Usually overshadowed by its neighbors, France, Spain, and Germany, Belgium turned out to be a romantic gem – filled with attractive landscapes and fairytale cities. After two months exploring this underrated nation, these have been my favourite locations…
I used to be actually in awe of this gorgeous under-the-radar gem! I assumed probably the most hanging function was its exceptional pure backdrop alongside the Meuse River, flanked by hovering limestone cliffs and dominated by the traditional, fortified Gothic citadel and the imposing Notre-Dame collegiate church. I additionally actually beloved the tranquil, nearly mysterious vibe it had!
We took a prepare from Bruges on a spherical journey from Brussels and we spent an idyllic weekend right here. We squeezed in a go to to the magnificent Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, climbed as much as the Citadel and noticed gorgeous river views, found the fascinating home of Adolphe Sax (the inventor of the saxophone).
It was additionally an exquisite expertise simply wandering via the slim cobbled streets lined with conventional eating places, quaint cafes, impartial shops and cute little home-made candy retailers.
This metropolis actually lived as much as its popularity as one of many world’s most romantic cities! I actually thought it was like one thing out of a storybook with breathtaking medieval structure, enticing market squares, steep-gabled homes picturesque canals lined with historic brick buildings, and traffic-free cobblestone streets that gave it a quaint, timeless vibe! I couldn’t fairly imagine it existed!
We arrived by prepare from Ghent and spend a dreamy three days right here. We found the gorgeous Gothic structure of Metropolis Corridor, strolled via the elegant Markt Sq., climbed the Belfry and noticed unbelievable metropolis views, explored the historic Basilica of the Holy Blood, and took a scenic canal boat tour.
We additionally found the beautiful Belgian goodies at Chocolaterie De Burg and explored the world-class Groeninge Museum, dined of their award-winning eating places (there have been many!) and wandered via the largely traffic-free, cobbled streets lined with historic buildings and quaint cafes!
Deal with: Flemish area, northwest a part of the nation.
Location Map
Finest time to go to: spring to early autumn, it does get very busy in the summertime although.
My private highlights…
Staying on the ultra-romantic centrally positioned boutique 4-star Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce which was an ideal selection for {couples} – we have been fully blown away its location in two Sixteenth-century, half-timbered buildings and our cosy visitor room which featured attractive antiques and leaded glass home windows that framed postcard-perfect views of the canals under!
Photographing the long-lasting spot, the Quay of the Rosary (Identified domestically as Rozenhoedkaai – you possibly can see our prime picture of it above!) – we reached in by way of only a quick stroll from the Grote Markt and we stood gazing at it because the solar went down, casting a pinkish-orange glow over the historic buildings.
3. Brussels
Neglect its popularity for being boring, I actually thought Brussels was a advantageous and stylish metropolis vacation spot! We have been charmed by its cosmopolitan, elegant air, its mix of historic grandeur and trendy aptitude, ornate Artwork Nouveau facades, the grand Gothic structure of the City Corridor and the up to date design of the Atomium. It was much more enticing than we each anticipated it to be!
We flew into Brussels from London and stayed for 4 days. We marveled on the very spectacular Grand Place, indulged in its world-famous Belgian goodies, waffles and beer, explored the distinctive cartoon murals, and skilled the Atomium’s futuristic structure.
We additionally explored its world-class museums, artwork galleries and eating places and photographed the quirky Manneken Pis statue and sipped on a smoked chocolate quaint cocktail on the stylish Eight Rooftop and Cocktail Bar.
Location: Flemish area, northwest a part of the nation.
Location Map
Finest time to go to: spring to early autumn, it does get very busy in the summertime although.
My highlights…
Staying on the splendidly whimsical 4-star Resort Indigo Brussels – I beloved how our visitor room had a novel tropical, natural, and floral theme and the eco-conscious, natural menu within the onsite SERRA Restaurant (the beetroot tartare and a fennel-orange salad was particularly divine)!
Tasting among the finest chocolate-based treats within the metropolis at MIKE&BECKY, a cool little artisan store. I couldn’t get sufficient of the freshly baked gooey Sea Salt Peanut Butter & Belgian Chocolate cookies!
4. Ghent
I assumed this small port metropolis was actually considered one of Europe’s best-kept secrets and techniques! As soon as one of many largest and strongest cities in Europe, I assumed it was a story-book fairly gem with its medieval structure, the quaint cobbled streets, the imposing Gravensteen Fortress, and the picturesque row homes lining the Graslei harbor and its quirky, buzzy and youthful vibe.
We got here right here by way of a spherical prepare journey from Brussels and stayed for an exquisite 4 days. We explored the imposing Gravensteen Fortress, strolled via the historic Patershol district, and admired the creative masterpiece “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.
We additionally relaxed alongside the picturesque Graslei and Korenlei quays, loved the buzzy nightlife and numerous inventive culinary scene within the bustling Vrijdagmarkt space and found the artisan-produce stuffed Lousbergmarkt indoor meals market (my picture is above)!
Deal with: Flemish Area, northwest a part of the nation
Location Map
Finest time to go to: late spring to early autumn
My favorite highlights…
Staying on the stunning 4-star Pillows Grand Boutique Resort – we have been fully charmed by the romantic vibe, ornate decor, the Louis XIV model 1724 mansion it was housed in and the excellent onsite wellness and spa amenities full with an infrared room and candlelit pool!
Sampling home-baked pastries in vintage-style environment on the great Julie’s Home – I particularly beloved the ultra-sweet Creme Brûlée Cupcakes!
5. Spa
Now recognised as a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Website ‘The Nice Spa Cities of Europe, Spa was a classy city famend for being the unique spa vacation spot and we beloved it!
I personally thought it was a surprising spot with historic thermal baths and charming Nineteenth-century structure surrounded by forested landscapes of the Ardennes. It had a tranquil, refined vibe and an endearing Nineteenth-century retro appeal which I beloved!
We took the high-speed prepare from Brussels (which took two hours) and stayed for 2 days. We relaxed within the historic Thermes de Spa, found the charming Pouhon Pierre le Grand spring, visited the scenic Spa Francorchamps Motor Circuit and gazed on the gorgeous structure of the On line casino de Spa.
Deal with: Wallonia area, 87 miles east of Brussels.
Location Map
Finest time to go to: spring to autumn
My private highlights…
Staying on the centrally positioned 4-star stylish Thermes de Spa – I beloved the fashionable design, the way it used thermal mineral water sourced immediately from the pure Clementine spring and the excellent spa and wellness amenities, particularly the peat baths and the enjoyable infrared sauna!
Occurring an e-Scavenger hunt which was a enjoyable option to discover town, it was nice stumbling throughout among the metropolis’s finest points of interest together with the On line casino de Spa and the gorgeous Lake Warfaaz.
6. Durbuy
This was a small however completely shaped hidden gem which dated again to the Center Ages. I assumed it was simply attractive with charming, compact medieval streets, gorgeous Seventeenth-century citadel overlooking the River Ourthe, quaint stone homes and a timeless, quaint, fairy-tale vibe!
I discovered it tucked away within the Luxembourg province of Belgium throughout the Ardennes, however immediately it has a inhabitants of round 10,531.
We took a 1.5 hour drive from Brussels and spent two days on the 4-star cool and quirky historic boutique Les Suites de Petit Bomal right here exploring the Durbuy Fortress, wandering via the maze of slim medieval streets, indulging in native delicacies at La Canette, gazing at an enormous vary of plant sculptures at Topiary Park and quenching our thirst on the distinctive La Ferme du Chêne, which amazingly brewed beer utilizing a 14th-century technique!
Location: Wallonia area, 75 miles southeast of Brussels
Location Map
Finest time to go to: Might to September
My favorite highlights…
Hopping on the all-electric vacationer prepare for a enjoyable experience across the metropolis’s finest spots – we wound our approach via the slim, cobbled streets lined with ivy-covered stone homes and quaint little artisan retailers earlier than ending excessive up the place we noticed a surprising panoramic view of this little gem of a metropolis!
Sampling the freshly made artisan merchandise at rue Saint-Amour some which have been very distinctive – I used to be actually received over by their delicately floral lilac jam!
7. Chateau de La Hulpe
I assumed this was a extremely enchanting fairytale-like citadel! It was constructed within the 1840s to appear like the castles within the Loire Valley in France and I discovered it nestled within the picturesque Sonian Forest, it positively captivated us with its elegant Nineteenth-century French-style structure, romantic storybook vibe and surrounding lush parkland which was dotted with picturesque ponds and ornately sculptured hedges.
It was solely a 30 minute drive from Brussels so we got here right here on a day journey and though the citadel itself wasn’t open to the general public, the gardens have been and we took a stroll round them and located they have been dotted with sculptures and brimming with vibrant flowers.
We additionally explored the encircling park which had rolling lawns, fairly small ponds, and aromatic rhododendrons after which cycled alongside the scenic trails within the surrounding Sonian Forest.
My private highlights…
The attractive backyard sculptures – my favorites have been the Les Putti which have been two very charming barely weathered winged cherub statues!
8. Wallonia
Dotted with fairly medieval cities, I assumed this area was like a fairytale! It coated simply over half the land mass of the nation and is stuffed with rolling Ardennes landscapes, medieval castles, half-timbered homes, elegant city squares and picturesque stone villages – I used to be additionally fully charmed by the laid-back, rustic vibe right here!
We spent an idyllic week lengthy break on the distinctive and stylish 4-star Azur en Ardenne and found the medieval Château de Bouillon, visited the picturesque city of Durbuy (talked about above), hiked via the scenic Ardennes Forest, explored the Caves of Han, found the historical past of Waterloo Battlefield, and gazed on the enticing city sq. Namur’s Place d’Armes.
I soaked up the jaw-dropping views from the Citadel of Namur, feasted in cozy conventional taverns, and couldn’t resist the deliciously caramelised Liège waffles and wealthy Trappist beers – offered nearly in all places we went!
Location: southern a part of the nation
Location Map
Finest time to go to: spring to autumn
My favorite highlights…
Occurring a wine tour of Domaine de la Falize winery – I beloved the scenic setting, the way it produced natural and farm-friendly wines and their velvety classic Pinot Noir!
9. Veurne
Based within the ninth century, I assumed this superbly persevered historic city was very picturesque! I additionally found it was very easy-on-the-eye, with a sublime Renaissance-style city sq., an UNESCO-listed Belfry, a Gothic church, charming stepped-gable homes and a peaceable, old-world vibe all set inside a peaceable Flemish countryside backdrop.
Location: Flemish Area, Western a part of the nation
Location Map
Finest time to go to: summer season to early September
My private highlights…
Discovering the quirky Bakery Museum – it was set inside a superbly preserved Seventeenth-century farmhouse with timber beams, creaky wood flooring and the stay baking demonstrations carried out by the museum employees who have been wearing conventional baker outfits!
Sitting out within the sunshine within the beer backyard of the famend beer café The Courtroom Of Heaven sipping on a significantly sturdy Westvleteren Belgian Trappist Beer after being really helpful it by the in-house beer sommelier!
10. De Haan
This coastal city had a stunning old-world appeal having been developed as a seaside resort within the late Nineteenth century! I actually beloved its huge, sandy seashores which have been backed by rolling dunes, elegant Belle Époque villas, charming seaside promenades, an apparent lack of high-rise buildings and a laid-back, nostalgic appeal!
We spent a protracted summer season weekend right here on the attractive boutique model 4-star Seaside Resort and spent it enjoyable on the huge sandy seashores and we additionally strolled alongside the scenic Promenade Albert I.
I admired the elegant Belle Époque villas within the Concessie district, popped by the historic tram station, cycled via the wild great thing about Uitkerkse Polder, and picnicked within the scenic seaside dunes.
Location: West Flanders, 62 miles northwest of Brussels
Location Map
Finest time to go to: summer season
My highlights…
Eating on a nutty pear pecan pie and an oat-milk latte on the funky artisan Bruut espresso store – we additionally actually appreciated the cosy, stylish vibe it had!
11. La Roche-en-Ardenne
I assumed this metropolis and standard out of doors actions hub was in a really distinctive setting! ,It was an actual gem with its dramatic medieval citadel ruins overlooking the Ourthe River, charming stone homes, important Roman and medieval developments and a surprising pure setting of rolling Ardennes hills and dense forests – to me it had a tranquil and nearly fairytale-like environment!
We additionally hiked via the scenic Barrage de Nisramont trails, noticed wildlife at Parc à Gibier de La Roche, wandered via charming streets lined with conventional stone homes, and went kayaking within the Ourthe River.
Location: Ardennes, 75 miles southeast of Brussels
Location Map
Finest time to go to: summer season to early autumn
My favorite highlights…
Hiring a kayak from Brandsport Kayak Rental and paddling down the Ourthe River – the employees gave us nice recommendations on probably the most scenic elements of the river to cease at. The mild present made it a straightforward experience, and we noticed herons, and geese alongside the best way.
Eating al fresco on the upscale Brasserie Benelux, I assumed the hand-folded vegan ravioli topped with a wealthy Provençale sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, herbs and even edible flowers was superbly ready!
12. Ypres
This historic metropolis is understood for its position in World Warfare I. In addition to house to a whole bunch of conflict cemeteries it additionally had a quiet understated magnificence with its medieval-style reconstructed buildings together with the grand Fabric Corridor, the solemn but hanging Menin Gate Memorial, and the majestic Saint Martin’s Cathedral, all set in opposition to a backdrop of the serene Flemish countryside. I discovered myself completely drawn in by the stillness and quiet dignity of the place.
I visited by way of the ferry from the UK and spent a couple of poignant days right here staying on the distinctive boutique Resort Kasteelhof ‘T Hooghe and explored the Menin Gate Memorial, noticed the very shifting Final Submit Ceremony (I wanted tissues!), visited the fascinating In Flanders Fields Museum contained in the reconstructed Fabric Corridor, and walked via the solemn Tyne Cot Cemetery.
On the previous few days I admired the grandeur of Saint Martin’s Cathedral, visited the Ramparts Cemetery the place I mirrored peacefully, and took a brief journey to the Yorkshire Trench and Dugout to expertise the preserved wartime trenches – I discovered all of it extremely emotional!
Location: West Flanders, western a part of the nation
Location Map
Finest time to go to: Might to October
My favorite highlights…
Exploring the In Flanders Fields Museum – the non-public tales of the troopers from their letters and diaries alongside poignant shows of their belongings—mud-caked boots, dented mess tins, and pale images of family members have been notably shifting!
13. Torgny
The southernmost village within the nation is usually cited as being the prettiest within the nation! With greater than a whiff of Provence, we discovered Mediterranean-style homes consisting of ochre-coloured, hand-hewn stones and pink curved tiles and a heat microclimate, which was well-suited for vineyards and luxurious vegetation, and a tranquil, enchanting vibe – it felt like an idyllic rural retreat!
We stopped right here for a day and an evening on a street journey to France and it’s a quiet place so there wasn’t an excessive amount of occurring however we did discover the Réserve Naturelle de Torgny, a beautiful protected space showcasing native wildlife,
We additionally discovered time to go for a scenic riverside picnic by the Semois River, pattern native wines on the Domaine de la Garenne winery, and dine on the genuine Belgian restaurant such La Grappe d’Or earlier than hitting the street once more.
Location: Wallonia area, the southernmost a part of the nation
Location Map
Finest time to go to: spring to autumn
My private highlights…
Staying within the superbly styled Gaume Mattress and Breakfast – we each beloved the fashionable gray trendy decor within the visitor rooms and the tasty do-it-yourself Sirop de Liège (the thick, darkish fruit unfold made primarily from decreased apples and pears) at breakfast!
Visiting the Abbey of Orval on the best way right here (which was positioned round 35 km from Torgny) – it was an awesome cease for its Trappist beer and historic ruins – we obtained to style the famend Orval beer which had a novel earthy style and a excessive foamy head!
14. Excessive Fens-Eifel Nature Park
I assumed this massive protected space had an nearly other-worldly magnificence! I found scenic expansive landscapes of rolling heaths and dense forests, punctuated by conventional half-timbered homes and historic buildings that blended completely with the pure environment – it felt wild and untamed!
I discovered it was additionally house to numerous wildlife together with pink deer, wild boars, wild cats, black grouse, eagle owls and even the uncommon lynx.
We stayed for 3 days tenting in direction of the sting of park in Tenting Perlenau and we hiked the Eifelsteig path, explored the historic Reinhardstein Fortress, found the distinctive wildlife on guided nature excursions and relaxed by the scenic Lake Robertville.
Deal with: province of Liège, on the German border
Location Map
Finest time to go to: spring to late autumn
My highlights…
Attempting to identify the park’s unbelievable wildlife – we managed to identify a uncommon black stork, black grouse and pink deer!
Biking alongside the Maare-Mosel Cycle Path which was a straightforward path round 36 miles – it was nice to go previous tunnels, viaducts, fairly villages, historic forests and the distinctive volcanic crater lakes (maars) with their deep blue waters glistening within the solar!
15. Damme
I assumed this small and picturesque city had a dreamy rural setting! I additionally thought it was very fairly with well-preserved medieval structure, serene canals lined with historic bushes and conventional windmills, picturesque cobblestone streets and a tranquil timeless vibe – I assumed it felt charmingly unreal, like an illustrated web page of a storybook!
We drove right here from Bruges for a day journey and explored the superbly preserved medieval structure of the City Corridor and the Church of Our Woman, took a soothing boat journey alongside the scenic Damse Vaart canal, and visited the charming Schellemolen and Damme Mill windmills.
We additionally managed to squeeze in searching via distinctive bookshops, and took a stroll across the picturesque countryside that surrounded the historic city.
Location: West Flanders, northeast of Bruges
Location Map
Finest time to go to: summer season
My private highlights…
Occurring a tour of Hoeke Windmill – it was fascinating to see the creaky wood gears and mechanisms and the massive, purposeful sails that have been nonetheless shifting spherical!
16. Gaasbeek Fortress
Courting again to the late thirteenth century, I assumed this historic citadel was such a romantic place! It was additionally very picturesque with fairy-tale structure, turreted towers and a moat all set inside sprawling, impressively maintained gardens – I used to be additionally charmed by its enchanting but mysterious vibe.
We paid the €10 entrance payment and took a guided tour which took one and a half hours. We explored the museum’s wealthy artwork assortment which included well-preserved work, furnishings, and tapestries and wandered via the attractive grounds which featured the Baroque-style backyard and the Museum Backyard (which was devoted to preserving historic plant varieties).
Lastly I gazed on the non permanent artwork exhibitions held within the citadel; after which dined within the atmospheric café positioned within the former stables!
My highlights…
Seeing the unbelievable tapestries and historic artwork, a few of which extremely dated again to 1520 – I notably beloved intricate Doornik tapestries which have been woven in wealthy jewel tones and stuffed with tiny, ornate particulars resembling knights in battle and legendary beasts!
Discovering the aromatic Italian-style orangery and the hanging Neo-Gothic barn within the attractive gardens – I couldn’t get sufficient of candy scent of citrus blossoms there!
17. Oud-Rekem
As soon as the capital of the County of Rekem, that is usually referred to as “The Most Stunning Village in Flanders”! I additionally thought it was very alluring with very charming cobbled streets, historic whitewashed townhouses, and architectural gems such because the Sixteenth-century d’Aspremont-Lynden Fortress – It had such a relaxed, time-stood-still form of really feel!
We drove an hour from Brussels and stopped for a day and an evening and explored the Sixteenth-century d’Aspremont-Lynden Fortress, strolled via the charming cobbled streets lined with historic whitewashed buildings, and visited the previous St. Peter’s Church which now served as a cultural house.
I additionally admired the preserved pharmacy museum at De Rentmeesterij, walked alongside the scenic Maas River, and found the close by Hoge Kempen Nationwide Park which was criss-crossed with fairly nature trails and biking routes.
Location: Limburg province, 56 miles east of Brussels
Location Map
Finest time to go to: spring to autumn
My favorite highlights…
Staying in a single day on the cosy mattress and breakfast Boven de Galerie. We actually loved eating on pancakes with maple pecan syrup and Belgium waffles dripping with a tangy blackcurrant and pink gooseberry compote for breakfast on the open-air terrace – the views of the encircling countryside have been attractive!
Eating on avocados topped with a tangy pickled radish, a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil, and a sprinkle of dukkah served on a grainy sourdough bread on the stylish Vogelsanck eatery – the homeowners have been tremendous welcoming!
18. Vallee du Ninglinspo
We have been large followers of this picturesque river valley! It’s a protected nature reverse the place we discovered cascading waterfalls and moss-covered rocks, and winding forest trails with occasional rustic stone bridges and wood footpaths – the entire place exuded an nearly mystical really feel!
We additionally climbed to the Drouet viewpoint and noticed gorgeous Ardennes surroundings, and explored the close by fairly villages of Sedoz and Aywaille.
Location: province of Liège, southeast Belgium
Location Map
Finest time to go to: summer season to early autumn
My favorite highlights…
Exploring the Remouchamps Caves on a guided boat tour, it was fairly an expertise seeing the unbelievable stalactites and stalagmites, the spotlight was gliding silently via the slim subterranean river – the longest underground boat journey in Europe! Though I’ve to confess, it was a bit claustrophobic at instances!
19. The Sonian Forest
This huge historic woodland dates again over 10,000 years and is UNESCO-listed! I personally discovered it to be a pristine magnificence spot, with towering beech and oak bushes, serene strolling trails, and wealthy biodiversity. It was dotted with fascinating historic buildings and ruins, and bathed in a hushed, fairytale-like calm.
I additionally discovered that wildlife together with pink deer, roe deer, wild boar, foxes, badgers, pine martens, beavers, bats, woodpeckers, owls, sparrowhawks and fireplace salamanders all thrive right here.
It was only a 15 minute drive from Brussels on a day journey and when right here, we hiked the scenic Groenendaal Stroll, cycled the paths via historic beech woodlands, visited the historic Rouge-Cloître Abbey ruins, found the Boitsfort Hippodrome and admired the tranquil lakes of Tervuren Park.
My private highlights…
Occurring the leisurely Sentier de la Supply Laineuse – Sentier du Vuylbeek hike which took an hour and a half to finish and took us previous glowing lakes and thru lush beech and oak forests.
Our Keep on the Wellness Retreat Indrani Lodge
Throughout our Belgium journey, we additionally stayed on the 4-star Indrani Lodge for a really enjoyable week. It was set within the coronary heart of the charming historic village of Loupoigne in Brabant-Wallon which only a 45-minute drive from Brussels. It positively deserves a shoutout as a result of it was such a one-of-a-kind place!
The lodge was a stunningly revamped medieval farm tucked away in peaceable countryside. It had 5 trendy en-suite bedrooms, a leafy zen backyard, an indoor pool, and even its personal cedarwood sauna which was the proper spot to de-stress.
My favorite half, although, was their nice vary of holistic programmes all centred round yoga, wellness, mindfulness, and really tasty natural meals. Total, I assumed it was a gem – a novel, wellness-focused escape in a beautiful countryside setting!
Deal with – 1 Chemin de la waronche, 1470 Loupoigne