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The recent troubles in Belgium, terrorists squatting there like an insidious mould that just won’t shift, may discourage many people from visiting. It’s a crying shame that these groups see everyday life and beautiful places, and can only think of doing something ugly to them. Of course we try not to let them win, though fear is an inevitable reaction, so if you’re looking to visit that quaint and pretty country, here are a few recommendations to help you on your holiday.
In Brussels itself, the bus tours make it easy to see all the best areas and sites; the Atomium in particular cannot be missed as an attraction. There are two tour routes for the buses, red and blue if memory serves, and the Atomium is on the blue; a massive, gleaming representation of an iron atom many times magnified, the inside is like stepping into the credits of classic Doctor Who. It may seem crowded with long queues, but don’t let that put you off; the queues move quickly so you don’t have to wait for long.
Every city and town in Belgium seems to have a Grand Place or Grote Markt (street signs and names are both French and Flemish), but Brussels’ Grand Place will take your breath away with its stunning architecture. Bordered by chocolate shops and museums, I’d recommend the former over the latter. Brussels has plenty of less busy museums, and when I was there I saw little point in joining the throngs of people filling those in the square. The BELvue and Coudenberg Museums give a great history of Belgium, as well as archaeological remains of a 12th century palace for those history buffs out there.
But the place I’d really recommend for a Belgium trip is Ghent. A city of canals, cobbled streets and bright windmills, Ghent is Bruges without the tourists; just as pretty but with a calmer atmosphere and perfect for a relaxed break. The Gravensteen is worth a visit, a sprawling castle that’s remarkably well preserved with plenty of information on its history as well as that of Ghent itself. The City Park and Botanical Gardens are well worth a visit for vibrant colours and scenery that nicely fills up a camera, and the Sint-Pietersabdij boasts some Roman ruins and eerie cellars that come straight out of a gothic novel. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from, and the city lights up at night with the canals illuminated with lanterns, and with so much history Ghent makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a medieval era.
Overall, the French side of Belgium is great if you love museums, archaeology and learning about the history of a place. The Flemish cities, such as Ghent and Antwerp, don’t forget their history either, but young children may enjoy them more with secret streets to discover in Ghent and the zoo in Antwerp that holds a menagerie of exotic animals.
