Belgium is a country that is often skipped or used as a stop between other major European cities, such as Paris and Amsterdam. I’m here to convince you that cities in Belgium are worth visiting, too.
Belgium has so much to offer, so it would be a shame to ignore its existence when building a European travel itinerary. We have it all: food that makes your mouth water, beers that have been brewed since the Middle Ages, ancient castles and cobbled streets in medieval cities.
Still wondering why this country is worth exploring? Let me go over some of my favourite cities in Belgium and convince you too.
Skip ahead with these links:
- Major cities in Belgium
- Belgian cities to enjoy nature
- Historical cities in Belgium
- Belgian hidden gems
- Seaside cities in Belgium
Major cities in Belgium worth a visit
Brussels
- Things you can’t miss: Grand-Place, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, comic strip walk, Royal Museum of Fine Arts
- How to get there from Brussels: Well, look around you.
How could I start an article about the best Belgian cities and not mention the big B?
Brussels is Belgium’s capital, and if there’s one Belgian city travellers flock to by the thousands, it’s this one.
And there are some good reasons to add Brussels to your Belgian itinerary. Stunning Art Nouveau architecture, impressive museums and a groovy jazz scene are just a few of the things that might convince you.
Ghent
- Things you can’t miss: Graslei, Ghent Festivities, Patershol, Portus Ganda, Ghent Altarpiece
- How to get there from Brussels: Take any IC train bound for Ostend, Bruges or Ghent and get off at Gent-Sint-Pieters. (35 minutes)
Among locals, Ghent is mostly known as one of the major student cities in Belgium. But it’s actually much more than that.
Ghent is vibrant, quirky and welcoming to foreigners. It’s budget-friendly, eco-friendly and child-friendly. Ghent spans the bridge between historical and contemporary, and it does that better than any other city I’ve been to.
And no, I’m not overselling the city. I love Ghent with all my heart, and I would recommend it to everyone who hasn’t been to Belgium yet. (And even to people who have visited Belgium in the past!)
Read more: Ghent City Guide, As Told By A Local
Antwerp
- Things you can’t miss: Grote Markt, Museum aan de Stroom, Cathedral of Our Lady, Ruien
- How to get there from Brussels: Take any IC train bound for Antwerpen-Centraal. (45 minutes)
As Belgium’s second-biggest city, Antwerp is still too often overlooked by travellers. And that’s a pity.
Antwerp is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the Belgian capital of cool. The city is filled to the brim with trendy clubs, unique restaurants, authentic vinyl record shops, interesting museums, and more.
As if that wasn’t enough, strolling through Antwerp is also a treat for architecture lovers. The central station is one of the world’s most revered railway stations and the gems of Art Nouveau, Jugendstil and Neo-Classicism can be found all over the city centre.
Oh, and did I mention that Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world?
Read more: Best Restaurants in Antwerp: The Ultimate Foodie Guide
Charleroi
- Things you can’t miss: Museum of Fine Arts, Bois du Cazier, Charleroi Belfry, walk along the canal
- How to get there from Brussels: Take any IC train bound for Charleroi-Sud. (1 hour)
Another city that is often overlooked by people from outside of Belgium, and even by people who were born here.
Admittedly, there won’t be as many things to do in Charleroi as in other Belgian cities, such as Bruges and Ghent, but what the city lacks in activities, it more than makes up for in character and history.
If you want to venture even further off the beaten path, go for a walk along the city’s canal and discover Charleroi’s history through its (often abandoned) industrial buildings.
Liège
- Things you can’t miss: Bueren Mountain, St. Paul Cathedral (don’t miss the Lucifer of Liège!), Fort de la Chartreuse, La Boverie, Liège-Guillemins Railway Station
- How to get there from Brussels: Take any IC train bound for Welkenraedt, Eupen or Liège-Guillemins and get off at Liège-Guillemins. (1 hour)
Although it is considered one of Belgium’s major cities, you might have never even heard of it if you’re not from around here.
So, when you’re wondering which cities to visit in Belgium, you probably weren’t considering Liège. But you should be.
Liège (or Luik in Dutch) is one of the cultural hotspots of Belgium. There’s a great opera building, a critically acclaimed philharmonic orchestra and countless events highlighting photography, poetry, music and other art forms.
This city is the place to be to discover how different cultures have influenced major Belgian cities in an authentic setting, without thousands of tourists around you.
Best cities in Belgium to enjoy nature
Durbuy
- Things you can’t miss: Walk through the historic city centre, Adventure Valley (with children), Maize Maze, Topiary Park
- How to get there from Brussels: Take the IC train bound for Aarlen and get off at Marloie. Transfer to the L train bound for Liers and get off at Barvaux. From Barvaux Gare bus stop, take bus 11a bound for Borlon Centre and get off at Durbuy Pont. (about 3 hours)
Just because Durbuy is the smallest city in the world doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. On the contrary: if you explore Durbuy, you’ll find yourself wandering along an inviting labyrinth of winding cobbled streets that will transport you back in time a few hundred years.
As the city is located in the forest of Belgium’s French-speaking region, Wallonia, there are plenty of adventurous activities to try out in and around Durbuy.
Mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, caving, … If you can dream it, you can probably do it in Durbuy.
Spa
- Things you can’t miss: Domaine de Berinzenne, Casino de Spa, Thermes de Spa, Francorchamps open-air karting
- How to get there from Brussels: Take any IC train bound for Eupen and get off at Verviers-Central. Transfer to the L train bound for Spa-Géronstère and get off at Spa. (2 hours)
Even if you didn’t know this was a town in the Belgian Ardenne region, Spa is definitely a word you’re familiar with.
The world’s original spa resort could be found here. It was so popular that Spa became the generic term in English used to describe hydrotherapy.
But Spa is more than a glorified wellness town. Just outside the city centre, you can take a walk in nature reserves, you can go open-air karting and you can visit the oldest casino in Europe.
Best historical cities in Belgium
Leuven
- Things you can’t miss: Stella Artois brewery, Christmas markets, nightlife, Great Market Square
- How to get there from Brussels: Take any IC train bound for Liège-Guillemins, Eupen, Welkenraedt, Genk or Landen and get off at Leuven. (25 minutes)
There’s so much to say about Leuven that I already know I’m going to struggle fitting it all in this small text, but I’ll try.
Leuven is one of Belgium’s main university cities. But it’s much more than that: Leuven has a medieval history, fascinating landmarks, a unique atmosphere and many places that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage.
Delve into the city’s student culture by having a beer at the Oude Markt, drinking coffee and eating biscuits at the university hall and visiting the historic university library and tower.
Bruges
- Things you can’t miss: Medieval city centre, bell tower, Beguinage, chocolate museum
- How to get there from Brussels: Take any IC train bound for Ostend, Blankenberge, Bruges and get off at Bruges. (1 hour)
They don’t just go around calling any city the Venice of the North. It’s a nickname that has to be earned. And I’ll be damned if Bruges hasn’t earned it.
The city centre is mostly characterised by its picturesque canals and historically accurate building façades. Cobblestone bridges and streets complete the dreamy picture. The atmosphere you feel when walking around here is truly unmatched, even far beyond Belgium’s borders.
Don’t be discouraged by the small size of Bruges: most, if not all, of the people who visited the city before you will recommend it.
Looking for a specific Bruges travel guide? Check out the linked article over at Pink Luggage Abroad.
Ypres
- Things you can’t miss: In Flanders Fields museum, Last Post, Les Halles, St. George’s Memorial Church
- How to get there from Brussels: Take the IC train bound for Lokeren and get off at Lokeren. Transfer to the IC train bound for Poperinge and get off at Ypres (Ieper). (3 hours)
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow… And in Ypres you can learn all about that.
Ypres is arguably one of the most significant cities in Belgium in the context of the First World War, and much of the city’s tourism efforts still refer to that. For example, the Last Post is still sounded at the Menin Gate at 8 pm to remember the fallen soldiers of the British Empire and its allies.
Before you attend this daily act of homage, though, you can do several things in Ypres. Learn about the Great War at In Flanders Fields museum and the Yper museum, have a bite to eat at Les Halles, coffee at Mimi’s and take a walk along the ramparts.
Tongeren
- Things you can’t miss: Gallo-Roman museum, Teseum, De Kevie
- How to get there from Brussels: Take the IC train bound for Genk and get off at Hasselt. Transfer to the IC train bound for Liège-Guillemins and get off at Tongeren. (2 hours)
Tongeren is truly one of Belgium’s best hidden gems for history buffs. As the oldest city in Belgium, founded by the Romans themselves in 15 B.C., it’s got plenty of interesting history for you to discover.
Head over to the city’s most prized museum, the Gallo-Roman museum, to learn about human life in Tongeren, from the prehistory to the Roman period.
Alternatively, head to nature reserve De Kevie just outside the city to really disconnect and take a walk without being bothered by anyone or anything.
After that, head to the Basilica of Our Lady to admire one of the largest collections of religious art in and around Belgium at Teseum.
Finish your day at one of Tongeren’s many restaurants, where you can sample local culinary delight.
Namur
- Things you can’t miss: Citadel, city centre, military & architectural heritage
- How to get there from Brussels: Take the IC train bound for Luxemburg and get off at Namur (Namen). (1 hour and 15 minutes)
Although it’s the capital city of Belgium’s southern and French-speaking region, Wallonia, Namur is yet to break through to the big audiences.
Founded as a trading settlement in Celtic times, Namur went through a period under Roman rule, until it gained recognition when the Merovingians built a citadel overlooking the city. If you didn’t know any better, you might think this was the castle on the hill Ed Sheeran was singing about.
Namur also has a number of heritage sites of military, architectural and religious significance. Some examples include the Citadel, the forts, the Belfry and the Cathedral of St.-Aubain.
Cities in Belgium to visit without big crowds
Aalst
- Things you can’t miss: Belfry, town walking trail, specialty tasting
- How to get there from Brussels: Take any IC train bound for De Panne or Ghent and get off at Aalst. (40 minutes)
Aalst is a city that’s world-famous in Belgium, but not so much outside of this small country.
Aalst is the city of onions (yes, that’s a good thing, at least if you ask the locals) and it’s also the city of the biggest — and most notorious — carnival celebration in Belgium.
When you’re here, you won’t see many other foreigners strolling through the city, unless you visit during Aalst Carnaval. Things tend to get a little crazier during this one weekend in February.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Hasselt
- Things you can’t miss: Kiewit nature reserve, Jenever Museum, street art tour
- How to get there from Brussels: Take the IC train bound for Genk and get off at Hasselt. (1 hour 15 minutes)
At a train ride of just over one hour from Brussels and with a population of 77 thousand, Hasselt is like the younger brother of many Belgian cities.
Cultural and culinary hotspots are sprawled all along the city centre, and you can even learn about fashion and jenever (gin’s less famous predecessor) in dedicated museums.
If that’s not your thing, be sure to head to the largest authentic Japanese gardens in Europe, which are world-famous – at least in Belgium.
Kortrijk
- Things you can’t miss: Broel Towers, Beguinage, K in Kortrijk, Baggaertshof
- How to get there from Brussels: Take any IC train bound for Ostend and get off at Gent-Sint-Pieters. Transfer to the IC train bound for Poperinge and get off at Kortrijk. (1 hour 10 minutes)
Kortrijk is the perfect day trip from any of the major cities in Belgium (Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges). It only takes about an hour to get there from Brussels, and there are plenty of things to do, visit, see and eat.
One of the most impressive hidden gems in Kortrijk is Baggaertshof. Founded in 1638 by three sisters, Baggaertshof comprises an inner courtyard, twelve small houses and a gatehouse for poor widows and unmarried women. Today, this is a protected monument and it is often referred to as the ‘second beguinage of Kortrijk’.
For lunch or dinner, Kortrijk has a large variety of restaurants, bistros and eateries. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian burger, an organic dish or just a good old steak, this city has got you covered.
Dinant
- Things you can’t miss: Citadel, Castle of Freÿr, hiking in surrounding nature, Maison Leffe
- How to get there from Brussels: Take the IC train bound for Luxembourg and get off at Brussels-Luxembourg. Transfer to the IC train bound for Dinant. (1 hour 45 minutes)
Located in Belgium’s southern, French-speaking region, Dinant is a city that is packed with history due to its strategic location on the Meuse river. Even today, fortresses, old buildings and a citadel act as reminders of the city’s often bloody history.
Speaking of the Meuse river, take a walk along its banks and you’ll be reminded of the colourful houses in Danish harbours, but slightly more European. (Does that even make sense?)
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Belgian city if there wasn’t a museum dedicated to one of our national vices: beer. Visit Maison Leffe to find out more about the story behind one of Belgium’s most famous and widespread trappist beers.
Last, but definitely not least, Dinant is the perfect base to discover Belgium’s greenest, most adventurous region: the Ardennes.
Mechelen
- Things you can’t miss: Dossin Barracks, St. Rumbold’s Tower, Large Beguinage, Palace of Margaret of Austria
- How to get there from Brussels: Take any IC train bound for Antwerp or Essen and get off at Mechelen. (25 minutes)
Ah, Mechelen. Granted, I may be a bit biased in suggesting this city because I study here, but still. It’s less than half an hour away from Brussels, and it’s packed with things to do.
Start by climbing St. Rumbold’s Tower‘s 538 steps to get the best 360° bird’s eye view of the city. Next, try my personal favourite beer, Gouden Carolus Tripel, at Het Anker brewery. Don’t miss a visit to the Dossin Barracks, which were used as a waiting room for death for more than 25,000 Jews and gypsies during the Second World War.
Finish your visit to Mechelen at the Vismarkt – Fish Market, in English – to blend in with the locals and find Mechelen’s trendiest places to eat, drink and dance until the early hours.
Seaside cities in Belgium worth visiting
Oostende
- Things you can’t miss: The Crystal Ship, Mercator, Fort Napoleon, Raversyde
- How to get there from Brussels: Take any IC train bound for Oostende. (1 hour 15 minutes)
Oostende is known colloquially as the queen of the Belgian seaside cities, and that’s not an accident. It’s definitely the liveliest city along the Belgian coast, and it’s located right in the centre.
The city centre has historic roots that go back to the middle ages, but today, it is modern and eccentric. There is a huge street art walk through the whole city, and more locations are added each year. There are plenty of other themed walks, so there is definitely something for everyone.
If you’re into art, you may also want to check out the renewed James Ensor House – the house where painter James Ensor worked and lived, preserved in its original state.
When it’s time to grab a bite, try Histoires d’O‘s home made shrimp croquettes, head to Moose for a fantastic Scandinavian-themed lunch or try one of Café Botteltje‘s sixteen tap beers.
De Haan
- Things you can’t miss: Stay at a B&B, unwind, walk on the beach, rent a bike
- How to get there from Brussels: Take the IC train bound for Blankenberge and get off at Blankenberge. Transfer to the Kusttram bound for Oostende Station and get off at De Haan Aan Zee. (2 hours 11 minutes)
When you go to De Haan, you’re really there to relax. Since there’s not that much to do here, you might as well disconnect, put your phones away and enjoy each other’s company.
Go for a walk on the beach, rent a bike and discover your surroundings with your loved ones. Head to Aan Tafel or B.A.Z. for dinner, and count on your own B&B for a fabulous breakfast the next day.
Nieuwpoort
- Things you can’t miss: Marina, De IJzermonding nature reserve, visitor’s centre Westfront
- How to get there from Brussels: Take any IC train bound for Oostende and get off at Oostende. Transfer to the Kusttram bound for De Panne Station and get off at Nieuwpoort Stad. (2 hours 30 minutes)
Nieuwpoort (or New Port, as it might be translated to English) is one of my favourite coastal cities in Belgium. And, the funny thing is, I can’t really seem to explain why.
It’s just a vibe I get when I visit this city. It’s urban, but quiet. History is all around you, but the city still feels modern. I guess it’s just something you have to experience to understand what I’m talking about.
Either way, when you’re here, check out the fish auction and Jan Fabre’s giant golden turtle (yes, really!) called Searching for Utopia, and go shopping at the main shopping street.
If, after reading this, you’re still wondering which cities in Belgium are worth a visit, I don’t know what to tell you.
If, however, I have been able to spark your interest in Belgian cities, be sure to let me know! Tweet at me, leave a comment down below or send me a message.
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Rita EVERS
May 26, 2020 at 6:21 pmYou did a good job of explaining about the different things there are available in those cities and the flyby’s.
Thank you!
Sander
May 26, 2020 at 7:20 pmThanks for your comment and for your nice words, Rita!