Belgium is made up of two distinct regions: Flanders (the Flemish- and Dutch-speaking north) and Wallonia (the French-speaking south). The resulting kaleidoscope of customs gives this pint-sized nation a surprising amount of cultural diversity. Packed with chocolate shops, traditional beer cafes and perfectly preserved medieval buildings, Belgium exudes an old-world charm that few other countries can match.

Key Highlights

French and Flemish culture combine with a strong international influence in Brussels, Belgium’s cosmopolitan capital. The medieval streets are lined with Art Nouveau architecture and cosy cafes, while impressive modern monuments showcase the city’s role as the headquarters of the European Union.
 
Bruges is Europe’s best-preserved medieval city, a veritable open-air museum of 13th-century architecture. Cobbled streets and tree-lined canals meander through the town centre past picturesque squares, quaint chapels and characteristic pavement cafes.

In Depth

The centre of the world’s diamond trade, Antwerp is a vibrant modern city with plenty of historical charm. Its Gothic cathedral is Belgium’s largest and most impressive, while the Fine Arts Museum showcases a splendid collection of masterpieces by Antwerp’s most famous resident – Peter Paul Rubens.