There are so many underrated cities in Belgium that are often overlooked by tourists who flock to Brussels for a fleeting visit. Having had the privilege to call Belgium my home all throughout high school, I can fully attest that there is so much more to Belgium than just Brussels.
While there are indeed so many amazing things to do in Brussels, many of its neighboring cities are just as enchanting and deserve just as much love. If you want to dive deep into the fascinating experiences that lie beyond Brussels, then extend your stay to discover these 7 beautiful underrated cities in Belgium!
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7 Underrated Cities in Belgium
Dinant
Dinant is definitely on the very top of my list for underrated cities in Belgium. Located in Wallonia (the French-speaking region of Belgium), Dinant is situated on the picturesque banks of the Meuse River with many steep cliffs and caves. Dinant is famous for being the hometown of Adolphe Sax, the man who invented the Saxophone. So don’t be surprised to see saxophones scattered all over the city!
Upon entering the city, you’ll pass through the Pont Charles de Gaulle; this bridge feels like the grand entrance to a beautiful medieval town that would appear in a fairytale- it surely feels magical! What’s so special about this bridge is that it is lined with saxophones statues of various different colors and patterns, giving this city a quirky touch.
If you’re a fan of the saxophone or just in the musical history of Dinant, the best place to visit is the Adolphe Sax House, a museum dedicated to the life and work of this musical wonder. Some other attractions that you can’t miss in Dinant include, the Citadel of Dinant, Notre Dame de Dinant, Leffe Abbey, and the beautiful castles of Dinant.
Leuven
The quaint university town of Leuven is mainly known for being home to many famous breweries, including Stella Artois. This city has a super long history dating back to 1000 years and has produced so many famous beers that it is widely considered as the beer capital of the Flemish region. If you’re a fan of beer, be sure to pay a visit to the Stella Artois brewery in Leuven, which has been brewing beer in Leuven since 1366.
Leuven also has two well preserved Beguinages, which is now a part of the university complex. And if like me, history wasn’t your best subject and you don’t know what a beguinage is, it’s basically housing for unmarried lay religious women (aka beguines). There are many beguinages throughout Belgium; the more you travel, the more your learn about the world!
While you’re at Lueven, be sure to visit their town hall- a historic landmark building situated in the Grote Markt. The building is quite similar to what you would see in Brussel’s grand place, a little medieval looking, but much more flamboyant with its golden decor. Stroll by the Oude Markt (the and people watch at one of their many open bars. The Oude Markt is also referred to as “the longest bar in the world” due to numerous bars and cafes lining the sides of the square.
The splendid mix of culture, history, and academia in Leuven makes it unique from all the other Belgian cities I’ve visited, and definitely one of the most overlooked and underrated cities in Belgium.
Ostend
You cannot miss Ostend when writing about the most underrated cities in Belgium, you simply can’t! Ostend is one of the few coastal cities in Belgium with beautiful beaches to enjoy and a super interesting maritime heritage. The atmosphere here is super lively and vibrant, you can literally smell the ocean breeze and it feels like a beach town infused with several traditional Belgian architecture.
Situated on the North Sea, Ostend’s main draw is undoubtedly its beautiful coastline lined by miles of sandy beaches. Ostend is the perfect city for a weekend trip if you’re looking for a change of scene and a place to sunbathe, swim, and have romantic seaside strolls.
Enjoy some delicious Belgian fries during your walk along the shores, but always be careful of the seagulls- one look away and they’re flying down to snatch your food!
Ghent
Although Ghent is quite a well known destination amongst Belgians and travelers from neighboring countries, it is often overlooked by international travelers. Ghent has a distinct medieval charm that sets it apart from all the other cities in Belgium, with beautiful canals running through the city and cobblestone streets, this soft and easygoing city is exactly where I imagine fairytales to take place.
The city of Ghent also has notably more bicycles compared to neighboring cities, making it very student-friendly. Visit Ghent’s Belfry Tower (known previously as the Belfort van Gent) for an unforgettable view over the city, and make a stop at St. Bavo’s cathedral where you can see the world renowned Ghent Altarpiece; these are just some of the many things that you can do in Ghent. With the charm of the middle age and vibrancy of modern days, Ghent is truly one of the most underrated cities in Belgium that all travelers should embark on.
Mechelen
Mechelen is a hidden beauty situated between Antwerp and Brussels, and easily missed by many tourists. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant energy, Mechelen offers a delightful blend of traditions and modernity. The city of Mechelen offers a truly authentic Belgian experience, as it rarely sees large crowds of tourists. Wandering through the streets of Mechelen, sometimes you’ll feel as if you’re the first outsider to have discovered one of the most underrated cities in Belgium, a true hidden gem.
Some of the best things to do in Mechelen include exploring St. Rumbold’s Tower, the weekly market at the Grote Markt, and spotting its many wonderful street art. Because of its slight lack of tourism, you’ll be able to see Flemish culture in its truest and most intact form.
Namur
Being the capital of Wallonia, you’d think that Namur would see a much larger tourist crowd than it actually does. Namur is nestled between the Meuse and Sambre rivers, and at the confluence of these two rivers is the Citadel of Namur, one of the most significant fortresses in European history. Visit the citadel to see where the Meuse and Sambre rivers merge, and explore the underground tunnels and the history of the citadel whilst enjoying the splendid panoramic views of the historic old town below.
Another place where you can get stunning views from atop the city is at the Belfry of Namur, built in 1388 it is now a symbolic landmark in Namur that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some other things you’ll surely enjoying doing in Namur include: riverside walk by the Meuse and Sambre rivers, the Saint Aubin’s cathedral, Namur’s many many museums, and so much more!
Ypres (Leper)
Ypres, also known as Leper in Dutch, is a small but historically significant city in Belgium located in west Flanders. Ypres is often remembered for its poignant role in World War I. This captivating city has rebuilt itself from the ashes of war and stands today as a symbol of resilience and remembrance.
Ypres bore witness to some of the most intense and devastating battles of World War I, particularly during the First Battle of Ypres (1914) and the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as Passchendaele (1917). During that time, many of. the city’s grand architecture such as the St.Martin’s Cathedral, were reduced to ruins. Head over to In Flanders Field Museum to learn more about the war’s impact on Ypres.
Another attraction you must visit in Ypres is the Menin Gate Memorial, one of the most famous war memorials in the world. This memorial holds the names of over 50,000 soldiers who were killed in the Ypres salient and have no known grave.
On a much lighter side, one o the things that Ypres is most famous for in Belgium is its cat parade (kattenstoet) that is held every few years. Since 1955, kattenstoet has been traditionally held on the second Sunday of May. The last one was held in 2018 and the next one is scheduled for May 12th, 2024- be sure not to miss this quirky event!
Spa
Every Belgian knows Spa, but it is rare that international travelers come to Belgium to visit Spa. This charismatic and healing town in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes is renowned for its natural mineral springs and wellness traditions. The Ardennes are a region in the south-east of Belgium rich in fauna and flora.
Spa is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Ardennes,” Spa is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a rejuvenating trip to release all your stress. Spend your day in the thermal bathes and saunas that Spa has to provide and drink some healing waters from the natural mineral Springs of Spa. Spa has some of the best sparkling waters which you can find all throughout the supermarkets of Belgium, they were my favorite to drink while I lived there.
While you’re there, you can also engage in many fun outdoor activities in the neighboring Ardennes region, such as biking and hiking.
There we have it guys, some of the most beautiful but underrated cities in Belgium! Let me know if you’ve ever visited any of them, and if you have, which ones were your favorite? I love all of them but I must say I think my favorites are Dinant and Ghent!
I hope this post gave you a little inspiration about where to embark on your next journey. Let me know what you think in the comments and I’ll talk to you in the next post!
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Until next time,
Hi Emily,
As a Belgian-American who has studied in Belgium and visited the country dozens of times, I think your assessments were right on. One small correction on Ypres. In Dutch, it is spelled Ieper, not Leper. Otherwise, great article.
Thank you for pointing that out! Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂