Top 3 Cities to Visit in Belgium (Besides Brussels)

Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp, Belgium. Photo by Emran Yousof on Unsplash

When someone mentions traveling to Belgium, most people will assume that they are heading to its capital Brussels. But while Brussels has its charm and is definitely worth visiting, the same (perhaps even more) goes for a lot of other Belgian cities.

If you want to have a more unique experience in Belgium or you have already been to Brussels, visit these cities instead.

Antwerp

Everyone who visits Antwerp is stunned by the city’s stunning architecture, diverse food, cultural offerings, and rich history. A lot of travelers even claim it is the best city to visit in Belgium. A particular draw is that Antwerp has the energy of a big town but makes you feel like a local. Additionally, it is less crowded than Brussels, making exploring much more comfortable.

Ghent

Some will say that Ghent is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Here, the medieval remains and modern architecture mesh in a unique way, leading to some unusual sights and sometimes unreal scenes. It is great to walk around and explore at your own pace because the city’s center has been converted to a pedestrian area.

Bruges

Bruges is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Everywhere you look, you’ll find charming old buildings, majestic cathedrals, cobbled streets, and picturesque canals. Also, if you watched Colin Farrell-starred black comedy In Bruges, you can have so much fun discovering the movie’s filming locations around the city.