10 Best Places to Visit in Belgium – Travel Video

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Traveling in Belgium brings forth images of medieval rooftops, lovely canals, tasty beer, and even more indulgent chocolates. However, there is much for one to see in this remarkable European country, where time seems to move at a slower pace and the people are welcoming to tourists. From modern cities boasting designer shops to cobblestone streets laden with museums, here are the best places to visit in Belgium.

Traveling in Belgium brings forth  images of medieval rooftops,   lovely canals, tasty beer, and even more indulgent  chocolates. However, there is much for one to see   in this remarkable European country,  where time seems to move at a slower pace   and the people are welcoming to tourists.  From modern cities boasting designer shops  

To cobblestone streets laden with museums,  here are the best places to visit in Belgium. Number 10. Mons. The European Capital of Culture in 2015, Mons’  delightful medieval center and picturesque Grand   Place make it a fine option for a day trip. With  some interesting and modern museums, as well as  

Great bars and restaurants, the best time to visit  is during the annual week-long festival that takes   place in its streets. With origins stretching  back to the 14th Century, the festivities are   a raucous affair, full of local traditions  washed down with delicious Belgian beer. Number 9. Dinant.

Dinant lies along the sparkling Meuse River in  the Namur province just 40 miles south of the   capital city. The Caves of Han and the Grotto  of Dinant are some of the natural attractions   that bring visitors here. These caves are  some of Europe’s largest and most beautiful  

And are situated in within a Wildlife Reserve  teeming with native flora and fauna. However,   the city’s landmark, The Collegiate Church  of Notre Dame is still remarkable after being   partially rebuild post a massive landslide, as  does the restored Citadel that overlooks the city. Number 8. Leuven.

Just half an hour away from Brussels by train,  Leuven is a fantastic day trip option that is   seldom visited by tourists. Home to a large  student population and the oldest university   in Flanders, its youthful population  makes the streets thrum with life,  

Although the city is very quiet at  the weekend, as most of them go home.   At the heart of the city is the market  square, where sites like the City Hall are   adjacent to exceptional dining options  and street side pubs and cafes. Number 7. Tournai.

Adjacent to France, the quaint  and lovely community of Tournai   is an excellent place to tune out the  hustle and bustle of larger Belgium cities.   More than 2000 years of rich cultural history  can be explored here, and this city is home to  

A beautiful cathedral. Constructed in the 12th and  13th centuries, the cathedral has one of the most   impressive Romanesque naves in Europe. The  town Belfry is the oldest in the country   and offers visitors 257 steps to the most  remarkable views in the city of Tournai. Number 6. Mechelen.

Once the capital of the Netherlands, Mechelen’s  prestige has dwindled over the centuries,   although the historic center still retains its  grandeur and beauty. The central square is lovely,   with the domineering Cathedral towering over  the beautiful facades and peaceful cafes below.  

Canals cut through the city, adding charm to  the place, as do the fantastic old churches   which are intermingled with slightly  less flattering post-war buildings.   Mechelen’s lively streets have some good  shopping and dining options on offer. Number 5. Ardennes. For hiking, biking and camping,  visitors to Belgium should head  

To the rugged hills of the Ardennes with  their tight forests, caves and cliffs.   They are home to wild boar, deer and lynx  and hide a number of friendly villages,   lots of castles and a few other notable  sights. The impressive caves of Han-sur-Lesse,  

The castle of Bouillon and the modern Labyrinth  of Barvaux are some of the best picks. The city   of Namur makes a great base from where to explore  the Ardennes and has some fine sights itself too. Number 4. Antwerp.

Antwerp is a city with many faces. While it  may not be as historically preserved as Bruges   or Ghent, it is a very dynamic city,  offering a perfect mix of history   and present-day modern life. Lovers of  great food, great beer, and good times,  

This city is most well-known for the Diamond  District, where more than 70 percent of the   world’s rough diamonds are traded. Despite  being heavily bombed in the Second World War,   the historic center is beautiful to amble  around. Before leaving, make sure to stop  

By the central train station; it’s one of  the most beautiful in the whole of Europe. Number 3. Ghent. Belgium’s best kept secret, Ghent is a city of  history. During the Middle Ages, it was one of   the richest and most powerful cities in Europe.  It was once considered the second largest city  

North of the alps, after Paris. The impact of  this rich past can be clearly seen when viewing   the imposing architecture of churches and the  houses of rich traders. The entire city center   is restored in this fashion, and still breathes  the atmosphere of a thriving late-medieval  

City state. This is particularly so along the  scenic old harbour, and grand medieval castle. Number 2. Brussels. Known for its diversity of sites and places of  interest, Brussels is the capital city of Belgium   and is likely where visitors will begin their  sightseeing. As the headquarters of many European  

Institutions, Brussels might also be considered  something of a capital for the European Union.   Most notably, the Grand Place is the  city’s center and was established in   the 13th century. Terrace cafes and pubs  are plentiful around this central square,   as are other sites of interest such as  the stunning Gothic style Town Hall.

Number 1. Bruges. Picture perfect, Bruges’ medieval streets are  dreamy to explore. Its delightful cobbled streets   give way to cafe-lined squares and meandering  canals, as ancient church spires tower over   everything. One of the most scenic places in  Europe, it is nicknamed ‘the Venice of the North’.  

While it is undoubtedly lovely, it can get  over-crowded with tourists, so it is best to try   and visit midweek if possible. Wandering around  this charming city, you’ll find atmospheric bars   and cafes hidden away amongst its alleys; perfect  for sampling some of Belgium’s fantastic beers.