10 THINGS TO DO IN Belgium THIS SUMMER

Headquarters to the European Union and NATO, many think of Belgium as a small European country and in-fact it is. Belgium is nestled between its larger neighbours France, Netherlands, Germany and also Luxembourg.

10 THINGS TO DO IN Belgium THIS SUMMER

Headquarters to the European Union and NATO, many think of Belgium as a small European country and in-fact it is. Belgium is nestled between its larger neighbours France, Netherlands, Germany and also Luxembourg. Divided into three distinctive regions the official language here are Dutch-speaking Flanders to the north, French-speaking Wallonia to the south and a German speaking community to the east. What it lacks in size, it makes up with heritage, culture and talent. Known as the world record holder for the most castles and cartoonist in Western Europe. Summer is one of the perfect time to visit Belgium.

1. The Grand Place – UNESCO World Heritage

The Grand Place located in Brussels, the capital of Belgium and is one of the most iconic squares. Names as a UNESCO Heritage in 1998 for its architecture and artistic construction from the 14th to 17th century. A bi-annual event – The Flower Carpet is always displayed in August. This years theme:Flowers and Fruits in the heart of Brussels takes place on 11th August 2017. Plan your summer travels to catch this sight.

2. Castles at every turn

The world record holder for the most castles at more than 3000, the weather in summer would make it perfect to explore the many façades of these great castles. Two of my favourites castles above, but that does not mean the rest are equally not worth visiting. Should you plan a long summer in Belgium schedule as many for each has its own rich history.

3. Chocolate’s of Belgium – Chocolate walking tour and workshop

When the mere mention of Godiva, Leonidas, Cote d’Or, Neuhaus just to name a few ……. does Belgium chocolate comes to mind? It is hard to forget these brands as back home here in Malaysia and around the world, with its signature Chocolate boutiques in the main shopping malls and airport lounges. It makes the perfect gift! If you do enjoy receiving them as gifts, it is viable to learn about its rich history. Take a stroll through Place du Grand Sablon …….

4. Herge Museum in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium Comic Strip Centre – Museum Brussels, Comics murals around the city walls

Visit the birthplace of The Adventures of Tin Tin (Herge) – Herge Museum, The Smurfs (Pierre Culliford) and do meet the other Belgium’s comic characters. Belgium is also known for the world most comic strip artists producer.

Apart from the museums, a perfect walking trail introduced by the Brussels tourism around the city in summer will lead you to encounter Tin Tin and Captain Haddock and other comic murals around the subways and city corners. As Belgium is well known as the city with the most comic artist per square kilometer in the world.

5. Belgium Music Festival

28 Music Concerts to choose during your summer visit, starting from the month of April to September 2017. This years concerts has been lined up ranging from Jazz, Electronica, Rock , Reggae and etc. Amongst the 28 concerts, Tomorrowland Concert happening in July 2017 is one of the largest electronic music festival in the world. Big names on the US Billboard has been lined to play.

6. Take the Longest Tram Line in the world and make a pit stop at Z Zeeheldenplien, Ootende for its Disney Sand Magic – Sand Sculpture Festival!

Hop on one of the longest tram line in the world, in service since 1885 till present – the Belgian Coast Tram is 68 km long and has 69 stops. With a tram running every 10 minutes in summer, it serves the locals of Belgium. Runs from Belgian coastal towns from Knokke-Heist to de Panne.

Don’t forget to hop off at Zeeheldenplien, Oostende. Every year there is a Disney Sand Magic Sculpture Festival. A Guinness Book World Record holder in 2010 – Disney is re-created on sands of time by 40 professionals and over 150 cartoon characters, spanning 10,000 square meters. You can expect this years hit – Beauty and the Beast to be present.

Held on the 24th June onwards every year you will come across the Sculptures on the beach of Ostend, located in between of the Central Railway Station and Casino.

7. Automium what?

Built in 1958 for the Brussels world fair, the Automium is now a very popular tourist attraction. It has eight levels spread over with 5 spheres. It also serves as an exhibition venue for architecture, design and society exhibits. It comes with a 360 degree view in its upper sphere where one can even see as far as Antwerp.

8. The Original town of Spa in the heart of Liege, Eastern Belgium

It is said the little town of Spa in Leige Province, Belgium is where the origin for the word which the world uses to associate thermal, holistic healing and relaxation massages. The town is famous for its hot springs and mineral waters with many visitors coming to enjoy the health benefits.

The town of Spa is also home to one of the most picturesque F1 Circuit – Circuit de SPA Francorchamps. F1 fans if you are in a group of five min. do go for its race workshop!

9. Diamonds are a girls best friend ……

The diamond district is known as Diamond Quarter, located in the heart of Antwerp. It is known that 84% of the diamonds trade pass thorugh here making it the worlds largest diamond district with a turn over of 54 billion dollars. Amazing! Stroll through its medieval cobbled stone roads, imagine the earliest diamond craftsmen from an era before walking down these very same roads since 1890.

10. Saving the best for the last …….. Bruges, Belgium

The town of Bruges has been voted by many as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a world heritage site by UNESCO. A medieval fairy tale of a town, a must visit when flowers bloom, the trees are green and the birds chirps! Formed with tiny canals it is truly picturesque. Built between the 12th and 15th century, it has been well preserved till present.

Chruch of Our Lady is a popular visit as it holds a masterpiece – Michelangelo’s Madonna & Child

A photo Belgium lighted up, has been taken recently in May 2017 by astronaut – Thomas Pesquet. The country that glowed as a whole – Belgium is said to be the most brightest from space according to Thomas Pesquet.

I think you do not need more to be convinced to visit Belgium this summer ……

Apple Vacations travels to Belgium! Find out more on the link below:
LEISURELY WESTERN EUROPE – TRULY CAPTIVATING

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