Belgium is rich in beautiful cities. Medieval canals, Gothic towers, world-famous art, beer, chocolate and some of Europe’s most impressive historic centres are packed into a small country.
When my sister, my mom and I finally made our long-planned trip to Belgium, we wanted to see the classics: Bruges, Ghent and Brussels. The weather was cold, it rained almost every day, and our travel plans did not go completely as expected — but Belgium still surprised us.
Bruges is one of the most beautiful medieval cities I have ever visited. But after spending time in all three cities, it was Ghent that stole our hearts.
- Bruges — the medieval masterpiece
- Ghent — the city I want to return to
- Brussels — the complicated capital
So here is a cultural guide to Belgium’s three most popular cities, from UNESCO sites and medieval streets to museums, food and practical travel tips.
Bruges: The Medieval Fairytale (After the Day-Trippers Leave)
Bruges is famous for a reason. The entire historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it feels almost unreal: canals, stepped houses, cobbled streets, Gothic churches and towers rising above the city.
During the day, however, the magic can be difficult to appreciate. Even on a rainy day in October, the narrow streets were packed with visitors. It is easy to understand why people come, but the crowds can take away some of the atmosphere.
The secret? Stay overnight.
Once the day-trippers leave, Bruges transforms. The lights come on, the old houses reflect in the canals, and suddenly the city feels like the medieval masterpiece everyone promised. Walking through the quiet streets in the evening was my favourite Bruges experience.
One night is enough — but that night is worth it.
Why You Should Still Visit Bruges
In 1500, Bruges was one of Europe’s wealthiest cities thanks to Hanseatic trade. Merchants, artists and craftsmen arrived here, creating the incredible artistic heritage that remains today.
Do not miss:
- The Belfort — climb the 366 steps for the best view of the medieval city.
- Groeninge Museum — a small but impressive collection of Flemish Primitives, including works connected to Bosch, Van Eyck and Memling.
- Basilica of the Holy Blood — home to one of Europe’s most famous religious relics (allegedly containing the blood of Jesus).
- Memling Museum — located in a former medieval hospital.
- Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk — where you can see Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, the only Michelangelo sculpture outside Italy.
And do not forget to simply wander. The area around Jeruzalemkerk and Langestraat feels much quieter and gives a different impression of the city.
I recommend getting a table at Lieven in the city. Or you can just live on beer and chocolate! It is a must in Belgium, and Bruges has 52 chocolate shops!
Ghent: The Belgian City I Want to Return To
After Bruges, we drove 30 minutes to Ghent. It was pouring with rain, but within minutes we understood why so many people love this city.
The difference was the atmosphere.
Ghent has a university, which means young people, cafés and a more relaxed everyday feeling. While Bruges feels like stepping into a perfectly preserved medieval painting, Ghent feels alive.
It has the history, but also the energy.
The absolute highlight is Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the Van Eyck brothers’ masterpiece The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Few artworks have survived such a dramatic history: religious conflicts, Napoleon and World War II. Take the audio guide — it transforms the painting from something beautiful into something fascinating.
Do not miss:
- Gravensteen Castle — a medieval fortress right in the city centre.
- The old Post Office at Korenmarkt — one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
- Patershol — the historic neighbourhood for restaurants and cafés.
- SMAK Museum — recommended if you have more time.
I only had a short visit, but Ghent is the city from this trip that made me think: I need to come back.
Brussels: The Complicated Capital
Brussels was the city I struggled with most. Some travellers love it; others do not. My impression was probably influenced by bad weather, a disappointing hotel and only having one day.
But Brussels absolutely has highlights.
The Grand Place is one of Europe’s most spectacular squares and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “The most beautiful theatre in the world”, Jean Cocteau called La Grand-Place, and it is the top sight The combination of Gothic architecture, guild houses and evening lighting is impressive.
Most of the buildings is from 1600, because the square was bombed by the French in 1695 and only the facade of city hall from 1400 remained, but everything was rebuilt five years later. The square was a meeting point since 12th century and it was here they held tournaments and processions. A lot of Belgian and in particular Brussels’ old grandeur was built by Leopold II with money from exploitation of Belgian Congo.
Les Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts was worth it. Even though the Modern Museum was closed and any pictures like Cranach’s Adam and Eve were out because of water damage to the building, this was a fantastic museum. It contains Magritte Museum with a huge collection of drawings, magazine covers, photographs and of course pictures by the Belgian surrealist. (Note there is also another Magritte Museum, where he use to live.)
It also contains the museum of Old Masters with a fine collection of Breughel, but also Jordaens, Rubens and the must-see for a dark tourist and art lover “Death of Marat# by David.
And yes, you have to see the tiny but famous Manneken Pis — preferably before the crowds arrive. There are several stories about him, but one says that he pissed on a bomb and saved the city! He has many different costumes, but I am glad we caught him naked. There is also a female version and a dog version! Come early since he is small and on a corner, so it gets crowded.
The area around Place du Grand Sablon is filled with antique shops, have a nice but expensive flea market in the weekends and some nice places to eat. Also go to the area called Ixelles. There is of course also the EU headquarters and the atomium built for the world fair in 1958, but we didn’t have time.
Fries are of course also what Belgium is known for. They eat them with mayonnaise (I also had this in Netherlands) There is a very popular truck behind the Eglise Notre-Dame de la Chapelle.
I might go back to Brussels however. Because as a dark tourist, I can’t not visit the battle field of Waterloo.
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Practical Tips for a Belgian City Break
- Do not underestimate Bruges’ popularity. Stay overnight to experience the city without crowds.
- Choose Ghent if you want atmosphere, restaurants and a city that feels lived-in.
- Use the train if possible. Belgian cities are easy to connect.
- Book restaurants ahead, especially for famous places.
- Bring an umbrella. Belgium’s medieval charm comes with Belgian weather!
Final Verdict
Belgium is a country where three cities can offer three completely different experiences.
Bruges is the fairytale: the medieval streets, canals and Gothic towers you imagine before arriving.
Ghent is the surprise: historic, beautiful and full of life. It is the city I want to explore properly next time.
And Brussels? A complicated capital with world-class museums, incredible architecture and plenty of stories waiting to be discovered.
Belgium proved something I often find when travelling: the most famous place is not always the one you fall in love with — but sometimes it is still absolutely worth seeing.
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