Located in the heart of Europe, Belgium has a lot to offer for a short or long stay. Brussels is easily accessible by train to the rest of the continent and is very interesting and worthwhile in its own right. But sometimes, the second cities are even more of a treat. Bruges is the most famous but Ghent, Liege and others are perfect for a weekend stay for all ages. And then there is the recent history with the sad but important battlefield sites.
Community Tips For Belgium
Eurostar tickets often include a free onwards journey from Brussels to one of the other cities.
Beer, fries and waffles are part of the Belgian DNA. No need to go to a fancy restaurant to try these as they are available everywhere.
The country is very much split between French (in Brussels and beyond) and Flemish/Dutch (Antwerp, Ghent…) But English is also widely spoken.
Belgians love to cycle so copy them and hire a bike!
Explore Belgium
Brussels
The Grand Place is the main square and one of the most beautiful in the world. Visit at night, walk around and enjoy the experience.
The European parliament can be visited most of the year and is easily accessible by train or bus.
The recently refurbished African museum is on the outskirts of the city and located within a beautiful park. Take some time to visit, understand Belgium’s dubious colonial history and explore the park. Get there by tram (Alex.)
The Congolese area of Matongé is like a drop of Africa in the city. Walk around, have some Congolese food and enjoy the welcome and the music.
Antwerp
Easy to arrive by train and the main sites are only about a 15 minute walk from the station.
Known for its diamonds, but be careful where to choose them if you are keen.
Well known Jewish neighbourhood located near to the station. Check out Hoffy’s restaurant and take away.
Antwerp station itself is a gothic masterpiece so have a drink in the station and watch the world in the lxuruy of the building.
The Books and Booze shop located on Gierstraat 2 is a unique wonder. Books are paired with their appropriate drinks. Even if you don’t buy the books or the drinks, it is a great quirky place to visit.
Battlefields
Ypres is the main town to visit for the war memorials. Trains are less frequent there but go about once an hour. It is known as Yper in Flemish.
The last post is sounded every night at 8pm in Ypres by the Menin Gate. No need to book, but get there by 730pm due to crowds. It is free to listen and watch.
The Passchendaele Museum is dedicated to the first world war. You can experience a real trench there and understand some of the suffering endured. Easier to get by car or on a tour but also possible by train.
The Tyne Cot Cemetry is the largest Commonwealth Cemetry in the world and located very close to the museum. If you walk there, you can litreally go on the same route where so many fell.
Ghent
Ghent is a wonderful option to experience a beautiful Belgian city without all of the big crowds.
But it does host one of the biggest music festivals in Europe in July so avoid those dates.
You can walk into town from the station in about 20 minutes or get a bus.
The town is dissected by the beautiful Lys and Scheldt rivers. Many people will want to sell you a boat tour but it is worth it, so go for it! (Irene)
Ghent is famous for the The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painting in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. The building is stunning and the painting unique so worth catching even for non art lovers.
