BELGIUM

The following are the heritage sites, grouped into recommended gateway cities. This may help in planning on the logistics (travel and accommodation) of your journey.

BRUSSELS (BRU)

Brussels, the de facto capital of the European Union, is a multifaceted metropolis where grand history meets quirky modernity. At its heart lies the Grand Place, a UNESCO-listed square widely considered one of the most beautiful in the world, flanked by opulent 17th-century guildhalls and the Gothic Town Hall. Travelers are drawn to the city’s iconic landmarks, from the surrealist Atomium and the cheeky Manneken Pis to the elegant Art Nouveau townhouses designed by Victor Horta. Beyond architecture, Brussels is a culinary paradise, celebrated for its legendary waffles, frites, world-class chocolates, and a rich beer culture officially recognized as intangible heritage.