There is an opinion that Belgium is a paradise for every tourist. This small state is among the most prosperous states in Europe. The high standard of living in this country in a good way affects the attitude towards the historical and cultural heritage. The sights of the Kingdom of Belgium will not be difficult to find: they are at every step. Almost every house, castle, church is of historical value. In each of the cities you can see a lot of interesting things, learn what Belgium is famous for. We have collected for you the most interesting, the most significant sights of Belgium with photos and descriptions.
European Parliament building
Everyone knows that Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but also the European Union. This is where the European Parliament sits, which makes important decisions. The mirrored building of the European Parliament can be seen from anywhere in the city. There are many halls, information centers, cafes and shops inside it. It is noteworthy that every tourist can enter there with an identity card. The entrance is free.
Park Mini-Europe
The most famous sights of Belgium and Europe can be seen in this park, which opened in 1989. There are about 350 mini-copies of all European attractions: the Leaning and Eiffel Towers, the English Big Ben, the eruption of Vesuvius, the bullfight in Seville, the fall of the Berlin Wall and much more. Every tourist visits this place. Entrance ticket - 13 euros, children - 10 euros. The park is open from 10 am to 6 pm.
Royal Palace
In our opinion, one of the most popular sights in Brussels with unique architecture (style - neoclassicism) and history of the late 18th century (construction began in 1826 by William I). Before him there was the Cowdenberg Castle, built in the 12th century and completely destroyed by fire in the early 18th century.
Now the palace is a residence where official events are often held.
Located in the city center and accessible to any tourist, admission is free. The cost of visiting the Bellevue Museum on site is 8 euros. Working hours: from 10 to 17 hours, closed on Monday.
Castle of the Counts of Flanders (Ghent)
In many excursion programs it is called Gravenstein, which means "Count's Palace". It was erected in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace and has almost retained its appearance to this day. One of the few buildings where you can feel the full power of the defensive walls and feel the atmosphere of centuries ago.
For many hundreds of years, the castle was the residence of the queens of Flanders, yes, the entire territory belonging to it was ruled from here. Since 1353, a mint was opened here. Later, the building was used as the Flanders court. In 1807, the castle was sold in parts, one of which was a textile factory.
Over the entire period of its existence, the castle fell into decay, a thorough restoration was carried out in 1980, colossal efforts were spent to return the former appearance of the Middle Ages.
Guided tours are available for the whole family, and children will especially enjoy the costumed performances.
Opening hours from 10 to 18 hours. Tickets from 6 euros, children under 18 years old - free.
MAS Museum (Antwerp)
Translated as museum on water, abbreviated name Museum aan de Stroom... It was built on the site of an old abandoned dock in 2011. It took 5 years to build the project. The building is also remarkable for the fact that it is decorated with red sandstone brought from India.
We recommend every tourist to visit the inside of the building; the staircase is very interesting, which goes around the entire building to the very observation deck. From it you can admire the city at any time. It is also worth emphasizing the glazing of the entire building, it is wavy in shape, while there are no distortions.
Well, actually, the observation deck itself, the view from it is gorgeous, especially in the evening. The entrance to the observation deck is free, visits to exhibitions from 10 euros, tickets are bought at the entrance to the building. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm.
Bellewaerde Park
A vacation in Belgium is impossible without a visit to the Bellewaerde amusement park. It has everything to spend a day with your family. So, a wide range of various attractions for children of different ages. Walking areas for a relaxing pastime. Delicious fast foods. Big zoo.
The cost of the pass depends on the growth, starting from 54 euros when visiting only the adventure park. All prices can be found online on the official website www.bellewaerde.be.
Cathedral of Notre Dame (Tournai)
One of the most famous cathedrals in the country became the seat of the bishop. Built in the middle of the 12th century, it has become not only a cult religious site, but also an architectural monument. The Romanesque style of the building with pointed towers gave the building a special grandeur. The cathedral previously contained a cross with a special relic - a piece of the Cross of Christ. But in 2008, the cross was stolen and has not yet been found.
Historic center of Bruges
The most beautiful cities in Belgium, which is Bruges, are famous for medieval castles and squares that have survived to this day. Medieval houses with many architectural details, Gull Tower, Belfrey Palace are located on the square in Bruges and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beffroy (Bruges)
Another main attraction called Belfort was built in the Middle Ages (in 1240). The belfry served as an annex to the market square, where the cloth industry flourished at that time. It was destroyed by several fires, but almost restored, except for the archives located here.
Used as a viewing platform in case of fires and other disasters. If something happened, the townspeople could always find out about impending troubles by the ringing of bells.
The height of the tower was almost 93 meters, but the previously installed spire was damaged due to a lightning strike, at the moment the highest point rises to 83 meters. Today there are 47 bells in Belfort.
You can climb to the Bruges observation deck from 9.30 am to 6 pm. We advise you to come early in the morning and on weekdays, there are many who want to climb. The ticket price is 12 euros.
Cathedral of St. Bavo (Ghent)
The building attracts not only with its architecture, but also with the treasury stored in it, a masterpiece of religious creativity of the Middle Ages - the famous Ghent altar. Inside the cathedral there are paintings by great artists, there are 4 organs. Everyone can listen to organ concerts. Entrance - 4 euros, for children - 1.50 euros.
Basilica of the Holy Blood (Bruges)
The architectural monument will be interesting for those who already find it difficult to see what to see in Belgium. This is one of the buildings preserved in its original form. The upper part of the chapel with loopholes, columns, pointed towers. Metallic lace elements are very beautiful. The church has its own shrine - the blood of Christ. Entrance - 2.5 euros.
Grand Place
Once the square served as a location for stalls, knights' tournaments and show trials. It is surrounded by Gothic buildings with pointed towers. Every even year, the square is decorated with a carpet of flowers with beautiful ornaments. Thousands of tourists try to get here at this time.
Brussels town hall
Here, on the Grand Place, we advise you to stop at the town hall, erected in the style of fiery Gothic in 1402. The height of the central tower is 96 meters. On it one could see a fascinating statue of the Archangel Michael (the patron saint of Brussels) defeating the devil.
In the 17th century, an extension of the king's own household was made to the building, then in 1706 two more wings were erected here in the Baroque style, they can be seen behind the building.
Now the town hall is the residence of the mayor and an excursion object. The interior is also worth noting. Everything is decorated in the style of the 18th century, when gilded details of the interior and amazing tapestries on the walls of the halls prevailed.
The cost of the excursion is 7 euros, children under 12 years old - free. Walks are organized on Wednesday and Sunday.
Mons old town
If you don't know the cities of Belgium worth visiting, come to Mons - a small town with old buildings. Here is the only bell tower in Europe, 80 meters high, built in the Baroque style. The building, like many others in Belgium, is under the protection of UNESCO. In addition to this attraction, several museums can be visited in the city.
Fountain "Manneken Pis"
Any tourist knows which is the most famous landmark of the capital of Belgium. Of course, this is a fountain in the shape of a naked baby (for locals - Baby Julien), pissing into the pool. This figurine is only 61 cm long and stands on a high pedestal under an arch. A lot of souvenirs are sold at the fountain in the form of the figure of this statue.
Semois Valley
Some of the tourists are attracted by the city, and someone wants to see the Natural attractions of Belgium. Walking tours are organized for them in this very beautiful area, especially in the spring, when it is covered with blooming wildflowers. In addition, you will be offered a boat trip on the Semua River, with an overview of the beautiful banks and equally colorful landscapes.
Atomium
The capital of Belgium is famous not only for its luxurious palaces, museums, historical sites. But also modern monuments. Such as the atomium is a monument to a molecule. This is a design of a molecule enlarged several billion times. It was erected only for a few days for the Expo in 1958, but it still stands today. Inside the monument there is an exposition dedicated to the achievements of nuclear energy.
Diamond Quarter (Antwerp)
The birthplace of the famous Rubens and Van Dyck is included in the ranking of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. In addition to historical and modern attractions, there is a quarter where dozens of jewelry stores and workshops are located, offering a wide variety of precious metal products. "Connoisseurs of this gem will always find something special for themselves here."
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Rene Magritte Museum
Dedicated to the famous surrealist painter, a native of Belgium, who painted many amazing paintings. The building itself attracts close attention with its unusual design. Within its walls there is an exposition of surrealist paintings, sculptures, photographs, films and other exhibits. Entrance - 10 euros.
Nemo 33 (Uccle)
In addition to the sights of large cities, there is something to visit in Belgium and in small towns. So in small Ukkele, a center has opened where they teach deep-sea swimming. Here is the deepest swimming pool in the world with a well of 35 meters. Its walls have windows in which you can see the swimmers. "This is a great getaway for experienced divers and divers alike."
The price for 1 swimming session is 35 euros. The center is open from 10 am to 10 pm.
Waterloo
The most famous place to go in Belgium, no tourist will refuse. Before entering the city, there is a hill with a statue of a lion on top. Who does not know that it was here that the legendary battle of Napoleon with the troops of the British commander Arthur Wellesley Wellington took place, from whom the great emperor was defeated. The city has many museums, exhibitions, panoramic views of these events.
Leuven (Diel river)
"Make a plan of what to see in Belgium in 5 days, and include this cozy city just 30 km from Brussels." Its cobbled streets, houses of different colors will please you very much. It is also a city of students, because it houses the oldest and therefore the most prestigious university, where tens of thousands of students, including foreign ones, come. Other significant places include the town hall with a lacy stone facade, the old Bolshoi Beguinage district, and the botanical garden.
An-sur-Lesz (province of Namur)
The natural karst cave is shrouded in mystery and charm. Tourists are offered to make their way underground on a sightseeing tram directly from the center of the village. "It's cold inside the cave, so don't forget about warm clothes." The length of the tunnels of the cave is about 15 km, and the most interesting is the stalactite hall "Minaret", which is 12 thousand years old.
Lake of Love (Bruges)
In the most beautiful park in Belgium called Minnouter, there is the Lake of Love, which you can see on your own, at your own pace. On the surface of an artificial lake, dug back in the 13th century, dozens of swans and other waterfowl swim. This is a very romantic place. The tower, bridge, cozy park, harmony and silence attract not only couples in love, but also numerous tourists.
Chocolate Museum (Bruges)
Housed in a historic mansion from the middle of the 15th century. At the entrance and exit, each visitor is handed a chocolate bar. This is very conducive to viewing the exposition. You will learn that until the 19th century, chocolate sweets were made by hand, about modern chocolate production, the cultivation of cocoa beans, chocolate traditions, and watch the work of a chocolatier. And in the gift shop, the eyes run up from the goods on the chocolate theme. The entrance ticket is 9.5 euros.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Brussels)
Another object for which Belgium is famous is the Catholic Church, which is the sixth largest in the world. Its height is 90 meters, and the length of the building is 140 meters. The basilica was built for 65 years. She is very imposing and majestic. Inside there is a prayer hall, museums and even a restaurant. And on the dome there is an observation deck, from which the entire capital is visible at a glance. The entrance to the cathedral is free.
Costume and Lace Museum
Many have heard the word "Angleterre". It turns out that this is the name of the graceful lace and tulle woven by the Brussels monks. Only very wealthy people could afford to buy such lace. Samples of such items and a collection of historical costumes are presented in the museum, which occupies two old mansions. Entrance ticket - 4 euros.
Oydonk Castle (Flanders)
The beautiful cities of Belgium are located in different parts of the kingdom. One of them is Sint Maria Leerne, with the most beautiful Oidonk castle. "As a museum, the castle works only on weekends and holidays, so tourists need to take this into account." The building is very beautiful with different turrets. It is an architectural monument, although it belongs to a private family. Entrance fee is 10 euros.
Flemish Tram and Bus Museum (Berchem)
In the suburbs of Antwerp, in the former tram depot, a museum was opened in 2001, where more than five dozen samples of trams and buses are collected. Here you can see unique exhibits: the first electric tram of the late 18th century, a steam train, a gyrobus. They say that there are no more gyrobuses left in the world. There are also many photographs here, the uniform of the tram transport workers is presented. Entrance - 8 euros.
Market Square (Bruges)
If you're unsure of where to go in Belgium, head to the market square in Bruges. The square is surrounded by luxurious historic buildings dating back to the 15th century. Early in the morning, you can see carts with vegetables and milk, on Sunday peasants come here with their goods. And also there are many priests and nuns in their robes, giving a unique flavor to this place.
Aquarium
The 47 aquariums contain the most diverse inhabitants of the underwater world. It will be especially interesting for small children, because through large glass you can see plenty of different fish. The aquarium was opened in 2005 and scientific work is constantly being carried out in it. The ticket price is 20 euros, for children - 15 euros.
