Theotown best layout3/12/2024 ![]() ![]() Once voted ‘the ugliest city in Europe,’ it now attracts ‘urban explorers,’ who come to see its derelict yet strangely alluring sights. Plagued by an economic decline for several decades, there are a lot of abandoned mines, warehouses, and industrial sites scattered about here and there this is actually what makes Charleroi, the largest city in the region, so fascinating to explore. HainautĪs much of its territory is scarred by the coal mines and heavy industry sites that once made Hainault in Wallonia fabulously wealthy, the region is not particularly attractive, and its sprawling cities and towns have certainly seen better days. At the fortified town of Ypres, you’ll find some of the most famous battlefields from WWI, as well as lots of neatly laid out cemeteries and memorials. ![]() The city of Kortrijk also has some wonderful medieval sights. The Belgian coast has some fantastic seaside towns on offer, such as Oostende, De Haan, and Knokke these are connected by the longest tramline in the world, which runs the length of Belgium’s North Sea coastline. As such, it is not to be missed out on.Īs it can get a bit crowded, it is well worth exploring some of West Flanders’ other sights so you can experience a more authentic side of the country. Often called the ‘Venice of the North,’ due to its lovely waterways, the city boasts a marvelous medieval center complete with centuries-old churches, basilicas, and historic buildings. West Flandersĭespite being home to the entirety of the Belgian coast, West Flanders is known for one thing and one thing only – Bruges. Tongeren, one of the oldest towns in Belgium, is also well worth a visit. It boasts a beautiful abbey, basilica, and cathedral, with lots of peaceful little parks and gardens scattered here and there.įurther afield are the cities of Genk and Beringen, which have lots of industrial sights tucked away amid their splendid scenery. Hasselt, the capital of the region, is undoubtedly the main draw due to its lovely historical center. As such, it is a great place to head to if you want to escape the crowds and discover some hidden gems. Limburgīordering the province of the same name in the Netherlands, Limburg in the east of Belgium is often overlooked by visitors to the country. Highlights include the beautiful belfry in Tienen, the famous abbey and brewery in Grimbergen, and the town of Tervuren, which is home to the fascinating Museum for Central Africa and a beautiful park that stretches into the Sonian Forest. The rest of the region is similarly worth visiting. In addition to this, it also has lots of interesting cultural landmarks on show, as well as some fantastic old buildings, great shopping opportunities, and pounding nightlife. Here, you’ll find the oldest Catholic university in the world and one of the most beautiful historic centers in the country. Leuven, a lively university city, is the capital of the region. Surrounding Brussels, the capital of the country, Flemish Brabant is full of wonderful nature for you to enjoy, with the majestic Sonian Forest and its myriad of cycling paths and hiking trails being particularly delightful to explore. The famous carnival in Aalst is not to be missed for three days, the city is bathed in color, with parades and floats going by. This is proudly on display in the beautiful historic centers of Dendermonde and Lokeren. East FlandersĬentered around Ghent, a lively university city with a gorgeous medieval center full of cathedrals, churches, and castles, East Flanders is a beautiful part of the country to visit, with a lot for you to see and do.ĭefined in many ways by the four rivers of the Dender, Durme, Leie, and Scheldt that run through it, the region’s countryside is mainly quite low-lying, although the southern realms – which host the famous Tour of Flanders cycle race – are quite hilly.īesides Ghent, the region boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. In addition to this, it also hosts the world-famous electronic music festival Tomorrowland, which draws people from around the world to the small town of Boom during the summer. It is also renowned for its diamond trade and wealth of great shops and upmarket boutiques.Īway from the trendy capital of the region, Antwerp also boasts the towns of Geel and Lier, which sport impressive belfries, as well as Mechelen and Tournhout, which both have delightful historical centers for you to explore. The second-largest city in the country, Antwerp is awash with beautiful buildings and interesting monuments and museums for you to check out. When traveling between the region’s fascinating cities, you’ll see lots of scenic countryside, with woods and farmhouses dotted between the many farms and fields. Located in the northeast of Belgium bordering the Netherlands, Antwerp is dominated by the city of the same name. ![]()
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