Often overlooked in favor of France, Spain, and Germany, Belgium is actually full of stunning landscapes and charming medieval towns. It’s a romantic and elegant hidden gem in Europe! Here are my favorite spots I’d love to share with you…
I was really in awe of this pretty under-the-radar gem! It’s most striking feature is its remarkable natural backdrop along the Meuse River, flanked by soaring limestone cliffs and the ancient fortified gothic citadel, an imposing Notre-Dame collegiate church. I also really loved its tranquil, almost mysterious vibe!
It’s located in the Walloon region in the south of the country, within the province of Namur. It origins trace back to the medieval period and today it’s home to around 14,000 people.
We took a train from Brussels and I spent an idyllic weekend here and managed to squeeze in a visit to the magnificent Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, climb up to the Citadel and saw stunning river views, discover the interesting house of Adolphe Sax (the inventor of the saxophone). It was also a wonderful experience just wandering through the narrow cobbled streets lined with traditional restaurants, quaint cafes, independent stores and home-made sweet shops.
Book A Trip!
We can book your trip hopping around Belgium’s beautiful places through our top-rated travel planning service!
Address: Wallonia region near the French border
Location Map
Best time to visit: summer to early autumn
My favourite highlights…
Staying at the gorgeous La Merveilleuse by Infiniti hôtel which is spectacularly housed in an old monastery – we loved how it mixed historic character with trendy upscale comforts!
Trying the local flavours which included the Flamiche (a bit like a Tarte Flambe) and Couques de Dinant, which were delicious brittle honey biscuits.
Dining at the wonderfully charming Tout Simplement Restaurant – we were really won over by its cosy and romantic decor, their menu of hearty traditional dishes with inventive twists and their heavenly croquets and pumpkin purée!
2. Bruges
I thought this city really did live up to its reputation as being one of the romantic cities in the world! I honestly thought it was like something out of a storybook with breathtaking medieval architecture, attractive market squares, steep-gabled houses picturesque canals lined with historic brick buildings, and traffic-free cobblestone streets that gave it a quaint, timeless vibe! I couldn’t quite believe it existed!
It’s the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders and actually dates back to the 9th century when it was founded by Vikings. It grew significantly in the medieval period, especially during the 12th to 15th centuries, when it became an important centre for trade and art in Europe.
We took the train from Brussels which took a hour and stayed for three days visiting the very attractive Belfry and Markt squares, the 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall), which has an ornately carved ceiling, the fine Market Square, which featured a 13th-century belfry with superb panoramic views, took a scenic canal boat tour, explored the world-class Groeninge Museum, dined their award-winning restaurants (of which there are many) and wandered through the mostly traffic-free charming streets lined with historic buildings and bustling cafes!
Address: Flemish region, northwest part of the country.
Location Map
Best time to visit:spring to early autumn, it does get very busy in the summer though.
My personal highlights…
Staying at the ultra-romantic centrally located boutique Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce which was a perfect choice for couples – we was completely blown away its location in two 16th-century, half-timbered buildings and our cozy guest room which featured gorgeous antiques, Persian carpets and marble bathrooms.
Photographing the iconic spot, the Quay of the Rosary (known locally as Rozenhoedkaai, our top photo above) – we reached in via just a short walk from the Grote Markt and stood for a while just gazing at it as the sun went down and made the historic buildings glow a pinkish orange.
Stopping by the super-cute Tea-Room De Proeverie for a home made cup of a divine white hot chocolate served with delicious Belgium chocolates made in the artisan Chocolaterie Sukerbuyc.
3. Brussels
Forget the dull image that one of Europe’s premier cities seems saddled with; in my opinion, Brussels is a stunning city and definitely worth a visit! The city has become a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis in the last few decades and I thought it was a joy to explore.
The historic architecture – which includes a perfectly-preserved late seventeenth-century centre – is genuinely jaw-dropping and add in a fine collection of art galleries, museums, a famous foodie scene which consists of everything from chocolate and waffles to Michelin star adorned fine cuisine, and of course the delicious beer, then I think Brussels easily deserves a place on this list!
Address: Flemish region, northwest part of the country.
Location Map
Best time to visit:spring to early autumn, it does get very busy in the summer though.
My highlights…
Staying at the wonderfully whimsical 4-star Hotel Indigo Brussels – I love how my room had a unique tropical, herbal, and floral theme and the eco-conscious, organic menu in the onsite SERRA Restaurant!
Tasting some of the best chocolate-based treats in the city at MIKE&BECKY, a funky little artisan shop. I especially adored the freshly baked gooey cookies and the smooth walnut dark chocolate bar!
Gazing over city views at the trendy Eight Rooftop and Cocktail Bar sipping on a Smoked chocolate old fashioned cocktail – the smoked hummus and paprika was also a good choice!
4. Ghent
I loved Ghent! While most head for Brussels or Bruges, I think this small but beautiful port city is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Ghent was, in fact, the most powerful in Europe, but today, it’s a very relaxed, picturesque place with more than a whiff of bohemian air which I was totally charmed by.
Beautiful Ghent is also story-book pretty with a collection of canal-side medieval architecture, Michelin-starred restaurants, quirky boutique stores, and a rich calendar of cultural events.
To get a real feel of the place, we skipped the touristy canal boat trips and discovering all the local hotspots instead!
Address: Flemish Region, northwest part of the country
Location Map
Best time to visit: late spring to early autumn
My favourite highlights…
Staying at the jaw-dropping Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel – I was completely charmed by the romantic vibe, ornate decor, the Louis XIV style 1724 mansion it was housed in and the superb onsite wellness and spa facilities!
Sampling home-baked pastries in vintage-style surroundings at the wonderful Julie’s House – I especially loved the delicious Creme Brûlée Cupcakes!
Wandering around the delightful Lousbergmarkt indoor food market, I especially loved sampling the freshly baked products from the Breadmakers CoPain and the plump strawberries from the organic farm De Vroente.
5. Spa
Spa is an elegant town which, yep, you’ve guessed it; it’s famous for being an ‘original’ spa. Located in the Ardennes region of eastern Belgium, it’s naturally blessed with abundant mineral-rich thermal waters.
Tourists flock here to relax and enjoy the water’s and hot springs’ health and wellness benefits.
It’s also an easy-on-the-eye with beautiful buildings, thermal baths, a historic casino, an array of luxury hotels, and an endearing 19th-century retro charm which I loved!
Address: Wallonia region, 87 miles east of Brussels.
Location Map
Best time to visit: spring to autumn
My personal highlights…
Staying at the wonderful, centrally located Thermes de Spa – I loved the modern design, how it used thermal mineral water sourced directly from the natural Clementine spring and the superb spa and wellness facilities, especially the peat baths and the relaxing infrared sauna!
Going on an e-Scavenger hunt which was a fun way to explore the city, I loved stumbling across some of the city’s best attractions including the Casino de Spa and the pretty Lake Warfaaz.
6. Durbuy
The accolade of the smallest town on earth and a population of just 500, Durbury is a tiny gem! It’s located just 2 hours from Brussels and in my opinion, it proves that the best things come in small packages!
It’s maintained in its charming medieval setting. Today, its pedestrian streets are flowered, narrow, and cobbled, winding between the old bluestone homes and buildings, attracting curious visitors to its shops, fine restaurants, and hotels.
Shop for artisanal produce, gaze at half-timbered houses, visit the beautiful Topiary Park and stop to quench your thirst at La Ferme du Chêne, which brews beer using a 14th-century method. Sporty types can also kayak or raft the Ourthe River that passes through the city.
Location: Wallonia region, 75 miles southeast of Brussels
Location Map
Best time to visit: May to September
My favourite highlights…
Taking a fun ride on the all-electric tourist train which took me around the best spots and ended up high up overlooking the small city.
Sampling the freshly made artisan products at rue Saint-Amour some which are very unique. I highly recommend tasty the lilac jam!
7. Chateau de La Hulpe
France isn’t the only country boasting fairytale castles; Gium’s finest is truly exquisite.
Located in the municipality of La Hulpe in the Walloon Brabant and less than an hour away from Brussels, this beautiful chateau was modelled after the castles in the Loire Valley in France and served as Marquis Maximilien de Béthune’s home.
The castle itself is not open to the public. Still, you can visit the garden, which is littered with sculptures and brimming with colourful flowers, and also the surrounding park, which is known for its rolling lawns, small ponds, and fragrant rhododendrons where I would recommend you take a walk, take a picnic or kick back and relax!
Address: Chaussée de Bruxelles 111, 1310 La Hulpe
Location Map
Best time to visit: spring to autumn 8am to 9pm
My personal highlights…
Wandering around the gorgeous the landscaped French gardens, I loved the elegant sculptures that were dotted around.
Exploring the house at my own pace on an audio guided tour.
8. Wallonia
This area takes up a large part of the country and is the French-speaking region of the country. The landscapes are particularly stunning and it is has a traditional and laid-back feel.
The region of Wallonia has much to offer and I love the picturesque medieval towns complete with half-timbered buildings, historic architecture (from the classy Renaissance period), ancient forests, rugged cliffs, traditional restaurants and my personal favourite, the traditional Trappist beers which I found for sale everywhere!
Location: southern part of the country
Location Map
Best time to visit: spring to autumn
My favourite highlights…
Going on a wine tour of Domaine de la Falize vineyard, the scenery of the setting was really stunning. I also loved that it produced organic and farm-friendly wines. I highly recommend trying the vintage Pinot Noir.
Visiting the Bouillon Castle a well preserved building perched high overlooking stunning scenery and a thick forest.
9. Veurne
Veurne was once an area of Belgium encompassed by fortresses to fend off the impending Viking attacks.
However, fortification failed, and the room was invaded, but thankfully, all the scars of the past have faded and left Verne as a historical yet beautiful part of the country which I would recommend visiting!
Veurne is a city of historical significance, so it’s home to many beautifully preserved buildings. Many of the buildings and ruins throughout Veurne depict a distinct Renaissance and Gothic style and are very impressive!
Location: Flemish Region, Western part of the country
Location Map
Best time to visit: summer to early September
My personal highlights…
Discovering the quirky Bakery Museum which was full of everything I needed to know about baked goods housed in an atmospheric historic farmhouse.
Sitting out in the sunshine in the beer garden of The Court Of Heaven where they had a great selection of Belgium beers and even an in-house beer sommelier!
10. De Haan
Coastal regions of Belgium draw in tourists from all over the world, and one my my personal favourites is De Haan. Just under 13,000 people populate De Haan and I love that it has a small-town vibe.
Attractions within De Haan range from unique shopping opportunities, traditional mills, and outdoor adventures such as exploring the dune forest.
There is no limit to what you can find in De Haan, and unlike other areas that only cater to high-end travelers, this area provides something for everyone on every budget. Views from Spioenkop are among the best photo opportunities in De Haan so I would suggest heading there!
Location: West Flanders, 62 miles northwest of Brussels
Location Map
Best time to visit: summer
My highlights…
Spending time at the wide gorgeous beach sandy beach and finding a private spot to have a picnic sitting amongst the sand dunes.
Dining on fresh croissants and an oat-milk latte at the funky Bruut coffee shop.
11. La Roche-en-Ardenne
Driving around Belgium offers some beautiful scenery, but if you want something to enjoy outside your vehicle then I would suggest stopping at the pretty but low-key city of La Roche-en-Ardenne. La Roche-en-Ardenne is located in a picturesque valley at the bend of the Ourthe River.
This location is full of picturesque scenery, from forests and hills to castle ruins and miles of fields! Enjoy your experience exploring this rugged countryside surrounded by unspoiled wilderness.
Cave explorers and outdoor enthusiasts love it here and I also would recommend bringing your camera along too, you’ll need it!
Location: Ardennes, 75 miles southeast of Brussels
Location Map
Best time to visit: summer to early autumn
My favourite highlights…
Hiring a kayak from Brandsport Kayak Rental and paddling down the Ourthe River.
Dining al fresco at Brasserie Benelux, I highly recommend the vegan ravioli!
12. Ypres
Ypres is a city of almost 35,000 people, not a tiny village but a thriving town which would recommend visiting if you can!
Historically, Ypres has seen its share of fighting, including during WWII. Still, today’s Ypres is full of beautiful sites and a key pilgrimage site for those wishing to pay their respects to those who tragically lost their lives during war times.
Among the many historical sites throughout the city, tourists enjoy walking along the shores of the Yperlee River and taking pictures of the many memorials placed around Ypres.
History comes alive in Ypres, so I would suggest bringing your camera and a good pair of walking shoes to take it all in but bring your tissues, I always find this area incredibly emotional!
Location: West Flanders, western part of the country
Location Map
Best time to visit: May to October
My favourite highlights…
Visiting the poignant site of the real trenches and the WW2 graves, it was incredibly moving!
Exploring the In Flanders Fields Museum, I particularly liked the personal stories of the soldiers from their letters and diaries and also the exhibits of their personal belongings as well.
13. Torgny
With more than a whiff of Provence, this idyllic little village is often cited as the prettiest in the country. Lying on the southernmost tip of Belgium lies Torgny in the Gaume region in the province of Luxemburg, south of the Ardennes and surrounded by France on three sides.
The houses consist of ochre-coloured, hand-hewn stones and red curved tiles, reminiscent of the south of France. The village also enjoys its little microclimate, which is well-suited for vineyards!
I would just say it’s a quiet place, so don’t expect too much going on. I suggest kicking back, relaxing, and taking in the rolling hills, the honey-coloured houses, the abundance of flowers, the gastronomy of the local restaurants, walks and bike rides in the countryside, and a visit to the Abbey of the Trappist Cistercian monks of Orval!
Location: Wallonia region, the southernmost part of the country
Location Map
Best time to visit: spring to autumn
My personal highlights…
Staying in the beautifully styled Gaume, bed and breakfast. I loved the trendy grey modern decor in the guest rooms and the homemade jams at breakfast.
Going for a scenic riverside picnic by the Semois River.
14. High Fens-Eifel Nature Park
With its low-hanging mist and miles of untamed, rugged wilderness, this park has a mystical and almost other-worldly beauty. The beech forest-covered conversation area lies mainly in Germany but also borders Belgium.
It also happens to be home to some incredible wildlife – wild cats, wild boars, wildcats, black grouse, red deer, and eagle owls all call this beautiful place home; since the new millennium, the lynx has again been sighted in this remote and highly protected area for the first time in three centuries.
I love that part of the park’s moors dates back to the last Ice Age!
Address: province of Liège, on the German border
Location Map
Best time to visit: spring to late autumn
My highlights…
Trying to spot the park’s incredible wildlife which included eagle owls, red deer and even wildcats. Although I didn’t see everything I managed to spot a black stork!
Biking the Maare-Mosel Cycle Path which was an easy trail around 36 miles. I loved the scenery which ranged from tunnels and viaducts to pretty villages and ancient forests. I particularly loved biking past the unique volcanic landscapes.
15. Damme
Damme is an area of Belgium that encompasses Oostkereke, Vivenkapelle, Sint-Rita, Sijsele, Lapscheure, Hoeke, and Moerkerke.
The population of this growing area is just under 11,000 people. It remains a tiny, intimate town with much to offer tourists and locals.
Book enthusiasts flock to Damme, located in Belgium’s north region, as it is home to an increasing number of bookstores. Bookworms, poetry lovers and culture vultures will especially love it here!
Damme has a very walkable layout but also maintains an excellent bus route and is a bike-friendly area, so no matter how you travel in Damme, I’m sure you will enjoy this picturesque village just like I did!
Location: West Flanders, northeast of Bruges
Location Map
Best time to visit: summer
My personal highlights…
Going on an interesting tour of Hoeke Windmill and hearing about the history then taking lots of Insta-worthy photos of the striking building and the gorgeous surroundings.
Hiring an e-bike and biking along the Damme Canal Route which is around 10 miles and took me past the gorgeous canals from Bruges to Damme. I also loved the striking historic architecture and windmills too.
16. Gaasbeek Castle
Located in Lennik, Flemish Brabant, Belgium, Gaasbeek Castle is a stunning and romantic spot! From April 1 to August 30, I recommend visiting the Castle for a tour.
The castle is beautifully preserved, and I think the surrounding grounds are among the most beautiful in the country.
Ground admission is relatively inexpensive, and tours of the castle are available at various times throughout the day.
Address: Kasteelstraat 40, 1750 Lennik
Location Map
Best time to visit: 1 May to 31 October
My highlights…
Seeing the incredible tapestries and historic art, some of which incredibly dated back to 1520. I particularly loved intricate Doornik tapestries.
Discovering the fragrant Italian-style orangery and the striking Neo-Gothic barn in the gardens.
17. Oud-Rekem
Dubbed “The Most Beautiful Village in Flanders,” Oud Reken is simply waiting for visitors to stroll their historic pathways and cobblestone pathways!
If like me you like your travelling pace to be a little slower, then Oud Reken is the perfect place! The Castle d’Aspremont-Lynden is one of the most famous sites, but it is not the only one.
Visitors enjoy access to this historical village, of various indoor and outdoor museums and friendly locals around every corner. If quaint is your idea of perfection then I think you’ll love it here!
Location: Limburg province, 56 miles east of Brussels
Location Map
Best time to visit: spring to autumn
My favourite highlights…
Staying overnight at the cozy bed and breakfast Boven de Galerie, I loved having the tasty continental breakfast on the open-air terrace with the stunning views of the surroundings.
Dining on avocados on a grainy sourdough bread at the trendy Vogelsanck eatery which offer dishes with locally sourced ingredients.
18. Vallee du Ninglinspo
This is a stunning spot and one of the most famous and popular walks in the country and I love visiting this place.
I love hiking over the miles of trails, past babbling brooks, craggy rocks, gorgeous waterfalls complete with natural pools and historic green forests. It’s a zen-like spot!
Location: province of Liège
Location Map
Best time to visit: summer to early autumn
My favourite highlights…
Discovering the gorgeous waterfall Cascade du Ninglinspo which had natural pools and surrounding hiking trails.
Exploring the Remouchamps Caves on a guided boat tour, it was quite an experience seeing the incredible stalactites and stalagmites, but I felt a bit claustrophobic in there at times!
19. The Sonian Forest
Part of this magnificent forest has just been awarded a UNESCO heritage status. Beginning in the Iron Age, the 4,000 hectares of woodlands used to be part of a long natural border of beeches and oaks stretching from Brabant to the north of France.
It’s a treasured, peaceful, and unspoiled place and in my opinion, definitely deserves a place on this list! It’s also a naturally picturesque destination to spot roaming wildlife!
Address: The Sonian ForestDrève des Brûlés, 3 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
Location Map
Best time to visit: spring to autumn
My personal highlights…
Going on the leisurely Sentier de la Source Laineuse – Sentier du Vuylbeek hike which took me an hour and a half to complete and took me past sparkling lakes and through lush green forests.
Spotting the gorgeous wildlife which resides here and included woodpeckers, foxes, wild boar and squirrels.
My Stay at Indrani Lodge
I stayed in Indrani Lodge, located in the heart of the historic Brabant-Wallon village of Loupoigne, only a 45-minute drive from Brussels.
The lodge is a meticulously renovated medieval farm set amidst rural farmland. It had five upscale bedrooms with en-suite bedrooms, a peaceful leafy garden, an indoor swimming pool and even an onsite sauna.
My favourite part though was their selection of holistic programmes and focusing on the themes of yoga, wellness, mindfulness, and even healthy eating!
