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Places To Visit In Netherlands and Belgium

While most visitors flock to Brussels or Bruges, this little but lovely port city is Europe's best-kept secret. Ghent was once the most powerful city in Europe, but it is now a very peaceful, lovely town with a distinct bohemian vibe.

With a collection of canal-side mediaeval buildings, Michelin-starred restaurants, eccentric boutique businesses, and a full calendar of cultural activities, Ghent is also storybook gorgeous. Skip the touristic canal boat tours and instead explore all of the local places to get a true sense of the region.

Best Time to visit: April

How to reach: You can reach here via train, or direct flights from Antwerp and Brussels.

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Antwerp has developed its reputation as Belgium's second city by being cool, confident, and classically provocative. The town boasts grandiose Flemish houses, winding mediaeval streets overshadowed by the looming Gothicism of the city Cathedral, the glorious old home of Rubens, and an endearingly gaudy Red Light district where Toots Thielemans tunes echo past candlelit beer bars, as well as a booming diamond trading centre and moneyed to the hilt.

Then there's Het Zuid, Antwerp's sleepless modern edge, where bohemian coffee shops rub shoulders with antique emporiums, fixie riders pass graffiti artists, and the famed MUHKA art museum showcases cutting-edge avant-garde.

Best Time to visit: May through September

How to reach: Antwerp is situated near two airports. Zaventem is 45 kilometres from Antwerp, or 30 minutes by car. Deurne Airport is a 15-minute drive from Antwerp.

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The Ardennes, a huge part of southern Belgium known as one of the most magnificent hiking locations in all of Northern Europe, stretches from Namur, over the valleys of the meandering Meuse River, and down to the wild plateau Fens on the German Eifel Mountains' boundary.

Between its borders, visitors can find rock-clad castles like Chateau de Bouillon, Mardi Gras celebrations in Malmedy, beautiful canoeing waters along the River Lesse, stalactite-dotted caves and grottoes amidst the Ourthe hills, dense woodlands and Trappist buddhist temples in Rochefort.

Best Time to visit: October

How to reach: One of the easiest ways to get to the Ardennes is via Brussels bus which runs from London to Belgium's capital

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The tiny and picturesque village of Tournai, which is bordered by France, is a good place to get away from the rush and bustle of larger Belgian cities. This city has a rich cultural heritage dating back over 2000 years, and it is home to the five-towered Gothic and Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful churches in the world.

The cathedral, which was built in the 12th and 13th centuries, houses the Shrine of Our Lady as well as works by Ruvens and Jordaens. The town Belfry is the country's oldest, with 257 stairs leading to some of Tournai's most spectacular vistas.

Best Time to visit:  Late June to early September

How to reach: The nearest airport to Tournai is Lille Lesquin (LIL) Airport which is 20.4 km away.

This city is located in the Namur province, 65 kilometres south of the capital city, along the sparkling Meuse River. The Han Caves and the Dinant Grotto are two of the natural wonders that draw visitors here. These caves are among Europe's largest and most magnificent, and they're nestled within a Wildlife Reserve rich in natural flora and fauna.

The lovely town is backed by a stunning sheer cliff face and protected by the ancient defensive citadel, and the city's historic buildings are steeped in history – you can sense this is a place with many stories to tell as you stroll through the small alleys.

Best Time to visit: May, June, July, August and September.

How to reach: It takes around an hour and a half to reach here from Brussels by train.

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Leuven, home to the world's oldest Catholic university, has a population of over 100,000 people, with nearly 35,000 of them being students who keep the city buzzing when courses are in session. Two seemingly endless streets are lined with attractive stores and galleries, while the city's historical quarter includes landmarks such as St. Peter's Church's Belfry and the Grand Beguinage.

The Grote Markt in Leuven is bustling with activity, with attractions such as the City Hall near to excellent dining options and street-side taverns and cafes. The position of this city makes it an excellent substitute for Brussels as a vacationer's main centre for exploring the rest of the country.

Best Time to visit: May, june, july, august, september

How to reach: Leuven is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. If you arrive by plane, you will land at Brussels International Airport, which is located in Zaventem, Belgium, halfway between Leuven and Brussels.

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Mons is most known as the capital of the Hainaut province for the enchanting and unexpected ringing of the town's majestic Belfry bells, which ring from the 80 metre (270 foot) tower. Visitors may easily navigate the city landmarks, which are a rich variety of architectural styles, thanks to the city's winding lanes.

The Gothic-style Mons Town Hall is striking, and the Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru houses a large collection of Jacques Du Broeucq alabaster statues from the 16th century. A visit to the Van Gogh House is unavoidable if you want to witness incredible replicas of this master's work.

Best Time to visit:  June to September

How to reach: The train station is only a short walk from the city centre of Mons. It should take roughly 15 minutes to complete the walk. The Brussels South Charleroi Airport, located 30 minutes from Mons, serves over 100 international destinations.

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Mechelen, located halfway between Antwerp and Brussels, is one of the most accessible cities in terms of location. It's only a 20-minute rail ride from either city. Although the city has a long history, there is much more to it than that. Mechelen was selected as one of the ten European cities of the future by the Financial Times.

There's a lot of it in this town. The city has been inhabited since the Iron Age and today bears witness to a rich history, particularly many conflicts. Museum Hof van Busleyden is the finest spot to brush up on your knowledge of this little-known Belgian city. If picture-postcard views are your thing, Mechelen is the place to be.

Best Time to visit: July, August, and then June

How to reach: You can reach here via train or direct flight from Brussels.

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Maastricht, the capital of the Limburg province, is one of the most attractive cities in the Netherlands. It's one of the country's major commercial and tourism areas, located on both banks of the Maas River. With all of its historic and artistic riches, one of the best things to do in Maastricht is simply stroll through the city's many evocative streets and riverfront walkways.

Maastricht is widely recognised as the most beautiful city in the Netherlands, and a visit will not disappoint with all the things to do there. The greatest time to visit is in February, when the Prince Carnaval takes place, which is vivid and colourful.

Best Time to visit: May, June, July, August and September

How to reach: The rail travel from Maastricht to Brussels Airport takes around 2 hours and 19 minutes and covers a distance of about 120 kilometres.

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Edam is located in the Waterland region of North Holland, which is known for its abundant farmlands and scenic polder landscapes. There are numerous rural communities in the vicinity of Edam, most of which are only a few kilometres from the city's boundaries.

The rough Markermeer sea is seen from various campsites sprinkled along Edam's shoreline. These campgrounds are especially popular during the summer months, when many water sports enthusiasts visit. As a result, it's a fantastic site to visit in the spring.

Best Time to visit: June to September

How to reach: Edam is only half an hour bus ride from Amsterdam's Centraal Station, and it costs less than 5 euros each way.

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