13 Most beautiful cities in Belgium you need to visit

Which are the most beautiful cities in Belgium? I visited them myself and share my favorites, plus a few hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

Go on a trip to Belgium

Belgium is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. This small country has so much to offer: beautiful medieval city centers, world-famous chocolate and beer, a rich culture and an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

I’ve been visiting Belgium for years and find something new to love every single time. I hiked the Coastal Walking Route along the Belgian coast, wandered through the historic city centers of Ghent and Bruges, and even made a spontaneous detour through Namur during a train connection, and this turned out to be one of my favorite unexpected discoveries. In this article, I share my personal favorites and the cities that are still on my wish list, because they deserve a spot in this overview too.

The most beautiful cities in Belgium

There is plenty of choice when it comes to a trip to Belgium. From the metropolis of Antwerp to the seaside town of Knokke-Heist, these are the most beautiful cities in Belgium that you simply have to visit!

Brussels: the international capital of Europe

Brussels is bigger and busier than most other Belgian cities, but that’s exactly what gives it such a unique energy. I’ve visited several times and every time I’m struck by how truly international it feels. As the home of the European Parliament and countless international institutions, it draws people from all over the world, and you feel that on every street corner. That makes Brussels very different from the other Belgian cities, and that’s part of its charm.

The absolute highlight is the Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The gilded facades of the medieval guild houses are breathtaking, especially in the evening when everything is lit up. Every time I visit, I could just stand there and stare.

Manneken Pis is always worth a quick visit too, it’s smaller than you’d expect, but somehow that’s part of the fun. And Brussels is a paradise for foodies: fresh waffles, fries, pralines and moules-frites around every corner. You really won’t have to look far for a treat!

• Where to stay: Art de Sejour (4⭐) is a lovely B&B in a nineteenth-century mansion in the historic center of Brussels.
• Fun thing to do: Book a tour of the historic center and let a guide tell you the stories behind the beautiful facades.
• Read more: Things to do in Brussels when it rains: my 10 best tips!

Antwerp: a city that never gets old

Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium and probably the one I have visited most often. It has the perfect combination of shopping, history, culture and great cafes, and somehow it never disappoints. Wandering around the Grote Markt, visiting the impressive cathedral (the largest in the Benelux) and strolling along the Scheldt never gets old.

Arriving by train is an experience in itself, as Antwerp Central is one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe. The Eilandje neighborhood is also well worth a visit, and climbing to the roof of the MAS museum rewards you with a stunning view over the city.

• Where to stay: Maek Hotel Antwerp Central is a place I have stayed at several times. Great location too, at the city park between the station and the historic center.
• Fun thing to do: Join a bike tour, then you can see as much of the city as possible in two hours. By bike, you’ll not only see the historic center, but also cool places you wouldn’t easily visit otherwise.
• Also read: Antwerp vs Brussels: the best city for a perfect getaway

Mechelen: the underrated gem between Antwerp and Brussels

Mechelen has been on my wish list for a while, and I honestly don’t know why I haven’t made it there yet. The city sits exactly halfway between Antwerp and Brussels and has a beautiful historic center. St. Rombouts Cathedral has one of the tallest towers in the Benelux, and from the top you apparently get a breathtaking view over the city, with both Antwerp and Brussels visible on the horizon. In recent years Mechelen has invested heavily in its center and is now considered one of the nicest cities in Flanders.

• Where to stay: Hotel Vé is right in the center, housed in a former industrial building from 1923. The rooms are beautifully decorated and very comfortable.
• Fun thing to do: Visit the Court of Busleyden, an art museum in a historic city palace that was recently renovated.

Ghent: the hippest city in Belgium

If I could recommend just one city in Belgium, it would be Ghent. It has everything: a beautiful historic center with canals and medieval buildings, a lively student atmosphere, dozens of great beer cafes and always something going on. Yet it never feels overwhelming. It is less touristy than Bruges and, partly thanks to its large student population, feels genuinely authentic.

Walk along the Graslei and Korenlei, the city’s most beautiful quays. Visit the impressive Castle of the Counts, the only well-preserved medieval moated castle in the Low Countries. And climb the Belfry for a panoramic view over the rooftops. At night Ghent is at its best: the illuminated facades reflect in the water and the pubs are full of life.

• Where to stay: 1898 The Post is one of the most unique hotels in Belgium. With only 38 rooms, it is housed in a beautifully restored old post office.
• Fun thing to do: Take a boat tour through Ghent’s canals for a completely different perspective on the city.
• Read more: 10 fun things to do in Ghent

Bruges: Belgium’s tourist hotspot (quite rightly so)

Bruges is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in Belgium, and the rest of the world knows it too. The historic center is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and rightly so: the canals, the cobblestone streets, the medieval facades and the picturesque little squares make Bruges look like something out of a painting.

Bruges is absolutely worth visiting, but go during the week or off-season, because on a summer Saturday the streets and squares are packed with tourists. On a quiet morning though, when the tour buses have not yet arrived, Bruges is pure magic.

• Where to stay: Dukes’ Palace Bruges is one of the finest hotels in Belgium, housed in a former ducal residence from the fifteenth century in the heart of the old city center.
• Fun thing to do: Go for an all-in-one experience and book a walking tour with boat tour and chocolate tasting.
• Read more: Visiting Bruges: 19 fun things to do

Leuven: Belgium’s best student city

After a road trip through France, I stopped in Leuven on the way home and it immediately became one of my favorite cities in Belgium. The city is compact, easy to navigate and has a lively student atmosphere throughout. With over 50,000 students, KU Leuven has a huge impact on the character of the city, and you feel that everywhere: the cafes and terraces are always full, the vibe is informal and the beer menus are impressive.

But Leuven also has some wonderful historical sights. The town hall on the Grote Markt is stunning and is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic town halls in the world. Nearby stands the imposing St. Peter’s Church. And a visit to the famous Old Market is not to be missed: a long square full of terraces where students and tourists enjoy great Belgian beers side by side.

• Where to stay: Martin’s Klooster is a beautiful hotel in a former monastery right next to the center. A very special place to stay!
• Fun thing to do: Do the Pub Trail Leuven; a scavenger hunt with pub games across pubs of your choice.
• Read more: 15 great things to do in Leuven Belgium

Liege: next on my list

Liege is a city I have always somewhat overlooked, but one that fascinates me more and more. The city on the Meuse has an industrial past, but has changed a lot in recent years. There are beautifully restored buildings, an impressive train station and the famous Liège waffle that you really have to try on the spot (which is honestly my main reason to visit). And then there is the Montagne de Bueren, a monumental staircase leading up to a viewpoint above the city. I really want to see that with my own eyes.

• Where to stay: Hôtel Hors-Château is housed in an eighteenth-century building with modern furnishings, conveniently located on the edge of the city center.
• Fun thing to do: Climb the Montagne de Bueren for a fantastic view over Liege and the Meuse River.

Tournai: the oldest city in Belgium

During a visit to Brussels, my mother and I decided to take a day trip out of the city. We chose Tournai and it turned out to be a real find. The historic center is full of impressive architecture, including the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Five towers, Romanesque and Gothic elements side by side: it really is quite something to see.

• Where to stay: Hôtel Hemera is located right in the center of Tournai and makes a fine base for exploring the city.
• Fun thing to do: Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, where you can admire works by Monet, Van Gogh and Manet.
• Read more: 10 Fun things to do in Tournai: a beautiful historic city in Belgium

Ostend: the bustling seaside resort

Ostend is Belgium’s largest coastal city and has an energy all its own. This is not a quiet seaside town; it feels more like a big city by the sea. There is always something going on: the promenade is full of people, markets, concerts and events throughout the year. And the beach is enormously wide, so there is always plenty of room to lay down your towel.

I spent a night in Ostend during my walk along the Coastal Route and was struck by the contrasts in the city: historic buildings standing alongside modern apartment blocks. And you can eat well on every street corner, which is never a bad thing after a long day of walking.

• Where to stay: Hotel Burlington is incredibly centrally located on the shopping street, right by the marina. The beach is a 10-minute walk away and breakfast is highly recommended!
• Fun thing to do: Take a walk or bike ride along the seawall and enjoy the views over the North Sea.
• Also read: The Coastal Route: hiking the Belgian coastline

Blankenberge: charming coastal town with a nostalgic touch

I also spent a night in Blankenberge during my walk along the coast and found it to be one of the most pleasant places to stay. The town has a long pier jutting out into the sea, a wide sandy beach and a cheerful center full of ice cream parlors, snack bars and terraces. This is the Belgian coast at its best.

• Where to stay: Hotel Aazaert is a lovely place in the center of town. The rooms are very spacious (I even had a bathtub!) and there is a wellness center with pool.
• Fun thing to do: Walk to the end of the pier for a breath of fresh air above the North Sea and enjoy the views.

Knokke-Heist: chic and relaxed on the Belgian coast

I was impressed when I first walked into Knokke-Heist. This is Belgium’s chicest seaside resort and you can feel it: streets full of villas and boutique stores with designer brands, boulevards made for seeing and being seen. But Knokke also has a beautiful beach, good restaurants and plenty to do for those who just want to relax.

Walking along the coast to the northeast, you pass through the Zwin Dunes and the Zwin Nature Park, right on the border with the Netherlands. It is a wonderful area to walk through and a very different side of Knokke than you might expect

• Where to stay: Hotel Villa Verdi is a small, intimate place near the beach with a very homey interior.
• Fun thing to do: Visit the Zwin Nature Park for a walk through the dunes and coastal nature.

Hasselt: the gastronomic capital of Belgian Limburg

I know Hasselt mostly by name and reputation: it is known as the gastronomic capital of Belgium, with an impressive range of restaurants, chocolatiers and great terraces. But there is more: the Japanese garden in Hasselt is the largest in Europe at 2.5 hectares, a totally unexpected sight for a Belgian provincial city. And the city has a real gin tradition too. I have been told that tasting jenever in Hasselt is truly an experience. It sounds like a great destination for a long weekend!

• Where to stay: Boutique hotel Hemelhuys has only 8 rooms in the center of Hasselt and a wonderfully cozy atmosphere.
• Fun thing to do: Visit the Japanese garden and then sample local jenever in one of the atmospheric brown cafes.

Namur: surprisingly charming capital of Wallonia

For a long time, Namur was nothing more to me than a name on a train board. But when I once had a connection here, I decided to use the time and walk around the city. It turned out to be a very good decision.

The absolute highlight is the Citadel of Namur, which towers above the city on a rock at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers. The view from the top is beautiful. The center is worth exploring too: cozy squares, terraces everywhere, and an atmosphere that feels much more open and relaxed than Brussels or Antwerp. Namur also makes a great base for exploring the Ardennes.

• Where to stay: Château de Namur sits on the citadel itself, with stunning views over the city. A truly special place to stay!
• Fun thing to do: Climb the Citadel for the best view in Namur, then explore the squares and cafes of the center.