Travel to Belgium

Brussels is Belgium's capital. It is also a city where plenty of European institutions are headquartered and is considered by some to be the de facto capital for the European Union.  Brussels also has the largest urban area in Belgium, and is the seat of Belgium's French Community as well as its Flemish Community. Brussels has historically been known as a Dutch-speaking community, however, the number of French speaking inhabitants has increased dramatically during the course of the 19th-20th centuries and both languages now have official status.

If you plan to go to Brussels, here are some of the recommended sites:

The Grand Place- the Grand Place, or the Grote Markt is Brussel's central square, surrounded by the city's Town Hall and the Breadhouse. The Grand Place is Brussel's most important tourist destination and its most memorable landmark which measures 223 by 360 feet and is listed under UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King of Belgians located in front of Brussels Park. Although it is the official palace, it is not used as a royal residence since the king and his family resides in the Royal Castle of Laeken. The Palace, or "Palais Royal", allows visitors for a limited time in summer.

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is one of Belgium's most famous museums. The museum is located in the downtown area of Coudenberg and is comprised of four museums connected with the Royal Museum.  The two of them—The Museum of Ancient Art, and the Museum of Modern Art—are in the main building, while the other two, which are located a few kilometers from the city center, are dedicated to specific Belgian artists and are much smaller. The Royal Museum features over 20,000 drawings, sculptures, and paintings dating from the early 15th century to the present.

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Belgium tends to be underrated as a holiday destination. This is a pity as it has much to offer the holidaymaker, whether it is culture, beaches or places of historical interest. If you are planning a trip there then you need to seek Belgium travel advice from a reliable source. To help you plan your visit here is an introduction to 6 places to visit in Belgium during your stay.

Together with its Dutch neighbour, Belgium has long been associated with the exciting world of diamonds. The Belgian city of Antwerp has long being regarded as the center of the diamond trade in Belgium and, not surprisingly, is home to the world's largest Diamond Museum. A visit to the museum is a must for any lover of diamonds. There are sound and light displays depicting the journey that a diamond makes from the time it is mined until it is cut, polished and becomes part of an item of jewellery. For many the most fascinating exhibit will be the replica of the British crown jewels, including the two largest diamonds in the world, the Koh-I-Noor and the Cullinan.

The Ardennes region of Belgium is well-known as an area of outstanding beauty, ideal for touring and taking in the views. One of the major towns in the Ardennes is the town of Spa, whose name is now synonymous with baths and springs of healing waters. Spa has been on the map as a center for baths and hot springs since the 14 century and was considered as the resort to go to by the European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today Spa retains its old world charm but the baths have been extensively modernized and expanded. The main complex of baths is located at "Les Thermes De Spa", where the visitor can relax in the healing waters or take a sauna or massage. The modern world of motor racing visits Spa once a year as it is home to the historic Formula One Grand Prix circuit at Spa-Francorchamps. All in all an area to be included in any visit to Belgium.

Most people will recall learning about the Battle of Waterloo in their school history lessons. The city of Waterloo where the battle took place in 1815, is located not far from the Belgian capital, Brussels. For visitors wishing to find out more about the events of 1815 there are museums and monuments commemorating the Duke of Wellingtons victory over the Emperor Napoleon. The battlefield has been preserved and it is possible to wander over the fields where the battle took place. A panoramic view over surrounding area can be had from the top of "La Butte du Lion", a mound with the statue of a lion at the top, said to have been built as a symbol of the the allied forces' victory. The Wellington museum, housed in the former allied army headquarters and reputed to be where Wellington stayed during the battle, has many exhibits of items from the time.

Sometimes called the Venice of the North, the town of Bruges in the Belgian province of Flanders, is famed for its historical center enclosed by the many canals. Bruges is an ancient town and a large number of old medieval buildings are still standing, adding to the beauty of the place. As a center of lace-making, Bruges is still probably the most well-known and highly regarded town. Lace products of the highest quality are on sale in just about every shop and lace makers can be seen sitting in their doorways engaging in their craft. There are demonstrations of bobbin lace making at the Kantcentrum near the center of the city. Other notable attractions are the four windmills which are the only ones remaining from the many that were built into the ancient city walls. Each one has a small museum.

One of the largest and well-known collections of Flemish art can be found at The Royal Museum of Fine Art in Brussels. There are more than 20,000 works ranging from Flemish and Dutch Old Masters to paintings from the present day. Flemish paintings by such illustrious figures as Rubens and van Dyck are well represented and include 20 works by Rubens. These are housed in their own salon. Paintings by many Dutch Old Masters such as Rembrandt are also featured. This is a very large collection of art, spread over two buildings, and if you want to make the most of it you will need to allocate plenty of time.

For those who are interested in finding out more about Flemish painters and paintings, a visit to the Groeninge Museum in Bruges should be on the agenda. Although the museum concentrates its collection on the works of local artists, there are several paintings from other areas in Belgium. Housed in its own section is an important exhibition of paintings by the so-called Flemish primitive group of painters. Foremost among these was the artist Jan van Eyck. In 1985 the museum took over the Herbert Collection, which is a collection of paintings from the expressionist era.

Choosing the six places to visit in Belgium was not easy as the country has so many attractions to offer the tourist. Belgium does not yet have the popularity as a tourist destination as some other countries but it is hoped that after reading the above you will be keen to find out more about what the country has to offer the visitor. To help you in your preparations for your holiday don't forget to obtain reliable Belgium travel advice so that you are aware of any special requirements you need to comply with.

Royal Museum of Fine Art, Antwerp

A beautiful and a huge compilation of paintings from the 14th century are found in the Royal Museum of Fine Art in Antwerp. Despite from the outstanding art collected works, the neoclassical planning of the museum is outstanding.

Waterloo

The fierce battle of Waterloo finished the Napoleonic Wars on June 18th in the year 1815. Napoleon I was overpowered by the Duke of Wellington. There is ample of battle belongings to visit together with the Lion of Waterloo victory monument , a huge man-made hill with a 28-ton lion on the apex. For the people who have the strength to climb  200 steps, the lion offers an imposing authoritative sight of the spot.

The Ypres War Memorials and the Flanders Battlefields

The town of Ypres is compared with the First World War. Speckled all through the neighboring countryside are quiet memorials to the deceased of the 1st World War. Must pay a visit to genuine dugout in Sanctuary Wood, the full-size modernization of scenes from the War in the Hooge Crater Museum and the trench of John McCrae where he had written the poem "In Flanders Fields", etc. The most touching sites comprises of the 170 British military cemeteries to be found around Ypres.

Tongeren

Tongeren is a very old city in Belgium. Initially a chief Roman throttlehold, the city was damaged twice. Firstly in the 4th century by Norsemen and later by the Salian Franks in 881. The Gallo Roman Museum in the middle of the city, which is constructed on the vestiges of a big lavishRoman villa, presents a startling insight into the settlement and its olden times and civilization.

The Town of Spa

The city of Spa has been famous from the Roman times for its swimming baths. It became so high-flying and the very word spa got associated with this place and was used for restoring and mollycoddling in the English language. Right from 16th century, the wealthy, majestic and well-known have visited Spas to be re-energized and recharged by the therapeutic powers of the areas waters and baths.

The Diamond Museum, Antwerp

Antwerp has been from the beginning been the major centre of diamond dealing out and the diamond business. The renowned ‘Antwerp cut' and the highly developed systematic investigation are renowned in this fascinating museum. There is a restructured nineteenth-century diamond and a jewel chamber in which we can see some precious pieces of jewellery. Every Saturday afternoon you can observe a diamond-cutter working over here.

Brussels is located in the center of Belgium, and acts as the country's capital. Some people refer to the city of Brussels as a municipality known as the Brussels-Capital Region. The Brussels-Capital region is the home to over 1 million people, and if you extend this to include the metropolitan area the population increases to just around 2 million people. All of these people make the Brussels-Capital Region the most highly populated in the country. In addition, all of these people go a long way in ensuring that Brussels will always be the financial and political center of the country. The main seat of the European Union is also occupied by Brussels. As you can see, Brussels is a very important region throughout Europe.

There is a language border that more or less separates the country of Belgium into two entities. The northern part of Belgium is Dutch speaking, where as the southern half is French speaking. There are parts of both sides that speak both languages, and the city of Brussels is the same way. Brussels is a bilingual city which allows for a more diverse culture and the ease of entry for a larger group of people.

If you are planning a trip to Brussels there are several attractions that you will not want to miss. In fact, there are so many things to see that you will want to plan your trip out very carefully. One of the most popular attractions in Brussels is the Grand-Place. This is thought to be one of the most breathtaking squares in the world. It is surrounded by old buildings such as the Hotel de Ville. Another top tourist destination in Brussels is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. If you are in Brussels to soak up the culture this is a must see. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is the best collection of art in Belgium, and thousands of people from all over travel to the museum on a yearly basis.

When it comes to the climate, Brussels is rather steady throughout the year. Temperatures reach their high during the month of July when they top out at an average of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter months the temperatures in Brussels usually dip down into the low 40s. This makes for a very consistent temperature year round. If you live in Brussels you never have to deal with extreme heat, or a lot of cold weather. As far as precipitation is concerned, Brussels usually averages between two and three inches a month; it can snow, but it is not a common occurrence or worry.

Transportation in Brussels includes several major train stations that connect Brussels to other large cities in the UK. In addition the Brussels National Airport makes it easy to fly in and out of the area. Overall, traveling to Brussels will allow you to see a diverse culture. There are many popular tourist attractions in the area, and a transportation system that is top notch. If you have never visited Brussels you may want to put it on your short list.

Belgium tends to be underrated as a holiday destination. This is a pity as it has much to offer the holidaymaker, whether it is culture, beaches or places of historical interest. If you are planning a trip there then you need to seek Belgium travel advice from a reliable source. To help you plan your visit here is an introduction to 6 places to visit in Belgium during your stay.

Together with its Dutch neighbour, Belgium has long been associated with the exciting world of diamonds. The Belgian city of Antwerp has long being regarded as the center of the diamond trade in Belgium and, not surprisingly, is home to the world's largest Diamond Museum. A visit to the museum is a must for any lover of diamonds. There are sound and light displays depicting the journey that a diamond makes from the time it is mined until it is cut, polished and becomes part of an item of jewellery. For many the most fascinating exhibit will be the replica of the British crown jewels, including the two largest diamonds in the world, the Koh-I-Noor and the Cullinan.

The Ardennes region of Belgium is well-known as an area of outstanding beauty, ideal for touring and taking in the views. One of the major towns in the Ardennes is the town of Spa, whose name is now synonymous with baths and springs of healing waters. Spa has been on the map as a center for baths and hot springs since the 14 century and was considered as the resort to go to by the European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today Spa retains its old world charm but the baths have been extensively modernized and expanded. The main complex of baths is located at "Les Thermes De Spa", where the visitor can relax in the healing waters or take a sauna or massage. The modern world of motor racing visits Spa once a year as it is home to the historic Formula One Grand Prix circuit at Spa-Francorchamps. All in all an area to be included in any visit to Belgium.

Most people will recall learning about the Battle of Waterloo in their school history lessons. The city of Waterloo where the battle took place in 1815, is located not far from the Belgian capital, Brussels. For visitors wishing to find out more about the events of 1815 there are museums and monuments commemorating the Duke of Wellingtons victory over the Emperor Napoleon. The battlefield has been preserved and it is possible to wander over the fields where the battle took place. A panoramic view over surrounding area can be had from the top of "La Butte du Lion", a mound with the statue of a lion at the top, said to have been built as a symbol of the the allied forces' victory. The Wellington museum, housed in the former allied army headquarters and reputed to be where Wellington stayed during the battle, has many exhibits of items from the time.

Sometimes called the Venice of the North, the town of Bruges in the Belgian province of Flanders, is famed for its historical center enclosed by the many canals. Bruges is an ancient town and a large number of old medieval buildings are still standing, adding to the beauty of the place. As a center of lace-making, Bruges is still probably the most well-known and highly regarded town. Lace products of the highest quality are on sale in just about every shop and lace makers can be seen sitting in their doorways engaging in their craft. There are demonstrations of bobbin lace making at the Kantcentrum near the center of the city. Other notable attractions are the four windmills which are the only ones remaining from the many that were built into the ancient city walls. Each one has a small museum.

One of the largest and well-known collections of Flemish art can be found at The Royal Museum of Fine Art in Brussels. There are more than 20,000 works ranging from Flemish and Dutch Old Masters to paintings from the present day. Flemish paintings by such illustrious figures as Rubens and van Dyck are well represented and include 20 works by Rubens. These are housed in their own salon. Paintings by many Dutch Old Masters such as Rembrandt are also featured. This is a very large collection of art, spread over two buildings, and if you want to make the most of it you will need to allocate plenty of time.

For those who are interested in finding out more about Flemish painters and paintings, a visit to the Groeninge Museum in Bruges should be on the agenda. Although the museum concentrates its collection on the works of local artists, there are several paintings from other areas in Belgium. Housed in its own section is an important exhibition of paintings by the so-called Flemish primitive group of painters. Foremost among these was the artist Jan van Eyck. In 1985 the museum took over the Herbert Collection, which is a collection of paintings from the expressionist era.

Choosing the six places to visit in Belgium was not easy as the country has so many attractions to offer the tourist. Belgium does not yet have the popularity as a tourist destination as some other countries but it is hoped that after reading the above you will be keen to find out more about what the country has to offer the visitor. To help you in your preparations for your holiday don't forget to obtain reliable Belgium travel advice so that you are aware of any special requirements you need to comply with.

When it comes to traveling to new found places I always like to look at a few online guides beforehand. These guides are nice because they include everything from the location description to best restaurants to eat at to best places to stay and best activities to do while you are there. I think that this is a good option to go with because it gives you a nice idea about the place before you actually visit it. Heck you could even build your trip around these guides to decide where you want to go and stay and where you don't want to go. Most of these guides are pretty straight up and honest. They also give you tips about the location such as weather and suggested places to visit. Lets take a look at a few places from Belgium:

Lively Antwerp is a hidden gem. Its medieval streets, Renaissance monuments and vibrant nightlife tend to be overshadowed by its reputation as center of the diamond trade and as the world's fifth-largest port. Biking is a popular choice for getting around this stylish Flemish city. See thousands of Old Masters at the Royal Museum and Rubens House. Experience the bustle of life at the Grote Market. Marvel at the art and architecture of the still unfinished Cathedral of Our Lady, started in 1351. Top rated attractions include: Grote Market, Museum Mayer van den Bergh, De kookwinkel Soly. Top rated restaurants include: Hippodroom and Fuji San!

Once a 13th-century cloth making center, Brugge, or Bruges, may have become a major tourist destination, but its wealth of wandering canals and ornate houses, plus the city's medieval charm, remains. The historic center's pedestrian-only streets bristle with Gothic spires and flourishes. Friendly residents of the West Flanders capital impress visitors with their enthusiasm to show their city's sights, such as the superb Groeninge Museum, Church of Our Lady and the Belfry and Market Halls.

Best attractions: Quasimundo Bike Tours, The English Theatre of Bruges, Belfry (Belfort) and Market Halls (Hallen), Groeninge Museum and Memling in Sint-Jan Hospitaalmuseum. Top rated restaurants include: Pieter Pourbus, De Karmeliet, De Pepermolen, and Den Dijver. Unassuming Brussels is the capital of Belgium, Flanders and Europe. Medieval Grand-Place, is indeed grand, with many 17th-century buildings and daily flower markets. Reopened in 2006, the Atomium, Brussels' Eiffel Tower, provides great views, inside and out. Architecture fans should visit Musee Horta, home of Belgian master architect Victor Horta. St. Gery's clubs and bars are packed year-round.

Seafood eateries abound in Ste. Catherine. Walk, rather than get snarled up in traffic, in the narrow streets. Best attractions: Brussels Bike Tours, Delirium, St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule). best restairants include: Flaneries gourmandes, Bar Bik, and le fourneau. Also included are photos if of each location from different people that have visited along with hotels. These guides aren't usually JUST guides. Usually they are also a place where you can book hotels, rent cars, and buy airline tickets as well.

You can do all of this separately or as a package and you can also take a look at some of the cruise information as well! Remember ordering packages is always going to be cheaper and more organized time wise. So this is a good option to look at if you want to save money and save time!