Welcome to
Belgium
Offical name: Kingdom of Belgium
Capital: Brussels
Form of Government: Federal constitutional monarchy
with two legislative houses
(Senate and House of Representatives )
Area: 30.528 km²
Population: 11.5 million
Other important cities: Antwerp,Gent, Brugge, Liege and Namur
Belgium is divided into two geographical regions: French-speaking Wallonia in the south and Dutch-speaking Flemish in the North. Brussels, the capital, sits right in between these two regions and therefore is bilingual.
Flemish Region
In Northern Belgium, the Dutch-speaking Flemish region, renowned for medieval belfries, market squares and gabled houses overlooking the charming canals that wind their way through the city. Antwerp, a port city since Middle Ages, is well-known as the world diamond capital, vibrant Gent is known for its medieval castle and market squares. The charming city of Brugge , known as Venice of the North, is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Belgium.
Brussels
As the capital of Belgium and EU, Brussels is a vibrant city known for many things. Stunning architectures, incredible statues, bizarre comic strip, and endless shopping opportunities. For beer lovers, you can join a beer tour to discover some of the thousands of beers Belgium is renowned for.
Brussels is home to numerous international organizations including the EU and NATO.
The Grand Place
The Grand Place "Grand Square" in English, a gorgeous cobblestoned square, surrounded by opulent guildhalls that were once the headquarters of the city’s merchants,
the Town Hall and the Breadhouse building now houses the Brussels City Museum. The Grand Place is the most memorable landmark in Brussels. It is also considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
This square also hosts multiple festivals throughout the year, from the charming winter Christmas market to the summer Carpet of Flowers.
Flower Carpet
The amazing Flower Carpet is a biennial event in Brussels in which volunteers from around Belgium gather at the Grand Place, the historic centre of the city, to weave a carpet-like tapestry out of colorful begonias. The event takes place every 2 years . on even year, in mid August, coordinating with Assumption Day. Nearly a million flowers are required to create the ephemeral 1,800 square metres carpet. The next edition of the Flower Carpet show should take place in mid August 2022.
Manneken Pis
The famous Manneken-Pis remains the emblem of the rebellious spirit of the City of Brussels. The statue’s name, means “peeing boy”, he is naked and urinating into the fountain's basin. It’s a tradition in Brussels to dress the little bronze statue at special occasions. His wardrobe counts more than 900 suits.
Manneken Pis is not the only peeing statue in Brussels. In 1987, he was joined by his sister, Jeanneke Pis, doing her business at the end of a blind alley near the Rue des Bouchers. Completing the pee-pee trio is a peeing dog, Zinneke. This statue was placed on the sidewalk of Rue de Chartreux. If you end up finding all three, you’ll be sure to come away with a series of funny pictures.
Atomium
Brussel's iconic attraction and Belgium's most famous monument. Originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. It is located on the Heysel Plateau in Laeken, where the exhibition took place. The nine spheres represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. It is now a museum with permanent exhibitions dedicated to the 1950s, the 1958 World Expo and the construction of the Atomium. At the top sphere, you can enjoy the most beautiful panorama over Brussels and its surroundings.
Cinquantenaire
Cinquantenaire was built in 1880 for the 50th anniversary of the independence of Belgium. It is home to the Royal Museum of the History of Armed Forces and Military , Art, History and to Autoworld. In the park, you can enjoy an unbeatable panoramic view over the whole of Brussels.
Mini-Europe Theme Park
Mini-Europe is a theme park with miniatures of the most famous monuments, sites and scenery of Europe. See the whole of Europe in one day at Mini Europe
Antwerp
Antwerp is a bustling city , always something to see and experience. It is the diamond capital of the world, where more than 70 percent of the world’s rough diamonds are traded. While it may not be as historically preserved as Bruges or Ghent, it is a very dynamic city, offering a perfect mix of history and present-day modern life. Architectural wonders await with the gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, tallest cathedral in Belgium, with spire visible from every corner, and the majestic combination of baroque and Gothic architecture of the Saint Paul’s Church. The impressive train station, with Gothic architecture and the splendid main hall, will take your breath away. Next, the Antwerp’s Grote Markt or town square, a beautiful example of architecture during the 16th century. There are a host of charming cafes and restaurants, where you can relax and stop for a bite, sample the city's famous jenever (gin) or beer. Don't forget to buy a diamond!
Bruges
Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) arguably one of the most charming cities in Europe, is surrounded by an extensive network of canals and it's been called the ‘Venice of the North'. The historic centre is perfectly preserved example of medieval Flanders architectural and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. There are many panoramic spots for great pictures opportunity.
In the Grote Market Square, visitors can enjoy the neo-gothic style amid Provincial Court, the striking Belfry Tower where you can climb the 366 steps up to the top of the tower, the view is worth the climb! Other sites not to miss include the spectacular Gruuthuse Mansion, and the impressive Saint John’s Hospital. Chocolate lovers will enjoy exploring chocolate shops while beer lovers have the De Halve Maan brewery. You will find lots of shops selling souvenirs of handmade lace which Bruges is famous for.
Ghent
The Flemish city of Ghent (Gent) is Belgium’s best kept secret, a charming city with a rich history, fascinating attractions and spectacular scenery to enjoy. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the richest and most powerful cities in Europe. The impact of this rich past can be clearly seen when viewing the magnificent medieval architecture of the city. The whole city center has been restored but still breathes the atmosphere of a thriving late-medieval city state. Stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei Piers, admiral the beautiful façades of the houses of traders along the canal side, now lined with trendy café and restaurants. The Belfry of Ghent is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the city’s independence. The Gravensteen castle, a medieval fortress complete with battlements and torture chamber and the impressive City Hall has lush Gothic detail on one side and all the markings of an Italian Renaissance palazzo on the other.
Wallonia Region
In the Southern Belgium, the French-speaking Wallonia Region, attracts travellers with its serene nature landscape, with idyllic, peaceful scenery of the Ardennes mountain and soaring cliff. Namur, a lively student town bursting with funky bars and medieval cobbled alleyways and mountainous landscape. Liège, with green rolling hills over the river Meuse, claims to be the origin of the famous Belgian waffles. Waterloo, a theatre of tragedy and wars.
Liège
Liège third largest city in Belgium after Brussels and Antwerp, is situated on the Meuse River, and historically has been one of the country's most important industrial center. It was one of the first cities in Europe to start coal mining, and has a long tradition of manufacture, particularly in the steel industry. Must-see sights include the Palace of the Prince-Bishops, Liege Cathedral, Church of St Bartholomew , the Stairways of Mount Bueren and the Liege-Guillemins Station.
Staircase of Mount Bueren
The staircase of Mount Bueren is well worth climbing to the summit of Mount Bueren and you will find a war memorial as well as stunning panoramic views of the entire city of Liege.
Palace of the Princes-Bishops of Liège
The facade of the former palace of the Princes-Bishops of Liège, in Saint-Lambert Square. It is now a courthouse.
Church of St Bartholomew
Mosan art is a style of art that originated from the Meuse Valley in what is now Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. the Church of St Bartholomew has one of the best examples of Mosan art in Europe.
Namur
Namur, located at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre Rivers, was once a trading junction for both road and shipping transport during the Roman times. Now, it is an important university town.
The Citadel, one of the mightiest fortresses of Europe, is built on an impressive rocky spur was of great military importance during the Roman times. Once a residence for the Counts of Namur in the Middle Ages, then transformed into a holiday home by King Leopold II, it is now one of the town's most important attractions.
In March 2015 , the monumental sculpture called ‘Searching for Utopia’ a gigantic golden Turtle sculpture by Jan Fabre in Namur, crowns the Citadel and become a permanent element of the Namur landscape, overlooking the city of Namur.
Belfry of Namur
This tower, built in 1388 was originally part of the fortifications. It's only in 1746, after Namur was besieged and the church was destroyed, and it was chosen as the official belfry. UNESCO has recognised the belfry as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France World Heritage Sites.
Waterloo
Belgium has been location of war for both European and world wars. Flanders Fields was the setting for World War I, and there are many monuments, sites and cemeteries in the area. In Waterloo where, on 18 June 1815, Wellington defeated Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo. Today, you'll find the former Napoleon's headquarters and a Wellington museum.
By alannascanlon - Pixabay
By Go Travelling, Public Domain
By arune3 - Pixabay
By Go Travelling, Public Domain
By Go Travelling, Public Domain
By lajust - Pixabay
Those with a sweet tooth will be eager to taste all the rich and artisanal Belgian chocolates and sugar-crushed waffles.
Belgium’s fries is one of the most sought after street food and Belgians take pride in their high-quality beer brewing!
Be sure to pack an empty stomach for Belgium’s foodie and all washed down with the country’s beer!
If you’d like to include a tour of Belgium as part of your itinerary to Europe, contact us now!
Simply drop us an email with your tour request and expect our prompt response for your
tailor-made quotation based on your needs and expectations!