7. Mons (Bergen)
Located near the French border, Mons sits between the Trouville and Hanie rivers along the route between Paris and Brussels. The Grand-Place de Mons sits in the city center and is home to several historic buildings, as well as plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants along its picturesque cobblestone streets.
The City Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Mons) stands at the head of the city’s main square, and the remaining four sides of the large courtyard are flanked by buildings dating to the 15th through 18th centuries.
Just a couple of blocks away from the main square at the top of a hill, tourists will find the Belfry of Mons, also known as El Catia. This UNESCO-listed bell tower was constructed in the 17th century in the Baroque style and stands at 87 meters tall with a carillon of 47 bells. Tourists can climb the stairs to the observation platform at the top for panoramic views of the city. At the foot of the hill sits the 15th-century Brabant Gothic Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waldrum.
Mons is also home to several good museums, and history buffs will want to prioritize a visit to the Mons Memorial Museum, formerly called the War Museum. The museum has over 5,000 artifacts relating to the country’s involvement and occupation during both World Wars and also includes interactive exhibits.
Another excellent history museum is the Muse de la Vie Monotonies (Mons Folklore Museum), which focuses on local history and culture. Art lovers will also appreciate the paintings at the Muse des Beaux Arts (Fine Arts Museum), as well as the unique collections at the Decorative Arts Museum Francois Duisburg.
8. Leuven
Located about 30 kilometers east of Brussels, Leuven sits on the river Diale and is home to one of the country’s oldest and most famous universities. Tourists can see many fine examples of Gothic and other architectural styles on the university campus and throughout the city, starting with Leuven’s City Hall that features 236 figures on its ornate facade.
Just next door across the Grote Market sits St. Peter’s Church (Sint-Pieterskerk), a fine cathedral built in the Brabant Gothic style that houses the Museum of Religious Art. The university’s most historic buildings can also be found nearby along the Naamsestraat.
Outside the historic city center, Leuven has several lovely tourist attractions for nature-lovers. The Leuven Botanical Garden Kruidtuin, originally created in 1738 as the medicinal plant garden for the university’s medical students, is now home to a variety of flora.
About four kilometers from the center of town, the borough of Kessel-Lo is home to a large nature park that is free to visitors, featuring swimming and paddle boating in the lakes, a petting zoo, and other activities.