Belgium is a small European country, but it has extensive attractions and activities to delight a couple on vacation, especially a couple with a good appetite. Below, find my personal list of top Belgian attractions and activities for lovers.
01
from 10
Stroll around the Grand Place in Brussels
Direction
1000 Brussels, BelgiumGet directions
Telephone
+32 2 513 89 40
Web
Visit the website
Brussels’ central square, the cobbled Grand Place, is lined with ornate Gothic and Baroque structures that centuries ago housed members of Belgium’s powerful guilds.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Place is a must see for photo-takers. Some buildings are decorated with gold leaf; they all surround you with a sense of the ancient city. Although you may be tempted to walk into one of its many pretty street-level cafes, be aware that some of them are simply tourist traps where the food is, in a word, bad.
02
from 10
Showcase in the Royal St. Hubert Galleries
Direction
Koningsgalerij 5, 1000 Brussels, BelgiumGet directions
Telephone
+32 2 545 09 90
Web
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One of the first covered shopping areas in Europe, Galeries Royal St Hubert, showcases the best products from Belgium. There is a lace shop, a Delvaux store that has high-end leather handbags, toy and shoe stores, and jewelry stores. But the category you will see the most in this strip of skylit is the chocolatiers, the pride of Brussels. Neuhaus and Corné are among the brands that cause window shoppers to salivate and revel in the taste of bliss.
03
from 10
Taste the beer
Direction
56, Grasmarkt Straat, 1000 Brussels, BelgiumGet directions
Telephone
+32 2 502 19 06
Web
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Belgium is justifiably proud of its world-class beer production and encourages visitors to sample a variety on their visit. I heard that the number of unique beers in Belgium ranges from 400-500 for standard beers and over 8,000 for specialty drinks. Therefore, you are likely to find several to please your taste buds. (Especially if you pair them with thick Belgian fries.) In a store in the Galleries St. Hubert in Brussels called Bier Tempel, you can choose from hundreds in stock. They include this spicy game of a steam brewery.
04
from 10
Make time for Magritte
Direction
Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Brussels, BélgicaGet directions
Telephone
+32 2 508 32 11
Web
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The Magritte Museum in Brussels houses the largest collection of works by the famous surrealist painter. From the outside of the trompe l’oeil building to its mind-blowing display of paintings by the renowned Belgian artist, couples will be entertained and intrigued by what they see.
Continue to 5 of 10 below.
05
out of 10
Learn how to make chocolate truffles
Direction
Belgium, Lombardstraat 28B, 1000 Brussels, BelgiumGet directions
Telephone
+32 2 512 34 00
Web
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You know how to eat them. But would you like to know how to do them? You can register for the workshop at Mary Chocolatier in Brussels. During a two-hour morning or afternoon session, you’ll get a 45-minute overview of the history of chocolate and learn how the company makes its artisan brand. And then you can test your skill on the skill that Lucy and Ethel eluded. Click on the link to make an online reservation.
06
from 10
Go Antiquing in the Sablon market
Direction
Place du Grand Sablon, 1000 Brussels, BélgicaGet directions
Telephone
+32 475 44 36 19
Web
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On Sundays, it is one of the oldest in Europe. You are likely to see many antique silver pieces, jewelry, Art Deco pieces, and less expensive items that are easy to take home such as prints, corkscrews and kitchenware, lace handkerchiefs, and other collectibles.
07
from 10
Visit the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula
Direction
Sinter-Goedeleplein, 1000 Brussels, BelgiumGet directions
You don’t have to be religious or even spiritual to be impressed by the size and beauty of the Brussels Cathedral. From its high vaulted ceilings to its magnificent pipe organ and its hand-carved wooden confessions and intricate stained glass windows, the cathedral impresses and inspires.
08
from 10
Enjoy a gourmet meal
Direction
Rue du Fossé aux Loups 47, 1000 Brussels, BélgicaGet directions
Telephone
+32 2 212 08 00
Web
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Chef Yves Mattagne consistently earns two Michelin stars for fine dining at his Sea Grill restaurant within the Radisson Blu hotel . Although the restaurant’s decor needs an update, the food is modern and inspired. We were particularly impressed with the Belgian caviar served with fresh cream and a perfectly formed waffle sprinkled with nori.
Continue to 9 of 10 below.
09
out of 10
Staying in a wonderful place
Direction
Rue de l’Amigo, 1000 Brussels, BelgiumGet directions
Telephone
+32 2 547 47 47
Web
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Why dampen a visit to Brussels by sleeping in a mediocre chain hotel when you can enjoy truly beautiful surroundings, where the service is excellent and the rooms so alluring that you won’t want to leave every morning? Big travelers and big spenders opt for the penthouse at the Hotel Amigo , which overlooks the Grand Place and offers one of the best views of Brussels. Two other recommended hotels are the elegant The Dominican and the elegant Sofitel Brussels Europe .
10
from 10
Explore beyond Brussels
Most travelers agree that old Bruges , with its picturesque canals, cobbled streets, human-scale buildings (some are over 500 years old), and horse-drawn carriages is the most romantic place in all of Belgium. And it’s just a short train ride from Brussels. Couples who want to experience more of the country’s historic landscapes in an even more low-key location should put Ghent on their itinerary. And if your eyes sparkle at the thought of diamonds, you must visit Antwerp, one of the largest jewelry centers in the world.
