Belgium might be small, but trust me—it packs more punch per square mile than almost anywhere else in Europe. If you’re wondering what to do in Belgium, you’re not alone—this country often flies under the radar, yet offers one of the richest travel experiences in all of Western Europe. I’ve spent countless weekends hopping between its medieval cities, and honestly? It never gets old.
Whether you’re drawn by the world-class beer, the mind-blowing chocolate, or those fairy-tale canals everyone raves about, Belgium delivers. But here’s the thing… most people stick to the obvious spots and miss out on what makes this country truly special.
When to visit Belgium for the best experience
Spring (April-May) is hands down my favorite time. The weather’s mild, tulips are blooming, and you’ll dodge the summer crowds. Plus, outdoor terraces start opening up—perfect for that afternoon beer.
Summer (June-August) brings festivals and long days, but also packed tourist spots. If you don’t mind sharing Bruges with half of Europe, go for it.
Fall (September-November) offers cozy vibes and fewer tourists. The weather can be unpredictable, but there’s something magical about sipping hot chocolate while rain patters on cobblestones.
Winter is cold and wet, but Christmas markets transform cities into winter wonderlands. Just pack layers… lots of them.
Must-visit cities that capture Belgium’s soul
Brussels: More than just EU headquarters
Brussels gets a bad rap as being “just for business,” but that’s completely unfair. The Grand Place alone will leave you speechless—Victor Hugo called it “the most beautiful square in the world,” and he wasn’t exaggerating.
Don’t miss:
- Manneken Pis (yes, the peeing statue—it’s smaller than you think)
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts for your Magritte fix
- Delirium Café with over 3,000 beers (good luck choosing)
- Sablon district for antique hunting and upscale chocolate shops
Bruges: The medieval masterpiece
If Instagram had existed in the Middle Ages, Bruges would’ve broken it. This UNESCO World Heritage city feels frozen in time, with canals that mirror Gothic spires and horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping over ancient bridges.
Pro tip: Wake up early. Bruges at 7 AM, before the tour buses arrive, is pure magic.
Must-sees:
- Belfry Tower (366 steps—your legs will hate you, but the views are worth it)
- Basilica of the Holy Blood
- Canal boat tours (touristy but genuinely beautiful)
- Groeningemuseum for Flemish primitives
Antwerp: The diamond capital with attitude
Antwerp surprised me. It’s grittier than Bruges, more authentic than Brussels, and has this cool, artistic edge. The fashion scene here rivals Paris, and the diamond district is fascinating even if you’re not buying.
Highlights:
- Cathedral of Our Lady (Rubens paintings inside)
- MAS Museum with killer city views
- Diamond District for window shopping
- Het Eilandje neighborhood for trendy bars and restaurants
Ghent: The university town everyone overlooks
Ghent is Belgium’s best-kept secret. It has Bruges’ medieval charm without the crowds, plus a young, energetic vibe thanks to its massive student population.
Don’t skip:
- Gravensteen Castle (a real medieval fortress)
- St. Bavo’s Cathedral housing the famous Ghent Altarpiece
- Korenlei and Graslei waterfront for evening drinks
- Patershol district for cozy restaurants
What to eat and drink in Belgium
Belgian beer: A liquid education
Forget everything you think you know about beer. Belgium has over 400 active breweries producing styles you won’t find anywhere else. Trappist ales, lambics, witbiers—each region has its specialties.
Must-try styles:
- Trappist beers (only 12 breweries worldwide can use this label, 6 are Belgian)
- Lambics (sour beers that’ll change your perspective)
- Abbey ales (strong, complex, perfect for sipping)
- Witbier (refreshing wheat beer, great for beginners)
Visit Cantillon Brewery in Brussels for an authentic lambic experience—it’s like stepping into beer history.
Belgian chocolate: The real deal
Belgian chocolate isn’t just marketing hype. The country has strict laws about what can be called “Belgian chocolate,” and the craftsmanship is unreal.
Skip the tourist trap shops and head to:
- Pierre Marcolini (Brussels)
- Leonidas (everywhere, but still excellent)
- Godiva (yes, it’s Belgian)
- Mary Chocolatier (Brussels institution)
Belgian waffles: Not what you think
Those thick, sugary things at American diners? Not Belgian waffles. Real Belgian waffles come in two styles:
Brussels waffles: Light, airy, rectangular with deep pockets
Liège waffles: Dense, sweet, round with caramelized sugar chunks
Both are best eaten fresh from street vendors, not fancy restaurants.
Belgian fries: The original and still the best
Belgium invented french fries (fight me, France). They’re twice-fried in beef fat and served in paper cones with mayo—not ketchup. The best frites come from roadside stands called “friteries.”
Top things to do beyond the obvious
Explore Belgium’s castle country
Belgium has more castles per square kilometer than anywhere in Europe. Château de Corroy-le-Château and Gravensteen in Ghent offer completely different experiences—one’s a fairy-tale castle, the other’s a medieval fortress.
Cycle through history
Belgium is bike-friendly, and cycling between cities is totally doable. The route from Bruges to Damme follows tree-lined canals and takes about 30 minutes. In Flanders, you can bike past WWI battlefields and memorials—sobering but important.
Discover comic book culture
Belgium gave the world Tintin, the Smurfs, and Lucky Luke. Brussels has comic book murals throughout the city, and the Belgian Comic Strip Center is way more interesting than it sounds.
Hunt for vintage treasures
The Sablon antique market in Brussels (weekends only) and Tongeren’s Sunday market are treasure troves. Even if you’re not buying, browsing is half the fun.
Getting around Belgium like a local
By train: Belgium’s train system connects major cities in under an hour. Buy a Rail Pass for unlimited travel.
By car: Parking in city centers is expensive and stressful. Stick to trains between cities, walk within them.
By bike: Most cities have bike rental systems. Bruges and Ghent are particularly bike-friendly.
Budget tips that actually work
- Lunch specials: Many restaurants offer fixed-price lunch menus that cost half the dinner price
- Happy hours: Belgian bars often have early evening specials
- Free museums: First Wednesday afternoons, many Brussels museums are free
- Grocery store chocolate: Côte d’Or and Callebaut are Belgian brands available in supermarkets for a fraction of boutique prices
What to pack for Belgium
Weather gear: Layers, waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes (those cobblestones are murder on thin soles)
Practical items: Small daypack, portable phone charger, European plug adapter
Clothing: Smart casual works everywhere. Belgians dress well but not flashy.
Your Belgium adventure starts here
Belgium rewards curious travelers who look beyond the surface. Sure, the beer and chocolate live up to the hype, but the real magic happens in quiet moments—watching sunrise over Bruges’ canals, discovering a hidden courtyard in Antwerp, or sharing stories with locals in a centuries-old pub.
Pack comfortable shoes, bring your appetite, and prepare to fall in love with Europe’s most underrated country. Trust me, one visit won’t be enough.