Small, tiny, and compact describes the country of Belgium, but you wouldn’t really think so upon entering. Located in northwestern Europe, the country densely packs in all of the sights, sounds, and waffles to please the crowds passing through northern Europe. A string of historic cities make Belgium particularly grand. Mightier than a mouse, the country lets you know it with its impressive architecture, lively nightlife, world cuisine, and a little bit of Flemish with a touch of French.
Even Belgium’s capital city is impressive. Not only is Brussels the capital of the country, but also the European Union finds its headquarters in town. Aside from being an all around powerhouse, Brussels beautifies with its Art Nouveau architecture and design. Some of the country’s most recognizable symbols hail from the city including the famous peeing statue, Manneken Pis, and the Grand Place in the center of the city, also known as architectural heaven. Brussels supplies not just delicious waffles and chocolates but also many museums including the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Modern Art and even the Comic Strip Museum.
The second largest city in the country glisten likes a rock hard diamond. Antwerp holds the title of diamond center of the world. The city also claims the tagline, “fashion capital of Belgium”. Aside from its sparkling rocks and trendy looks, Antwerp produced one of the greatest Flemish painters. Visitors can peek in the home of the world famous painter Rubens while in Antwerp.
A postcard come to life, a vision along the water, may sound the like descriptions of Venice, but really they pertain to Bruges. Perhaps Belgium’s most tourist infatuated city, Bruges functions as the capital of the province of West Flanders. Quaint and cute, the town’s medieval quarter may be crowded with others looking to have a piece of the city, but no one cares. Bruges is beautiful and not just after a few pints of its tasty beer. The Middle Age charm extends to historic Ghent. The old port complete with guild holds the magnificent and mighty Castle of the Counts of Flanders. If that doesn’t overwhelm enough, head to Ghent’s botanical gardens. Around 7,500 species reign over these grounds.
While a small country and mostly made up of notable cities and towns, stretches of history remain untouched in Belgium. The killing fields of Ypres falls in the country, the infamous World War I battlefield. The Battle of Waterloo also took place in Belgium, just outside of Brussels. The battlefield shows just where the future of both Belgium and modern Europe would be shaped back in 1815. Closing out the battlefield tour, the Battle of the Bulge lives on in the Bastogne Historical Center. The large American memorial and collection of memorabilia displays the pivotal World War II exchange.
If battlefields depress you, Belgium’s natural attractions will uplift your sprits. The coastline alone crawls across 67 kilometers from Knokke to DePanne. The sandy beaches yield more images of beautiful Belgium and dozens of resorts. If you head more inland, moments with Belgium’s waters are still up for grabs on a boat trip along the River Meuse. Streaming through southeastern Belgium, the scenery seen from the boat is nothing short of spectacular. Most cruises begin in Liége and Namur.
Beginning and ending time spent in Belgium may seem short for such a small country. Allot for a few extra days on your itinerary. There are plenty of cities to uncover, boat rides to take, battlefields to reflect on, and delicious chocolates and waffles to gorge on in Belgium.
