Belgium may be small but it’s packed full of sights. UNESCO-acclaimed sites in the capital city of Brussels range from 14th-century guildhalls surrounding the elegant Grand Place to the early 20th-century Art Nouveau townhouses of Victor Horta.

Bruges is a major attraction for tourists, with its perfectly-preserved medieval streets rimming tranquil canals that lure flocks of travelers each year. But plenty of other towns in the country — particularly Ghent and Mechelen — retain excellent architectural examples from the Middle Ages as well.

This small nation has been right at the forefront of Europe’s history, with many of the continent’s most important events played out across its countryside.

It was in Belgium that Napoleon met his match at the battle of Waterloo, and during both the First and Second World Wars, Belgium found itself thrust into the frontline. The World War I battlefields of Ypres are now important pilgrimage sites that are among the most popular places to visit in Belgium.

Whether you’re here for the ancient or modern history, Belgium provides a huge chunk of European heritage within a bite-sized piece of land.

Grand Place, Brussels
La Grand Place (also known as De Grote Markt), is rimmed by finely preserved guildhalls and other grand buildings that showcase Belgium’s vernacular architecture at its best.

One side is dominated by the ornate medieval town hall, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Grand Place was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding representation of late 17th-century architecture. The square is busy with tourists and locals at all times of year, but especially in August of alternate years, when the center is filled with the 75- by 24-meter Flower Carpet, made up of more than 700,000 cut begonias.

The Canals and Belfry of Bruges
Bruges began on the banks of the river Reie, and as it grew, so did a series of waterways connecting it to the Zwin estuary and the North Sea.

Today, the canals are beautiful reminders of Bruges history, and cruising or walking along them is one of the most popular things to do in Belgium.

You can download a walking tour map from the tourism website to explore the inner canals, where you’ll find beautiful views of picturesque bridges and glimpse into hidden gardens. Or tour the canals by boat, which you can take from any of five landings.

Among the most recognizable sights in Belgium are the beautiful belfry and Halle, which dominate the main square of Bruges.

Dating from the medieval era, this impressive building once functioned as the main town market hall and has been wonderfully preserved, allowing visitors a real taste of the architectural might of the Middle Ages.

Climbing the 366 winding and narrow steps of the belfry is one of the most popular things to do for tourists in Belgium. Once at the top, the views of church spires and steeple-roofs provide one of the country’s best-known panoramas.

The Battlefields of Flanders
For many visitors, Belgium’s role on the front line of World War I, and in particular the Battlefields of Flanders around Ypres are the main reason for a journey here.

Not only important historically, the battlefields are a major pilgrimage site. The preserved trenches run for kilometers around the town of Ypres, while this area is also scattered with vast cemeteries for the thousands of soldiers who died here.

The Tyne Cot Cemetery (British) and Langemark’s German War Cemetery are both solemn reminders of the brutal fighting that took place here during the Great War.

Ghent’s Gravensteen and Old Town
This hugely impressive fort was once the grand home of the counts of Flanders, who took their inspiration for castle-building from the bulky castles the Crusaders built in Syria.

Today, Gravensteen is one of Europe’s best surviving examples of a moated fortress and has been incredibly well-preserved.

Its strong and impressively thick and high walls soar up from the waters of the river Lieve right in the middle of the old town of Ghent, rising above the rooftops of the surrounding streets.

Inside, the vast arched halls and chambers contain exhibits of medieval life, but it’s the castle’s architecture itself that is the real star of the show. Climb up the staircase to the roof for panoramic views across town before strolling through Ghent’s charming stone-paved streets.

Horta Museum and Town Houses
Victor Horta was the most influential architect and designer of the early 20th-century style known as Art Nouveau.

Several of his stunning buildings survive in Brussels and now constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Begin at the Horta Museum, located in his former home and studio, which have been preserved as he designed them, with the original stained glass, mosaics, wood work, and decorations.

Horta was a pioneer in this artistic revolution that maximized and diffused natural light and incorporated themes from nature in its sinuous curves. Horta’s aesthetic included attention to every detail of construction and decoration, from the design of the house to its furniture and even the decoration on hinges and doorknobs.

The two joined buildings of his house and studio show Art Nouveau at its height, and his four major town houses — Hôtel Tassel, Hôtel Solvay, Hôtel van Eetvelde, and Maison & Atelier Horta — are also included in the UNESCO site.

Cathedral of Saint Bavo, Ghent
This majestic cathedral with its high Gothic choir and Romanesque crypt showcases the best of religious architecture in Belgium and is Ghent’s most outstanding tourist attraction.

Although the soaring building, with its harmonious stained glass windows, is a highlight in itself, most people come here to see the famous artwork that graces the interior; specifically the Flemish masterpiece known as The Altar of Ghent.

Once you’ve viewed the painting though, don’t miss the mammoth crypt under the cathedral, which contains important tombs and some beautiful wall paintings.

Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges
If you’re only going to visit one church in Bruges make it this one. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is not only impressive for its blending of Romanesque and late Gothic architecture but also for the sacred relic kept inside.

The upper chapel is home to the famous vial for which the church takes its name; said to contain a drop of Jesus Christ’s blood that was brought back to Belgium after the Second Crusade.

The interior of the church is a dazzling riot of gild work that was completed in the 16th century and provides ample reason for a visit even if you’re not interested in holy relics.

Grand Place (Grote Markt), Antwerp
Right in the core of Antwerp, sits the town’s wonderful Grand Place (also known as the Grote Markt), which contains some of Belgium’s finest examples of guild house architecture with their typical steeple-roofed shape.

The Town Hall here is a well-preserved example of 16th-century construction, and the interior is worth viewing for its collection of paintings that show Antwerp’s history.

The guild houses that still rim the plaza are the major reason to visit the Grote Markt though. Among the best facades are the Coopers’ House and Grocers’ House, but all of them are well-preserved examples of this Belgian-style of architecture.

Meuse Valley
The Meuse Valley, south of Brussels, is one of the best places to get a feel for Belgium’s rural heartland.

The Meuse River offers Belgium’s most scenic river trip opportunities, with dense forest countryside interspersed with hilltop craggy castle and fortress ruins, and little waterfront towns backed by limestone cliffs.

Head to either the towns of Namur or Dinant to plan your river trip. Both these small centers act as gateways to this region.

The Meuse Valley is also home to a host of hiking and cycling trails for travelers who want to add some activities into their holiday.

Mons Old Town
The old town of Mons is a delight to explore.

At the center is the Grand Place, a main square graced by a variety of typically ornate buildings that span a 400-year period, dating from between the 15th and 18th centuries, yet still retain a sense of symmetry. In particular, the Toison d’Or House (1615) and the Chapel of St. George (1604) are architectural highpoints.

Away from the Grand Place, the old town hides many more sightseeing opportunities.

The UNESCO-listed bell tower on the hill above town and the Church of Sainte-Waudru with its interior crammed full of artistic and religious relics are two of the most important attractions.

St. Peter’s Church, Leuven
With its pointed arch windows and sheaf pillars, St. Peter’s Church is one of Belgium’s best preserved examples of Brabant Gothic style.

The church sits right in the heart of Leuven on the town’s main square or Grote Markt.

As well as the church’s splendid 15th-century architecture, inside, art-lovers will find an extra treat. The choir and the ambulatory are home to a museum dedicated to religious art, where some of the finest Flemish paintings illustrating biblical scenes are shown.

In particular, the Baroque carved pulpit and Dirk Bouts’ painting of the Last Supper are worth a visit.

Mechelen Old Town
Its monuments may not be as famous as those in visitor favorite Bruges, but Mechelen’s old town area is a great place to capture a sense of medieval Belgium, with plenty of gabled architecture and fine old buildings still in situ.

The central Grote Markt is bordered by some exceptionally fine buildings including the Town Hall and Lakenhall, while the impressive Sint-Rombouts Cathedral with its tall clock tower rises up just behind.

Away from the main square, a stroll through the center will also reveal plenty of typical guild house architecture that history fans are sure to want to see.

Semois Valley
A nature-lover’s delight, the Semois Valley provides a needed dose of lush countryside after all that historic rambling through Belgium’s cities and towns.

Here, in the southern corner of the country, the winding Semois River cuts through farmland overlooked by gently undulating forest-clad hills. It’s Belgium’s prime hiking territory and also a good place for riverboat trips following the sinuous curves of the river.

Villages such as Membre, Laforet, and Alle offer good accommodation options, from mid-range guesthouses to camping within the region.

To see the valley at its prettiest come in spring, when the wildflowers bloom.

Waterloo
Yes, history fans, it is that Waterloo; the place where Napoleon was defeated in the famous battle.

Today, the countryside where the battle once roared is a bucolic landscape of agricultural fields, but an artificial hill rises up from the surrounding flatlands with a memorial lion sculpture atop the summit to commemorate the day when Napoleon’s army was finally stopped.

From the top, there are excellent views across the countryside. For anyone interested in the history of Belgium and of greater Europe, Waterloo remains an important stop on the itinerary.

Belgium is a small country, but it is full of unique and wonderful activities. Even though the weather in Belgium is not always compatible with outdoor activities, on the rare occasion when the sun is shining, this country offers many activities that adults will enjoy as much as children. Here’s the best things to do as soon as it gets warm outside.

Ride A Cuistax By The Seaside
If you are going to the seaside, you cannot miss the experience of riding a cuistax. The cuistax is a combination of a car and a bike. To ride this car down the coastal boardwalk without any engine, roof, or doors, is a very popular activity in Belgium. You can easily find stores like, Cyclo-Karts, that rent them for one hour or more. You can find cuistax for one person and up to groups of six people.

The Labyrinth
Near the city of Durbuy, which is considered one of the smallest cities in the world, a giant maize labyrinth offers a unique experience for children and adults. The labyrinth is actually a theme park open during the summer, and includes various activities with actors that adhere to that year’s theme. For instance, in 2015 the labyrinth was designed around the story of Peter Pan.

Pairi Daiza
Pairi Daiza is more than a traditional zoo; it is a real travel experience that takes you on a trip around the world. You can discover the architecture, ecology and animals from various regions, all within Belgium. The park has won several prizes including three stars from the famous Michelin green guide.

Summer Festivals
Belgium is one of the countries that hosts the highest number of summer festivals, which are a great way to listen to musical performances outdoors. One of the more internationally renowned festivals is Tomorrowland, which is one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world. Every year, thousands of people travel from all over to witness incredible live music from a range of established DJs and performers. However, Tomorrowland is not the only festival you can enjoy in Belgium; there are many more, such as the Brussels Summer Festival, Rock Werchter and the Dour Festival.

Dinner In The Sky
Dinner in the Sky is a wonderful experience that combines discovering Belgian cuisine and the capital of Europe from above. More than 10 years ago, the first edition of the Dinner in the Sky was organized in Belgium, showcasing the best of Belgian cuisine with leading Michelin rated chefs serving guests who were suspended above Belgium. For the 10th anniversary of the concept, Dinner in the Sky had ten tables hovering in the sky right next to the Atomium.

Topiary Park
Topiary art consists of cutting a plant in order to create a particular form. The Topiary Park of Durbuy offers a walk dedicated to viewing these beautiful and original topiaries over one hectare of land. In the park, you can see animals in plant version, and also the famous Belgian Manneken Pis.

Mini Europe
If you want to travel around Europe in a few hours, Mini Europe in Brussels is the perfect place to go. Here, you can walk around 350 of the most famous monuments of Europe in miniature version. This offers you the opportunity to see the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben in the same day.

Comic Strip Murals In Brussels
Many Belgian comic artists are well known around the world, and some of their comics remain on the walls of Brussels. For instance, you may have the chance to find a Tintin or an Asterix drawing when walking about. It is almost impossible to walk around the city without seeing any of these.

Flower Carpet Of The Grand Place
Every two years since 1986 a huge flower carpet covers the Grand Place in Belgium during the summer. Brussels’ Grand Place hosts over 600,000 flowers that together represent a detailed drawing. The flower carpet takes four hours to make by a hundred dedicated volunteers.

The Lion’s Mound Of Waterloo
This mound is the symbol of the Waterloo battle of 1815. It was built on the place where the Orange prince, the next king of the Netherlands, was injured. The mound is 40 meters high and the lion that has been placed at the top represents victory. If you are brave enough to go up the 226 steps, you will have the chance to have a beautiful view of the surroundings.