Belgian Cities You Need to Visit

Belgian Cities You Need to Visit

Several countries feature on my list of places I'd like to live for several months or several years, if given the opportunity. Among those countries are Ireland, Scotland, France, and Belgium - not necessarily in that order.

Read On to See Four of Our Favorite Cities
​in one of Our Favorite Countries.

Belgium's relatively peaceful history, its three distinct cultures, and its train system which connects cities to each other and connects Belgium to the rest of Europe, make Belgium one of my favorite countries in the world.

This small country, with a total population of just over 11 million (approximately the population of the state of Ohio and roughly half the population of the city of Beijing), is divided into three sections, each with its own official language - Dutch in the north, French in the south, and German in the east.

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The In Flanders Fields Museum

Ypres

No other city embodies the spirit of gratitude like Ypres. Ypres' main attraction is the In Flanders Fields Museum, a museum dedicated to the fallen of World War 1. The museum tells the tragic history of Belgium in the 1910's, with personal stories of real people, from soldiers and nurses to civilians, and with maps and a moving collection of war memorabilia throughout.

The Poppy, The Symbol of the Fallen of the First Great War

In Flanders Fields Museum Tower

The poppies growing in the fields of Belgium became a symbol of those killed in the war, and poppies can be found throughout the city, on signs, on crosses, in store windows, and at the various memorials.

"In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae

Memorial to the Fallen

Views from the Top

Views from the Top

Climb the 231 stairs to the top of the museum bell tower to enjoy stunning views of the city below.

Stunning Views from the Top of the In Flanders Fields Museum Tower

Amble along the wall surrounding the city, explore the parks and various cemeteries, and listen to the gurgle of the river below.

Along the City Wall

Graves of Fallen Soldiers of the Great War

At the end of the day, stroll over to the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing to see the names of thousands upon thousands of soldiers, from Canada and the U.S., Australia and England, and more. Then stay for the Last Post Ceremony honoring those who fought on Belgium's behalf to stop the invasion of Germany. The ceremony, which the city has conducted every day for nearly 100 years, rain or shine, starts at 8:00 and lasts only about 10 minutes, but is easily one of the most moving ceremonies I have ever witnessed.

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Architecture of Grote Markt

Aalst

With a population of just 85,000, Aalst may not make it to many lists, but its gorgeous architecture combined with its small-town feel makes it one of my favorite towns in Belgium.

Visit the town square, Grote Markt, to see De Zwette Maan and Belfort en Schepenhuis, the former town hall with a large belfry, as well as the architecture of other surrounding buildings.

Enjoy a nice typical Belgian dinner at T'file Puurke. After dinner, stroll over to Vredeplein ("Peace Square"). It's the perfect area for after-dinner drinks and people-watching, as the restaurants spill over into the outdoors.

If you are fortunate enough to visit Aalst during the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, don't miss the 3-day carnival celebration!

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Buildings Along the Lys

Ghent

This college town packs so much activity and so much history into its 60 square miles!

Views of the River

Views of the River

Views Along the River

Bikes along the River

Bike along the River

Gravensteen

The highlight of a trip to Ghent is definitely the Gravensteen, or "The Castle of the Counts." This Medieval castle was built in 1180 and, because of its history of torture, it is now a museum of torture. Some of the displays are somewhat gruesome, but the views from the top outweigh the horrors inside.

Inside the Gravensteen

From the Top of the Gravensteen

The View from the Top of the Gravensteen

Dine at The Great Butcher's Hall (Groentenmarkt 7, 9000 Gent), take a river tour, explore St Nicholas' Church, see Graffiti Street, and splurge on drinks at 1898 The Post, an old post office turned boutique hotel and restaurant.

Poseidon with his Trident

Ghent has so much to offer, and we can't wait to go back!

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Grand Place

Brussels

No trip to Belgium would be complete without a visit to the capital city of Brussels. Brussels is the NATO World Headquarters and the capital of the European Union. With some 104 languages spoken in Brussels, it is the second most culturally diverse city in the world.

Golden Buildings of Grand Place

The Tower of the Town Hall

The very first place a visitor to Brussels absolutely must see is Grand Place. Grand-Place de Bruxelles is a market square surrounded by some of the most stunning guild buildings I've seen, with the Town Hall being the crown jewel of Grand Place. Construction of the oldest part of the building began during the Middle Ages in 1406. Construction continued and various expansions were undertaken, and in 1454 the tower was completed, with a guilt metal statue of Michael, patron saint of Brussels, standing atop the spire. The tower is conspicuously and notoriously off-center. Legend has is that Jan van Ruysbroek, realizing his "mistake" climbed the tower and jumped to his death, though this is most likely (hopefully!) just an urban legend.

Nevertheless, Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and absolutely worth a visit.

Mannekin Pis, the Pissing Boy Fountain

Another Brussels must-see is Mannekin Pis, the Peeing Boy Fountain. The Fountain pays homage to the guild of tanners, who had young boys urinate on the hides, as the urea in urine turns into ammonia and breaks down the material and makes the hides more supple.

Bust of King Baudouin, with the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in the background

Brussels has a distinctly punk-rock, avant-garde feel to it, while keeping the integrity of the old structures intact. The city is alive with music, dancing, and great food. Definitely visit the popular attractions, but don't be afraid to get off the beaten path to discover new bars and restaurants.

Tip: Do not miss out on waffles! You'll find little waffle shops all over Brussels, with a plethora of topping options!

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I should also point out that many lists will also include Antwerp and Bruges as must-see Belgian cities, and I do not disagree with them, though I've not spent nearly enough time in them to be able to point out the highlights.

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