My Top 10 Belgian Destinations (That Actually Deliver)
1. Brussels (Not Boring, Actually Brilliant)
Forget what you’ve heard—Brussels isn’t just EU suits and traffic circles. It’s quirky, creative, and full of surprises.
Start at Grand Place (it’s truly grand), but then wander into comic strip murals, flea markets in Marolles, and bars that serve beer aged like fine wine. The Atomium is weird and wonderful, and the Magritte Museum will mess with your mind in the best way.
Also: fries with Andalouse sauce, waffles on the go, and people-watching at a street café with a Trappist beer in hand? Chef’s kiss.
2. Bruges (Yes, It’s a Fairytale—and It’s Real)
Cobblestone streets, gingerbread buildings, canals that shimmer under candlelight—Bruges is postcard-perfect. But it’s not just pretty.
Climb the Belfry, rent a bike, or take a slow canal ride. Don’t miss the Groeningemuseum for Flemish art, or the tiny lace shops tucked into alleyways. Solo travel tip: grab a bench with a local beer and just be. This town makes slowing down feel luxurious.
3. Ghent (Cooler Than It Knows)
Ghent is like Bruges’ cooler, artsier cousin. Less touristy, more edgy, but just as beautiful.
There’s stunning medieval architecture, sure—but also gritty street art, underground music scenes, and late-night canalside hangouts. Climb Gravensteen Castle like a kid, then sip coffee in a minimalist café full of plants and vinyl records.
Come for the history, stay for the vibes.
4. Antwerp (Diamonds, Design & Seriously Good Food)
Antwerp is all swagger and style. It’s a fashion capital, a port city, and a melting pot of cultures—with architecture that flips between baroque, brutalist, and futuristic.
Check out the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), the Cathedral of Our Lady, and the boutique scene in the Zuid district. Then go all-in on Belgian food—croquettes, stoofvlees (beef stew), and waffles that should be illegal.
5. Leuven (Student Energy, Gothic Beauty)
Leuven is university town perfection. It’s young, energetic, and packed with cafés, bars, and bicycles.
Marvel at the insanely ornate Town Hall, then join students in Oude Markt, aka "the longest bar in the world" (it’s a whole square of pubs). Cheap, fun, and welcoming—you’ll feel like you belong, even if you haven’t studied in years.
6. Dinant (A River Town with Rock-Star Looks)
Clinging to cliffs over the Meuse River, Dinant looks like a painting—colorful houses, a dramatic citadel, and a church that seems to grow out of stone.
You can ride the cable car to the fortress, kayak the river, or just sip a beer in front of the famous Charles de Gaulle Saxophone Bridge. It’s small but mighty, and incredibly photogenic.
7. Durbuy (The "Smallest City in the World")
Durbuy is tiny—but that’s the whole charm. Medieval streets, artisan shops, and a peaceful riverside setting make this one of Belgium’s best slow-travel spots.
It’s big on local food (try wild boar stew), quirky topiary gardens, and outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking. Perfect for solo travelers wanting quiet without boredom.
8. Mechelen (Underrated and Totally Lovely)
Mechelen often gets skipped for Brussels or Antwerp—but don’t make that mistake.
It has stunning architecture, a chilled-out vibe, and a powerful history (visit Kazerne Dossin for a moving Holocaust memorial). Climb the St. Rumbold’s Tower for sky-high views, then relax with local cheese and a Belgian blonde beer in the sun.
9. Tournai (Oldest Cathedral, Newest Energy)
Tournai is one of Belgium’s oldest cities—and one of its best kept secrets. With a UNESCO-listed cathedral, peaceful riverbanks, and a youthful creative scene, it’s the kind of place that quietly wins you over.
Wander, linger, and get lost in conversations at local cafés. It’s what solo travel dreams are made of.
10. Ostend (Coastal, Cool, and Full of Character)
Looking for a seaside escape? Ostend brings beach energy with a Belgian twist.
There’s sand, seafood, street art, and an open-air vibe that makes it feel like summer even when it’s cloudy. Check out the Mu.ZEE, try grey shrimp croquettes (weird but amazing), and walk along the pier until the world feels quiet.
Practical Tips for Belgium
When to Go:
-
April–June and September–October = mild weather, fewer crowds, and loads of events.
Getting Around:
-
Trains are efficient and frequent. You can reach most cities in under 2 hours.
Budget:
-
Hostels: €25–40
-
Hotels: €70–120
-
Meals: €10–25
-
Beer: €3–6 (worth every cent)
Safety:
-
Very solo-friendly. Just keep an eye out in busy city centers and train stations for petty theft.
What to Eat:
-
Frites with mayo
-
Liege waffles (caramelized magic)
-
Moules-frites
-
Chimay, Orval, Westvleteren—basically all the beer
Make It Your Own Belgian Story
Belgium is tiny—but it’s packed. Art, food, history, design, beer, chocolate, castles—it’s all here, layered like a perfect praline.
So hop off the tourist track. Follow a smell into a bakery. Take a wrong turn down a canal. Accept that second glass of beer from the friendly stranger.
And when you find that hidden gem—a brewery in a church, a town square glowing at night, a waffle stand with no name—come back and tell us. Let’s build the Belgium that goes far beyond waffles and chocolate (but yeah, those are pretty great too).
