Climbing its 366 narrow steps rewards visitors with panoramic views over Bruges' fairytale-like rooftops and canals. Along the way, you can visit the old treasury room and admire the impressive carillon of 47 bells.
Belfry of Mons (Beffroi de Mons)
🧠 Fact:A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only Baroque-style belfry in Belgium, offering panoramic views of the city
💡 Tip:Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of Mons and its surroundings.
Info -A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Belfry of Mons stands proudly on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Built in the 17th century, it’s the only Baroque-style belfry in Belgium. Inside, exhibits detail its history and the importance of belfries in medieval civic life. Visitors can climb to the top for sweeping vistas and to see the original bells. It’s an iconic landmark that beautifully blends history with breathtaking scenery.
BelgiumSt. Bavo’s Cathedral & The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
🧠 Fact: Houses the world-famous Van Eyck altarpiece—one of the most stolen artworks in history.
💡 Tip: Reserve a timed ticket in advance for guaranteed viewing.
Info -This Gothic masterpiece is Ghent’s most important religious site, known for housing The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, one of the world’s most famous and valuable paintings, created by the Van Eyck brothers in 1432. The cathedral’s towering spire, stunning stained glass, and richly decorated chapels make it a must-visit for art, history, and architecture lovers.
Boat Tour on the Canals
🧠 Fact: Bruges is often called “The Venice of the North” due to its winding canals.
💡 Tip: Look for guided boat tours that also include history narration.
Info - A canal boat tour is a must in Bruges, offering a different perspective of the city’s medieval streets and hidden gardens. Gliding along the narrow waterways reveals secret courtyards, ancient bridges, and postcard-perfect scenes around every corner.
Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal)
🧠 Fact: This UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral is home to several of Rubens' masterpieces.
💡 Tip: Get a combo ticket that includes Rubens House for a full artistic experience.
Info - Dominating Antwerp’s skyline, the Cathedral of Our Lady is Belgium’s largest Gothic church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1352, and the cathedral houses stunning masterpieces by Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. Its soaring spire and intricate stonework make it an architectural marvel and a must-see in the city’s historic heart.
Château de Bouillon
🧠 Fact: A medieval castle offering panoramic views of the Semois Valley and interactive exhibits on its history.
💡 Tip: Attend the falconry show for an engaging experience.
Info - Perched on a rocky ridge above the Semois River, the medieval Château de Bouillon is one of Belgium’s oldest and most impressive castles. Dating back to the 8th century, it offers panoramic views of the valley and insight into feudal life. Visitors can explore dungeons, towers, and ramparts, and catch seasonal falconry displays in its inner courtyard.
Citadel of Dinant
🧠 Fact:: A fortress overlooking the Meuse River, offering historical exhibits and panoramic views.
💡 Tip: Take the cable car for a scenic ascent to the citadel.
Info -Perched high above the Meuse River, the Citadel of Dinant is an impressive fortress with sweeping views of the valley and town below. Originally built in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 19th, it played a key defensive role through various conflicts. Visitors can explore the barracks, dungeons, and artillery exhibits while enjoying panoramic terraces. The cable car ride up offers a scenic alternative to the 408-step climb. It’s a must-see for history lovers and photographers alike.
Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame
🧠 Fact: A 13th-century Gothic church known for its distinctive onion-shaped dome.
💡 Tip: Visit in the evening to see the church beautifully illuminated
Info - Dominating Dinant’s riverside skyline, the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame is known for its striking onion-shaped bell tower and Gothic architecture. Dating back to the 13th century, the church features beautiful stained glass windows and an atmosphere of quiet elegance. Inside, visitors admire religious artworks, centuries-old stonework, and the serene setting. Its dramatic position at the foot of a cliff adds to its photogenic appeal, making it one of Dinant’s most iconic landmarks.
Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru
🧠 Fact: A Gothic-style church housing a treasury of religious artifacts and sculptures.
💡 Tip: Don't miss the 16th-century alabaster statues by Jacques Du Broeucq.
Info - A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru dominates the Mons skyline. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, it features impressive stained glass windows, elaborate chapels, and a magnificent collection of religious art. The church is renowned for its Car d’Or, a golden ceremonial carriage paraded during the city’s famous Doudou Festival. History and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate its tranquil atmosphere, soaring arches, and intricate stone carvings.
Grand Place (Grote Markt)
🧠 Fact: This UNESCO-listed square is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.
💡 Tip: Visit at night when the buildings are lit up for a magical atmosphere.
Info - The Grand Place is Brussels' majestic central square and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by opulent 17th-century guildhalls and the striking Town Hall, it's considered one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. Whether you visit during the annual Flower Carpet event or on a regular evening when the facades are beautifully lit, the square’s atmosphere is unmatched. It’s the perfect starting point for sightseeing, dining, or simply soaking in the historic charm.
Grand Place de Mons
🧠 Fact: The central square of Mons, surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafés, serving as the city's social hub.
💡 Tip: Visit during the Doudou festival to experience local traditions and festivities
Info -The heart of Mons, Grand Place is a lively, cobbled square surrounded by charming cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the city’s atmosphere, especially during festivals and markets. The elegant Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) dominates the square, while nearby boutiques and bistros keep it bustling throughout the day and night. Visitors love sitting at one of the many terraces, people-watching, and admiring the beautiful mix of medieval and neoclassical architecture. It’s the city’s social and cultural heartbeat.
Graslei and Korenlei
🧠 Fact: These two medieval harbor streets are among the most picturesque in Europe.
💡 Tip: Take a boat tour from the river for a scenic view of the city.
Info - These picturesque streets along the River Leie are the most photographed spots in Ghent. Lined with beautifully restored medieval guild houses, the area once served as the city’s trade hub. Today, it’s a lively riverside promenade filled with cafés and bars, perfect for boat rides, sunset strolls, and soaking up Ghent’s old-world charm.
Gravensteen Castle
🧠 Fact: A 12th-century fortress complete with a torture museum and panoramic rooftop views.
💡 Tip: Don’t skip the audio tour—it’s full of humor and fascinating facts.
Info - Gravensteen Castle is a medieval fortress in the heart of Ghent, built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace. With its thick stone walls, imposing towers, and a deep moat, it’s one of Belgium’s best-preserved castles. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits on medieval weaponry, torture devices, and the history of the Counts of Flanders. Its rooftop offers sweeping views of the city’s old town.
Groot Begijnhof (Grand Beguinage)
🧠 Fact: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this well-preserved beguinage offers a glimpse into 13th-century communal living
💡 Tip: Walk through the cobblestone streets to appreciate the tranquil atmosphere.
Info - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this serene historical quarter was once home to religious laywomen known as beguines. The cobbled streets, quaint cottages, and peaceful courtyards feel like stepping back in time. It’s now part of KU Leuven University housing, yet still radiates medieval charm.
Grote Markt (Main Square)
🧠 Fact: The heart of Antwerp’s old town, with ornate guild houses and the City Hall.
💡 Tip: Visit at night when the buildings are beautifully illuminated.
Info - The beating heart of old Antwerp, the Grote Markt is lined with ornate 16th-century guildhalls, the grand City Hall, and lively café terraces. At its center stands the dramatic Brabo Fountain, which tells the legend of how Antwerp got its name. The square buzzes with atmosphere, especially during festivals and Christmas markets.
Het Anker Brewery
🧠 Fact: One of Belgium’s oldest breweries, dating back to 1369, known for its award-winning Gouden Carolus beers
💡 Tip: Book a guided tour to learn about the brewing process and enjoy a tasting session.
Info - One of Belgium’s oldest breweries, Het Anker has been crafting beers in Mechelen since the 15th century. Famous for its Gouden Carolus range, this family-run brewery offers guided tours through its historical brewhouse, cellars, and malt house, followed by tastings of rich, full-bodied ales. Its attached brasserie serves hearty Flemish dishes perfectly paired with their house beers
Kazerne Dossin Memorial
🧠 Fact: A poignant museum and memorial documenting the Holocaust and human rights, located in a former transit camp
💡 Tip: Allocate at least 2 hours to fully engage with the exhibits.
Info - A deeply moving museum and memorial, Kazerne Dossin tells the harrowing story of Belgian Jews and Roma deported during World War II. Through powerful exhibits, personal testimonies, and photos, it commemorates the victims and educates visitors on the dangers of intolerance and discrimination. The modern building stands beside the original barracks used during the Holocaust.
La Roche-en-Ardenne
🧠 Fact: A picturesque town known for its medieval castle ruins and outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.
💡 Tip: Visit the castle at night for a hauntingly beautiful illuminated view.
Info - Nestled in the heart of the Ardennes, La Roche-en-Ardenne charms with cobbled streets, riverside cafés, and the ruins of its medieval castle. Popular for outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and cycling, it’s also known for local folklore about the ghostly Countess Berthe said to haunt the castle ruins by moonlight.
Lake of Love (Minnewater)
🧠 Fact: Local legend says couples who walk over the bridge together will love each other forever.
💡 Tip: Visit during golden hour for the most romantic views and photos.
Info - Minnewater Park and its serene Lake of Love is one of Bruges’ most romantic spots. Surrounded by weeping willows and medieval bridges, it’s steeped in local legend, said to be named after the tragic love story of Minna and her warrior Stromberg. The peaceful park is perfect for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply escaping the city’s busy streets.
Leuven Town Hall (Stadhuis)
🧠 Fact: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture adorned with numerous statues and intricate details.
💡 Tip: Join a guided tour to learn about the building's history and symbolism.
Info - One of Belgium’s most ornate Gothic buildings, the Leuven Town Hall is a showstopper. Its intricate façade, covered with 236 statues of local figures and saints, is a masterpiece of 15th-century craftsmanship. Guided tours take you inside to admire its grand halls and learn about its rich civic history.
M – Museum Leuven
🧠 Fact: A modern museum showcasing a mix of contemporary and historical art.
💡 Tip: Visit the rooftop terrace for a panoramic view of the city.
Info - A modern art hub, M – Museum Leuven blends contemporary and historical works within its sleek, minimalist architecture. The museum’s dynamic exhibitions cover everything from medieval art to avant-garde installations. Its rooftop terrace also offers lovely views across the city skyline.
Maison Adolphe Sax
🧠 Fact: The birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, now a museum dedicated to his life and work.
💡 Tip: Look for the saxophone sculptures around the city as part of the Saxophone Route.
Info -Music lovers shouldn’t miss the Maison Adolphe Sax, a small museum celebrating the inventor of the saxophone, born here in 1814. This quirky, free-entry spot showcases saxophones through the ages and tells the story of Adolphe Sax’s life and inventions. It’s an engaging, quick stop right in Dinant’s center, perfect for both music enthusiasts and curious visitors who appreciate niche museums with a local connection.
Manneken Pis
🧠 Fact: This tiny peeing boy statue has over 1,000 different costumes.
💡 Tip: Check if it’s dressed up—holidays and events often bring special outfits.
Info - This cheeky bronze statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain has become a beloved symbol of Brussels. Though small in size, Manneken Pis carries a big reputation for humor and local pride. The statue often gets dressed in themed costumes throughout the year, with over 1,000 outfits housed at the nearby City Museum.
Market Square (Markt)
🧠 Fact: : This bustling central square has been the commercial heart of Bruges for centuries.
💡 Tip: Grab a hot chocolate and people-watch from one of the cafés around the square
Info - The bustling heart of Bruges, Market Square is surrounded by charming gabled buildings, colorful cafés, and historical landmarks. It has been the city’s commercial center since medieval times. Today, it hosts horse-drawn carriage rides, local markets, and open-air events. It’s an ideal starting point for exploring Bruges’ cobblestone streets and grabbing a Belgian waffle while admiring the centuries-old architecture.
Mons Memorial Museum
🧠 Fact: A museum dedicated to the military history of Mons, focusing on the two World Wars.
💡 Tip: Allocate at least 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and interactive displays.
Info -The Mons Memorial Museum offers a moving look into the city’s military past, focusing on both World Wars and local conflicts. Through personal stories, artifacts, and immersive displays, it highlights how Mons and its people experienced war. The museum is modern, thoughtful, and emotionally powerful, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Temporary exhibitions and interactive exhibits provide added depth, giving visitors insight into both personal and collective wartime experiences.
Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)
🧠 Fact: A striking riverside museum with exhibits on Antwerp's international and maritime history.
💡 Tip: Visit the rooftop (free entry) for one of the best panoramic views of the city.
Info - MAS is Antwerp’s iconic riverside museum, celebrating the city’s maritime, cultural, and trade history. Its striking modern architecture, stacked like shipping containers, stands out along the River Scheldt. Inside, exhibits range from world cultures to local folklore, while the rooftop terrace provides 360° panoramic views over Antwerp’s skyline and bustling port.
Old Market Square (Oude Markt)
🧠 Fact: Known as "the longest bar in the world" due to its numerous cafés and vibrant nightlife.
💡 Tip: Visit during the evening to experience the lively atmosphere.
Info - Nicknamed “the longest bar in the world,” Leuven’s Old Market Square is lined with dozens of lively cafés and bars. By day, it’s a picturesque square with beautiful guild houses. By night, it transforms into the city’s social hotspot, perfect for a Belgian beer or two with locals.
Port House (Havenhuis)
🧠 Fact: Designed by Zaha Hadid, this futuristic building sits atop a former fire station.
💡 Tip: Take a guided tour to explore the interior and learn about the port's history.
Info - A modern architectural icon designed by Zaha Hadid, the Port House fuses a historic fire station with a bold, glass-and-steel structure resembling a ship’s bow. Overlooking Antwerp’s port, it symbolizes the city’s maritime legacy and innovative spirit. While primarily an office building, its futuristic design is a popular stop for architecture enthusiasts.
Rozenhoedkaai Viewpoint
🧠 Fact: This iconic canal-side spot is the most photographed place in Bruges.
💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best light.
Info -Rozenhoedkaai is perhaps the most photographed location in Bruges. With its stunning view of medieval facades reflected in the water and the towering Belfry in the background, it captures the essence of the city’s canal-side beauty. It’s especially magical at sunset when the buildings glow in the fading light.
Semois Valley Hiking Trails
🧠 Fact: Offers numerous trails through forests, along rivers, and past charming villages.
💡 Tip: The trail from Bouillon to Frahan is particularly scenic and well-marked.
Info - Winding through dense forests, rocky outcrops, and river bends, the Semois Valley hiking trails showcase the Ardennes’ natural splendor. Popular routes like the Frahan viewpoint and Rochehaut offer dramatic vistas over quaint villages and meandering rivers, making this a paradise for walkers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
St. Peter’s Church (Sint-Pieterskerk)
🧠 Fact:A 15th-century church housing the renowned painting "The Last Supper" by Dieric Bouts.
💡 Tip: Check the opening hours in advance, as they may vary.
Info - Facing the Town Hall in the city’s central square, this UNESCO-listed church showcases Brabantine Gothic architecture at its finest. Inside, visitors find treasures like Dirk Bouts' The Last Supper, along with impressive vaulted ceilings and a beautiful oak pulpit. It’s a quiet, reflective place amid the city buzz.
St. Rumbold’s Tower (Sint-Romboutstoren)
🧠 Fact: Climb 538 steps to the skywalk for panoramic views over Mechelen and, on clear days, even Brussels and Antwerp
💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the sunrise.
Info - Standing tall over Mechelen, St. Rumbold’s Tower is an iconic Gothic belfry with panoramic views over the city and countryside. Visitors can climb its 538 steps to reach the Skywalk, where on a clear day you can spot Antwerp and even Brussels in the distance. The tower’s carillon of 49 bells often fills the air with traditional Belgian melodies.
STAM – Ghent City Museum
🧠 Fact: : Interactive exhibits trace Ghent’s urban history from the Middle Ages to the present.
💡 Tip: Don’t miss the giant aerial floor map of the city—you can walk across it.
Info - STAM offers a fascinating journey through Ghent’s history, from medieval times to modern day. Its impressive mix of old and new architecture houses interactive exhibits, artifacts, and a giant aerial map of the city floor visitors can walk across. It’s a great place to understand Ghent’s rich urban heritage in a contemporary setting.