Your Ultimate Guide to Belgium: Brussels, Bruges, & Antwerp
When I hear about other people’s trips to Europe, it’s usually… well, the usual.
They’ve made their way to London, Paris, Barcelona… somewhere in the Swiss Alps, somewhere in Germany…
… but so many of them (actually, most of them!) pass over Belgium on their European adventures and when planning a trip to Europe.
I have this little saying… that every time I go to Belgium, I go to buy the chocolate, and eat the fries, and smell the waffles.
Don’t judge me… trust me, you’ll understand once you taste it all, for yourself.
Anyways – I have this saying that I go for the chocolate, but stay for the architecture.
Outside Antwerpen Centraal Station at sunrise; June 2019
Classic Belgian Houses in Brussels; January 2018
The Lake of Love in Bruges; May 2017
What Makes Belgium an Underrated Travel Destination in Europe?
Belgium has some of the most impressive, intricate construction I’ve ever seen; and it’s extremely underrated.
Furthmore, Belgium is perfectly located between various countries in Europe, such as between the U.K., France, and the Netherlands – making it a great place to stay in the midst of a big European trip.
Grand-Place in Brussels; January 2018
I’ve been to Bruges, Brussels, and most recently – Antwerp.
The three are all so different from one another… but despite their differences, they all still feel like Belgium.
The table below will break down some of the main differences between Bruges, Brussels, and Antwerp to help you decide which Belgian city you should visit on your trip to Europe:
| Category | Bruges 🏰 | Brussels 🏙️ | Antwerp 🎨 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | ~118,000 | ~185,000 (metro ~1.2 million) | ~540,000 |
| Connectedness | More remote; great for a weekend escape | Major international hub — best transport links | Well-connected, especially regionally |
| Main Languages | Dutch (Flemish) | French & Dutch (bilingual capital) | Dutch (Flemish) |
| Vibe | Calm, quiet, romantic — feels like a medieval fairytale | Busy, diverse, urban — lots to do but less charm | Creative, trendy, vibrant — a happy medium |
| Bike Culture | Very bike-friendly 🚴♀️ | Less prominent 🚗 | Popular for biking 🚴♂️ |
| Best For | Romantic wanderers, history lovers, calm escapes | City lovers, culture seekers, international travelers | Trendsetters, creatives, balanced explorers |
I’ve only spent a few hours to a day in each of these cities, so here are the things that I think you should do when you’re only given a short time span in each place:
Bruges
Bruges is like a miniature Amsterdam in the sense that there are bikes everywhere you turn. It feels very medieval, historic, and very Dutch in comparison to the other two Belgian cities I’ve been to.
Here are some things you should do and see while in Bruges:
1. Lake of Love
A charming bridge, and a wonderful photo opportunity.
The Lake of Love in Bruges is too photogenic.
2. Church of Our Lady Bruges
I didn’t snap a picture of this one (because I went to Bruges back in 2017, a time when I never thought I’d be back to Europe so many times so soon, let alone – would start a travel blog and need a copious supply of pictures!), but she sure to walk by it if you’re walking through all of the museums in that vicinity.
3. Old St. John’s Hospital
As always – didn’t go inside because we all know how I feel about museums, but it does make for a great picture.
Near Old St. John’s Hospital in Bruges; May 2017
4. Walk through Bruges Square
Once again, don’t have a photograph for you – but this is where all of the action is: chocolate shops, horse carriages, bikers, tourists… you’ll find it all, here.
5. Waffle Time
Bruges is the only place in Belgium I’ve had a proper waffle in. My two friends and I went to the Carpe Diem Bakery & Tearoom and it was amazing.
Belgian Waffles from the Tearoom Carpe Diem in Bruges; May 2017
Not only are the waffles spot on, but the place itself is like being in an actual tearoom from the past, with dark wooden detailing and all.
Brussels
Brussels is without a doubt, the biggest and most “city” like city in Belgium. It has some astounding architecture, as well as some big, modernized shopping streets that will make you forget you’re in the midst of such intricate, architectural gold.
1. Grand-Place
This is probably still the most impressive and stunning square that I’ve seen all throughout Europe.
Panaromic view of Grand-Place in Brussels shortly after New Years; January 2018
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Grand Place in Brussels?
Grand Place in Brussels especially pretty during or shortly after Christmas time, when the trees and the lights are still up.
2. European Parliament
There’s not much to do or see in the surrounding vicinity of the European Parliament, but it’s cool to say you’ve been to where so many EU decisions are made!
Outside of the EU Parliament Building; January 2018
3. Leopold Park
I walked through it in a cold, wet, winter state of mind – but I saw how could’ve easily been a beautiful place to picnic in the spring.
Walking through Leopold Park in Brussels in the winter; January 2018
4. Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula
Brussels has some insane architecture everywhere you turn…
Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula in Brussels; January 2018
… and St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral is a commanding, medieval church in Brussels worthy of walking by and snapping a picture.
5. Go Wandering in Brussels
… and I do mean everywhere.
Wandering Brussels; January 2018
Brussels with the winter lights still up; January 2018
Is Brussels the Biggest City in Belgium?
As it’s almost twice the size of Antwerp in terms of population, Brussels is the biggest of the Belgian cities – with a population of over 1 million. However, Brussels is still small enough to get lost to the extent that you’ll never really get lost because you’ll never be too far away from Grand-Place (the city center).
P.S. – I ordered Belgian fries to my room that night and it was an excellent decision on my behalf.
When in doubt, and when in Belgium… always order fries.
Antwerp
Antwerp, in my opinion, was very much a mix of the two Belgian cities I had seen before. It has the architecture of Brussels, but the character of Bruges – as the horse riding, bike riding, and Dutch speaking occurs in this city as well (which makes sense – given you’re only a 45-minute train ride from Amsterdam, here).
1. Cathedral of our Lady Antwerp
Like I said, Antwerp reminded me of Brussles in terms of architecture.
Cathedral of our Lady Antwerp; June 2019
2. EAT food in Antwerp’s Lively Culinary Scene
Antwerp, from what I saw, had a lively food scene in comparison to the other Belgian cities I had been to before.
Not only was Antwerp numerous in chocolate shops, but they had restaurants for just about every cuisine in reach.
What Else Should I Eat in Belgium Besides Chocolate, Waffles, and French Fries?
Everyone is often excited to eat chocolate, waffles, and french fries while in Belgium – but foreign visitors in Belgium often forget to try traditional Belgian cheese croquettes.
While the chocolate is amazing everywhere in Belgium, don’t forget to try the fries and Belgian croquettes…
Croquettes from Recollets in Antwerp; June 2019
… and don’t be that American asking for fries with your ketchup.
Okay, I mean, I’ve done it before – and my mom most certainly did it every place we went to in Italy, but just know that they’re going to be laughing in their heads, if you do!
No ketchup here; expect your french fries to be served with mayo when you’r’e in Belgium.
What Condiment Do People in Belgium Eat With Their Fries?
Contrary to how the majority of Americans will opt for ketchup with their french fries, Belgium and several other European countries consider mayonnaise as the primary condiment and companion for french fries – which studies suggest indeed originated in Belgium.
They’re very into eating their potatoes with mayo. I know, that as an American that seems weird, but look – we’re the ones over here frying freaking Twinkies and stuffing macaroni & cheese into hamburgers…
… trust me, once you eat them like that – you will low key start to crave mayo with your fries when you get back to the States.
3. Grote Markt
It may have been the time of year that I was there, but Antwerp had a lot of shopping.
Near Cathedral of our Lady Antwerp; June 2019
Is Antwerp Good For Shopping?
Yes, of the three main cities in Belgium – I found Antwerp was the best if you wanted to shopping of any kind.
Anything you wanted to find, it was here – especially while walking down The Meir, which is considered the most famous shopping street in Antwerp.
Off of the main commercial street, exploring the shops and streets of Antwerp; June 2019
4. Hat Steen
This castle was under construction while I was there, but I could see that it would’ve been an impressive sight to be seen.
The area surrounding, however, Steenplein – is a funky little area with a Ferris wheel on the water, where you can catch boat tours of Antwerp on water.
See it in action in my vlog, below!
5. Explore Grand Central Station In Antwerp
Anywhere I watched a video or read an article about the train station in Antwerp, they always said it was beautiful…
Arriving in Antwerp; June 2019
… and it turns out, they weren’t wrong.
Outside Antwerpen Centraal; June 2019
Is The Train Station in Antwerp Overrated?
After having seen the majority of train stations across Europe, I can confirm that the train station in Antwerp is indeed gorgeous and not at all overrated. In fact, it may be the prettiest train station in Europe I have ever seen – with Gare du Nord in Paris and St. Pancras International Station in London not far behind.
Inside the train station in Antwerp is a fun place to get lost, too.
Exploring inside Antwerpen Centraal; June 2019
P.S. – they’ve got a bio markt inside the Antwerp train station, so if you’re into the hip and trendy chocolate bars that don’t exist in the U.S. like I am, prepare to blow the Euros that you just pulled out of the ATM here in the train station terminal.
I hope this helped you decide where to go and what to do in Belgium. If you’re looking for other things to do in Europe, click here.
Last updated: June 12, 2025