7 Best Spots to See in Belgium

Every July 21 is Belgian National Day, a festive holiday marked by parades, celebrations and a fireworks show at Parc de Bruxelles. If you’ve yet to visit the inviting country of medieval towns, beautiful art and architecture and scrumptious cuisine, start planning a trip to Belgium now to see these seven favorite spots. © Littlewormy | Dreamstime.com

You obviously can’t see Belgium without Brussels. The picturesque medieval city is beautiful any time of year, from Saint-Michel Cathedral to Mont des Arts. Come hungry for the array of waffles, chocolate and beer. © Tomas1111 | Dreamstime.com

Antwerp is the second-largest city in Belgium, but it boasts the largest port in the world. The city is well-known for its diamond district, which processes 70 percent of the world’s rough diamonds. Beyond fashion and luxury shopping, you’ll find a fun and vibrant nightlife. © Mihai-bogdan Lazar | Dreamstime.com

It’s abundantly clear why Bruges is called the Venice of the North. The medieval canals and Viking influence make it a unique spot on your Belgian itinerary. Another UNESCO World Heritage site in the city is The Beguinages, where the Order of Saint Benedict nuns reside. © Serge001 | Dreamstime.com

Ghent was once a major player in Europe, second only to Paris. After the Middle Ages, however, it turned its attention to education and culture. Vegetarians and cyclists are in luck here — as of 2015, Ghent offered the largest designated cyclist area in Europe and the most vegetarian restaurants by capita. © Rudi1976 | Dreamstime.com

Near the border, Arlon is a hodgepodge of cultures. Browse one of the best archaeological museums in the country, the Archaeological Museum of Arlon, with its funerary art and Roman sculptures. Other top attractions include a remnant of a Gallo-Roman wall from the 200s C.E. and Saint Donat’s Church. © Alexey Fedorenko | Dreamstime.com

On the other side of the country, on the shore, De Haan is a seaside village with a long beach and all the trappings of a resort town, plus a healthy dose of history. Hit the beach and boardwalk, but also see Albert Einstein’s temporary home, structures from the 1300s and the only links course in the country. © Lelik83 | Dreamstime.com

If Mons is good enough for Van Gogh, it’s good enough for any wandering traveler. Mons is known for its Belfry bells, but it was also the Culture Capital of Europe several years ago and offers a handful of museums, medieval churches and the St. Symphorien Military Cemetery. © Anibal Trejo | Dreamstime.com