Raahe Guide Raahen Esittely
Belgium is a country of 11.5 million people surrounded by Germany, France and the Netherlands. While it covers a small area, it boasts a plethora of wonderful places and unforgettable experiences to try. Although it covers a small area, it offers numerous amazing places and unforgettable experiences to try. Dutch, Flemish, French and German are the official languages of Belgium, and Dutch and French are also widely spoken.
Attractions in Belgium
Belgium is known for medieval architecture, exquisite art, delicious chocolate and impressive castles. The following list reveals some of the key attractions in Belgium.
Antwerp
Antwerp is the largest city in Belgium by size and the second largest by population. It is the main attraction of the Flemish Region, boasting a host of splendid medieval architecture and excellent museums. One of the most visited museums is Ruben’s House, a 10-room house where the famous painter lived and created his artworks. The museum brings to public eye the artist’s lifestyle and a large collection of his paintings.
Culture lovers can also visit Museum aan de Stroom housed in a modern building resembling a child’s block puzzle. The museum exhibits a whole variety of topics about Antwerp. For example, there is an exhibition dedicated to Antwerp’s gastronomic history and another honoring the glorious sea trading past of the city.
Grote Markt is the main focal point of Antwerp’s old town, featuring the impressive Town Hall and other medieval buildings. Also, in Antwerp is found the largest Gothic church of Belgium, Cathedral of Our Lady.
Brussels
Brussels is another city that shouldn’t miss from any Belgium visitor’s itinerary. It is compact, vibrant, easy-going and offers many experiences for tourists including fine architecture, appealing museums, superb restaurants and energetic nightlife.
If you want to get a feel of historical Brussels, head to the city center. The small and lively quarter will please you with well-preserved 17th-century architecture and fine art collections.
Place Royale is perhaps the most photographed landmark in Brussels. The square is dominated by the Royal Palace which serves as the residence of the Belgian royal family. Free tours of the palace are organized from late July to late August where visitors can admire the splendor of the reception rooms and halls.
Brussels is a hub of chocolate. There are a myriad of chocolate shops that sell the world’s most luscious chocolates. You can also visit a chocolate workshop to see how this dessert is produced and be guided in creating your own chocolate.
Bruges
Bruges has the reputation of one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, which makes it be assaulted by visitors all year round. Its museums host select collections of Flemish art and its quaint winding streets intertwined with narrow canals and lined with beautiful medieval buildings turn the city into a perfect day-trip destination.
The starting point of any Bruges sightseeing trip is the two grand squares, the Markt and the Burg. Both of them are full of architectural gems and lovely cafes with terrace. Bruges takes pride in a set of museums that exhibit the finest Flemish art works including St-Janshospitaal and Groeninge.
Castles
Belgium is dotted with castles that take your breath away with their beauty and grandeur. Gravensteen is a medieval castle with appealing tower fortifications, lush green gardens and a spooky museum inside. The 16th-century Kasteel van Gaasbeek is a preferred spot for picnics and a venue of cultural events. It also boasts a medicinal garden with guided tours. Other castles that are worth a visit during your Belgium trip include Château De Beloeil, Castle of Freyr and Chateau De Modave.
