2026 Belgium Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

The latest hidden gem landmark is here! 🏗️ This Gare de Liège-Guillemins station, 20 years in the making, is finally complete, and takes you into a magical world straight out of a sci-fi movie! 🎥 🌌【Stunning Architectural Aesthetics】 Designed by master architect Santiago Calatrava, this station exudes a futuristic vibe from the parking lot to the platforms! Intertwining metal lines create a surreal beauty, making every casual shot a masterpiece! 📸 🛤️【Key Highlights】 - 165-meter super-long corridor runs through the entire station - 15-meter high ceilings are breathtaking - Geometric shapes create a mesmerizing visual effect It's like stepping into a spaceship from a Kubrick film, a must-visit for space enthusiasts! 🚀 💫【Don't Miss】 The organic curved design of the main building is definitely an Instagrammable photo spot! On sunny days, light and shadow intertwine, and at sunset, it shimmers with golden light, every angle is breathtakingly beautiful! 🌅 📍Address: City Center, Liège, Belgium 🕒Opening Hours: 24 hours (station facilities operate according to train schedules) 🚗Transportation: Accessible by multiple city bus routes, large parking lot available for self-driving

Start at Bruges Market Square, the heart of the old town. Surrounded by colorful Gothic and Renaissance buildings, the sound of horse-drawn carriages mingles with the aromatic smell of waffles, creating an atmosphere that makes you want to stop in time. 🔔 Next, visit the Belfry of Ghent, a towering bell tower that served as a lookout point during the Middle Ages. Today, you can climb it for panoramic views of Ghent and learn about its history through the exhibitions inside. ⛪ Nearby is St. Bavo Cathedral, an ancient cathedral housing world-renowned works like "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by the Van Eyck brothers. The exquisite paintings and tranquility of this place will immerse you in its beauty. 🧬 Change your mind to the Atomium Building in Brussels, a symbol of modernity built for the 1958 Expo. This giant atomic structure is not only photogenic, but also a must-see. But there are also fascinating exhibitions and viewpoints. 🌳 If you're looking to relax amidst nature and history, Parc Du Cinquantenaire is the answer. This large park features a triumphal arch in the center, museums, and green spaces for leisurely strolls or picnics. 🚉 Another must-see landmark is Station Antwerpen-Centraal, Antwerp's central railway station, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Its magnificent, palace-like central hall will take your breath away. 🦁 Finally, visit The Lion's Mound, a mound built to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo, the site of Napoleon's defeat in 1815. A bronze lion statue sits atop the former battlefield, offering both a tranquil and powerful setting. Every part of Belgium has a story to tell, whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a nature lover. This place has something for everyone.

#europeonbudget Small in size but big in charm — Belgium is where medieval towns, cozy canals, and world-class food come together 💫. Best part? You don’t need a huge budget to enjoy it! --- 🌍 Must-Visit Destinations 🏰 Bruges – The “Venice of the North,” wander cobblestone streets & dreamy canals for free fairytale vibes. 🌟 Grand Place, Brussels – UNESCO gem; magical at night when the square lights up. ⚛️ Atomium – Iconic landmark; save money by admiring its futuristic design from the outside. 🏙️ Ghent City Center – A lively student city mixing history & modern vibes — budget friendly to explore on foot. ⚔️ Waterloo – Famous battlefield of Napoleon’s defeat; perfect for history lovers. 🌲 Ardennes – Free paradise for hiking, cycling & kayaking adventures. --- 🍴 Budget Belgian Flavors 🧇 Waffles – Try a crispy Liège waffle from a street stand for just a few euros. 🍲🍟 Moules-Frites – Mussels + fries = Belgian classic; share with friends to save. 🍫 Chocolate – Even supermarket brands are high-quality & wallet-friendly. 🍺 Beer – 1,000+ varieties; grab a local bottle from the supermarket to taste on a budget. 🥗 Endive – Local veggie with a light bitter crunch; easy to try in market snacks or small cafés. --- 💡 Practical Tips 🚆 Transport – Get a Belgium Rail Pass for unlimited city hopping at a great price. 🗣️ Language – Dutch, French & German are official, but English works fine in tourist areas. 🤝 Etiquette – Be punctual & make dining reservations in advance — locals appreciate it! --- ✨ Takeaway: Belgium gives you grand history & everyday charm, all without breaking the bank 💖. A true European fairytale trip on budget!

The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp is a breathtaking symbol of faith, history, and artistic brilliance 🌟. Built between 1352 and 1521, this towering Gothic marvel stands 123 meters tall, dominating the city’s skyline 🏛️. Inside, visitors are mesmerized by its soaring arches, intricate stained glass windows, and priceless artworks 🎨. The cathedral houses masterpieces by the legendary Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens, including *The Elevation of the Cross* and *The Descent from the Cross* 🖼️. Beyond its artistic treasures, the cathedral’s belfry is part of the UNESCO-listed Belfries of Belgium and France, adding to its historical significance 🌍. Whether admiring its grandeur from the square or stepping inside to experience its serene beauty, this cathedral is a must-visit for lovers of history, art, and architecture 💖. A timeless wonder that continues to inspire! 🚶♂️📸

1. Waffle heaven🍓🧇 Belgian waffles are special when eaten locally! Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. Customize your own waffle with toppings of chocolate, cream, and fruit! 👉 If you can't decide, we recommend the "Liège waffle." Eat it while walking, the Belgian way! 2. Chocolate is on another level🍫✨ Belgian chocolate is seriously delicious. Many specialty stores allow you to sample, so try a variety and find your favorite! 👉 Check out famous stores such as "Pierre Marcolini" and "Godiva"! 3. Medieval cityscapes are like something out of a storybook🏰❤️ Bruges and Ghent are like a time warp! Cobblestone streets, canals, old churches... you can't stop taking photos. 👉 A boat tour is a must in Bruges! The view from the canal is amazing. 4. Heaven for beer lovers 🍺🍻 Belgian beer has a wide variety and high alcohol content! Try a "Trappist beer" at a local pub. 👉 Delirium Cafe has over 2,000 types of beer! 5. Authentic fries 🍟🔥 Belgian fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Enjoy them with plenty of mayonnaise or special sauce! 👉 Find a "Frituur" and enjoy the local flavor! ➡️ Belgium has all three of the qualities of "delicious x cute x fun", so why not make it your next travel destination? ✈️💖 #Belgium #Europe #Overseas travel #Overseas travel strategy

#europetrip Brugge, often called the “Venice of the North,” is a captivating city in Belgium that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Its cobblestone streets, winding canals, and medieval architecture create a magical atmosphere. Highlights include the iconic Belfry Tower, the serene Minnewater Park, and the charming Markt Square. Brugge is a haven for art lovers with its museums showcasing Flemish masterpieces. The city is also renowned for its chocolate, waffles, and local beers, offering a true taste of Belgium. Whether wandering through its quaint alleys or enjoying a canal cruise, Brugge enchants visitors with its timeless beauty and charm.

#magicalxmastrip #belgium Belgium is renowned for its stunning architectural heritage, offering a delightful mix of medieval, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau buildings that make it a paradise for architecture lovers. The country’s towns and cities are full of eye-catching structures, each telling its own story. 1. Grand Townhouses in Bruges Wandering through Bruges feels like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved medieval townhouses lining narrow streets and canals. The Guildhalls on the Market Square, with their ornate facades and intricate designs, stand out as prime examples of the city’s rich history. Many of these buildings feature steep, pointed roofs, and brightly colored facades that are simply charming. 2. Brussels’ Art Nouveau Masterpieces Brussels is home to some of the most remarkable Art Nouveau architecture in the world, with works by famed architect Victor Horta leading the charge. The Hôtel Tassel and Horta Museum showcase the elegance of curving lines, stained glass, and natural motifs that define this style. The Maison Saint-Cyr is another stunning example, with its beautiful wrought ironwork and intricate glass windows. 3. Charming Townhouses in Ghent and Antwerp In Ghent, medieval houses and colorful buildings dot the Korenmarkt, while the Gravensteen Castle looms majestically over the city. Meanwhile, Antwerp boasts unique Renaissance buildings like the Vlaeykensgang, a hidden alley of cozy, antique houses that feels like a secret world. Belgium’s diverse architectural gems make it a dream destination for anyone fascinated by beautiful homes and buildings!

Grand Place, Brussels Grand Place is one of Brussels’ most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The square is surrounded by magnificent guildhalls and the Town Hall, showcasing a variety of architectural styles that are truly breathtaking. ⏰ Opening Hours: Open all day 🎫 Admission: Free Palace of Justice The Palace of Justice is one of the largest court buildings in the world, located in the upper town of Brussels. Its unique architectural style, rich in neoclassical elements, offers a spectacular view of the city. ⏰ Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 🎫 Admission: €10 for adults, discounted rates for students and seniors European Parliament Brussels is the administrative center of the European Union, and the European Parliament is one of its legislative bodies. Visitors can join guided tours or attend plenary sessions to learn about the work and decision-making processes of the Parliament. ⏰ Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM 🎫 Admission: Free (advance booking for guided tours required) Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium This important art museum complex consists of the Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art. It houses a vast collection of European paintings and sculptures, including works by Flemish masters like Bruegel and Rubens. ⏰ Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM 🎫 Admission: €15 for adults, discounted rates for students and seniors Atomium The Atomium is an iconic building in Brussels and a symbol of Belgium. It is composed of giant iron spheres connected in the shape of an iron crystal. Inside, there are exhibitions and observation decks offering stunning views of the city. ⏰ Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM 🎫 Admission: €16 for adults, discounted rates for students and seniors Manneken Pis This is one of Brussels’ most famous and controversial sculptures, and also a symbol of the city. The statue is located on a small fountain in the city center. ⏰ Opening Hours: Open all day 🎫 Admission: Free St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral This magnificent Gothic cathedral is located in the heart of Brussels and is one of Belgium’s most important religious buildings. Its stunning interior and beautiful rose windows are popular highlights for visitors. ⏰ Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 🎫 Admission: Free Travel Boarding & Security Check ⏰ Entry Time: Boarding is allowed 1.5 hours before departure. Due to potentially long security checks, it's recommended to arrive 45 minutes to 1 hour before departure. 🎫 Ticket Scanning: To enter, scan your e-ticket (added to your Wallet app) or present your paper ticket. 🔍 Security Check: You will need to remove any jewelry and outerwear during the security screening. 🛂 Passport Check: Your passport will be stamped with a special train stamp (a small train icon). #belgium #brussel #trip #travelguide

EVERYTHING I ATE AT EUROPES LARGEST MUSIC FESTIVAL 🇧🇪 @tomorrowland It’s not just about the music 😉…. I’d just come for the food 😂 really impressed by all the live cooking sections and great quality street food… is there anything Tomorrowland can’t do!? ⭐️ If you can’t take a date, take a mate! Tag tag tag x #tomorrowland #belgium #europe #foodie #food #streetfood #foodporn #lobster #steak #bbq #festival #reels

💖Highlight 📝Here is the travel guide for Bruges, Belgium ❣️Save it quickly ⛲️Travel guide for Bruges, Belgium ✨️Basilica of the Holy Blood A Roman Catholic basilica built in the 12th century It houses the relic of the Holy Blood collected by Joseph of Arimathea and was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 1923. ✨️Belfry of Bruges Located in the Market Square in the center of Bruges, it is a medieval bell tower built between the 13th and 15th centuries It is the most prominent landmark of Bruges. The belfry was once used to store treasures and municipal archives, and to observe fires and other dangers. ✨️Bruges Train Station Bruges Central Train Station is about a 10-minute walk from the city center There are buses and taxis outside the station, making it very convenient to travel to other districts. ✨️Memling Museum Located in the oldest surviving medieval hospital in Europe The museum recreates daily life in the hospital through collections of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and decorative arts The museum houses several outstanding 15th-century paintings and the Shrine of St. Ursula, all works by Memling. ✨️Lake of Love Located in a long canal lake in the southern part of Bruges, it is used to control the water flow of Bruges. Love at First Sight Bridge: Located on the east side of the Church of Our Lady, it is said that when you step on this bridge, the first person of the opposite sex you meet will fall in love with you at first sight.

🌎Bruges is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. Its architectural style, canal network and unique atmosphere make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belgium. When you come to Bruges, you might as well stroll around the beautiful city center square and enjoy the magnificent view of the Bruges Bell Tower; drive along the ancient buildings, stone bridges and windmills on both sides of the river bank to feel the tranquility and romance. In addition, you can also drive into the countryside around Bruges to explore the beautiful countryside and taste local food and beer in country taverns. Let’s explore the city freely with Chechejun and start an exciting self-driving trip to Bruges! 🌼Daily schedule DAY1: Bruges Provincial Palace - Bruges Belfry - Bruges Library - Basilica of the Holy Blood DAY2: Lake of Love-Groninger Museum-Royal Beguinage in the Vineyard-Cactus Muziekcentrum vzw DAY3: Beer Museum-Crossgate-Canal Mill-Water Sports Activity Center (Sint-Pietersplas)-Entrepot 🌸The self-driving mileage is about 25 kilometers, and the recommended travel time is 2-3 days. It is suitable for tourists who like humanities and history. 💖Overview of attractions ✔️Bruges Bell Tower: Located on the Market Square in the center of the city, it is one of the famous landmarks of the small town. If you want to reach the top of the bell tower, you need to go through 366 narrow and steep steps. There is also a carillon with 47 bells on the bell tower, which will sound melodious every 15 minutes. After climbing to the top, you can overlook the scenery of Bruges and take in the beauty of the beautiful waterside town of Bruges. ✔️Lake of Love: Located in the south of Bruges, the park has a very beautiful environment, and the idyllic scenery also adds to the beauty of Bruges. There are many elegant white swans in the lake, so it is also called "Swan Lake". There is a place where you can rent bicycles in the park. Renting a bicycle and going around the lake will definitely make you feel relaxed and intoxicated by the charming scenery. ✔️Beer Museum: Located in the center of Bruges, it is a historically famous beer workshop. The museum has dedicated staff to explain the beer making process and history. There are also tens of thousands of beers on display in the museum, the more delicious ones are cherry and raspberry flavors. There is also a souvenir shop in the museum selling a variety of beers. #trip # Self-driving # Car rental # Self-driving tour

🌎In the heart of Europe, Belgium is like a shining pearl, waiting for every traveler to uncover its mystery. Traveling to Belgium by car is not only a visual feast, but also a spiritual baptism. Walk through ancient streets, visit medieval churches, taste authentic food, and experience the unique romance and style of Belgium. Let’s embark on this classic self-driving tour of Belgium and experience the beauty of the blend of history and culture. ⭐️Route recommendations 🚩Brussels→Ghent→Antwerp→Brussels 🌼Daily schedule DAY1: Art Mountain-Atomium-St. Hubert Arcade-50th Anniversary Park DAY2: St. Michael's Bridge-Count's Castle-Ghent Art Museum-St. Bavo's Cathedral DAY3-4: Antwerp Grand Place-Rubens House-Riverside Museum-Antwerp Zoo-Royal Antwerp Art Museum-Saint Anne Beach-Plantin-Moretus Museum DAY5: Saint-Michel and Saint-Gudula Cathedral-Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium-Belgian Comics Center 🌸The self-driving mileage is about 170 kilometers. The recommended travel time is 4-5 days. It is suitable for tourists who like humanities and history. 💖Overview of attractions ✔️Mont des Arts: A historical site located in the center of Brussels, it has now become an art district with a strong artistic temperament. Walking around the Mont des Arts, in addition to visiting museums, art galleries and other attractions, the unique viewing position allows you to have a bird's-eye view of the charming city of Brussels. ✔️St. Michael's Bridge: a famous bridge in Ghent. Standing on the bridge and seeing the guild buildings of Ghent across the Les River, including three churches and the castle in the distance, is one of the best places to photograph the city. ✔️Antwerp Grand Square: The city center of Antwerp is located and is one of the important landmarks of Antwerp. There are many Flemish-style buildings around, and the ground floors of some buildings are now used as restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. It is a good choice to sit down and have a rest or buy souvenirs. ✔️St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral: This is a Gothic cathedral. It shows the simple linearity of Gothic architecture and is very grand. The front facade of the church has two symmetrical towers with a height of 69 meters. It adopts the rare flame Gothic style with simple and sharp reliefs. The south tower of the church has 49 bells made by the Royal Bell Factory, and people can enjoy its beautiful bells during Sunday concerts. #trip # Self-driving # Car rental # Self-driving tour

#fallingseason Belgium is located in the west of Europe and it is famous for chocolate, waffles and even beer! I have been this place for many times and I am still love it! One of the favourites place for me is Ghent. This place is such a beautiful city with the river and lots of good architecture buildings. Secondly, Bruges is another place that definitely worth to visit it ! As this place looks like another Venice in Belgium, you can see lots of building across the river and they are stunning. #belgium #travel #tripcom #境外遊

Belgium is one of the must visit country in the world , this place known as waffles , chocolate and beer. In here you can discover a wide variety of chocolate and special taste of beer! One of the place in Belgium where is called Dinant. This place is so beautiful with the river across two sides of the road. Bruges is also amazing place with loads of rivers, it is just like another VENICE. If you come to Belgium, highly recommend try different taste of chocolate and you will get a surprise! #境外遊 #Belgium #比利時

Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. The country is bordered by the Netherlands to the north. Belgium is world-famous for its chocolate, waffles, beer, and its national football team, the Red Devils. Belgium is also home to NATO headquarters and to the EU Commission and European Parliament. Brussels is often referred to as the capital of the EU. Belgium is a member of the Schengen Agreement. There are normally no border controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty. This includes most of the European Union and a few other countries. There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders. A visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty. Please see Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, which countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality. The Grand Palace is a square in the center of Brussels, the capital of Belgium, surrounded by buildings that date mainly from the 17th century. Art, music, and architecture play a big role in Belgian life and history. The comic strip is highly regarded, with "Tintin" and "The Smurfs" both originating in the country. Sports are also popular in Belgium, with soccer being the most-played sport. Waffles, moules frites (mussles served with french fries), and chocolate are three of the most popular Belgian foods.

- Hatiku tertinggal di Brussels. Syurga coklat dan waffle rupanya kat sini. Min dah jatuh hati dah dengan Belgium ni. Brussels ni bandar di Belgium yang terkenal dengan coklat. Kedai coklat ada kat mana2 terutamanya di kawasan tarikan paling terkenal kat sini iaitu The Grand Place. Coklat2 di sini marvellous. Ada banyak master chocolatier yang membuka kedai dari kedai yang hi-end/butik sehinggalah kedai yang menjual 10 box dengan 1 harga. Salah satu perkara menarik kat sini, semua kedai2 coklat (butik atau biasa) membenarkan anda merasa (free tasting) semua coklat2 yang anda mahu rasa (sila tanya dulu untuk coklat beralkohol atau tidak) dan anda boleh rasa pelbagai coklat sampai kenyang hahaha. Sebenarnya ada 2 makanan wajib yang perlu dicuba di sini iaitu waffles dan coklat. Terdapat banyak gerai2 waffles di sini dengan harga waffle Euro1 tetapi topping adalah berharga berlainan. Dinasihatkan anda survey beberapa gerai dahulu sebelum membeli kerana harganya adalah boleh tahan juga bila ditambah beberapa topping berbeza. Sebagai seorang muslim, semak dan tanyalah dulu ingredient di dalam makanan2 ini sebelum membeli atau mencuba (free tasting). Kalau dah sampai sini, mesti pekena waffle rangup yang di limpahi dgn coklat di atasnya. Sambil minum hot chocolate Belgium. Perghh…. So bila dah teringat hal coklat, this time min terfikir why not kita backpack ke Europe. Kitorang pick up Europe kali ni sesuai ngan bajet yg sederhana. Lepas brainstorm baru-baru ni, negara2 yang dipilih tu adalah UNITED KINGDOM, FRANCE, BELGIUM & NETHERLAND.

Gent / Belgium The architecture in the Belgian town of Ghent is so beautiful! Especially after nightfall, it has the atmosphere of medieval Europe. It turns out that Ghent developed the wool and linen industry in the Middle Ages, making it one of the largest cities in Europe. The beautiful buildings at that time are still intact today.

A monastery registered as a World Heritage Site in Bruges, Belgium I saw the first photo before my trip and thought it was wonderful, so I took this photo from the same angle. This monastery was established to protect the lives of single women and women who have lost their husbands, and nuns still live there today. Inside there is also a museum that recreates the rooms of the monastery from that time, which you can visit. #WorldHeritage

The city of Bruges, registered as a World Heritage Site in Belgium, is a lovely city with a medieval streetscape. The city, which once prospered through its canals, was once a commercial center, but after the 14th century, the cove was filled with sediment, preventing commercial ships from entering or leaving. The city's development came to a halt, and the beautiful medieval streetscape has been preserved for future generations. #WorldHeritage

Even though Belgium is smaller than many other countries you can visit, it is filled with activities, restaurants, and much more. Getting from place to another is easy for travellers in Belgium because the towns are close together. There are trains and buses that will take you where you want to go. Whether it is Antwerp to see one of the largest collections of diamonds, or to Ghent to visit botanical gardens and visit castles. Brussels, the capital of Belgium is another fascinating city you should visit when you are travelling. Many people visit Belgium for the food as much as for the countries two diverse cultures. In Belgium, people either speak Dutch or French depending on which part of Belgium you want to visit. Food and drink come in all forms. If you enjoy tasting home brewed beer, then Belgium is a great place to start. There are many breweries and pubs that you can visit during your stay. Chocolate is also a tourist attraction for many people. There are also many restaurants, caf

🔸️Traveling to Brussels, Belgium~ 🔹️You must visit there at least once~)!! It's a place where you can really enjoy delicious food in a lifetime travel destination~ Everything you eat is delicious~! 📍Location: Belgium 📍Location: Brussels 💙 Things to see: Brussels Square . ✅Tip. Eat Belgian waffles! . #PleaseWinter#HotPlace#Belgium#BelgiumTravel#Brussels#BelgianSquare#Square#TheMostBeautifulSquareInTheWorld#BrusselsSquare#BelgiumBrussels#BrusselsTravel#CityWithNightViews#BrusselsNightViews#BeautifulCity#BrusselsWaffles#TravelVlog#SoloTravel

With these hot days, people everywhere are looking to cool down. One of the favorite places is the vicinity of the North castle, where the Hogere Zeevaartschool is located. The North castle was a citadel that was built in 1862 on the territory of the disappeared polder village Oosterweel. Its main task was the defense of the Oosterweel bend on the Scheldt in Antwerp. Already in 1881, nineteen years after its construction, most of the North castle was demolished to make way for the Amerikadock and the Afrikadock due to the expansion of the port of Antwerp. In 1910 the North Castle was officially written off as a military area. Under the impulse of Mayor Camille Huysmans, the 61-hectare domain of North Castle was transformed in 1934 into a recreation resort with a very popular and public outdoor swimming pool. In 1957, a large part of the recreational area had to make way for the western expansion of the Amerikadock. In 1969 the recreation resort North castle was closed for the construction of the never realized Boerinnensluis. The only remaining half caponier 1 became a city warehouse on the current Oosterweelsteenweg. Explosives were stored in the underground corridors until 1995. Today, only a green area with a piece of ramparts on the rowing pond (the former main moat) close to the Hogere Zeevaartschool remains of the castle. The views on the Scheldt river and the skyline of Antwerp are magnificent from there. Part of the remaining grounds of the North Castle will be included in the construction of the Oosterweel connection. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Marnixplaats, a central square on the south where 8 streets lead to, is getting more and more hip. The widening of the footpaths allowing the terraces to expand and the creation of a green zone around the statue ‘Schelde Vrij’ will certainly have contributed to this. Around the entire square there are horeca establishments where you can get a drink or snack any time of the day. The dominating 20 meter high ‘Scheldt Free’ memorial monument in the middle of the square commemorates the liberation of the Scheldt in 1863 and dates from 1873. On July 16, 1863, Belgium bought off with the support of other seafaring nations, the last remainder of medieval toll for goods from the Netherlands for a sum of 17,141,640 guilders. Belgium and England paid most of it in addition to 19 other countries who paid an applied share according to their shipping traffic intrest in this route. The negotiator on the Belgian side, Auguste Lambermont, received the title of baron. All names of the 8 streets that open onto the square also refer to the liberation of the Scheldt. If you look a little closer you will see that it is actually a group of statues consisting of a Neptune figure by Jean Jacques Winders with Mercury on the right and the seated, crowned city maiden on the left. Neptune carries a bronze trident in his right hand, the left arm rests on the female figure, a cloak on the back. Mercury has a staff and rests with his left knee on a pitcher of water. The artists Louis Dupuis, Jaak De Braekeleer and Frans Floris also contributed to this sculpture group. Popular nickname for the Neptune figure with the trident is 'het verket'. Verket is flemish dialect for fork. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes

Belgium is famous for many things, Tintin, beer, chocolate, french fries, and peeing statues. #historicculture#bestislandtraveltowns#newphotographer#smelltheroses#deliciousfood

The weather was cloudy, but the beer was so delicious in Belgium! I think it was Grand Place Square. If you go to Belgium, you absolutely must see this square and the statue of the peeing boy! And you absolutely must eat French fries, beer, and waffles :) I tried these 3 things, but it was a little disappointing because the weather was cloudy ㅠㅠ! But there was no place that could beat Belgium for beer 🧡 There are many hot places where young people come to drink! (+The French fries sold nearby are amazing) #safe travel #winter travel #city travel #Belgium travel #waiting restaurant street #waiting restaurant #Belgian night view

Did you know where French fries originated? They say Belgium is the birthplace of French fries! (Of course, this differs from France's opinion.) That's why, when traveling to Belgium, you must have at least one waffle and French fries a day! Sauce is available for an extra fee, but I found it a bit boring to just eat them plain. They're thick, unseasoned fries. Fritland is the original French fry place in Brussels. You can easily spot it by the incredibly long line. The turnover is so fast that even in the longest line, you'll only have to wait 20-30 minutes to get your food. #wintertravel #restauranttour #safetravel #christmas #yearendtravel #winterfood #winterstroll #onasnowyday #brussels #frenchfries #belgiantravel #belgium

When I first entered Brussels' Grand Place, the sight of the guild houses surrounding it, radiating with ornate gold, reminded me of why it's considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Conversely, as I approached the Atomium on the outskirts of the city and gazed up close at the massive silver spheres symbolizing the atomic structure of iron, I was struck by the cold, geometric feel of the square, a stark contrast to the medieval square. A short train ride to Antwerp Central Station was equally impressive. The massive glass dome and elaborate marble staircase gave the impression of standing in the midst of a magnificent cathedral, rather than a train station. I then headed to Gravensteen Castle, nestled in the heart of Ghent's city center. Walking along the stone walls of the fortress, perched firmly on a waterway, I observed the rugged, robust medieval defenses, a stark contrast to the splendid architecture of the past. Moving on to Bruges and the banks of the Rosenhutkaai Canal, the landscape changed once again. The reflection of weeping willows and old red brick houses in the calm waters vividly showcased the region's unique, tranquil atmosphere. (Tip) Train travel between cities in Belgium is short, taking only 30 minutes to an hour. This makes it easy to use Brussels as a base for day trips to nearby cities without the hassle of carrying luggage. Since the platforms at Antwerp Central Station are arranged vertically over several levels, be sure to check the platform number on the electronic display before boarding. ⏱️ Recommended Itinerary (5-Day Course) Belgium is a relatively small country with a dense network of train lines, so a five-day itinerary is sufficient. Using Brussels as a base, dedicating two days to Antwerp, one day to Ghent, and one day to Bruges will allow you to fully experience the diverse charms of each city while minimizing physical exhaustion. 📍 Key Points Grand Place: Grote Markt, 1000 Brussels, Belgium Atomium: Square de l'Atomium, 1020 Brussels, Belgium Rozenhoedkaai: Rozenhoedkaai, 8000 Brugge, Belgium Ghent Gravensteen Castle: Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Gent, Belgium #BelgiumTravel #TravelItinerary