Often overshadowed by its neighbors, France, Spain, and Germany, Belgium turned out to be a romantic gem – packed with gorgeous landscapes and fairytale towns. After two months exploring this underrated country, these were my favorite destinations…
1. Dinant
I was completely charmed by Dinant — its setting was just spectacular, with the Meuse River gliding past soaring limestone cliffs, the Gothic citadel perched dramatically above, and the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame’s onion dome adding to the Insta-worthy skyline!
I took the train from Bruges (on a Brussels round trip) in 2.5 hours and spent an idyllic weekend at the boutique La Merveilleuse by Infiniti Hôtel.
I climbed up to the Citadel and was treated to breathtaking river views (it was a steep climb though!), explored the magnificent Collegiate Church, and popped into the quirky but interesting Adolphe Sax House. I loved just wandering the cobbled streets, ducking into cosy cafes, traditional restaurants, and adorable sweet shops – it all felt peaceful and slightly mysterious too!
Sampling the flaky, leek-filled Flamiche and the crisp, honey-sweet Couques de Dinant, stamped with beautiful folklore designs so they were almost too pretty to eat!
2. Bruges
My photo of Bruges – it had such a romantic vibe!My photo of Bruges Bridge – the historic buildings were very pretty!My photo in Rozenhoedkaai Burges – it was especially magical at twilight!
Bruges honestly felt like stepping into a storybook — breathtaking medieval architecture, gabled houses, pretty market squares, and canals lined with historic brick buildings gave it a timeless, romantic vibe that felt almost unreal to me!
I arrived by train from Ghent in just 25 minutes and spent a dreamy three days exploring. I climbed the Belfry, admired the striking Gothic City Hall and Basilica of the Holy Blood and took a serene canal boat tour.
I sampled exquisite Belgian chocolates at Chocolaterie De Burg, browsed the world-class Groeninge Museum, and dined in wonderful restaurants and cafes. I really loved simply getting lost in the winding cobblestone streets and photographing the iconic Rozenhoedkaai at sunset. It really was as beautiful as its reputation, but it I have to admit it also got very busy during the day!
Location: Flemish region, northwest part of the country.
Staying at the ultra-romantic 4-star Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, set in two 16th-century half-timbered buildings — my room was filled with antiques, leaded-glass windows, and framed postcard-perfect canal views that were simply breathtaking!
3. Brussels
Forget its dull reputation — Brussels really surprised me with its elegant, cosmopolitan vibe, ornate Art Nouveau facades, Gothic Town Hall, and the futuristic Atomium. I flew from London in just over an hour and spent three culture-packed days at the whimsical 4-star Hotel Indigo Brussels.
I was dazzled by the Grand Place, sampled Belgian chocolates, waffles, and beer, wandered past comic strip murals, admired the Atomium’s gleaming spheres, toured museums and galleries, snapped photos of the cheeky Manneken Pis sculpture, and ended evenings with smoked chocolate old fashioneds at the chic Eight Rooftop Bar — Brussels completely won me over!
Location: Flemish region, northwest part of the country.
Indulging in chocolatey heaven at MIKE&BECKY, a funky little artisan shop, and couldn’t resist their warm, gooey sea-salt peanut butter and Belgian chocolate cookies!
4. Ghent
My photo of Ghent Canal taken – it was so picturesque!My photo of Ghent Food Hall – it was filled with artisan local food!
Ghent felt like one of Europe’s best-kept secrets — a gem filled medieval architecture, cobbled streets, Gravensteen Castle, and the pretty Graslei harbor, all with a quirky, youthful buzz which really won me over!
I took a 30-minute train from Brussels and spent four days at the romantic 4-star Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel (I loved its infrared room and candlelit pool!). I toured Gravensteen Castle, wandered the Patershol district, admired the ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, relaxed along the Graslei quays, sampled the nightlife and creative dining in Vrijdagmarkt, and browsed the artisan Lousbergmarkt — it was all very adorable!
Location: Flemish Region, northwest part of the country
Sampling home-baked pastries at the charming vintage-style Julie’s House, I loved the sweet, buttery aroma in the air and especially the ultra-sweet crème brûlée cupcakes!
5. Spa
Now part of the UNESCO-listed ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe,’ Spa was every bit the chic original spa destination I hoped for.
I took the 2-hour train from Brussels, watching the forested Ardennes close in as we arrived, and spent three tranquil days surrounded by 19th-century architecture and wooded hills.
I soaked in the historic Thermes de Spa, sipped water at the Pouhon Pierre le Grand spring, admired the elegant Casino de Spa, and even visited the legendary Spa Francorchamps Motor Circuit — the whole town felt refined and timeless. I have to admit spa treatments and day passes weren’t cheap but the quality was very high!
Location: Wallonia region, 87 miles east of Brussels.
I stayed at the chic 4-star Thermes de Spa and loved its sleek design, thermal mineral water from the Clementine spring, and blissful wellness facilities — especially the warm peat baths and soothing infrared sauna!
6. Durbuy
Durbuy was a small but perfectly formed medieval gem — I loved its cobbled lanes, 17th-century castle above the River Ourthe, stone houses, and fairy-tale vibe.
I drove 1.5 hours from Brussels along winding Ardennes roads past hamlets and river views, spending two days at the quirky 4-star Les Suites de Petit Bomal. I toured Durbuy Castle, wandered the maze-like streets, dined at La Canette, admired the Topiary Park sculptures, and tried beer brewed the 14th-century way at La Ferme du Chêne — it really did feel like I was stepping back in time!
Location: Luxembourg province of Belgium within the Ardennes
Sampling freshly made artisan treats on rue Saint-Amour, I loved the sweet, fragrant aroma coming from the stores and the delicately floral lilac jam was a stand-out!
7. Chateau de La Hulpe
Château de La Hulpe felt like something out of dream — built in the 1840s to resemble France’s Loire Valley castles, it sat in the heart of the picturesque Sonian Forest and captivated me with its elegant 19th-century architecture, romantic vibe, and parkland dotted with ponds and sculpted hedges.
I drove 30 minutes from Brussels and spent an afternoon wandering its flower-filled gardens (open to the public), admiring the statues, exploring rolling lawns and fragrant rhododendrons, and cycling the scenic forest trails — it a tranquil escape so close to the city!
The garden sculptures — my favorites were the Les Putti, two delightfully weathered, winged cherubs that looked as if they’d been watching over the garden for centuries!
8. Wallonia
The Ardennes was just so idyllic — rolling hills, medieval castles, half-timbered houses, stone villages, and elegant squares gave it a rustic, laid-back charm I was a big fan of!
Just 30 minutes from Brussels, I spent a blissful week at the trendy 4-star Azur en Ardenne and explored the imposing Château de Bouillon, the quaint town of Durbuy, the scenic Ardennes Forest, and the fascinating Caves of Han.
I uncovered Waterloo’s history, admired Namur’s Place d’Armes, soaked up breathtaking views from the Citadel, feasted in cozy taverns, and indulged in caramelised Liège waffles (still warm from the griddle) and rich, malty Trappist beers at every turn!
Going on a wine tour of Domaine de la Falize vineyard – I loved the scenic setting, how it produced organic and farm-friendly wines and their velvety vintage Pinot Noir!
9. Veurne
Founded in the 9th century, Veurne was a beautifully preserved gem — I loved its elegant Renaissance-style square, UNESCO-listed Belfry, Gothic St. Walburga Church, and charming stepped-gable houses, all set against the tranquil Flemish countryside.
Just a 30-minute drive from Bruges, I spent two days at the characterful B&B ‘t Kasteel & ‘t Koetshuys. I explored the stunning Grand Place with its Renaissance Town Hall, visited the historic Spanish Pavilion, relaxed in the peaceful Sint-Niklaas Hospital gardens, and indulged in crispy Veurnse kletskoppen at the family-friendly Bakkerijmuseum — the whole place felt delightfully old-world!
Location: Flemish Region, Western part of the country
Sitting out in the sunshine in the beer garden of the renowned beer café The Court Of Heaven sipping on a seriously strong Westvleteren Belgian Trappist Beer after being recommended it by the in-house beer sommelier!
10. De Haan
This charming coastal town felt wonderfully nostalgic — I adored its wide sandy beaches, rolling dunes, Belle Époque villas, and scenic promenades, all blissfully free of high-rises.
Just 25 minutes from Bruges, I spent a long summer weekend at the boutique 4-star Beach Hotel, lounging on the beach and strolling the elegant Promenade Albert I. I admired the Concessie district’s villas, visited the historic tram station, cycled through the wild Uitkerkse Polder, and picnicked among the seaside dunes — it made a wonderful coastal escape!
Location: West Flanders, 62 miles northwest of Brussels
Dining on a nutty pear pecan pie and a creamy oat-milk latte at the funky artisan Bruut coffee shop – I also really liked the cosy, trendy vibe it had!
11. La Roche-en-Ardenne
La Roche-en-Ardenne was like stepping straight into a storybook village — dramatic castle ruins towered above the Ourthe River, stone houses lined the streets, and rolling Ardennes hills and forests wrapped the town in a tranquil setting.
I drove 1.5 hours from Brussels and spent three days at the beautiful 4-star Hostellerie La Claire Fontaine, Logis hôtels & Spa. I climbed the medieval Château Féodal for breathtaking river views, explored the Battle of the Ardennes Museum, hiked the scenic Barrage de Nisramont trails, spotted wildlife at Parc à Gibier, wandered the cobbled lanes, and kayaked along the Ourthe!
Location: Ardennes, 75 miles southeast of Brussels
Dining al fresco at the upscale Brasserie Benelux, I loved the aroma of herbs as I savored the hand-folded vegan ravioli topped with a rich Provençale sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and edible flowers!
12. Ypres
I discovered that Ypres was deeply moving — known for its role in World War I, it mixed quiet beauty with poignant history. Reconstructed medieval-style buildings like the grand Cloth Hall, the solemn Menin Gate Memorial, and majestic Saint Martin’s Cathedral stood against the serene Flemish countryside, and the whole city seemed to hum with quiet dignity.
I took the Dover–Calais ferry, drove an hour, and spent a few reflective days at the boutique Hotel Kasteelhof ‘T Hooghe.
I attended the moving Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate (I’m glad I bought tissues!), explored the In Flanders Fields Museum inside the Cloth Hall, and walked through Tyne Cot Cemetery. I also admired Saint Martin’s Cathedral, visited the peaceful Ramparts Cemetery, and toured the preserved Yorkshire Trench and Dugout — it was all very emotional!
Location: West Flanders, western part of the country
Exploring the In Flanders Fields Museum, I was deeply moved by the soldiers’ letters and diaries and the poignant displays of mud-caked boots, dented mess tins, and faded photographs of loved ones.
13. Torgny
Torgny, the southernmost village in Belgium, is often called the prettiest — and I could see why. With its Provence-like charm, ochre stone houses with red tiled roofs, vineyard-friendly microclimate, and lush greenery, it felt like an idyllic rural escape.
I drove three hours from Brussels on a road trip to France and spent a peaceful day and night here. I wandered the Réserve Naturelle de Torgny, picnicked by the Semois River, sampled local wines at Domaine de la Garenne, and dined at the cosy La Grappe d’Or before continuing south — it was a wonderfully scenic stop that felt stuck in time!
Location: Wallonia region, the southernmost part of the country
Staying at the stylish Gaume Bed and Breakfast, we loved the sleek grey modern rooms and the delicious homemade Sirop de Liège — a rich, dark apple-and-pear fruit spread served at breakfast!
14. High Fens-Eifel Nature Park
The High Fens felt almost otherworldly to me — vast rolling heaths, dense forests, and scattered half-timbered houses gave it a wild, untamed beauty.
I drove two hours east from Brussels and camped for three days at Camping Perlenau on the park’s edge. I hiked the Eifelsteig trail, explored the medieval Reinhardstein Castle, joined a guided tour to spot unique flora and fauna, and spent peaceful afternoons by scenic Lake Robertville — the perfect mix of adventure and serenity!
Wildlife: red deer, wild boars, wild cats, black grouse, eagle owls and even the rare lynx.
My highlights…
Cycling the 36-mile Maare-Mosel Path, gliding through cool tunnels, over viaducts, past storybook villages and ancient forests, with the deep-blue volcanic lakes shimmering in the sun!
15. Damme
Damme also had that magical, storybook-perfect charm — a dreamy rural town with medieval architecture, serene tree-lined canals, traditional windmills, and cobblestone streets that felt almost unreal.
I drove 15 minutes from Bruges along a canal flanked by windmills and spent an afternoon exploring the Town Hall and Church of Our Lady, cruising the peaceful Damse Vaart canal, and visiting the Schellemolen and Damme Mill windmills. I browsed quirky bookshops and strolled through the surrounding countryside.
Going on a tour of Hoeke Windmill – it was interesting to see the creaky wooden gears and mechanisms and the large, functional sails that were still moving round!
16. Gaasbeek Castle
Dating back to the late 13th century, Gaasbeek Castle felt wonderfully romantic — with its fairy-tale turrets, moat, and sprawling manicured gardens, it had an enchanting, slightly mysterious air.
I drove 30 minutes from Brussels, paid the €10 entrance fee, and joined a 1.5-hour guided tour through rooms filled with paintings, antique furniture, and jewel-toned Doornik tapestries. I strolled the Baroque and Museum Gardens, admired temporary art exhibits, and finished with a cosy meal in the atmospheric café set in the former stables — it was a gorgeous day out!
Discovering the fragrant Italian-style orangery and the striking Neo-Gothic barn in the gorgeous gardens – I couldn’t get enough of sweet scent of citrus blossoms there!
17. Oud-Rekem
Once the capital of the County of Rekem and often called ‘The Most Beautiful Village in Flanders,’ Oud-Rekem completely won me over with its cobbled streets, whitewashed townhouses, and the elegant 16th-century d’Aspremont-Lynden Castle — it felt like time had stood still.
I drove an hour east from Brussels and spent a peaceful day and night exploring the castle, strolling the cobbled lanes, and visiting the former St. Peter’s Church turned cultural space. I admired the preserved pharmacy museum at De Rentmeesterij, walked along the scenic Maas River, ventured into Hoge Kempen National Park’s pretty trails and cycling routes, and ended the day dining on local cuisine at the welcoming Vogelsanck eatery.
Location: Limburg province, 56 miles east of Brussels
At the cozy Boven de Galerie B&B, we savored fluffy pancakes with maple pecan syrup and crisp waffles with tangy blackcurrant-gooseberry compote, enjoying the fresh country air and idyllic terrace views!
18. Vallee du Ninglinspo
The Ninglinspo Valley was so picturesque — a protected nature reserve with cascading waterfalls, mossy rocks, rustic stone bridges, and winding forest trails that gave it a mystical vibe.
I drove an hour from Brussels and stayed in a cosy lodge at Domaine du Haut des Bluches (Aywaille), hiking the scenic Ninglinspo Trail along Belgium’s only mountain stream. I hung around the natural rock pools, especially Bain de Diane and Bain des Naïades, climbed to the Drouet viewpoint and saw stunning Ardennes views, and explored the nearby villages of Sedoz and Aywaille — it was a very enchanting place!
Gliding through the Remouchamps Caves on Europe’s longest underground river, I marveled at the glistening stalactites and echoing darkness, though the tight passages felt a bit claustrophobic!
19. The Sonian Forest
This vast ancient woodland dates back over 10,000 years and is UNESCO-listed! I personally found it to be a pristine beauty spot, with towering beech and oak trees, serene walking trails, and rich biodiversity. It was dotted with interesting historic structures and ruins, and bathed in a hushed, fairytale-like calm.
I drove 15 minutes from central Brussels on a day trip and when here, we hiked the scenic Groenendaal Walk, cycled the trails through ancient beech woodlands, visited the historic Rouge-Cloître Abbey ruins, discovered the Boitsfort Hippodrome and admired the tranquil lakes of Tervuren Park. I just need to mention that I found many of the trails were shared with cyclists so I had to stay alert when walking!
Location The Sonian Forest, Drève des Brûlés, 3 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
Hiking the leisurely Sentier de la Source Laineuse – Sentier du Vuylbeek trail, we spent 1.5 hours wandering past sparkling lakes and through lush, shady beech and oak forests.
Becky Moore - Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six-month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh-faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi-nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in the warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds, and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex-Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
Hotel Reviewing Experience - published hotel review in the 52 Sleeps Book organised by Laterooms.com and Lonely Planet. Asked by over 12 tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Germany Tourist Board,Canada Tourist Board, Eviivo, France.fr, Visitoostende.be,Live Riga and Queensland Tourist Board. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos.
I’ve also been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic, The Times, LA Weekly, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Thrillist, British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur, Daily Express, Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and Metro. Winner of Travel Blog of the Year. Find me on Linkedin or Facebook.
Wow I didn’t know much about Belgium other than Brussels before now, but these look like incredibly scenic places to visit! Thanks for the travel inspiration! 🙂
Belgium is very picturesque.. I have been to Dinant and this city is truly breathtaking
I had no idea about Eifel Nature Park before reading this post, looks so beautiful will definitely go there on my next visit.
Thanks for sharing Becky!!
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hi sir
who doesnt want to visit those beautiful places… Gaasbeek Castle is cool place for me
I just love traveling, beautiful places, really thanks for blog and photos. This are really gonna help.
Belgium having some many tourist places to visit..Thanks for sharing the photos which has the important places for tourists.
Fantastic looking places!
Belgium looks like a truly beautiful place to visit what wonderful photos too!
Wow I love this, such beautiful places in a beautiful looking country!
Bruges has certainly been on our travel wish list for a while now! We hear it’s great for chocolate, beer and bicycling :-).
Wow I didn’t know much about Belgium other than Brussels before now, but these look like incredibly scenic places to visit! Thanks for the travel inspiration! 🙂
Belgium is very picturesque.. I have been to Dinant and this city is truly breathtaking
I had no idea about Eifel Nature Park before reading this post, looks so beautiful will definitely go there on my next visit.
Thanks for sharing Becky!!