Belgium Travel & Culture Guide
Top Travel Destinations
This is our ranking of the most interesting Belgian cities and towns to visit apart from Brussels. We took into account the attractiveness, atmosphere, historical heritage, as well as the number and quality of museums and local restaurants.
Just across the border
Though lying in other countries today, Lille, Maastricht and Luxembourg were historically and culturally part of Belgium (Spanish/Austrian Netherlands). Lille is the capital of French Flanders, once an integral part of the County of Flanders annexed to France by Louis XVI. Lillois have Flemish surnames and some can still speak Flemish despite 350 years of Francisation. Maastricht and Luxembourg were part of Belgium when the modern country was founded in 1830. They were ceded back to the Netherlands in 1839 in exchange for the recognition of the independence of Belgium. Luxembourg got a separate independence in 1890. Aachen, though never Belgian, shares an intimate history with nearby Liège, cradle of the Carolingian dynasty. Liège (Lüttich) remained German until 1792.
=> More destinations bordering Belgium
Cities (over 50,000 inhabitants) are indicated in bold.
Eupedia's Rating System
Cities, towns, villages & historic buildings
: moderately interesting - nice for a quick stop
: recommended - to visit if you have time
: outstanding place - really deserves to be seen
: best of the country - shouldn't be missed
: one of the world's great cities (beyond rating)
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Natural attractions
: interesting
: recommended
: highly recommended
: world-class
※ : UNESCO World Heritage site
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