4 Free Things To Do In Belgium

Belgium is one of the tiniest countries in Europe with three distinct groups of people that speak French, Dutch, and German. With France in the Southwest, Germany towards the east of Belgium, and the Netherlands located north of that country, it is no wonder that those three languages are spoken in this European melting pot. 

Visiting a new place does not mean you have to spend an arm and a leg on your travel experience. Here are four free things to do in Belgium so you can save your cash for Belgian betting sites during your downtime!

1. Go to the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Belgium, and it’s free to enter and explore. Located in Brussels at its main city square. The 360-foot in length building itself took six centuries to build starting in the 11th century and finishing with the last touches of construction in the 17th century. 

It is known as one of the most lovely and prestigious locations in the world because of its ornate architecture and historical background. The historical landmark went on the World Heritage List of UNESCO in 1998. Other guild buildings including City Hall and Maison du Roi are located nearby.

Many special events take place there every year such as the Flower Carpet in mid-August with a turnout of over 500,000 natives, concerts, the process of Meyboom, and so much more. 

Address: Grote Markt, 1000 Brussel, Belgium

2. Visit Ghent City Center

The Ghent City Center has all the medieval feel while having a casual trendy vibe to it that is alternatively pleasing. Many of the tourist attractions are located within one another because of how small the city of Ghent is. 

The city center is the area with all the historical monuments and buildings that tell the story of the location’s history and prestige. The Belfry is over 1,000 years old, which is astounding in itself, which is a double-row European home located on both sides of the local river. 

Go enjoy a piece of art in Graffiti alley. Speaking of art, the Ghent Altarpiece is a collection of worldwide famous masterpieces from Flemish Primitives. The monument is also known as “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”. 

Address: Gebroeders Vandeveldestraat 14-16, 9000 Gent, Belgium

3. Walk the Streets of Groot Begijnhof Leuven

Walk the streets of an astoundingly beautiful beguinage. With 10 acres of beautifully restored European homes across 12 streets, it is one of the only historical residences that remain within the Low Countries of the world. Collectively, the 100 houses on these many streets contain up to 300 apartments that date back to usage as early as the 1200s. 

One of the revolutionary heightened periods of Groot Begijnhof was during the Twelve Years’ Truce in 1621. The beguinage was popular until the invading anti-French revolutionists stifled this flourishing period. Fast forward to the 20th century, it took 23 years between 1964 to 1989 to fully restore this beguinage to its former glory for tourists and natives to enjoy. 

Address: Groot Begijnhof, 3000 Leuven, Belgium

4. Explore the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy

The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy is one of few Trappist beer breweries throughout the world. Located in Namur province, the Cistercians of Strict Observance operate the landmark. 

The brewery itself originated in 1887 and it took them until 1952 to start selling beer and other brews to the public. While the brewery is now no longer accessible to the public, you can look around on the outside at this piece of history. 

Address: 5580 Rochefort, Belgium

Conclusion

There are many free-to-enter tourist attractions not described above such as Antwerpen-Centraal, Montagne de Bueren, Old Town of Durbuy, and so many more. Explore Belgium in all of its historical glory to learn more about the world around you!