Belgium: 10 Places to See on a 701 km Route

Explore Belgium's finest cultural attractions across a 701.7 km route spanning medieval cities, historic landmarks, and natural wonders. Visit iconic destinations including Bruges and Ghent's preserved medieval centers, Brussels' Grand Place, the Ardennes wilderness, and architectural gems like Tournai Cathedral and Mechelen's canals.

Mode
Places
Start
Mons (European Capital of Culture 2015)
End
Namur
Stops
13
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Mons (European Capital of Culture 2015) — Former European Capital of Culture featuring a stunning Gothic cathedral and charming cobblestone squares showcasing Walloon heritage and artistic traditions.
  2. Dinant Old Town & Meuse River — Town along the Meuse River in Namur province, 40 miles south of Brussels, featuring the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame and restored Citadel overlooking the city.
  3. Caves of Han — One of Europe's largest and most beautiful caves with adjacent wildlife reserve teeming with native flora and fauna.
  4. Leuven Market Square & City Hall — Home to oldest university in Flanders with large student population. Market square at the heart of the city features City Hall with exceptional nearby dining.
  5. Tournai (historic border town & cathedral) — Ancient border settlement along the Scheldt River crowned by a magnificent five-towered Romanesque cathedral, one of Europe's finest Gothic structures.
  6. Mechelen Central Square & Canals — Historic former capital of the Netherlands retaining grandeur. Features central square with domineering Cathedral and charming canals cutting through the city.
  7. Antwerp (diamonds & history)
  8. Ghent & Bruges (medieval preserved cities) — Exceptionally preserved medieval towns with picturesque canals, Gothic architecture, and cobbled streets evoking the Flemish Renaissance at every corner.
  9. Brussels (EU capital & Grand Place)
  10. Grand Place, Mons — European Capital of Culture 2015 with picturesque medieval center and Grand Place featuring delightful medieval architecture.
  11. Tournai Cathedral & Belfry — Quaint community adjacent to France with 2000+ years of cultural history. Features 12th–13th century Romanesque cathedral and Belgium's oldest Belfry with 257 steps offering…
  12. Ardennes Wilderness & Adventure
  13. Namur — Strategic base city for exploring the Ardennes region.

Useful for your trip

Food
Sample Belgian beer and chocolates, which are notable features of traveling in Belgium.
Timing
Visit Mons during its annual week-long festival to experience local traditions and festivities.
Transport
Leuven is just half an hour away from Brussels by train, making it an easy day trip option.
Timing
Visit Leuven on weekdays rather than weekends, as the student population goes home and the city is very quiet on weekends.
Tip
Climb the 257 steps of Tournai's town Belfry, the oldest in the country, for remarkable views of the city.
Transport
Use Namur as a base to explore the Ardennes region for hiking, biking, and camping.
Tip
Visit Antwerp's central train station, noted as one of the most beautiful in all of Europe.
Tip
Explore Ghent's scenic old harbour and grand medieval castle, which showcase the city's rich medieval past.
Timing
Visit Bruges midweek if possible to avoid overcrowding with tourists.
Food
Sample Belgium's fantastic beers at atmospheric bars and cafes hidden in Bruges' alleys.

Video on this route

10 Best Places to Visit in Belgium - Travel Video

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