Belgium is a harmonious blend of the old and new, and a repository of fine architecture from Gothic and medieval to Art Deco and Art Nouveau. Much of the medieval and Gothic architecture is found in its capital Brussels, in and around the Grand Place, and the old market square. It is here that you find the Royal Palace and other 16th-18th century buildings, pubs and gallerias, with many authentic Belgium hotels to stay in. Some of these gallerias are said to be the oldest covered shopping areas in the world. The rest of Brussels has architecture that reflects modern styles and was built in the sixties along with the city's inner ring road.
With France, Germany, Netherlands and Luxembourg for neighbours, Belgium encompasses diverse cultures, languages and influences, and represents the distilled essence of Europe.
The country is diverse within itself too, with various tours and activities in Belgium you can enjoy. There are flat, canal lined lands and medieval cities steeped in art and culture like Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent in Flanders up north. In Wallonia in the south, you will find the undulating hills of the Ardennes, caves, castles and old cities like Liege, Namur and Tournai.
There is a lot to do, and many interesting places to stay in Belgium, and much of it can be covered in a day thanks to the extensive rail network, which makes sightseeing very simple and comfortable. You can take a leisurely cruise down the canals of Bruge, head for the beaches of Oostend, or munch on the famous Belgian waffles; gaze at the diamonds in Antwerp or revel in the festivities in Binche; soak in one of the many museums of Belgium, or explore the castle of Namur and the antique market of Liege.
The modern face of Belgium, the Atomium in Brussels was built in 1958 and was meant to last for a mere six months. It stands even today, four decades later, a major landmark, attracting hundreds of tourists to Brussels. If you want to stay close to a particular landmark, our map page shows you hotels in Belgium you can book with us. Enjoying a local Belgium tour is a great way to see all the major attractions.
Belgium is a country that is small in size but big in stature. The headquarters of the European Community and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and an important hub of International Trade and Finance, it occupies a significant place in Europe. Because of this many hotels in Belgium are of the highest European standards.
It has a coastline of around 67 kilometres along the North Sea, in West Flanders. De Haan, De Panne, Oostende and Knokke-Heist are some of the famous tourist spots along Belgium's coast. Knokke-Heist lies at the border of Belgium and Holland and has a small estuary called the Zwin. The Zwin is an excellent natural reserve and an ornithologist's paradise. So lie back, soak in the sea and the sun and settle down to some exotic bird watching. If you are in a mood for some basic communion with nature, then shed your inhibitions (and your clothes!) and head for the nudist beach of Bredene. A popular and crowded beach, Bredene is a novel experience. The tourism infrastructure along the Belgian coast is well developed and the coastline offers many options.
If it is hills and mountains you are looking for, head for the rugged yet beautiful Ardennes. Ardennes provides the idyllic charm and tranquillity of a deep forest, with streams gurgling playfully down the hills. But the most striking things about Ardennes are its caves, with stalactites, stalagmites and subterranean rivers. There are interesting sound and light shows arranged in the caves. You could also explore them on boat rides down the underground rivers, in the eerie glow of the candle - an awesome experience! The Haute Fagnes region in eastern Belgium, skirting the German border, is a good place for the ski tourist who revels in winter sports.
The Christmas markets of Belgium that come up around December offer a complete Yuletide experience, with mouth-watering food, concerts and special events. The markets at Brussels and Liege are exciting, with almost 200 decorated wooden cottages, skating rings and more.
Belgium is also the Mecca of racing and cyclo cross racing - an informal but tough form of cycle racing on bikes specially designed to take on rough and muddy terrain. If you are a cycling enthusiast then make sure to be at the Wall of Geraardsbergen and the Wall of Huy, where you can take in a race or two and spot your cycling heroes.
Due to its strategic location, Belgium is also a major gateway to the rest of Europe. Be sure to use your Belgian holiday to visit other great European destinations such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia, Estonia and Finland.
Belgium has something for everyone, from the aesthetic to the mundane. Museums, antiques, famous masterpieces of legendary painters, diamonds, chocolates, Belgian beer and waffles, delectable food and of course Herge's Tintin for all the avid comic fans!
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