3. Brussels
The economic and political hub of the country, Brussels has a much different feel from any other Belgian city. In fact, its role as the capital of the European Union has provided an influx of culture from across the continent and is perhaps why the city’s selection of restaurants and cafés is so diverse and plentiful.
First-time visitors often make the old town’s Grand Place (Grote Markt) their first stop, home to historic guild houses (Gildehuizen), followed by a walk along Rue de l’Etuve to the city’s most famous landmark, the Manneken Pis.
Tourists could spend days enjoying the attractions close to the Royal Palace (Koningsplein), the official residence of the Belgian royal family. Right at the foot of the palace, visitors can explore the Coudenberg Palace Archaeological Site, where the original palace’s foundations and ancient streets have been revealed and are now open to the public.
Just beyond sits the Mont des Arts, home of the city’s major museums, including the Museum of Ancient Art (Musée d’art Ancien) and the Museum of Modern Art (Musée d’art Modern); the Magritte Museum; and the BELvue Museum, which explores the country’s history.
4. Bruges
The distinctly medieval old town of Bruges is one of Belgium’s most romantic destinations, full of narrow cobblestoned streets and sleepy canals. Bruges’ main squares, the Markt and Burg Square (also known simply as «the Burg»), are located at the heart of the historic district. This is the ideal area to start a day of sightseeing, with plenty of historic buildings and landmark sights.
The Markt’s most famous feature is the Belfry (Belfort van Brugge), a medieval bell tower with a carillon of 47 bells that sits atop the Halle. Ambitious tourists who want a panoramic view of the city can climb the 366 steps to the top.
Other historic buildings on Markt Square are the 15th-century Huis Bouchoute and the Provinciaal Hof, a fine example of Gothic architecture. As the name suggests, visitors will also find a variety of shops in and around the Markt, as well as lovely cafés.
Just one block away is Burg Square, a pedestrian area that is home to the Town Hall (Stadhuis), a Gothic structure built between 1376 and 1420. The Burg is also home to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, best known for having a vial of what is said to be Jesus’ blood. Another lovely building here is the Liberty of Bruges, the former home of the law courts and current home of the Bruges Tourist Office.
