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Belgium rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious tourist trails. This compact country packs the medieval canals, world-class chocolates, UNESCO-protected architecture and the pristine wilderness into an area that is smaller than Wales. But, while planning your Belgian holiday this year, the first thing that may come to your mind is “What are the best things to do in Belgium 2025?
This guide unravels just what you need to experience the best of culture, chocolate and charm of the Belgium. Just make sure to apply for Belgium visa in advance to explore Belgium’s genuine magic!
Quick Summary – Belgium’s charm, variety and convenience sit centre stage in this best “things to do in Belgium 2025” blog. Readers learn that three official languages coexist easily, card payments dominate, and trains stitch every major sight together in under an hour. Ten must-try experiences follow, including lip-smacking beers in Leuven, Rubens’ masterpieces in Antwerp, Bruges’ postcard canals and panoramic views from the Atomium’s steel spheres. Nature lovers receive the Semois Valley, winter fans get glowing markets, while fun facts about castles and saxophones keep things light.
| Category | Details |
| What languages are spoken in Belgium? | Dutch, French, and German are Belgium’s three official languages, with English widely spoken in cities and tourist areas. |
| Currency Used in Belgium | The Euro is the national currency, and card payments are accepted almost everywhere. ATMs are also easy to find. |
| How to Get Around in Belgium? | The public transport of Belgium is efficient and well-connected. Trains link the major cities like the Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and the Antwerp, while the trams and the buses cover local routes. |
| Major Attractions of Belgium | The Grand Place in the Brussels, Bruges’ canals, and the Ghent’s medieval streets are the must-sees. Visiting a chocolate workshop or sampling the local beer adds a true Belgian touch. |
| Interesting Facts about Belgium | 1). Belgium has more castles (3,000) per square mile than anywhere else in the world. 2). Belgium produces 1,500 different types of Beer! 3) The saxophone was invented in the 1840 by Adolphe Sax in Dinant, Belgium. |
Yes, Belgium is certainly worth visiting thanks to its combination of the medieval charm with the modern vibrancy. This makes Belgium, one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. In fact, Belgium welcomed a record-breaking 9.64 million international visitors in 2024. Projections indicate 11.4 million annual arrivals by 2028, showing that the country’s reputation as a hidden gem is rapidly spreading!
Bruges earned its “Venice of the North” nickname through the centuries-old waterways. These wind past impossibly pretty gabled houses and the stone bridges. In fact, a canal cruise in the Bruges glides you past:
How to Book a Canal Cruise in Bruges?
You will come across 5 boat companies that operate from different boarding points. All of these are around the historic centre. You can simply approach them and pay using your bank card or cash. The boat rides start at €15 per adult, with children aged 4-11 paying €9. Also, make sure to book the Belgium Schengen Visa Appointment from UK for a smooth visa and travel experience!
Pro-Tip: Arrive early to skip queues and enjoy a hassle-free Bruges canal cruise with your loved ones!
Belgium takes beer seriously enough that UNESCO added the country’s entire beer culture to its “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” list in 2016. This recognises the brewing traditions of Belgium that stretch back centuries. However, there is one particular place that wears its crown as the beer capital of the Belgium proudly – “Leuven”. It is a lively university city that is home to the original Stella Artois brewery. This is where production began in 1366 and still continues on an industrial scale!
If you walk through Leuven, you will get to encounter its beer history at every turn:
Where Can I Enjoy Beer Experiences in Belgium?
a). Brewery Tours – These let you witness the magic of the beer brewing in the Belgium first hand. Expect the guided visits that let you see the copper kettles, fermentation tanks and historic cellars.
b). Traditional Beer Cafés – These represent the soul of the Belgian Beer Culture. These specialized establishments serve hundreds of the different beer brews. Each has its own uniquely shaped glass to enhance the specific flavors and aromas.
“Brussels doesn’t just sell chocolate; the city breathes it.” Featuring over 2,000+ chocolate shops dotting the streets and 600,000+ tones produced nationally each year, Brussels is where you can find the best of the chocolates. Also, the best way to enjoy these sweet treats is through the guided Brussels chocolate tasting tour. This delightful adventure takes you behind the scenes of the legendary chocolate scene of the Brussels.
What happens on a Brussels Chocolate Tasting Tour?
You get the opportunity to wander through the charming streets of the Brussels. This is where you will visit the historic chocolatiers who are renowned for their craftsmanship. On the tasting tour, you will have the chance to savor different types of chocolates like pralines, ganache and truffles. These are crafted with the finest Belgian ingredients.
Each stop on the tour helps you learn about the rich history and art of the chocolate-making in Brussels. This tour is perfect for those visitors who are eager to dive into the luxurious flavors and gain insights into the much-celebrated chocolate culture of the Belgium.
Ghent strikes that perfect balance between the historic grandeur and the authentic Belgium culture. Walking through the compact historic centre of the Ghent feels like stepping into a living medieval tapestry. In fact, this is where every cobblestone street leads you to witness another architectural marvel!
Which Top Cultural Sites in Ghent Should I Visit?
Why Ghent Offers Authentic Belgian Culture?
Unlike the busy cities of the Belgium like Bruges, the Ghent retains its authentic and laid-back vibe. Its vibrant student population fuels the dynamic contemporary art scene of the city. This makes the city feel young and creative for holidaymakers exploring the Belgium. In 2025, the local festivals such as the Ghent Festival celebrated the music, theatre and the heritage. Such events invite the visitors to engage with the cultural heartbeat of the Belgium!
The Grand Place is the beating heart of the Brussels, which is celebrated worldwide for its stunning fusion of the Gothic, Baroque and the Louis XIV architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dazzles the visitors with its ornate guildhalls, Town Hall’s Soaring Spire, and the striking Maison du Roi. In fact, each building tells a story of the Brussels’ rich commercial and political history.
What should I do at the Grand Place in Brussels?
So, when are you applying for a Belgium Schengen Visa from UK? Attractions like Grand Place await to welcome you!
Antwerp pulses with the creative energy that extends far beyond its famous diamonds. This port city seamlessly blends the Baroque masterpieces with the cutting-edge fashion. This helps create an atmosphere where history and the contemporary culture collide in the most exciting ways.
What to do in Antwerp in 2025?
Antwerp is home to some incredible attractions, which are as follows:
a). Antwerp’s Diamond District – This place boasts a reputation spanning 500+ years since becoming a global trading hub in the 15th century. Today, roughly 80% of the world’s rough diamonds and over 50% of the cut diamonds pass through this compact neighbourhood. The area has a staggering 1,500 diamond companies too. Wandering these streets gives you a glimpse of the diamond cutters and polishers at work, who are actually preserving centuries-old traditions!
b). Rubenshuis Museum – This place preserves the elegant home and studio of one of the history’s greatest Baroque painters, Peter Paul Rubens”. Walk through the Italian-style palazzo that reveals his private living quarters and the vast studio. The museum also houses his exceptional collection of paintings alongside the period furniture and the personal belongings.
c). Check out Art Galleries and Museums – Head over to “The Royal Museum of Fine Arts”. This place showcases artworks of the Flemish Masters alongside the modern Belgian artists. Then, there are the contemporary spaces like the FOMU (photography museum) and M HKA (Museum of Contemporary Art). These help push the creative boundaries through the thought-provoking exhibitions that give the reputation of an artistically vibrant city to Antwerp.
Belgium has a wilderness side that reveals itself spectacularly in the Semois Valley. This is where emerald forests tumble down to a meandering river. In fact, it has carved one of the most dramatic landscapes of the country. This national park also offers some of the most breathtaking hiking experiences of the Belgium. In fact, the park has varied trails that:
Here are some of the best hiking trails in Belgium that you should check out at the Semois Valley National Park:
Plan a delightful road trip across the Belgium. This will give you the opportunity to discover a country that is packed with the diverse landscapes, charming towns and the beautiful history.
Belgium has a compact size which means, you can explore the multiple destinations in a few days without long drives.
The Atomium is a striking symbol of the Belgian innovation making it a must-see landmark in the Brussels. Constructed for the 1958 World Expo, this iconic structure represents an iron crystal that is magnified 165 billion times. Expect to witness a futuristic design that features the nine interconnected spheres which makes the Atomium an architectural marvel unlike any other.
What should I see at the Atomium?
Tip: The Atomium is located near the Heysel Park and is easily accessible. Also, it pairs well with a visit to the Mini-Europe. It is a miniature park that showcases the landmarks of the Europe but in miniature style.
Belgium transforms into a winter wonderland that captures the heart of every visitor. The festive season brings the lively Christmas markets that are filled with the twinkling lights, delicious treats and the unique local crafts. Cities like the Brussels, Bruges and the Ghent light up with joy in winter. In fact, you get to enjoy enchanting skating rinks and the cosy cafés that are perfect for warming up with the hot chocolate or the mulled wine.
What are the Best Winter Activities in Belgium?
Belgium doesn’t extravagantly showcase its attractions. But, these popular things to do in Belgium 2025 can surely charm any traveller who visits. One moment you are gliding past the gabled roofs in the Bruges, the next – you are toasting a Trappist beer in a snug café as the carillons ring across a square. Belgium is where medieval lanes lead to the bold galleries, Christmas lights spill over the markets, and trains zip you between it all with zero fuss.
But, are you fussed about the lack of Belgium visa appointment from UK slots? Do not want to wait around just for an appointment only to find yourself cancelling your Belgium holiday plans?
Then, BELGIUM VISA AGENTS is exactly what you need. Our team of specialists will book a fast-track appointment for you in no time after you fill out a simple application form. With 24/7 support and blazing-fast appointments, you can speed up your Belgium visa acquisition!
Ready to go? Get the visa, book your stays and let the Belgium work its magic on you!
Key Takeaways:
Look for the guided tasting walks that visit historic chocolatiers around the Sablon and Galeries Royales. Try to book a small-group tour or private slot mid-morning that will help you beat the crowds and keep your palate fresh for the nuanced flavours of different Belgian chocolates.
3 to 5 days is sufficient to explore the best attractions of the Belgium. Book your stay in the Brussels or Ghent. Then, go on a day-trip to the Bruges and Antwerp by rail. Make sure to prioritise canal cruise, Grand Place, Ghent Altarpiece, Art Museums of the Antwerp and a brewery or chocolate tasting experience.
Belgium features some wonderful family-friendly activities like the short canal cruises, interactive chocolate workshops and compact historic centres that will keep your walks manageable.
