Belgium

Things to do in Belgium

Discover some of the amazing things to do in Belgium that make this such a fascinating place to visit.

The crossroads of Western Europe, Belgium is a diverse and fascinating country that has an amazing history, stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and plenty of beers and chocolates to enjoy too!

Just a short drive from the port in Calais, you can reach Belgium in no time at all if you are travelling from Dover. There are loads of things to do on board our Dover to Calais ferry during your 90 minute crossing.

Boasting a combination of historic cities, over 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and beautiful landscapes, there are a whole range of things to do in Belgium that will suit you no matter what you love doing while you are visiting a different country. By the end of this guide you will know all the best things to do in Belgium. Start planning your trip to Belgium today and begin exploring Europe with P&O Ferries today!

 

DVR

Dover

CQF

Calais

Morning

02:00

04:25

06:40

09:15

Midday

11:40

Afternoon

14:05

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Evening

18:55

21:15

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Ghent City Belgium

Cool things to do in Belgium

Medieval Town Tour

Belgium is full of history so there are always lots of interesting things to do in Belgium.

If you are interested in medieval history you will find loads of things to do in Belgium as this country is renowned for its medieval charm. So, taking a trip around some of its most famous medieval towns is a great place to start.

Begin your adventure in the beautiful fairy tale town of Bruges where you can get wonderfully lost while navigating your way through canals and cobbled streets as you marvel at its striking towers and gothic architecture. The centre of this town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site so it is worth taking time to wander around at your leisure. Bruges is one of the most popular cities to visit as an example of plenty of fun things to do in Belgium, Bruges offers museums and artisan chocolate shops which might also take your fancy.

One of the best things to do in Belgium is visit another stunning town. In Ghent you will find fortresses, churches, bell towers and gorgeous grand houses from years gone by. Ghent is also home to the famous Gravensteen Castle which offers panoramic views that are not to be missed when you reach the top. The final stop on your medieval town tour should be Antwerp’s old town. Boasting a lovely square, the striking Cathedral of our Lady, and plenty of historic streets to explore, you’ll find lots to keep you occupied during your visit.

If you want to get a better understanding of some of the interesting things to do in Belgium when you take a medieval town tour, Bruges have put together  some fantastic Virtual Tours for you to enjoy, so why not head over to their website and start exploring this beautiful city.

Bruges Canal in Belgium

Belgian Beer Tour, Belgium

Fun things to do in Belgium - Belgian Beer Tours

Whilst Belgium is full of history, incredible architecture, and culture, Belgium could quite easily be known as the beer capital of the world. Now it has even been named as a cultural experience on the UNESCO list meaning that it is something that you simply have to do! With over 1,000 Belgian beers to choose from, arguably one of the most fun and popular things to do in Belgium is a Belgian beer tour.

These Belgian beer tours offer so many choices there is even something to love if you are not much of a beer drinker. Whether you want to visit a specific brewery, take part in an organised pub crawl, or find a tour that pairs different beers with complementary food, you’ll find it in Belgium, making it one of the 10 best things to do in Belgium.

Cool things to do in Belgium - Visit Brussels

Undoubtedly when visiting one of the most important things to do in Belgium is visit its capital, Brussels.

Belgium’s capital city, boasts a unique blend of modern and historic architecture, a fantastic food scene with delicious national delicacies, and designer shops, providing a choice of great things to do in Belgium for everyone who visits.

For those who want to take in some history, the Grand Palace and Gothic Town Hall are both very impressive buildings that are certainly on most people’s top ten things to do in Belgium, or you might prefer to see all of your favourite landmarks in miniature at Mini Europe which offers great fun for all the family.

Brussels Grand Square in Belgium

Dinant River in Belgium

Belgium holiday things to do - Explore Southern Belgium

Whilst there are plenty of things to do in Belgian cities, heading to the South of Belgium offers sprawling woodland, rolling hills, and striking cliffs, plus a range of other things to see and do.

For one of the most interesting things to do in Belgium, you could choose to visit the Caves of Han, one of Europe’s largest underground cave systems, go to one of two amazing citadels in Namur or Dinant, or spend time wandering around one of the region’s many museums.

Need to unwind after all of that exploring? Head to a Spa and enjoy some of the more relaxing things to do in Belgium so you can treat yourself to the ultimate relaxation experience for the perfect way to complete your trip.

Boasting a combination of historic cities, over 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and beautiful landscapes, this beautiful country has so much to see

10 best things to do in Belgium

Whilst our travel guide to Belgium has offered many suggestions of things to do in Belgium, we like to make it easier when you are planning your trips, so we have put together our list of the 10 best things you can do in Belgium to suit every kind of trip.

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the country's history, enjoy the local delicacies, or have a bit of relaxation, there are plenty of things to do in Belgium when you get there. There is also plenty to do onboard our ferries so you can start enjoying your trip the minute you reach our ferries. Why not treat yourself to the club lounge and start your trip with a real treat.

1. Explore the Grand Place in Brussels
2. Visit the Atomium in Brussels
3. Tour the Canals of Bruges
4. See the Belfry of Bruges
5. Visit the Royal Palace of Brussels
6. Discover the Battlefields of Flanders
7. Explore the Town of Ghent
8. Taste Belgian Chocolate in Brussels
9. Visit Mini-Europe and the Atomium
10. Relax in the Ardennes

With so many things to do in Belgium, why not book your ferry to Belgium today and discover all that it has to offer for yourself?

FAQs:

1. Where is Belgium?

Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe, bordering France it is only an hour and a half drive to Belgium from our Calais port depending on your Belgian destination. Equally bordering the Netherlands to the north, it is also an hour and a half drive from our Rotterdam port depending on your destination. Why not find out more about the ferry to Belgium options now to start planning your trip today.

2. What are the best things to do in Belgium with families?

Belgium offers plenty of family-friendly activities and things to do in Belgium, including Mini-Europe (Brussels) with miniature landmarks and Plopsaland (De Panne), a fun theme park. Why not visit Pairi Daiza Zoo for wildlife or explore Train World (Brussels) for interactive exhibits. Comic fans will love the Belgian Comic Strip Center. With so many things to do, your family will be sure to enjoy, including our onboard kids' entertainment during your crossings, ensuring a trip full of excitement!

3. What is the best time to visit Belgium?

There are many great times to visit depending on what you want to see and do. The best time to visit when the weather is mild and when there are smaller crowds is during spring and autumn. Summer is also a popular time to visit Belgium especially for keen festival goers. One of the most magical times to visit Belgium is December where all cities are filled with vibrant Christmas lights and Christmas markets across the country. In fact there are so many christmas markets in Belgium many struggling deciding which ones to visit including Bruges or Ghent.

4. What are the best things to do in Belgium at night?

At night, there are plenty of things to do in Belgium including visiting the Grand Palace and seeing it beautifully lit up, experiencing the nightlife in Ghent and Brussels, or even enjoying a romantic nighttime canal tour. Don’t miss out and book your ferry to Belgium today!

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