5 things not to miss in Belgium

I've visited one of my best friends in Brussels on a lazy traveling weekend at the end of July. During my 3-day trip in Belgium, we have visited the main sights of Brussels and walked around the small alleys of Gent. Here is my advice about the top 5 things what you should not miss if you are in Belgium!

1. Visiting the Old Town in Brussels (Grand Place, Manneken Pies, etc.)

Firstly, we have visited the Grand Place, what is the main square of the Old Town surrounded by amazing buildings. Most of the houses are decorated by magnificent gables, pilasters and balustrades with rich gold ornaments. The buildings were erected in 11th century, but their unique baroque-styled Flemish decoration was only made between 1696 and 1700.

The Manneken Pis is only a short walk away from the Grand Place. My friend told me that the boy is wearing different clothes in the advent period like St. Claus clothes etc. We have also visited the Atomium.

If you are in Brussels, you shouldn't miss these symbols of the Belgian capital.

2. Eating french fries

In Belgium, do not miss the BELGIAN FRIES!!! The simplest, but still the best food experience for me. We have tried it with a delicious spicy sauce, and I loved it! We bought ours at Maison Antoine, which I can highly recommend. Their fries are really good. Prices are between 2.8 EUR/3.2 EUR (small/big size). The sauces are extra 0.8 EUR, but it is definitely worth it. I have tried the Andalusian sauce, and it was really yummy.

3. Drinking Belgian beer

Since Belgian beer is world famous, you should definitely try it during your stay.

We have been at Delirium Café at Brussels, where we could choose from wide selection of Belgian beers such as trappists, Belgian Abbay and other beers from strong brown to fruity or lighter beers.

4. Traveling to another Belgian city (like Gent, Brugge or Antwerp)

The other cities are easily reachable from Brussels by train. To encourage weekend getaways, the train tickets are much cheaper at the weekends. We choose Gent for a day trip and the return tickets were only 10 EUR. Gent was amazing in so many ways. It is a perfect choice to walk around the streets, while you take a short break to drink a coffee or have a lunch. If you would like to shop, you are at the right place as well, as many shops are located in the city center.

If you have more days in Belgium than a weekend, you should go to Brugge and Antwerp as well, which are also great choice for a day trip.

5. Buying Belgian chocolate as a souvenir

Chocolate, chocolate, and chocolate!! Although Belgium is a small country, it is quite famous for numerous things such as their delicious chocolate. It serves as a perfect souvenir to your loved one, but it will definitely cheer you up on a though day as well.

Jean Neuhaus has opened the first pharmacy-sweet shop, where he sold dark chocolate. Later the apothecary transformed into a sweet shop, and the first praline was created there in 1912. (Source: culturetrip.com)

The first chocolate shop in Belgium

All in all, this country is suitable for a little get away from home. You can see amazing narrow streets, buildings with Flemish style in the Old Town and if you get tired you can eat a chocolate and have a good beer as a chill out.