Belgium Tours October 2020

Belgium Travel Guide

Belgium Tours Things To Do

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  Witness the beauty of Grand Place, Europe’s most beautiful squares

  Ranked among Europe's most beautiful squares, Grand Place is a must-visit for tourists in Brussels. Old streets lead to the central square, surrounded by fantastic architecture – it's a perfect photography spot and sightseeing. Grand Place, or Grote Markt, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular gathering place for locals and tourists. Many sightseeing tours originate or pass through the square to see some of the notable buildings surrounding it – Town Hall, Brussels City Museum, historic guild houses.   

  Best Time To Visit

  You'll get a different experience every time you visit Grand Place. It hosts lots of public events year-round. Also, it features seasonal decorations like Christmas or a flower garden.

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  Visit the Manneken Pis to take photos of one of the most famous statues in Brussels

  Anyone visiting Brussels should take the time to visit "Brussel's Oldest Citizen." Manneken Pis is a famous fountain statue of a naked boy urinating. The original bronze statue from the early 1600s was relocated to the Brussels City Museum, but a replica was installed in 1965. Manneken Pis is a small statue that holds a lot of value to the Brussels people – it's symbolic of independent thinking and a sense of humor – something embodied by all Belgians.  

  Best Time To Visit

  The statue sometimes has clothing on to represent various holidays or other events. When you visit, you might see it clothed instead of naked.  

   

  You Should Know

  Manneken Pis is best as a quick stop while touring Brussels. Lots of people tend to gather around the fountain for photos of the small statue. It also makes a great souvenir item as mini statues, t-shirt designs, and postcards.

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  Enter the rotunda at the Memorial of Waterloo 1815 to see an artistic depiction of the Battle of Waterloo

  The Battle of Waterloo is one of the most critical battles in Belgium's history, where Napoleon was defeated and ended the Napoleonic Wars. Several commemorative structures were established on the site over the centuries to create a museum complex about the battle. The Memorial of Waterloo 1815 includes a museum, Panorama of the Battle of Waterloo, Lion's Mound, and the Hougoumont farm.   

  You Should Know

  The museum is the newest feature of the complex detailing a storyline of the battle, artifacts, dioramas, and more. The panorama is a rotunda decorated with a detailed panoramic painting of the battle. A long stair pathway leads to the lion monument atop a large hill overlooking the entire battlefield.

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  Discover where art meets science in Brussels at the Atomium landmark

  The Atomium landmark is an iconic symbol of Brussels and worth a trip outside the city center to see the giant structure. It was built for the 1958 Brussels World Fair as a temporary installation, but its popularity led it to become a permanent landmark. The Atomium is over 100 meters tall with nine large stainless-steel spheres. It's a symbol of art, science, and design representing a unit atom of an iron crystal, seen as 165 billion times scale.  

  You Should Know

  Visitors can enter the Atomium to explore the contents of most of the spheres. You'll discover exhibition halls, public spaces, and a restaurant at the top with a 360-degree view of Brussels. The tubes connecting the spheres, house escalators for navigating between them.

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  Take photos of the traditional Belgium architecture surrounding the Bruges Market Square

  Experience a traditional look of Belgium at the Bruges Market Square or Markt. The centrally-located square is a famous tourist destination for leisure and sightseeing. It's designated as a pedestrian area with only traffic from horse-drawn carriages. Bruges Market Square is one of the most scenic spots in town for seeing the traditional-style architecture. It's surrounded by historical buildings, including the Belfry, West Flanders Provincial Court, and numerous Catholic churches. It also features lots of shops, restaurants, and bars.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Bruges Market Square during the winter to experience the world-famous Christmas Market. It's one of the largest in Belgium, where the square fills with vendors, decorations, and activities like ice skating.

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  Tour the three main Ghent Towers to see the best views in town

  Ghent is one of the oldest cities in Belgium, with much of its old city charm preserved. It has one of the top skyline views in the country thanks to three notable towers showcasing the city's medieval presence – the Belfry of Ghent, Saint Nicholas' Church, and Saint Bavo's Cathedral.  

  You Should Know

  The Belfry of Ghent is a 91-meter high gothic tower – it's Belgium's tallest belfry. It has a lookout at the top for views overlooking the old city center. Saint Nicholas' Church is one of the oldest churches in Belgium and showcases incredible gothic architecture. It also includes an observation deck in the central tower. Saint Bavo's Cathedral is an 89-meter tall gothic cathedral serving as the seat of the diocese of Ghent. It doesn't have an observation deck, but the interior artwork makes it one of the favorite local tourist attractions.

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  Taste delicious Belgian cuisine to find out why it’s a famous foodie destination

  Besides the tourist attractions, most tourists visiting Belgium look forward to immersing in the country's decadent culinary delights. Belgium has several famous dishes worth trying during your visit. Some of the top local foods are waffles, fries, chocolate, and beer. Belgian waffles create delicious toppings and flavors to the standard waffle. There are many ways to prepare it, so be sure to taste a variety. There are also lots of chocolate shops in Belgium serving locally-made chocolate. Belgium is famous for beers with plenty of flavors to try something new each night of your trip.  

  You Should Know

  You can find these popular Belgian foods on the streets or in restaurants. Each region of the country also prepares them slightly different, so you'll get a different flavor and dining experience every time.

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  Enter inside the Brussels Royal Palace to get a glimpse of the elegant royal lifestyle

  The grand scale of the Brussels Royal Palace is an impressive sight to see from the outside and inside. It's located adjacent to Brussels Park, the largest urban park in the middle of Brussels. The palace was the former official residence of the King and Queen, but now predominantly serves as a place to host company and royal events. The 19th-century palace is open to the public to explore the interior. Guided tours are available or self-guided walk through to admire the artwork, elegant decorations, and furnishing. It also has a beautiful, well-manicured garden in the front.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Brussels Royal Palace is open during the summer for visitors. It's also the best time to see the exterior gardens.

Belgium Tour Packages

• Spring (March to May)

  Spring (March to May) is a delightful time for Belgium tours. The weather is mild, and the countryside is in bloom, making it perfect for outdoor activities and city exploration. This is also when the famous Belgian tulips are in full bloom, creating spectacular sights in the gardens and parks.

• Summer (June to August)

  Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season. The weather is generally warm and sunny, ideal for beach visits, festivals, and enjoying the vibrant outdoor café culture in cities. It's a great time to tour Belgium if you enjoy a lively atmosphere and don't mind the crowds.

• Autumn (September to November)

  Autumn (September to November) sees cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. It's a great time for Belgium guided tours focusing on cultural exploration and enjoying the stunning fall foliage, particularly in the Ardennes.

• Winter (December to February)

  Winter (December to February) is cold and sometimes snowy, offering a different charm. Christmas markets and festive lights make city tours magical, while the Ardennes provide opportunities for winter sports.

Belgium Tours Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Belgium Tours?

  Belgium tours offer an exciting travel experience in one of Europe's most popular destinations. Belgium is a very diverse country worth exploring the history, culture, and modern sights. Spend some time in each of the favorite destinations like Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, and smaller towns to immerse in the attractions and lifestyle.

• What’s included on Belgium Tours?

  Belgium is a stop included on many tours around Europe. Spend a couple of days exploring the traditional plazas like Grand Place, modern attractions like the Atomium, or Antwerp's scenic port city to get a broad view of the country. Some tours even include destinations outside the major cities, such as a visit to the site of the Battle of Waterloo.

• Who should go on a Belgium Tour?

  Belgium tours have something for everybody! Whether you're a history buff or looking for a romantic town for relaxing, Belgium has it all. There are various tours specializing in exploring the local cuisine, witnessing the beautiful tulips blooming, or exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites. You'll find the perfect tour to suit your travel needs!

• Where do Belgium Tours go?

  Belgium tours combine a few days touring in Belgium, along with visits to the neighboring countries. You'll be able to check off several of your bucket list countries when you embark on a European journey. You'll stop by some of the favorite local towns, like Brussels and Bruges, before setting off to The Netherlands, France, Italy, Switzerland, and more!