Belgium is famed for its gastronomy including waffles, chocolates, and specialty brews. Aside from that, it houses the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) headquarters and the European Parliament. Belgium is also noted for its world-famous tourist attractions and twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There is, however, more than this country has to offer to every visitor. It also houses some of the world's most unique locations and to sum it up, here are ten of the best.
10 The Royal Greenhouses Of Laeken, Brussels
One of Brussel’s hidden gems and most stunning attractions is The Royal Greenhouse of Laeken, publicly open every spring season. Visitors will truly witness the blooming flowers that the gardeners have been working on for a whole year. However, it is only open for three weeks from 9:30 a.m., but visitors must get there earlier to buy admission tickets. The tickets cost $2 to $5 per adult, and visitors under 18 years old get free admission.
9 Zimmer Tower, Lier
Located in the heart of the fantastic city of Lier is the Zimmer Tower, locally known as the Cornelius Tower. The tower was named after the clockmaker and astronomer Louis Zimmer when it was constructed in 1930, consisting of twelve clocks encircling the central clock piece. Additionally, the Zimmer Museum is located adjacent to the tower, which is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. throughout the week except for Mondays. The ticket price of the museum ranges from $2 to $5 per visitor.
8 See-Through Church, Borgloon
The see-through church, designed by Arnout Van Vaerenbergh and Pieterjan Gijs and located near the Peony Farm in Borgloon, is a unique architectural wonder. The church is a work of art made out of a hundred layered steel sheets stacked to form a church. Due to its structure and the magnificent countryside, it is regarded as Belgium's most beautiful structure. It's also a great place to see the sunset and is completely free to the public.
7 Villa Fridhem, Maasmechelen
Located in Maasmechelen, a municipality in Limburg Province is the Villa Fridhem. The villa is private property, and the entrance cabin draws tourists in. The gate, however, is occasionally closed, and visitors are not permitted to climb into the fence due to the presence of a security camera. Visitors who are photographers can take photos through the holes in the fences. But, if visitors arrive with the gates open and the security guard present, they can politely ask permission from the guard and take a few shots with the cabin.
6 Walzin Castle Viewpoints, Dinant
Although visitors are not permitted to visit the Walzin Castle because it is private property, this does not prevent them from seeing the castle in Dinant. Visitors who want a closer look at the castle should park their car along the Lesse River, as there is a short road and a bridge that visitors must cross to get to the castle grounds. Another option is for people who want a bird's eye view of the castle, but they must travel on a private road and walk up to a fence on the hill next to the castle. It will all be worth it since the view of the castle from the mountain is breathtaking.
5 Hallerbos Forest, Halle
Hallerbos Forest, popularly known as the Blue Forest, is a forest wonderland located in Hoge Bergweg, Halle. During the spring blossom season, the bluebells carpet the woodland grounds, making it look like a magical garden beneath the towering trees. Visitors are only permitted to walk along the designated paths and cannot take photographs while standing in the middle of the flowers. Drones are also prohibited, and visitors must keep pets on a leash. Additionally, the most excellent time to visit is weekday mornings during the second to last week of April.
4 The Villers Abbey, Villers La Ville
The Viller Abbey, also known as the Abbaye de Villers, is located in Villers La Ville, a quaint village 30 minutes from Brussels. It is recognized as one of Europe's most comprehensive sites, founded in 1146, and an excellent example of the Cistercians monks' way of life. The site is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day, with extended hours available till 6:00 p.m. Moreover, admission rates range from $4 to $9 per visitor.
3 The 7 Trolls And The Magical Tower, De Schorre, Boom
Thomas Dambo's "The 7 Trolls and the Magical Tower," located in De Schorre in Boom, is one of Belgium's most magnificent architectural wonders. The giant trolls are hidden within the forest, so it is exciting to go troll hunting while strolling around. It's also home to the famed event Tomorrowland, and the fall season is the best time to go troll hunting. No map to locate each troll adds to the excitement, but tourists may follow the trail to the woodland from the first two trolls on De Schorre's main grounds.
2 Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert, Brussels
The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert in Brussels is one of Europe's most unique and oldest shopping centers. It is divided into two phases and features a large glass arc ceiling that enables guests to see the light blue sky during the day and the glittering stars at night. The building has various restaurants, shops, and businesses that sell a variety of commodities and products ranging from affordable to high-end brands. The Aux Arms de Bruxelles is a must-visit restaurant, particularly its shrimp croquettes.
1 Fondry des Chiens, Nismes
The 100-meter-long and 20-meter-deep Foundry des Chiens is located in Nismes, a picturesque town in Namur Province. It is a one-of-a-kind ravine and one of Belgium's most well-known tourist attractions. Visitors can choose from various hiking trails, but the yellow rectangles track, which begins at the Nismes church, is the most recommended. However, those who do not wish to engage in a hiking excursion can drive up to the little canyon. The place is frequently visited during the fall season when the changing colors of the leaves add to the area's beauty.