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, these were my favorite finds….
1. Dinant
I was really in awe of this pretty under-the-radar gem! I thought the most striking feature was its remarkable natural backdrop along the Meuse River, flanked by soaring limestone cliffs and dominated by the ancient, fortified Gothic citadel and the imposing Notre-Dame collegiate church. I also really loved the tranquil, almost mysterious vibe it had!
We took a train from Bruges on a round trip from Brussels and we spent an idyllic weekend here. We squeezed in a visit to the magnificent Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, climbed up to the Citadel and saw stunning river views, discovered the interesting house of Adolphe Sax (the inventor of the saxophone).
It was also a wonderful experience just wandering through the narrow cobbled streets lined with traditional restaurants, quaint cafes, independent stores and cute little home-made sweet shops.
Staying at the gorgeous La Merveilleuse by Infiniti hôtel which is spectacularly housed in an old monastery – we loved how it mixed historic character with trendy upscale comforts!
Trying the local flavours – my favourites were the Flamiche (a bit like a Tarte Flambe) and Couques de Dinant, which were delicious brittle honey biscuits.
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!
This city truly lived up to its reputation as one of the world’s most romantic cities! I honestly thought it was like something out of a storybook with breathtaking medieval architecture, attractive market squares, steep-gabled houses picturesque canals lined with historic brick buildings, and traffic-free cobblestone streets that gave it a quaint, timeless vibe! I couldn’t quite believe it existed!
We arrived by train from Ghent and spend a dreamy three days here. We discovered the stunning Gothic architecture of City Hall, strolled through the elegant Markt Square, climbed the Belfry and saw incredible city views, explored the historic Basilica of the Holy Blood, and took a scenic canal boat tour.
We also discovered the exquisite Belgian chocolates at Chocolaterie De Burg and explored the world-class Groeninge Museum, dined in their award-winning restaurants (there were many!) and wandered through the mostly traffic-free, cobbled streets lined with historic buildings and quaint cafes!
Address: Flemish region, northwest part of the country.
Best time to visit:spring to early autumn, it does get very busy in the summer though.
My personal highlights…
Staying at the ultra-romantic centrally located boutique 4-star Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce which was a perfect choice for couples – we were completely blown away its location in two 16th-century, half-timbered buildings and our cosy guest room which featured gorgeous antiques, Persian carpets and marble bathrooms.
Photographing the iconic spot, the Quay of the Rosary (known locally as Rozenhoedkaai, our top photo is above) – we reached in via just a short walk from the Grote Markt and stood for a while just gazing at it as the sun went down and made the historic buildings glow a pinkish orange.
3. Brussels
Forget its reputation for being dull, I honestly thought Brussels was a fine and elegant city destination! We were charmed by its cosmopolitan, elegant air, its blend of historical grandeur and modern flair, ornate Art Nouveau facades, the grand Gothic architecture of the Town Hall and the contemporary design of the Atomium. It was a lot more attractive than we both expected it to be!
We flew into Brussels from London and stayed for four days. We marveled at the very impressive Grand Place, indulged in its world-famous Belgian chocolates, waffles and beer, explored the unique comic strip murals, and experienced the Atomium’s futuristic architecture. We also explored its world-class museums, art galleries and restaurants and photographed the quirky Manneken Pis statue and sipped on a smoked chocolate old fashioned cocktail at the trendy Eight Rooftop and Cocktail Bar.
Location: Flemish region, northwest part of the country.
Best time to visit:spring to early autumn, it does get very busy in the summer though.
My highlights…
Staying at the wonderfully whimsical 4-star Hotel Indigo Brussels – I loved how our guest room had a unique tropical, herbal, and floral theme and the eco-conscious, organic menu in the onsite SERRA Restaurant!
Tasting some of the best chocolate-based treats in the city at MIKE&BECKY, a funky little artisan shop. I couldn’t get enough of the freshly baked gooey Sea Salt Peanut Butter & 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!
I thought this small port city was truly one of Europe’s best-kept secrets! Once one of the largest and most powerful cities in Europe, I thought it was a story-book pretty gem with its medieval architecture, the quaint cobbled streets, the imposing Gravensteen Castle, and the picturesque row houses lining the Graslei harbor and its quirky, buzzy and youthful vibe.
We came here via a round train trip from Brussels and stayed for a wonderful 4 days. We explored the imposing Gravensteen Castle, strolled through the historic Patershol district, and admired the artistic masterpiece “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.
We also relaxed along the picturesque Graslei and Korenlei quays, enjoyed the buzzy nightlife and diverse creative culinary scene in the bustling Vrijdagmarkt area and discovered the artisan-produce filled Lousbergmarkt indoor food market (my photo is above)!
Address: Flemish Region, northwest part of the country
Staying at the beautiful 4-star Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel – we were completely charmed by the romantic vibe, ornate decor, the Louis XIV style 1724 mansion it was housed in and the superb onsite wellness and spa facilities!
Sampling home-baked pastries in vintage-style surroundings at the wonderful Julie’s House – I especially loved the ultra-sweet Creme Brûlée Cupcakes!
5. Spa
Now recognised as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘The Great Spa Towns of Europe, Spa is a chic town renowned for being the original spa destination! I thought it was a stunning spot with historic thermal baths and charming 19th-century architecture surrounded by forested landscapes of the Ardennes. It had a tranquil, refined vibe and an endearing 19th-century retro charm which I loved!
We took the high-speed train from Brussels (which took two hours) and stayed for two days. We relaxed in the historic Thermes de Spa, discovered the captivating Pouhon Pierre le Grand spring, visited the scenic Spa Francorchamps Motor Circuit and gazed at the stunning architecture of the Casino de Spa.
Address: Wallonia region, 87 miles east of Brussels.
Staying at the centrally located 4-star chic Thermes de Spa – I loved the modern design, how it used thermal mineral water sourced directly from the natural Clementine spring and the superb spa and wellness facilities, especially the peat baths and the relaxing infrared sauna!
Going on an e-Scavenger hunt which was a fun way to explore the city, it was great stumbling across some of the city’s best attractions including the Casino de Spa and the pretty Lake Warfaaz.
6. Durbuy
This was a small but perfectly formed hidden gem which dated back to the Middle Ages. I thought it was just gorgeous with charming, compact medieval streets, stunning 17th-century castle overlooking the River Ourthe, quaint stone houses and a timeless, quaint, fairy-tale vibe!
Located in the Luxembourg province of Belgium within the Ardennes, but today it has a population of around 10,531.
We took a 1.5 hour drive from Brussels and spent two days here exploring the Durbuy Castle, wandering through the maze of narrow medieval streets, indulging in local cuisine at La Canette, gazing at a huge range of plant sculptures at Topiary Park and quenching our thirst at the unique La Ferme du Chêne, which amazingly brewed beer using a 14th-century method!
Location: Wallonia region, 75 miles southeast of Brussels
Hopping on the all-electric tourist train for a fun ride around the city’s best spots, winding through charming streets before finishing high up where we saw a stunning panoramic view of this little gem of a city!
Sampling the freshly made artisan products at rue Saint-Amour some which were very unique – I was really won over by their tasty lilac jam!
7. Chateau de La Hulpe
I thought this was a really enchanting fairytale-like castle! It was built in the 1840s to look like the castles in the Loire Valley in France and I found it nestled in the picturesque Sonian Forest, it definitely captivated us with its elegant 19th-century French-style architecture and surrounding lush parkland which was dotted with picturesque ponds and ornately sculptured hedges.
It was only a 30 minute drive from Brussels and although the castle itself wasn’t open to the public, the gardens were and we took a stroll around them and found they were dotted with sculptures and brimming with colourful flowers.
We also explored the surrounding park which had rolling lawns, pretty small ponds, and fragrant rhododendrons and then cycled along the scenic trails in the surrounding Sonian Forest.
My personal highlights…
The gorgeous garden sculptures – my favorites were the Les Putti which were two very charming winged cherub statues!
8. Wallonia
Dotted with pretty medieval towns, I thought this region was like a fairytale! It covered just over half the land mass of the country and is filled with rolling Ardennes landscapes, medieval castles, half-timbered houses, elegant town squares and picturesque stone villages – I was also completely charmed by the laid-back, rustic vibe here!
We spent an idyllic week long break and discovered the medieval Château de Bouillon, visited the picturesque town of Durbuy (mentioned above), hiked through the scenic Ardennes Forest, explored the Caves of Han, discovered the history of Waterloo Battlefield, and gazed at the attractive town square Namur’s Place d’Armes.
I soaked up the jaw-dropping views from the Citadel of Namur, feasted in cozy traditional taverns, and couldn’t resist the deliciously caramelised Liège waffles and rich Trappist beers – sold just about everywhere we went!
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
Found in the 9th century this I thought this beautifully persevered historic town was very picturesque! I also found it was very easy-on-the-eye, with an elegant Renaissance-style town square, an UNESCO-listed Belfry, a Gothic church, and charming stepped-gable houses, all set within a peaceful Flemish countryside backdrop.
It was a 30 minute drive from Bruges and when here we spent a couple of days exploring the stunning Grand Place which had a Renaissance-style Town Hall and UNESCO-listed Belfry, admired the Gothic beauty of St. Walburga Church, visited the historic Spanish Pavilion, and relaxed in the tranquil Sint-Niklaas Hospital gardens.
Location: Flemish Region, Western part of the country
Discovering the quirky Bakery Museum – it was interesting to see the atmospheric 17th-century farmhouse it was housed in as well as the live baking demonstrations conducted by the museum staff who were dressed in traditional baker outfits!
Sitting out in the sunshine in the beer garden of the renowned beer café The Court Of Heaven sipping on a Westvleteren Belgian Trappist Beer after being recommended it by the in-house beer sommelier!
10. De Haan
This coastal town had a lovely old-world charm having been developed as a seaside resort in the late 19th century! I really loved its wide, sandy beaches which were backed by rolling dunes, elegant Belle Époque villas, charming seaside promenades, an obvious lack of high-rise buildings and a laid-back, nostalgic charm!
We spent a long summer weekend here relaxing on the wide sandy beaches and we also strolled along the scenic Promenade Albert I, admired the elegant Belle Époque villas in the Concessie district, visited the historic tram station, cycled through the Uitkerkse Polder nature reserve, and took scenic picnics in the dunes.
Location: West Flanders, 62 miles northwest of Brussels
Dining on a delicious pear pecan pie and an oat-milk latte at the funky artisan Bruut coffee shop – we also really liked the cosy, trendy vibe it had!
11. La Roche-en-Ardenne
I thought this city and popular outdoor activities hub was in a very unique setting! ,It was a real gem with its dramatic medieval castle ruins overlooking the Ourthe River, charming stone houses, significant Roman and medieval developments and a stunning natural setting of rolling Ardennes hills and dense forests – to me it had a tranquil and almost fairytale-like atmosphere!
We drove 1.5 hours from Brussels and spent three days here. We explored the medieval Château Féodal which had breathtaking views over the Ourthe River, visited the Battle of the Ardennes Museum and learnt about the town’s World War II history.
We also hiked through the scenic Barrage de Nisramont trails, spotted wildlife at Parc à Gibier de La Roche, wandered through charming streets lined with traditional stone houses, and went kayaking in the Ourthe River.
Location: Ardennes, 75 miles southeast of Brussels
Hiring a kayak from Brandsport Kayak Rental and paddling down the Ourthe River – the staff gave us great tips on the most scenic parts of the river to stop at!
Dining al fresco at the upscale Brasserie Benelux, I thought the hand-folded vegan ravioli topped with a rich provencale sauce was delicious!
12. Ypres
This historic city is known for its role in World War I. As well as home to hundreds of war cemeteries it also had a quiet understated beauty with its medieval-style reconstructed buildings including the grand Cloth Hall, the solemn yet striking Menin Gate Memorial, and the majestic Saint Martin’s Cathedral, all set against a backdrop of the serene Flemish countryside. I was also really drawn in by its peaceful and solemn atmosphere.
I visited via the ferry from the UK and spent a few poignant days here exploring the Menin Gate Memorial and seeing the very moving Last Post Ceremony (I needed tissues!), visiting the interesting In Flanders Fields Museum inside the reconstructed Cloth Hall, and walked through the solemn Tyne Cot Cemetery.
On the last few days I admired the grandeur of Saint Martin’s Cathedral, visited the Ramparts Cemetery where I reflected peacefully, and took a short trip to the Yorkshire Trench and Dugout to experience the preserved wartime trenches – I found it all incredibly emotional!
Location: West Flanders, western part of the country
Exploring the In Flanders Fields Museum – the personal stories of the soldiers from their letters and diaries and the exhibits of their personal belongings were particularly moving!
13. Torgny
The southernmost village in the country is often cited as being the prettiest in the country! With more than a whiff of Provence, we found Mediterranean-style houses consisting of ochre-coloured, hand-hewn stones and red curved tiles and a warm microclimate, which was well-suited for vineyards and lush vegetation, and a tranquil, enchanting vibe – to me it felt like an idyllic rural retreat!
We stopped here on a road trip to France and it’s a quiet place so there wasn’t too much going on but we did explore the Réserve Naturelle de Torgny, a gorgeous protected area showcasing local flora and fauna, went for a scenic riverside picnic by the Semois River, sampled local wines at the Domaine de la Garenne vineyard, and dined at the authentic Belgian restaurant such La Grappe d’Or.
Location: Wallonia region, the southernmost part of the country
Staying in the beautifully styled Gaume Bed and Breakfast – we both loved the trendy grey modern decor in the guest rooms and the tasty homemade raspberry jam at breakfast!
Visiting the Abbey of Orval on the way here (which was located around 35 km from Torgny) – it was a great stop for its Trappist beer and historic ruins – we got to taste the renowned Orval beer which had a unique earthy taste and a very foamy head!
14. High Fens-Eifel Nature Park
I thought this large protected area had an almost other-worldly beauty! I discovered scenic expansive landscapes of rolling heaths and dense forests, punctuated by traditional half-timbered houses and historic buildings that blended perfectly with the natural surroundings – to me it felt wild and untamed!
I found it was also home to diverse wildlife including red deer, wild boars, wild cats, black grouse, eagle owls and even the rare lynx.
We stayed for three days camping towards the edge of park in Camping Perlenau and we hiked the Eifelsteig trail, explored the historic Reinhardstein Castle, discovered the unique flora and fauna on guided nature tours and relaxed by the scenic Lake Robertville.
Trying to spot the park’s incredible wildlife – we managed to spot a rare black stork, black grouse and red deer!
Cycling along the Maare-Mosel Cycle Path which was an easy trail around 36 miles – it was great to go past tunnels, viaducts, pretty villages, ancient forests and the unique volcanic landscapes!
15. Damme
I thought this small and picturesque town had a dreamy rural setting! I also thought it was very pretty with well-preserved medieval architecture, serene canals lined with ancient trees and traditional windmills, picturesque cobblestone streets and a tranquil timeless vibe – to me, it felt like something straight out of a storybook!
We drove here from Bruges and explored the beautifully preserved medieval architecture of the Town Hall and the Church of Our Lady, took a relaxing boat trip along the scenic Damse Vaart canal, and visited the charming Schellemolen and Damme Mill windmills.
We also managed to squeeze in browsing through unique bookshops, and took a walk around the picturesque countryside that surrounded the historic town.
Going on a tour of Hoeke Windmill – it was interesting to see the wooden gears and mechanisms and the large, functional sails that were still moving round!
16. Gaasbeek Castle
Dating back to the late 13th century, I thought this historic castle was such a romantic place! It was also very picturesque with fairy-tale architecture, turreted towers and a moat all set within sprawling, impressively maintained gardens – I was also charmed by its tranquil yet mysterious vibe.
We paid the €10 entrance fee and took a guided tour which took one and a half hours. We explored the museum’s rich art collection which included well-preserved paintings, furniture, and tapestries and wandered through the gorgeous grounds which featured the Baroque-style garden and the Museum Garden (which was dedicated to preserving historic plant varieties).
Lastly I gazed at the temporary art exhibitions held in the castle; and then dined in the atmospheric café located in the former stables!
My highlights…
Seeing the incredible tapestries and historic art, some of which incredibly dated back to 1520 – I particularly loved intricate Doornik tapestries.
Discovering the fragrant Italian-style orangery and the striking Neo-Gothic barn in the gorgeous gardens!
17. Oud-Rekem
Once the capital of the County of Rekem, this is often called “The Most Beautiful Village in Flanders”! I also thought it was very alluring with very charming cobbled streets, historic whitewashed townhouses, and architectural gems such as the 16th-century d’Aspremont-Lynden Castle – I also loved its tranquil and nostalgic atmosphere!
We drove an hour from Brussels and explored the 16th-century d’Aspremont-Lynden Castle, strolled through the charming cobbled streets lined with historic whitewashed buildings, and visited the former St. Peter’s Church which now served as a cultural space.
I also admired the preserved pharmacy museum at De Rentmeesterij, walked along the scenic Maas River, and discovered the nearby Hoge Kempen National Park which was criss-crossed with pretty nature trails and cycling routes.
Location: Limburg province, 56 miles east of Brussels
Staying overnight at the cosy bed and breakfast Boven de Galerie. We really enjoyed dining on pancakes with maple pecan syrup and Belgium waffles dripping with a tangy berry compote for breakfast on the open-air terrace – the views of the surrounding countryside were gorgeous!
Dining on avocados served on a grainy sourdough bread at the trendy Vogelsanck eatery – the owners were super welcoming!
18. Vallee du Ninglinspo
We were big fans of this picturesque river valley! It’s a protected nature reverse where we found cascading waterfalls and moss-covered rocks, and winding forest trails with occasional rustic stone bridges and wooden footpaths – the whole place exuded an almost mystical feel!
We drove an hour from Brussels and stayed in a cosy lodge in the Domaine du Haut des Bluches (Aywaille) and hiked the scenic Ninglinspo Trail along the country’s only mountain stream, and admired the cascading waterfalls and natural rock pools (Bain de Diane and Bain des Naïades were our favorites).
We also climbed to the Drouet viewpoint and saw stunning Ardennes scenery, and explored the nearby pretty villages of Sedoz and Aywaille.
Exploring the Remouchamps Caves on a guided boat tour, it was quite an experience seeing the incredible stalactites and stalagmites, although it was a bit claustrophobic at times!
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’s dotted with interesting historic structures and ruins, all wrapped in a calm, almost enchanted atmosphere!
I also found that wildlife including red deer, roe deer, wild boar, foxes, badgers, pine martens, beavers, bats, woodpeckers, owls, sparrowhawks and fire salamanders all thrive here.
It was just a 15 minute drive from Brussels 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.
My personal highlights…
Going on the leisurely Sentier de la Source Laineuse – Sentier du Vuylbeek hike which took an hour and a half to complete and took us past sparkling lakes and through lush beech and oak forests.
Our Stay at Indrani Lodge
On part of our journey we also stayed at Indrani Lodge, which was located in the heart of the pretty historic Brabant-Wallon village of Loupoigne, only a 45-minute drive from Brussels.
The lodge was an impressively renovated medieval farm in a very tranquil rural farmland setting. It had five upscale bedrooms with en-suite bedrooms, a zen-like leafy garden, an indoor swimming pool and even an onsite sauna.
My personal favourite part though was their selection of holistic programmes and focusing on the themes of yoga, wellness, mindfulness, and even the healthy organic food on offer. Overall, it was a real gem and a unique wellness-focused stay in a very pretty rural setting!
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