A Three-Day In-Depth Tour of Belgium: Uncovering Hidden Gems!

🇧🇪A three-day in-depth tour of Belgium, uncovering hidden gems! I just finished a four-and-a-half-day trip to Belgium. Although it was the off-season, the experience was fantastic! Compared to the popular tourist destinations around it, Belgium is a bit more low-key, but it hides countless surprises. This three-day itinerary will take you through the core attractions of Belgium! Brussels: A Blend of History and Art 1. European Parliament & House of European History: Admission is free, but remember to book in advance. Although there are plenty of spots, booking will make your trip more secure. Here, you can walk into the large oval conference room often seen on TV, immersively learn about the history, organizational structure, work content, and values of the EU, and enjoy interesting interactive sessions. The deep blue spatial design is also very eye-catching. 2. Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: The treasure of the museum is the original work of "The Death of Marat," a representative work of the French Revolution, as well as many original works by the Belgian art giant Rubens. The museum building itself is exquisite and adjacent to the Magritte Museum. Buying a combined ticket is more cost-effective, allowing you to explore both thoroughly. 3. Palace of Justice: As the seat of Belgium's Supreme Court, it is open to the public free of charge and requires no reservation. When it was built, it was the largest building in Europe. The interior design is grand and solemn, quiet and respectful. If you're lucky, you might even see defendants being brought into the courtroom. Ghent: A Dreamy Medieval City 1. St. Bavo Cathedral: One of Ghent's most spectacular sights, the cathedral towers into the sky, and its interior decoration is arguably the second most beautiful in Europe (second only to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona in my opinion). There is a fee to enter the cathedral, which houses the world's first true oil painting, "The Ghent Altarpiece." It also features an AR virtual exhibition that vividly tells the story of the church and the painting. This kind of visiting experience is rare in Europe. 2. Gravensteen: English explanations are available, narrating the castle's history in a humorous and engaging way. Climb to the top of the castle for a panoramic view of the city and feel the weight of history. 3. Old Town: Ghent is a medieval city that was second only to Paris in prosperity in the 13th century. Although it is no longer as prosperous, its ancient buildings are well-preserved. The city is crisscrossed by canals, and on sunny days, it is as beautiful as a combination of Amsterdam and Paris. Stroll through it during the day and admire the charming night view in the evening for a relaxing and romantic experience. Antwerp: A Clash of Modern and Classical 1. Antwerpen-Centraal railway station: Its fame precedes it, but only seeing it in person can you understand why it has been named the "most beautiful train station in the world" by British and American newspapers. The platform and the large door behind it have a unique design. Standing inside, you will be struck by its grandeur. 2. Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp: The highlight is the circle of breathtaking murals at the main entrance. The interior layout of the museum is exquisite, reminiscent of the Louvre's gallery area. Art lovers should not miss it. 3. Churches: The interiors of several churches in the city center are worth a visit. Standing at the entrance, you can feel the strong religious atmosphere and the beauty of the architecture. 4. Grote Markt at night: The night view of Antwerp's Grote Markt is quite similar to that of Brussels. The square is surrounded by buildings, and when the lights come on at night, the unique charm of the ancient European city is fully displayed. Pack your bags and follow this guide to embark on an unforgettable journey through Belgium!