When it comes to world-class attractions and exciting sightseeing options, Belgium packs a mighty punch for a country of such modest proportions. Take your pick from the heavyweight attractions and cosmopolitan thrills of the capital city Brussels, to the medieval charms of Bruges and the lesser known historical treasures of Ghent. In between, you'll find welcoming people, great food, and Europe's finest beer and chocolates to keep you energised.Belgium is a year round destination too, although the countryside does look its best during the summer months of April to October. The transport infrastructure is excellent, and that makes getting around a pleasure. This is not a country to see from the confines of a tour bus, however. You need to get out on foot and explore the cobbled streets framed by medieval buildings; spend an afternoon on Grand Place watching the world go by; rent a bicycle and ride into the countryside alongside a canal. Whatever way you choose to explore the pleasures of Belgium, spend some time here and you'll be rewarded with some of Europe's most underrated and wonderful attractions.
During World War I, the medieval town of Ypres in the Flanders region of Belgium was the epicentre of fighting on the Western Front, with the Allied army suffering its heaviest losses in history.Flanders Battlefield Tours, run by an informed, sensitive, and knowledgeable group of Great War scholars, ensure that the memory of that lost generation is preserved and respected. The tour has been roundly celebrated for the vividness of the battle accounts, much of the information supplemented by personal artefacts, such as old maps, photographs, diary extracts and poems.Visitors are sure to be awed, spending time in areas where on average every square metre of earth witnessed the death of 35 young men. A solemn, moving, and important experience, Flanders Battlefield Tours have been described by travellers as the best of their kind in Europe.
Address : Slachthuisstraat 58, Ypres
Website : www.ypres-fbt.com
Opening times : Times vary. Advance reservations highly recommended. Check website for details.
Admission : €30 (standard tour, includes museum admission).
The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels and has been since the Middle Ages. One of Europe's more beautiful squares, it lies in the centre of a maze of small cobbled streets and is surrounded by richly decorated 17th century Baroque Guildhouses, various Neo-Gothic buildings, and museums.It is, however, the town hall, a magnificent Gothic building that dominates the square. Markets, flower stalls, and various events are held here and this is the place to get to grips with the essence of Brussels, perhaps over a local delicacy at a pavement café.
Address : 1000 Brussels
Website : https://www.brussels.be/grand-place-brussels
Transport : Catch the Metro to get to the Grand Place. Metro stop: Centrale, Bourse (pre-metro) or De Broukere.
Opening times : Daily 9am-8pm
Admission : Free
Brussels' town hall is rated as one of the most splendid civic building in Europe. The foundations were laid in 1402 and it survived the bombing during World War II when most of the other buildings on the Grand Place were destroyed.The façade is embellished with gargoyles and images of nobility while the intricate 100 metre-high tower is resolved by a fine statue of St Michel, patron saint of Brussels. Guided tours are available for a small fee - well worth it to see the fine tapestries and miscellaneous works of art inside.
Address : Grand Place, 1000 Bruxelles
Website : www.brussels.be
Transport : Catch the Metro to get to the Grand Place. Metro stop: Centrale, Bourse (pre-metro) or De Broukere.
Opening times : Tuesday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-12pm, Thursday 2pm-5pm
Admission : Guided tours €6 adults; €4 seniors, students, and children 6–12. Free for children 5 and under. Tickets sold at tourist office in Grand-Place.
The distinctive statue has been described as the Eiffel Tower of Brussels and tourists throng the streets in search of the tiny urinating urchin. The bronze mannequin is thought to represent the irreverent spirit of Brussels but there are numerous tales about its beginnings.Started by Louis XV of France many years ago, it has been the custom of foreign countries, companies, visiting dignitaries, or charities to donate an outfit to the Manneken-Pis and the little boy is usually decked out in the latest costume. Previous costumes are displayed in the City of Brussels Museum.As the cheeky fountain is one of the most popular attractions in Brussels, visitors can expect large crowds at most times of day, especially in tourist season.
Address : Rue de l’Etuve 31, located two blocks behind the Town Hall at Grand Place
Website : www.brussels.info/peeing-boy
Transport : Catch the Metro to get to the Grand Place. Metro stop: Centrale, Bourse (pre-metro) or De Broukere.
Admission : Free
Belgium's magnificent Royal Palace was built in the 19th century as the official residence of the Belgian Royal family although today is used for official functions and other ceremonial purposes. The palace is positioned in front of Brussels Park, itself well worth exploring, and directly opposite the modern Parliament building as if symbolically representing the country's system of government, a constitutional monarchy. Tours are only possible in summer and commence after the National Holiday on 21 July. Inside are a multitude of historical artefacts and some impressive contemporary art, commissioned by the queen in 2002.
Address : Rue Brederode 16, B-1000 Bruxelles
Website : www.monarchie.be
Opening times : Open Tuesday to Sunday, 22 July to 4 September
Admission : Free
An unmissable attraction for art lovers: the Royal Museums of Fine Art are Brussels' premier art museums. Consisting of the Musée Old Masters Museum, Musée Modern Museum, Musée Wiertz Museum, Musée Meunier Museum, Musée Magritte Museum, and the new Musée Fin-de-Siècle Museum.The largest is the Old Masters Museum, opened in 1887, featuring the best collection of Flemish art in the world; highlights include works by Van Dyck and over 20 paintings by Rubens. The Museum of Modern Art was opened in 1984 and includes fine examples from Belgium's best artists over the past century, plus modern legends such as Francis Bacon.The Magritte Museum is devoted to works of famous Belgian Surrealist René Magritte, and houses more than 200 of his works; while the new Musée Fin-de-Siècle Museum is dedicated to the 1900s when Brussels was the capital of Art Nouveau.
Address : Rue de la Régence 3
Website : www.fine-arts-museum.be
Transport : Public bus services 27, 29, 38, 71, 95
Opening times : Weekdays 10am-5pm, Weekends 11am-6pm. Closed on Mondays.
Admission : €15 for all museums.
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