Kellianne Adventures

I spent a lot of time in Belgium in the fall of 2024, which allowed me to really explore and learn about the country. However, to permanently close out the Belgian chapter, I am writing out all the places I’d go if I were trying to really get to know all the best aspects of the country. 

I wouldn’t call Belgium one of the most exciting countries, but it’s a small and easy place to explore. I think it’s a perfect place for a first solo trip in Europe! My recommendation is to explore further than just Brussels; while it’s beautiful, it’s nowhere near the most beautiful city in the country. I personally recommend 1 day in each of these six cities: Brussels, Leuven, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Dinant. While the larger cities, Brussels and Antwerp, could also be broken into two days, I feel a day per city is definitely doable for the main highlights. With the country being so small, you can definitely stay overnight in Brussels the whole time and take the train to visit the other notable cities. 

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Brussels

Leuven 

Now, out of all the places I’ve visited in Europe, Leuven might just be one of the most beautiful. I was fortunate enough to visit on Monument Day, when all the main attractions had free entry. The university library and tower are a beautiful place to start for a history lesson as you make your way to the top. There’s a detailed photo gallery outlining the history on every floor, which explains the building of, destruction of, rebuilding of, second destruction of, and final rebuilding of the library and tower. The view from the top of the tower is also incredible. But the real highlight of Leuven is the town hall. The town hall in Leuven might just be the most impressive architecture I’ve ever seen. Made with over 200 statues decorating the outside. And while I was not able to stick around for the nightlife, I’ve heard it’s spectacular with the main square turning into Europe’s longest bar. 

Antwerp

Any good trip to Antwerp should start at the train station. Among the most beautiful train stations in Europe, it’s a wonderful place to start when getting to know the city. Like other Belgian cities, the architecture here is incredible, and one of the best things to do is simply wander around and admire it. Antwerp is also known for being a fashion hub and the diamond capital of the world. The thrifting scene here is supposed to be among the best in all of Europe. If you have time, visit the diamond museum for a quick history lesson. 

Ghent 

Ghent is not just a city; it’s a perfectly preserved chapter of history, and the way the canals weave through the medieval center is simply magical. My highlight was just wandering the city center. It’s absolutely jammed with outstanding Gothic architecture, and it genuinely feels like you are being teleported back in time. First, you must start at Sint-Baafskathedraal. Honestly, the church itself is gorgeous, but the real showstopper inside is the Ghent Altarpiece. It was given the wild distinction of being the most frequently stolen artwork in the world. Then, of course, you have to hit Gravensteen Castle. A huge, fully intact medieval fortress right in the middle of the city. The vintage and thrift stores dotted around the center are full of unique finds. Graffiti Alley is an incredible, narrow street where artists are officially allowed to spray paint, so the art is constantly changing. Overall, a day in Ghent should definitely be a priority when visiting Belgium.

The Place I Never Got to Visit 

You can’t see everything, even in a country as compact as Belgium. And for me, the two places that still linger on my Belgian bucket list are Bruges and Dinant. They offer two perfectly contrasting experiences that everyone should see: Bruges for the famous, romantic fairy-tale of canals and medieval squares, and Dinant for the jaw-dropping drama of a cliffside Citadel, stunning natural scenery, and its unique claim as the birthplace of the saxophone. While I was unable to visit these cities, I highly recommend you do.