Eupedia
Eupedia Belgium Guide


Belgium Travel & Culture Guide

Grand Place, Brussels (© Emicristea | Dreamstime.com)

Introduction

Belgium, a small yet diverse country, is divided into three distinct regions: Flanders (the Dutch-speaking north), Wallonia (the French-speaking south), and the bilingual capital region of Brussels. Despite its compact size of 30,528 square kilometres, Belgium offers a rich tapestry of experiences for travellers, from medieval cities to picturesque landscapes.

Belgium's cities are particularly noteworthy, each with its own distinct character. Brussels, the capital, houses the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO, and features one of Europe's grandest squares. Bruges captivates visitors with its preserved Gothic architecture, canals and cobbled streets, while Antwerp offers excellent museums and fashion. Ghent combines a historic quarter with university vibrancy, and Namur boasts an picturesque citadel with nearby hills for hiking.

Beyond its urban centres, Belgium is renowned for its culinary contributions, particularly beer, chocolate, and "moules-frites" (mussels with chips). The country has a significant historical legacy, having been a major European battleground through the centuries, including during the Battle of Waterloo and both World Wars. Today, Belgium is one of Europe's most heavily industrialised and urbanised countries, offering visitors a range of cultural experiences, from Gothic architecture and Renaissance art to modern attractions and traditional folk culture.



Top Belgian Cities

This is our ranking of the most interesting Belgian cities and towns to visit apart from Brussels. We took into account the attractiveness, atmosphere, historical heritage, as well as the number and quality of museums and local restaurants.

Bruges ※
Provincial government building at night, Bruges (© Eupedia.com)
must-see Bruges
Antwerp
Grote Markt, Antwerp (© Mapics | Dreamstime.com)
must-see Antwerp
Ghent
Belfry, Ghent (© Eupedia.com)
must-see Ghent
Namur
Citadel of Namur (© Eupedia.com)
must-see Namur
Liège
Palace of the Prince-bishops, Liège (© Dmitry Orlov | Dreamstime.com)
outstanding Liège
Leuven
Grote Markt and Town Hall, Leuven (© Eupedia.com)
outstanding Leuven


Belgian cuisine

Belgian cuisine
Discover the hearty delights of Belgian cuisine, from moules frites to carbonade flamande. Learn about traditional ingredients and regional specialities in our comprehensive food guide

Interesting Facts about Belgium

Fun Facts about Belgium
Interesting, amazing and little known facts about Belgium.

Expat Life

You've been in Belgium too long when...
Humourous situations for expats in Belgium.

Belgian History

History of Belgium
Explore Belgium's rich history from ancient Belgae tribes to Roman conquest, Burgundian rule, and independence in 1830. Discover how this young nation emerged from centuries of foreign dominance.
History of the Franks
Discover the fascinating journey of the Franks from Germanic tribe to Europe's ruling dynasty. Learn how their culture, laws and military prowess shaped medieval Europe's foundations.
Genetic history of Belgium
Explore the complex genetic tapestry of the Benelux region and France, revealing how ancient Celtic, Germanic, Roman and Viking influences shaped the unique genetic make-up of the Belgian population.

Belgian Specialties


Travel, Arts & Architecture

More about Belgium