Belgium Cities Compared: Which Belgian City Should You Visit?

On By saar.decosterIn Belgium

If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, choosing which Belgian city to visit can be surprisingly difficult.

Should you wander through the magical canals of Bruges, drink Belgian beer in my hometown of Leuven, explore the alternative streets of Ghent, discover the multicultural side of Brussels or go shopping in Antwerp?

And honestly, every Belgian city has a completely different vibe.

I’ve lived in or spent a lot of time in several of these places, and I’ve visited all of them multiple times. So instead of giving you a generic list of the “best cities in Belgium”, I wanted to compare them based on atmosphere, things to do, nightlife, food, nature and my personal experience.

From my absolute favourite, Ghent, to the tiny fairytale town of Durbuy, here’s how I’d compare the Belgian cities I’ve covered on my blog.

If you’re still wondering whether Belgium is actually worth visiting, I’ve also shared my honest opinion on Belgium as a Belgian.

Belgium Cities at a Glance

CityBest forMy vibe
GhentCulture, nightlife & alternative vibes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BrugesRomance, canals & history⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BrusselsMulticultural city life, food & culture⭐⭐⭐⭐½
AntwerpShopping, fashion & big-city vibes⭐⭐⭐⭐½
DurbuyNature & romantic getaways⭐⭐⭐⭐½
OstendBeach & nightlife⭐⭐⭐⭐
LeuvenStudents, nightlife & young travellers⭐⭐⭐⭐
GenkNature, cycling & multicultural food⭐⭐⭐⭐
HasseltRelaxing, shopping & cafés⭐⭐⭐½

Of course, this is completely subjective. Your perfect Belgian city might be completely different from mine.

Atomium landmark in Brussels, Belgium

Planning your Belgium trip?

I created a Google Map with 540+ saved places from my years living and travelling around Belgium, including towns, things to do, cafés, nightlife, restaurants, shopping and hidden gems.

Explore the Belgium Map → €5

1. Ghent – My Absolute Favourite

If I had to choose one Belgian city to live in or keep coming back to, it would be Ghent.

I absolutely love this city.

Ghent has everything I personally look for in a city: beautiful architecture, water, cafés, nightlife, culture, good food and an alternative atmosphere.

The city is also bigger than Bruges, which means there is simply more going on.

And maybe I’m biased because I’ve lived here and know the city really well, but I genuinely think Ghent has one of the best atmospheres in Belgium.

The historic centre around the Graslei and Korenlei is beautiful, but Ghent doesn’t feel like an open-air museum. It’s a real city where people actually live, study, work and go out.

There is also a very strong artsier and progressive vibe. Ghent is known for being politically progressive and socially open, which honestly fits me perfectly.

I love walking around the city, sitting by the water, discovering random cafés and going out with friends.

Best for:

  • Culture
  • Nightlife
  • Cafés and restaurants
  • Alternative/artsier atmosphere
  • Young travellers
  • Longer city breaks

→ Planning a visit? Read my complete Ghent Travel Guide for the best things to do, places to eat, nightlife and local tips.

My verdict: 10/10

One of my favourite ways to see Ghent? From the water.
A guided boat trip takes you through the medieval centre while giving you a completely different view of the city’s architecture and waterways

2. Bruges – The Venice of Belgium

Bruges is probably the most magical Belgian city.

It is often called the Venice of Belgium, and honestly, I understand why.

There are canals everywhere, little bridges, historic buildings and boats constantly passing through the city.

Especially early in the morning or later in the evening, Bruges can feel almost unreal.

But there is one big downside:

Bruges is extremely touristy.

I was honestly surprised by how busy it can get.

During the middle of the day, the historic centre can feel more like a tourist attraction than a normal Belgian city.

Still, I absolutely think Bruges is worth visiting.

And I might be a little biased here because my grandfather is from Bruges, so I have always had a soft spot for the city.

There are also so many cute coffee shops, restaurants, chocolate shops, breweries and tours that you could easily spend more than one day here.

And don’t forget about Zeebrugge, which gives you a completely different coastal side of Bruges.

Best for:

  • First-time visitors to Belgium
  • Romance
  • Canals
  • Medieval architecture
  • Photography
  • Coffee and food
  • Guided tours

→ Read my complete Bruges Travel Guide for everything you need to know before visiting.

My verdict: 9/10

If you’re deciding between Bruges and Ghent, I’ve also written a more detailed Bruges vs Ghent: Which City Is Better? comparison.

Kriek cherry beer in Bruges, Belgium

Want to experience Bruges beyond simply walking around the historic centre?
A canal boat trip is one of the easiest ways to see the city from a completely different perspective. You can also combine a walking tour with a boat ride and even a Belgian beer tasting.

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3. Brussels – Seriously Underrated

Okay, I need to say this:

I genuinely don’t understand why so many people hate Brussels.

I think a lot of people simply don’t experience the city properly.

Yes, Brussels has ugly areas.

Yes, some areas around the train stations can feel sketchy.

And yes, I would not recommend walking around alone at night in certain parts of the city, especially if you don’t know where you’re going.

But there is also SO much to love.

Brussels is multicultural, busy, chaotic, creative and constantly changing.

And that’s exactly what makes it interesting.

You could start your morning at the Marolles market, grab a coffee, walk towards the city centre, visit a museum, eat something from another part of the world and end your day with drinks somewhere completely different.

There are beautiful squares, art nouveau architecture, museums, markets, parks, restaurants and neighbourhoods that feel completely different from each other.

It’s a city where I would recommend exploring beyond the Grand Place.

Best for:

  • Multicultural experiences
  • Museums
  • Markets
  • Food
  • Art and architecture
  • Big-city atmosphere

→ Read my Brussels Travel Guide for my favourite neighbourhoods, things to do, food and practical tips.

My verdict: 8.5/10

And if you want to see even more of Belgium from Brussels, there are also guided day trips to places like Bruges and Ghent. These can be a great option if you’re using Brussels as your base and want to explore more of the country without organising everything yourself.

If you’re unsure whether Brussels is actually worth adding to your trip, I also compare it directly with Antwerp in Brussels vs Antwerp: Which Belgian City Is Better? My Honest Opinion.

Wine on a terrace in Brussels, Belgium

4. Antwerp – A Proper Big City

Antwerp is probably the city on this list that feels the most like a big city.

And honestly, I really like Antwerp.

There is SO much to do.

You can shop, visit museums, explore the historic centre, eat at amazing restaurants, go out, sit by the Scheldt and spend hours simply wandering around.

Antwerp has a strong fashion and shopping scene, but there’s much more to it than that. It also has impressive architecture, museums, nightlife, food and a really interesting mix of old and modern.

I especially like that Antwerp feels completely different from Ghent or Bruges.

It’s busier, more urban and a little more chaotic.

If you love fashion, shopping and urban city life, Antwerp is probably much more your vibe than somewhere like Durbuy or Hasselt.

Personally, I think Antwerp deserves at least one or two days, especially if you want to properly explore the city rather than just see the main sights.

Start at Antwerp Central Station, which is honestly worth seeing on its own.

Then explore:

  • Grote Markt
  • Cathedral of Our Lady
  • Antwerp Old Town
  • MAS Museum
  • Fashion District
  • Meir
  • the Scheldt waterfront

Best for:

  • Shopping
  • Fashion
  • Museums
  • Nightlife
  • Big-city experiences
  • Food

→ Read my complete Antwerp Travel Guide for my favourite things to do, places to eat and practical tips.

My verdict: 8.5/10

Want to see Antwerp from the water too?
There are harbour cruises and boat experiences around the MAS and old harbour, which can be a fun addition if you’re only spending a day in the city.

Antwerp Central Station in Belgium

5. Durbuy – The Fairytale Town

Durbuy is completely different from the other cities on this list.

It’s tiny.

It’s surrounded by nature.

And it is MAGICAL.

I go to Durbuy multiple times a year and somehow I never get tired of it.

You know that line from End of Beginning by Joe Keery where he sings, “And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it”?

That’s honestly how I feel when I arrive in Durbuy.

The old stone buildings, narrow streets, river and surrounding hills make it feel like you’ve stepped into a little fairytale.

It’s especially beautiful if you combine the town with some hiking or outdoor activities in the surrounding Ardennes.

Durbuy is also a great option if you want a romantic weekend or simply want to escape the bigger Belgian cities.

Best for:

  • Nature
  • Romantic getaways
  • Hiking
  • Weekend trips
  • Small-town charm
  • The Ardennes

→ Read my complete Durbuy Travel Guide for my favourite things to do and places around the town.

My verdict: 9/10

If you’re looking for more short escapes within Belgium, you can also check out my 5 Best Weekend Trips in Belgium.

Exploring the old streets of Durbuy on foot

6. Ostend – Belgium’s Coastal City

If you want beach + city, Ostend is probably my favourite option.

Ostend is basically the place I go when I want to feel like I’m on holiday without actually leaving Belgium.

You can spend the day at the beach, grab drinks, eat seafood, explore street art and then go out at night.

The city also has a surprisingly lively nightlife scene.

The one thing I’d mention is that some parts of Ostend can feel a little sketchy at night, especially around certain areas near the stations. I’d be careful about walking around alone late at night if you don’t know the city.

But during the day and early evening, I really enjoy it.

And the biggest advantage?

The coast tram.

You can easily use Ostend as a base to explore other Belgian coastal towns.

Best for:

  • Beach
  • Summer
  • Nightlife
  • Friends
  • Seafood
  • A city + beach combination

→ Read my complete Ostend Travel Guide for the best things to do, eat and drink.

My verdict: 8/10

If you’re specifically planning a Belgian beach trip, check out my Belgian Coastal Towns Compared: Which Belgian Seaside Town Is Best?.

Want to explore Ostend with a local? Join a guided walking tour and discover the city’s history, architecture and hidden gems.

→ Check the Ostend walking tour on GetYourGuide

Restaurant overlooking the beach in Ostend, Belgium

7. Leuven – My Hometown

Okay, I’m obviously biased here.

Leuven is my hometownnnn.

But I genuinely think it’s one of the best Belgian cities for young travellers and people in their twenties.

Leuven is a university city, which means the atmosphere is young, social and lively almost all year round.

The main activity?

Drinking.

Let’s be honest.

Leuven has an insane number of cafés and bars, and the Oude Markt is basically one giant outdoor student bar.

But there’s more to the city than partying.

You can walk along the Dijle, sit by the water, explore the historic centre, visit the university buildings and spend an afternoon drinking coffee with friends.

I think Leuven is especially fun if you’re in your 20s and want somewhere that feels social without being as overwhelming as Brussels or Antwerp.

Best for:

  • Students
  • Travellers in their 20s
  • Nightlife
  • Beer
  • Social atmosphere
  • Relaxing by the Dijle

→ Read my complete Leuven Travel Guide for my favourite places, things to do and nightlife tips.

My verdict: 8.5/10

8. Genk – Nature, Food & Something Different

Genk is probably one of the Belgian cities that surprises people the most.

It doesn’t have the postcard-perfect historic centre of Bruges or Ghent.

Instead, Genk is about mining history, multicultural food, contemporary culture and nature.

I actually really like how different it feels.

You can explore C-mine, eat your way through the multicultural Vennestraat, climb a former mining terril, cycle through the surrounding green spaces or spend the afternoon at Bokrijk.

And honestly, Genk is great if you want to get outside.

There are forests, walking routes, cycling routes, ponds and plenty of places to have a picnic.

Compared with Hasselt, I personally find Genk a little more interesting because there is such a strange but fun combination of industrial heritage, art, food and nature.

Best for:

  • Nature
  • Cycling
  • Mining history
  • Multicultural food
  • Outdoor activities
  • Something different from traditional Belgium

→ Read my complete Genk Travel Guide for all my favourite places, food recommendations and local tips.

My verdict: 8/10

9. Hasselt – Relaxed Limburg Vibes

Hasselt has a completely different energy.

To me, Limburg in general feels more relaxed, and Hasselt fits that perfectly.

Think:

coffee → shopping → picnic → drinks → repeat.

It’s a good city if you don’t want to spend your entire day running between tourist attractions.

Hasselt has nice shopping streets, cafés, restaurants and some beautiful green spaces around the city.

And if you visit in winter, the Christmas market is one of the highlights.

I would choose Hasselt over a huge city if I wanted a slower weekend where I could just wander around and enjoy myself.

Best for:

  • Relaxed city breaks
  • Shopping
  • Cafés
  • Christmas markets
  • Nature
  • Couples and friends

→ Planning a visit? Read my complete Hasselt Travel Guide for things to do, food and practical tips.

My verdict: 7.5/10

Tarte Tatin terrace in Hasselt, Belgium

So, Which Belgian City Should You Visit?

Honestly, it completely depends on what you’re looking for.

Best overall: Ghent

If you want culture, nightlife, beautiful architecture, water and an alternative atmosphere, choose Ghent.

Most magical: Bruges

If you want canals, medieval architecture and a fairytale atmosphere, Bruges is the obvious choice.

Best for multicultural experiences: Brussels

If you want food, markets, neighbourhoods, museums and big-city energy, give Brussels a chance.

Best for young travellers: Leuven

If you’re in your twenties and want students, nightlife, beer and a social atmosphere, Leuven is hard to beat.

Best for nature: Durbuy

If you want hiking, Ardennes landscapes and a tiny magical town, go to Durbuy.

Best for outdoor activities: Genk

For cycling, walking, mining heritage and green spaces, I’d choose Genk.

Best for a relaxed trip: Hasselt

Hasselt is great if you want shopping, cafés, food and a slower pace.

Best for the beach: Ostend

For beach + restaurants + nightlife + city, Ostend is my favourite.

Best for shopping: Antwerp

If your priority is shopping, fashion, museums and big-city life, choose Antwerp.

My Personal Belgium City Ranking

If I had to rank these cities purely based on how much I personally enjoy spending time there, this would be my order:

  1. Ghent
  2. Bruges
  3. Brussels
  4. Antwerp
  5. Durbuy
  6. Ostend
  7. Leuven
  8. Genk
  9. Hasselt

But don’t take this as an objective ranking!

For example, if you’re looking for nightlife, my ranking would look completely different. If you’re looking for nature, Durbuy and Genk would shoot way up.

If you want a beach holiday, obviously Ostend becomes much more interesting.

And if you’re in your twenties and mainly looking for nightlife, Ghent and Leuven would probably move up your list.

That’s exactly why I think comparing Belgian cities by vibe is much more useful than simply saying which one is “best”.

How Many Belgian Cities Should You Visit?

If you’re visiting Belgium for the first time, I wouldn’t try to visit all nine.

Belgium is small, but trying to squeeze too many cities into one trip can make everything feel rushed.

For a 3–5 day trip, I’d focus on:

Brussels + Bruges + Ghent

These give you three very different experiences and are relatively easy to combine.

If you have a week, you could add:

Leuven + Antwerp

Or, if you prefer nature:

Durbuy or Genk

And if you’re visiting in summer, I’d definitely consider adding Ostend for a day at the Belgian coast.

If you want a complete day-by-day plan, check out my Perfect Belgium Itinerary: 5 Days in Belgium. I explain why I’d personally use Ghent as a base and visit several of these cities as day trips.

And if you’re not sure whether you need three days, five days or a full week, my How Many Days in Belgium Do You Need? guide breaks down different trip lengths.

Final Thoughts

One of my favourite things about Belgium is that you can travel such a short distance and suddenly feel like you’re somewhere completely different.

Ghent feels young and alternative.

Bruges feels like a fairytale.

Brussels feels multicultural and chaotic.

Leuven feels like university life.

Durbuy feels like the Ardennes.

Genk feels green and multicultural.

Hasselt feels relaxed.

Ostend feels like a seaside holiday.

And Antwerp feels like a proper big city.

So don’t worry too much about finding the “best city in Belgium.”

Instead, ask yourself:

What kind of Belgium do you want to experience?

That’s probably going to give you a much better answer.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

Belgium Planning Guides

Belgium Food and Drinks Guides

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best city in Belgium to visit?

For me, Ghent is the best city in Belgium because it combines beautiful architecture, canals, culture, nightlife, food and a young, alternative atmosphere. However, Bruges is better if you are looking for a more romantic and historic experience.

Is Bruges or Ghent better?

It depends on what you want. Bruges is more magical and historic, with canals and medieval architecture. Ghent is bigger, less tourist-focused and has more of a local, alternative and student atmosphere. Personally, I prefer Ghent.

Is Brussels worth visiting?

Absolutely. I think Brussels is underrated and is especially worth visiting for its multicultural neighbourhoods, food, markets, museums and architecture. Just be more careful around certain areas at night, particularly near some major stations.

What is the best Belgian city for nightlife?

For me, Ghent and Leuven are two of the best choices. Ghent has a broader nightlife scene, while Leuven is particularly fun if you’re in your twenties and enjoy student bars and a social atmosphere.

What is the most beautiful city in Belgium?

Bruges is probably the most traditionally beautiful Belgian city, thanks to its canals, medieval buildings and historic centre. Ghent is also incredibly beautiful but feels more like a living city.

What is the best Belgian city for young travellers?

I’d choose Leuven or Ghent. Leuven has a huge student population and lots of bars, while Ghent combines nightlife with culture, restaurants and a more alternative atmosphere.

Which Belgian city is best for nature?

Durbuy is my top choice if you want a combination of a beautiful small town and the Ardennes. Genk is another excellent option for cycling, walking and green spaces.

Is Antwerp worth visiting?

Yes. Antwerp is a great choice if you’re interested in shopping, fashion, museums, food and big-city life. Personally, it isn’t my favourite Belgian city, but there is definitely a lot to see and do.

What is the best Belgian coastal city?

For me, Ostend is the best all-round option because you can combine the beach with restaurants, street art, nightlife and other activities. It’s also very easy to reach by train and coastal tram.

How many days do you need in Belgium?

For a first visit, I’d recommend at least 3–5 days to see a few of the main cities without rushing. With a week or more, you can add smaller destinations such as Leuven, Durbuy, Genk or the Belgian coast.

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