Belgium’s Top Cities to Visit

What do Kriek beer, Godiva chocolate and Liege waffles have in common? Aside from having titillated my tastebuds on a five-day trip, they are all unique to Belgium.  But is it only food that entices visitors, in all three of Beligum's top cities to visit?  

No, it's not.  The pint-sized Western European nation boasts an array of less pint-sized features (apart from Brussels’s manneken pis) that entertain, amuse and charm. From Romanesque-style churches to the iconic red geranium and art museums replete with some of Europe’s finest artwork, Belgium boasts many features guaranteed to tantalise. Notably, it was Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp that captured my heart’s attention.  

Here's why I think they are Belgium's top cities to visit.  

Brussels

What better place to start a love affair with Belgium than in Brussels? Characteristically baroque in the minds of wannabe visitors, Brussels is a melting pot of people, period and style.

As the administrative capital of the European Union, it houses people – both temporarily and permanently – from the farthest stretches of Europe, and beyond. Home to both a Royal Museum of Fine Arts and a Comic Book Museum (housed in an art nouveau building), moving beyond the Baroque-cum-Gothic veneer exposes an intersection: it’s old by new - from Gothicism to Art Nouveau - juxtaposed complementarily by tones of subtle sophistication.

For the Bourgeois Bohemian at heart, getting away from the core of Brussels’s tourist-laden central streets is integral to exploring the mix: moving beyond the city’s less historic features reveals trendy bars and shops in chic neighbourhoods, such as Ixelles.

But a visit to the Belgian capital would not be complete without sampling a sidewalk Brussels waffle. The gastronomic delight was worth being made to feel touristy, momentarily, while standing on the sidewalk, licking my fingers. After all, “There I was with a gigantic Belgian waffle in my hands, standing on a sidewalk in Belgium!” (C. JoyBell C.).

There are three varieties of waffle from which to choose: Liege (the most common); Brussels (which are large and rectangular); and galettes (the thin kind eaten for breakfast).

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Bruges (Brugge)

Walking from the train station – under the midday sun’s luminous rays - to Brugge’s heart was breathtaking: as I passed quaint houses (windowsills ornamented by window boxes overflowing with red and white geraniums), the tower of Saint Salvator Cathedral emerged prominently in the distance, stretching heavenward into the cloudless blue sky. To its right and sharing the city’s skyline is the spire of the Church of our Lady cathedral.

For broad sweeping, spectacular views of the historic city (with origins dating to the first century), climb the three hundred and sixty-six stairs to the top of the belfry in Markt - the remarkably stunning main city square.

A thirst will have been acquired after the aerobic exertion, so quench it by hitting a close-by bar – or any other little haunts dotted throughout the city – and order a kriek beer. Made from fermented morello cherries, the sweet drink is refreshing and – despite its sugary undertone – still manages to taste like beer.

Notably, Belgian beer is internationally renowned: the yeast used in the fermentation process gives rise to a unique fruity-cum-earthy flavour, distinct in the eight-hundred varieties made throughout the country.

Often referred to as ‘The Venice of The North’, riding in a boat on the canal that winds its way through the city’s core is essential. The tour exposed passengers to sights that would otherwise not have been captured on foot.

Bruges, at eye level, is just as striking as it is from the tower of the belfry. Every nook and hidden cranny was beautiful; admiration and photographs ensued.

The thirty-minute non-stop ride took us to the heart of Bruges and bared her beautiful historic soul.

Antwerp

Tarred with a similarly historic and iconic brush as Brussels and Bruges, Antwerp – in the country’s central-north – is equipped with equally charming features. However, it does entice visitors with a unique fulgent charm: diamonds.

With several city blocks devoted to the cutting and polishing of the precious stone, Diamantkwartier has become known as the world’s largest diamond district. Although not a personal favourite, catching sight of the stone’s glittery reflection through shop windows was enough to make me appreciate its notoriety.

Aside from lavish shopping, Antwerp’s other charms are visible in its architecture, al fresco summer living, large port area, and unique language. With proximity to the Netherlands, a Belgian version of Dutch has evolved throughout history.

As such, Flemish (spoken in the northern region of Flanders) is one of three official national languages, heard spoken while wandering the streets of Antwerp. Non-native visitors can be forgiven for not recognising subtle differences between it and Dutch, as – when they meet in a central Belgian location - nationals from opposite sides of the small country use English to ensure each party is understood.

A visit to a chocolatier is just as necessary in Antwerp as is tasting beer and waffles in other Belgian cities. With the national production of over two-hundred-and-twenty-thousand pounds of chocolate annually, there is no shortage of options.

Walking into a shop can be overwhelming, particularly where glass stands team with mini delights, so don’t be shy: sales assistants are expert, so ask for help. Taste test the chocolates over which your eyes have lusted since walking through the front entrance. Seek approval from friends and strangers before pulling out the Euros buried deep within your bag.

Alternatively, devour (or sample) those you’ve just bought while walking several metres to the next shop in which you can purchase another paper bag filled with new delights.

Diabetics beware: additional units of insulin (particularly if relishing in a chocolate and beer affair) may likely be needed.

My Love Affair with Belgium's Top Cities to Visit