Things to Do in Belgium

Quick facts: Millions gather here yearly to witness a floral carpet event that spreads colorful blooms across the square every two years. The buildings showcase a blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture with gilded details that sparkle in sunlight.

Highlights: The grandeur of the town hall's towering spire crowns the square, while the intricate guild houses boast golden statues and hand-carved woodwork that tell stories of medieval trades. During winter nights, the plaza transforms with thousands of twinkling lights and music, creating a magical festive atmosphere you won't forget.

Quick facts: A cheeky little bronze figure famously wears hundreds of tiny costumes, with a wardrobe of over 900 outfits that are swapped for festivals and state visits. Passersby often crowd the narrow square to watch playful streams of water and snap photos, enjoying the quirky tradition and surprising historical anecdotes shared by local guides.

Highlights: Measuring just 61 centimeters tall, the bronze figure has an official wardrobe of over 900 costumes and draws crowds whenever a costume-change ceremony is staged, with a uniformed confraternity and a tiny brass band parading by. Local lore says the figure once saved the town by extinguishing a fuse, and each year a local brewery donates a keg of lambic for the dressing ceremony, filling the square with the warm scents of hops and boiled wool.

Quick facts: The structure magnifies an iron crystal cell 165 billion times, with nine mirrored spheres linked by tubes that visitors can walk through. Step inside and you'll find retro-futuristic exhibits, a dizzying spiral of escalators, and a top-sphere restaurant where the polished steel skin throws back sunlight like chrome.

Highlights: Nine gleaming stainless-steel spheres, each about 18 meters across and linked by tubes, form a surreal lattice rising 102 meters and represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, an idea born for the 1958 World's Fair by engineer André Waterkeyn. Climb the narrow escalators through the shiny tubes to the top sphere, sit in the revolving restaurant and watch sunlight carve bright ribbons across curved metal while the faint clink of cutlery and black-and-white Expo-58 photos anchor you in history.

Quick facts: Climbing 366 steps leads to panoramic views stretching out over the medieval cityscape. The tower rings with a carillon of 47 bells that chime melodies on the hour and during special events.

Highlights: Ascending narrow, winding stairs feels like stepping back in time while panoramic views reward the climb from the top platform. The original wooden dragon weather vane perched at the peak captures one of the tower's iconic silhouettes against the sky.

Quick facts: Step inside to discover Gent's story through over 6000 objects, from historic relics to contemporary art. Experience vibrant multimedia exhibits that bring the city's past and present to life in engaging ways.

Highlights: Explore the Glass Cube, a striking modern extension where history meets stunning architecture. Catch the panoramic views of Gent from the rooftop terrace while absorbing centuries of local culture inside.

Quick facts: The cathedral features the famous Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of early Netherlandish painting that attracts art lovers worldwide. Its towering spire stands over 90 meters tall, offering a striking silhouette against the city skyline.

Highlights: The intricate detail of the Ghent Altarpiece captivates visitors, with vibrant colors and lifelike textures that seem almost magical up close. A quirky tradition involves ringing the bells to mark important city events, connecting visitors to local culture with a tangible experience.

Quick facts: One of the oldest zoos worldwide, this place houses over 7,000 animals representing more than 950 species. Its Art Nouveau entrance is a picturesque spot that draws photographers from around the world.

Highlights: The zoo features a unique underwater viewing tunnel where visitors can watch seals swim inches away, creating an immersive experience. At night, special ‘Sound of the Wild’ events bring animal sounds to life in a magical way across the park.

Quick facts: Royal Palace of Laeken serves as the official residence of the Belgian royal family, yet it's mostly closed to the public except during select events. Its expansive park includes one of Europe's oldest greenhouses, featuring exotic plants that look like a jungle indoors.

Highlights: The palace is surrounded by over 300 hectares of private park, home to astonishing botanical collections in the Royal Greenhouses that bloom only a few weeks each year. Visitors can walk among rare orchids and giant water lilies under glass domes, a truly royal secret garden experience.