Belgium is a small European country located between the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, France and Luxembourg to the south and west, and is separated from Great Britain by a narrow strip of the North Sea. Here is the center of intersection of political and financial interests, as well as the capital of the entire European Union - Brussels. Belgium is a highly developed and urbanized country with major cities, seaports of international importance, intertwined with railways and roads. A country that still preserves centuries-old folk traditions and customs. The country of museums, lace, chocolate and beer, and the ancient monuments and other attractions of Belgium are known throughout the world.
The history of Belgium dates back to the times when the local lands, the north of Gaul, were inhabited by the ancient Belgian tribes of Celtic origin. Julius Caesar, who captured this territory, named it Gallia Belgica, and for a long time it was in the possession of the Roman Empire, which left a great legacy in the culture and architecture of modern Belgium. Since then, Belgium has gone through different periods and different rulers.
The Kingdom of Belgium was officially proclaimed in 1830. And in 1831, the kingdom was declared “an independent and eternally neutral state” by all European powers except the Netherlands. In 1839, the Netherlands also recognized Belgium as an independent state. As government system A constitutional monarchy was chosen in the country.
As mentioned above, Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but also the capital of the entire United Europe: the headquarters of NATO and the European Union are located here. Belgium has a population of about 10 million inhabitants, on a relatively small area of 30.5 thousand square kilometers.
Belgium has three state languages: Flemish (Dutch, used in Belgium), French and German. The state consists of different ethnic groups represented by the Flemings, Walloons, French and Germans. The main religious denominations are Catholicism and Protestantism.
Current time in Brussels:
(UTC +1)
Belgium is a great place to travel for an excursion into European history. Just look at Brussels and Bruges alone, where you can devote entire days to sightseeing. Belgium, with its ancient and mysterious cities and provinces, is fraught with many discoveries for the inquisitive traveler.
How to get there
The most logical way to get to Belgium is through Brussels.
By plane
The easiest way to get to Brussels from Russia is, of course, by plane, although this city is often included in many bus tours and tourist routes. But since Bus tours And charter flights- things are variable and not always constant, then we should first of all talk about regular flights.
In total, there are two international airports near the Belgian capital - the largest Brussels-Zaventem (Brussels International Airport) 12 kilometers northeast of the city and Brussels-Charleroi in the city of Charleroi, which is 50 kilometers south of Brussels itself. Direct flights from Brussels International Airport to Moscow are operated by Aeroflot (to Sheremetyevo) and Brussels Airlines (to Domodedovo). From the airport to the city you can get by bus 12 or 21 (at night), as well as by train, which in 20 minutes can deliver a passenger directly to the Central Station of the Belgian capital.
As mentioned above, Aeroflot and Brussels Airlines have direct flights from Moscow to Brussels. However, for residents of other cities, it makes sense to take advantage of the many connecting flights. However, Muscovites can also take advantage of connecting flights - such flights are often cheaper than direct ones. Below we list the airlines on whose planes you can fly to Brussels (connection cities are indicated in brackets).
- Czech Airlines (Prague): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Sochi, Samara, Ufa, Perm.
- Lufthansa (Frankfurt am Main): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara.
- Austrian Airlines (Vienna): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar.
- Finnair (Helsinki
- AlItalia (Rome): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg.
- Air France (Paris): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- KLM (Amsterdam): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Air Malta (La Valletta): Moscow.
- Norwegian Airlines (Oslo): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- SAS (Stockholm and Copenhagen): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Swiss (Zurich): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Air Baltic (Riga): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad.
- Estonian Air (Tallinn): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Turkish Airlines (Istanbul): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Rostov, Ufa, Sochi, Novosibirsk.
- Ukraine International Airlines (Kyiv): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg.
- TAP Portugal (Lisbon): Moscow
- LOT (Warsaw): Moscow, St. Petersburg
- EasyJet (London, Manchester): Moscow
- British Airways (London): St. Petersburg
By train
WITH German cities Brussels is connected by ICE and Thalys, with the Dutch - Thalys and trains, with the Swiss Zurich and Basel - EuroCity trains, and with the Austrian ski resorts — .
Launch planned soon high speed train Fyra between Brussels and Amsterdam, with a journey time of just 1 hour 46 minutes.
By car
By car, you can get to Brussels along seven main highways, which then flow into main and secondary streets in the city. These include the pan-European highways E40, E411 and E19 and the A12 and A201 highways. Brussels, like Moscow, is surrounded by three transport rings - the largest ring road R0 (Brussels Ring), as well as the Big and Small rings. One of the features of the Brussels transport system is the presence of a huge number of roads moved underground, so that today in the city you can drive through entire underground intersections.
By bus
The two largest bus stations in Brussels are located at the North and South railway stations. Regional buses go to Wallonia (company) and Flanders (company). International bus services are operated by large companies and. Moreover, Ecolines buses can be used to reach Brussels directly from Rizhsky Station in Moscow. True, such a trip automatically means many transfers and considerable financial expenses.
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Climate and weather in Belgium
Cities and regions
Regions of Belgium
The main city in the region is, naturally, Brussels. You can read more about it.
Located in the south of Belgium, the Walloon region is reminiscent of the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, with enchanting landscapes and medieval castles built in the most imaginable places. The spirit of magic and miracles hovers everywhere here, and the inhabitants of this region, the Walloons, will happily tell you many amazing and mysterious stories, associated with Wallonia and will offer the most delicious ham in Belgium and the liveliest beer.
The capital of the Walloon region is the town of Namur, whose ancient citadel was a defensive fortification against enemy attacks. Located in Namur cable car to inspect the area. In Wallonia, walking and cycling are common in the picturesque surroundings and at the foot of the Ardennes Mountains. You can see all the beauty and grandeur of the castles of Wallonia from a bird's eye view: sightseeing flights on a large plane are organized for tourists here. hot-air balloon. Here you can go mountaineering and play golf, and lovers of antiquity will find numerous attractions, cultural and historical monuments, fortresses and cathedrals. In the city of Tournai there is the ancient Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the Romanesque style and dating back to the 12th century. This province also includes the town of Spa, where the resort of the same name is located.
The province of Flanders is a cultural and historical region that is part of Holland and France. Part of Flanders is the Flemish region of Belgium. The most beautiful places in the province, which belonged to France in the ninth century, were famous for their large textile enterprises, the products of which were sold far beyond the borders of Flanders. In 1830, most of the lands of Flanders became part of the Kingdom of Belgium. The province has such wonderful cities as Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, known for their amazing architecture and historical past.
Notable cities in Belgium
The name of the Belgian capital is known to every educated person, and in the last half century the city, which is the de facto capital of the European Union and the headquarters of NATO, has been talked about on a huge number of occasions. By the way, the municipality of Brussels itself is not very large - only 148 thousand people live here, and it is one of 19 municipalities that make up the Brussels metropolitan region. In essence, this is one city with a population of 1,830 thousand inhabitants. In addition, Brussels is the center of the French and Flemish communities of Belgium.
It is the country's largest city with a predominantly French-speaking population, although historically the majority of the city's residents spoke Dutch. Today, on the streets of Brussels, all signs and signs are duplicated in both languages. The capital stands on the Senne River, but you can’t see it in the historical part - it was put through pipes during the industrialization that swept the city in the 19th century.
Most ancient city Belgium is the center of the settlement of the Germanic Tungry tribe, who lived here during the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, this was the center of the Capetian and Hespengau counties. An old cozy town with just under 30 thousand inhabitants is located on the small river Eker. It was in this famous city in 57-54 BC that the Eburonic uprising, led by Ambiorikos, took place, and a memorial monument was erected here in his honor. A large number of architectural monuments of antiquity are concentrated in Tongeren, among which a special place is occupied by Basilica of Our Lady of Tongeren, built in the 13th century. The ancient ruins of the walls that once safely surrounded Tongeren are still preserved. The city has several museums where you can get acquainted with the richest collections of Tongeren antiquities from the Celto-Roman period.
The city of Chime, located in southwestern Wallonia, is both a city and a community of almost 1,000 people. Shime has a long history, dating back centuries.
In the Middle Ages, Chime was a county and belonged to noble counts, whose ancestry was traced back to the Croix family. In 1686 they were awarded the title of imperial princes. Over time, by 1806, the county fell into decline and was transferred to state ownership under the control of a governor sent from Vienna. In 1824, the head of the Karaman-Rike family inherited the title of Prince Karaman-shime, which is still inherited by descendants. The medieval castle of Chime, built at the end of the fifteenth century by the Croix family, has still been preserved, although its walls have suffered greatly over time. In 1977, as a result of constitutional reform, a modern community was formed, uniting fourteen small Belgian towns.
The most famous attraction of Shime is the monastery Notre-Dame de Scourmont, founded in 1850, in which, in addition to holding religious services, live beer is produced under the Chime brand.
This is another wonderful city-museum, where the main church life of Belgium is concentrated. Liege, which is the administrative center of the province of the same name, is located at the confluence of the Meuse and Ourthe rivers. During Roman rule, the city was called Leodius, and its history dates back to the distant year 705, from the time of the death of Bishop Lambert, who was canonized.
In the Middle Ages, internecine wars took place here, Charles the Bold dealt devastating blows to Liege several times, and only starting from the 16th century did the city begin to flourish. Liege is a hub of attractions: cathedrals, museums of antiquities, churches.
Antwerp is the second city in Belgium after Brussels, which is the largest city in Flanders and the administrative center of the province of Antwerp. The city is located on both sides of the beautiful Scheldt River. The first historical mentions date back to the beginning of the 7th century. The Duke of Brabant made a great contribution to the development of Antwerp as a world trade center. Before the Eighty Years' War, Antwerp was the largest shopping center throughout northern Europe. In 1531, after an active influx of gold from the New World, one of the first trading exchanges in the world opened here. By the 16th century, the population of Antwerp numbered more than 100,000 thousand inhabitants. The construction of the Antwerp City Hall dates back to this period. In 1834, Antwerp was recognized by Belgium, from which time a new era of development began for the city. All the headquarters of the leading banks in Europe are located here, international exhibitions and fairs.
Antwerp is the diamond capital of Belgium and its workshops are located in the old Jewish quarter. The Diamond Museum is also located here. Antwerp is home to countless historical and cultural monuments: the Royal Museum of Art, the Plantin-Moretus Museum, the Mayer Van Den Bergh Museum, the Opera and the Flanders Ballet, the Brabo Fountain. Undoubtedly worth visiting the modern Cultural Center"Singel". On the outskirts of Antwerp, in Derne, is the Sterkhof Castle, which houses a museum of arts and crafts. Here you can wander and admire the splendor of the beautiful park, with its clean ponds and relict trees.
The capital of eastern Flanders is Ghent, with a population of more than 225 thousand people, located on the Scheldt River. In Ghent there is a seaport, from which the picturesque Ghent-Terneusen canal, passing ships, stretches to the Scheldt River. The city, which dates back to the Stone Age, is rich in attractions and historical places. The name of the city, translated from the Celtic “ganda”, means “merger”. In the 7th century, the famous abbeys of Saint-Bavo and Saint-Peter were founded here.
During the late Middle Ages, Ghent flourished and played a leading role in the production and trade of textiles and cloth. In the XIII-XV centuries, the city was the second largest in Europe, art and culture actively developed. As a result of the split, during the Reformation, into camps of Protestants and Catholics, Jesuits began to come to Ghent. They brought with them the Baroque style. In 1715, construction of theaters and opera houses began. At the beginning of the 19th century, Ghent was already a fairly economically developed large city, thanks to the active mechanization of industry.
Ghent is a major educational center in Belgium: there are several specialized higher schools of various fields and a university, one of the oldest in the country.
In Ghent, at almost every step you can find a historical monument that conceals the events of bygone days. There is a reservoir here, from which the famous Velsdstraat begins, with the Korenlei and Grasley embankments, and along which the main cultural attractions are located: the Lys Canal, the city watchtower, St. Michael's Bridge, the Laekenhalle cloth market and many others. Worth visiting is Gravensteen Castle, built by Philip of Alsace in 1180.
The city is famous for its theaters, operas and museums. Here you will find many cozy bars and cafes offering not only traditional Belgian cuisine, but also dishes from other European cuisines. Ghent has always been famous for its bacon. There is still a shop that sold bacon back in the Middle Ages, and now there is a restaurant here. Dried pork butts, the restaurant's signature dish, are hung right under the ceiling. Another excellent tasting dish is Ghent cheese with cumin, served with a very thick liqueur.
In cafes and pubs in Ghent, it is customary to drink beer from unusual containers that resemble a flask on a wooden stand. This method of drinking beer and dishes was invented by the enterprising innkeeper Pauvel Kwak, who lived in Ghent in the thirteenth century. Passing travelers often lamented the fact that they could not drink beer on the road, and then the resourceful Pauvel Kwak came up with special glasses. This invention made it possible to enjoy fresh beer right in a moving carriage.
The student town of Leuven, located on the banks of the Deila River, was first mentioned in historical descriptions about the battles of the Vikings with the Franks in 891, when the Franks were victorious. Leuven is home to the oldest university in Belgium, founded back in 1425. There is even a monument to a student, cast in bronze, which stands near the center of Leuven. As a result of conflicts between the Walloons and the Flemings, in 1968 the university was divided into two parts: one wing was given to the Flemings, and the other wing was assigned to the Walloons. The Flemish part is still located in Leuven, while the Walloon part was moved to the city of Louvain-la-Neuve. Leuven has a beautiful city hall, built in the Gothic style.
The well-known beer Stella Artois appeared in Leuven, in 1366, in the ancient “ Arthur's Brewery" Now this historical architectural monument is one of the main attractions of Belgium. Here is the beer empire, where tourists are offered various interesting excursions on the territory of the beer complex.
Brewing traditions in Belgium are so important that the local university has a special department called the “Brewing Academy”. Every year a popular competition is held in Leuven to choose the best bartender. The competition is accompanied by a cheerful mass celebration. On the main beer square, Oude Markt, which in the evening becomes one continuous pub, you can meet beer connoisseurs from all over the world.
The city of Mechelen, mentioned in the chronicle in 1008, lies between Antwerp and Brussels and is also a municipality. Mechelen stands on the banks of the Deila River, which flows steadily. In ancient times, during the reign of the Roman Empire, this area, inhabited mainly by the Romans, was very swampy; in order to drain it, it was necessary to build numerous canals, which formed an entire system of islands. Most of channels in modern Mechelen are replaced by pipes.
In the 3rd-4th centuries, pagan Germanic tribes came to Mechelen. Monk Rumold, who later became a saint, founded the first monastery here. Thanks to Rumold, Christianity began to be practiced in Mechelen. In the fourteenth century, the city began to rapidly develop and prosper under the rule of the Burgundian dukes. During the Middle Ages, Mechelen was already a fairly influential city both in terms of textile trade and politically: in the fifteenth century, under Margaret of Austria, Mechelen was the capital of the Spanish Netherlands. However, over time, the city lost its former economic and political power, leaving behind itself a leading role in the religious life of Belgium. In 1559, Mechelen was proclaimed the center of the diocese. After the defeat of the Spanish troops, during the Eighty Years' War, the city was burned and plundered. After the end of the war, Mechelen was completely restored and turned into beautiful city Belgium. First Railway Europe was introduced in 1835 in Mechelen.
The main attraction of Mechelen, among the abundance of cultural and architectural monuments, is the Cathedral of St. Rumold, listed as World Heritage UNESCO. Also worthy of attention are the Church of St. John and the Church of Our Lady, and the city hall building is considered one of the most beautiful buildings.
Located in the south of Belgium, the city of Bouillon, also called Bouillon, belongs to the province of Luxembourg. Bouillon lies at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by unique nature. The city with a population of 5.5 thousand is famous for the fact that the world famous Bouillon Castle, owned by Duke Godfrey, the fearless leader of the First Crusade in 1096, stands here. This castle is a huge defensive fortress, which still smells cold and damp from the stone floors. The castle is one of the most impressive defensive buildings of the medieval period. On the territory of the Bouillon Castle, fascinating knightly tournaments and restorations of medieval battles are held, which tourists can attend. Interesting competitions are also held here with trained birds - eagles, hawks, vultures - who can perform various commands.
A monument to Duke Godfrey of Bouillon was erected in the central square of Bouillon. Walking through the streets of this cute and cozy town, you will get real pleasure from contemplating ancient buildings and small picture houses, closely pressed against each other.
The ancient town of Malmedy, famous for its delicious cream and French fries, is also famous for its colorful carnival. Malmedy is located sixty kilometers from Liege and is considered its province. Not far from the town is Reinhardstein Castle, open to tourists. Malmedy has long been involved in the production of paper - an exhibition in the local National Museum Papers.
Malmedy is home to the Carnival Museum, which tells the history of this fun show. Colorful carnival, lasting four days in a row, takes place annually before Lent. On the tongue local residents it is called Cwarmê and was first celebrated in 1459. During the festival, ancient national characters walk through the city, dressed in colorful attire and performing various scenes. The main figures are Bans Courtants and Haget: Bans constantly chases people in the streets, and Haget tries to catch spectators and passers-by with long wooden tongs called hapes-tchar.
The Belgian stage of the Formula 1 Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix takes place in Malmedy, or rather it is held in the last week of August between the cities of Stavelot, Malmedy and Francochamps.
Where to go in Belgium
Attractions
Museums and galleries
Entertainment
Parks and Recreation
Transport
Shops and markets
Private guides in Belgium
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Belgium in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.
Getting around the country
Purchases
In addition to the gastronomic specialties of the country, Belgium is famous for its lace, which, in our opinion, is worth dwelling on in more detail, and which is a stylish souvenir from Belgium.
Belgian lace
In the Belgian region of Flanders, beautiful lace is woven, famous throughout the world. The art of lace making originated in these parts at the end of the sixteenth century, during the period of economic and cultural prosperity of Flanders. Belgian lace was very popular; all the reigning courts preferred to decorate their robes with thin, airy lace. The Flemings had a special technology for making the finest thread, and each region of the province was distinguished by its unique weaving.
Antwerp lace is characterized by lace with floral motifs and vases, against a background of small six-pointed stars scattered across the canvas.
Raspberry-Mechelen lace is similar to Antwerp lace, but it is more elegant and thin; it was used mainly for finishing cuffs and nightgowns, and for sewing jabots. Malinsky lace was especially popular.
Bruges lace is a continuous knitted braid, with a bizarre, intricate pattern that is formed when individual parts are connected.
Brussels lace was considered the most expensive and luxurious, where separately made ornaments were combined against a background of tulle. This excellent lace was especially valued outside of Flanders, and was exported to England under the name anletter, due to the ban on the import of Flemish lace to Albion. Another type of Brussels lace was called “duchess”; there was no background as such, and the ornaments were skillfully connected with weaves.
Sales in Belgium
In Belgium, sales periods are regulated by law. The cherished days for shopping last exactly a month: from July 1 in the summer and from January 3 in the winter. Until then, it is useless to expect discounts and budget prices from stores in the capital of Belgium: violators who announced discounts before this time will face impressive fines.
In general, Brussels is a fairly expensive city: its prices can be compared with the nearby major cities of Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne. But during the sales period it is captured by a real excitement. Brussels stores open their doors from 9-10 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday. On Fridays, most shops in the city are open until 8 or 9 pm, with the exception of large galleries and shopping centers.
Tax free in Belgium
If the purchase amount in one store on one day exceeds 125 EUR, it makes sense to use the VAT refund system. In Belgium VAT is 21%. In order to return this money, you must ask the Tax Free store for a receipt, which must indicate the name of the goods, their price, including tax and the amount of compensation. At the last customs office when leaving the EU, present your receipt and unpacked purchases to receive a customs stamp.
To receive money you can:
- Present the check for payment to a Russian bank.
- Mail the check to your local Premier Tax Free office.
- Present the check for payment at one of the cash payment points in the EU.
If your visit to the country is limited only to its capital, you will spend the vast majority of time there, or you simply planned shopping in the main city of Belgium, then our material will be useful to you "Shopping in Brussels".
Connection
Economy
Where to stay
Despite the very small piece of Europe that Belgium occupies, there are a large number of hotels and hotel complexes of various levels located on its territory. Belgium has world-famous hotels such as Hilton, Holiday Inn, Marriott and other famous and expensive hotels. In order to feel the real spirit of Belgium, to see it national traditions and color, it is best to stay in a small mini-hotel. In small and cozy hotels This kind of, with a reigning atmosphere of peace and regularity, you can feel at home with the Belgians.
In Belgium you can rent a hotel room for just an hour or for a longer period. A wide range of prices for accommodation allows you to choose a variety that suits you specifically, optimal options housing and services provided: there are rooms for 15 euros per day, and there are also for 17 thousand. Most budget rooms can be found in hostels located throughout the country.
Congress hotels are popular due to their convenient location. As a rule, they are located close major cities, administrative centers, international highways and airports.
World Travel
14.09.18 10:23
Situated at the heart of important trade routes, Belgium and its cities have long attracted capital - along with wars to control it. Central historical squares and the streets are steeped in history, dotted with quaint old houses, impressive cathedrals and castles. Belgium is the home of waffles, chocolate, beer, so in its cities you will find many gourmet restaurants and atmospheric pubs to suit every budget. Our list has Belgian cities to suit every taste: medieval Bruges, famous for its bustling nightlife Antwerp and multicultural Brussels, take your pick!
In a haze of lace, gothic and canals: cities of Belgium
Charleroi: strangely picturesque
Once the Belgian city of Charleroi was recognized as... the ugliest in Europe, this was the opinion of readers of a Dutch newspaper. Charleroi used to be the industrial heart of the country, but its coal operations collapsed in the 1970s, and its factories and ramshackle steelworks now attract the curious and adventurous. But despite all this, Charleroi is strangely picturesque, with superb architecture and good museums, as well international Airport. Brussels is a stone's throw away, just 50 km, in a large part of the Walloon French-speaking part of Belgium.
Namur: at the confluence of two rivers
Namur is located at the point where the Meuse and Sambre rivers meet; it was once an excellent strategic point and one of the most powerful fortresses in Europe. Now this large citadel is the city's main attraction, dominating the hilltop with stunning views. The old town is full of stunning centuries-old buildings and has a lively atmosphere. This is the center of Wallonia and makes it easy to start exploring the region.
Mons: cozy and welcoming
In 2015, Mons was cultural capital Europe. Its impressive medieval center, atmospheric main square, the Gothic Cathedral of St. Waldetrude and the 81-metre baroque belfroy (tower) from the 1660s make Mons a great day trip option to see the highlights. In addition, the Belgian city has interesting modern museums, cozy bars and excellent restaurants. Best time to visit Mons - an annual week-long festival, whose traditions go back centuries, a special atmosphere reigns in the streets, and delicious beer flows like a river.
Mechelen: charming and mysterious
Mechelen was the capital of the Netherlands, but its prestige faded over the centuries. And yet, a lot of interesting things have remained since then; the historical center still retains its splendor and beauty. The central square is charming, and the cathedral dominates the ornate facades and cute cafes. Canals cut through Mechelen, and although they don't compare to the canals of Bruges, the waterways add to the charm of the place - as do the fantastic old churches that mingle with more modern post-war buildings.
Liege: unique charm
The picturesque panorama of Liege on the Meuse River and the leafy hills surrounding the city give it a unique charm. Biggest locality In Wallonia, Liege is rapidly modernizing, but some wonderful architectural elements from time immemorial are hidden throughout this Belgian city. There are several amazing routes - take at least the embankment, and the center is bustling with night life, and chic restaurants with culinary delights are open.
Leuven: home for students
Leuven is just half an hour from Brussels and is a fantastic option that is rarely considered by tourists. It is home to a huge student population and the oldest university in Flanders. Young people fill the streets with their energy, but on weekends Leuven is empty, the guys return home. Wandering around the historic center is a pleasure, and Leuven's ancient heart, Groot Begijnhof, is full of charming cobbled streets. In the center there is a spacious square surrounded by bars and cafes.
Ghent: a hidden treasure
Ghent is another hidden gem that inevitably delights visitors with its atmospheric nooks and crannies. This Belgian city is small enough to get around easily, but large enough that you won't get bored. The medieval center is stunning, dominated by an ensemble of impressive bell towers, cathedrals and churches. The canal side is full of unique facades and is the most photogenic part of Ghent. Magnificent museums, bars, and an ancient castle can amaze even the most experienced tourist.
Antwerp: eclectic hangouts
The country's second largest city boasts a bustling port that has long welcomed merchants. It was one of the most important European cities, and today prestigious fashion boutiques, jewelry stores and exhibitions attract the elite. The bustling nightlife makes Antwerp the center of Belgium's fashion scene. Despite the bombing during World War II, the historic city center remained very attractive. The imposing cathedral dominates the winding streets, and the homely, warm cafes invite casual conversation. pay attention to Train Station– one of the most beautiful in the country and Europe.
Brussels: an underrated capital
In many respects, Brussels is not inferior to neighboring Amsterdam and Paris; it is a fascinating Belgian city in which it is very comfortable to relax and live. The country's capital is home to the headquarters of the European Union, and the capital itself is a multicultural place, with Turkish neighborhoods giving way to Portuguese and Brazilian areas. The architecture of Brussels is eclectic and dazzling, with beautiful Art Nouveau buildings giving way to graceful mansions and monstrous concrete structures. The center is home to the stunning Grand Place, the undoubted highlight of Brussels. There are several museums nearby, and the capital is teeming with atmospheric bars and gourmet restaurants.
Bruges: No. 1 for tourists!
The medieval streets of Bruges have repeatedly become the heroines of famous films - they are amazing! Just remember the crime black comedy “Lie Down in Bruges”, this is a full-fledged video tour of this famous city of Belgium, nicknamed “Venice of the North”. Cafes, winding canals, church spiers, bell towers – Bruges is not without reason loved by tourists. Therefore, it is better to visit it on weekdays, otherwise you risk being trampled by the crowd! Among the alleys there are so many wonderful places that are asking to be photographed, you won’t have the patience to post photos of Bruges on Instagram.
Belgium does not occupy much space on the geographical map, but still, this country deserves to be paid attention to. The cultural and political life of this European state can most accurately be characterized by the word “tolerance.” On its territory, three official languages are recognized: German, French and Flemish, there are representations of many religious faiths, and they respect the traditions and ethnic beliefs of other peoples.
The capital of Belgium is the center of modern political life throughout Europe. NATO headquarters is also located here. However, you must agree that all this information is more interesting to politicians and businessmen. Tourists are attracted here by the variety of museums and architectural monuments, rich cultural heritage, bright lights of carnivals, Belgian chocolate and good shopping. It is impossible to tell everything at once. This country is unique, as are its customs and traditions. For example, on New Year's Eve, when Russian children are waiting for Father Frost, young residents of Belgium expect the arrival of not one, but two fairy-tale characters at once: Pere Noel comes to the French-speaking part of this state, and Saint Nicholas comes to the Walloon part.
And what about the cat festival, which is held in Belgium every three years? It should not be confused with a banal exhibition of furry pets. From the central bell tower of the city of Ypres, a large number of toy cats are thrown onto a crowd of citizens and tourists. In the Middle Ages, this holiday was somewhat darker. Today this is a good reason to have fun, and according to legend, it is also a good way to get rid of your own sins. In general, one can talk endlessly about the sights of Belgium.
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What to see in Belgium?
The most interesting and Beautiful places, photographs and brief description.
When visiting the Belgian city of Tournai, you cannot pass by this majestic architectural monument. It will amaze you at first glance with the simplicity and elegance of the lines of Gothic design. The painting preserved on some details of the interior decoration is to this day a unique example of medieval painting.
The Atomium is not just an architectural structure. On its territory there is a small hotel, a restaurant and Observation deck overlooking the beautiful park “Europe in Miniature”, numerous exhibitions and a museum dedicated to the life of the 50s. Yes, and, you see, a model of an iron molecule enlarged 165 million times is worth seeing with your own eyes.
In Brussels there is a unique swimming pool, Nemo 33. For experienced scuba divers, the largest of the pools is of interest. It is designed in the form of a flooded industrial courtyard. At the lower levels there are many artificial caves and artificial reefs. For beginner divers, smaller pools with a depth of 1.3 and 2.5 meters are suitable.
The Menin Gate is a tribute to the soldiers who died in the First World War. Visually they resemble an arch. At the top of the composition you will see a plan of the disposition of troops of that time in the battle for the city of Ypres. This architectural monument is crowned with the figure of a lion. The names of dead and missing soldiers and officers are carved on the inner slabs of the arch.
This is one of the most beautiful caves in Belgium. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, halls and galleries created by nature can be admired endlessly. You can only get to An-sur-Les on a guided tour. A tourist tram will take you through a picturesque forest and a small river to its entrance.
If you want to fully experience the atmosphere of antiquity and the Middle Ages, be sure to come to Ghent. Each building on its central streets (Grass Street and Grain Street) is an architectural monument. The Church of St. Michael the Archangel and the Church of St. Nicholas are also located here.
The Waterloo complex is a must-visit for any tourist even slightly interested in history. Its creators were able to perfectly convey the spirit of the Napoleonic era. In the wax museum you can see with your own eyes the Emperor of France himself, the commanders-in-chief and other significant persons of that time.
Believe me, you will not pass by this building. Even if you are not a big fan of surrealism, visiting this museum will not disappoint you. The works of R. Magritte make quite a strong impression on everyone. The talent of this artist is recognized throughout the world.
Many people believe that station buildings are the most boring and conservative structures. They've just never been to Antwerp Central Station. This building's appearance is more reminiscent of an ancient castle or temple. Exquisite baroque architecture, columns and stained glass windows wonderfully complement the attributes modern life(neon signs and advertising).
In the very center of this town on the square there is a bell tower. A narrow spiral staircase will lead you to the observation deck, from where you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the entire city. Going downstairs and sitting in a nearby cafe, you can enjoy listening to a concert of bell music.
This Brussels landmark needs no introduction. Everyone has heard about her, but maybe you should get to know her better. First of all, let it be known that he has a name - Julien. In addition, this kid follows fashion and has his own wardrobe consisting of more than 2000 suits.
Exclusiveness, chic and luxury - all this symbolizes the diamond district of Antwerp. You will find impeccable service, perfect stone cutting and the best examples of jewelry art here. Unique diamonds from South African and Indian mines come here.
This city has its own special charm. Clean streets, ancient buildings, St. Peter's Cathedral and Town Hall. Each building amazes with its bright individuality and unique architectural design. In the Church of St. Peter, paintings by Flemish masters of the 15th century have been preserved, and in the Town Hall building you can see paintings by Belgian artists.
A picturesque Art Nouveau building in the very center of Brussels is an eye-catcher. Here is one of the largest museum of musical instruments in the world. By visiting it, you can not only learn about the history of their origin, ethnic roots, but also enjoy the sounds of rare and ancient musical instruments.
When you enter this castle, you immediately remember the era of knights and crusades. Cobblestone streets, monumental walls, narrow tower loopholes and a protective moat. Gravensteen is a striking example of medieval architecture; the museum located here will give you a complete picture of the life of people of that era.
Gothic architecture dominates the entire appearance of the city and its historical part is no exception. Houses with graceful turrets and narrow windows, the ancient town hall and the temple are located on one of the main squares of the city - Burg. The second central square of the historical center of the city Markt is occupied by shopping arcades.
This is the historical center of Brussels. The “Guild House”, the Brussels City Hall, the “House of the King” (“House of Bread”), and the well-known statue of the “Manneken Pis” are located here. When you get to the Grand Place, you get the impression that you are in a magical fairy tale kingdom.
This castle was built back in the 12th century. Then it had an important defensive significance, today it is one of the main attractions of Antwerp. This architectural monument is undoubtedly interesting in itself, but, in addition, on its territory there is a navigation museum and an archeology museum.
White swans have always been a symbol of love and fidelity. In the Brussels town of Bruges there is an entire lake where these amazing snow-white birds live and feel comfortable. The beauty of nature, silence and tranquility attract not only couples in love, but also simply connoisseurs of beauty.
In the southern part of Belgium, on the outskirts of Brussels, there is a fairly large forest park. Fans of hiking and hiking will appreciate the opportunity to feel unity with nature, enjoy peace and quiet, admire colorful landscapes and forest lakes.
Bruges is the most famous city Belgium, after the capital. The second name of the city is “Venice of the North”. It is definitely worth taking a ride along the many cozy canals. And to see the city in all its glory from above, you need to climb the Belfort Tower (Belfry of Bruges). All seekers of medieval romance will be interested in strolling along the streets of Stanina. The city is simply created for peaceful walks around the sights of Bruges. City residents always treat tourists kindly and help them learn the history of the city.
3. "Mini-Europe"
If you want to see the most famous sights of all of Europe in one place, then it is worth visiting Mini-Europe park, which is located in Brussels. The feeling simply cannot be expressed in words. The park was opened in 1989. More than 350 1/25 scale replicas of landmarks are located next to each other on an area of 24,000 m².
The Eiffel and Leaning Towers of Pisa, Big Ben, the Doge's Palace and Chenosseau Castle, the Grand Place, the eruption of Vesuvius and the fall of the Berlin Wall, bullfighting in Seville Square and many other memorable places from 80 European cities will not leave any visitor indifferent. Every year the mini-park is visited by more than 300,000 tourists.
They spent 200 thousand euros on design alone. The entire budget at the time of opening was about 10 million euros.
Dwarf trees and shrubs grow around each attraction, and there is a lawn.
Visiting hours 9:30-18:30. For adults, a ticket costs 13 euros, for children - 10 euros.
4. Carnivals
Every spring, in the ancient park of Annevoie, which is located between the two small towns of Namur and Dinan, you can visit a carnival in Venetian costumes. A real holiday for all visitors.
In addition to the carnival, the park is famous for its fountains and waterfalls, decorative ponds, a palace with an impenetrable moat, and gardens in English, Italian and French styles.
Entrance to the park is paid. For adults - 6 euros, for children - 3 euros.
On which days the carnival will be held can be found on the city’s official website www.annevoie.be/?page=event/venise.
A real Belgian carnival can be seen in the city of Binche. At the end of February, a few days before the start of the great Catholic fast, they organize a big holiday with dressing up in a variety of costumes. The carnival has been held since the 14th century, and every year it attracts thousands of Belgians and tourists from many countries. On the last two Sundays before the carnival, a dress rehearsal of the holiday takes place on the city streets, but only in last year's costumes.
One of the main natural attractions of the country is the caves of An-sur-Lesse. The excursion begins in the villages, then a red tram takes tourists to the caves. Inside, the tour continues on a boat through the cave lakes. The air temperature in the caves does not rise above 13 °C.
The main cave with stalactites is 5 meters high. A light show awaits tourists in one of the caves. All the stones shimmer with multi-colored lights and fairy-tale characters, exotic plants and animals come to life on the walls. IN last cave all visitors can hear the powerful underground echo of the Maria cannon.
The cost of a tour ticket for an adult is 25 euros, for children - 13 euros. You can visit the caves from 10 am to 5 pm.
Almost everything in the village is aimed at tourists: hotels, cafes, car rentals, souvenir shops.
Every year, about half a million tourists come to visit the famous caves.
6. Unusual monuments
Belgium is one of the first places in Europe in terms of the number of unusual monuments. The most famous monuments capitals are a boy, a girl and a dog peeing.
Huge model of an iron molecule - Atomimum. The monument is 102 meters high. Inside you can see nuclear energy exhibits, visit a café, and even spend the night.
There are many monuments in the pop art style in the country. A striking example is a cat on a bicycle in Brussels.
On one of the embankments of Bruges there is a bronze bouquet in a marble vase. This is a symbolic meeting place for lovers of the city.
Another interesting group of sculptures are four naked girls with large crows perched on their heads.
The funniest sculptures are “A Joke on a Policeman”, “Zeus, Leda, Prometheus and Pegasus Visit Bruges”, “The Dog of Flanders” in Hoboken, “Man Measuring Clouds” in Ghent, “The Head of Salvador Dali on a Silver Platter”.
7. Small towns
Don't limit your trip to Belgium only to big cities. The country is full of small towns that will undoubtedly be of interest to tourists.
For example, the city of Durbuy was considered the smallest town on the planet until 1977. The landscapes here are amazingly beautiful. Natural diversity attracts a large number of tourists here.
For lovers of mountainous terrain, the city of Dinan is worth a visit. And to admire the beautiful embankments, go to Antwerp. The city of Leuven is the “heart” of the Stella Artois beer empire. The most famous Belgian beer was born in local breweries. The city of Spa is considered the ancestor of all water resorts in the world. The town of Bouillon attracts with its medieval castle. The most fashionable town in the country is Knokke. Beach, sea and shopping are the main attractions of the city. Only the capital can boast such a large number of boutiques.
To have fun, you can take a ride on the beer car. This is a mobile beer bar. All passengers turn the pedals of the vehicle, which is why it begins to move. For this, everyone receives a reward - a glass of beer.
This will be an interesting activity for all beer lovers. You can kill two birds with one stone - see the city and drink your favorite drink.
9. Tasty symbols of Belgium
Since ancient times, chocolate has been considered a symbol of Belgium. The wide variety of flavors will make anyone who tastes the local chocolate have a sweet tooth. Many shops offer a variety of chocolate options. Also, famous sweets from Belgium - Brussels And Liege waffles. Very often they are sold with additives: hot chocolate, cream, strawberries, nuts.
If you decide to have a snack on the street, be sure to try Frites. Before serving potatoes, add vegetables, pieces of meat and ketchup.
In the restaurant you should try the famous Flemish Carbonade (Carbonnade a la Flamande) - this is beef cooked in beer.
Cheese gourmets should try such Belgian varieties as Limburger, Orval and Remudu.
More than 600 types of beer are produced in Belgium. Traditionally, beer sets are brought as souvenirs.
10. Shopping
In Belgium you can buy exquisite jewelry, luxury perfumes, high-quality clothes and shoes, stylish accessories, and antiques. There are two main trading groups in the country - Delhaize and GB. They offer their customers a compromise between range, price and quality.
Most often people go shopping in July and January. During these months, most stores have solden sales. During this period, you can purchase luxury items (Louis Vuitton, Versace, Christian Dior, Hugo Boss, Hermes, Chanel, Armani) at affordable prices.
To buy antiques you should visit Rue des Sablons in Brussels. There are a large number of antique shops on this street, and fairs are held on weekends.
Outlet villages, popular in Europe, also exist in Belgium. The most famous is Maasmechelen Village outlet. About 100 boutiques offer items from famous Belgian and world brands at reasonable prices. Discounts often reach 60%. The outlet is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
The slow pace of life, the openness of the local population, and colorful landscapes turn every day in Belgium into a holiday. Tourists will always find something to see. To feel the flavor of the country, you need to travel around it, and then you will definitely find your favorite place.
It is considered the second largest among all Belgian cities, but in beauty and extraordinary color it surpasses even Brussels. is the city of diamonds, and the World Diamond Center is located here. In addition, the city is rightfully recognized as the capital of design art in the country.
To the list of the most beautiful cities I got to Belgium thanks to its amazing cityscapes, beautiful parks, medieval buildings and, of course, water canals.
The city is open and very popular, and the chocolate festival “Choc in Brugge” is also held annually. The old colorful houses deserve special attention. From other cities, we will highlight the 15th century, and the 12th-14th century buildings, in which the “Madonna and Child” made by Michelangelo attracts attention.
It occupies a significant place in the ranking of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. It is not only the center of the state, but also the headquarters of the EU and the seat of NATO. The first thing I would like to mention is that it includes 350 of the most famous attractions from 80 European cities. Not far from the park is the most famous sculpture -. On its highest tier, guests will find an observation deck with stunning views of the capital of Belgium; other pavilions contain a restaurant, a mini-hotel and exhibition halls.
Guests of the capital recognize this one as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Along with her, mandatory places to visit are the 15th century with rich interiors, where the municipality now sits, the 13th century, which has now become the City Museum, and.
One of the best cities in Belgium should definitely include. A quiet, cozy town, sometimes also called the flower capital of Belgium, is unique and beautiful at any time of the year. Here you can have a great walk through the historical center, which is pedestrianized, wander through the narrow streets and see small, doll-like houses. A boat ride along the city canals can also be a great way to spend your time.
Among the attractions are its 15th-century medieval altar, which used to be the residence of the Counts of Flanders, and is now a museum of justice. The local opera house is also very popular in Ghent.
One of the interesting cities in Belgium, surrounded by green forests and valleys, along which streams and rivers flow. Today it is an international resort center, famous for its healing waters and natural charm. It was this city that gave the name to all the resorts where there are springs and therapeutic and restorative procedures are carried out. And, despite the many such resorts in Europe, the city of Spa in Belgium still occupies one of the first places among lovers of relaxation treatments.
The student city is located on the banks of the Deila River and is primarily known for its oldest university, founded in 1425. It is recommended to visit the beautiful town hall in the Gothic style, and the luxurious one, which attracts the attention of tourists with its extraordinary architectural forms.
Located between Antwerp and Brussels, it has an ancient history and is replete with cultural and architectural monuments, including those included in the UNESCO heritage list. Among other significant buildings in the city, it is worth noting the churches of St. John and Our Lady, as well as the city hall building.
Finally, I would like to say that no matter which city you choose to visit, rest assured that you will not be disappointed, because each of them is beautiful and unique in its own way.
