The historic center of Bruges has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 thanks to its status as one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe and its enduring Gothic architecture. The Belgian city center is cited as a great example of a medieval historic settlement, even while it has evolved over the years.See more..
4.5Basilica of the Holy Blood(5.122 reviews) - Worth a visit Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
This chapel contains a phial that reputedly contains Christ's blood brought back from the Crusades.See more..
4.5The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde(3.898 reviews) - A pleasant detour rather than a destination Tuesday: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas
You're very unlikely to see a beguin walking around, and as other reviewers have said you might not get into the chapel either. The point of this isn't really to see the beguinage, it's more to walk through the park and confluence of canals and bridges around it. In Winter it's misty and atmospheric, in Summer it's warm, still lawns. We'd recommend doing this in early evening, just walk around it or sit for a while, watch the ducks and swans on the canal, and then go back around to Katelijnstraat and beyond for dinner.See more..
4.5In Flanders Fields Museum(3.642 reviews) - Historical and interesting museum Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
The Ypres region was the backdrop to on of the bloodiest battles in history, 100 years ago. Now the last witness have died too, the In Flanders Fields Museum is more than ever the gateway to the First World War in Flanders. The In Flanders Fields Museum confronts the visitor with the consequences of the Great War. Old and young are faced with life and death in the Ypres front region. The exhibition with touching video projects, unique sound fragments and the most up-to-date multimedia applications immerse you in the life at the front. each visitor also receives a poppy bracelet that enables him/her to discover four personal stories of 'Joe Public' in the Great War. By logging in you can meet your peers in the war, a century ago.See more..
4.5St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)(3.286 reviews) - Do Augmented Reality Tour & See Adoration Masterpiece from 1430's Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Religious Sites
St. Bavo Cathedral (aka (Sint-Baafskathedraal)) is free to tour. However, to view the esteemed "Adoration of the Lamb" masterpiece is 12 euros. Highly recommend doing the augmented reality tour for 16 euros which includes the high altar, the Adoration of the Lamb, and the crypts, and to understand the painting in more detail. Visited in early February. We had the painting to ourselves for over 30 minutes and had the crypts to ourselves. The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is the central panel of the groundbreaking Ghent Altarpiece completed by Jan van Eyck and his brother around 1432. Having been restored, it is far more beautiful than any photos I have seen on the web. Make sure to visit the small devotion room in the front of the church - to the far right of the altar through a little door. Plan to spend about 1.5-2.5 hours. It was empty when we visited around 2:30 pm on a weekday in early February.See more..
4.5Graslei and Korenlei(2.414 reviews) - Most picturesque spot in Ghent Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Piers & Boardwalks
Facing each other across River Leie, both Graslei and Korenlei were part of Ghent’s medieval port but are now tourist hotspots with a high concentration of cafes and restaurants. It is therefore not surprising that this is probably the most vibrant part of the city. Some of the guild houses along Graslei date back to the Middle Ages, further cementing the area’s historical significance. The views of both quays are best appreciated from the St Michael’s Bridge, where you can also capture the 4 spires dominating the city’s skyline. A lovely place to just relax and people-watch while enjoying a chocolate waffle with a local beer at one of the outdoor cafe.See more..
4.5Town Hall (Stadhuis)(1.324 reviews) - Worth a visit Tuesday: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • History Museums
The town hall is Leuven's pride and joy. Moreover, it's one of the best-known Gothic town halls worldwide. It took three architects and thirty years to build it. Leuven's 'Hall of Fame' features 235 statues, which were only added to the façade after 1850. The Saint Peter's Church is located directly opposite the Town Hall. These days the town hall merely has a ceremonial function after the city's administrative services moved in 2009. But you are very welcome to take a guided tour and/or visit the tourist information center if you have questions (situated on the side of the town hall). Daily guided tour The guide will tell you about the construction history of this Gothic gem. You will discover the story behind the 235 sculptures on the façade. Afterwards, you can visit the foyer, the large and small Gothic Hall and the council hall. Re-purposing and restauration A consultancy was appointed for the redestination of the town hall. Construction is expected to last until 2027.See more..
4.5Groot Begijnhof(1.153 reviews) - The jewels of Leuven Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
This serene area use to be the residence of beginjner now converted to be the residence of KU professors, guests and research students. The well preserved houses and garden worth a visit. The area is very quiet and nice for an evening walk. It is located 10 minutes walk from Old Town Hall. Worth a visit as it is an Unesco Heritage.See more..
4.5Town Hall (Stadhuis)(885 reviews) - Beautiful 16th-century Town Hall building at Grote Markt Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
The most impressive building at Grote Markt is Stadhuis (Town Hall), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was designed by Flemish architect Cornelis Floris de Vriendt and constructed between 1561-65. It exudes a blend of Flemish and Italian Renaissance that delightfully adorns the square. The facade is worth viewing at daytime and then again in the evening while it is lit up with lights against dark skies. For those interested in visiting the inside, the ground floor is free to enter and visit from 9am to 6pm according to the Visit Antwerp website. This is also where you can read about and register for various tours that take in other parts of the Town Hall. Seems some tours depend on the time of year.See more..
4.0C-Mine(449 reviews) - It's a must in Genk Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Mines
C-mine is a gem of industrial heritage and brings you the stories of the mine in a contemporary, creative and imaginative way. Do you want to know how dark it really was in the old coal mine or see the miners at work? Then come to C-mine expedition, where you will pay a virtual and real-life visit to the Winterslag mine.See more..
4.5Fort Breendonk(388 reviews) - One of those lifetime History moments. Do it. Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Military Bases & Facilities • History Museums
It was simply incredible. And I mean that not in a sensationalist way, just incredible in the sense of the preservation of the Fort so future generations can witness the terrible history and learn from it. It was a Nazi Concentration camp during WW2, liberated towards the end of the war. Whilst not a ‘death camp’ hundreds died here. The tour is very well done - You are given your own head set in chosen language. You set your own pace choosing the level of details to take in or listen to From the dormitories to the tunnels, bathroom facilities and more, the chilling tails and facts are humbling and chilling. It is a very, very well preserved site. Very reasonable admission price. If you don’t have a car look up the bus timetable for bus route 460 leaving from central Brussels. Runs every hour there and back, only 45 minute journey.See more..
4.5Basilique Notre-Dame De Tongres(240 reviews) - Don't miss the “Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek” (Our Lady of Tongeren Basilica) with the gold painted status of our Lady. Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
A magnificent basilica, a must see if you visit this city !. Our Lady of Tongeren “Golden” statue and the impressive organ as well as the wonderful stained glassed windows are the highlights of this wonderful church – MUST SEE IF YOU VISIT TONGERENSee more..
4.5Alden Biesen(234 reviews) - Free to wonder about Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
Alden Biesen, so much in one castle! Historical monument, tourist draw, setting for events and exhibitions, centre for European operation, congress centre, ... Alden Biesen is all of these things and more!Originally built by the Teutonic Order, it is now one of the largest castle estates of the Euregion. Young and old, small and tall, culture and nature lovers: everyone loves it here. Come visit our castle and discover all that Alden-Biesen has to offer. Alden Biesen caters to both culture and nature lovers. Discover the historic building and gardens and visit an exhibition in the moated castle. Or make the Grand Commandery your point of departure for a hearty walk or a brisk bike ride through the Haspengouw region and the Demer valley. Afterwards you can enjoy one of the many events for which the Grand Commandery sets the stage.See more..
4.0Abdij van Park(111 reviews) - A viisit to the PARCUM museum is a must Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Parks
The promise that this site and the PARCUM museum would be better starting from the end of 2018 became a reality - they currently have a nice exhibition about war & religion - a big plus of visiting the exhibition also gives a nice opportunity to see a renovated wing of the historical building- and if you would visit on Friday, Saturday or Sunday at 2PM, there is a extra opportunity to get a guided tour through the abbey.See more..
4.5Grotten Van Kanne(59 reviews) - Very good guide Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Mysterious Sites
Visited the place with small children (aged 5 and 7). Both had a great time. The guide was ably to keep the whole group attentive. Not an easy job for a tour that lasts almost 2h. Must visit when you're in the area. Prices are on the low side. Entry point is a bit hard to find, as it's a bit further from the road with just a gate. Only accept cash.See more..
