6 days trip through Belgium

Start by taking a guided tour through the city centre. Discover the Grand-Place (UNESCO) & the famous Manneken-Pis. Don’t forget to visit the city of Brussels’ Town Hall, the main building on Grand-Place. Now you have some time left to taste an authentic Belgian waffle at Dandoy! In the evening, have dinner in one of the restaurants around the square to appreciate the unique atmosphere of its medieval streets.

Wake up with a Chocolate Workshop and create your own pralines at Concept Chocolate. When you’re done, check out the Art-Nouveau house where architecture meets art.

One month a year (and under conditions), you can sign up for Brussels’ famous Dinner in the Sky for lunch. However, all year long anyone can enjoy a lunch in the top sphere of the Atomium (at 100 meters) Atomium Restaurant. After your lunch, the rest of the Atomium awaits you. Take a guided tour of the monument and explore the symbol of Brussels yourself.

At the base of the Atomium, the miniature park Mini-Europe is a must see. The whole of Europe is represented in a few square meters which makes it a fun spot to take pictures.

When you head back to the city centre, consider paying a visit to the European Institutions district and the House of European History.

Searching for a restaurant in Brussels? There are so many options. If you enjoy seafood, then travel to the Saint Catherine neighborhood and try amongst others Noordzee a delicious fish bar. Want to eat and drink where the locals go? Head on over to Flagey or Châtelain, where you can discover a ton of little international eateries and plenty of bars such as the Café Belga in the Flagey theater.

Start your trip in Tournai, finish it in Charleroi.

Tournai

Tournai is best seen from its 15th century belfry, which is included on the UNESCO world heritage list. Built on the site of the 1218 original after that one burnt down, it’s the oldest out of seven belfries in Wallonia and the only one with outdoor viewing platforms.

The Tournaisian specialties and craft products make the reputation of the city, beyond its borders. Whether salty or sweet, Tournai’s cuisine often has a hidden history behind it and is part of the culinary heritage! So go ahead and try a Tournai style rabbit, salad or a clovis cake and some sweets called Ballons noirs.
Find more inspiration here

Grand Hornu

After lunch, head east to this former mining site. Grand-Hornu, built in a neoclassical style, was designed as both an industrial complex and a village where the workers could live: 450 spacious homes with hot water and a garden, school, a library, a dance hall, shops and even a dispensary.
Now managed by the province of Hainaut, this fascinating location is also home to the CID (Innovation and Design Centre) and the MAC (Museum of Contemporary Art).

Mons

Mons architectural heritage and ancient alleyways give it an historic atmosphere. The Belfry, Collegiate church, Garden of Mayeur, Havré castle… are sure to leave an impression! Make sure to pet the head of the ‘Monkey of the Grand Garde‘ with your left hand, a local tradition meant to bring you luck. Folklore is very much alive here, with the annual Doudou festival even being listed by UNESCO.

Find more about Mons here

Le Canal du Centre

Your second UNESCO-day will start with a visit to the hydraulic boat lifts of the Canal du Centre. These 4 hydraulic lifts, built at the beginning of the XIXth century, are standing monuments to the Belgian Industrial revolution.

Thuin

Wallonia also has its Babylon: Thuin, a sweet city with a rich medieval past. Its 200 terraced gardens, inspired by the ramparts, offers a poetic and peaceful stroll. Most are now planted with vine plants, managed by the Biercée distillery to make a sweet, pleasant, wine.

Fancy a drink? Enjoy a refreshment in one of the many bars and cafés around. At some you can play games with the locals, get your bike fixed, bring your horse or simply dream away, admiring the city’s belfry. Among our favourites are:

• Le Mousse-Tier
• Le Terminus
• Au Beffroi

Find more about Thuin here

Charleroi

Last stop! Wallonia’s second largest city is an industrial and engineering centre. That fact alone might persuade some visitors to avoid it, but there are many good reasons to slip off the motorway and take a wander.

Visitors can explore the fascinating Bois du Cazier, a former coal mine that has been turned into a museum and memorial to the region’s industrial past. Art enthusiasts can enjoy the vibrant street art scene and the impressive photography exhibitions at the Musée de la Photographie.

Find more about Charleroi here

Rubens helped shape Antwerp into the vibrant metropolis it is today. The Rubenshuis still honors his memory. Many of his masterpieces can be admired here. While the museum is undergoing extensive renovations, visitors are welcome to explore his library, garden and the Rubens Experience. Follow in his footsteps on the Master Tour Peter Paul Rubens through Antwerp and discover how his grandeur inspired other artists like Anthony van Dyck.

Antwerp’s craftsmanship is something you can truly taste. Join an interactive brewery tour at De Koninck brewery and get to know “the Bolleke”, the city’s iconic amber-colored specialty beer. Visit the legendary Kulminator, once voted the world’s best café. Discover Antwerp’s top chocolatiers, learn about the history of this beloved delicacy at Chocolate Nation and follow the Chocolate Trail for a journey full of flavour.

From its medieval Town Hall and square to architectural icons like The Port House, Antwerp is a city of striking beauty. It is also a thriving creative hub, home to the legendary Antwerp Six fashion designers and a bustling diamond trade. Since the days of Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp has never lost an ounce of its glamour.

Where the Leie and Scheldt rivers meet, you’ll find Ghent, a city of ancient churches and countless bridges spanning. Ghent’s three towers dominate the skyline: the Saint Nicholas Church, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the UNESCO recognised Belfry. Climb the spiral staircases of the Belfry for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city below. The true joy of the town is to be found whiling away an afternoon in an outdoor café. Whether your wrapped under blankets sipping a coffee in the winter or sunning yourself in the springtime with a cold Belgium brew, you will fit in with the locals if you simply enjoy the great atmosphere this town offers. If possible, find a seat on the Graslei, a scenic canal spot in the centre of town, with a great view on the many bridges, grand houses and medieval buildings. Try a cuberdon, Ghent’s iconic locat treat.

Explore the Patershol district with a small labyrinth of charming cobblestone streets and the towering Gravensteen Castle. In Saint Bavo’s Cathedral you discover The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers, one of Ghent’s absolute top attractions. Visiting in July? Experience the Ghent Festivities, a ten-day festival like no other.