8 places you should visit if it's your first time in Belgium
So, you’ve just landed in Belgium ?! Well, welcome to my home country! Whether you’re here for a semester, a full year, or just visiting for a few days, I am sure you're going to love it!
Even if Belgium is a very very small country (I mean, you can go from South to North in 3 hours by car!), there are plenty of things to do here!
But even if the country is small, there is something most people don’t realize at first: Belgium is kind of like two countries in one. The north (Flanders) is Dutch-speaking, while the south (Wallonia) is French-speaking. And in Brussels, you’ll hear a mix of both (plus English, Spanish, Italian, .... because it’s a real international city).
To help you make the most of your time here, I have rounded up 8 unmissable places, (both iconic cities and peaceful nature spots) ! We'll start with the main cities and then dive into nature places.
1. Brussels : The beating heart of Europe
Brussels is more than just the capital of Belgium, it is also the capital of Europe. It is a city full of contrast, with old neighborhoods and modern ones, quiet places and touristic areas.
I feel like if it is your first time in Brussels, two or three days in the city is enough. (If you want some inspo about what to do for your first time here, check out this out!)
2. Bruges : A romantic escapade
Yes, Bruges is a really touristic place. However, it is still worth going. Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is a really romantic city with canals, cute shops and medieval architecture.
You can start your visit in the historic center, climb the Belfry (it is a lot of steps, but the view is 100% worth it!), go to the Begijnhof and hop on a boat tour on the canals (I think it is one of the best way to discover the city, and I do it pretty much every time I go there!).
3. The Ardennes: 100% nature
This region in the south of Belgium is full of forests, nature and small villages. It’s where I grew up, but my non-biased opinion is that it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the country.
You can base yourself in towns like La Roche-en-Ardenne, Durbuy (the “smallest city in the world”), or Bouillon, and explore the surrounding area, go hiking or even kayaking.
4. Leuven: The student city
Leuven is basically one of the beating heart of student life in Belgium. It’s home to KU Leuven, one of the oldest universities in Europe, which means the city is young, energetic, and always busy.
What I really like about Leuven is how lively it feels, even if it’s small. The Oude Markt is full of bars (it is even called the largest bar of the world), and there’s always something happening. Honestly, it's a great day trip if you’re based in Brussels! Curious about what to do during a day in Leuven ?
5. Namur: Slower pace
Welcome to one of my favorite spots in Wallonia! Namur has a very chill vibe and there is even a running joke that people from Namur are a bit slow.
One of my favorite things to do is take the cable car up to the Citadel. The view over the city and rivers is just beautiful. And if you’re hungry afterwards, you have to try my favorite Italian restaurant there (it’s called L’huile sur le feu).
6. Ghent : Medieval vibes
Ghent is also of my favorite place in Belgium. It’s a medieval-style city and its most iconic monument is Gravensteen, a medieval castle right in the middle of town.
If you see little purple cone-shaped candies being sold in the city, try one! They’re called Cuberdons, and they’re a real Ghent (and therefore Belgian) specialty. I personally love them, but they are very very sweet!
7. Les Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure
Yes, Belgium has lakes! And Les Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure are one of the best spots if you’re craving water and sunshine in spring or summer.
You can swim, paddleboard, kayak, rent bikes, or just picnic by the lake. It’s a really chill place, perfect for a sunny weekend escapades with friends or family.
8. Dinant: Saxophone's birthplace
Not far from Namur, another really cute city is Dinant. With its colorful houses lined up along the river and the cliffs rising behind, it’s one of the most photogenic towns in Belgium.
Don’t miss the Citadel (you can go up with the cable car there too). Dinant is also the place where the saxophone was invented, so you’ll see sax-shaped statues everywhere around town.
I hope this gave you some ideas for your next trip to Belgium :))
The best part is that everything is so close that even if you don’t have much time here, you can still see a lot.
And if you're here for a few months or longer, … lucky you!
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