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Romantic Retreats: Belgium's Most Romantic Cities

Belgium's Most Romantic Cities Ghent Azamat Esmurziyev 2Yobmqt4Vma Unsplash

Yes, France may have its fair share of dreamy chateaux and Italy may be home to some of the most beautiful cities on the planet – but have you ever considered treating your other half to a romantic break in Belgium?

Belgium is jam-packed with cosmopolitan cities, all offering a little romance. The sweet treats aren’t bad too. And that’s before you get onto the epic architecture. Yes we’re just a little bit in love with Belgium! And we think you might be too.

So, whether you’re after the perfect spot to propose or you just want a location where you can have some fun, here’s a handful of our favourite cities in Belgium for romance:


Brussels can’t be beaten if food is the fastest way to their heart,

Have a partner who’s not truly happy unless they’ve got a full belly of good grub? Brussels is a pretty safe bet for a romantic jaunt.

So, what is there to do in Brussels? Loads is the answer to that. It’s a capital city after all. Options include people watching at the bustling Grand Palace square, strolling hand in hand around Parc Du Cinquantenaire, admiring art by Romantic masters in the Musee Royaux Des Beaux Arts or getting tipsy together during a Belgian beer tour. Sound good?

Yes but tell us about the food! Ok, we’re getting to that bit.

When you start to get peckish, you’ll be spoilt for choice by mouth-watering local and international cuisine. You HAVE to order up a plate of waffles dripping in decadent chocolate sauce or dig into a bowl of moules-frites. Want a romantic night to remember? There’s also plenty of high-end Michelin star restaurants to treat yourselves in, plus Brussels hosts numerous food and drink festivals throughout the year. There’s a lot to get your teeth stuck into.

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Bruges is a real beauty and brings the serious Venice-style vibes

If you can’t face the crowds (or the prices!) of Venice, Bruges (just over an hours’ drive from Brussels) is a worthy alternative. It’s long been nicknamed the Venice of the North thanks to its criss-crossing network of canals and the idyllic lake right at its heart.

Bruges is hands-down one of Belgium’s most romantic cities. We just have to start with the waterways. Think beautiful arched bridges which make the perfect places to get down on one knee and pop that all-important question. But it’s also bursting with Medieval buildings that wouldn’t look out of place in a fairy-tale, plus various intriguing museums – there’s even one dedicated just to chocolate!

And it even has a Lake of Love. Now you’re talking the language of love! It’s actually called the Minnewater and it’s perhaps one of the most romantic spots in the whole of Bruges! There’s a local legend behind the name – of course there’s a local legend! Basically, it’s where two star-crossed lovers were once reunited and where the girl (known as Minna) was buried when she tragically died a short time later. How’s that for romance?! It’s like Belgium’s version of Romeo and Juliet. No, you’re crying!

Spa is spectacular and makes for the ultimate lover’s retreat

The clue really is in the name with this one. It’d be impossible not to indulge in some R&R in a city with this title! You’ll find Spa nestled in the Liège region of Belgium and it’s the original spa town (hence the name). It’s also only an hour and half drive from Brussels.

Ready to treat yourself to a soothing massage or skin-replenishing facial in Spa? Its mineral rich waters are famous don’t you know. So, where to head to first to get your pampering fix? The Thermes de Spa is the small city’s top place to enjoy some pampering, with a huge catalogue of treatments up for grabs as well as various saunas, hammams, hot tubs and heated swimming pools to relax in with your better half.

Belgium's Most Romantic Cities Animesh Bhargava Fn3Jowkuzkc Unsplash

Antwerp is a great all-rounder, and ideal if your beau is fussy (but you still love them)

Are you one of those couples that can never agree on anything? A city which has a hefty mix of things to see and do will probably be a good fit then.

Antwerp definitely ticks the box thanks to its huge array of attractions. Want a history fix? You can learn about the city’s medieval history at pretty Het Steen castle. Got a creative flair? You’ll probably be excited to take a tour around Peter Paul Rubens palatial home. Fancy splashing a little cash? The Stadsfeestzaal is one of the fanciest shopping centres in Belgium. All about the Belgian beer? It could be time to take on the difficult task of choosing between 100 different beers at the De Koninck brewery.

And if you’re searching for the ultimate romantic gesture, Antwerp’s prestigious Diamond District is a fabulous place to pick out something special and sparkly.

Belgium's Most Romantic Cities Ghent Azamat Esmurziyev 2Yobmqt4Vma Unsplash

Want somewhere laid-back AND wallet friendly? Ghent is a good’un

Romantic escapes don’t always have to cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, Ghent in northwest Belgium (just an hours’ drive from Antwerp) has just as much beauty as Bruges, but its big student population makes it the perfect location for romance on a shoestring.

Want to stroll arm in arm through quaint picture-perfect streets? You’ll definitely be able to while away a few hours walking and talking your way around Ghent’s stunning cobbled streets which are lined with cute and colourful houses. Want something ultra-romantic? Why not take a canal boat ride along its serene waterways or set out on a self-guided walking tour at night to view the city’s gorgeous Gothic buildings magically illuminated?

Ghent additionally has a great – and very affordable – food scene. You can get your fill of typical Belgian dishes (from croquettes and vol au vents to huge piles of frites) or make the most of the city’s excellent veggie eateries. We recommend tucking into tasty plant-based morsels at local favourite La Botaniste before enjoying a drink at a nearby blues bar, cosy pub or trendy cocktail venue. That’s some serious romantic vibes right there.

 

Belgium isn’t just a great country for romance! Its small size makes it an ideal destination for a week-long road trip, plus there are plenty of places to visit with friends or family for a short but sweet weekend break.

 

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