Tourist Attractions in Belgium

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Belgium

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Belgium

Belgium is a country where history is intertwined with modernity. Architectural monuments, ancient buildings, castles and cathedrals – travelling through Belgium can give the impression of travelling back in time several centuries. The cultural heritage of the country is appreciated by the UNESCO World Organisation. Many tourist sites are included in the World Heritage List and are under special protection.

Cities in Belgium are small, if you want, you can get round them in a day. Of course, most travellers recommend starting with Brussels. It is home to the famous Pissing Boy, the Royal Museum and the Royal Galleries. Bruges and Antwerp are considered authentic and cosy cities. The smaller cities of Ghent and Leuven boast medieval sights and interesting architecture.

Top Cities to Visit in Belgium

Top-35 Tourist Attractions in Belgium

Grand Place

 4.7/5

146249 reviews

Brussels’ historic square. Its architectural ensemble is a UNESCO heritage site. The main architectural objects are the Town Hall and the Bread House (King’s House). The square itself was founded in the XII century. A century later the Bread House was erected. And in the XV century the building of the Town Hall in the Gothic style was built. Thousands of tourists come here on the 15th of August. It is on this day that the square is carpeted with millions of brightly coloured flowering begonias.

Open time

Pissing Boy (Brussels)

A famous statue fountain depicting a naked boy pissing into a pool. It is located near the Grand Place. Local historians disagree on when this monument was erected. According to different data it was in XIV or XV century. The modern look was given to it by Jerome Dekenois in 1619. On holidays, the water jet is replaced with beer or wine. The change of the boy’s wardrobe is performed by the city’s honoured guests to the music of an orchestra.

Atomium

 4.4/5

87040 reviews

The structure is a symbol of Brussels and a symbol of scientific and technological progress, allowing the peaceful use of atomic energy. It is made in the form of a 165 billion times enlarged iron crystal lattice. Part of the 18-metre spheres are available for visitors to see. Between them it is possible to move on connecting pipes in which escalators are installed. A high-speed lift takes you to the viewing platform in the top sphere. Next to the Atomium is the Mini Europe miniature park.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Parc du Cinquantenaire

 4.6/5

34375 reviews

A popular recreation place for locals and guests of the city. It occupies an area of 37 hectares. The park has many tall trees, pedestrian paths and a small fountain. The main construction is the Triumphal Arch. It was erected in 1905 and is 50 metres high. In the exhibition pavilions near it there are three museums. An unusual architectural monument is the “Temple of Human Passion”, an ancient pavilion in the form of a Greek temple.

Open time

Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

 4.5/5

37008 reviews

Europe’s first indoor shopping arcades. Opened in 1847. The glazed passage of the galleries is 212 metres long. It houses shops, painting salons, restaurants. There is a cinema, a stage theatre, a museum of manuscripts and letters. All three galleries of the complex are incredibly luxurious. Different categories of goods are represented – ethnic, antique, branded goods, as well as famous Belgian sweets.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Kanaal Brugge-Oostende

 4.7/5

16 reviews

A unique water network of canals running through the city centre. Similar to the famous canals of Amsterdam. For an atmosphere of peace and quiet, tourists go on water walks. Excursions take place on open pleasure boats. This allows you to fully appreciate the beautiful ancient architecture of the city. The boats pass under stone bridges, past merchant mansions, unusual buildings and linden alleys.

Belfry of Bruges

 4.6/5

16546 reviews

One of the most popular places in Bruges is the Market Square. It is the historic site of the city, now completely pedestrianised. The centre of the market square is the Belfort Tower, a UNESCO heritage site. The bell tower was begun in 1240 and finished in the 15th century. The tower is 83 metres high and is built in the Gothic style. There are 47 bells on the upper tier. Earlier the construction fulfilled a watch function, a treasury and archives were kept here. You can climb up a narrow spiral staircase.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Burg

 0/5

The square is surrounded by old architectural buildings. It attracts many tourists and is the historical centre of the city. The jewel of Burg Square is the Town Hall, built in the XIV-XV centuries. Three tall towers and gilded sculptures on the facade make it incredibly beautiful. Other interesting buildings are the Governor’s Residence, the Judicial Chamber and the Old Civil Registry Office.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

 4.6/5

3836 reviews

It is located on Burg Square. It was built in the 12th century. The basilica is of great importance for Christians. It holds a valuable religious relic – a fragment of cloth soaked in Christ’s blood. The church consists of two parts. The lower one is made in Romanesque style and consists of two chapels. The altar of one of them is made of black marble. The upper part of the basilica is in Gothic style.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM

Graffiti Street

 4.2/5

2428 reviews

Ghent’s quays, located on opposite banks of the River Lys. A harmonious architectural complex, these streets were the centre of commerce in the Middle Ages. Here are preserved historical buildings of XVII-XIX centuries. – Houses of trade guilds built in Flemish Revival, Brabant Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Herb Street and Grain Street are popular walking spots for tourists. Many of the houses have restaurants with summer terraces, and you can take a boat ride after a hearty dinner.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Grote Markt

 0/5

The main square of Antwerp is often called the jewel of architecture. The square was founded in the XVI century and since then it has seen the appearance of many buildings with interesting architecture. For example, the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of seven naves in the Gothic style, which was built for almost 200 years. Gothic and Renaissance are combined in the building of the Town Hall. Guild houses are characterised by interesting decorations. In the middle of the square there is a fountain with a statue of a warrior.

Antwerp Central Train Station

 4.6/5

3043 reviews

A railway station that is recognised as one of Antwerp’s most significant landmarks. It has more than once been ranked among the top ten most beautiful railway stations in the world. The building was erected in the early XX century according to the project of architect L. Delasenseri. The appearance of the station resembles a palace and a cathedral at the same time due to the solemn architecture and richness of the facade decoration. More than 20 types of marble were used to decorate the interiors.

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Royal Palace of Brussels

 4.4/5

12482 reviews

Residence of the monarch of Belgium, where official events are held. The palace was built in the late 18th century. In 1904 it received a new facade in the Classicist style. Several rooms of the palace and the terrace are open to visitors from the end of July to the end of September. The Imperial Room contains fresh flowers from all Belgian provinces. In the Hall of Mirrors, the ceiling is lined with millions of Thai scarab beetle wings.

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Historic Leuven Town Hall

 4.6/5

1391 reviews

It was built at the end of the 15th century in the Gothic style. It is located near St Peter’s Church. It underwent several restorations after the world wars. The façade of the town hall is decorated with 236 statues and scenes from the Bible, with many turrets and small windows. Leuven Town Hall is considered one of the most splendid medieval buildings in the world. The interior decoration is also magnificent. The walls are decorated with paintings by famous artists.

Open time

Monday: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Parlamentarium

 4.5/5

5591 reviews

A visitor centre that tells the story of how the European Parliament came into being. What tasks and goals it has and how its members intend to fulfil them. In the halls of the centre there are many interactive diagrams, installations and stands telling in detail about the work of the European Parliament. The exhibition is open every day, admission is free, there are audio guides in 24 official languages of the European Union.

Open time

Monday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Menin Gate

 4.7/5

13103 reviews

Monument, a tribute to the soldiers who died in the First World War. Visually reminiscent of an arch. In the upper part of the composition you will see a plan of the disposition of the troops of that time in the battle for the city of Ypres. This architectural monument is crowned by the figure of a lion. On the inner slabs of the arch are carved the names of dead and missing soldiers and officers. Every day, since the monument’s opening, at 20.00, a trumpeter at the gate plays the signal of the rebellion. The tradition was interrupted only during the occupation of the city during the Second World War.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Montagne de Bueren

 4.5/5

8153 reviews

Built in 1881, its main purpose was to provide soldiers from the garrison at the top with quick access to the city centre in the event of an enemy invasion or popular uprising. The staircase consists of 374 steps. When climbing, you can rest on the platforms with benches set at different heights. From the top there is a beautiful view of the city of Liège. In October, the Night Hill Festival takes place here. During the festival, thousands of candles are lit on the stairs.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde"

 4.5/5

4075 reviews

Settlements of single women, unmarried or widows, organised into communes. In Belgium, beguinages are architectural ensembles that include dwellings, cells and chapels. The courtyard was planted with flowers or used as a vegetable garden. Beguinages became especially widespread in the XIII century. In total, about 80 such complexes have survived in the world, 30 of them are in Belgium and are included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Open time

Monday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM

St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels

 4.6/5

18218 reviews

An excellent example of Gothic art. The cathedral is a composition with two symmetrical towers 64 metres high. In the northern tower there is a bell. The staircase of each tower leads to a picturesque terrace. The interior is dominated by a combination of asceticism and pomp. Magnificent statues of the apostles adorn the snow-white columns. The cathedral often hosts organ concerts for everyone.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Tournai

 4.4/5

1669 reviews

The cathedral is included in the list of UNESCO protected sites and has been preserved in good condition. The construction of the cathedral began in 1100 and was finished only in the XIV century. Over the years, the style of construction changed from Romanesque to Gothic. The cathedral is distinguished by its towers – the central tower with a pyramidal roof and 4 corner towers with bell towers. The height of all towers is about 83 metres.

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Saint Bavo's Cathedral

 4.6/5

9735 reviews

In 942 a wooden church was founded, which was later enlarged and rebuilt in the Gothic style. The cathedral structure is famous for its Ghent Altar. It is 3.5 metres high and 5 metres wide. It is considered one of the most important works of art in the world. The images on the altar depict scenes from the Revelation of John the Evangelist. A total of 258 human silhouettes are depicted on the panels of the altar.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:30 PM

Cathedral of Our Lady

 4.5/5

9723 reviews

It is one of the largest cathedrals of the Roman Catholic Church and is of great architectural value. The highest tower of the cathedral is 123 metres high. The construction started in 1352 and it is not finished till now. The style of construction is Gothic. The works of art stored in the cathedral are also of great value. These are works by the artists Matrin de Vos, Jacob de Backer and Otto van Veen.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Plantin-Moretus Museum

 4.6/5

3332 reviews

The history of this museum is closely linked to the history of printing in Europe. One of the first printing houses in Europe was opened in Antwerp in 1555. In 1877, the city authorities opened a museum with 16th century printing exhibits and a library in the building of the printing house. It is on the UNESCO heritage list. The library has 30,000 copies of historical and valuable books. Among the museum’s exhibits are printing presses dating back to 1600.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

 4.5/5

7975 reviews

A museum complex that includes most of Belgium’s artworks. It was founded in 1801. 1200 objects of European painting of XIV-XVIII centuries are placed in the Museum of Ancient Art. They are divided into collections – French and Italian, Dutch, Flemish. The Magritte Museums contains about 150 of his works from different periods of creativity. The Museum of Modern Art presents the works of Belgian masters – surrealist painters, impressionists, sculptors. The above museums are located in Brussels. In its suburb, the city of Ixelles, there are two more artists’ museums – the Wirtz Museum and the Meunier Museum.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Musical Instruments Museum

 4.4/5

5110 reviews

One of the largest museums of this kind in the world. It contains more than 8,000 instruments of all kinds – folk, academic and traditional. The museum was founded in 1877 on the basis of the collections of the musicologist Fétis and King Leopold II. Since 2000 it has been housed in a historic Art Nouveau building. The museum is visited by more than 100,000 people a year. From time to time, the museum organises concerts by performers on modern instruments.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

In Flanders Fields Museum

 4.5/5

5986 reviews

It is unique in the atmosphere of the front Ypres. The museum’s expositions display wartime items – weapons, soldiers’ uniforms, authentic documents. Modern technologies allow the museum to show the bloody battles of the First World War on a special interactive map. Personal stories as well as those of nurses, priests and soldiers are shown in video kiosks. The name of the museum is taken from a McCrae poem.

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MAS - Museum aan de Stroom

 4.5/5

16392 reviews

The name of the museum stands for “Museum on the River”. It is housed near the river Scheldt in a modern red sandstone and glass building. A large spiral staircase runs along its perimeter, leading to a viewing platform on the top floor. The museum’s funds contain collections of various subjects – archaeology, navigation, history of the region, ethnography and art collection. The museum’s exhibitions attract a large number of visitors.

Open time

Gravensteen

 4.6/5

27486 reviews

The castle was built in 1180. Its defence system has survived to the present day in almost pristine condition. Over the years, the castle has been used as a textile factory, a mint, a courtroom and a prison. Now the city authorities have set up a museum of justice and arms in the castle. Most of the exhibits are torture devices and a collection of ancient weapons.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Het Steen

 4.3/5

6249 reviews

The castle was founded in the 13th century and was significantly rebuilt during the reign of Charles V. The castle was used as a prison for five centuries. Part of the castle was demolished in the 19th century to combat the shoaling of the Scheldt River. Practically only one facade remained of the castle. In 1890 the Museum of Archaeology and later the Museum of Navigation were opened in Sten Castle. Near the castle there is a monument to the folklore character Long Vapper.

Open time

Domain of the Caves of Han

 4.4/5

15690 reviews

You can get into the cave on a sightseeing tram that runs from the nearby village directly to the cave grottoes. Inside, the humidity is high and the temperature stays at 13° Celsius. The main objects of interest in the cave are the stalagmites. One of them is 5 metres high and is called the Minaret. Its age is estimated at 12,000 years. A light show is organised for sightseers, and a cannon volley helps to appreciate the acoustics of the cave.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10:00 – 10:15 AM, 1:30 – 1:45 PM
Sunday: 10:00 – 10:15 AM, 1:30 – 1:45 PM

Waterloo

 0/5

A museum complex near the town of Waterloo. It is dedicated to the grandiose battle in which Napoleon Bonaparte suffered his final defeat. It consists of a museum, a circular panorama of the battle and an artificial forty-metre hill with a statue of a lion on top. “Waterloo” is worth a visit to any tourist even slightly interested in history. Its creators perfectly managed to convey the spirit of the Napoleonic era.

Minnewater

 4.8/5

212 reviews

Located in Minnewater Park. Snow-white swans swim in the waters of the beautiful lake. All of them belong to the city of Bruges, so they have a mark on their beaks with the letter “B” and their date of birth. You can take a boat trip on the lake. This will give you an opportunity to see an ancient bridge and a gingerbread house on its picturesque shores. The shores of the fairy-tale lake are always full of artists with easels and couples in love.

Pairi Daiza

 4.6/5

67942 reviews

The park is located 60 kilometres from Brussels. It combines a zoo and a botanical garden. An ancient abbey and ruins of ancient buildings have been preserved on the territory of the park. The botanical garden, zoo enclosures, terrarium and oceanarium are located among architectural monuments. There are several thematic zones in the park. During a walk through it you can visit the African savannah, tropical forests, a lagoon with a ship and a submarine.

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De Panne - Koksijde

 4.4/5

8785 reviews

The resort on the shores of the North Sea was founded back in 1831. Nowadays, the white sand beach is always crowded. The water in the sea does not get warmer than 20°C, but there is no scorching sun and exhausting heat. Due to the strong winds, De Panne beach is appreciated by yachting and surfing enthusiasts. On the beach there are sports grounds, a golf course, amusement rides and a go-karting centre. Sports festivals and concerts are often organised.

Open time

Tomorrowland DJ & Experience Store

 4.8/5

89 reviews

Festival of electronic and dance music. It was launched in 2005 and is now one of the most famous festivals in the world. In 2017, it was visited by 400,000 people from 75 countries, including King Philippe of Belgium and his wife. The festival takes place in the park De Shore. Here they build a huge tent camp called “City of Dreams”. The extravaganza concert show is complemented by the light of lasers, pyrotechnics and incredible decorations.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM