![\"Co](\"https:\/\/www.opreismetco.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Co-in-Brussel-768x1024.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nI’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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most beautiful cities in Belgium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brussels: the international capital of Europe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 Li\u00e8ge 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are my favorite cities in Belgium, I hope they inspire you to start planning your trip! Here is everything you need to arrange before you go:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2708\ufe0f Flights:<\/strong> Brussels Airport is well connected to destinations across the US and UK, with direct flights from many major cities. Use Skyscanner<\/a> <\/strong>to compare flights and find the best deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\ude86 Train:<\/strong> Belgium has an excellent rail network and traveling by train between cities is easy and affordable. For international train tickets, Rail Europe<\/a><\/strong> is a reliable option for planning your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udecf\ufe0f Hotels:<\/strong> Use Booking.com<\/a><\/strong> to compare and book hotels across Belgium. Whether you are looking for a budget stay or a splurge-worthy historic hotel, you will find great options for every budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udfab Tours & activities:<\/strong> GetYourGuide<\/a><\/strong> has a great selection of tours, boat trips and experiences across Belgium, from chocolate workshops in Brussels to canal tours in Ghent.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Looking for more inspiration for a trip to Belgium? These travel guides are a great place to start:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fodor’s Essential Belgium: with Luxembourg<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rick Steves Belgium: Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp & Ghent<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also find more articles about Belgium right here on this website<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fun travel tips, travel inspiration and great travel stories straight to your inbox? Sign up for my newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\n
Antwerp: a city that never gets old<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Mechelen: the underrated gem between Antwerp and Brussels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Ghent: the hippest city in Belgium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Bruges: Belgium’s tourist hotspot (quite rightly so)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Leuven: Belgium’s best student city<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Liege: next on my list<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Tournai: the oldest city in Belgium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Ostend: the bustling seaside resort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Blankenberge: charming coastal town with a nostalgic touch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Knokke-Heist: chic and relaxed on the Belgian coast<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Hasselt: the gastronomic capital of Belgian Limburg<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Namur: surprisingly charming capital of Wallonia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
How to get to Belgium and book your trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Read more about Belgium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n