© Pixabay
Belgium, just over the border, surprises with culture, nature, and flavours beyond chocolate and waffles, making it ideal for a spontaneous escape.
Many Luxembourgers know Belgium from shopping trips to Maasmechelen, Knokke, or visits to the coast. But considering other parts of the country for a weekend or short escape? That still does not spring to mind for many.
Yet Belgium offers an impressive mix of culture, nature and gastronomy, appealing to families, groups of friends and even solo travellers.
Between Flanders and Wallonia – Two cultures in one country
Belgium brings together two distinct cultural worlds: Flemish in the north and Walloon in the south. This diversity is reflected not only in language, but also in architecture, cuisine, and the atmosphere of its cities.
Antwerp, Ghent, and Brussels stand out as urban highlights. Antwerp, the nation's fashion capital, draws visitors with galleries, designer boutiques and historic buildings. Ghent charms with its medieval backdrop and vibrant cultural life, while Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the EU, offers a mix of European politics, culture and fine dining.
Ghent / © Licya Puleio/Pixabay
The Grand Place, Atomium, Magritte Museum, and the European Quarter's many temporary art exhibitions remain popular attractions. New venues such as KANAL, the Centre Pompidou in the former Citroën factory, are adding to the capital’s cultural energy.
Small towns, big charm
Beyond the major cities, smaller destinations like Dinant, nestled between rock and river, and Leuven, with its lively student scene, are worth a visit. Tournai, Belgium's oldest city, and Mechelen, rich in history and home to numerous UNESCO-listed churches, also offer historical and culinary appeal.
In the south, the Belgian Ardennes present a green landscape of forests, rivers and villages. The area is ideal for hiking, cycling and kayaking, with the Castle of Bouillon on the River Semois providing a blend of history and nature.
D'Schlass vu Bouillon an de Floss Semois am Süde vun der Belsch. / © Dylan Leagh/Pixabay
Eco-tourism and slow travel
Belgium is placing increasing emphasis on sustainability. Initiatives such as Wallonie Terre d’Eau and green cycling routes in Flanders promote stress-free travel with a focus on local produce. Regions such as Spa and Malmedy now offer more climate-neutral accommodation options.
Culture in 2025
The summer of 2025 will spotlight art and creativity. Brussels will host the Bright Festival, transforming the city at night with futuristic light installations. Antwerp’s Rubens Inspires project continues to explore the relevance of Baroque art in the modern era.
In Bruges, the Triennial 2025, themed “Spaces of Possibility”, will bring international artists to the city, reshaping it through installations, performances and exhibitions.
Cuisine: Indulgence meets comfort
While chocolate and waffles may be clichés, they remain Belgian staples. Fresh waffles with fruit and cream, moules-frites, a celebrated beer culture, and pralines from Neuhaus, Leonidas or Pierre Marcolini are unmissable.
© djedj/Pixabay
Hearty fare such as stoofvlees (beef stew) with beer sauce, bouchée à la reine, and waterzooi (fish soup) are also common favourites.
Bruno/Pixabay
Close, familiar, but not fully discovered
For many Luxembourgers, Belgium is merely a transit route or shopping destination. Yet it is much more: a country of contrasts, gourmet experiences, natural calm, and cultural richness. Whether for a city weekend, outdoor adventure, or culinary tour, Belgium is close, affordable and unexpectedly diverse.
Perfect for a spontaneous trip, a short break or simply enjoying a Belgian waffle in its original setting – and for those unmoved by all that, the Belgian coast still offers a timeless escape.
