Belgium Guide
Discover Belgium' vibrant cities packed with art nouveau and medieval architecture, where gastronomy and high fashion are the order of the day. In the countryside, explore windswept beaches, dense forests, pristine lakes and underground caves.
Marvel at Brussels's opulent 17th-century architecture and art nouveau masterpieces. In the north, admire Antwerp's renaissance old town from its lifeblood River Scheldt, or explore the waterways that dissect the medieval cities of Bruges and Ghent. Travel south to the artistic town of Liège, the fortified centre of Namur, or the gothic splendour of Mons.
Be at one with nature and walk or cycle along hundreds of kilometres of footpaths, canal towpaths and disused railway lines in Ardennes. Sail or windsurf off the windswept beaches that line the Flemish coast, or contemplate the tragic loss of life during World War One at the Flanders battlefields.
Bag bric-a-brac in the capital's Place du Jeu du Balle flea market, or buy antiques from Rue Haute, Rue Blase and Sablon Square. Pick up sweets and textiles from Liège's medieval-style La Batte market, or seek out Belgian designer labels such as Ann Demeulemeester in Antwerp. Find the perfect gift from stores selling artisanal chocolate in Namur.
In French-speaking Wallonia regional specialities include Ardennes paté, poteye de boeuf (Belgian beef stew) and tarte caroloregienne (gooseberry tart). In Flanders look out for carbonade à la flamande (Flemish beef stew), andouillettes (sausages) and Flemish waffles. Drinking is a pleasure with hundreds of Belgian beers on sale across the country - the alcohol-laden Duvel and the cherry-flavoured Kriek are both justifiably popular.
See one of Brussels' most famous landmarks, the revamped Atomium, from the inside and be rewarded with panoramic city views, film screenings and exhibitions within the iconic spheres.
