10 Magical Places to Visit in Belgium in 2025: Where Fairytales Come to Life

From medieval towns to dreamy castles, these 10 magical places in Belgium will steal your heart in 2025. A fairytale escape in the heart of Europe awaits!

Introduction: Belgium, A Storybook Come to Life

Belgium might be famous for its silky chocolate, golden waffles, and frothy beers—but look a little closer, and you’ll discover something far more enchanting. Tucked between rolling hills and winding canals, this tiny European gem is brimming with cobblestone towns, majestic castles, and villages that look like they’ve been plucked from a fairytale.

In 2025, let your imagination wander through Belgium’s most magical destinations—where gothic towers kiss the clouds, riverside citadels whisper ancient tales, and the past dances with the present in the most charming way.

Here are 10 magical places in Belgium that will make you believe in fairytales again.

1. Bruges: A Fairytale on Water

Why it’s magical:
With its cobbled lanes, dreamy canals, and twinkling lanterns lighting up centuries-old facades, Bruges is the poster child for European fairytales. This UNESCO World Heritage city feels frozen in time, where every alley leads to a secret courtyard or whimsical bridge.

Best time to visit:
Spring (April–May) or winter (late November–December) when the Christmas markets give the city a warm glow.

Must-do experience:
Take a canal boat ride at dusk.
Imagine gliding past gingerbread houses as swans float beside you, the sky painted in soft lavender tones while bells chime in the distance.

2. Ghent: Where Gothic Towers Touch the Sky

Why it’s magical:
Ghent is a hidden treasure packed with medieval mystery, often overlooked in favor of Bruges. Its gothic towers, castle walls, and maze-like alleys feel straight out of a fantasy novel.

Best time to visit:
Summer (June–August) for its lively festivals, or autumn (September–October) for quieter streets cloaked in golden leaves.

Must-do experience:
Climb the Belfry of Ghent at sunset.
Picture the city bathed in golden light, with spires silhouetted against the sky as the echoes of history whisper beneath your feet.

3. Dinant: The Clifftop Citadel Jewel

Why it’s magical:
Perched between dramatic cliffs and the River Meuse, Dinant is postcard-perfect. Its colorful waterfront and towering cliffside citadel create a dramatic yet charming setting.

Best time to visit:
Late spring or early fall, when the crowds are light and the weather is mild.

Must-do experience:
Ride the cable car to the Citadel of Dinant.
Imagine standing atop ancient walls, watching the river wind through lush valleys below while church bells echo across the water.

4. Gravensteen Castle: Of Moats and Medieval Myths

Why it’s magical:
In the heart of Ghent, Gravensteen Castle looks like it was built for dragons and knights. Complete with a moat, turrets, and dungeons, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.

Best time to visit:
Year-round, though winter adds a touch of eerie romance.

Must-do experience:
Join a ghost-themed night tour through the castle halls.
Picture yourself walking torch-lit corridors, each step echoing through ancient stone as tales of ghosts and feuding counts fill the air.

5. Durbuy: The Smallest City in the World

Why it’s magical:
Durbuy may be tiny, but its charm is enormous. Nestled in the Ardennes forest, it boasts cobblestone streets, floral balconies, and a peaceful river bend.

Best time to visit:
Spring and summer, when the town is in full bloom.

Must-do experience:
Wander through the Topiary Park and explore the winding village streets.
Imagine sipping a hot drink under ivy-covered stone walls, as if you’ve stumbled into a secret woodland kingdom.

6. Château de Vêves: A Princess Castle Come True

Why it’s magical:
If Disney had a castle in Belgium, Château de Vêves would be it. With conical turrets, a drawbridge, and a fairytale setting on a hilltop, it’s enchantment incarnate.

Best time to visit:
May through October, when the castle is open to the public.

Must-do experience:
Rent a princess or knight costume for your visit.
Now close your eyes—imagine yourself walking up the stone steps in a flowing gown or armor, as the breeze rustles the trees surrounding your magical manor.

7. The Ardennes: Enchanted Forest Trails

Why it’s magical:
With misty woodlands, moss-covered ruins, and rolling hills, the Ardennes feels like a backdrop from “The Lord of the Rings.” It’s a haven for hikers, dreamers, and nature lovers.

Best time to visit:
Autumn for blazing foliage or spring for wildflower-strewn paths.

Must-do experience:
Follow the La Roche-en-Ardenne trail to ancient castle ruins.
Imagine discovering a hidden clearing with a bubbling brook, surrounded by whispering trees and birdsong—the kind of place where time slows down.

8. Mons: Secret Gardens & Artistic Whispers

Why it’s magical:
This underrated city is bursting with charm, from secret gardens behind historic walls to narrow alleys lined with vibrant street art. Mons is a blend of the artistic and the antique.

Best time to visit:
Spring and summer, when the gardens bloom and cultural festivals fill the city with music.

Must-do experience:
Visit the Van Gogh House and then stroll through Jardin du Mayeur.
Picture pausing in a hidden garden while reading a book, the scent of lilacs in the air and a soft breeze carrying the laughter of locals.

9. Mechelen: Bells, Beauty & Baroque Bliss

Why it’s magical:
Less touristy than its neighbors, Mechelen is a peaceful city where colorful facades reflect in tranquil canals. It boasts one of Europe’s finest carillons and a rich history you can feel with every step.

Best time to visit:
June through September for sunny days and open carillon concerts.

Must-do experience:
Climb St. Rumbold’s Tower for panoramic views.
Imagine hearing the bells toll as you gaze across orange rooftops, fields in the distance, and stories sleeping under the stone streets.

10. La Hulpe Castle & Park: The Fairytale Escape Near Brussels

Why it’s magical:
Just a short drive from Brussels, Château de La Hulpe is a storybook estate surrounded by flowering meadows and dense woods. The French-style castle overlooks mirrored lakes and quiet paths perfect for daydreaming.

Best time to visit:
April to October, when the gardens are at their most colorful.

Must-do experience:
Pack a picnic and find a quiet spot near the pond.
Imagine a quiet afternoon under the shade of a blooming tree, sketching the castle’s reflection in still water as dragonflies flit above.

Final Thoughts: Let Belgium Sweep You Into a Dream

Belgium may be small on the map, but it’s overflowing with wonder. Whether you’re chasing ghosts in ancient castles, strolling through cobbled lanes lit by fairy lights, or getting lost in forest trails, the country has a way of making everyday moments feel magical.

In 2025, let yourself believe in fairytales again. Pack your curiosity, lace up your shoes, and explore these magical places in Belgium that promise to stir your soul and awaken your imagination.

Bonus Tips for Your 2025 Belgium Adventure:

Travel by train: Belgium’s rail network makes it easy to hop between cities and castles in a single day.
Try the local sweets: Every village has its twist on chocolate and waffles.
Stay in a historic guesthouse: Many offer the perfect blend of comfort and medieval charm.