Belgium

The Kingdom of Belgium is a tiny country, rich in deep traditions and history. Beyond the beauty of the cities and their grand and stunning historical buildings, Belgium is filled with world-class fine art and museums.

Throughout all of Belgium, you can enjoy great beer, as well as other local specialties and inventions such as Belgian waffles, French fries, great seafood and addictive Belgian chocolates.

Whether you explore the old cities on foot, travel through time on a bicycle, or even relax on an enchanting river cruise, there's much to see in Belgium.

Highlights

Brussels, is an attractive, diverse, interesting city that has much to offer in culture, museums and history, as well as wonderful cuisine. More information can be found on www.brussel.irisnet.be. Brussels bus, tram & metro info: www.stib.be

Best of Europe

Things to do in Belgium

Antwerp is a lively, pretty old port with a long history, a good choice of new museums and an amazingly diverse collection of architectural styles from medieval to art nouveau. Antwerp is famous for its diamond district and the former home of artist Peter Paul Rubens. It's a home to a young, dynamic, good value Europe fashion scene and many pubs and clubs.

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Bruges - This stunning, medieval town, is an ideal romantic gateway, for those who enjoy ancient architecture, fine gastronomy and the best chocolate in the world. The historical pedestrian centre with canals, medieval buildings and great art collections, is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Website: www.brugge.be

Ghent . Another underrated medieval city full of canals, superb buildings and wildly lively student activities. 12th century Gravensteen castle is a major attraction, as is an incredible oil painting in St Baaf cathedral, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Van Eyck.

Best time to visit is from May to Sept and in December when Christmas markets are light and lively.

Festivals and Events

Feb/March, the Carnival of Binche. An ancient event with costumes and masks. In May, Holy Blood Procession, Bruges. A spectacular religious festival since 1303, the Holy Blood relic is paraded around town by hundreds of citizens dressed in fine medieval outfits.
In May , the Battle of Lumecon & The Procession of the Golden Chariot, Mons. A George and the Dragon battle and religious procession .
May-November, Festival of Flanders. Superb classical music in magnificent locations, such as cathedrals, all over Flanders.
Last Thurs of June, the Ommegang Pageant in Brussels. A colourful 'folkloric' procession and games since 1549.
July 21, National Day and start of Brussels Fair (1 month).
Autumn, International Antiques Fair in Bruges.
Dec 6-Jan 2, European Christmas Market In Brussels, Bruges and other cities.

For more information about these and other events, please visit www.visitbelgium.com, www.brusselsinternational.be.

NOTE: Before planning a trip around a festival, make sure that you verify the festival dates on the festival website.