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Belgium offers an intriguing blend of history and modern charm. The famous Antwerp Central Station, often hailed as the world’s most beautiful train station, stands testament to this. Stroll through Grote Markt for a glimpse of impressive town halls and guild houses.
Discover Handelsbeurs, meticulously restored to its former glory from 1531—the world’s first stock exchange. Even within grand cathedrals, historic artworks await your admiration. Each corner in Belgium reveals layers of rich heritage intertwined with contemporary elegance—making it a compelling travel destination year-round.
Explore Belgium’s Historic City Centers
Belgium’s historic city centers are a treasure trove of cultural and historical landmarks. In Antwerp, you can visit the house of famous painter Rubens. His art is displayed in several museums and even hangs in the Cathedral of Our Lady.
The Handelsbeurs building, dating back to 1531, has been restored beautifully. It signifies Belgium’s rich trading history as it was the world’s first exchange market. Another must-see is Grote Markt with its stunning town hall and surrounding guild houses—Antwerp boasts one of the finest examples in Europe.
The Central Station here isn’t just functional; it’s often called the most beautiful train station globally. Moving on to Ghent: this city might be less commercial than Bruges or Brussels but don’t overlook it. Visit St Bavo’s Cathedral for ‘The Adoration of Mystic Lamb,’ a masterpiece by Van Eyck brothers from 1432 that leaves everyone mesmerized every time they see it!
Next stop should definitely include Gravensteen Castle—the fortress dates all way back during Roman times! You’ll also find there were various turbulent periods before restoration happened, partly due to the World Expo hosted within those walls around 1913. It turned out magnificent, becoming a main tourist attraction today and a heavily recommended spot.
Climbing up Belfry Tower offers breathtaking views over the entire place, with a dragon-shaped weather vane protecting it since 1377. It makes an interesting photo opportunity and is absolutely worth hiking towards the highest point inside to explore the best panoramic sightlines possible. Finally, let’s talk about the medieval charm seen wandering through streets at the heartland where UNESCO-listed sites converge. “Beguinage” was recognized in 1998, followed by “Belfort” in 1999, with the whole area declared heritage in 2000.
Indulge in Authentic Belgian Cuisine
We started our culinary journey with a visit to one of the charming chocolate shops that line the streets. Belgian chocolates are world-renowned, and tasting them here is an experience like no other.
The rich flavors crafted by skilled artisans using age-old methods were simply unforgettable. Next on our agenda was trying authentic Belgian waffles for lunch. These aren’t your average breakfast fare; they’re crispy outside, fluffy inside, often adorned with powdered sugar or lavishly drizzled with dark chocolate sauce.
Some come topped with fresh fruits or whipped cream—the options are endless! Waffles this delicious have rightly earned global fame. To deepen our appreciation of these sweet delights, we even considered taking part in a waffle-making class offered locally—though time constraints kept it off today’s list for us.
Our day wouldn’t be complete without savoring Belgium’s famed frites (fries). Served hot from street vendors’ carts, they’re typically accompanied by tangy mayonnaise-based sauces rather than ketchup—a unique twist that adds another layer of flavor complexity you won’t want to miss out on! Beer lovers will find paradise here too since Belgians take their brews very seriously indeed!
With over 1,500 different types available, it wasn’t hard convincing Abby to join me in sampling a few. Dining at a traditional Flemish restaurant rounded off things perfectly, demonstrating why the region’s exquisite cuisine continues to attract visitors globally year-round.
Navigate the Charming Waterways of Bruges
Navigating the charming waterways of Bruges is an experience I’ll never forget. We planned our trip during the off-season, hoping to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more intimate exploration. From Ghent, it was only a short 25-minute train ride to reach this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Upon arrival at the bustling station, we followed throngs of tourists towards the city center. The streets narrowed as we entered deeper into Bruges’ heart. Soon enough, I found myself in awe at Grote Markt with its colorful buildings.
We decided early on that exploring by boat would give us unique views unreachable by foot alone. While waiting for our canal tour, observing how carefully they balanced passengers was fascinating—some individuals weren’t pleased about being split up! Once aboard, any concerns vanished instantly.
Each twist along those medieval canals revealed historically rich spots full of mystery, charm, and beauty, making it seem like a journey back in time. Afterwards, thirst got the best of us, and we turned to the advice of our cool guide, venturing to a scenic brewery. The outdoor seating was perfect for the weather, and we indulged in a sample flight of Belgium’s finest beers, sharing light snacks and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Revel in World-Class Art and Museums
Belgium boasts a rich tapestry of museums and art that showcase the country’s diverse history. During my recent visit, I noted some significant shifts in how these institutions address historical narratives. Starting with Bruges, known for its medieval charm, there are around thirty municipal and private museums within walking distance of each other.
The Groeninge Museum stands out by offering six centuries’ worth of Flemish and Belgian Art. It highlights early masters like Jan van Eyck with pieces such as “The Madonna with Canon van der Paele” from 1436 but also includes modern artists like René Magritte. Groeninge’s collection is impressive but not particularly challenging; it mostly celebrates masterpieces without much critical questioning about their context or implications.
Yet this may soon change—the museum is set to undergo major renovations. Just steps away lies the Old St Jan’s Hospital Museum. It has taken more dynamic approaches lately, hosting exhibitions like Nigerian-Belgian artist Otobong Nkanga’s work before closing for renovation in 2020.
Uncover the Beauty of Ardennes Forests
Let me tell you about the wonders of Ardennes Forests. The Durbuy Adventure stands out with its 60 outdoor activities. You can climb rock formations or canoe on rivers that twist through this natural paradise.
For those who love hiking, there are trails perfect for long winter treks. Each path takes you deeper into a forest born from history and necessity. Wallonia’s mining past led to many trees being planted here, turning rough terrain into lush woodland.
Mountain biking is also popular in these forests due to their extensive network of paths and untouched nature areas. This makes every ride an adventure worth taking. If fishing interests you, consider visiting one farm established in 1889 known for trout and crayfish production using organic methods since 2009.
These lakes were first created for drainage but now support top-quality fish farming under the watchful eye of a baroness living nearby. This estate not only adds ecological value but offers culinary delights too! Enjoy smoked trout rillette or Brussels sprout soup made with local ham and chestnuts after your day’s adventures.
These dishes highlight flavors unique to this region’s rich biodiversity without any artificial additives, enhancing taste naturally.
Experience Vibrant Festivals Across Seasons
Tomorrowland in Belgium is a must-see, especially this year as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. The festival takes place from July 19-21 and again from July 26-28, offering plenty of chances to join the fun. Traveling there couldn’t be easier—just hop on a direct Eurostar train from London St.
Pancras International to Brussels-Midi/Zuid Station, which typically takes around two hours. Once you arrive in Brussels, I recommend catching a train to Antwerp for more accommodation options and better connections to Boom where Tomorrowland happens. This journey itself sets the tone for an unforgettable experience with like-minded travelers who share your excitement.
Trips to Belgium offer a rich blend of history, art, and cuisine. Wander through medieval streets in Bruges or taste world-famous chocolates in Brussels. The country’s diverse landscapes cater to both city lovers and nature enthusiasts.
From stunning castles to vibrant festivals, there’s always something new to discover. Beer aficionados will find joy in Belgium’s many breweries offering unique blends. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or enjoying modern amenities, each trip unveils layers of Belgian culture that remain unforgettable long after you’ve returned home.
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