When people plan a trip to Europe, Belgium often becomes the stopover: a quick waffle between Paris and Amsterdam. That’s a mistake. This little country is packed with fairytale cities, from canal-lined medieval towns to riverside gems tucked beneath dramatic cliffs.
The best part? Belgium is small and well connected by train, so you can see several of these cities in one trip, often as easy day trips from Brussels. Here are seven that will steal your heart.
1. Bruges, the Fairytale on Water
Bruges is the city everyone pictures when they think of Belgium, and it lives up to every postcard. Its winding canals, cobbled lanes and gabled houses make it feel like a medieval storybook come to life.
Don’t miss: Climb the 366 steps of the Belfry on the Markt for sweeping views over the red rooftops, then take a canal boat ride through the old town.
Getting there: About 1 hour by train from Brussels.
Tip: Stay overnight. Once the day-trippers leave, Bruges becomes peaceful and magical, especially when the canals are lit up at night.
2. Ghent, the Underrated Rival
Ghent has all the beauty of Bruges, with fewer crowds and a lively student energy. The Graslei and Korenlei quays are lined with grand guild houses reflected in the water, and a real medieval castle sits right in the city centre.
Don’t miss: Explore Gravensteen, the 12th-century Castle of the Counts, then see the famous Ghent Altarpiece inside St Bavo’s Cathedral, one of the most important paintings in Europe.
Getting there: About 30 minutes by train from Brussels.
Tip: Walk the quays at night, when the historic buildings are beautifully lit.
3. Antwerp, the Stylish One
Antwerp is Belgium’s fashion and design capital, mixing old-world grandeur with cutting-edge cool. It’s home to one of Europe’s most beautiful train stations, a world-famous diamond district and masterpieces by the painter Peter Paul Rubens.
Don’t miss: The Cathedral of Our Lady, which holds several Rubens paintings, and the Grote Markt with its ornate guild houses.
Getting there: About 40 minutes by train from Brussels. Take time to admire Antwerp Central station when you arrive.
Tip: Browse the boutiques of the fashion district for Belgian designer labels.
4. Leuven, the Lively University Town
Leuven is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1425, which gives it a youthful, buzzing atmosphere. Its Gothic Town Hall, covered in hundreds of statues, is one of the most spectacular buildings in Belgium.
Don’t miss: The Oude Markt, a square lined almost entirely with cafés and bars, often called the longest bar in Europe.
Getting there: About 25 minutes by train from Brussels.
Tip: Leuven is the home of Stella Artois, so it’s the perfect place to try a local beer.
5. Mons, the Charming Surprise
Mons is often overlooked, which is exactly why it’s worth visiting. Its main square, the Grand-Place, is the beating heart of the city and is surrounded by elegant historic buildings.
Don’t miss: The 17th-century Baroque belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage site that you can climb, and the intricate St Waltrude’s Collegiate Church.
Getting there: About 1 hour by train from Brussels.
Tip: Look for the little brass monkey on the Town Hall facade. Locals say rubbing its head with your left hand brings good luck.
6. Dinant, the Riverside Beauty
Dinant is one of the most photogenic places in Belgium. Colourful houses line the Meuse River, an onion-domed church sits beneath a towering cliff, and a citadel watches over it all from above. It’s hard to believe that in 1914, German troops devastated the town, burning down more than a thousand houses.
Don’t miss: Take the cable car up to the Citadel for panoramic views, then wander the riverside. Dinant is also the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, so look out for saxophone sculptures around town.
Getting there: About 1.5 hours by train from Brussels, changing at Namur.
Tip: Take a boat trip on the Meuse for a different view of the cliffs and the town.
7. Durbuy, the Smallest City in the World
Nestled in the forested Ardennes, Durbuy is often called the smallest city in the world. Its historic centre has only about 400 residents, but it’s a popular spot, full of cobblestone streets and stone houses from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Don’t miss: The Topiary Park, with hundreds of hedges trimmed into whimsical shapes, from animals to famous figures.
Getting there: Take the train to Barvaux, then a short taxi or bus ride. A car makes it easier to explore the Ardennes.
Tip: Stay the night and spend the next day hiking or kayaking in the surrounding countryside.
Before You Go
Base yourself in Brussels. Most of these cities are easy day trips by train, and Belgian trains are frequent and affordable.
Book weekend train deals. Belgian Rail often offers discounted weekend return tickets.
Learn a little about the languages. Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Leuven are in Dutch-speaking Flanders, while Mons, Dinant and Durbuy are in French-speaking Wallonia.
Come hungry. Fries, waffles, chocolate and hundreds of Belgian beers are all part of the experience.
Visit in spring or December. Spring brings blooming flowers, and December brings beautiful Christmas markets.
Belgium may be small, but its cities are some of the most enchanting in Europe. Skip the rush, take the slow train, and let yourself fall in love one town at a time. 🇧🇪
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All photos from : https://matadornetwork.com/read/dreamy-cities-belgium/