Bruges is perhaps the most picturesque city in the country and many visitors who book flights to Belgium take a trip here. Set on a canal and not far from the North Sea, Bruges is full of immaculately preserved medieval architecture. One of the best ways to see the sites is by canal boat.
Antwerp is a historic city that’s easily accessed by rail from Brussels. The largest city in the Flanders region, Antwerp is often overlooked by tourists, but is well worth a visit. The Grote Markt is in the city centre and is surrounded by the town hall and guild houses. During the summer, a lively outdoor market operates here, while in the winter the town square becomes a public skating rink.
Ghent, in East Flanders, features Gravensteen, a castle dating back to the 12th century that sits right in the middle of the city. The former Counts of Flanders built massive castles with turrets and moats in all the largest towns in Flanders, but Gravensteen is the only one that still remains.
Binche, a small town in Hainaut, has the most popular carnival celebration in the country and is a major attraction for visitors taking flights to Belgium. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage registry in 2005, the carnival is a once in a lifetime event.
You’re sure to sample a few of Belgium’s more than 250 types of beer while you visit. Get recommendations from the locals or just set out on your own Belgian beer tour.