Find out the 8 best cities to visit in Belgium this year.
Belgium is one of those countries that steals your heart very unassumingly. I’ve said it before, it’s often overlooked for Amsterdam or Paris, but that doesn’t make it any less special. I actually discovered this by accident: What started as a simple trip driven by curiosity has turned me into one of Belgium’s biggest fans. Somehow I found myself coming back again and again, spending long weekends wandering through new towns, and even spending my entire summer of 2024 here… only to return again for Christmas.
The more I explored, the more I realised why its easy to fall for this country. Every city has its own energy, its own little surprises, and I kept finding myself saying, “I need to come back here.” That feeling is what inspired this list.
From fairytale canals to buzzing student cities, these are the 8 best belgian cities to visit if you want to experience the side of Belgium I fell in love with.
8 Best cities to visit in Belgium
1. Bruges – Belgium’s Fairytale City
Walking into Bruges feels a bit like walking onto a medieval film set that everyone forgot to pack up. It has horse drawn carriages, peaceful canals, cobbled streets, and perfectly preserved medieval buildings that make it a dream destination for slow strolling, photography, and romantic moments.
Top Highlights:
- Boat ride along the canals: the best way to experience the best sights of Bruges.
- Markt Square & Belfry Tower: climb up for panoramic views of the city. Please buy tickets to this in advance.
- Minnewater Lake (Lake of Love): serene, picturesque, and perfect for morning walks.
Travel Tips:
- Stay overnight, the crowds disappear in the evening, and the city becomes magical.
- Try local chocolates or warm Belgian waffles from tiny artisan shops.
- Walk or rent a bike to discover neighborhoods away from the tourist hotspots.
2. Ghent – A Lively Mix of Medieval & Modern
Ghent is often compared to Bruges, but it has a completely different feel. I fell in love with its youthful energy, creative spirit, and lively canals. It’s undeniably beautiful, yet still feels lived-in rather than overtaken by tourism.
Top Highlights:
- Gravensteen Castle: dramatic and right in the middle of the city. Behind it you’ll find a patch of grass where you can have a picnic.
- St. Michael’s Bridge: One of the best postcard-perfect viewpoints in Ghent, especially around sunset.
- Patershol: A charming neighbourhood full of cafés, small boutiques, and winding medieval streets.
Travel Tips:
- Visit on weekends when the terraces are buzzing and food stalls bring the city to life.
- Wander beyond the main streets to discover Ghent’s hidden street art tucked into quiet alleys. Put Grafitti Street into the map for an example.
3. Antwerp – Belgium’s Trendy Creative Capital
Antwerp is where medieval Europe meets modern design. It’s confident, creative, and constantly evolving, known for its fashion scene, diamond district, and striking contemporary architecture. The city feels lively and stylish
Top Highlights:
- Antwerp Central Station: Often called one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, and worth seeing even if you’re not arriving by train.
- MAS Museum: Head up to the rooftop for panoramic views over the city and the river.
- Zuid District: A creative neighbourhood filled with contemporary art galleries, design spaces, and chic cafés.
Travel Tips:
- Dedicate a full day to explore both the historic old town and Antwerp’s more modern, artsy neighbourhoods.
- If fashion is your thing, don’t miss the MoMu Fashion Museum and the independent designer boutiques scattered around the city.
4. Brussels – A Mosaic of Culture & Cuisine
Brussels is often reduced to its role as Europe’s political centre, but there’s so much more to it than that. It’s multicultural, historic, and one of the best food cities in Belgium, with layers of art and character woven throughout.
Top Highlights:
- Grand Place: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily one of the most breathtaking city squares in Europe.
- Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert: Elegant, covered galleries perfect for chocolatiers, cafés, and boutique shopping.
- Parc du Cinquantenaire: Wide green lawns, grand arches, and several museums all in one place.
Travel Tips:
- Don’t stop at the Grand Place. Head to Sablon for antiques and classic cafés, or Ixelles for art, culture, and some of the city’s best food spots.
- Make time for Belgian staples: fries, waffles, mussels, and, of course, beer.
📌 Bookmark this for your next read: Best Brussels Travel Guide for Solo Trips
5. Liège – Vibrant, Underrated, and Full of Character
Liège is a lively riverside city with a strong personality especially for nightlife, hence why it is called “La Cité Ardente” (The Fiery City). It blends culture, nightlife, and bold architecture, and while it’s often overlooked, it’s a surprisingly great experience if you give it a chance.
Top Highlights:
- Montagne de Bueren: Climb the 374 steps for sweeping views over the city.
- La Batte Market: Held every Sunday, this is one of Belgium’s oldest and most vibrant markets.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: A grand example of Gothic architecture right in the city centre.
Travel Tips:
- Summer is the best time to enjoy the riverside terraces along the Meuse, when the city really comes alive.
- Don’t leave without trying boulets à la Liégeoise, the local sweet-and-savory meatballs that Liège is known for.
6. Dinant – Dramatic Scenery & River Adventures
Dinant sits dramatically between steep limestone cliffs and the Meuse River, and it honestly looks like a postcard from almost every angle. It is compact, scenic, and especially appealing if you love nature, water, and photography.
Top highlights:
- Collégiale Notre-Dame: Instantly recognisable by its onion-shaped dome, set right against the cliffs.
- Charles de Gaulle Bridge: Lined with colourful saxophones, a nod to Dinant’s most famous son.
- Citadel of Dinant: Sitting high above the town, with sweeping views over the entire valley.
Travel Tips:
- Rent a kayak to see Dinant from the river, this is one of the most memorable ways to experience the town.
- Take the cable car up to the citadel for panoramic views, especially beautiful on a clear day.
7. Leuven – Youthful, Historic, and Full of Life
Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, Leuven has a lively, welcoming energy that runs through the city. It balances deep history with student life effortlessly, making it feel cultured but never stiff.
Top Highlights:
- University Library & Bell Tower: A striking landmark and a powerful symbol of the city’s resilience and rebuilding after WWII.
- Old Market Square: Often called the “longest bar in the world,” lined with cafés and bars that buzz well into the evening.
- M-Museum: A thoughtful mix of contemporary art and historic works, right in the city centre.
Travel Tips:
- Evenings are the best time to experience Leuven, when terraces fill up and the city really comes alive.
- Don’t leave without trying local craft beers. Leuven has a strong brewing culture, with plenty of small breweries and beer bars worth seeking out.
8. Hasselt – Belgium’s Quirky, Flavorful Hideaway
Known as the capital of jenever (Belgian gin), Hasselt is a compact, walkable city with a creative streak. It’s an easy place to explore, with a mix of culture, greenery, and small surprises.
Top Highlights:
- Jenever Museum: Learn about the history of jenever and enjoy tastings in a beautifully restored setting.
- Japanese Garden:One of the largest Japanese gardens in Europe, calm and unexpectedly serene.
- Trendy fashion and art boutiques all around the city centre.
Travel Tips:
- Rent a bike to explore Hasselt’s green parks and peaceful cycling paths. It’s one of the best ways to get around.
- Try jenever in one of the small local bars, especially places creatively experimenting with modern or cocktail-style serves.
Extra Travel Tips for Visiting Belgium
Getting Around
Belgium’s train network is one of the easiest to use in Europe. Most major cities are connected in under 1.5 hours, which makes hopping between destinations simple and stress-free.
Best Time to Visit
- April–June: Spring blooms, longer days, and comfortable weather.
- September–October: Fewer crowds, softer light, and a cozy autumn atmosphere.
Budget Tips
- Check for weekend train discounts or multi-day rail passes, especially if you’re visiting several cities.
- Eat at local cafés rather than tourist-heavy restaurants. Belgian food is consistently good, even in simple neighbourhood spots.
Photography Tips
- Bruges: Sunrise along the canals for quiet streets and soft reflections.
- Ghent: Sunset from St. Michael’s Bridge for classic skyline views.
- Liège: Colourful market scenes and bold architecture for something more dynamic.
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