4 Star Places To Visit in Flanders, Belgium (50)

1. 4.5 Antwerpen-Centraal (8.420 reviews)
   - Unique Station
   Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings
   
   
   Leopold II had this unusual rail station built as a neo-Baroque monument to the railway age in 1905. See more..
   
2. 4.5 Belfort (7.946 reviews)
   - Iconic medieval bell tower... don't shy away from the climb!
   Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers
   
   
   The most important of Bruges' towers stands 83 metres tall. It houses, amongst other things, a carillon with 47 melodious bells. In the reception area, waiting visitors can discover all kinds of interesting information about the history and working of this unique world-heritage protected belfry. Those who take on the challenge of climbing the tower can pause for a breather on the way up in the old treasury, where the city's charters, seal and public funds were kept during the Middle Ages, and also at the level of the impressive clock or in the carillonneur's chamber. Finally, after a tiring 366 steps, your efforts will be rewarded with a breath-taking and unforgettable panoramic view of Bruges and her surroundings. See more..
   
3. 4.5 The Markt (6.160 reviews) from $20.34
   - Central of town really lively
   Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   This is the centre of bruge, it is lined with bars and restaurants, although you will pay more for the food and beer in these places. I paid between 7-9€for a pint of beer in these bars. But it is worth stopping her for the Atmosphere. There is horses and carts here that will take you on a tour of bruge, but I’m not sure on the price. Also Situated here is the bell tower, that is definitely worth a visit up to the top, I think it was 14€ and it’s quite steep towards the top. Great view at night. At Christmas they have a central market there with maybe 20 Christmas stalls and also a big drinking tent . This all closes at 23:00 See more..
   
4. 4.5 De Halve Maan Brewery (6.009 reviews)
   - Simply delightful
   Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries
   
   
   A must visit for anyone looking to get the best Bruges beer experience. Fully recommend the cafe next to the brewery it's tremendous value for freshly brewed Zot and Straffe Hendrick. You won't regret a visit See more..
   
5. 4.5 Ghent City Center (5.491 reviews)
   - Beautiful Architecture
   Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
   
   
   Myself and my other half were lucky enough to walk around the city at the start of December, unfortunately before the market opened but we enjoyed it nonetheless. A very picturesque city, you can enjoy the different variations of architecture, from Medieval, Gothic, through to modern. There is plenty to see and we saw it during the day and night. At night it was fairly busy and we took in some lovely sights and sampled a couple of the pubs, restaurants and bars. we had a great time wandering around and i would definitely recommend it as a day trip visit or mini weekend break. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Gravensteen (5.237 reviews)
   - Take a self-guided tour
   Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:15 PM Castles • History Museums
   
   
   The only surviving "castle of the count." See more..
   
7. 4.5 Basilica of the Holy Blood (5.122 reviews)
   - Worth a visit
   Wednesday: 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..
   
8. 4.5 The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde (3.898 reviews)
   - A pleasant detour rather than a destination
   Wednesday: 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..
   
9. 4.5 Burg Square (3.806 reviews)
   - Important sightseeing at Burg Square
   Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   Burg Square is a major point of interest in the Historic Centre of Bruges. Here you find three attractions that many consider must-see sightseeing in the city. These include the Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed (Basilica of the Holy Blood) which is free to enter as well as Stadhuis and Brugse Vrije which you can visit with a combined ticket (€7 per adult). Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed (Basilica of the Holy Blood) has separate morning and afternoon opening times so best to plan sightseeing around Burg starting with this attraction. You can enter Stadhuis and Brugse Vrije anytime between 9.30am to 5pm daily. In addition to the delightful and highly decorated interiors you will see within these three places, it is well worth spending time to enjoy their exquisite exteriors as well. Note: During December, you will also find the weekly Farmer's Market, usually located at nearby Grote Markt moved over to Burg Square due to the annual Christmas Market being setup there. See more..
   
10. 4.0 Historium Brugge (3.784 reviews) from $10.71
    - A great interactive museum to visit
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    Travel back in time to the Middle Ages! The Historium – Bruges’ most visited attraction – lets you step back in time. You can see how lively Bruges was during the Golden Age in various ways. In the Historium Story you follow the love story of Jacob, Jan van Eyck’s apprentice, as you wander through this spectacular attraction with film, backdrops and special effects. In the Historium Exhibition you will find additional information about Medieval Bruges or you can get started on the Family Trail. Go back to the year 1435 in the Historium Virtual Reality and sail virtually into the port of Bruges! You will see how the Waterhalle and Belfort tower were in the past and can fly from the Market Square to the former St. Donatian’s Cathedral. NEW: you can now climb the Historium Tower for an impressive 360° view of the Market Square and the Belfry. The activities are available in 10 different languages. Open daily from 10h am – 6h pm (tickets until 5h pm). See more..
    
11. 4.5 In Flanders Fields Museum (3.642 reviews)
    - Historical and interesting museum
    Wednesday: 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..
    
12. 4.5 Minnewater Lake (3.608 reviews)
    - More than a legendary love story
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water
    
    
    Looking for a scenic place to take a romantic daytime or evening stroll? Minnewater Lake offers urban nature lovers a perfect setting regardless of the season or time of year. See more..
    
13. 4.5 MAS - Museum aan de Stroom (3.540 reviews)
    - Museum and viewpoint
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    We visited this place on June 23th. This museum does not have a dedicated parking. You have to park your car on one of the surrounding streets (very expensive). You have three options: the viewpoint is free, the museum and the temporay exhibition. You can also ask for a combined ticket for the museum and the temporay exhibition. Most people will use the escalator to see the differant parts of the musuem. The elevator can only be operated by a staff member. Every floor has a different theme; Colourful rituals, About cities and food, About the port, people and cargo, Of Gods and mankind, .. You will get a bracelet, so you can re enter when you want to take a bite or drink. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Cathedral of Our Lady (3.531 reviews)
    - Well worth the time!
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    The imposing cathedral is under some external renovation but is well worth the visit because of its vast treasures and rich history. There is an entrance fee into the church, a shop and a small cafe, part of the commercialisation to help maintain the place. This late Gothic style of architecture has the tallest 123-metre tower, which dominates the skyline. The Ruben paintings add to the site's mystique, with its crypt, two impressive organs and numerous chapels and carvings with biblical themes, some having been brought from other parts of the country. It is a functioning church with services advertised within the building. See more..
    
15. 4.5 Grote Markt (3.303 reviews)
    - Showing the greatness of 16th century Antwerp
    Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
    
    
    Antwerp's "Great Market" square is a popular attraction in the heart of the old city. See more..
    
16. 4.5 St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) (3.286 reviews)
    - Do Augmented Reality Tour & See Adoration Masterpiece from 1430's
    Wednesday: 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..
    
17. 4.0 Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (2.432 reviews)
    - Another towering beaut
    Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    The 115 metres high brick tower of the Church of Our Lady is a perfect illustration of the craftsmanship of Bruges' artisans. The church displays a valuable art collection: Michelangelo's world-famous Madonna and Child, countless paintings, 13th-century painted sepulchres and the tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold. See more..
    
18. 4.5 Graslei 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..
    
19. 4.5 Rubens House (Rubenshuis) (2.413 reviews)
    - Excellent visit!
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    We had a few hours spare and went along to the Rubens House Museum; we were lucky it wasn't that busy and we purchased tickets and an audio system. Be warned you have to lock your handbag/bags in a locker as they are not allowed inside! However the experience was good and well worth the entrance fee, you could walk at your own pace and listen to the commentary on marked numbered exhibits! The paintings were impressive and learning something about the life and times of Rubens and his contemporaries was very interesting. The gardens were also lovely to wander in, alongside the architecture! See more..
    
20. 4.0 ZOO Antwerpen (Dierentuin) (2.401 reviews)
    - One of the best Zoos
    Spent More than 3 hours Zoos • Aquariums • Playgrounds
    
    
    Large, well-defined zoo which houses a variety of species from giraffes to fish. See more..
    
21. 4.0 Bruges Beer Experience (Bruges Beer Museum) (1.839 reviews) from $13.13
    - 5 days away
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    At the Bruges Beer Experience you discover the most fascinating aspects of beer in a fun and innovative way. The iPad Mini takes you deep into the rich world of beer... You learn about the history of beer, from its beginnings until the present day, beer in Bruges, Trappist beers, beer types and brewing processes. You can taste, smell and feel every beer ingredient. Which of their properties are beneficial to our health? You interactively learn what role women played in the world of beer, how to combine a gastronomic dish with the right beer and what the history of beer is in your country. After the museum visit you get to taste the different beer types and styles. The price of admission includes a tasting of 15cl of three beers of your choice. See more..
    
22. 4.5 Groeningemuseum (1.698 reviews)
    - Flemish Art Through The Ages
    Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums
    
    
    The Groeninge Museum provides a varied overview of the history of Belgian visual art, with as highlight the world-renowned Flemish primitives. In this museum you can see, amongst other masterpieces, The Virgin and Child with Canon Van der Paele by Jan van Eyck and the Moreel Triptych by Hans Memling. You will also marvel at the top 18th and 19th-century neoclassical pieces, masterpieces of Flemish Expressionism and post-war modern art. See more..
    
23. 4.5 St Michael's Bridge (1.638 reviews)
    - Ideal spot for photography
    Historic Walking Areas • Bridges
    
    
    The location of this bridge is so good that one can get an overview of Ghent’s historic city centre by just standing here and looking all around. This is also the right place for a keen photographer because of the stunning view from here. One can see the river, the old guild houses along Graslei & Korenlei, the churches, the three towers and more. Fully accessible by wheelchair, this is a must visit attraction of Ghent and not to be missed by any visitor to this beautiful town. See more..
    
24. 4.5 Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery (1.617 reviews)
    - The local beer is here!
    Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Breweries
    
    
    After nearly 60 years, Bourgogne des Flandres has returned to the inner city of Bruges with its own brewery. Explore the brewery and breathe in the smell of malt and fresh hops in the loft. See how the beer is brewed with your own eyes! During the visit you will find out more about hops and the brewing process, learn how to tap beer digitally and/or take a bottle with your picture home! Of course, at the end of the tour you will get a free Bourgogne des Flandres and enjoy a wonderful view of the Bruges canals … See more..
    
25. 4.5 De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery (1.559 reviews)
    - Fantastic Interactive Multimedia Tour
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries
    
    
    Eager to visit a real Antwerp icon? Then it’s time you experience our brand new brewery tour! Get fully immersed in the world of City Brewery De Koninck and discover all of our beer secrets. The 4-meter high bridge in our brewery hall is globally unique! End your visit by drinking the best draft ‘bolleke’ beer in the world. It’s going to be fascinating, fun and delicious! See more..
    
26. 4.0 Plopsaland De Panne (1.486 reviews)
    - Amazing- but soooo expensive for food and drink.
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
    
    
    Come celebrating with us, and enjoy even more live shows, even more Meet & Greets and even more animations. And don't forget the more than 50 enchanting outdoor and indoor attractions, including the brand-new DinoSplash! There's something for everyone! The little ones can enjoy their favourite outdoor attractions or the fully enclosed Mayaland. A spectacular Bumba or Maya Show in the Plopsa Theatre is the highlight of the day. Those who love a challenge can dare to go on an adventurous ride on the brand-new DinoSplash, through a prehistoric landscape with lifelike, moving dinosaurs and swirling volcanoes. In need of even more thrills? Whizz along the rails of the wooden Heidi The Ride rollercoaster at over 70 km/h, zoom from 0 to 90 km/h in only 2 seconds as you ride the spectacular Anubis The Ride, drop down 30 meters into the water with the SuperSplash or dare the rocks of the Big Wave. See more..
    
27. 4.5 Torture Museum Oude Steen (1.478 reviews)
    - Well worth visiting
    Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Torture Museum the "Old Stone" is one of the oldest prisons in Europe restored into a museum offering the visitor an impressive collection of artifacts and dramatic, life realistic wax figures which will give the visitor an unforgettable impression on a controversial system of torture where the end, Justice, justified the means. See more..
    
28. 4.5 Museum Plantin-Moretus (1.376 reviews)
    - As a letterpress printer I am biased, but...
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Walk into the printing press and the Plantin-Moretus family home as though you were a family friend paying a visit 400 years ago. Explore the house, the garden and the press in the only museum in the world on the UNESCO World Heritage list. - the two oldest printing presses in the world and more than 20.000 lead letters - 30.000 old books, illustrated manuscripts and other treasures of European printing - a beautiful baroque garden hidden within the walls of the museum See more..
    
29. 4.5 Atlantikwall Raversyde (1.334 reviews)
    - Don’t miss this museum
    Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • History Museums
    
    
    A WALK TROUGH BOTH WORLD WARS The over 60 bunkers, observation posts and artillery positions and the open or subterranean corridors consitute one of the best preserved parts of the infamous German Atlantikwall. This defence line was built during the Second World War (Battery Saltzwedel-neu). At Atlantikwall Raversyde you can find the only preserved German coastal battery dating from the First World War, the Aachen Battery. This unique bunker complex dating from the First World War is located in a hilly dune area overlooking the sea and was awarded a European Heritage Award in 2022. The photo exhibition ‘Atlantic Wall’ by Stephan Vanfleteren belongs to the permanent collection on the site. You can admire his beautiful photographic images. Be sure to also pick up the 75-meter-long coastal panorama, with razor-sharp photos from 1945. See more..
    
30. 4.5 Town Hall (Stadhuis) (1.324 reviews)
    - Worth a visit
    Wednesday: 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..
    
31. 4.5 Belfry and Cloth Hall (Belfort en Lakenhalle) (1.320 reviews)
    - Views of the city from the clouds!!
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers
    
    
    This municipal tower was a symbol of the city's autonomy, begun in 1313 and completed in 1380. See more..
    
32. 4.0 The Kusttram (1.270 reviews)
    - RIde on time
    Trams
    
    
    The Kusttram runs from De Panne to Knokke. I visited in January 2023 and there was a service every 15 minutes which is quite impressive for an off peak service. There are lots of stops along the way and trams are clean and bright. You have to buy a ticket before you get on from the stops and can pay buy card to ride. You can get a one way ticket or a day ticket which are really reasonably priced. It's a great way to travel along the coast of Belgium. See more..
    
33. 4.0 Meir (1.267 reviews)
    - Nice, pedestrianised shopping street
    Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods • Scenic Walking Areas
    
    
    This is a great street! You can walk fairly freely from the fear of being run over by a car. There is some traffic, so you need to be careful, but it's mostly pedestrians who rule in this street. There are numerous shops of every description in this street. It's like a huge a shopping mall. Into one shop, out of another and back into another.... Fashion shops, cafes, restaurants, tourist shops, electronics shops, offices, just about anything, it's all here. And it is quite pleasant, as long as you want to make it so. See more..
    
34. 4.5 Stadhuis (1.262 reviews)
    - Remarkable Gothic Hall at Stadhuis
    Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings
    
    
    Bruges' City Hall (1376) is one of the oldest in the Low Countries. It is from here that the city has been governed for more than 600 years. An absolute masterpiece is the Gothic Hall, with its late 19th-century murals and polychrome vault. The adjoining historic hall calls up the city council's history with a number of authentic documents and works of art. A multimedia exhibition on the ground floor illustrates the evolution of the Burg Square. See more..
    
35. 4.0 Bellewaerde Park (1.246 reviews)
    - Bellewaerde Park
    Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Zoos
    
    
    Bellewaerde - that's three trips in one day! Where can you go for a fun day out for the whole family? Bellewaerde, of course! Enjoy thrilling rides, marvel at exotic animals and relax in stunningly beautiful surroundings: Bellewaerde has it all! See more..
    
36. 4.5 Red Star Line Museum (1.191 reviews)
    - A wonderful and informative museum
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    A very cool museum to visit, especially coming in as Americans whose great-grandparents all emigrated from Europe either as children or young adults in the early 1900’s. While none of mine came through here (that I know of), more than 3 million did come through these buildings. Just being inside and thinking about the sheer number of people through here leaving the old country for the US is a little chilling. How many dreams of a fresh start in a new place stood right where we stood? The museum walks you through the process that all these emigrants would have gone through just to be able to get on the ships to take them across the Atlantic. Some amazing artifacts and stories. Absolutely worth a couple of hours for us to come here. See more..
    
37. 4.5 Groot Begijnhof (1.153 reviews)
    - The jewels of Leuven
    Wednesday: 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..
    
38. 4.5 ZOO Planckendael (1.119 reviews)
    - Animals kept in spacious conditions
    Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos • Parks
    
    
    I have not been to Planckendael since it was closed for Covid but I have been there many times previously. The Zoo is set in an extensive rural setting and the animals are divided by "continents". They are kept in spacious enclosures and there is quite a lot of variety. Parking is good and the restaurants are acceptable. I am obliged to choose "September 2020" as the date of my visit but clearly this was not the case as the zoo was closed to the public for Covid measures. My last of many visits was November 2019. See more..
    
39. 4.5 Market Square (945 reviews)
    - Beautiful square with a great Saturday market
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    Beautiful city, very atmospheric. We felt welcomed wherever we visited and will visit again. The square is both a meeting point and focal point en route to the Menin Gate. Wonderfully rebuilt after the First World War. See more..
    
40. 4.5 St. Anna's Tunnel / Pedestrians' Tunnel (936 reviews)
    - Fascinating, not to be missed
    Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    This tunnel should be on be on the list of must sees for everyone who visits Antwerp. Dating back to the 1930's it is quite elegant with the Art Deco buildings, the wooden escalators and the large lift. It is very neat, clean and tidy, safe and very well used. There are also lovely views of the city from the opposite bank. See more..
    
41. 4.5 Town Hall (Stadhuis) (885 reviews)
    - Beautiful 16th-century Town Hall building at Grote Markt
    Wednesday: 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..
    
42. 4.5 St. Rumbold's Cathedral (853 reviews)
    - Incredible beauty, history and views
    Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    St Rumbolds Catherdral is so impressive and a true feast for the eyes. We loved that there was a small art exhibition on at the time to explore. We also decided to go up the tower - I would definitely recommend this as the views were incredible. The journey up was eased by a few stops to explore the history and artefacts of the cathedral which added interest to the experience. See more..
    
43. 4.5 Old Market Square (849 reviews)
    - Fun location
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    The liveliest square in the heart of Leuven. During the day, you can enjoy some drinks on one of the many terraces. At evening, the ideal place the have a dinner or a drink to unwind after a tiring day. The longest bar in Europe with over 30 bars and restaurants. Also the place for a lot of (musical) events during the year. See more..
    
44. 4.0 Maasmechelen Village (803 reviews)
    - Not what I expected it to be "Sadly"
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Shopping Malls
    
    
    Located at the crossroads of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, Maasmechelen Village is home to more than 100 boutiques of world-leading brands… on sale, all year round. Shop Lacoste, Fossil, Garcia and many more luxury fashion and lifestyle boutiques. Discover the best of Belgium at Le Petit Belge or sample sweet treats under an autumnal sky at Neuhaus and What a Waffle, and enjoy fresh air, fresh fashion and signature Belgian hospitality. Open seven days a week, the Village offers an array of personalised services, including a multilingual Concierge, Personal Shopping and complimentary Wi-Fi. Less than 90 minutes by car from Antwerp, Brussels and Cologne, there’s also ample free parking. Maasmechelen Village is a member of The Bicester Village Shopping Collection. MaasmechelenVillage.com See more..
    
45. 4.0 Saint Nicholas Church (803 reviews)
    - Massive supporting columns
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    The church construction began in the 13th century and completed in the 14th. The building has some of the biggest, most massive interior columns of any church we visited in Europe. There are two impressive stained-glass windows. The great square bell tower is built with an open structure, making it awe-inspiring to view from the interior of the church. See more..
    
46. 4.5 Hooge Crater Museum (777 reviews)
    - Excellent WW1 Museum and Restaurant
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Full scale reconstructions of war scenes, an extended collection of weapons, war equipment and photos make this museum to a true must-see!The chapel, in which the museum is located, dates back from the early twenties. This chapel was built directly across the Hooge Crater cemetery in memory of the many fallen soldiers on the battle fields of ‘Hooge’ over a period of 4 years. Rare military clothing of the troops, that where fighting in the ‘Ypres Salient’ (Ieperboog) are exposed in glass displays. Also you can see some full scale scenes of the Great War battle fields, very authentically reproduced. The theme of the scenes is very divers: German bunkers, British trenches and full scale horses with cavalry troops on their backs. See more..
    
47. 4.5 Museum De Reede (719 reviews)
    - Great exhibition!
    Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Speciality Museums • Art Museums
    
    
    A very magnetic exposition! I particularly liked the litographies of Goya, Munch and Rops in sequence. You can appreciate the three different styles by immersing yourself in each artist’s technique. I also liked the first room with german expressionists grouped by author again. The museum provides a paper guide that can accompany you in the interpretation of some background on the artists as well as very good pictures of the lithographies. I would highly recommend it if you want to spend a nice hour and discover some of the caprichos of these famous artists! See more..
    
48. 4.0 vzw Het Domein Bokrijk (698 reviews)
    - Must see!
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
    
    
    Are you curious about where our current customs and traditions stem from? At the Bokrijk Open-Air Museum, you will discover how the past is inspiring our future! Come to Bokrijk and immerse yourself in the story of craftsmanship and admire our demonstrations or even roll up your sleeves and join in one of our fascinating workshops. From 6 April 2019, the Bokrijk Open-Air Museum offers you the opportunity to step into 'The World of Bruegel'. Imagine yourself actually being in scene depicted in one of the paintings you will see on the inspiring Bruegel Trail, and discover how relative his work remains today. Besides offering the art of baking bread and the history of textiles, we will also tell you all about brewing a craft beer (BKRK Beer) in our museum brewery the Paenhuys. The Open-Air Museum is located in a 550-hectare park, which is a dream environment for hikers and cyclists. Visit the Arboretum or explore the De Wijers pond area with its 'Cycling through Water’ experience. See more..
    
49. 4.5 Botanical Garden Kruidtuin (698 reviews)
    - Fabulous place to go everyday
    Gardens
    
    
    This garden deserves a daily visit while you are in Leuven. Each day something new pops up and the collection of plants is gorgeous and the garden is beautifully maintained. It is centrally located, easy to walk to from most of Leuven and open daily. I loved visiting it everyday for two weeks in February. I imagine it even more delightful in the flowering seasons. Take your children -- besides the wonderful paths to explore, there are chickens in one part of the garden and often ducks on the pond. See more..
    
50. 4.0 Japanese Tuin (645 reviews)
    - Obon Matsuri at the Japanese Garden, great summer evening!
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens
    
    
    While we have visited the Japanese Garden many times, we never visited the garden on a summer evening. However, Obon Matsuri was worth a visit. During two summer evenings in August, the Japanese Garden celebrates Obon Matsuri, which includes Tōrō Nagashi. After sunset, the garden was decorated with floating paper lanterns, turning the pond in front of the tea house into a sea of lights which was accompanied by festive Japanese music and performances. See more..