Medieval canals, world-class chocolate, and beer taken very seriously.
Belgium's small size hides an outsized concentration of medieval old towns, world-class beer, and chocolate, with Bruges and Ghent often considered even more atmospheric than the capital.
Belgian waffles
Light, crisp waffles served plain or piled with toppings, sold on nearly every corner.
Moules-frites
Steamed mussels served with a generous side of fries, a national favorite.
Belgian chocolate
World-renowned pralines and truffles from centuries-old chocolatiers.
Trappist beer
Beer brewed by monks according to strict traditional methods, some of the world's most prized.
Grand Place, Brussels
A UNESCO-listed central square ringed by ornate guildhalls, the Gothic Town Hall, and the King's House, all illuminated after dark in a way that makes it one of the most striking squares in Europe. It hosts a biennial flower carpet event, when the entire square is covered in fresh blooms. Chocolate and waffle shops line the surrounding streets.
Bruges' canals and old town
Often called the 'Venice of the North', Bruges' medieval canal network and largely preserved old town make it one of the best-kept examples of a Flemish city from the period. Canal boat tours pass beneath old stone bridges and beside gabled merchant houses. Climbing the Belfry tower rewards visitors with wide views over the red-tiled rooftops below.
Atomium, Brussels
A striking structure built for the 1958 World's Fair, its nine steel spheres representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, connected by escalators and stairs. An observation deck at the top offers wide views over Brussels. It remains one of the city's most recognizable modern landmarks alongside its older architecture.
Ghent's medieval center
A university city with a dense, well-preserved medieval core, its Gravensteen castle, Graslei waterfront guildhalls, and towering St. Bavo's Cathedral all within easy walking distance of each other. It's often considered less touristy than Bruges while offering similarly striking architecture. The cathedral's Ghent Altarpiece is regarded as one of the most important works of early Flemish painting.
Belgian beer culture
Belgium's brewing tradition, recognized by UNESCO, spans everything from Trappist ales brewed by monks to fruit lambics fermented with wild yeast. Brussels and Bruges both have dedicated beer museums and bars stocking hundreds of varieties, often served in glassware specific to each brand. A guided tasting is a common and enjoyable way to make sense of the sheer variety.
Flanders Fields
The site of some of the First World War's most devastating battles, now marked by cemeteries, memorials, and museums around the town of Ypres. The In Flanders Fields Museum and the nightly Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate offer a solemn counterpoint to Belgium's lighter attractions elsewhere. It remains an important pilgrimage site for visitors from Commonwealth nations.
7 days covers Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Flanders Fields without rushing. 4 works for just Brussels and Bruges; 9–10 lets you add Antwerp properly.
1. Days 1–2
Brussels
The Grand Place, the Atomium, and a beer tasting to get oriented.
2. Days 3–4
Bruges
Canal boat tours and the Belfry tower over the old town.
~1h by train from Brussels
3. Day 5
Ghent
The medieval center and the Ghent Altarpiece in St. Bavo's Cathedral.
~30min by train from Bruges
4. Days 6–7
Flanders Fields
A more reflective day around Ypres before returning to Brussels for departure.
~1h drive from Ghent
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in Belgium without a visa?
90 days within any 180-day period for US, UK, Canadian, and Australian passport holders — the standard Schengen rule. EES biometric registration is now active at the border.
Which airport should I fly into?
Brussels Airport (BRU), the country's main international gateway.
Is Bruges too touristy to bother with?
It gets crowded midday in peak season, but arriving early morning or staying overnight lets you see the canals genuinely quiet — worth doing despite the crowds.
Is Belgium expensive to visit?
Moderate by Western European standards — a notch below France or the Netherlands for food and accommodation.