For some inspiration on what to do in Belgium’s most interesting cities, check out our tips below.
Brussels is not only Belgium’s capital city, but also home to the headquarters of the European Union! What better way to experience the European Union in action than by visiting the Parlamentarium? It’s the largest visitor center of a parliament in Europe. A day spent here is the perfect opportunity to expand your political horizon.
Atomium, Brussels
Another fun way to explore more of European culture is visiting Mini-Europe! Take your
Host Kids to see Europe’s most interesting sights on a 1:25 scale. It’s the perfect place to take a lot of touristy
pictures, even if you don’t have the time to see the model’s real-life counterparts. They also offer an interactive course called “Spirit of Europe” where you can learn more about the history of the EU and why it is necessary.
Located right next to Mini-Europe is one of Brussel’s best known monuments: The Atomium! It’s a stainless steel sculpture of an atom standing 102 meters tall. There is a variety of exhibits on the inside, some permanent, others temporary. If you get hungry, there’s also a restaurant located at the top of the Atomium, offering panoramic views over Brussels.
Manneken Pis, a bronze statuette created in the 17th century by J. Duquesnoy, is another sight you shouldn’t miss. It’s also known as “Little Julian” and has become a legendary piece of Belgian culture. On Holidays, people usually dress the statuette in costumes. His wardrobe now comprises about 800 pieces of clothing.
Au Pair in Bruges
Bruges
Bruges is an important city for fishing in Belgium. So the perfect way to do sightseeing in Bruges is by boat! Get ready to see beautiful medieval buildings, cobblestone streets and a lot of canals.
For a panoramic view of Bruges, go visit Belfort of Bruges! This bell tower is located on the historical market square. If you are interested in architecture, you should definitely visit this gothic building. By the way, Bruges’ city hall is another gorgeous gothic building worth a visit.
Still
not sure you want to become an Au Pair in Belgium? Maybe Belgian food can convince you: Belgium is well known for its chocolate, so grab your
friends and head over to Choco-Story, a chocolate museum located in the center of Bruges. In this museum you get to learn about the history of chocolate and taste the sweet goodness yourself.
Another kind of food typical for Belgium are french fries. Learn more about the history of the potato and try some delicious french fries at Frietmuseum in Bruges.
Au Pair in Antwerp
Become an Au Pair in Antwerp!
If you are interested in art, this city is for you! In the 16th and 17th century, Antwerp was home to baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. Today the Rubens House, where he used to live, is a museum. Its exhibits include paintings by the artist, sculptures and tapestries.
You can see even more paintings by Rubens, including “Elevation of the Cross” and his “Descent from the Cross”, at the Cathedral of Our Lady. The gothic cathedral is located close to Grote Markt.
Speaking of Grote Markt: If you are interested in architecture, you should definitely stop by. It’s a market square located in the historic center of the city. In the middle of Grote Markt is Brabo Fountain, a fountain created by antwerp sculptor Jef Lambeaux in 1887. Antwerp’s city hall is also located at Grote Markt.
For shopping trips check out Meir: It’s the main shopping street in Antwerp. You will find many international brands as well as local stores on this 700 meter long street.
Au Pair in Ghent
Ghent
Ghent is a beautiful university city, which makes it the perfect place to
meet young people! There are a lot of cozy bars and cafés to hang out and canals for relaxing boat trips.
Ghent’s skyline is dominated by three medieval towers: The Belfry of Ghent, Saint Nicholas' Church and Saint Bavo Cathedral. A medieval castle to check out while in Ghent is Gravensteen, which is now a museum and a major landmark.
On a hot day you should stop by Blaarmeersen: a hiking area with a large lake to swim in. Take your
Host Kids for a fun day! Blaarmeersen has a water playground with lots of slides and a long sandy beach to build sandcastles.
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