Top 5 must-see activities and places in Belgium

For such a small country in terms of area, Belgium offers an impressive number of must-visit places.

Bruges

The city of Bruges, nicknamed the “Venice of the North,” is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in the flat country. This small medieval city, crisscrossed by numerous canals, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Grand Place or “Grote Markt” of Bruges hosts the Belfry, the main monument of the city, which allows the breathless traveler, after climbing 366 steps, to obtain an incomparable view of the city.

Brussels

Many tourists claim that only the Grand Place of Brussels, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is worth the detour to the capital of the small kingdom. It is true that it is the marvel of the city. However, it is enough to open your eyes and venture a little outside the city center to discover other splendors, such as the Cinquantenaire Park with its remarkable Arcades or the Heysel, which houses the prestigious Atomium, an emblematic figure of the 1958 World’s Fair.

Ghent

The birthplace of Charles V, whose castle is still in perfect condition, deserves a mandatory stop. This pleasant city contains many treasures, not the least of which is the famous altarpiece of the Mystic Lamb, one of the masterpieces of the Flemish painters, the Van Eyck brothers.

Liège

Generally, and unjustly, considered a non-touristic destination, it remains true that the “Cité Ardente” holds many treasures, such as the baptismal fonts of the Church of Saint-Barthélemy, a marvel of Mosan art. However, it is especially the general atmosphere of the city that will enchant the tourist. It is the typical example of a southern city where cafes are full all day and where people seated on terraces call out to each other from across the road to chat.

The descent of the Lesse

How can you go down to the south of the country without taking a little kayak trip down the Lesse? This tourist activity is among the favorite activities of visitors to the flat country. It is possible to take a route of several kilometers by kayak from the town of Houyet to the town of Anseremme. However, it is better to avoid high traffic days like Saturday, as there is nothing more unpleasant than not being able to see the banks of the watercourse due to a traffic jam of kayaks on the river.