Top 10 things to see & do in Belgium

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (July 27, 2015): Top 10 things to see & do in Belgium.

Today, I am taking you to my home country, located in the heart of Europe. Belgium is globally known for indulgent chocolates and tasty beer, but Belgium is so much more than that of course. The country is divided into three regions: French-speaking Wallonia to the south, Dutch-speaking Flanders to the north, and the small German-speaking East Cantons to the east. The imaginary language border between the largest regions, Wallonia and Flanders, dissects the country in two and the capital, Brussels, is claimed by both. Although the cultural and economic differences between the two main regions is a sensitive political theme for Belgians, for the traveler it’s inconsequential. From medieval towns displaying splendid gothic architecture to modern cities boasting designer shops and world-class museums, I hereby present you my selection of the top 10 things to see and do in Belgium.

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10. VISIT THE RAILWAY STATIONS OF ANTWERP AND LIEGE

The Belgian cities of Antwerp and Liege harbor some of the most spectacular railway stations in the world. Liège’s sleek, curvaceous train station has earned countless contemporary architect accolades. Made of steel, glass, and white concrete, the station seems to bring the outside in, with light pouring in through the windows and skylights. Antwerp’s railway station is an opulent neo-Baroque station, completed at the turn of the 20th century and containing more than 20 types of marble and stone under an impressive iron and glass vaulted ceiling.

Official website: Belgian railways
Other top 10 accolades: both stations feature on our .top 10 list of the world’s most spectacular railway stations.

9. HAVE A BEER WITH THE STUDENTS IN LEUVEN

Welcome to my hometown! The gorgeous city of Leuven is home to Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest beer brewer (with the famous brands of Budweiser, Stella Artois and Corona in its portfolio) and the KULeuven, one of the oldest and most prominent universities in Europe (founded in1425). This inspiring mix of beer and student life is nowhere more evident than on Leuven’s Old Square – called the “longest bar in the world” – that attracts thousands of young people on a warm day to socialize, connect and relax on the terraces of the forty cafés. Students and locals never get thirsty in Leuven.

Official website: Leuven tourism

8. RELAX AT MANOIR DE LEBIOLES IN THE ARDENNES

Located in the woods of Belgium’s Ardennes region, Manoir de Lébioles is a castle hotel – dubbed as Belgium’s Versailles – that welcomes its guests with pristine nature, discreet luxury, private atmosphere, and first-class service. Having maintained the structural beauty of this fine monument, a renowned architectural team managed to turn this historic building into a modern-influenced hotel which offers state of the art comfort respecting the 100-year-old soul of this House which makes the Manoir a one-of-a-kind architectural jewel.

Official website: Manoir De Lebioles

7. SHOP TILL YOU DROP IN ANTWERP

With its funky nightlife, the world’s biggest diamond center and world-class museums, Antwerp – the “capital of cool” – offers something for everybody, but is especially attractive to shoppers. The Antwerp Fashion Academy produced a group of avant-garde designers who made a big splash on the fashion scene in the 1980’s and became known as “The Antwerp Six”. Nowadays, the academy continues to churn out new, hot talent, and a consequence, the city is filled with cool boutique shops.

Official website: visit Antwerp

6. DANCE AT TOMORROWLAND IN BOOM

Tomorrowland is one of the world’s most celebrated music festivals, and takes place the last weekend of July on a provincial recreation area – called De Schorre – near the village of Boom. Tickets always sell out within hours after being announced. Tomorrowland was first organized since 2005 and has since then gained world-wide fame with more than 400,000 people attending the 2014 edition and the launch of international spinoff festivals. Festival goers flock from all over the planet to De Schorre to celebrate the electronic soundtracks produced by the world’s best DJs.

Official website: Tomorrowland

5. VISIT THE GRAND PLACE IN BRUSSELS

The multicultural metropolis of Brussels is not only the capital of our Lilliput nation, but also the unofficial capital of the European Union. Its historic heart, the Grand Place, is not only Brussels’ most memorable landmark but also the world’s most beautiful square. The UNESCO World Heritage Site measures 68 by 110 metres (223 by 361 ft), and is surrounded by opulent guildhalls, the gothic townhouse and the Maison Du Roi. It is especially idyllic when you bring a visit during the Christmas period or when a flower carpet is set up every 2 years in August.

Official website: visit Brussels

4. INDULGE AT THE JANE RESTAURANT IN ANTWERP

Belgium is a country of foodies and offers some of the best fine dining restaurants in the world. Top of the bill is the exquisite The Jane Restaurant, which recently opened in the beautiful chapel of Antwerp’s former military hospital. Not only is the decor very impressive, but so is the food of course: tasting menus are carefully selected by the restaurant’s owner, celebrity chef Sergio Hermans who belongs to the world’s youngest generation of three-star Michelin Chefs. Food is The Jane’s religion, and that is why the restaurant’s open kitchen is located on the altar.

Official website: The Jane

3. REMEMBER WORLD WAR ONE AT FLANDERS FIELDS IN YPRES

Flanders Fields is a common English name of the World War I battlefields. Even if that war is already a century behind us, its memory is still vivid in Ypres, a beautiful town that gained global attention in 1915 for all the wrong reasons (first major gas attack). For each of the more than 600,000 dead who fell here, there is a story of suffering, pain and ordeal somewhere in the world. Therefore, a visit to the excellent In Flanders Fields Museum and one of the war cemeteries is a must, as the area and its memorials embody a universal and contemporary message of peace.

Official website: In Flanders Fields Museum

2. BE THROWN BACK IN TIME IN BRUGES

Brugge is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and should be on your bucket list. The complete, historic centre of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, because it maintained its medieval character as it evolved over the centuries. Rich gothic architecture defines the town’s identity, reflecting its past as one the continent’s commercial and cultural capitals. Because of its many canals (linking the city to the North Sea), Bruges is often called the “Venice of the North”, but it would be more appropriate to call Venice the “Bruges of the South”.

Official website: Visit Bruges

1. EXPLORE THE VIBRANT CITY OF GHENT

Unlike Bruges, Ghent has retained the character of a functioning city rather than an open-air museum. Being Europe’s second largest city north of the Alps during the Middle Ages, Ghent is nowadays a brilliant mix of a wonderfully preserved, medieval buildings and contemporary design. Nowhere is this more evident than on the Graslei, where splendid architecture is displayed along the Leie river. Be sure to visit Ghent during its music and theatre festival in mid-July (Gentse Feesten), when the city celebrates its rebellious atmosphere of the early days.