Wonderful Wanderings shares tips on things to do, where to eat and where to stay around the world - plus useful travel gear reviews.
Brussels Christmas Markets 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
Brussels is gearing up to host yet another Christmas Market, building on the success of its previous editions. It runs from Friday, November 24, 2023, to Saturday, December 31, 2023. It is open from 12:00 noon to 10:00 pm daily except on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve when it closes at 06:00 pm. and remains a key element of the Winter Wonders in Brussels. The Brussels Christmas Markets covers two kilometers (1.2 miles) and features over 200 festive stalls. It extends from the Grand Place to the Place de la Monnaie, the Bourse and Place Sainte-Catherine and even the Marché aux Poissons.
23 Best Restaurants and Bars in Ghent to Eat and Drink
Ghent is a historic city located in the Flanders region of Belgium. With origins dating back to the 10th century, Ghent grew to become one of…
15 Best Hotels in Ghent and the Best Neighbourhoods
Ghent is a historic city that traces its origins to Celtic and Roman settlements in the early centuries AD. Ghent, strategically located at the confluence of…
The Belfry of Ghent: Explore the famous 3 Ghent towers
The Belfry of Ghent is one of the three famous towers of the city. Climb up the stairs and learn about the history of the building on the different floor. There you can also meet the dragon who protected the tower and the famous Bell Ronald.
Ghent Travel Guide: History, Attractions, Transportation & Markets
Ghent, often overshadowed by its more famous Belgian counterparts like Brussels and Brugge, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, culture and…
19 Best Hotels to stay in Brussels – Neighbourhoods, Luxury, Hostels, Family and Airport Hotels
Brussels offers a range of excellent hotels that cater to different budgets and preferences. Brussels has several high-end hotels that provide top-notch amenities and impeccable service for those looking for a luxurious stay. These hotels offer elegantly designed rooms or suites, spa facilities, fine dining restaurants, and convenient locations in the heart of the city. Guests can expect a comfortable and indulgent experience, with services tailored to meet their every need, while travelers on a tighter budget can find a variety of affordable hotels and budget-friendly accommodations in Brussels.
Brussels Travel Guide: 18 Best Things to Do, History, Facts and Hotels
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is an intriguing destination with much to offer. Brussels is pronounced as “bruh-suhls” or “bruh-suhlz” in English. The city is also known by its French name, “Bruxelles” (pronounced “bruh-kel”), and its Dutch name, “Brussel” (pronounced “bruh-suhl”). It is home to the iconic Atomium, a unique structure with futuristic spheres that offer panoramic views of Brussels. The Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic square surrounded by ornate buildings, including the Gothic-style Brussels City Hall. The Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue of a urinating boy, is a quirky symbol of Brussels and a popular tourist attraction. The Royal Palace of Brussels, although not the residence of the king, is an impressive neoclassical building that can be visited during the summer months, and the Belgian Comic Strip Center showcases the country's rich comic book heritage, including the adventures of Tintin and the Smurfs.
29 Interesting Facts about Brussels
Brussels, the capital of Belgium isn’t exactly the most popular capital in Europe. It’s a bit gritty, the sights are rather spread out, and it takes…
14 fun things to do in Belgium to do all-year-round
Planning a trip to the land of beer and chocolate? You better come prepared! With these tips on 21 things to do in Belgium in 2021 you'll see, hear, taste and experience the best of Belgium in the new year. Have fun!
15 Best restaurants in Brussels: Where to eat in Brussels?
Brussels is home to several top-notch restaurants that offer exceptional dining experiences. The Lobster House is an establishment known for its exquisite seafood dishes, particularly its delicious lobsters prepared in various styles. Le Bistro-Porte de Hal provides a cozy setting and serves a diverse range of Belgian and international cuisine. The Blue stands out for its Mediterranean-inspired menu, featuring flavors from the region. Comme Chez Soi is a celebrated fine-dining restaurant offering a fusion of French and Belgian gastronomy.
27 Best Things to do in Bruges
Bruges is a medieval city in northern Belgium’s Flanders region. Bruges is full of picturesque canals, cobbled streets and that that is why it is called…
Liege Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
Liege Christmas Market is one of the largest Christmas markets in Belgium. The market takes place from November 24 to December 30, 2023, at the downtown plazas and squares of Liege based on the German Christmas traditions. This renowned market has been held in the same location along the banks of the Meuse River since the 14th century, making it one of the oldest ongoing Christmas markets in Europe, attracting over 2 million Christmas market visitors.
Trier Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
The Trier Christmas Market is one of Germany's oldest and most popular Christmas markets. It has a rich history dating back to the medieval trading fairs and church bazaars held in the city during December, which evolved into an annual Christmas market that attracts more than 1.5 million visitors. The market is divided between two main squares: Market Square (Hauptmarkt) and Cathedral Square (Domfreihof), which are filled with over 100 beautifully decorated wooden pavilions.
Heidelberger Christmas Markets 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
Heidelberger Christmas Markets are annual holiday markets held in the city of Heidelberg, Germany. The market runs from Monday, November 27, 2023 and closes on Friday, December 22, 2023. Heidelberger has other Christmas markets, namely, Marktplatz Square Market and Kornmarkt Square Market, that attract 1.5 million visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere each year.
Leipzig Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
Leipzig Christmas Market is an annual traditional holiday market held in Leipzig, Germany. It is one of Germany's oldest and largest Christmas markets, attracting over 2 million visitors each year. The Leipzig Christmas market takes place in several squares around the city, which is the Augustusplatz Square.
20 Best Christmas Market in Germany to visit in 2023-2024
Christmas Market in Germany is a traditional outdoor celebration held annually throughout the country. Some of the most well-known and iconic markets include Nuremberg Christmas Market,…
Cologne Christmas Markets 2023: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
The Cologne Christmas Markets are a beloved tradition that draws visitors from near and far to the city of Cologne, Germany, during the festive season. These markets are popular for their enchanting atmosphere, decorations and an abundance of unique gifts, crafts and traditional Christmas items, which offer a delightful blend of local and international flavors, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage.
Antwerp Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
The Antwerp Christmas Market is an annual holiday market located in the historic center of Antwerp, Belgium. It starts in early December and continues through the first week of January each year. The Antwerp Christmas Market features over 100 wooden chalet stalls spread out across several squares, including Groenplaats, Grote Markt, Handschoenmarkt and Steenplein.
Bruges Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
Bruges Christmas Market is an annual event in Bruges, Belgium, part of the larger "Winter Glow" festival. It happens in two squares: Grote Markt and Simon Stevinplein. Grote Markt features wooden chalets selling Christmas items and local food. An ice rink and large Christmas tree are central attractions. Simon Stevinplein offers a less crowded market with crafts and carnival games for kids. The market runs from November 24, 2023, to January 7, 2024. Stalls open daily from 10:30 am to 10 pm, extended to 11 pm on weekends. No entry fee is required.
Leuven Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
Leuven Christmas Market is an annual event in Leuven, Belgium. The market has been around for over 30 years and attracts more than 800,000 visitors annually. It features 140 stalls selling a variety of goods, from crafts to food. The market is usually open from the first Thursday in December to a few days before New Year's Day, from 12 pm to 9 pm.
Dresden Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
Dresden Christmas Market, locally known as Striezelmarkt, is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany. It takes place in Dresden's old town along the Elbe River and opens from Friday, November 29, 2023, to Sunday, January 7, 2024. Dresden Christmas Market has three markets, namely, Augustusmarkt, Neumarkt and Weihnachtsmarkt. The market caters to 3 million Christmas market visitors annually and expects the same volume of visitors for the year 2023.
Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
The Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market is a can't-miss part of the holiday season in Belgium since 1985 in the medieval-style pedestrian city center of Louvain-la-Neuve. It attracts over 250,000 visitors annually and runs from November 24th, 2023, through December 20th, 2023, filling the streets and squares with nearly 200 brightly lit wooden chalets.
Düsseldorf Christmas Markets 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
Düsseldorf Christmas Markets are held annually in Düsseldorf, Germany. It is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Germany, spread across seven interconnected squares in the Altstadt area. The market opens on Thursday, November 23, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 30, 2023. The markets attract millions of visitors from around the world each year, providing a major boost to Düsseldorf's tourism economy. The markets feature 1,300 wooden stalls across its 7 markets selling Christmas decorations, ornaments, toys, food, drinks and more. There are notable food items including mulled wine, bratwurst, potato pancakes, roasted almonds and gingerbread. Live entertainment like music, dance and theatre takes place daily across various market locations.
Ostend Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
The Ostend Christmas Market is a beloved annual Christmas market held in Ostend, Belgium. It takes place from Saturday, November 25, 2023, through Sunday, January 7, 2024, in Church Square, located in the heart of downtown Ostend near the North Sea beaches. The Ostend Christmas Market has become one of the largest and most popular in Belgium, attracting around 250,000 visitors yearly. It helps drive tourism and provides an economic boost to the city during winter months.
Münster Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions
The Munster Christmas market in Germany consists of 5 different Christmas market that each have their own look. They sell gifts, food, drinks and Christmas decorations. I had a look around, tried some Glühwein, ate some nuts and took lots of photos.
17 Best Bars in Brussels and their signature Drinks
Brussels offers a diverse selection of bars that cater to different tastes and preferences. Belgian beer is a must-try drink in Brussels, available in various styles…
10 Best Brussels Museums, Art Galleries and Exhibitions
Brussels is a treasure trove of museums that offer diverse and enriching experiences for visitors. These museums showcase a range of subjects, from art and history…
Visiting the European Parliament Museum – Parlamentarium – Brussels
Which European Parliament sights to visit Most people know about the European Quarter in Brussels, but not everyone knows that you can also visit several of…
20 Best things to do in Ardennes: My 4 day itinerary
My 4-day gastronomic journey in the Belgian Ardennes was an experience filled with discovery and indulgence. Day 1 began at The Owl Distillery. Though not a…
An afternoon boat tour on the river Scheldt with Rivertours
Whenever I travel somewhere, I love coming across rivers and canals. Whether it be in cities or nature areas, I think a body of water always…
53 most Famous Belgians: Artists, Chefs and Scientists!
Belgium's most famous people run from Audrey Hepburn and Hergé to Adolphe Sax and Georges Lemaitre. This list of 53 famous Belgians covers the artists, chefs, scientists, inventors and record-breakers the country is known for abroad, with every name's nationality and dates checked.
Tervuren park: Location, History, Attractions and Review!
Tervuren Park is a public park located on the outskirts of Brussels in the town of Tervuren, Belgium. The main attractions of Tervuren Park include the…
5 chocolate workshops and tours in Brussels, Tested and Approved
During our chocolate tour, we visited some of the best chocolatiers and got to taste different chocolates. We also did a chocolate workshop in Brussels during which we first got to make and then got to taste our own chocolate cookies. It was so much fun!
Visiting Hallerbos: The Blue Forest of Belgium
Hallerbos, known as the Blue Forest or Bluebell Forest, is a 552-hectare protected forest located south of Brussels, Belgium. It is composed of beech, oak, and…
35 Best Belgium Castles: History, Location and How to Visit!
Did you know that there are over 3000 castles in Belgium? That makes more castles per capita than France which is famous for its chateaux. Many…
Hergé Museum: The Tin Tin Museum Review & Traveler Guide
The Hergé Museum is dedicated to the life and works of cartoonist Georges Remi, better know as Hergé and the creator of character Tintin. Tintin gets a lot of attention, but several rooms are also dedicated to the other works and of Hergé and the people and events that influenced him.
Antwerp Travel Guide: History, Attractions, Hotels, Restaurants and Markets
Antwerp is a city of culture, fashion and a lot of coffee bars. In this guide you'll find all the information you need to plan your trip, including a breakdown of the neighborhoods and tips on where to stay, where to eat and what to do.
Beringen Belgium: Explore be-Mine and Blueberries
Beringen is a small city of 44,000 inhabitants located in the Belgian province of Limburg. It is 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Dutch border and…
Gaasbeek castle: History, Traveler’s Guide and Review!
Gaasbeek Castle is located about 10 km from Brussels, but you wouldn't think that when you're walking around on the peaceful, green castle grounds, around the ponds and with the castle as a backdrop. People come here to picnic, let their kids play on the grass and stretch their legs.
15 Top Attractions to visit in Charleroi: Museums, Activities and Travel Guide
Charleroi is a city located in the southern part of Belgium, in the province of Hainaut. Situated on the banks of the River Sambre, Charleroi was…
Gravensteen Castle in Ghent: An extended Traveler’s Guide
The Gravensteen Castle in Ghent houses a Museum of Arms and a Museum of Judicial Objects, a.k.a. torture tools. Inside, you learn a bunch about the castle's history. I went to have a look and snapped some shots while I was at it.
Coloma rose garden: Visit the biggest rose garden of Europe!
The beautiful rose garden Coloma in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, close to Brussels, Belgium, is one of the largest in Europe, with more than 3,000 rose varieties. I went there for a walk on a troubled day and left again feeling better and lighter.
Guylian Chocolate: History, Products, Facts and Tours
As many of you already know I’m a big chocolate lover. Luckily I live in Belgium. We have amazing chocolate brands over here. One of them…
Waterloo Battlefield: A Travelers Guide, 200+ years after the Battle
The Waterloo Battlefield is located 15 kilometers (9 miles) south of Brussels in Belgium and covers an area of 5 square kilometers (2 square miles). It…
C-mine Genk: Mining site turned to Cultural center
Last year, I spent two days in Maasmechelen, in the Belgian province of Limburg. I visited Maasmechelen Village Outlet Shopping there, but also went hiking in…
Fort Liefkenshoek: History, Traveler’s Guide and Review!
Fort Liefkenshoek, also known as Fort Kallo, is a star-shaped structure that was built in the 16th century and played an important role in the battle…
Belgium WW1 battlefields, memorials, and more
2014-2018 marked four years of commemorating the end of the Great War, World War I, now more than 100 years ago. There was an influx of…
Salade Liègeoise, the Belgian potato salad with bacon and egg
There’s a high likelihood that you’ve made a potato salad before – or at least eaten one. You might not, however, have stumbled across this simple…
21 Amazing things to do in Liege: Museums, History and Travel Guide
Liege, a capital city in the Wallonia region of Belgium, is located alongside the Meuse River, in Belgium. Liege has grown to become a hub with…
23 Best things to do in Ostend: Sights, Museums and Travel Guide
Ostend is a coastal city located in the province of West Flanders in Belgium, along the North Sea. Ostend started as a small fishing village in…
10 Cafés in Mechelen for breakfast, brunch or drinks!
Mechelen is a historic city located in the center of Flanders, one of the three regions in Belgium. It lies about halfway between the major port…
In Bruges filming locations: 15 spots where it was filmed!
Bruges has always been one of the most visited cities in Belgium, but the movie In Bruges most certainly gave it a boost. “In Bruges” is…
22 Best Things to do in Mechelen, Belgium in a weekend!
It might not be as famous as some other Belgian cities, but there are plenty of things to do in Mechelen! This article lists the sights and activities I think you shouldn't miss when visiting the city, based on my own experience. Check it out!
4 days in Rome: itinerary with fun things to do and see
Wondering how to spend 4 days in Rome so you see as much of the sights as possible? I created this itinerary for my own trip and am sharing it with you! It's a combination of lots of independent exploring and a couple of cool tours I took that allowed me to learn more about the city's history and (food) culture.
10 fun things to do in Parma, Italy in one day
The colorful town of Parma in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy is known for its music, medieval architecture, and impressive art. Yet, it’s even more…
Doing a Colosseum Underground Tour in Rome with Walks of Italy
I always thought I wasn’t big on tours of the educational kind. I like exploring places by myself and I always figure that if I want…
Graffiti in Ghent: Streets, Murals, Neighborhoods and Artists
Ghent is a creative city and street art is part of the city's look. Some of the coolest graffiti in Ghent can be found at the Werregarenstraatje and the Tweebruggenstraat. Check it out!
Ghent Light Festival 2024: Dates, Route and How to Visit
Ghent Light Festival is a free light art festival happening every three years in Ghent, Belgium. It runs for five nights and features light installations by…
20 Best Things to do in Leuven: Attractions, Museums and Festivals
Leuven is a historic university town located about 30 km east of Brussels in Belgium’s Flemish Brabant province. Some of Leuven’s top attractions highlighted in the…
11 Best Cafés in Bruges for Coffee, Tea and Breakfast!
Bruges is a picturesque medieval town located in the Flemish region of Belgium. With its well-preserved historic architecture, winding canals and cobblestone streets, Bruges is often…
7 Best Leuven Shopping Streets and Markets
Leuven is a historic university city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. With its Gothic architecture, vibrant student population, and lively culinary scene, Leuven offers…
Beguinages in Leuven: Discover the Grand and Small Beguinage
Leuven doesn't have one, but two beguinages. The Small Beguinage is only a street and two alleys big, while the Grand Beguinage of Leuven is a large UNESCO site and a great place to go for a quiet stroll. It's pretty photogenetic too. Have a look!
14 Top Antwerp Museums: History, Photo & Art Galleries
Antwerp is known as Belgium’s “capital of diamonds”. It is located just 15 kilometers south of the Dutch border, on the banks of the River Scheldt.…
Kruidtuin Botanical Garden Leuven: Does is worth a visit?
The Botanical Garden of Leuven, Belgium is the oldest botanical garden in the country, founded by the Catholic University of Leuven in 1735. It's a lovely place to go for a walk or read a book on one of the benches. Have a look.
Park Abbey Leuven: Explore Belgium’s Most Picturesque Abbey
Park abbey is a Norbertine abbey located in Leuven. There's a small museum and guided tours of the abbey grounds are available upon request. We visited the museum and the parochial church and also went for a walk around the large ponds. Come along?
14 Best Hotels in Antwerp and Best Neighbourhoods to Stay
Antwerp is a historic port city known as a global diamond trading and fashion hub. Antwerp provides places to stay, from luxurious 5-star properties to budget…
Bruges Travel Guide: History, Attractions, Hotels and Restaurants
Bruges is in northwest Belgium, in the province of West Flanders. It’s near major cities like Brussels and Amsterdam and is 64 kilometers inland from the…
13 Best Hotels in Bruges and Cool Neightbourhoods
Bruges, a medieval city in Belgium that exudes charm and history. Its well-preserved medieval architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Site status make it a must-visit destination.…
14 Best Cafés and Bars in Antwerp
The city of Antwerp in Belgium is known as a hip place. So it won't surprise that there are tons of cool coffee bars where you can get re-energized, take a break, read a book or grab some cake. The list below consists of the Antwerp coffee bars I've already been to. Whenever I visit a new one, I'll add it here, so make sure to check back!
Arc’teryx Sabria pants for women: Tested and Reviewed
When I go hiking in summer, I just wear comfortable shorts, but up until last year, hiking in any weather below 22°C posed outfit issues. You…
10 Best Beaches in Belgium and their town centers
If you’ve ever wondered if there are any nice beaches in Belgium, you’re in for a treat. The Belgian coast is over 65 km (40 miles)…
Where to Go Walking in Belgium: 6 Great Trails
Belgium might not be the place you think of first when you plan to go hiking. It’s not the hilliest of countries, but there still has…
87 fun facts about Belgium that’ll blow your mind
Looking for some fun facts about Belgium? You’ve come to the right place! There’s much more to Belgium than beer, chocolate, and waffles. This treasure trove…
This Flemish stew recipe tastes like a warm hug
This flew stew recipe is a warm hug in a bowl. Flemish beef stew is a classic Belgian dish that is sure to put a smile…
Classic chicken vol au vent recipe from mom’s kitchen
Vol au vents are light puff pastry shells filled with yummy ingredients such as chicken, small meatballs, and mushrooms. They’re a typical Belgian food and often…
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