Only Belgian bar in The World's 50 Best Bars's "Bars to Watch 2015" list: "cocktails have an eye for localism, with syrups homemade and ingredients seasonal".
Climb the 226 steps leading to the lion on top of the 43m artificial hill for a view overlooking the Waterloo battlefield. The lion symbolizes victory and the hope of peace for Europe.
You haven't been in Bruges if you haven't been on a boat trip on its picturesque canals. Discover the historic buildings and the most beautiful spots of the Venice of the north from a different angle.
Built in the 13th century and one of the oldest hospitals in Europe and a Major Walloon Heritage Site. The beautiful convent, sick ward, chapel, cloister and garden are worth a visit.
A unique nature preserve: 193 ha of desert-like landscape in the middle of a coniferous forest, originated as a result of pollution by a nearby zinc factory. Go discover its beautiful fauna and flora!
The ruins of the medieval hill castle, built in the 11th century and protected as exceptional Walloon heritage, are open to the public, every day from May till September and during school holidays.
Europe's second largest sea port. In 2014, an average of 38 sea-going vessels a day arrived at the port and no less than 199 million tonnes of freight were discharged and loaded!
120m above the famous Avenue Louise, you'll not only enjoy a jawdropping view of Brussels, but also the excellent cuisine of 2 Michelin-starred chef Alexandre Dionisio.
Belgium's oldest botanical garden, dating back to 1738. Students of the University of Leuven's Faculty of Medicine came here to study various herbs. Open daily, except on Christmas and New Year's Day.
The oldest town in Belgium. Atuatuca Tongrorum was the capital of the Roman province of Civitas Tungrorum and was one of the largest Gallo-Roman administrative and military towns in Roman times.
The Groeninghepoort is the entrance to the place where on July 11th, 1302 the Battle of the Golden Spurs was fought and the armed forces of the Kingdom of France were beaten by the Flemish.
Coal mining in Blegny started in the 16th century under impulse of the monks of Val-Dieu and continued until 1980. Today, the converted industrial site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The 100 km bike trail from Hoegaarden to Mariembourg lets you discover the province of Namur following the old railway 142 to Namur and along the borders of the River Meuse between Namur and Dinant.
The abbey was founded in 1850 by 17 monks from Westvleteren's Sint-Sixtus abbey. It's best known for its Trappist beers (~120000 hl / year) and cheeses, sold to support the monastery and good causes.
First held in 1843. Having around 2 million visitors, Gentse Feesten is one of Europe's biggest city festivals. If you haven't spent your last penny after 10 days, you surely haven't partied enough!
No need to travel far away to enjoy Mediterranean, Latin American and African delicacies as you can try them each Saturday at Antwerp's most colorful market.
The 165 km long river, especially popular for kayaking, is formed at the confluence of the Eastern Ourthe and the Western Ourthe near Nisramont and flows through the provinces of Luxembourg and Liège.
In no time the funicular takes you from the city centre up hill Anette et Lubin to the famous Thermes de Spa hotel where you can enjoy various thermal spring therapies and a great view of the city.
Former apple and pear syrup factory running on steam engines (operational since 1878). Winner of a battle of monuments on Flemish national TV in 2007, which allowed renovation of the complete site.
Belgium's first nature reserve follows the rhythm of the tidal waves. Thanks to the daily influence of the salty seawater, it has an extraordinary fauna and flora that cannot be found anywhere else.
The administrative residence and main workplace of the King of Belgium, where guests are received and banquets are held. Did you know that its facade is 50% longer than that of Buckingham Palace?
One of the world's biggest electronic music festivals, voted the best event of its kind in the world at the International Dance Music Awards for the last three years [2012-2014].
The remains of the 13th century fortification with its prominent keep have been bought and protected by the town of Herzele. Whether the original castle will be rebuilt one day is under investigation.
This Belle Epoque town is easily the most beautiful town along the Belgian coastline. You won't find any tall apartment blocks, just beautiful Anglo-Norman style cottages and villas.
Unique cycling experience: a 212 m bike trail running straight across the ponds of De Wijer.
Belgium has many beautiful city and town halls and this one is certainly one of them. It's a rebuilt of the medieval castle, constructed in the 14th century.
De Panne is Belgium's westernmost town and the southernmost town along the Belgian Coast. Enjoy sun, sea and beach life!
The Goblet d'Alviella mausoleum, 12 m in height and center piece of the cemetery, was built in the late 19th century.
Awarded 2 Michelin stars, L'Air du Temps is Wallonia's best restaurant. Chef Sang-Hoon Degeimbre was voted Belgian Chef of the Year 2016 by Gault Millau.
The world's largest military stronghold at the time and reputed to be impregnable, it was taken by German troops on 10/05/1940. The speed with which it fell showed how devastating blitzkrieg could be.
A group of amateurs of constructing models of vehicles with a special interest in railway vehicles, built a miniature railway for passengers of all ages, open to the public from April till September.
4* boutique hotel in the centre of Brussels. Each of the 287 rooms has a unique hand-painted mural inspired by the word bloom. And for those feeling hungry there's SmoodS, the moods-based resto.
Discover the forest and its fauna and flora in this forest-themed recreation park, walk from one tree top to another and show your skills on the adventure trail.
Home of Westvleteren XII, the world's best beer. You can get 2 cases of Westvleteren every 60 days, but you will have to call the reservation line to make an appointment in advance.
Belgium's most visited shrine of pilgrimage. Each year on April 30th, pilgrims flock together at 4 o'clock in the morning in Antwerp to start a 57 km pilgrimage to the basilica.
In 1920, the stadium hosted the 7th Olympic Games during which the Olympic Flag was raised and the Olympic Oath was sworn for the very first time and 2626 athletes competed in 29 disciplines.
Famous TV chef Peppe Giacomazza's restaurant is the Italian restaurant having the highest Foursquare rating in Belgium. Craving authenticatic Sicilian gastronomy? This is the place!
Belgium's oldest public observatory. Wanna see the rings of Saturn? Come to MIRA for some star and planet gazing and be amazed by what you discover in the skies above.
One of 4 Walloon coal mining sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Operations started in 1822 and continued until 1967. Never forget the 262 miners that died on 8/8/1956 in the Marcinelle tragedy.
Did you know that, at 67 km, the Coast Tram is the world's longest tram line? Running along the Belgian coastal line, it takes you all the way from Knokke to De Panne in 2 hours and 23 minutes.
Not far from the Antwerpen - Oost-Vlaanderen - Vlaams-Brabant province tripoint, the geograpical center of Flanders is located at 51° 2′ 16″ N, 4° 14′ 26″ E.
Beautiful art installation, a 10m tall see-through church based on the design of local churches and constructed from 100 stacked layers of weathered steel plates.
Organized since 1970. In case you need some motivation to complete the 100 km march within 24 hours: free beers are offered at the Duvel and Palm breweries (around km 40 and 50 respectively).
One of the most beautiful squares in the world, surrounded by beautifully decorated baroque and gothic guildhouses, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the highest rated Belgian Foursquare venue!
The 15th century castle, also known as the home of the Red Knight, a famous Belgian comic book hero, can be visited from April till October. The Pynnock Knights's medieval festival is held in August.
Founded by Jain diamantaires living in Antwerp, at 1000 m², it's the largest Jain temple outside India and was completed with the help of thousands of craftsmen flown over from India.
Built in 1811 by Napoleon Bonaparte as the Fort Impérial to protect Oostende against an invasion by the British. The impressive fortress now serves as a museum and event space.
The Ninglinspo is Belgium's only mountain river. Hiking along the 3,5 km river takes you through a breathtaking part of Wallonia. The Drouet viewpoint offers a spectacular panorama of the valley.
Located in the beautiful Cinquantenaire park since 1923, the museum houses an impressive collection of military (and civilian) aircrafts. Note: entrance is no longer free!
If you're dying for ice cream, this is the place to go! Between the Averbode Abbey and the Vijvers van Averbode, you'll find tens of ice cream cars serving the best ice creams you'll ever taste.
Located in Ypres's cloth hall, a UNESCO world heritage site, the museum presents the story of the World War I in the West Flanders front region.
The first barefoot trail in Flanders. 2,5 km of wood, sand, pebbles, bark, gravel, sand or grass, viewing towers and rope courses. No shoes allowed!
This little village is not only home to an ESA tracking station. Since 1984, it has become widely known as the Book Village and its festivals attract thousands of book lovers from all over the world.
Located in the beautiful 16th century Ferme de la Cour and distilling the finest eaux-de-vie and liquors since 1946. The tasting room is open to try the liquors while enjoying a typical regional dish.
At the confluence of the rivers Meuse and Sambre lies one the largest fortresses in Europe, offering a spectacular view on the city of Namur. Did you know it has 7km of underground galleries?
During the performance of Auber's opera The Mute Girl of Portici on August 25th, 1830, a riot broke out starting the Belgian Revolution and eventually leading to Belgian independence.
Without a doubt one of Belgium's most legendary pubs. Opened in 1964, this jazz cafe was the home of hippies and meeting place for artists of all sorts. Still a great place to enjoy live music.
Built in 1932 and Belgium's most famous ship. Named after Gerardus Mercator, the Flemish cartographer who invented what is known as the Mercator projection, the standard map projection for navigation.
Without a doubt one of the most challenging - does Raidillon ring a bell? -, but definitely the most beautiful race track in the world. Originally almost 15 km long, it was shortened to 7 km in 1981.
The Kolenspoor (Coal Railway) connected the former mining sites of Eijsden, Waterschei and Winterslag. At the As station, you can climb the 31m watch tower, a replica of the first mining drilling rig.
Sculpted by the River Lesse, one of Europe's largest cave complexes and awarded 3 stars in Michelin's Green Guide.
As a Belgian Royal Warrant Holder, Galler is a supplier to the Belgian Court since 1994. If that doesn't convince you, go check out the HQ boutique, a kingdom of delights, a palace of 1001 delicacies.
Didn't know that hop is a plant in the Cannabaceae family? Don't know what lupulin or alpha-acids are? Come and learn in the centre of Belgium's hop growing region.
The greenhouses of the Botanical Garden of Brussels, which opened in 1829, were converted to a concert hall in 1984. No doubt one of the most beautiful locations to enjoy some music and art.
A place full of history: residence of the Counts of Flanders since the 14th century and birthplace of Charles V [°1500], ruler of both the Holy Roman Empire and the Spanish Empire.
Belgium's largest market square (3,19 ha) and the unique setting for Europe's oldest ballooning event.
This remarkable piece of industrial heritage was taken into operation in 1952. As the span is lifted many times a day, leading to long waiting times, locals use to call it their own Bridge of Sighs.
Belgium's smallest Trappist abbey brewery, operating since 1998 and producing 4500 hl per year. The Achel 5% Blonde and Brown are only served in the abbey. You won't find them in any shop!
Inaugurated on 16 July 1950, the monument celebrates the Belgian-American friendship and honours the memory of the 76890 American soldiers killed, wounded or missing in the WWII Battle of the Bulge.
The museum in the former Old England warehouse, built in 1898 and probably Brussels's most beautiful Art Nouveau building, has a collection of 7000 musical instruments. And a great panorama bar!
Located in a beautiful chateau, built in 1861 by a former governor of British India. The Thomaes brothers received their very first Michelin star back in 1987, now they're worth two.
Know your history: on Sunday June 18th, 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated by the Duke of Wellington in the legendary Battle of Waterloo, marking the end of the First French Empire.
19th century mill, situated at the highest point in the province of East Flanders and now serving as an observation deck. When the sky is clear, you can see up to 108 Flemish and Walloon churches.
The best way to discover the many locks and lifting bridges along the 63 km long canal, is by bike.
Inaugurated by King Leopold II in 1878, it's one of Europe's oldest dams. Although it's been criticized for being overengineered the dam helped setting the standard for masonry gravity dam technology.
Voted best Belgian butcher 2015-2017 and former winner of the Belgian BBQ championship. When you need the best quality meat, this is the place!
The archeological site lets you discover the remains of the enormous 12th century Cistercian abbey. It's worth visiting the Zuid-Abdijmolen too. It's 1 of 8 remaining mills of its kind in the world.
In 2014, Sergio Herman turned an old chapel into the world's most beautiful restaurant (Restaurant & Bar Design Award), worth 2 Michelin stars. [pic: Eric Kleinberg]
Learn about WWII and relive the Battle of the Bulge in an interactive environment.
At 2,5 ha, this is the largest Japanese garden in Europe. Quiet and peaceful, it's the ideal place to escape the city life and relax.
Luxurious, 5* hotel at the borders of the Lac de Genval, known for the many Belle Epoque villas surrounding it. If you're looking for a dinner with a view, be sure to check out the Salons du Lac.
Unique industrial heritage site, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, with a beautiful cité, where the miners lived their lives under control of the mining company.
The world's most beautiful view, according to Lonely Planet. Once the city's port and centre of commerce, now the place where people meet to enjoy life and admire the stunning historical facades.
Designed by Victor Horta, one of Belgium's most important architects, and completed in 1928, this immense, eight level, art deco building is one of the most beautiful cultural centres of Belgium.
After Napoleon's defeat, the Neutral Moresnet microstate was created to settle a dispute over the town's zinc mine ownership, making this place a quadripoint from the Belgian Revolution till WWI.
Completed in 1931 after a 3 year construction phase, this building in art deco style was Europe's first scyscraper (then 87,5m tall, now 96m).
The caves, only discovered in 1958, are also known as the Caves of 1001 Nights. Tours last around an hour and take you on a 7 km walk to the galleries 65m below the surface. Worth 2 Michelin stars.
The former headquarter of the Eijsden coalmine was renovated to a luxurious 4 star hotel and a restaurant awarded 1 Michelin star.
Did you know that the geographical centre of Wallonia is located in Spontin? In 2013, a monument was inaugurated at the the exact location.
Brussels's most authentic neighbourhood, known for its antique shops and the daily flea market. The name derives from the abbey of Maria Colentes, where lepers found shelter in the Middle Ages.
The longest bar in the world! Leuven's best known square and second home of many a student is surrounded by around 40 bars.
Amazing 12th century chapel, reconstructed in neo-gothic style in the 15th and 19th centuries, housing a relic of the Holy Blood, brought to Bruges by Thierry of Alsace after the Second Crusade.
Take the stairs to the top (40m) to discover the 25 bells carillon and enjoy a spectacular view over the region.
In a park known for its many white storks, you can walk from one continent to the other. Make sure not to miss the Penguin Promenade and to feed the lorikeets!
Since 1934, the cross is on top of the Roche La Dame (140m), a popular destination for hikers in the region. If you go up there and discover the amazing view over the valley, you'll understand why.
Mine digging in Spiennes is estimated to have started around 6000 years ago. UNESCO describes the site as "among the largest and earliest concentration of ancient flint mines in north-western Europe".
Flanders's best known hill (156 m), playing a decisive role in many cycling classics. There's a watch tower at the top and if you're lucky enough, you might be able to see the Belgian coast line.
Did you know that Albert Einstein was among the 2 million adventurers and fortune-seekers brought from Antwerp to New York by the Red Star Line between 1873 and 1935?
Peket, from the Walloon word pèke (juniper berry), is thé alcoholic drink typical for the Liège region. With tens of different flavours on the menu, you'll surely have to come back to try them all!
Impressive remains of the Aulne Cistercian monastery founded in 637 and abandoned at the end of the 18th century during the French Revolution.
4421 ha of forest, only a stone's throw from the city center of Brussels.
Relax and enjoy some wellness treatments in a 400 year old castle. Depending on your clothing preferences, you can choose either of two sections.
Founded in 2007, Softkinetic's gesture recognition techology is now used by various industry giants such as BMW (7-series), Sony (PS4), HP, Texas Instruments and Intel.
At 651m, Baraque de Fraiture is Belgium's third highest point. Great for hiking and cross country skiing.
Did you know that it took more than 170 years to build this impressive gothic church (length: 110m, width: 34m, height: 24,5m). The tower, designed to be 190m tall, was never finished.
Inaugurated on 11/11/1998 by president McAleese of Ireland, Queen Elizabeth II and King Albert II of Belgium, the site commemorates the Irish soldiers who died during WWI. (photo: Krist Hooghe)
Open air museum dedicated to the traditional regional architecture and way of living in the 18th century.
For some years now, this pub is named the world's best beer bar by ratebeer.com. You will not find a larger selection of gueuze and kriek anywhere else. Too bad it's open only a few hours a week.
Come and discover the history of Belgium's railway network, the oldest on the European continent and admire the Pays de Waes, built in 1842 and the oldest remaining steam engine in Europe.
Did you know that five of the medicines developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica are on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines?
Flanders' first national park opened in 2006 and covers 5750 ha. The park has 6 differently themed gateways, a hiking network of 200 km and a 140 km network for horse riders.
Dedicated to the art of engraving and modern printing, the museum houses a collection of over 12000 art works and regularly offers printing and engraving workshops in close collaboriation with artists
A must visit when you fancy a drink in one of Brussels's most typical pubs. The place is full of wooden puppets (poechenel in the local dialect) and has an excellent selection of Belgium's best beers.
Mechelen's iconic tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was finished in 1312. Climb to the Skywalk on top of the tower (height: 97m) and, if whether permits, see the Atomium and Antwerp's cathedral.
The Small Train of Hapiness, a little steam train, takes you on a one hour roundtrip from Rebecq to Rognon through the valley of the River Senne.
Oct. 25th, 1914: King Albert I commanded to open the Ganzepoot sluices and inundate the Yser Plain to stop the German forces's Race to the Sea. The Yser front line was maintained till the end of WWI.
Having learnt making the finest pastry from Marc Ducobu and as a pastry chef in Hof van Cleve, Arijs opened his own shop in 2011 and was immediately named Belgium's Best Pastry Chef by Gault & Millau.
From August 1879 until October 1880, Vincent Van Gogh stayed in this house with pastor Francq. This is where he started making drawings and decided to become an artist.
One of Antwerp's best places for sushi lovers. Great, creative rolls, prepared à la minute.
The last authentic witness to the Battle of Waterloo. The Duke of Wellington used to say that the success of the battle turned upon the closing of the gates at Hougoumont.
Opened as a bird garden in 1994 (then: Paradisio), Pairi Daiza now is the largest and most visited zoo of Belgium. Its Chinese garden, The Dream of Han Wu Di, is the largest Chinese garden in Europe.
Did you know that the park is named after Wavre, Limal and Bierges, the three towns where the park is situated? The Halloween days are not to be missed. They're Belgium's biggest Halloween event.
Named after the Vatican cemetery, Campo Santo is the burial place of famous politicians, artists and aristocrats. Many of their graves are true pieces of art by famous architects or sculptors.
374 steps. Having an average gradient of 28%, it was called the world's most extreme staircase by the Huffington Post.
Right around the corner from the royal palace, the Magritte museum displays over 200 artworks of René Magritte, Belgium's most famous surrealist artist.
Bruges's most iconic symbol. A carillon with 47 bells, 83m tall, 366 steps to the top offering a great view of the city. UNESCO World Heritage.
Dinant's most famous citizen is Adolphe Sax (1814-1894), who invented the saxophone in 1846. It's no surprise saxophones can be found everywhere in this little town.
Belgium's longest metallic viaduct was constructed in 1916 to connect the German Ruhr region to the port of Antwerp and has a length of 1107m and a maximum height of 58m. (pic: J-M Spobeck)
Headquarter of the European Commission since the 1960s, the building, with its typical cross-shaped design with unequal sides, has offices for 3000 officials.
Spanning an area of 6000ha across the Belgian-Dutch border, the heath landscape is beautiful in every season. (photo: Jan Bogaerts)
"The paper Google", precursor of the modern internet and search engines. Using Otlet & La Fontaine's Universal Decimal Classification (1905) the archive aims to classify all the world's knowledge.
A memorial site for the Flemish soldiers killed during WWI, a symbol of peace ("no more war") and one of the most important symbols of the Flemish Movement ("all for Flanders, Flanders for Christ").
Belgium's highest rated pub on Foursquare [2016] is the place to be for students. On the menu: beer, excellent spaghetti and a great atmosphere.
Opened in 1843, Belgium's oldest zoo is also one of the oldest zoos in the world. Worth a visit, not only because of the animals, but because of its beautiful monumental buildings too.
"May all guests be greeted like Christ". St. Benedict’s rule is probably the reason the abbey receives no less than 400000 visitors a year, making it one of Wallonia's top 5 tourist destinations.
At the Belgium-Germany-Luxembourg tripoint, the monument symbolizes unity. The 5 megaliths on the site represent the countries pioneering the idea of a united Europe.
Across both sides of the French-Belgian border, De Moeren used to be wetlands in the Middle Ages. Completely drained since 1950, at 2m below sea level the polder now is the lowest point in Belgium.
The church's showpiece is the choir mosaic, covering 200 m² and consisting of 1 million square tiles of coloured glass or covered in thin gold leaf. It illustrates the revelation of Saint John.
Brabo cut off the hand of the giant Antigoon, who did the same to those not paying a toll to pass the river Scheldt, and flung it into the river. This act (hand-werpen) has given Antwerp its name.
A practice ground for scuba divers, it's the world’s second deepest swimming pool, having a depth of 34.5 m.
The penultimate climb in the Tour of Flanders until 2011, de Muur ("Wall"), having an average gradient of 9.3%, often played a decisive role in the heroic cobbled cycling classic, aka Flanders' Finest
Operating in the historic city center of Bruges since 1856. Learn about the Maes family and their brewery's history during one of 7 tours organised each day. Finish your visit by tasting a Brugse Zot.
No doubt the most spectacular trail in Belgium. 5 km long, partly along the River Semois, you'll have to climb 4 ladders, but the beautiful panoramas on Frahan are totally worth the effort.
Built in the late 17th century, it's one of the most recent belfries in Belgium. It's also the only Belgian belfry in baroque style. A UNESCO world heritage site since 1999. (photo: Gregory Mathelot)
Obeying St. Benedict's rule, the Trappist monks live a life of prayer, reading and labour. It's said they only talk when necessary. That, however, doesn't prevent them from brewing 3 amazing beers.
Founded in 1555 by Christoffel Plantijn, this UNESCO world heritage site shows the history of printing from the 15th till the 18th century and owns the world's oldest printing press from around 1600.
Who doesn't know the Sirop de Liège, the apple and pear syrup produced in the Pays de Herve since the 17th century that is on everyone's breakfast table. Pairs well with the fromage de Herve too!
Dug in 1810 on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte, this beautiful canal lined with poplars is the favorite place of many bikers visiting the green polders around Bruges.
Described by CBS News as the "world’s leading flower designer", Daniel Ost's designs are true pieces of art, floral sculptures.
No pub in the world has more beers than Delirium Café! Beers in any style imaginable and from over 60 different countries. Definitely deserved its listing in the Guinness Book of Records.
Known release point for pigeon racing, a sports popular in Belgium in the 20th century. Did you know Belgians bred the Voyageur, a pigeon variety able to find its way home over very long distances?
Located in the Saaihalle, one of the oldest buildings in Bruges (1399), the world's only museum dedicated to history of potatoes and Belgian fries (yes, Belgian, not French, as we invented them!).
Built in the early 1900s as part of the second fortification ring protecting the city of Antwerp, it served as a concentration kamp during WWII. The memorial and museum can be visited every day.
Impressive baroque medieval castle, residence of the de Ligne family, surrounded by an equally impressive French-style garden.
Belgium's highest point, at 694m. Not quite as high as the tallest building in the world.
Originally the forest's name did not refer to music, but was derived from a Celtic word for swamp. Hidden in the forest, you'll find the mysterious Geuzentoren, built in the late 19th century.
Built in the 14th century, it's one of the oldest moated castles in Belgium. This well preserved medieval fortress with its impressive watch towers can be visited Tue-Sun, except in winter months.
Chef Stefaan Couttenye has been a pioneer of cooking with beer and beer and foodpairing for a couple of decades now. If you're a foodie and a beer geek, 't Hommelhof is the place to go.
The cloth hall was originally built in the 13th century in Belgium's second oldest town and reconstructed in the 17th century, mainly in Renaissance style, with some baroque accents.
Industrial heritage site offering interesting visiting tours of the former mining site for the whole family. Go underground to experience what it's like to be a miner or climb the 60m high pit head.
Located on the Dutch/French language border, the old railway station of Racour, built in 1907, has been restored to a spacious holiday flat. Or do you prefer a stay in the renovated railway carriages?
Founded by former racing driver Tony Gillet, Gillet has built the only Belgian racing car, the Vertigo, that once held the world record of the fastest acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (3.266 sec).
Spa, known for its healing mineral spings, gave its name to all spas. Europe’s first modern health resort and Europe's first casino both opened here in the 18th century.
Located in an old flax distribution centre on the banks of the river Leie, the museum tells the story of the flax industry, once the most important industry in the south of West-Flanders.
Four-time winner of ratebeer.com's Best Beer Pub award (2007, 2009, 2011 and 2014), Kulminator is well known by beer geeks from all over the world for its vast range of aged beers.
This 13th century Gothic cathedral has witnessed numerous national religious celebrations throughout its history. It's the place where royals get married and state funerals are held.
This remarkable landmark, a floating staircase (height: 11m) built on one of the highest points in the Hageland region, offers a great view over the surrounding villages.
Air travel intelligence company OAG named CRL as Europe's second most punctual airport in 2015. CRL was Ryanair's first continental base and welcomes around 7 million passengers a year.
Founded in 1973 and supporting 239 banks, SWIFT has become the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, linking over 11000 financial institutions in more than 200 countries.
Old coalmining site, renovated by architect Jean Nouvel and turned into a museum for people of all ages. Science and technology made simple. And fun.
One of Europe's biggest museums dedicated to the prehistoric age (photo: Limet)
People queueing in front of a restaurant that hasn't changed in the last 30 years or so? That probably means the spaghetti is as legendary as everyone says. So come early!
Dating back to the 13th century, this UNESCO world heritage site is one of Belgium's most beautiful beguinages. Its peaceful cobbled streets and colorful houses are especially popular among newlyweds.
The plateau of the High Fens is Belgium's largest nature preserve (4500 ha) and a great destination if you like hiking. But mind you: it's also one of Belgium's coldest and wettest regions!
Crossing the valley of the river Dender, at a length of 2005m, this high-speed railway viaduct is Belgium's longest viaduct.
Discover the art of crystal glassware manufacturing on this 13th century Cistercian abbey site. The live demonstration by the master glassmaker is certainly worth a visit.
Built between 1905 and 1970, the basilica, which can accommodate 3500 people, is the largest church in art-deco style in the world. Climb the dome and get a breath-taking panoramic view of Brussels.
Go admire the 16th century Renaissance style city hall. From May till October, its facade is decorated with 87 flags representing the EU member countries and countries having a consulate in Antwerp.
Gert De Mangeleer's 3 Michelin starred restaurant (since 2012) is an 180-year old farm, renovated and refurbished, overlooking a 1.5ha vegetable garden where they grow their own vegetables and fruits.
At 30,528 km², Belgium is the 5th smallest country in the European Union. Every corner of the country can be reached within a 2 hours drive from Brussels.
