Close Window

Top 10 things to do in Belgium

Internationally famous for its beer, mussels and Jean-Claude Vandamme, Belgium is at the crossroad of Western Europe, surrounded by France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands. Full of hidden treasures, the country possess amazing architectural wonders, charming and lively cities where you will be sure to experience Europe at its best. Drinking a fresh Belgium beer under the summer sun is obviously one of the best things to do in Belgium, but here are ten more for your consideration.


Brussels city centre
Exotic music in Brussels Home of many European institutions, Brussels also hosts every year the “Couleur Café” festival. This event dedicated to fusion and exotic music will take from June 29th to July 1st. For three days, artists including Sean Paul, Jessie J, the French Le Peuple de l’Herbe and Ben l’Oncle Soul, and many more will be performing and bringing the hip-hop, reggae and funky vibes in the capital of Belgium. Our Brussels hostels will be delighted to welcome you during this event. Hiking in the Ardennes The Ardennes is a region of forests in Belgium, France and Luxembourg, a great place for hiking and biking. You will be able to see the wildlife of this region, such as boar and deer, and visit natural caves and small villages. The perfect place to stay is in the "Félicien Rops" Youth Hostel in Namur.
Street performer in traditional costume at Gent Festival
Gent Festival Part of the Flemish region of Belgium, Gent is a lovely city hosting its annual festival from July 14th to 23rd this year. The “Gentse Feesten” is a festival that celebrates the culture in the city, as well as music and theatre. The tourists can visit the town while enjoying the street performers. Our Hostel De Draecke in Gent will provide you with all the information you need during your stay. French music at the Francofolies This important series of festivals takes place in most of the French-speaking countries, the Francofolies are being held in Spa from the 18th to the 22nd of July. Popular artists like Nolwenn Leroy, Hugh Laurie, Selah Sue and many more will take the stage and sing their most famous songs in front of a Francophile crowd. Our hostel in Malmedy, located not far from Spa, is a perfect place to enjoy the five days of festival. Visit of a brewery You cannot spend some time in Belgium without drinking one of its beers, renowned in all parts of the world. A visit to a brewery is obviously something not to miss and the Brasserie Dubuisson will gladly welcome you to taste the Bush, a 12% amber beer and one of the oldest in Wallonia. Located in Tournai, our hostel is a short distance from the brewery. Lost in Bruges Amazingly beautiful, the city of Bruges is a typical European town in the Flemish part of Belgium. Perfect for long walks, the city offers a great historical background and architectural wonders from medieval times. Taking a boat on the numerous canals in the best way to discover Bruges, often called the “Venice of the North”. Stay in one of our hostels in Bruges and take the time to discover the city. Summer festivals in Leuven Just north of Brussels, Leuven is a famous university town with a magnificent historic centre. Summer is a very active season for the city with various festivals taking place. The Beleuvenissen is a music event held every Friday in July, and the Leuven Kermis is the city carnival celebrated in September. De Blauwput hostel in Leuven is a great place to stay if you want to enjoy the city and its festivals.
Flags outside Antwerp City Hall
Diamond shopping in Antwerp Belgium’s second largest city, Antwerp is a major port in Europe. Economically and culturally important during the past centuries, the city is well known for its diamonds; 70% of the world’s diamonds are being traded in Antwerp. The Diamond District is a rather interesting place to visit with numerous jewellery shops. With the money you save from the cheap accommodation in our hostel in Antwerp, you might even be able to buy one of these shiny rocks. Festival of walking in Liege With its rich history, Liege is a great place to walk and the Festival of Walking, in the second half of August, gives you the opportunity to discover the city with a new angle. For the bike lovers, the Tour de France 2012 will start from Liege with riders from all parts of the world taking part in the competition. The Georges Simenon Youth Hostel will more than happy to welcome you.
Exterior of Comic Strip Museum
Comic strip in Brussels If you are done with the beer and the mussels, it is time to head for the Belgian Comic Strip Centre, an entire museum dedicated to Belgian comics, from the early ages to present day examples. Perfect for kids, adults will also enjoy witnessing the evolution of this art and the birth of world famous comics like the Smurfs and Tintin. Looking for a place to stay? Check our hostels in Brussels. As part of our EUROPE OPEN! Campaign, hostel in Belgium (or any other European destination) before 31 May 2012 for the chance to win your booking for FREE plus £200 spending money. For Terms & Conditions please read here.
My Itinerary
Build your own travel itinerary with HI’s new itinerary feature.

HI SUGGESTS...

Destination of the month
Destination of the month Travel ideas and inspiration for top travel destinations worldwide

INSPIRE ME

Not sure where to go?
Not sure where to go? No problem, let us inspire you! | more...

HI SUGGESTS...

Plan your stay and meet friends using the facebook application
Plan your stay and meet friends using the facebook application Simply add friends@hihostels now | more...