Popular tour destinations in Belgium
Belgium is a treasure trove of history, culture, and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal destination for organized tours. Whether you're wandering through medieval cities, tasting chocolates, or sipping on world-famous beers, the country offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to every traveler.
Brussels
As the capital, Brussels is famous for its grand squares, fantastic museums, and stunning Art Nouveau architecture.
- Walking tours of the Grand Place
- Chocolate tasting tours
- Beer tours of local breweries
- Artistic tours focusing on Magritte
- Historical City tours
Bruges
This fairy-tale city boasts cobblestone streets, winding canals, and medieval buildings, making it an enchanting place for a tour.
- Canal boat tours
- Bike rentals for countryside exploration
- Photography walks
- Cultural heritage tours
- Gastronomic food walks
Antwerp
Known for its diamond district and vibrant arts scene, Antwerp offers a mix of modernity and tradition that makes guided tours there unique.
- Fashion district explorations
- River cruises along the Scheldt
- Architectural tours
- Pearl district wine tastings
- Local street art tours
Ghent
Once a bustling medieval port, Ghent features stunning castles and vibrant cultural scenes.
- Medieval castle tours
- Restaurant tours for local specialties
- Evening ghost tours
- Historical walking tours
- Art tours at museums
Leuven
This university city is rich in academic and architectural heritage, providing engaging experiences through its tours.
- University tours
- Botanical garden excursions
- Brewing tour of local beers
- Cultural festivals exploration
- Historical pub tours
Types of tours available in Belgium
Belgium offers an impressive range of tours, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in local culture, nature, and culinary delights. From insightful historical walks to tasting tours, there is truly something for everyone.
Cultural & Historical
Explore Belgium’s rich historical tapestry, from its medieval castles to thriving art scenes.
- Brussels historical tour
- Battlefield tours in Flanders
- Art & Architecture in Antwerp
- Bruges' medieval walking tours
- Museum visits in Ghent
Nature & Adventure
For those seeking adventure, Belgium's countryside and parks offer excellent opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Biking tours in the Ardennes
- Hiking trails in the Highlands
- Kayaking in Meuse
- Caving in The Caves of Han
- Ziplining in scenic parks
Food & Wine
Delight your taste buds with tours focused on Belgium’s famous chocolates, beers, and local cuisines.
- Beer brewery tours in Brussels
- Chocolate workshops in Bruges
- Food markets in Antwerp
- Wine tours in Wallonia
- Street food tours in Ghent
City Walking
For a more intimate view of its cities, walking tours offer a chance to interact with locals and discover hidden gems.
- Guided nature walks in urban parks
- Historical city walks
- Shopping tours in Leuven
- Photography workshops in Bruges
- Street art walks in Antwerp
Multi-Day & Package
For those wanting a comprehensive experience, multi-day packages are available to explore multiple cities and regions.
- Classic Belgium 5-day itinerary
- Epic Belgium beer tour
- Week-long cultural immersion
- Artistic journey through major cities
- Gastronomy and wine tour
Best day trips and excursions in Belgium
Belgium's compact size makes it easy for travelers to take quick day trips to explore its numerous attractions and stunning landscapes. Here are some of the top recommendations for memorable day excursions.
- Bruges – from Brussels: A beautiful canal city where you can enjoy scenic boat rides and visit the iconic Belfry. (Duration: 1 hour by train)
- Ypres – from Ghent: Explore this historic town known for its World War I memorials and poignant museums. (Duration: 1.5 hours by train)
- The Battlefields of Flanders – from Ypres: A tour that takes you through significant sites of the Great War. (Duration: Full day)
- Dinan – from Brussels: Visit this charming town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and local crafts. (Duration: 1 hour by car)
- Dinant – from Namur: Discover the stunning cliffs and the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame. (Duration: 30 minutes by train)
- Antwerp – from Brussels: Explore the vibrant fashion and diamond district, enjoy great food and visit the Cathedral of Our Lady. (Duration: 40 minutes by train)
- Hasselt – from Bruges: Known for jenever (a local gin) and beautiful parks perfect for relaxing walks. (Duration: 1 hour by train)
- Mechelen – from Brussels: This lesser-known gem features charming streets and historical architecture. (Duration: 20 minutes by train)
Adventure and outdoor tours
Belgium may be small, but it offers a wide range of adventure and outdoor activities that thrill visitors looking for excitement or nature-based experiences. The varied landscapes allow for numerous adrenaline-pumping options.
Ardennes Region
This scenic area is famous for hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through beautiful forests and hills.
- Rafting on the Ourthe River
- Canyoning adventures in scenic gorges
- Mountain biking trails across Bouillon
- Horse riding tours in Saint-Hubert
- Guided hiking routes through diverse ecosystems
Coastal Flanders
The seaside offers splendid opportunities for outdoor fun, especially during the summer months.
- Sand yachting on the beaches of Oostende
- Kite surfing in Knokke-Heist
- Biking along the North Sea coast
- Beach volleyball and watersports
- Nature walks in the nature reserves
City Parks and Urban Adventures
Many cities in Belgium have their adventure-filled parks which provide outdoor fun right in the heart of urban centers.
- Canal kayaking in Brussels
- Parkour workshops in Antwerp parks
- Outdoor rock climbing in city locations
- Cycling through nature in Brussels Park
- Zip-lining experiences available in major cities
Cultural and thematic tours
Belgium is rich in culture, offering a variety of thematic tours that dive into its history, art, music, and delectable cuisine. These tours provide an opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in local traditions and heritage.
Historical Heritage
Discover the stories that have shaped Belgium’s past through fascinating tours.
- Battlefield tours of Waterloo
- WWI heritage tours in Flanders
- Exploration of castles in Wallonia
- Local history tours in Bruges
- Medieval architecture tours in Ghent
Local Traditions
Experience authentic Belgian culture by participating in local customs and events.
- May Day celebrations in Brussels
- Craft workshops in Antwerp
- Beer festivals in Leuven
- Traditional music events in Mechelen
- Seasonal market visits throughout the country
Wine & Cuisine
Savor Belgium’s culinary treasures through specialized food tours.
- Chocolate tours in Ghent
- Beer tasting experiences in Brussels
- Local cheese tours in Wallonia
- Gastronomic dining in Bruges
- Street food discovery in Antwerp markets
Art & Music
Art lovers can enjoy tours centered around Belgium's influential art scenes and music history.
- Visits to art galleries in Antwerp
- Jazz tours in Brussels
- Architectural walks through historical sites
- Art workshops in Leuven
- Flemish musical history explorations
Practical tips for booking tours in Belgium
Planning and booking tours in Belgium can be a smooth process if you know what to look for and consider. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate this vibrant travel destination.
- Research reliable tour operators with good reviews.
- Book in advance especially during peak seasons.
- Check for online vs on-site booking options.
- Understand typical duration and price ranges for tours.
- Be aware of seasonal variations in tour availability.
- Look for what's included in the tour (transport, meals, guide).
- Tip according to the local customs, generally around 10-15%.
- Dress appropriately to match the weather and the type of tour.
- Carry a mix of payment methods, cash and cards are widely used.
- Review cancellation policies beforehand.
- Confirm the language of guides for better understanding during tours.
- Follow safety advice provided by your tour guide.
