Our Favourite Things to Do in Belgium
Brussels, Bruges, and Beyond
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Often overlooked in favour of neighbouring France, Belgium isn’t the first place that might spring to mind when planning your next getaway. However, if you’re in search of eclectic cities, world-class art, fascinating architecture, clean coastlines, and expansive, luscious landscapes, we’d argue you needn’t look any further. Allow us here at Plum Guide to curate the perfect sojourn for you, with our guide to the very best things to do in Belgium. And if you need a place to stay, we have a collection of unmatchable properties to make your stay sweeter than a box of Belgian truffles.
Take a trip to Brussels
A view of the Town Hall in a Town Square in the evening, Brussels, Belgium
The country's major cities brim with life, fusing history with metropolitan glamour at every turn. So it’s no surprise that its capital is packed with some of the greatest things to do in Belgium. When visiting Brussels, our Plum Guide senses always lead us straight to Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, a glassy shopping arcade built in the 1830s. As well as housing a huge collection of designer boutiques, celebrated brasseries, and concept stores, the building itself is worth a visit alone. Think gleaming marble, brassy sconces, statues, and intricate wall carvings. And if you happen to leave with a new bag or pair of handmade gloves, so be it.
In Bliss, Plum Guide home in Brussels, Belgium
Indulge in the finest Belgian delights
A close up of moules-frites, a bowl full of mussels next to french fries
You’ll be indulging in some classic Belgian snacks while you’re in town (chocolate, waffles, pommes frites, of course), best sampled from the many windows in the city centre - you’ll know them when you smell them. Set aside an evening for some chic dining at one of the city’s celebrated restaurants. We recommend scallops and duck filet at Comme Chez Soi, or sumptuous seafood at La Marée. Be sure to book well in advance to avoid any raised eyebrows from the maître d'. If you’ve had enough moules-frites and want to stray from Belgium flavours for one day, don’t miss the excellent Italian food and great wine at one of Nona’s two restaurants on Rue Sainte-Catherine. Their ingredients are sourced from local farmers, and their menus offer handmade pasta, as well as expertly made pizza with the freshest seasonal produce.
Belgium is the undisputed home of beer, so leave some room for a pint or two (or four) at one of Brussels’ plentiful beer gardens. On a sunny afternoon, drop by Poechenellekelder (even harder to pronounce after a couple of ales) for picturesque city views outside and a bizarre puppet collection inside. Delirium Café has over 2000 beers on offer, while Beer Mania has a tasting den and a smattering of Belgian snacks to keep you going. If you're more of a wine sipper, pull up a chair at Bar du Canal, where you’ll find a hand-picked array of natural wines chalked up on the menu. Enjoy it in the company of stylish locals while looking out at the Canal de Bruxelles.
Golconda, Plum Guide home in Belgium
Spend time in Bruges
A view of a canal and terraced buildings in Brudges, Belgium
Looking for the perfect day trip? It must surely be Bruges. Spend a day wandering its network of medieval buildings, cobbled streets, and glittering canals. On a Saturday, pop by the flea market beside the canal on Dijver 11 for Belgian antiques and a few local characters. You’ll find goodies at Depot D’o Antiquaire too - if you’re in the market for antique silverware or taxidermy wildlife, that is. Grab a flat white amongst the plants at Basiel Urban Greenhouse, or a hand-shaken cocktail at locally-adored Bar Ran. Le Trappiste is the place to sample a few local beers, and for seasonal dishes served with Belfry views, book a table at Réliva.
Saints and Surrealism, Plum Guide home in Belgium
Encounter glamour with a side of Flemish Renaissance
Brabo's Monument in a Square in Antwerp, Belgium
For a dose of luxury (and fewer tourists), consider a trip to Antwerp. This handsome merchant city on the River Scheldt is the epicentre of Flemish Renaissance architecture - spot many masterpieces by the city’s pioneering architect Pieter Jan Auguste Dens while wandering the Old City. Don’t miss a glance at the more contemporary Port House, the latest architectural venture by Zaha Hadid, which has proved rather divisive amongst locals.
The Host, Plum Guide home in Antwerp, Belgium
See the sights on two wheels
A close up of a basket on a bicycle next to a canal in Bruges, Belgium
Belgians love to bike, so we recommend hopping on and exploring the country the old fashioned way. It’s the best way to see unmissable sights like Antwerp's The Rubens House and Cathedral of Our Lady - be sure to weave through the Old City and explore the port, too. Stop by for a little sharpener at Antwerp Brewing Company in the northern port district. And after you've worked up quite the appetite, dine on creative, seasonal small plates at Zilte, the world-renowned restaurant located on the top floor of the Museum by the River.
Get to know Namur
An aerial view of the Cathedral of Saint Aubain at sunset, Namur, Belgium
Less than an hour by train from Brussels, you’ll find Namur, the final stop in this guide to the best things to do in Belgium. This is the charming capital of Wallonia, made up of quaint, winding streets, and surrounded by peaceful countryside. Begin with a visit to the Citadel or Castle of Namur, a fortress dating back to the Roman era. After that, dip into the Museum of Ancient Namur Arts for medieval relics housed inside a majestic 18th-century mansion. Now that you are practically Belgian, you’ll want to get back on your bicycle for a two-wheeled trip to the poetic countryside surrounding the city. Head north towards Château de Fernelmont through the province of Namur, stopping by the Domaine de Franc-Waret on your way home. Not particularly au fait with cycling? Not to worry. The Belgian landscape is wonderfully flat and easy to navigate.
