Belgium Travelers Recommend

Start the day in the Belgian capital (and de facto capital of the European Union), Brussels, where you’ll have time to stroll the historic Grand Place overlooked by the imposing Gothic Town Hall and check off key sights like the Triumphal Arch, the Belgian Parliament and St Michael’s Cathedral. With just half a day, you’ll barely scratch the surface of the cosmopolitan capital before it’s on to fashion-forward Antwerp, Belgium’s second largest city. The show-stopping towns of Ghent and Bruges showcase Belgium at its most undeniably picturesque and their flower-lined medieval squares and towering cathedrals could be lifted straight from a postcard. Check off highlights like the St Bavo Cathedral, St Nicolas Church and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders in Ghent, then journey to Bruges for a scenic boat cruise along the canal ways and a tour of the famous Beguinage.

Bruges is an exquisite town, rich with history and culture. Explore the town with a walking tour of the city's medieval heart. Enjoy the medieval opulence, the gothic-style town hall, The Church of Our Lady, Beguine Convent and Lake of Love (Minnewater). If you need a little indulgence, there are 49 chocolate boutiques, a chocolate museum and a chocolate fair. Or try to distinguish between fruity Kriek, Leffe blonde and dark ales as you sample from the 800 varieties of Belgian Beers. In summer take a cruise down Bruges' canals to see this lovely old city from the water, past secret gardens, lovely bridges, and Alms houses (Godshuizen).

Day 1: Museums, Sightseeing and CultureVisit the City Hall; the Museum of the City of Brussels and the Grand Place are UNESCO World Heritage sites.See beautiful St. Michael's Cathedral, the Royal Residence, the Palace of Justice, the Royal Palace and the Houses of Parliament. Visit the centre of the European Union.Day 2: Shopping, Parks and AttractionsDansaert is the design center of Brussels. Buy the coolest Belgian and international designers along Rue Antoine Dansaert.Discover the Botanical Gardens, or take a stroll through the Parc de Bruxelles.Visit the Atomium, the Planetarium, the Chinese Pavilion, and the Japanese Tower.Day 3: Day Trips from BrusselsEnjoy a day trip to Ghent and Bruges. Spend an afternoon in Antwerp to see the world's diamond center.Visit Amsterdam on a comprehensive day trip from Brussels. Journey through the hills of the Ardennes to explore Luxembourg and the Meuse Valley.

If you’re staying in Brussels and fancy exploring two countries in one day, the tiny Duchy of Luxembourg might just be the answer. Luxembourg is a two-hour drive away and the scenic route adds to the enjoyment of a day trip as it winds through the photogenic town of Dinant, perched prettily on the picturesque River Meuse, and on through the fertile, rolling hills of the Ardennes. WWII buffs can stop off in Bastogne, devastated during the notorious Battle of the Bulge in 1944 in the closing days of the war. Now largely rebuilt, the Belgian town is home to the enormous star-shaped Mardasson Memorial, constructed in 1950 to honor the 77,000 American soldiers killed in the battle.

Amsterdam makes for an ideal full day trip from Brussels as the city is small enough to see most of the major sights – with some prior planning – either on foot or from on board a canal boat. To get a feel for Amsterdam in a day, a walking tour could encompass the Royal Palace on Damrak, a stroll along the tree-lined canals and – dependent on lines – a visit to the Anne Frank Huis. Time permitting, explore the high-end stores down the Nine Streets, experience the downtown vibes of the Red Light District, peek into the barn-like Oude Kerk, and stop off at a cozy brown café for a Dutch beer and a snack of bitterballen (fried meatballs). Alternatively take a boat tour around the mansion-lined Canal Ring and choose one of the heavyweight galleries to visit. Don’t be tempted inside the revamped Rijksmusuem as there is just too much to see in one day; instead pick from the Hermitage Amsterdam, the Stedelijk or the Van Gogh.

Belgium’s thriving second city is the hub of funky designers and diamond traders; Antwerp’s historic center reveals wonderful cobbled squares lined with gabled medieval buildings and magnificent churches while the city also boasts Europe’s largest harbor in which the River Schelde meets the North Sea. Antwerp is easily accessible just 45 minutes north of Brussels and makes the perfect day trip, so grab the chance to take a guided tour to explore the city’s many secrets. Many of Antwerp’s foremost sights lie in the pedestrianized old city; at its heart lies Grote Markt, an awesome cobbled space dominated by the city hall and wonderfully ornate gabled guild houses. Nearby the ornate Butchers Hall was built during Antwerp’s 16th-century Golden Age, when it was one of the largest cities in Europe; today it houses the City Sounds Museum.

Brussels’ shopping scene may not be as well-known as that of Paris and Milan, but the city certainly holds its own, with plenty of designer choices along Avenue Louise and in the arcaded galleries off Grand-Place, plus the specialty chocolate shops and antique stores around Sablon. But one of the biggest draws for keen shoppers addicted to scoring some cut-price finds is Maasmechelen Village, Belgium’s most popular discounted outlet mall. Near Maastricht and the border of the Netherlands, the outlet center has more than 100 designer stores full of world-renowned names and offers the chance to secure savings of up to 60 percent on retail prices.

Begin your trip by visiting Bruges’ two town squares: the Markt, which is overlooked by the medieval 270-foot belfry of Bruges, and the Burg, which is flanked by an impressive collection of architecture, including the Flamboyant Gothic Town Hall (Stadhuis). Finish off your first day in Bruges with a guided tour of De Halve Maan Brewery, the only still working brewery in Bruges’ city center. After learning about the history of the brewery and its brewing techniques, enjoy views across the city from the top of the building and relax with a cold glass of their Brugse Zot or Straffe Hendrick. De Halve Maan also has an on-site restaurant. Try to get an early start so that you can enjoy the Lake of Love (Minnewater) in its early morning light and at its most peaceful. The lake is a beautiful place to stroll around or to just relax in and enjoy the view. You can pick up supplies nearby and have a picnic on the grass.