"Paul's Journey Through Belgium" Top 5 Page for this destination Belgium by Paul2001

Belgium Travel Guide: 26,861 reviews and 52,588 photos

Ghent as seen from it's castle. - Belgium

From the point of view of a North American, Belgium does not get the respect that it deserves. I mean you never hear of anyone saying I am going to Belgium for a holiday. Furthermore if they go there, it is on their way from France to Germany or the Netherlands.
Personally I think Belgium is in fact the most overlooked country in Western Europe. Cities like Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp are all full of outstanding art galleries, medieval monuments, beautiful town squares, magnificent cathedrals, and of course their world famous belfries. Most of all Belgium should be visited for Bruges, an UNESCO site. It is as perfectly preserved a medieval city that you are going to find in Europe. Oh by the way did I mention that Belgium has the greatest beer in world(sorry Germany). With so many different brewers, every trip to a bar is an adventure to be experienced.
So, with the exception of Bruges, if you want to get off of the beaten track in Europe, then give Belgium some consideration. I do not think that you will regret your journey.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Under touristed cities. Possibly the greatest beer in the World.
Cons:Some of the locals can be rather cold. The weather can be downright miserable
In a nutshell:Europe's Most Overlooked Gem!

Last visit to Belgium: Sep 2000
Intro Updated Jan 11, 2004
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Reviews (44)

The Mechelen Town Hall Off The Beaten Path (10)

Mechelen's Town Hall is a strikingly attractive building. The building originated at the town cloth hall. This part of... more travel advice

St. Paul's Church and the main altar - Belgium

St. Paul's Church in Antwerp Off The Beaten Path (10)

St. Paul's Church is a massive baroque church built over the remains of an earlier church that was burned down. In fact... more travel advice

Rather Characterless but Good Hotel in... Hotels (3)

This was one of those hotels I stayed in purposely for the fact that it was near the train station. I did alot of this... more travel advice

The Museum of Fine Arts in Tournai - Belgium

The Museum of Fine Arts in Tournai Things to Do (21)

The Museum of Fine Arts in Tournai was the smallest and last of the many fine art museums that I visited in Belgium. At... more travel advice

Favorites (2)
See All Tournai
Local Customs (1)
Drinking Beer in Belgium
Tourist Traps (3)
See All I found that I was somewhat...

Comments (41)

angiebabe Apr 25, 2008 at 8:53 PM Report Abuse

Excellent tips with excellent pictures of the must sees around Belgium!thanks for your tour. though places such as Bouillion and Rochefort are also very nice to see too.
nora_south_africa Mar 22, 2008 at 11:48 AM Report Abuse

thanx for the good tips!!
Nemorino Dec 27, 2007 at 9:31 AM Report Abuse

As always, I enjoyed reading your thoughtful and informative tips, especially your assessments of the various art museums. I recently visited Brussels and have now started writing a VT page on that city, which I hope to be able to put up in a few days.
noonoo67 Jun 14, 2007 at 7:15 AM Report Abuse

Im very sorry that you found Oostend center threatening, but i think it is one of the most friendliest place in Northern Europe. I do hope that what you say about the redevelopement is not true, as thats what makes this city so special.
scottishvisitor Apr 26, 2007 at 12:47 PM Report Abuse

A good tour through Belgium Paul = so much great architecture & museums to admire = enjoyed the tour thanks
Martinewezel Aug 26, 2006 at 5:09 PM Report Abuse

Just like you I think the Dinant area is one of our most lovely regions. I guess you must also have visited the Molignée valley? Nice page. Lots of good tips! Glad you liked Antwerp too.
Diana75 Apr 14, 2006 at 12:02 PM Report Abuse

I totally agree with your opinion about Belgium, Paul. There are so many beautiful places to discover. Wonderful overview. Happy Easter! Diana
bali_junkie Dec 31, 2005 at 6:50 PM Report Abuse

Hi Paul, wish you a happy new year. Very interesting to know about Belgium beers. I enjoyed your well-written pages. Will be coming back more often :-D
globetrott Dec 23, 2005 at 3:00 PM Report Abuse

an interesting page and great pics ! I see that there is still a lot for me to explore in Belgium !
807Wheaton Oct 13, 2005 at 2:05 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for another good virtual trip. Marcia