Belgium Travel Guide

The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels, the Belgian capital, hailed as one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Ringed by magnificent, richly carved Gothic town hall, the King's House and ornate guild houses, it is grand and exquisite, the pride of Brussels, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square's history goes back to the Middle Ages, when it was the commercial and civic center of Brussels. Around it stand a series of architectural masterpieces: the towering Gothic town hall with its fine spire, opposite the neo-Gothic King's House (Bread House), and dozens of gilded, richly sculpted Baroque and Gothic mixed-style guild houses—once the seats of the trade guilds, their gables decorated with fine sculptures, gilding and emblems, row upon row, spectacular. Every two years, the square is covered with a spectacular flower carpet made of hundreds of thousands of flowers. Whether by day or under the evening lights, the Grand Place radiates an astonishing splendor and elegance. Strolling the Grand Place with admiration, you truly feel Brussels' deep history and extraordinary architectural art. Respect the world-heritage buildings, do not carve or climb; mind the crowds, watch your belongings, beware of pickpockets; visit civilly.

The Atomium is a unique, futuristic landmark in Brussels, built for the 1958 Brussels World Expo. Modeled on an iron crystal structure enlarged about 165 billion times, it is made of nine giant metal spheres connected by tubes, shining silver and imposing—a modern symbol of Brussels. About 102 meters tall, its nine stainless-steel spheres, each over ten meters in diameter, represent the nine atoms of an iron crystal, connected by thick tubes with escalators and elevators inside, forming a three-dimensional space open to visitors. The Atomium is both an outstanding example of 1950s scientific optimism and modernist architecture and one of Brussels' iconic buildings. Visitors can enter the spheres and take an elevator to the top sphere, where a panoramic viewing platform overlooks Brussels' cityscape; other spheres house exhibitions and restaurants. Visiting the Atomium, you can admire this unique, imaginative architectural wonder, learn its scientific meaning and history, and look out over the city from above—a distinctive way to experience modern Brussels. Approach the Atomium with curiosity and enjoy the futuristic landmark. Follow the museum rules; be careful on the high lookout, watch children; respect the facilities; visit civilly.

Minnewater Park is a romantic park south of central Bruges, Belgium. Centered on the Lake of Love (Minnewater, aka Swan Lake), with swans gliding, weeping willows and the white Begijnhof, and named for the tale of the lovelorn knight Minne, it is Bruges' most romantic stroll and a poetic corner of the medieval city. The Lake of Love (Minnewater, West Flemish for "lake of love") is south of Bruges center — historically a regulating reservoir for the city canals. Swans glide year-round — hence "Swan Lake." Willows and a promenade line the shore — Bruges' most romantic walk. The adjacent Begijnhof (UNESCO World Heritage, founded 1245) has white houses and green courtyards — once an independent community of lay religious women. "Minnewater" derives from West Flemish "Minne" (love) — a knight named Minne is said to have died here of a broken heart. Visiting to feel medieval romance and tranquility among swans and the Begijnhof's white courtyards is a poetic, gentle urban corner experience.

The Cathedral of Our Lady is Belgium's largest Gothic church, begun in 1352 and taking about 170 years to reach its present form. Its 123-metre tower — the tallest church spire in the Low Countries — anchors the UNESCO-listed skyline of Antwerp and never leaves the city's horizon. Inside hang Rubens's towering masterpieces The Elevation of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross, alongside the Assumption triptych, their Baroque glow filling the dim nave. On the square outside stands the bronze of Nello and Patrasche from A Dog of Flanders, drawing misty-eyed readers from around the world. Climb the tower for red rooftops and the Scheldt — the perfect start to understanding Antwerp's history and faith.

The Belfry of Bruges is a towering medieval bell tower on the Market Square, about 83 meters high, the city's most famous landmark and pride. Climbing to its top offers a view over the red-tiled roofs and charming scenery of the old town, and it is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Belfries of Belgium and France. This towering stone-and-brick belfry was begun in the Middle Ages and built over centuries; a symbol of Bruges' past as a prosperous trading city, it was used for watch, timekeeping, and storing the city's treasures and documents. Majestic and grand, inside it holds a carillon of dozens of bronze bells whose melodious chimes still echo over the old town. Visitors climb the narrow, steep spiral staircase (hundreds of steps) to the top. From there, the old town's endless red roofs, ancient church spires, crisscrossing canals and distant fields unfold—a beautiful, intoxicating view. As part of the world-heritage belfries, Bruges' Belfry, with its majestic form, melodious bells and superb summit view, is an unmissable symbol of Bruges. Climb the belfry with a sense of history and overlook the watery city. The climb stairs are narrow and steep; pace yourself, mind your footing and watch children; respect the world-heritage monument; visit civilly.

Mu.ZEE sits on the Ostend seafront in converted 19th-century commercial buildings — Belgium's only provincial museum devoted entirely to Belgian art. Its core is 19th- and 20th-century painting, led by two stars with Ostend bloodlines: expressionist James Ensor's skeletons, masks and carnival scenes, and Paul Delvaux's surrealist dream streets. Rotating shows run from Flemish impressionism to contemporary installation, with sea mist and low-country light as recurring themes. Afterwards, the beach and fishing quays are minutes away — set the paintings' grey-blue palette against the real North Sea.