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12 Belgium Experiences That Will Change How You See The Country
Belgium. A small country with a knack for packing some pretty big surprises. And it’s not just that place you pass through on your Euro trip while trying to figure out if you’re in France, Germany, or the Netherlands.
No, Belgium has layers. And these aren’t your average layers; they’re the kind that make you mutter “huh, didn’t expect that” under your breath. From fascinating history to things you probably didn’t even know existed, Belgium has this sneaky way of shifting your perspective completely.
Curious yet? Don’t worry, there’s plenty to uncover. And by the time you’re through, you might just find yourself rethinking everything you thought you knew about this unassuming country.
If something catches your eye (or makes you double-take), drop a comment on MSN. We want to hear from you.
Take A Beer And Cheese Pairing Tour
Have you met a better duo than beer and cheese? Probably not… and Belgium knows it. This country has elevated pairing these two icons to an art form. Imagine sipping on a fruity Lambic or a robust Trappist ale while nibbling on Gouda or the nutty glory of Chimay cheese.
It’s like your taste buds just won the lottery. And what’s wild is how they take the time to explain the science of pairing, something about malts complementing creamy textures (are we scientists now?).
You absolutely should plan to leave the tour stuffed because “small portions” aren’t really a thing here. Frankly, there’s no better way to carbo-load just for walking back to your hotel.
Wander Bruges’ Canals At Dawn
Confession time: Bruges is at its photogenic best when everyone else is still asleep and you’ve got the place to yourself. The canals, reflecting the early morning light, look like they were stolen from an old master’s painting.
You’ll also get to stroll the cobblestoned streets without the crowded foot traffic, the tourists clutching guidebooks, or aggressive pigeons plotting their next move. So grab a coffee from a corner cafe (if it’s even open this early) and drink in the peaceful sights before the day decides to ruin the mood with people and noise.
You best believe that wandering through Bruges at dawn is the purest form of “main character energy” you’ll feel all trip.
Taste Beer At A Trappist Monastery
Thought monks just lived quiet lives meditating and ringing bells? Plot twist, they brew some of the best beer on the planet. Belgium’s Trappist monasteries stick to centuries-old brewing traditions because, well… if it isn’t broken, why mess with it?
But this isn’t your regular grab-from-the-fridge beer. These are potent, flavorful masterpieces made with devotion. And it’s almost comical when you realize monks are out here making brews with the same seriousness that rocket scientists build spaceships.
Whether you’re sipping Westvleteren or Rochefort, every sip will have you wondering if monks are secretly running a brewery empire on the side.
Cycle Through The Hallerbos Bluebell Forest
Spring in Belgium comes with major drama, but in the best way possible. For a few weeks each year, the Hallerbos Forest transforms into what can only be described as a blue carpet fantasy, with wild bluebells taking over every inch of the forest floor.
And cycling through here feels less like exercise and more like stepping into a dream (minus the part where you avoid wobbling).
But don’t be that person who picks the flowers. Seriously, it’s frowned upon, and you don’t need forest spirits giving you side-eye. If you can balance half-decently on a bike, this is one ride you won’t forget anytime soon.
Stand In The Grand Place Of Brussels At Night
The Grand Place by day? Impressive. The Grand Place at night? Prepare to have your jaw drop. When the lights hit this square, it’s like every building is posing dramatically, flaunting gilded facades and intricate architecture in a golden glow.
It’s the kind of place that makes you grateful for night vision (or glasses, if you’re squinting). And guess what? It turns out you’re standing in a UNESCO World Heritage site!
The only downside? Trying to capture the whole thing in one photo without craning your neck or awkwardly tilting your phone. Don’t worry about the picture. Just stand there, take it all in, and wonder why your neighborhood can’t look this cool.
Climb Belfry Tower In Bruges
Feeling daring? How about a spiral staircase challenge of 366 steps? The Belfry Tower in Bruges is perfect for anyone who enjoys medieval history, and potentially gasping for air halfway up. Once you reach the top, though, the reward is a view so breathtaking even your lungs might forgive you.
The rooftop panorama spans Gothic rooftops and cobblestone streets, all reminiscent of a fairy tale (assuming your fairy tale includes the smell of nearby waffles wafting up). And if you listen closely, the bells might chime a little tune just for you… or more realistically, for anyone in the area.
Ladder-wary travelers, no shame in skipping the climb and admiring this architectural masterpiece from below. Your knees will thank you.
Explore The Underground Caves Of Han-sur-Lesse
Descend into the magical underworld of the Han-sur-Lesse caves, where the walls drip with mystery (or maybe just water). These stalactites and stalagmites have been hanging out for thousands of years, turning the caves into nature’s most dramatic chandelier showroom.
Beyond their surreal beauty, the caves are also home to a unique sound-and-light show, because apparently, even rocks can be divas. And if that wasn’t enough to impress, there’s a subterranean river carving its way through the stone.
Wear shoes with a good grip unless you enjoy the idea of unintentionally auditioning for the next ice-skating championship in a cave. But who needs daylight and sandals when you’ve got this awe-inspiring spectacle beneath your feet?
Walk The Battlefields Of Flanders
Prepare for a sobering stroll as you step onto the hallowed ground of the Flanders battlefields. These rolling fields hold stories of courage, sacrifice, and the kind of stubbornness only humans could muster in the chaos of World War I.
Walking through the preserved trenches, you might find yourself wondering how anyone endured life in the mud and cold (they were tougher than us, that’s for sure). And the graveyards, marked with endless rows of white headstones, are hauntingly beautiful. They are proof that even history’s darkest moments can leave behind something deeply moving.
Don’t miss the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate, where buglers pay tribute to the fallen every evening. It’s a poignant reminder of human resilience and the high cost of peace. Bring tissues; it’s hard not to shed at least one tear.
Sample Chocolate In Sablon Neighborhood, Brussels
Chocolate lover? Then clear your schedule because you’re about to enter paradise, aka Sablon, Brussels. It’s a neighborhood where “just one more piece” becomes a personality trait.
Here, masters of the cocoa bean craft confections so rich and creamy they could charm even the staunchest of dessert abstainers (if such a person exists). Praline, ganache, truffles; you name it, they’ve perfected it.
Pop into Pierre Marcolini or Neuhaus to taste treats that could turn a bad day into a great one faster than you can say “dark chocolate.” Just remember, pacing yourself is key… unless you aspire to roll out of there like a cacao-covered tumbleweed. Go for the free samples. It’s not mooching; it’s “research.”
Ride The Coast Tram From De Panne To Knokke-Heist
Belgium’s coastal tram isn’t just public transport; it’s a scenic joyride disguised as a functional way to get around. Stretching nearly 42 miles along the coast, this tram route shows off everything from sandy beaches to quaint seaside towns, all while you sit comfortably (or stand, depending on how packed it gets).
No steering required, no wrong turns, just pure window-gazing bliss. The whole ride takes about two-and-a-half hours, perfect for daydreaming about seaside mansions or debating whether to stop for mussels and fries at the next town over.
And here’s a little secret: this is the world’s longest tram route. Why settle for average when you can break records on your vacation? It’s coastal sightseeing made ridiculously easy.
Tour Ghent’s Gravensteen Castle
Step into Gravensteen Castle, where medieval drama comes alive (minus the actual swords swinging at your head, thankfully). Built nearly 900 years ago, this fortress once stood guard over the city, complete with a moat that screams, “No uninvited guests allowed.”
Inside, you’ll find everything from torture devices that make you relieved to live in the era of the internet to views that will have you rethinking your camera roll priorities. And yes, you can walk the ancient castle walls pretending you’re the star of your own historical epic. Just don’t trip; it’s way less impressive.
Gravensteen is a time machine with better lighting, offering an unforgettable peek into Ghent’s gritty, glorious past… without the bruises or plague.
See The Giant Murals Of The Comic Strip Route, Brussels
Brussels has a secret superpower; it’s a comic art paradise, and its streets are the cool, urban canvas. Around every corner, giant murals featuring Belgian comic stars appear, like Tintin chasing an adventure or the Smurfs being their adorable blue selves.
This isn’t graffiti; it’s more “art gallery meets treasure hunt.” Watch walls spring to life with color and characters as you stroll along, and prepare for your inner child to launch a full rebellion. Plus, spotting them all feels like a game. Except there are no weird rules, no points to keep track of, and everyone’s a winner.
Celebrating Belgium’s quirky comic strip legacy has never been so much fun (or good for your step count). Just watch where you’re walking while ogling a wall.
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