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Famous Landmarks in Belgium

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Belgium, located in the heart of Europe, is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture. From medieval towns to modern cities, Belgium offers a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary culture. Visitors flock to Belgium to explore its historic cities like Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, and Ghent, each offering a wealth of iconic landmarks, museums, and galleries. The country is also famous for its cuisine, particularly chocolate, waffles, and beer, attracting food lovers from all over the globe. As a key hub of the European Union, Belgium is known for its vibrant political and economic life, while its natural beauty, including rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque countryside, provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities.

Famous Landmarks in Belgium

Belgium’s central location and excellent transport network make it an easily accessible destination. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of Bruges, marveling at the modernity of Atomium in Brussels, or visiting battlefields from World War I, Belgium offers an enriching travel experience for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and adventurers alike.

1. Grand Place (Grote Markt)

Overview

The Grand Place in Brussels is one of the most famous and picturesque squares in the world, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by opulent guildhalls, the Town Hall, and the King’s House (Maison du Roi), the square’s history dates back to the 10th century. The architecture of the buildings reflects various styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Louis XIV. The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels, hosting numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the famous Flower Carpet event every two years.

Location

  • City: Brussels
  • Coordinates: 50.8467° N, 4.3525° E

Ticket Price

  • Entry Fee: Free to explore the square; museums and buildings around the square may have entry fees.

Nearby Airports

  • Brussels Airport (BRU): Located about 12 km from the Grand Place.

Railway Stations

  • Brussels Central Station: Only a 5-minute walk from the Grand Place, making it highly accessible by public transport.

Special Attention

Flower Carpet Event: Every two years in August, the Grand Place is adorned with a massive flower carpet made of begonias. Plan your visit during this time to witness this colorful spectacle.

2. Atomium

Overview

The Atomium is one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks, built for the 1958 Brussels World Expo. This futuristic structure represents a unit cell of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, with nine interconnected spheres. Visitors can explore the interior of the Atomium, which houses exhibitions related to science, design, and the history of the World Expo. The top sphere offers a panoramic view of Brussels, making it a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.

Location

  • City: Brussels
  • Coordinates: 50.8949° N, 4.3416° E

Ticket Price

  • Entry Fee: €16 for adults, €8.50 for children aged 12-18, and €6.50 for children aged 6-11.

Nearby Airports

  • Brussels Airport (BRU): About 13 km from Atomium.

Railway Stations

  • Brussels Nord Railway Station: Located about 5 km from the Atomium, with metro and tram connections available.

Special Attention

Illuminations: The Atomium is beautifully illuminated at night, offering a striking visual spectacle. Visiting after dark provides a completely different experience compared to the daytime.

3. Manneken Pis

Overview

Manneken Pis is one of Brussels’ most famous symbols and a beloved icon of the city. This small bronze statue, which depicts a little boy urinating into a fountain, has stood in the city since the early 17th century. Despite its size, the statue attracts thousands of tourists who come to see it in various outfits, as Manneken Pis is often dressed in costumes to mark special occasions. The nearby museum at the City Hall showcases many of his outfits, offering a deeper insight into the cultural significance of the statue.

Location

  • City: Brussels
  • Coordinates: 50.8449° N, 4.3495° E

Ticket Price

  • Entry Fee: Free to view the statue. The museum charges a small fee (around €5).

Nearby Airports

  • Brussels Airport (BRU): About 15 km from the Manneken Pis.

Railway Stations

  • Brussels Central Station: Located about 700 meters from Manneken Pis, easily accessible by walking.

Special Attention

Costume Changes: Manneken Pis is regularly dressed in different costumes throughout the year. Check ahead to see if your visit coincides with a special event or festival when he might be dressed up.

4. Bruges Historic Center

Overview

The historic center of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. With its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings, Bruges is often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” The city’s landmarks include the Belfry Tower, the Church of Our Lady, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Visitors can take boat rides through the canals, explore the bustling market square, and admire the city’s architectural beauty.

Location

  • City: Bruges
  • Coordinates: 51.2089° N, 3.2242° E

Ticket Price

  • Entry Fee: Free to explore the city. The Belfry Tower costs €12 to climb.

Nearby Airports

  • Brussels Airport (BRU): About 110 km from Bruges, easily reachable by train or bus.

Railway Stations

  • Bruges Railway Station: About a 15-minute walk from the city center, with regular connections to Brussels and other cities.

Special Attention

Canal Cruises: One of the best ways to experience Bruges is by taking a canal cruise. These operate throughout the day and offer a unique perspective of the city.

5. Belfry of Bruges

Overview

The Belfry of Bruges, also known as the Belfort, is a medieval bell tower and one of the most prominent landmarks in the city’s skyline. Standing at 83 meters tall, the tower offers a panoramic view of Bruges and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can climb 366 steps to the top of the tower and explore the history of the tower through exhibits on the lower floors. The tower once housed the city’s treasury and was an important observation point for fires and other dangers.

Location

  • City: Bruges
  • Coordinates: 51.2089° N, 3.2242° E

Ticket Price

  • Entry Fee: €12 for adults, €10 for students and seniors, free for children under 5.

Nearby Airports

  • Brussels Airport (BRU): About 110 km from the Belfry of Bruges.

Railway Stations

  • Bruges Railway Station: About 1.5 km from the Belfry, accessible by foot or bus.

Special Attention

Tower Climb: The climb to the top is steep and narrow, but the view from the top is worth the effort, offering a stunning panorama of Bruges and its surroundings.

6. Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp

Overview

The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and the largest church in Belgium. Construction of the cathedral began in 1352 and took nearly two centuries to complete. The cathedral is home to several masterpieces by the famous Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens, including “The Descent from the Cross” and “The Elevation of the Cross.” Its towering spire, which reaches 123 meters, dominates the skyline of Antwerp and is a must-visit for lovers of art and architecture.

Location

  • City: Antwerp
  • Coordinates: 51.2205° N, 4.4017° E

Ticket Price

  • Entry Fee: €6 for adults, €4 for students and seniors, free for children under 12.

Nearby Airports

  • Brussels Airport (BRU): About 44 km from Antwerp.

Railway Stations

  • Antwerp Central Station: One of the most beautiful train stations in the world, located about 1.5 km from the cathedral.

Special Attention

Rubens Artworks: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Rubens masterpieces housed inside the cathedral. These iconic paintings are highlights of the Flemish Baroque style.

7. Gravensteen Castle

Overview

Gravensteen, also known as the Castle of the Counts, is a medieval fortress located in the city of Ghent. Built in the late 12th century, the castle was once the seat of the Counts of Flanders and has served as a courthouse, prison, and mint. Today, it is a museum that showcases medieval weapons, armor, and artifacts. Visitors can explore the castle’s towers, dungeons, and battlements, which offer stunning views of Ghent’s cityscape.

Location

  • City: Ghent
  • Coordinates: 51.0563° N, 3.7214° E

Ticket Price

  • Entry Fee: €12 for adults, €7 for students, free for children under 12.

Nearby Airports

  • Brussels Airport (BRU): About 65 km from Ghent.

Railway Stations

  • Ghent Sint-Pieters Railway Station: Located about 2 km from Gravensteen, easily accessible by tram or bus.

Special Attention

Audio Tours: The castle offers an entertaining audio guide narrated by a comedian, providing an engaging way to explore the history of Gravensteen.

8. Waterloo Battlefield

Overview

The Waterloo Battlefield, located just outside Brussels, is the site of the famous Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated in 1815. The site has been preserved as a historical landmark, with a large memorial known as the Lion’s Mound marking the spot where the battle took place. Visitors can explore the battlefield, visit the nearby Wellington Museum, and climb the 226 steps to the top of the Lion’s Mound for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Location

  • City: Waterloo
  • Coordinates: 50.6806° N, 4.4121° E

Ticket Price

  • Entry Fee: €20 for adults, €12 for children.

Nearby Airports

  • Brussels Airport (BRU): About 25 km from Waterloo.

Railway Stations

  • Waterloo Railway Station: About 4 km from the battlefield, accessible by bus or taxi.

Special Attention

Battle Reenactments: Every year in June, the Battle of Waterloo is reenacted by hundreds of actors in full period costume, providing an immersive experience of this historic event.

9. Mechelen’s St. Rumbold’s Cathedral

Overview

St. Rumbold’s Cathedral in Mechelen is a towering Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline of the city. The cathedral’s belfry, standing at 97 meters, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors the chance to climb 538 steps to reach the top, where they can enjoy panoramic views of Mechelen and the surrounding area. The cathedral itself is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows, sculptures, and religious artworks, making it a must-visit for those interested in Belgium’s religious heritage.

Location

  • City: Mechelen
  • Coordinates: 51.0286° N, 4.4777° E

Ticket Price

  • Entry Fee: €8 for adults, €6 for students and seniors.

Nearby Airports

  • Brussels Airport (BRU): About 25 km from Mechelen.

Railway Stations

  • Mechelen Railway Station: Located about 1 km from the cathedral, easily reachable by foot or bus.

Special Attention

Belfry Climb: The climb to the top of the tower is worth the effort for the breathtaking views, especially on clear days when you can see as far as Brussels and Antwerp.

10. Mont des Arts

Overview

Mont des Arts, or “Hill of the Arts,” is a cultural and artistic district in Brussels. This elevated area offers a beautiful garden surrounded by museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions, including the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and the Musical Instruments Museum. The area is also home to the magnificent Brussels Palace of Justice and provides one of the best viewpoints in Brussels, offering stunning panoramic views over the city’s skyline.

Location

  • City: Brussels
  • Coordinates: 50.8431° N, 4.3593° E

Ticket Price

  • Entry Fee: Free to explore the gardens; museum entry fees vary.

Nearby Airports

  • Brussels Airport (BRU): About 12 km from Mont des Arts.

Railway Stations

  • Brussels Central Station: Located just a 5-minute walk from Mont des Arts, making it highly accessible by public transport.

Special Attention

Cultural Hub: Mont des Arts is an ideal spot for art lovers, offering a range of museums and galleries within walking distance. Plan a full day to explore the area’s rich cultural offerings.

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