The city of Bruges is the most picturesque and beautiful city in Belgium. What to see in Belgium besides Brussels? richest city in belgium

A trip to Belgium is an amusing trip to the world of amazing architecture, the oldest museums and the picturesque landscapes of the Ardennes.

The most beautiful cities in Belgium on the map

Acquaintance with Belgium begins with its capital - Brussels– a city that harmoniously combines the past and the present. Here, ancient sculptures, sometimes more than 700 years old, coexist with the famous Atomium, and royal palaces with stylish outlets. A week is hardly enough to get around the iconic sights located in this place.

Brussels is the real center of the country. Serious European companies are located here, from the headquarters of the European Union to the seat of NATO.

The city regularly holds meetings at which the most serious decisions are made. All this happens in the building European Parliament- a modern attraction, striking in its size.

However, beautiful and interesting cities, in terms of tourism, are not limited to the capital of the country. Miniature Belgium has such places that are known not only throughout Europe, but throughout the world for their unique sights that are worth seeing.

Many travelers will be interested in visiting the famous "Belgian troika":

1. Bruges- the most famous city immediately after the capital, which, thanks to its touching image, has earned the name "Northern". There are so many canals and rivers, laid between miniature houses, that a ride along them will be the most enjoyable experience. The inhabitants of Bruges themselves love tourists, so they try to help them by telling the stories of the city and showing the most beautiful places.
2. Ghent- Quieter than Bruges, but incredibly atmospheric city with houses from the Middle Ages. Due to the fact that it was almost not damaged in wartime, the largest number of attractions have been preserved here - several ancient castles, an abbey building and a university. Ghent also has an extensive number of waterways where you can go boating.
3. Antwerp- the second largest city in Belgium is a world famous place where the production of high quality diamonds takes place. Even despite the fact that it is considered a very noisy and active city, the ancient sights here coexist perfectly with the hustle and bustle of modernity.

The next popular city that allows you to get to know Belgium closer is Liege- the place where the largest amount of historical architecture of this country is collected.

In Liege, there are ancient palaces of the 11th century, Romanesque churches, the Town Hall with a memorial plaque to detective Maigret - the very criminologist George Sand made famous.

Traveling to Belgium is worth continuing in Leuven, which is not only the birthplace of the intoxicating drink Stella Artois, but also the place where one of the most prestigious universities in Europe was opened in 1425. In addition, Leuven is known for its stunning architecture, and the local City Hall is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Finally, if you are lucky with good summer weather, then you should look into Ostend- a seaside resort town where the kings and aristocracy of Belgium, the Netherlands and even preferred to relax. beach holiday here it is perfectly combined with visiting museums, doing active sports and getting to know the sights of the country.

Due to the fact that the territory of Belgium is relatively small, every traveler can easily plan an excellent route that will allow you to visit these beautiful cities in a short time.

Belgium is part of the Schengen area. Find out from which other countries you can go to with only a Schengen visa.

Sights of Belgium - photo with description

Sightseeing in Belgium is an easy task, as almost all iconic places are concentrated around the main squares. They are the most beautiful historical buildings, make you want to constantly photograph them, as well as monuments or natural objects.

monuments

There are many other historical and just funny monuments in Belgium:

1. Monument to Don Quixote and Sancho Panzo in Brussels;
2. Monument to Charles Buls- the mayor who led Brussels for 18 years;
3. Giant fly on a pin in Leuven;
4. Cannon "Mad Greta" in Ghent;
5. Monument to Signorca doll in Mechelen;
6. "Police Prank" in Brussels;
7. "Man Measuring Clouds" in Ghent.

Monuments with benches are very popular, for example, pair in Hasselt, writer Simenon in Liege and lady with jugs in Leuven.

Temples, churches and cathedrals

Traveling to Belgium is great because tourists have the opportunity to get acquainted with the real Gothic and Romanesque architecture, characteristic of the country's numerous temples.

The main temple of the capital is the Cathedral of the Patron Saints Michael and Gudula, a luxurious Gothic building built in 1047. Initially, the temple was built in the Romanesque style, but after that it was rebuilt according to all the canons of French Gothic.

Other iconic temples of Belgium are located in Bruges:

• Church of Our Lady(Notre Dame in Bruges) is the main temple of the city, which admires the external architecture, as well as the statue of Our Lady and Child, located inside the building. The Madonna for Bruges was created by the great Michelangelo himself.
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior It does not look particularly noticeable from the outside, but its simplicity is compensated by the luxurious interior decoration. The cathedral has an extensive collection of paintings by great masters.

In Ghent- a city that has rivaled Bruges for the beauty of architecture for twelve centuries, there are also several unusually beautiful temples. Chief among them - Cathedral of Saint Nicholas located in the central square. Unlike most Gothic churches, which look very empty inside, this temple has a collection of paintings, sculptures, marble columns and mosaics.

If you are planning a trip to Liege, then it is worth looking into Church of St. Bartholomew- the most famous collegiate church, decorated in the Romanesque style. It differs significantly from the gloomy Gothic temples, since the two red and white towers of the facade and the snow-white decoration of the church make it very festive.

Gardens and parks

Near the famous Atomium is the most popular among travelers miniature park "Mini-Europe". Guests of the country rush here to get to know 80 miniature cities and 350 buildings famous all over the world. Here the Eiffel Tower is adjacent to the Berlin Wall, and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is adjacent to the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben.

The dimensions of the park are impressive - built on 24,000 m², so you can walk here all day.

There are various animations on its territory: trains, cars, mills move wherever required, Vesuvius erupts, the Berlin Wall collapses, and gondolas float along the Venetian canals.

in Brussels there are several atmospheric and incredibly beautiful parks:

1. Petit Sablon Garden. The picturesque park has a symmetrical layout, and all its objects are deeply symbolic. Everywhere you can find clipped hedges, Gothic columns of the fence, various statues. In the center of the park there is a fountain with a monument to the executed rebels - Count Egmont and Orne;
2. art hill. The historical site in the city center is a landscaped garden, which houses a beautiful viewpoint;
3. Brussels park. The largest urban area for walking, located in the very center of the city. The park is made in the French style - clear boundaries, paths, ponds with fountains and alleys leading to the main attractions of Brussels;
4. 50th Anniversary Park. Extensive park complex It is a popular holiday destination for locals and tourists. It includes a well-kept walking area, as well as museums, temples and a mosque.

More modest parks are located in other cities. In Bruges it "Lake of Love", where, according to tradition, all lovers must take an oath, in Hasselt - Japanese garden, in Liege garden of Dina Deferm», in Ghent - Pieta Becarta garden.

You can make a list of things you need on a trip in your smartphone. Read in how else a smart gadget will help you prepare for your vacation.

Architectural buildings

Belgian architecture is gothic and romanesque style, Renaissance, baroque and empire- luxurious monumental buildings that impress any tourist with their appearance.

The most beautiful building Brussels City Hall located on the Grand Place. The main symbol of the country, which can be found on souvenirs and postcards, was built in the 14th century in the Brabant Gothic style. The facade of the Town Hall is decorated with small statues of all the dukes and duchesses of Brabant, who ruled it from 580 to 1564 (there are 203 of them in total).

Pride of Brussels Royal Palace- a luxurious building, which was for a long time the residence of the ruling monarchs. In the Middle Ages, there was another chic palace in the city, but it burned down in 1731 (the Royal Square is now located there). The Austrian Empress Maria Theresa forbade the construction of a new palace so that the ruler of Brabant would not imagine himself a king.

In the place where the current royal apartments are located, there were four modest buildings, but in 1851 King Willem I decided to convert them into a luxurious palace.

Construction ended only under King Leopold II. Today the palace building houses museum, dedicated to the history of the Belgian dynasty, as well as three modern exhibitions.

Separately, it is worth noting the architectural sights of Belgium:

• "Royal House" in Brussels - a monumental neo-Gothic building serving as a museum;
• Palace of the Prince-Bishops in Liege - a Gothic building built in 1526;
• Bouillon Castle in Bouillon - a huge defensive fortress, the owner of which was the fearless Duke Gottfried;
• Dinan citadel in the city of the same name - a classic military fortress of the XIX century;
• Watchtower of Beffroy in Bruges - the tallest building in the city (107 meters) with an observation deck;
• Worthy of special attention miniature residential buildings in Ghent and Bruges, located close to each other. Despite the fact that they are not religious buildings, they look incredibly touching and picturesque.

Museums

Belgium has an incredible number of museums, from art and history galleries to modern museums. chocolate, diamonds, comics and beer.

Ghent is considered the most museum city. There are 35 art repositories in this place, which contain ancient objects of culture and history.

Most interesting from the Belgian museums are:

1. Museum of Ancient Art presents the richest collection of Flemish works, as well as various works of other European countries in the period from the 15th to the 18th centuries;
2. Modern Art Museum continues the collection of the previous museum, from the 19th century to the present day. Among the exhibits you can find works by Gauguin, Rodin, van Gogh and Salvador Dali;
3. Brewery Museum is ready to acquaint visitors with the history, recipes and tastes of the most famous of the 900 varieties of this drink, created in Belgium;
4. comic book museum created in Belgium for a reason. The fact is that this country played a big role in the development of this art direction. The first comics appeared in Belgian magazines. They were dedicated to the adventures of the journalist Tintin;
5. Diamond Museum allows you to see a very extensive collection of iridescent diamonds, get acquainted with the grinding process and purchase one of your favorite stones.

If these museums are not enough, you can visit Rubens Museum or National Maritime Museum in Antwerp, Chocolate Museum or Old St. John's Hospital in Bruges and Museum of Fine Arts located there.

Nature

The main natural beauties of Belgium are National parks:

• From-Fan;
• Kalmthout;
• Zvin;
• Belcel;
• Shevton.

Almost all of them are located in the Ardennes. In the same region awaits tourists Grotto of Neptune, rock citadel of Dinan and many other scenic spots.

One of the main tourist attractions in Belgium is the An-sur-Les karst cave, located near the very picturesque province of Namur.

Brussels

Compact in size, the Belgian capital has a large number of interesting sights and historical sites.

Landmarks

Acquaintance with Brussels begins with the historical part of the city - with Grand Place which is a UNESCO cultural heritage site. There are many sights and monuments of past eras:

1. Old City Hall;
2. Museum of the City of Brussels;
3. Antique gilded weather vane;
4. guild houses.

The most unusual attraction on the Grand Place is the flower carpet, which has been created here since 1971 from colorful begonias. Traditionally, natural coating is laid out on August 15 and continues to do so for 3 days.

On the opposite side of the Grand Place is Palace of Nations and other famous sights:

• Exchange;
• Opera Monnier;
• Rogier Square;
• Church of St. Catherine.

It is incredibly interesting to explore the Brussels parks with picturesque landscapes, as well as to get acquainted with delicious Belgian sights - chocolate, waffles and fries.

What to see in the capital in 1 day?

To get to know Brussels, it is worth starting a walk around the city by visiting building of the European Parliament. Its mirror-glass complex will impress with its size and shape. Due to the fact that mirrors reflect the external environment, the walls of the building are constantly changing color.

Worth a look next:

• To the Grand Place;
• To the park of miniatures of Europe;
• To the gates of Halle;
• To the Atomium.

All the medieval architecture of the city is located within the perimeter of the ancient fortress walls, which were completely demolished. Despite their absence, the historical part is easily traced, and it is often called Pentagon, since the defensive structure was built in the shape of a pentagon.

What else is worth seeing?

Travelers who come to Belgium prefer to explore this country, visiting not only the capital, but also other cities that are located on a relatively small territory of the kingdom.

On one's own

It is not for nothing that they claim that Belgium has a high density of castles compared to other countries. Fortresses, castles, palaces are scattered throughout the kingdom, but the most beautiful of them are located in Wallonia:

It will be very interesting to get acquainted with the consequences of military events, which are especially noticeable in Waterloo and in the museum "In the fields of Flanders".

If you are lucky enough to be in Antwerp, then you should look at main station. This luxurious building is a separate landmark of the city.

in winter

Thanks to the wonderful winter climate and the absence of an influx of tourists, it is interesting and pleasant to be in Belgium even in the off-season. This is the best time go to Antwerp or Ghent, because there are no equal Belgian cities in terms of the number of historical monuments and museums.

In Ghent it is worth taking a look at Castle of the Counts of Flanders, Castle of Gererd the Devil, Saint Bavo's Cathedral and other great attractions. The central square of the city looks especially picturesque in winter.

With baby

For children in Belgium there are also interesting places which they are sure to be delighted with.

The kids will love visiting Antwerp Zoo(one of the oldest zoos in Europe), where you can see:

• "Hippotopia"- replication of the swamp, which contains hippos, Malayan tapirs and Dalmatian pelicans;
• "Land of Frost"- a room for various types of penguins and other animal species that live in cold areas;
• Building for reptiles and amphibians;
• Aquarium;
• "Lair"- here are spectacled bears and coats;
• "Khati Mahal"- room for elephants, anoa and giraffes;
• "Nocturama"- room for nocturnal animals. Here you can see two-toed sloth, aardvark and strepsirrhine primates;
• "Aquaforum" where performances with sea lions are held;
• "Savannah"- a room where there are zebras and African buffaloes;
• "Temple of the Moors"- Okapi live there;
• Aviary for owls and birds of prey;
• "House of Primates"- gorillas, mandrills, chimpanzees, gibbons and capuchins live here;
• Room for the feline(among them: Amur tigers, lions, jaguars and leopards);
• Aviary for songbird species;
• "Winter Garden"- a large botanical garden, where invertebrates are located;
• Goat quarters and other kinds of animals.

You can also take your child to visit amusement park Oceanade and Museum of Chocolate.

There are still a lot of places in the world from which little travelers will be completely delighted - this is a children's health resort in the Crimea, and the PortAventura amusement park in Spain. Read about where else you can go with your child.

Things to do?

It is famous for its interesting and eventful life, as well as an extensive amount of entertainment for every taste.

Entertainment

Brussels is home to a unique swimming pool "Nemo 33" where there are several places to dive.

Experienced scuba divers will enjoy the deepest of them, the main idea of ​​which was the view empty flooded industrial yard. For the less experienced, there are pools with artificial grottoes and reefs on the lower levels. For beginners, 1.5 meter pools are suitable.

In summer, travelers have the opportunity to go to one of the beaches, for example, to the picturesque Knokke-Heist beach. This amazing place located in Brussels attracts a lot of people.

AT Spa city, which gave the name to the beauty and health procedure of the same name, you can visit one of the dozens of salons providing such services.

Holidays and festivals

In Belgium, there are approximately two thousand bright events, carrying a folklore heritage. For many travelers, these colorful holidays remain in their memories for a long time, thanks to a variety of street processions, luxurious festivals and carnivals.

The most memorable - February Carnival in Binche, during which costumed processions are held, as well as themed performances right on the city streets.

Other events in Belgium:

1. Belgium's main holiday country day celebrated July 21;
2. Feast of the Holy Blood in Bruges;
3. Zennecke Festival in Brussels;
4. Trinity Day in Mons;
5. Ommegang holiday in Brussels.

A trip to Belgium is every time a real adventure, surrounded by old houses and a fabulous atmosphere.

It is considered the second largest among all Belgian cities, but in beauty and extraordinary color it surpasses even Brussels. is the city of diamonds, the World Diamond Center is also located here. In addition, the city is rightfully recognized as the capital of design art in the country.

It got into the list of the most beautiful cities in Belgium thanks to its amazing cityscapes, beautiful parks, medieval buildings and, of course, water channels.

The city is open and very popular, and the chocolate festival "Choc in Brugge" is also held annually. Deserves special attention with old colorful houses. From other cities, we single out the 15th century, and the 12th-14th centuries of construction, in which Michelangelo's "Madonna and Child" attracts attention.

In the ranking of the most beautiful cities in Belgium, it occupies a significant place. It is not only the center of the state, but also the headquarters of the EU and the seat of NATO. The first thing I want to mention is, which includes 350 of the most famous sights from 80 European cities. Not far from the park is the most famous sculpture -. On its highest tier, guests will find an observation deck with stunning views of the capital of Belgium, in other pavilions there is a restaurant, a mini-hotel and exhibition halls.

One of the most beautiful squares in Europe, guests of the capital recognize the local one. Along with it, must-see places are the 15th century with rich interiors, where the municipality now sits, the 13th century, which has now become the Museum of the city, and.

Among the best cities in Belgium, you should definitely include and. A quiet, cozy town, sometimes also called the flower capital of Belgium, is unique and beautiful at any time of the year. Here you can have a great walk through the historical center, which is pedestrian, wander through the narrow streets and see small, like dollhouses, houses. A boat trip along the city canals can also be a great pastime.

Among the sights, one can single out with its 15th-century altar, a medieval one, which used to be the residence of the counts of Flanders, and now there is a museum of justice. The local opera house is also very popular in Ghent.

One of the interesting cities in Belgium, immersed in the greenery of forests and valleys, along which streams and rivers flow. Today it is an international resort center, which is famous for its healing waters and natural charm. It was this city that gave its name to all the resorts where there are springs and medical and restorative procedures are carried out. And, despite the many such resorts in Europe, the city of Spa in Belgium still occupies one of the first places among fans of relaxation procedures.

The student city is located on the banks of the Dale River and is best known for its oldest university, founded in 1425. From it is recommended to visit the beautiful town hall in the Gothic style, and luxurious, attracting the attention of tourists with the extraordinary architectural forms.

Located between Antwerp and Brussels, it has an ancient history and is replete with monuments of culture and architecture, including a UNESCO heritage site. Of the other significant buildings of the city, it is worth noting the churches of St. John and Our Lady, as well as the building of the city hall.

Finally, I would like to say that no matter which city you choose to visit, be sure that you will not be disappointed, because each of them is beautiful and unique in its own way.

Bruges is the most famous city in Belgium, after the capital. The second name of the city is "Northern Venice". You should definitely take a ride along the numerous cozy canals. And to see the city in all its glory from a height, you need to climb the Belfort Tower (Belfry of Bruges). It will be interesting for all seekers of medieval romance to walk along the streets of the village. The city is simply created for peaceful walks to the sights of Bruges. City dwellers are always friendly to tourists and help them learn the history of the city.

3. "Mini Europe"

If you want to see the most famous sights of all of Europe in one place, then you should visit Park "Mini-Europe" which is located in Brussels. The feeling is simply beyond words. The park was opened in 1989. More than 350 1/25 scale replicas of sights are located one next to the other on an area of ​​24,000 m².
The Eiffel and Leaning Towers, Big Ben, Doge's Palace and Chenoso Castle, Grand Place, the eruptions of Vesuvius and the fall of the Berlin Wall, bullfighting in Seville Square and many other memorable places from 80 European cities will not leave any visitor indifferent. More than 300,000 tourists visit the mini-park every year.
Only 200 thousand euros were spent on designing. The entire budget at the time of opening was about 10 million euros.
Around each attraction grow dwarf trees and shrubs, there is a lawn.
Visiting hours 9:30-18:30. For adults, the ticket costs 13 euros, for children - 10 euros.

4. Carnivals

Every spring, in the ancient park of Annevois, which is located between the two small towns of Namur and Dinant, you can visit the carnival in Venetian costumes. A real treat for all visitors.
In addition to the carnival, the park is famous for its fountains and waterfalls, decorative ponds, a palace with an impregnable moat, gardens in the English, Italian and French styles.
Entrance to the park is paid. For adults - 6 euros, for children - 3 euros.
What days the carnival will be held can be found on the official website of the city www.annevoie.be/?page=event/venise.
A real Belgian carnival can be seen in the city of Bensh. At the end of February, a few days before the start of the big Catholic Lent, they arrange a big holiday with dressing up in various costumes. The carnival has been held since the 14th century, and every year it gathers thousands of Belgians and tourists from many countries. On the last two Sundays before the carnival, a dress rehearsal of the holiday takes place on the city streets, but only in last year's costumes.

One of the main natural attractions of the country can be called the caves of An-sur-Lesse. The tour starts in the villages, further, a red tram carries tourists to the caves. Inside, the tour continues on a boat through the cave lakes. The air temperature in the caves does not rise above 13 °C.
The main cave with stalactites is 5 meters high. A light show awaits tourists in one of the caves. All stones shimmer with colorful lights and fairy tale characters, exotic plants and animals come to life on the walls. In the last cave, all visitors can hear a powerful underground echo from a shot from the Maria cannon.
The cost of the tour ticket for an adult is 25 euros, for children - 13 euros. You can visit the caves from 10 am to 5 pm.
In the village, almost everything is tourist-oriented: hotels, cafes, car rental, souvenir shops.
Every year, about half a million tourists come to visit the famous caves.

6. Unusual monuments

Belgium occupies one of the first places in Europe in terms of the number of unusual monuments. The most famous monuments of the capital are the pissing boy, girl and dog.
Huge model of iron molecule - Atomimum. The monument is 102 meters high. Inside you can see the exposition of atomic energy, visit a cafe and even spend the night.
There are many pop art monuments in the country. A striking example is a cat on a bicycle in Brussels.
On one of the embankments of Bruges, a bronze bouquet stands in a marble vase. This is a symbolic meeting place for lovers of the city.
Another interesting group of sculptures are four naked girls with large crows on their heads.
The funniest sculptures are “Joke on a Policeman”, “Zeus, Leda, Prometheus and Pegasus visit Bruges”, “Flanders Dog” in Hoboken, “Man Measuring Clouds” in Ghent, “Head of Salvador Dali on a silver platter”.

7. Small towns

Do not limit your trip to Belgium to only big cities. The country is full of small towns that will undoubtedly be of interest to tourists.
For example, the city of Durbuy, until 1977, was considered the smallest town on the planet. It's amazing here beautiful landscapes. Natural diversity attracts a large number of tourists here.
For lovers of the highlands, it is worth visiting the city of Dinant. And to admire the beautiful embankments, go to Antwerp. The city of Leuven is the "heart" of the Stella Artois beer empire. The most famous Belgian beer was born in local breweries. The city of Spa is considered the ancestor of all water resorts in the world. The city of Bouillon attracts with its medieval castle. The most fashionable town in the country is Knokke. Beach, sea and shopping are the main attractions of the city. Only the capital can boast of such a large number of boutiques.

To have fun, you can ride a beer car. This is a mobile beer bar. All passengers pedal the transport, from which it starts to go. For this, everyone receives a reward - a glass of beer.

This will be an interesting activity for all beer lovers. You can immediately kill two birds with one stone - and see the city and drink your favorite drink.

9. Delicious symbols of Belgium

Since ancient times, chocolate has been considered a symbol of Belgium. A wide variety of tastes will make anyone who tastes local chocolate have a sweet tooth. Many shops offer a lot of options for chocolate. Also, the famous sweets of Belgium - Brussels and Liege waffles. Very often they are sold with additives: hot chocolate, cream, strawberries, nuts.

If you decide to have a snack on the street, be sure to try the Frites fries. Vegetables, pieces of meat and ketchup are added to a serving of potatoes.
In the restaurant, you should try the famous Flemish carbonade (Carbonnade a la Flamande) - this is beef cooked in beer.
Cheese gourmets should try Belgian varieties such as Limburger, Orval and Remudu.
More than 600 beers are produced in Belgium. Traditionally, beer sets are brought as souvenirs.

10. Shopping

In Belgium, you can buy exquisite jewelry, elite perfumes, high-quality clothes and shoes, stylish accessories, and antiques. There are two main trading groups in the country - "Delhaize" and "GB". They offer their customers a compromise between assortment, price and quality.
Most often they go shopping in July and January. During these months, most stores arrange sales - "solden". During this period, you can buy luxury items (Louis Vuitton, Versace, Christian Dior, Hugo Boss, Hermes, Chanel, Armani) at affordable prices.
To buy antiques, visit the Rue des Sablons in Brussels. There are a large number of antique shops on this street, and fairs are held on weekends.
Outlet villages popular in Europe are also found in Belgium. The most famous is Maasmechelen Village outlet. About 100 boutiques offer famous Belgian and world brands at affordable prices. Often discounts reach 60%. The outlet is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.

The unhurried rhythm of life, the openness of the local population, colorful landscapes turn every day in Belgium into a holiday. Tourists will always find something to see. To feel the color of the country - you need to travel around it, and then you will definitely find your favorite place.

On the geographical map, Belgium does not take up much space, but still, this country deserves to be paid attention to. The most accurate cultural and political life of this European state can be characterized by the word "tolerance". Three state languages ​​are recognized on its territory at once: German, French and Flemish, there are representative offices of many religious denominations, and they respect the traditions and ethnic beliefs of other peoples.

The capital of Belgium is the center of modern political life throughout Europe. This is also where NATO headquarters is located. However, you will agree that all this information is more interesting for politicians and businessmen. Tourists are attracted here by the variety of museums and architectural monuments, rich cultural heritage, bright lights of carnivals, Belgian chocolate and good shopping. It is impossible to tell everything at once. This country is unique, as are its customs and traditions. For example, on New Year's Eve, when Russian children are waiting for Santa Claus, young residents of Belgium expect the arrival of not one, but two fairy-tale characters at once: Pere Noel comes to the French-speaking part of this state, and St. Nicholas comes to the Walloon.

And what about the cat festival, which is held in Belgium every three years. Do not confuse it with a banal exhibition of fluffy pets. From the central bell tower of the city of Ypres, a large number of toy cats are thrown onto a crowd of townspeople and tourists. In the Middle Ages, this holiday was somewhat more gloomy. Today it is a good reason to have fun, and according to legend, it is also a good way to get rid of your own sins. In general, you can talk endlessly about the sights of Belgium.

The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in Belgium?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

Visiting the Belgian city of Tournai, you will not be able to pass by this majestic monument of architecture. It will amaze you at first sight with the simplicity and elegance of the gothic design lines. The painting preserved on some details of the interior decoration is a unique example of medieval painting to this day.

The Atomium is not just an architectural structure. On its territory there is a small hotel, a restaurant and an observation deck overlooking the beautiful park "Europe in Miniature", numerous exhibitions and a museum dedicated to the life of the 50s. Yes, and, you see, the model of the iron molecule, enlarged 165 million times, is worth seeing with your own eyes.

The unique Nemo 33 swimming pool is located in Brussels. For experienced divers, the largest of the pools is of interest. It is made in the form of a flooded industrial yard. The lower levels are full of artificial caves and artificial reefs. For beginner divers, smaller pools with a depth of 1.3 and 2.5 meters are suitable.

The Menin Gate is a tribute to the soldiers who died in the First World War. Visually, they resemble an arch. At the top of the composition you will see a plan of the disposition of the troops of that time in the battle for the city of Ypres. This architectural monument is crowned with the figure of a lion. The names of the dead and missing soldiers and officers are carved on the inner slabs of the arch.

This is one of the most beautiful caves in Belgium. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, halls and galleries created by nature can be admired endlessly. You can get to An-sur-Les only with a guided tour. On a tourist tram through a picturesque forest and a small river, you will be taken to its entrance.

If you want to fully experience the atmosphere of antiquity and the Middle Ages, be sure to come to Ghent. Each building on its central streets (grass street and Grain street) is an architectural monument. Here is the Church of the Holy Archangel Michael and the Church of St. Nicholas.

The Waterloo complex is a must-visit for any tourist who is at least a little interested in history. Its creators were perfectly able to convey the spirit of the Napoleonic era. In the wax museum you can see the emperor of France himself, the commanders in chief and other significant persons of that time with your own eyes.

Believe me, you will not pass by this building. Even if you are not a big fan of surrealism, visiting this museum you will not be disappointed. The works of R. Magritte make quite a strong impression on everyone. The talent of this artist is recognized all over the world.

Many people think that station buildings are the most boring and conservative structures. It's just that they've never been to Antwerp Central Station. This building with its appearance resembles rather an ancient castle or temple. Exquisite baroque architecture, columns and stained-glass windows wonderfully complement the attributes of modern life (neon signs and advertising).

In the very center of this town on the square is a bell tower. A narrow spiral staircase will lead you to the observation deck, from where a beautiful panorama of the whole city opens up. Going downstairs and sitting in the nearest cafe, you can enjoy listening to a concert of bell music.

This landmark of Brussels needs no introduction. Everyone has heard of her, but maybe you should get to know her better. First, let it be known that he has a name - Julien. In addition, this kid follows fashion and has his own wardrobe, consisting of more than 2000 suits.

Exclusive, chic and luxury - all this symbolizes the diamond quarter of Antwerp. Impeccable service, the perfect cut of stones and the best examples of jewelry art you will find here. Unique diamonds come here from South African and Indian mines.

This city has its own special charm. Clean streets, old buildings, St. Peter's Cathedral and the Town Hall. Each building impresses with its bright individuality and unique architectural design. In St. Peter's Church, paintings by Flemish masters of the 15th century have been preserved, and in the Town Hall building you can get acquainted with paintings by Belgian artists.

A picturesque Art Nouveau building in the heart of Brussels is an eye-catcher. Here is one of the world's largest museum of musical instruments. By visiting it, you can not only learn about the history of their origin, ethnic roots, but also enjoy the sounds of rare and ancient musical instruments.

Getting into this castle, you immediately remember the era of knights and crusades. Cobbled streets, monumental walls, narrow loopholes of towers and a protective moat. Gravensten is a vivid example of medieval architecture, the museum located here will give you a complete picture of the life of the people of that era.

Gothic architecture prevails in all external appearances of the city and its historical part is no exception. Houses with graceful turrets and narrow windows, an old town hall and a temple are located on one of the main squares of the city - Burg. The second central square of the historical center of Markt is occupied by shopping arcades.

This is the historical center of Brussels. The "Guild House", the Brussels City Hall, the "King's House" ("Bread House"), the well-known statue of the "Manneken Pis" are located here. When you get to the Grand Place, it seems that you are in a magical fairy-tale kingdom.

This castle was built in the 12th century. Then it had an important defensive value, today it is one of the main attractions of Antwerp. This architectural monument is undoubtedly interesting in itself, but, moreover, on its territory there are a museum of navigation and a museum of archeology.

White swans have always been a symbol of love and fidelity. In the Brussels town of Bruges, there is a whole lake where these amazing snow-white birds live and feel comfortable. The beauty of nature, silence and tranquility attract here not only couples in love, but simply connoisseurs of beauty.

In the southern part of Belgium, on the outskirts of Brussels, there is a fairly large forested area. Fans of hiking and hiking will appreciate the opportunity to feel unity with nature, enjoy peace and quiet, admire colorful landscapes and forest lakes.

Belgium is a compact and multicultural country. It has three state languages ​​at once, a high level of tolerance in society. Even in Belgium, almost every city differs from the neighboring one by some zest. What to see in Belgium for a tourist?

Tournai Cathedral

Notre Dame is the greatest architectural monument, rebuilt and decorated in the Gothic style, it fascinates with its scale and grandeur. Inside you can see the classics of Gothic design. Notre Dame has an observation deck that offers stunning views of the city.

The architecture of the cathedral has five high towers. The total height of the structure is 58 meters. The architectural monument is included in the UNESCO list. It is also a functioning episcopal residence.

The construction of the temple began in 1110. Construction was completed only in 1325. Several times the temple was subjected to fires, rebuilt, and in 2008 was robbed. The damage amounted to 40 million euros. Despite all the ups and downs, the cathedral continues to be one of the most beautiful European buildings, and is still open to tourists.

You can look at the park "Europe in miniature" from the balconies of the Atomium complex. On the territory of the attraction there are restaurants and a hotel, which is considered very convenient, as exhibitions and events are regularly held nearby in the park.

The Atomium itself was rebuilt for the World's Fair in 1958. The unusual construction of the building symbolizes atomic energy and its use. The structure consists of 9 spheres covered with an aluminum shell. The height of the attraction is 102 meters.

A diving center was opened near the city in 2004. It was designed by diver John Birnaerts. This indoor pool has a well 34 meters deep. There, future scuba divers learn how to properly dive under water. Tourists can watch them through special viewing windows.

Initially, the center was supposed to be used only for education, but its popularity was so great that the founders came up with the idea to make it a tourist site.

In the city of Ypres, the Menin Gate is installed as a monument to the First World War. This gate was erected in honor of the soldiers who fell in battle near this city.

These gates look like a beautiful arch, which the architect Reginald Bloomfield crowned with a sculpture of a majestic lion. The name of the arch comes from the neighboring town of Menen. It is to him that the road leads through the famous gate.

Every year, half a million tourists go to the province of Namur to descend into the An-sur-Les cave. This natural monument is decorated with stalactites. In addition to the inner beauty, a tourist can see a special light show in this cave, ride a boat, and participate in the preparation of a cannon volley.

A tram runs from the village of the same name to the cave. Along the way, you can fully enjoy the beauty of this area, see the Les River, which helped form the cave. A tour of such an attraction can last about two hours, but the impressions from it will remain for a long time.

Ghent: Grain Street and Grass Street Tour

Ghent's oldest and most impressive buildings are located on Grain Street and the Grass Street adjacent to it. After walking along these streets, it may seem that more ancient and typical European architecture cannot be found anywhere else. The cathedrals of Saints Michael and Nicholas are also located in these places, which in themselves are also architectural monuments.

The authorities are closely monitoring the state of these streets. After all, they are of great historical importance. Once upon a time, these streets were the center of trade in Grant. Today there are restaurants, shops and other useful establishments.

Waterloo is a compact Belgian town, near which the famous battle of Napoleon took place on the fields. In addition to a large number of museums, Waterloo has Lion's Hill, which, after the battle, the women of the city poured by hand. The hill is called so because on its top there is a monument in the form of a sculpture of a lion, as a memory of the valor of local soldiers.

The city has a circular gallery, where the main moments of Napoleon's battle with the British and Belgians are painted on the canvas. All the characters in the panorama are made in full size, so realism and complete immersion in history when visiting this place are guaranteed.

The Rene Magritte Museum inside and out looks like a living embodiment of surrealism. The artist's paintings are also difficult to perceive, as is the facade of the museum, made in the form of sliding curtains, behind which an evening landscape opens.

The museum exhibits include paintings, drawings, advertising posters and films related to the famous artist. This building contains more than 200 works by Rene Magritte. Such a collection is considered the largest in Europe, as well as throughout the world.

This station cannot be called boring or typical. The building itself is made in the Baroque style, and is more like a cathedral than a public institution.

Advertising and ancient stained-glass windows coexist quite harmoniously at the Central Station. Among the columns are waiting rooms and ticket offices, and from the loudspeaker every now and then a voice is heard announcing the arrival and departure of trains.

The bell tower in Brussels Bruges is both an observation deck, a small restaurant, and a belfry, which is still used for its intended purpose.

Climbing all the steps of the spiral staircase, you can suffocate with admiration, because the view of the city from the observation deck is really beautiful. In addition, everyone can enjoy the bell ringing at certain hours, as well as dine in a cafe located on the lower tier of the bell tower.

If the famous Manneken Pis were alive, he would be upset that he is not addressed by his first name. After all, this attraction has a name, like a living person. The little boy's name is Julien. He needs no introduction, as he is known to the whole world.

Brussels sculpture is located next to the Grand Place. The history of the monument is not known for certain. There is a version according to which, during the Grimbergen War, a cradle with the son of Gottfried the Third was hung on a tree above the battlefield, and the boy wrote on the soldiers from above.

According to another version, the sculpture appeared as a result of the feat of a little boy, who extinguished ammunition that caught fire under the walls of Brussels with a stream of urine.

In any case, the statue got its famous appearance thanks to the sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy in 1619. Today, the sculpture even has its own wardrobe, which is regularly replenished by famous designers.

The Diamond Quarter is a place where the best diamonds from African and Indian mines are brought to jewelry shops. A whole street of the city here is full of various shops and workshops where jewelry with precious stones is produced, and they are also sold at fabulous prices. The luxury of this place is amazing, and the choice is so great that it's hard to believe your eyes.

There are 4 exchanges and 380 workshops in this quarter. There is a diamond museum. It is in this place, as well as 500 years ago, that rough diamonds are supplied in order to turn into an expensive and luxurious product in the skillful hands of craftsmen.

Leuven and its splendor

This city has an ancient entourage and many architectural sights. Church of St. Petra can offer tourists not only the ancient vaults of the cathedral, but also paintings by Flemish artists dating back to the 15th century. In the City Hall, the creations of Belgian artists are on display for all to see. Walking along the cobbled streets, you can fully enjoy the architectural delights and cleanliness of such a glorious city as Leuven.

Leuven is also famous for the university center of the Belgian state. In addition, more than 52 breweries operate in the city. There is a small production of linen clothes, and, of course, great amount beautiful places.

The building of the museum is made in the Art Nouveau style. Its expositions tell about the ethnic instruments of Belgium, as well as musical instruments from different countries. Having visited the exhibition, you can see the exhibits, as well as hear how this or that instrument sounds for real.

The number of museum exhibits exceeds 8000 copies. The basis of the exhibitions are the collections of King Leopold II. The museum is part of the large complex of the Royal Museums of Art and History.

Ghent: Gravensteen

Gravensteen is the castle of the counts who once ruled in Flanders. The castle has a museum where all the exhibits belong to the Middle Ages. There you can get your own idea of ​​the customs and life of the people who inhabited Europe many centuries ago.

This castle was very lucky, its defensive structures have survived almost untouched to this day. At various times, Gravensten was the residence of counts, a mint, a prison and a textile factory. Some time ago there was even a courthouse. Such a rich history of the castle prompted the city authorities to open a museum of justice and weapons in it.

Shopping malls, graceful turrets, town halls, churches and squares - all this is the historical center of Bruges. The most interesting places are located on the Markt and Burg squares. The general atmosphere of the center has direct references to the Gothic style.

Life on the central streets is in full swing even at night. Establishments work until late, residents of the city and tourists walk. On holidays, these places are decorated with the best decor and illumination.

The main square of Brussels is the Grand Place. It is there, in the evening, that everything is flooded with lights, and if you look around, you can see Manneken Pis, the Bread House, the Town Hall, the Guild House and other sights that amaze with their European chic and ornate architecture.

Starting from August 15, a carpet of natural flowers is planted on the Grand Place. The beautiful square is being transformed even more, attracting millions of tourists and visitors from different parts of the country to Brussels.

Antwerp: Sten

Sten Castle in the 12th century had a defensive function. Now it is an important landmark of Antwerp. Today, inside there is a museum of navigation and archeology. For tourists, there are guided tours under the vaults of the castle. The castle also has an observation deck, which offers an attractive view.

In Bruges, on the shores of a lake where swans live, couples in love not only enjoy solitude, but also take their vows of fidelity. The waters of this clean and sweet lake more than once “heard” how someone promised someone to love him forever.

On the Lake of Love, you can entertain yourself and your soulmate by boating, as well as feeding white swans, which have long been accustomed to people and do not fly away when they appear.

To the south of Brussels is the Suan forest park, which smoothly turns into the most difficult forest in Europe. You can take leisurely walks through the forest park, enjoying the amazing nature around; in some places it is allowed to camp.

Once this forest saved the Romanesque population of Wallonia from extermination. In the 5th century, he stopped the Frankish conquerors, and they simply could not get to Wallonia.

Today the forest is divided into three zones. The first is related to Flanders, the second to the capital of Belgium, and the third is controlled by the authorities of Wallonia.

It was in the Suan forest in the 18th century that the monks of the Capuchin order built their 18 monasteries. In addition, there are many lakes and places for tourist recreation near Brussels in the forest zone.