Hotels in Belgium

There is a huge amount of accommodation in Belgium, from the sublime to the extraordinary…

Popular with the movers and shakers of Europe, many hotels in Brussels are on a palatial scale with five stars to their name. Finding a bargain break at these luxury hotels is easier at the weekend, when the EU bigwigs have gone home.

Antwerp has fewer hotels to choose from, but it does offer a wide range of options, from budget hotels around Central Station to traditional guesthouses and five-star hotels in the Medieval Old Town. From here, it is a doddle to take in the cultural and artistic offerings of Antwerp at attractions such as the MoMu Fashion Museum and the RubensHuis – a museum dedicated to the city’s painter son, Rubens.

Teeming with things to see and do, the historic city centre of Bruges – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is an unforgettable place to visit. If you are the sort who likes to just wander about and see what crosses your path, this is the city for you. There are museums galore, cafes all over the place, great restaurants, mesmerising museums and history in unimaginable abundance. Stay in hotels in the historic heart of Bruges, opting for as high a floor as possible for mesmerising skyline views.

Hotels in Liege and Ghent are likely to be a little cheaper than those in the more popular tourist cities of Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. There are some great places to stay in these Belgian destinations, including chain hotels from operators such as Marriott, Ibis, Ramada and Crowne Plaza.

As well as chain hotels and five-star palace hotels, you can find quirky accommodation in Belgium aboard boats, in arty boutique hotels, and even in a huge wooden horse at La Balade Des Gnomes, a 45-minute drive south of Liege.

Whether you are looking for a family room, a romantic hotel, budget accommodation or a clean, basic hotel for a short weekend break, you can find some of the hottest hotel deals available with TravelSupermarket. 

Belgium has a wealth of history and wonder with splendid museums, galleries and restaurants around each corner...

Top five attractions

Manneken Pis, Brussels

At the end of the day, it’s simply a statue of a little boy having a wee. But this remarkably charming landmark has been attracting tourists to a corner of the Rue de l'Etuve for centuries. Thousands of people crowd around the figure each day to have their photo taken with the celebrated artwork, which sprinkles an impressive 70 litres of water an hour.

Grand Place, Brussels

The beating heart at the centre of old Brussels is, without doubt, Grand Place. This colossal square (also known as Grote Markt) is dominated by the imposing town hall and is dotted with cafes that encircle the colourful daily market. As beautiful as it is by day, don’t forget to visit at night when it is flooded with light.

Belfry of Bruges

Towering above the stunning roofline of Bruges is the 83-metre medieval tower in the main public square of Grote Markt. Climb the 366 steps for amazing views. If that leaves you out of puff, take a tour of the historic core of Bruges in a horse-drawn carriage, available from the square.

Antwerp Zoo

One of Europe’s most impressive zoos and home to some 950 species, this stylish attraction is as much applauded for its architecture as it is for the 6,000 animals on display. Built in the 19th century, many of the eye-catching buildings draw their own crowds – including the 160-year-old giraffe and elephant houses, which are designed in the style of Egyptian temples.

Waterloo

In a quiet corner of Brabant (11 miles south of Brussels) lies the scene of one of the most significant battles ever to take place - Waterloo. It was here, in 1815, that the Duke of Wellington and his allies defeated Napoleon.

The Belgians are world leaders when it comes to beer and chocolate, so it is no surprise that they have a calendar brimming with good times...

Winter Bonfires; February/March: Each year bonfires are lit in and around the Anlier Forest which can be found near Arlon and Neufchateau (an hour by road south of Liege). Locals gather around the fires for huge parties, which are held to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring. These ancient and mystical rituals are a sight to behold and offer an intriguing insight into the history of the Belgian countryside.

National Day; June 21: National pride is taken seriously in Belgium, and this manifests itself on National Day when children don traditional dress in cities, towns and villages throughout the country that hold outdoor parties and special events.

Rock Werchter; July: One of Europe’s biggest music festivals takes place in the fields adjacent to the normally placid town of Leuven. Every year since 1976, the venue becomes an international hub of rock music that makes the windows of Leuven’s quaint coffee shops shake. Leuven is just 30 minutes away from Brussels by car, or 90 minutes on public transport.