Things to See in Belgium

An incredible 350,000 artefacts from all continents, spanning antiquity, national archaeology, non-European civilizations and European arts and crafts make up the permanent collection at the majestic Royal Museum of Art and History. Among the treasures are fine jewellery and cult of the dead funerary gifts from the Merovingian civilization.

The Gravensteen, or 'Count's Castle' is located smack in the heart of Ghent and was the fearsome seat of power of the 12th-century counts of Flanders. It is the quintessential castle with moat, turrets and arrow slits and the view from the battlements is wonderful.

The Menin Gate (Meensestraat) is one of the saddest reminders of Ypres' past. The huge white gate is inscribed with the names of 54,896 British and Commonwealth troops who were lost in the quagmire of the Flanders trenches during WWI and who have no graves. Every evening at 20:00, traffic is halted while buglers sound the Last Post.

The Hautes Fagnes, or High Fens, is a plateau of swampy heath, woods and windswept moors that sweeps over to Germany's Eifel hills. The area is popular with walkers and cyclists. This rainy and boggy area is the largest reserve in Belgium and a perfect spot to walk off some of that beer and chocolate along its many trails and wooden boardwalks.

Brussels' magnificent central square, Grand Place, boasts the country's finest baroque guildhalls, popular pavement cafes and intimate restaurants. Hidden at the core of the old town, it's only revealed as you enter through the narrow side alleys - a discreet position that adds to its charm.