Top 10 Cities to Visit in Belgium for First-Time Visitors

Discover the top 10 cities to visit in Belgium, from Ghent and Brugge to Dinant and the Belgian coast, with personal tips from four years of exploring here.

I have lived in Belgium for around four years, and during that time, weekend trips around the country have become one of my favourite ways to explore. Belgium is small enough that you can jump on a train in the morning, spend an entire day somewhere completely different, and still sleep in your own bed that evening.

Coming from Ho Chi Minh City, the scale of Belgium still makes me smile sometimes. It is a small country, but there is a surprising amount packed inside it: medieval towns, elegant squares, castles, rivers, beaches, beautiful old train stations, and of course plenty of fries, waffles, chocolate and beer.

I have visited many of the cities in this guide several times. Whenever friends or family from another country come to visit me, I usually end up bringing them to at least a few of these places, so over the years I have seen them in different seasons and with very different kinds of travellers.

This list is therefore not only about the most famous Belgian cities. I wanted to combine the classics with smaller places that show a completely different side of Belgium, from the tiny streets of Durbuy to the strange international borders of Baarle-Hertog and the beaches of Oostende or Blankenberge.

Top 10 Cities to Visit in Belgium at a Glance

City	Best for	Ideal stay	Best time	Car needed?
Ghent	Medieval atmosphere and local city life	1–2 days	April–September	No
Brugge	Canals and fairytale architecture	1–2 days	April–June, September	No
Brussels	Iconic landmarks and Belgian food	1–2 days	Year-round	No
Durbuy	Romantic Ardennes escape	1 day	April–October	Helpful
Antwerp	Fashion, art and architecture	1–2 days	April–October	No
Dinant	River scenery and dramatic viewpoints	1 day	April–October	No
Namur	Citadel views and relaxed Wallonia	1 day	April–October	No
Baarle-Hertog	One of Europe’s strangest borders	Half a day–1 day	April–October	Helpful
Leuven	University atmosphere and beer culture	1 day	April–October	No
Oostende or Blankenberge	Beach, seaside walks and the Belgian coast	1–2 days	May–September	No

Planning Your Route Around Belgium

Belgium is especially easy to explore because most of these destinations are relatively close together. Ghent, Brugge, Brussels, Antwerp, Leuven, Oostende and Blankenberge are particularly convenient by train, while a car becomes more useful when you start combining places such as Durbuy and Baarle-Hertog.

If you are travelling without a car, I would build most of your itinerary around the Belgian railway network. For the Ardennes and Baarle-Hertog, driving gives you much more flexibility.

How I Chose These Belgian Cities

The core of this list comes from places I have visited repeatedly while living in Belgium. Ghent in particular is special to me because I lived there for years, while Brugge, Brussels, Antwerp, Dinant, Namur and Durbuy have all become familiar weekend-trip destinations.

I also wanted this guide to show how different Belgium can feel from one region to another. A trip should not only be about checking off Grand Place and Brugge; the coast, Wallonia, university towns and the Belgian-Dutch border all show completely different sides of the country.

For me, a good first Belgium trip should combine at least one historic Flemish city, Brussels, and one place in Wallonia. If you have more time, adding the coast or Baarle-Hertog makes the itinerary much more interesting.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Belgium?

Belgium can be visited throughout the year, but late spring to early autumn is the easiest period for sightseeing. April, May and June bring longer days and spring flowers, while September can still be pleasantly mild without the busiest summer crowds.

July and August are lively, especially in cities such as Ghent, Brugge and Oostende. Summer is also the best time to sit beside canals, spend time on outdoor terraces or combine sightseeing with the Belgian coast, although Belgian weather can change quickly even in July.

Autumn is underrated, especially around Durbuy, Dinant and Namur when the surrounding landscapes begin changing colour. Winter is colder and the days are short, but Brussels, Brugge, Ghent, Antwerp and Leuven become very atmospheric during the Christmas season.

After living here for years, one thing I have learned is not to wait for a perfect Belgian weather forecast. Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella and continue exploring.

How Many Days Do You Need in Belgium?

For a first trip, five to seven days already gives you enough time to see several very different Belgian cities. Brussels, Ghent and Brugge make an easy core itinerary, and Antwerp or Leuven can then be added without complicated transportation.

With around ten days, I would start including Wallonia. Namur and Dinant combine particularly well, while Durbuy deserves a slower day if you want to explore the surrounding Ardennes rather than simply photograph the old centre.

Two weeks gives you enough time to travel much more slowly. You could add Oostende or Blankenberge for the coast and make the longer detour towards Baarle-Hertog without feeling that every day is just another train journey.

Top 10 Cities to Visit in Belgium

1. Ghent — Best for Medieval Architecture and Local Atmosphere

Ghent, or Gent in Dutch, has to be first on my list because this is the Belgian city I know best. I lived here for around four years, and even after walking through the historic centre countless times, I still love the view of its towers, canals and medieval buildings.

What makes Ghent different from Brugge is that it does not feel like a city that exists mainly for tourists. It has a huge student population, neighbourhood cafés, bars, festivals and busy everyday life mixed directly into one of the most beautiful historic centres in Belgium.

Start around St Michael’s Bridge, where you can see the famous three-tower skyline, then walk towards Graslei and Korenlei. From there, visit Gravensteen Castle, wander through Patershol, see St Bavo’s Cathedral and climb the Belfry if you want one of the best views over the old city.

If you visit in summer, simply sitting beside Graslei with a drink is already part of the Ghent experience. July is especially lively because of Gentse Feesten, when the centre turns into one huge festival.

I recommend at least one full day, although a weekend is much better if you want to see Ghent after the day visitors leave. The historic centre becomes especially beautiful after dark when the bridges and old buildings are illuminated.

You can read my much more detailed guide here: Top Things to Do in Gent, Belgium.

2. Brugge — Best for Fairytale Canals and Romantic Streets

Brugge is probably the city I bring foreign friends to most often. I cannot remember exactly how many times I have visited anymore, but it must be at least four, and I still enjoy wandering through it without following much of a plan.

The historic centre looks almost unreal in places. You have cobbled streets, stepped-gable houses, church towers, tiny bridges and canals that appear around almost every corner.

Start near Minnewaterpark and the Beguinage if you arrive by train, then slowly walk towards the Church of Our Lady, Markt and Burg. Rozenhoedkaai is one of the classic canal views, although some of my favourite moments in Brugge have happened simply because I turned into a random street.

A canal boat trip is also worth doing on a first visit because the perspective from the water is completely different. Leave enough time for Belgian chocolate, waffles or frites instead of trying to rush through every museum.

Brugge works perfectly as a day trip, but staying one night has a big advantage. The historic centre becomes noticeably quieter in the evening once many tour groups and day visitors have disappeared.

I have a separate itinerary with a much more detailed route here: 14 Top Things to Do in Brugge for a Day Trip.

3. Brussels — Best for First-Time Visitors and Iconic Belgium

Brussels is completely different from Ghent and Brugge. It feels bigger, more international and more chaotic, but it also contains some of Belgium’s most famous sights.

The obvious starting point is Grand Place, which is one of those squares that looks impressive even after you have seen it several times. From there, walk through the surrounding streets towards Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, Manneken Pis and Mont des Arts.

The Atomium is outside the historic centre, so I normally treat it as a separate stop rather than trying to walk there. If you have enough time, Brussels also has excellent museums, Art Nouveau architecture and neighbourhoods such as Sablon and the European Quarter.

Food is another good reason to give Brussels time rather than treating it only as an arrival airport. This is an easy place to try Belgian waffles, fries, chocolate and beer all in one day.

For a first visit, I recommend at least one full day and preferably two. Brussels is also the easiest base if you are flying into Belgium and want to make train day trips around the country.

4. Durbuy — Best for a Romantic Ardennes Escape

Durbuy shows a completely different Belgium from Brussels or Antwerp. Instead of grand squares and large museums, you get tiny stone streets, hills, the Ourthe River and the green landscapes of the Ardennes.

The old centre is very small, which is part of its charm. You can slowly wander through the narrow streets, stop for lunch, walk beside the river and visit the Topiary Park before exploring more of the surrounding countryside.

I especially like Durbuy as a change of pace after several days of larger Belgian cities. It feels more like a countryside escape than a traditional city break, which is exactly why it deserves a place on this list.

A day is enough for central Durbuy, but staying overnight works well if you want to hike, cycle or explore more of the Ardennes. Travelling by car is much more convenient here than relying entirely on public transportation.

Spring through autumn is the easiest time to visit. Autumn is particularly beautiful when the forests around the area start changing colour.

5. Antwerp — Best for Fashion, Art and Big-City Energy

Antwerp is one of those cities that feels noticeably more stylish the moment you arrive. Even Antwerp Central Station makes quite an entrance and is worth looking around before you start exploring the rest of the city.

Walk towards the historic centre and you will eventually reach Grote Markt, the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Scheldt waterfront. From there, you can continue towards Het Steen or walk north to the MAS and the old docklands.

Antwerp is also Belgium’s strongest destination for travellers interested in fashion, design and art. Add the Fashion District, KMSKA or one of the city’s other museums if those are more your style than traditional sightseeing.

I also find Antwerp a good city simply for walking, shopping and eating without having a strict list of attractions. It has much more of a metropolitan feeling than Brugge or Ghent, while the old centre still gives you beautiful historic architecture.

Give Antwerp at least one full day, and two if you want museums or nightlife. It is very easy to reach by train from Brussels, Ghent and several other Belgian cities.

6. Dinant — Best for Dramatic River Scenery

Few Belgian cities have a setting as immediately recognisable as Dinant. The town sits tightly between the Meuse River and steep cliffs, with the Collegiate Church of Our Lady below the Citadel.

Cross the river first to get the classic view back towards the church and cliff. Afterwards, walk through the centre and take the cable car or stairs up to the Citadel for a completely different perspective over the Meuse Valley.

Dinant is also connected to Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, who was born here. You will notice colourful saxophones decorating the city, especially around the bridge.

One full day is normally enough for Dinant itself. The train station is conveniently located, so this is one Walloon destination where you do not necessarily need a car.

I would choose a clear spring, summer or early-autumn day if possible because Dinant is mainly about the landscape. The river, cliffs and views from above are what make the city memorable.

7. Namur — Best for Citadel Views and a Relaxed Walloon City Break

Namur is the capital of Wallonia, but it has a much more relaxed feeling than Brussels or Antwerp. The old centre sits near the meeting point of the Sambre and Meuse rivers, with the enormous Citadel rising above it.

The Citadel of Namur should be your priority on a first visit. You can explore the fortifications, enjoy the viewpoints and then return towards the centre by cable car or on foot.

After the Citadel, spend some time simply wandering around the pedestrian streets of central Namur. Cafés and restaurants make it an easy place to have a slower afternoon rather than running from attraction to attraction.

Namur also combines extremely well with Dinant. If you are short on time, it is possible to build the two into the same part of a Belgium itinerary rather than travelling to Wallonia on separate occasions.

One day is enough for the major sights, although Namur also works as a useful overnight base for exploring more of the region.

8. Baarle-Hertog — Best for One of Europe’s Strangest Borders

Baarle-Hertog is the odd one on this list because it is technically a Belgian municipality rather than a conventional city. I still wanted to include it because you will find almost nowhere else in Belgium with such a strange story.

Baarle-Hertog and the Dutch municipality of Baarle-Nassau are intertwined in a complicated collection of enclaves. The Belgian municipality consists of 22 Belgian enclaves surrounded by Dutch territory, while several Dutch enclaves sit inside the Belgian ones.

The fun part is seeing how this works on the ground. Border markings cross pavements, streets and even buildings, meaning you can walk from Belgium into the Netherlands and back again within minutes without leaving the same town.

You do not need a full day here unless you want to explore slowly. A few hours can be enough to walk through the centre, photograph the border lines and understand how this international puzzle actually works.

Getting here is less straightforward than visiting Ghent or Brussels, so a car is useful. I would combine Baarle-Hertog with another trip in northern Belgium rather than making it the centre of an entire Belgium itinerary.

9. Leuven — Best for University Life and Belgian Beer

Leuven is one of the easiest Belgian cities to underestimate. Because it is so close to Brussels, many visitors skip it, but its historic centre, university atmosphere and café culture make it perfect for a relaxed day trip.

The Town Hall is the architectural highlight and one of the most detailed Gothic buildings in Belgium. Nearby you will find St Peter’s Church and Oude Markt, which is surrounded by cafés and becomes especially lively when students are around.

Another place I would include is the Great Beguinage, a peaceful network of historic streets, courtyards and sandstone houses. Today it belongs to KU Leuven and is still used as a residential area connected to the university.

Beer is also an important part of Leuven’s identity. Stella Artois has deep roots here, and brewery visits are available if you want to add something different from churches and historic architecture.

One day is usually enough for Leuven. Its convenient train connection with Brussels also makes it one of the simplest additions to a short Belgium itinerary.

10. Oostende or Blankenberge — Best for the Belgian Coast

After so many medieval streets and historic squares, I would add something completely different to your Belgium itinerary: a day by the sea. For this final stop, choose Oostende or Blankenberge, depending on whether you prefer combining the beach with sightseeing or keeping the day focused on the waterfront.

Oostende is my suggestion for a beach-and-city combination. Alongside your seaside walk, you can visit the James Ensor House, see the Mercator sailing ship or explore the colourful street art from The Crystal Ship project. These give you several options beyond the beach, especially when you do not feel like spending the entire day on the sand.

Blankenberge is a lovely alternative for a classic seaside day out, with a wide sandy beach, a lively promenade and its recognisable pier stretching into the North Sea. I would keep the plan simple here: walk along the waterfront, explore the pier and stop for lunch or an ice cream with a sea view.

Both destinations are convenient for a trip without a car. Oostende’s railway station is within walking distance of the promenade and shopping streets, while Blankenberge’s station is centrally located and close enough to walk to the beach and marina. Check the train connections for your chosen date before setting off.

I would allow one full day for either destination rather than trying to squeeze both into the same outing. Choose Oostende for a mixture of seaside walks, art and attractions, or Blankenberge for a simpler beach-focused escape—and leave some time for doing absolutely nothing beside the sea.

Suggested Belgium Itineraries

7 Days in Belgium

For a first seven-day trip, I would keep the route simple rather than trying to visit ten cities. Spend two days in Brussels, two days in Ghent, one day in Brugge and one day in Antwerp, leaving one extra day for Leuven or a slower second day somewhere you particularly enjoy.

This route works almost entirely by train. It also gives you enough time to actually enjoy Belgian food, cafés and evenings instead of constantly moving between stations.

10 Days in Belgium

With ten days, start with Brussels, Ghent, Brugge and Antwerp before heading south towards Namur and Dinant. You could then add Durbuy as your Ardennes stop, especially if you are renting a car for part of the trip.

This route gives you a much better comparison between Flanders and Wallonia. It also prevents the common mistake of visiting only Brussels, Ghent and Brugge and assuming you have already seen what Belgium looks like.

2 Weeks in Belgium

With two weeks, you can travel much more slowly and add a coastal stop in Oostende or Blankenberge, as well as Leuven and Baarle-Hertog. I would still avoid changing hotels every single night, because Belgium’s short distances make day trips extremely easy.

Use Brussels, Ghent or Antwerp as bases for the northern half of the trip, then stay around Namur or the Ardennes for several nights. Add your coastal day when the weather looks good rather than locking your beach day into the itinerary too early.

How to Travel Around Belgium

For most visitors, trains are the easiest way to travel around Belgium. Brussels, Ghent, Brugge, Antwerp, Leuven, Namur, Dinant, Oostende and Blankenberge are all practical without a car, and the stations are generally well connected to the city centres.

A rental car becomes much more useful when you want to explore the Ardennes around Durbuy or reach places such as Baarle-Hertog more efficiently. It also gives you flexibility for castles, countryside stops and smaller villages that would otherwise require multiple buses.

Inside the cities themselves, I normally prefer walking. Belgian historic centres are compact, and wandering between attractions is often part of the experience rather than simply transportation.

Where to Stay During Your Belgium Trip

For a first trip without a car, Ghent or Brussels make the easiest all-round bases. Brussels has the strongest international transport connections, while Ghent gives you a more atmospheric historic setting and easy access towards Brugge, Brussels and other Flemish cities.

For a romantic overnight stay, I would choose Brugge and enjoy the centre after the day-trippers leave. Antwerp works better if you prefer shopping, restaurants, nightlife and a larger-city feeling.

Namur is a practical base for exploring Wallonia, while Durbuy is better when the accommodation itself is part of the getaway. For a summer trip, spending at least one night in Oostende or Blankenberge gives your Belgium itinerary a completely different atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Belgium

What are the best cities to visit in Belgium for a first trip?

Brussels, Ghent and Brugge are the easiest three-city combination for a first visit. They are very different from each other and can all be reached easily by train.

If you have more time, add Antwerp and then travel south towards Namur or Dinant. That immediately gives you a much broader impression of the country.

Is Ghent or Brugge better?

They offer quite different experiences. Brugge feels smaller, more romantic and more obviously fairytale-like, while Ghent has a larger historic centre mixed with a very active university and local city life.

Because I lived in Ghent for years, it naturally has a special place for me. But for a first Belgium trip, I would visit both rather than choose between them.

How many days are enough for Belgium?

Seven days is a good starting point for a first visit. You can comfortably see Brussels, Ghent, Brugge and one or two additional cities without spending your entire holiday travelling.

Ten days gives you enough time to include Wallonia, while around two weeks lets you add the coast, countryside and smaller destinations.

Can you travel around Belgium without a car?

Yes, especially if you focus on the larger cities. Brussels, Ghent, Brugge, Antwerp, Leuven, Oostende, Blankenberge, Namur and Dinant are all straightforward destinations for a train-based trip.

A car becomes more useful for Durbuy, the Ardennes and Baarle-Hertog. I would therefore only rent one for the portion of the trip where it actually helps.

Is Belgium expensive to visit?

Belgium is not a particularly cheap Western European destination, especially for hotels and restaurant meals in the most touristy areas. However, its compact size helps because you rarely need domestic flights or long-distance transport.

Using a few cities as bases instead of changing hotels constantly can also make the trip simpler. Many of Belgium’s best experiences—historic streets, canals, parks, squares and viewpoints—are free to enjoy.

Which Belgian city is best for food?

Brussels gives you the widest selection, while Ghent and Antwerp have very strong restaurant scenes of their own. Brugge is convenient for trying classic Belgian favourites during a short visit, although restaurants immediately around the busiest tourist squares can be more expensive.

Wherever you go, leave space for Belgian fries, waffles, chocolate and beer. Those small food stops are honestly part of the fun of travelling around Belgium.

Which cities can easily be combined?

Ghent and Brugge are one of the easiest combinations, while Brussels and Leuven also work naturally together. Namur and Dinant make another excellent pair because they show a completely different side of Belgium.

Antwerp can be visited independently or combined with northern Belgium, while Oostende or Blankenberge fits naturally after Brugge. Durbuy is better treated as part of an Ardennes section of the trip rather than squeezed between two major Flemish cities.

More Belgium Travel Guides

For more detailed planning, read my Top Things to Do in Gent, Belgium and 14 Top Things to Do in Brugge for a Day Trip. Both guides include more places to explore and practical tips for planning your visit.