Top Places to Visit in Belgium Beyond Brussels

Belgium has a lot going for it rich history, interesting culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Beyond the obvious capital city’s iconic landmarks, such as Brussels has to offer and more, including medieval towns as well as beautifully picturesque cities within Belgium. Some of the beautiful and charming places to visit in Belgium and what they entail are discussed further below:

6 Places to visit in Belgium on Vacation

1. Bruges – The Venice of the North

Bruges is perhaps one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and scenic canals that add a picturesque ambiance. Visitors can take a boat tour along the canals or explore the Belfry Tower, or simply visit the Market Square where some of the world’s most spectacular medieval architecture lies. Of course, make sure to see the famous Basilica of the Holy Blood and indulge in some delicious Belgian chocolates you buy there!

2. Antwerp – The Diamond City

This city, known as the world’s diamond capital, supplies a city with a lively arts scene, history rich in expressions, and supreme fashion. There’s a combination of Gothic and Baroque architecture seen throughout its historic center, especially at the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Antwerp Central Station. Another attraction is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts for many paintings by the famous Peter Paul Rubens. The fashion-forward Meir shopping street and the Diamond District, famous for being a hub for trading many of the world’s most precious stones, are just a couple of other attractions.

3. Dinant – A Secret Place by the Meuse River

Dinant is a town with its own location on the river Meuse, which is situated among the rolling green hills. The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame and the Citadel of Dinant tower above the town and dominate its landscape. Dinant is known even by the origin of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone, so visitors can visit the Saxophone Museum to hear more about the interesting history. The riverside town and multicolored buildings make it an ideal place to visit for any tourist.

4. Ghent – A Historic Powerhouse

Ghent is usually less noticed than Bruges, but it certainly deserves one’s attention. The city has a dynamic atmosphere with its medieval architecture, modern art scenes, and lively festivals. Among the city’s historical landmarks is the Gravensteen Castle, built in the 12th century. It is also possible to visit the beautiful St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece, one of the most famous art pieces in the world. The Korenmarkt square is a wonderful place to see the life of the city in all its splendor, cafes and shops.

5. Leuven – The University Town

Leuven is a beautiful city that boasts the beauty of architecture and is the home of one of the oldest universities in Europe. The University Library is a stunning neo-Renaissance building that offers a breathtaking view of the city from its tower. Leuven is also known for its Old Market Square, where the city’s lively pub culture takes center stage, and its many breweries, like the famous Stella Artois brewery. The city’s combination of history, lively student culture, and beautiful surroundings make it a must-visit.

6. Ardennes – A Natural Escape

The Ardennes region of southern Belgium is paradise on earth for the nature lover. It is characterized by rolling hills, dense woods, and small quaint villages, and there is potential for hiking, kayaking, or cycling in this location. There are also historic sites, such as the Bastogne War Museum, and memorials over the Battle of the Bulge WWII, so to come and search for an ideal place to spend time in peace and get close to nature.

Visa Documents for Belgium – Business and Tourist Visa

Upon planning a visit to Belgium, it is advisable to have all the right documentation in place in order to be issued with the visa, be it business or tourism. The following is the list of required documents for the two types of visas.

Documents Required for a Business Visa:

1. Application Form: Each applicant, regardless of age, should submit a completely filled-out form from VisaOnWeb. The form must be signed and dated.
2. Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least three months from your intended stay. It should also have two blank pages and be issued within the last 10 years.
3. Photo: One recent passport-sized photo meeting the requirements.
4. Travel Insurance: Medical expenses, emergency hospital treatment,  and return to your home during your stay in the Schengen Area (minimum €30,000 coverage).
5. Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements from the last three months showing regular income or financial support for the trip.
6. Business Invitation: It is a must for visa applications, with all details such as your full name, passport information, visit purpose, date and duration  in which the host expects the presence of the applicant, company’s registered address, host’s contact and designation, and company registration. Chances of approval would increase due to the use of letterhead with the signature.
7. Flight and Hotel Reservation: Round-trip flight reservation and prepaid hotel accommodation for the entire duration of stay.
8. Proof of Employment: An official letter from your employer or business showing your position, salary, and purpose of the trip.

Documents Required for a Tourist Visa:

1. Application Form: Each applicant requires a fully completed and signed form, printed from VisaOnWeb.
2. Passport: With a validity date at least three months beyond your planned stay, with two blank pages.
3. No-Objection Certificate: For housewives, dependents or unemployed applicants; No objection certificate from the sponsor, Sponsor passport and UAE residence permit, employment certificate, bank statement for last 3 months showing income and savings.
4. Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements which show your financial capacity to cover the period of your stay (3 to 6 months).
5. Hotel Reservation: A prepaid hotel booking for the whole stay in Belgium.
6. Flight reservation: It is necessary to have a round trip flight reservation. Meanwhile, the original ticket is needed while you are collecting your visa. 
7. Travel Insurance: Medical coverage for the whole Schengen Area, with a minimum of €30,000.
8. Travel Plan: A detailed itinerary for the trip, including flight and accommodation details.

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Instruction required to follow for Visa Application:

• You need to make sure that all necessary documentation has been provided, while incomplete documentation will automatically lead to refusal.
• Applicants are required to ensure while submitting their application in languages other than English, French, Dutch or German will not be processed.
• The processing times may vary. We would therefore advise that your application be submitted at least 15 days prior to your appointment. Applications may be submitted up to six months prior to the appointment date, but not later than 15 days before.
• Please note that the visa fee once paid, is not refundable. Processing of applications with full documentation does not guarantee approval of the visa.
• For UAE applicants, attach a copy of your passport and valid UAE residence permit. The validity of the residence permit will also be considered during processing. 

Belgium is a land full of historical riches, wonderful landscapes, and cultural landmarks. Be it exploring the medieval charms of Bruges, the history of art in Antwerp, or the beautiful natural landscape of the Ardennes, there’s much to explore beyond the capital city of Brussels. With a bit of planning and the necessary documents, a trip to Belgium will be etched in one’s memory.