The Grand Place (also known as De Grote Markt) is located in the heart of Brussels Old Town and is one of Europe's best-preserved. The fine architecture of the square's elegant Gildehuizen (guild homes), with their spectacular gables, pilasters, and balustrades, ornately carved brickwork, and rich gold adornment, is responsible for much of the square's attractive character.

The homogeneity of Grand Place's Baroque style, with some Flemish influences, is its defining characteristic. The brief period of construction here achieves architectural unity, with the majority of buildings constructed between 1696 and 1700.The Grand Place, on the other hand, experienced a considerably older history. It was founded in the 11th century and quickly evolved into the city's political and commercial core. The Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) is the most well-known structure in the square, built-in 1402 to compete with the Stadhuis in Bruges.

Several spectacular rooms can be found inside Grand Place. The Maximilian Chamber, which is hung with Brussels tapestries; the large Council Chamber, which has a magnificent ceiling by Victor Janssens and tapestries designed by him; the great banqueting hall and the Marriage Chamber, which are both beautifully panelled; and the Escalier d'Honneur, which has murals depicting Brussels' history.

Location: 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Entrance fee: free

Timing: 9:00 am - 11:59 pm

Highlights: flower carpet, Hotel de Ville (Town Hall), Belgian Beer Weekend

Best time to visit: June to August

The Groeninge Museum offers a diverse picture of Belgian visual art history, with a focus on the world-renowned Flemish primitives' top-notch paintings. Among the classics on display are Jan van Eyck's Madonna with Canon Joris Van der Paele and Hans Memling's Moreel Triptych. It is one of the most magnificent collections in the world, with many significant works from European art history. You can also admire paintings by Renaissance and Baroque painters, Bruges neo-classical canvasses from the 18th and 19th centuries, and Flemish expressionist masterpieces.

With the Groeninge Museum's gorgeous and odd portrayals of religious personalities and events in many styles, this museum will prove to be a treat for those interested in religious artwork. The museum is also an excellent place to get away from the city's hustle and bustle and enjoy some peace and quiet. The major flaw is that the artwork isn't accompanied by a description or further information, so visitors need to do some research before visiting the gallery to completely immerse themselves in the art and its historical relevance. The Groeningemuseum, a true marriage of beauty and culture, is a must-see for tourists to Bruges.

Location: Dijver 12, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Entrance fee: €12 - €14
Timing: 09:30 - 17:00 (close on Monday)
Highlights: Jan van Eyck's “The Madonna with Canon Joris van der Paele”, Van Dyke and Van Eyke’s stunning paintings, Boat Trips Brugge, Church Of Our Lady, ...
Best time to visit: round-year

Gravensteen (the Castle of the Counts in English), encircled by the River Lieve, is one of Western Europe's most powerful moated strongholds. It was built in the manner of Syrian crusader castles between 1180 and 1200 on the orders of Philip of Alsace, the former count of Flanders, on the foundation of an earlier 9th-century edifice. It is still considered a one-of-a-kind specimen of European medieval fortification art.

Gravensteen was utilized by the counts for land administration after losing its military function in the 14th century. It was turned into a cotton mill and apartments for the workers after it was purchased by a private owner in 1800. The historic Sint-Veerleplein, which runs in front of the castle, is possibly Ghent's oldest plaza, however, the adjoining facades are most likely from the 17th century. The Inquisition's victims were executed and burned in this square, which served as both a marketplace and a place of execution.

Location: Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Entrance fee: 10 EUR
Timing: 10:00 am - 05:15 pm
Highlight: the Arms Museum, the Museum of Judicial Objects, ...
Best time to visit: year-round

The Horta Museum is housed in Victor Horta's private home and studio (1861-1947). The two buildings at 23-25 rue Américaine in Saint-Gilles, Brussels, were built between 1898 and 1901 and are examples of Art Nouveau at its peak. The mosaics, stained glass, and wall decorations have been mostly preserved, making a cohesive and exquisite ensemble down to the last detail.

Victor Horta was the most prominent architect and designer of the Art Nouveau style of the early twentieth century. Several of his magnificent structures still stand in Brussels, and they are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at the Horta Museum, which is housed in his former home and workshop, which have been conserved in their original state, complete with stained glass, mosaics, woodwork, and decorations, as he created them.

Wrought iron beams, glazed tiles, mirrors, windows, marble, and wood blend magnificently in the Horta Museum's décor and structure. You can see the subtle things Horta thought of to make the whole structure operate as a whole while exploring the music room, bedroom, dining room, or guest room. All of the rooms are connected by a central stairway that leads to a glass roof that floods the house with an almost mystical light.

Location: 23-25 rue Américaine, Saint-Gilles, Brussels
Official site: www.hortamuseum.be/en

Entrance fee: free

Timing: 2pm - 5:30pm Tuesday - Friday, 11am - 5:30pm Saturday & Sunday

Highlights: Art Nouveau building

Best time to visit: round-year

One of the greatest sites to get a sense of Belgium's rural heartland is the Meuse Valley, which is located south of Brussels. With lush woodland scenery intermingled with towering rocky castle and fortress remains and modest seaside settlements backed by limestone cliffs, the Meuse River offers Belgium's most spectacular river excursion prospects.

The Meuse River valley, with its steep sides, has long been a popular tourist destination. After passing through northern France, the Meuse follows an L-shaped path through Belgium before entering Holland (where its name changes to the Maas). Historic towns, stunningly located châteaux and abbeys, impressive landscape — and decaying industrial plants and smokestacks, particularly around Liège — line its Belgian banks.

It's preferable to take a driving trip to the Meuse Valley, starting in Liège and heading upstream to Namur, Huy, and Dinant. However, thanks to regular and fast connections, it is possible to go by train and bus. You should immerse yourself in either Liège or Namur in such a situation. The Meuse Valley is also home to a host of hiking and cycling trails for travellers who want to add some activities to their holiday.

Location: south Brussels, Belgium

Highlights: hiking and cycling trails, immersing in Belgium's rural heartland, ...

Best time to visit: round-year

Durbuy draws a flock of visitors with a rustic labyrinth of meandering cobblestone alleys and pastoral houses draped in rhododendron, ivy vines, and poppy petals, nestled deep in a wooded valley in the heart of the Wallonia Ardennes. Between the alleys of the ancient town, a clutch of hearty and friendly Belgian beer establishments rubs elbows with skilled fine-dining restaurants, while little passageways like Rue des Récollets are a great pleasure for strollers. Summertime sees a surge in visitors to the self-proclaimed'smallest town in the world,' while winter gives the riverside environment in the heart of picturesque Luxembourg province a wilder tint.

Outdoor activities are a must-do on every visit to Durbuy. Durbuy has it everything, whether you want a high-octane adrenaline rush or something more relaxed. Because of its Ardennes location, there are numerous options based on your interests and the season. The clean, fresh air will tempt you to stay outside, and you can organize your adventure all in one place. Check out Durbuy Adventure Park to see what activities are available, from kayaking and rock climbing to biking and paintballing. You'll be glad you took the time to do so.

Location: Durbuy, Belgium

Highlights: Durbuy Topiary Park, L’Ardenne à Durbuy, the Durbuy Labyrinth, Durbuy Vieille Ville, Le Roche de la Falize, The Hotton Caves, Old Town of Durbuy,...

Best time to visit: May 21st to October 7th

Leuven (in French Louvain), Belgium's most famous university town, is located along the banks of the Dijle, east of Brussels. The Catholic university here was founded in 1425 and quickly grew to prominence as one of Europe's most prestigious educational institutions. Erasmus of Rotterdam and Justus Lipsius both taught here, as did Gerhard Mercator, the geographer, and in 1459, one of the university's chancellors became Pope Adrian VI.

Despite being heavily bombarded during both world wars, Leuven has been fortunate enough to retain much of its early architecture. Leuven is an excellent place to learn about Belgium's architectural legacy, thanks to its prestigious university college structures and outstanding Gothic architecture in the city center.

A must-see destination in Leuven, the M Van Museum is Leuven's main art museum and is totally up to date. The collection includes works from the 15th to the 18th centuries, as well as modern works and temporary exhibitions by well-known artists from around the world. As an added bonus, admission to the museum includes free admission to the St Pieterskerk Treasury, allowing you to see the works on show there, rounding out a fantastic day for art enthusiasts.

Besides that, without a doubt, Leuven is the beer capital of the world. There were no fewer than 30 breweries in the city at the turn of the century. These breweries are still open for business, whether they are in the city or on the outskirts. Traditional Belgian food to the best vegetarian fare is all available in restaurants.


Location: Leuven, Belgium
Highlights: Leuven’s Cloth Hall, the M Van Museum, Groot Begijnhof, Leuven Botanical Garden Kruidtuin, Naamsestraat and the University Buildings, ....
Best time to visit: May 21st to October 7th