Belgium — Destinations
Brussels
Home of the European Union, Brussels has become a bustling center for bureaucrats and businessmen and is a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis. The buildings in the city are a fascinating mix of architectural styles, and there are numerous museums of interest throughout. Within the 14th-century city walls is the compact center of the old city with the beautiful Grand Place at its heart. Visitors rarely stray beyond the walls of the 'petit ring' of the city center, clearly defined from the newer glitzy quarters by its narrow maze of streets. This is where the key sights can be enjoyed, together with the best bars and restaurants.
Visitors can experience the beauty of the art and architecture, marvel at the bizarre sight of the Mannekin-Pis statue, and spend time shopping for traditional souvenirs such as Belgian chocolate and lace. The National Opera House and many other theaters host a variety of events and concerts for those wanting some high culture, and there are plenty of restaurants offering gastronomic delights. These outings can be rounded off by a drink or two in any one of the lively bars located near the Grand Place.
Vibrant and energetic, Brussels is a city of museums and architecture among Europe's finest, a shopper's fantasy and a diner's capital.
Antwerp
Antwerp has shrugged off its reputation as a purely industrial port city and is now known for its energetic nightlife with an active cultural scene. It has a dense concentration of things to see. Among the beautifully preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture are many churches, museums and galleries. The work of the local sculptor, Peter Paul Reubens, surfaces all over the city, most notably at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. At the center of the city is the Grote Markt with the baroque Brabo Fountain in the middle. There are countless shopping opportunities and trendy bars and nightclubs around the city for the fashion-conscious and young at heart.
Climate
The climate in Antwerp is distinctly maritime, with the weather conditions generally being quite mild. There is a chance of sunny, grey or rainy days year-round in Antwerp, regardless of season. July and August are usually the warmest months in Antwerp but are also the wettest. The most pleasant time to visit Antwerp is probably in April or May.
Bruges
Bruges has the distinction of being Europe's best-preserved medieval city and Belgium's most popular tourist destination, a veritable 13th-century 'open air museum'. It is a small town with lots of character and charm, with cobbled streets and a maze of waterways inviting exploration by foot, horse-drawn carriage or canal boat. For a spectacular view over the red tiled roofs the more energetic can climb the 366 stairs of the central bell tower (belfort). The winding streets are lined with gorgeous buildings and churches and among them are a collection of museums housing some of the country's finest art, notably the Stadhuis and the Groeninge Museum. A must-see for visitors to Europe, the entire historic center has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bruges is also known also as the 'Venice of the North' and as such attracts many romantics to its intimate streets and canals; the graceful ambience of its ancient buildings provides the perfect backdrop for a special weekend away.
Climate
Bruges enjoys a temperate maritime climate with more consistent temperatures than in other parts of Belgium. Rainfall is common throughout the year and the winter and spring months are the wettest. Summer weather in Bruges is mostly dry with mild to warm temperatures. Travelers should be aware of the possibility of rain, regardless of the season. Average summer highs hover around 26°C (79°F) and July and August are usually the hottest months in Bruges making it the best time of year to visit. The average temperature during the winter months is 9°C (48°F) and heavy rainfall is not uncommon in January and February with frequent fog.
Ghent
Ghent is an old medieval city that has long been overshadowed by Bruges, but holds many attractions for the visitor and has the advantage of having far fewer tourists. It was once the heart of the cloth trade and the largest medieval city in Europe after Paris. Today the old center has many historic buildings including St Bavo's Cathedral, the Castle of the Counts, a turreted castle with a moat, a bell tower for great views, the Town Hall and the 15th-century Cloth Hall.
Brussels
Home of the European Union, Brussels has become a bustling center for bureaucrats and businessmen and is a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis. The buildings in the city are a fascinating mix of architectural styles, and there are numerous museums of interest throughout. Within the 14th-century city walls is the compact center of the old city with the beautiful Grand Place at its heart. Visitors rarely stray beyond the walls of the 'petit ring' of the city center, clearly defined from the newer glitzy quarters by its narrow maze of streets. This is where the key sights can be enjoyed, together with the best bars and restaurants.
Visitors can experience the beauty of the art and architecture, marvel at the bizarre sight of the Mannekin-Pis statue, and spend time shopping for traditional souvenirs such as Belgian chocolate and lace. The National Opera House and many other theaters host a variety of events and concerts for those wanting some high culture, and there are plenty of restaurants offering gastronomic delights. These outings can be rounded off by a drink or two in any one of the lively bars located near the Grand Place.
Vibrant and energetic, Brussels is a city of museums and architecture among Europe's finest, a shopper's fantasy and a diner's capital.
Antwerp
Antwerp has shrugged off its reputation as a purely industrial port city and is now known for its energetic nightlife with an active cultural scene. It has a dense concentration of things to see. Among the beautifully preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture are many churches, museums and galleries. The work of the local sculptor, Peter Paul Reubens, surfaces all over the city, most notably at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. At the center of the city is the Grote Markt with the baroque Brabo Fountain in the middle. There are countless shopping opportunities and trendy bars and nightclubs around the city for the fashion-conscious and young at heart.
Climate
The climate in Antwerp is distinctly maritime, with the weather conditions generally being quite mild. There is a chance of sunny, grey or rainy days year-round in Antwerp, regardless of season. July and August are usually the warmest months in Antwerp but are also the wettest. The most pleasant time to visit Antwerp is probably in April or May.
Bruges
Bruges has the distinction of being Europe's best-preserved medieval city and Belgium's most popular tourist destination, a veritable 13th-century 'open air museum'. It is a small town with lots of character and charm, with cobbled streets and a maze of waterways inviting exploration by foot, horse-drawn carriage or canal boat. For a spectacular view over the red tiled roofs the more energetic can climb the 366 stairs of the central bell tower (belfort). The winding streets are lined with gorgeous buildings and churches and among them are a collection of museums housing some of the country's finest art, notably the Stadhuis and the Groeninge Museum. A must-see for visitors to Europe, the entire historic center has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bruges is also known also as the 'Venice of the North' and as such attracts many romantics to its intimate streets and canals; the graceful ambience of its ancient buildings provides the perfect backdrop for a special weekend away.
Climate
Bruges enjoys a temperate maritime climate with more consistent temperatures than in other parts of Belgium. Rainfall is common throughout the year and the winter and spring months are the wettest. Summer weather in Bruges is mostly dry with mild to warm temperatures. Travelers should be aware of the possibility of rain, regardless of the season. Average summer highs hover around 26°C (79°F) and July and August are usually the hottest months in Bruges making it the best time of year to visit. The average temperature during the winter months is 9°C (48°F) and heavy rainfall is not uncommon in January and February with frequent fog.
Ghent
Ghent is an old medieval city that has long been overshadowed by Bruges, but holds many attractions for the visitor and has the advantage of having far fewer tourists. It was once the heart of the cloth trade and the largest medieval city in Europe after Paris. Today the old center has many historic buildings including St Bavo's Cathedral, the Castle of the Counts, a turreted castle with a moat, a bell tower for great views, the Town Hall and the 15th-century Cloth Hall.
Brussels
Home of the European Union, Brussels has become a bustling center for bureaucrats and businessmen and is a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis. The buildings in the city are a fascinating mix of architectural styles, and there are numerous museums of interest throughout. Within the 14th-century city walls is the compact center of the old city with the beautiful Grand Place at its heart. Visitors rarely stray beyond the walls of the 'petit ring' of the city center, clearly defined from the newer glitzy quarters by its narrow maze of streets. This is where the key sights can be enjoyed, together with the best bars and restaurants.
Visitors can experience the beauty of the art and architecture, marvel at the bizarre sight of the Mannekin-Pis statue, and spend time shopping for traditional souvenirs such as Belgian chocolate and lace. The National Opera House and many other theaters host a variety of events and concerts for those wanting some high culture, and there are plenty of restaurants offering gastronomic delights. These outings can be rounded off by a drink or two in any one of the lively bars located near the Grand Place.
Vibrant and energetic, Brussels is a city of museums and architecture among Europe's finest, a shopper's fantasy and a diner's capital.
Antwerp
Antwerp has shrugged off its reputation as a purely industrial port city and is now known for its energetic nightlife with an active cultural scene. It has a dense concentration of things to see. Among the beautifully preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture are many churches, museums and galleries. The work of the local sculptor, Peter Paul Reubens, surfaces all over the city, most notably at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. At the center of the city is the Grote Markt with the baroque Brabo Fountain in the middle. There are countless shopping opportunities and trendy bars and nightclubs around the city for the fashion-conscious and young at heart.
Climate
The climate in Antwerp is distinctly maritime, with the weather conditions generally being quite mild. There is a chance of sunny, grey or rainy days year-round in Antwerp, regardless of season. July and August are usually the warmest months in Antwerp but are also the wettest. The most pleasant time to visit Antwerp is probably in April or May.
Bruges
Bruges has the distinction of being Europe's best-preserved medieval city and Belgium's most popular tourist destination, a veritable 13th-century 'open air museum'. It is a small town with lots of character and charm, with cobbled streets and a maze of waterways inviting exploration by foot, horse-drawn carriage or canal boat. For a spectacular view over the red tiled roofs the more energetic can climb the 366 stairs of the central bell tower (belfort). The winding streets are lined with gorgeous buildings and churches and among them are a collection of museums housing some of the country's finest art, notably the Stadhuis and the Groeninge Museum. A must-see for visitors to Europe, the entire historic center has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bruges is also known also as the 'Venice of the North' and as such attracts many romantics to its intimate streets and canals; the graceful ambience of its ancient buildings provides the perfect backdrop for a special weekend away.
Climate
Bruges enjoys a temperate maritime climate with more consistent temperatures than in other parts of Belgium. Rainfall is common throughout the year and the winter and spring months are the wettest. Summer weather in Bruges is mostly dry with mild to warm temperatures. Travelers should be aware of the possibility of rain, regardless of the season. Average summer highs hover around 26°C (79°F) and July and August are usually the hottest months in Bruges making it the best time of year to visit. The average temperature during the winter months is 9°C (48°F) and heavy rainfall is not uncommon in January and February with frequent fog.
Ghent
Ghent is an old medieval city that has long been overshadowed by Bruges, but holds many attractions for the visitor and has the advantage of having far fewer tourists. It was once the heart of the cloth trade and the largest medieval city in Europe after Paris. Today the old center has many historic buildings including St Bavo's Cathedral, the Castle of the Counts, a turreted castle with a moat, a bell tower for great views, the Town Hall and the 15th-century Cloth Hall.
Brussels
Home of the European Union, Brussels has become a bustling center for bureaucrats and businessmen and is a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis. The buildings in the city are a fascinating mix of architectural styles, and there are numerous museums of interest throughout. Within the 14th-century city walls is the compact center of the old city with the beautiful Grand Place at its heart. Visitors rarely stray beyond the walls of the 'petit ring' of the city center, clearly defined from the newer glitzy quarters by its narrow maze of streets. This is where the key sights can be enjoyed, together with the best bars and restaurants.
Visitors can experience the beauty of the art and architecture, marvel at the bizarre sight of the Mannekin-Pis statue, and spend time shopping for traditional souvenirs such as Belgian chocolate and lace. The National Opera House and many other theaters host a variety of events and concerts for those wanting some high culture, and there are plenty of restaurants offering gastronomic delights. These outings can be rounded off by a drink or two in any one of the lively bars located near the Grand Place.
Vibrant and energetic, Brussels is a city of museums and architecture among Europe's finest, a shopper's fantasy and a diner's capital.
Antwerp
Antwerp has shrugged off its reputation as a purely industrial port city and is now known for its energetic nightlife with an active cultural scene. It has a dense concentration of things to see. Among the beautifully preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture are many churches, museums and galleries. The work of the local sculptor, Peter Paul Reubens, surfaces all over the city, most notably at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. At the center of the city is the Grote Markt with the baroque Brabo Fountain in the middle. There are countless shopping opportunities and trendy bars and nightclubs around the city for the fashion-conscious and young at heart.
Climate
The climate in Antwerp is distinctly maritime, with the weather conditions generally being quite mild. There is a chance of sunny, grey or rainy days year-round in Antwerp, regardless of season. July and August are usually the warmest months in Antwerp but are also the wettest. The most pleasant time to visit Antwerp is probably in April or May.
Bruges
Bruges has the distinction of being Europe's best-preserved medieval city and Belgium's most popular tourist destination, a veritable 13th-century 'open air museum'. It is a small town with lots of character and charm, with cobbled streets and a maze of waterways inviting exploration by foot, horse-drawn carriage or canal boat. For a spectacular view over the red tiled roofs the more energetic can climb the 366 stairs of the central bell tower (belfort). The winding streets are lined with gorgeous buildings and churches and among them are a collection of museums housing some of the country's finest art, notably the Stadhuis and the Groeninge Museum. A must-see for visitors to Europe, the entire historic center has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bruges is also known also as the 'Venice of the North' and as such attracts many romantics to its intimate streets and canals; the graceful ambience of its ancient buildings provides the perfect backdrop for a special weekend away.
Climate
Bruges enjoys a temperate maritime climate with more consistent temperatures than in other parts of Belgium. Rainfall is common throughout the year and the winter and spring months are the wettest. Summer weather in Bruges is mostly dry with mild to warm temperatures. Travelers should be aware of the possibility of rain, regardless of the season. Average summer highs hover around 26°C (79°F) and July and August are usually the hottest months in Bruges making it the best time of year to visit. The average temperature during the winter months is 9°C (48°F) and heavy rainfall is not uncommon in January and February with frequent fog.
Ghent
Ghent is an old medieval city that has long been overshadowed by Bruges, but holds many attractions for the visitor and has the advantage of having far fewer tourists. It was once the heart of the cloth trade and the largest medieval city in Europe after Paris. Today the old center has many historic buildings including St Bavo's Cathedral, the Castle of the Counts, a turreted castle with a moat, a bell tower for great views, the Town Hall and the 15th-century Cloth Hall.
PlanetWare.com Travel Guides
- Belgium: Belgium | Belgium Hotels | Belgium Attractions
- Brussels: Brussels | Brussels Hotels | Brussels Attractions
- Antwerp: Antwerp | Antwerp Hotels | Antwerp Attractions
- Bruges: Bruges | Bruges Hotels | Bruges Attractions
