The Grand Place, located in the city center of Brussels, is a spacious town square, lined with medieval buildings---former guild halls and government buildings. The 318-foot tower atop the Town Hall looks over the collection of buildings from the 13th to 17th centuries. Today, the square is the city's main tourist attraction, and visitors can enjoy a coffee at one of several sidewalk cafes, attend one of the many cultural events held there or admire the intricately carved structures.
Once Europe's largest city, the charming city of Bruges is the center of Flemish Belgium. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is divided with scenic canals that date back to the Middle Ages. Highlights include the Basilica of the Holy Blood; City Hall; and the Groeningemuseum, a showplace of Flemish art from the 13th to 15th centuries.
Ghent, the capital of Belgium's East Flanders province, is a combination port city, university town and historic site. Highlights include the historic city center and its collection of buildings that date back to the Middle Ages; Saint Nicholas Church; and the Museum of Fine Art, which houses a group of Hieronymus Bosch paintings.
Dutch-speaking Mechelen is located midway between Antwerp and Brussels. The town features several ruins from Roman times as well as a smattering of architecture from the 15th to 17th centuries. Other highlights include St. Rumbold's Cathedral; Brusselpoort, the last remaining of the city's 12 medieval gates; and the Toy Museum.
Constructed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, the Atomium stands 335 feet high, with nine steel balls connected in the shape of an iron crystal. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for a sweeping view of the city and the surrounding area.
