Belgium in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph

From the stone sidewalks of Sint-Michielsbrug (Saint Michael's Bridge), you get the perfect view of Ghent's skyline with Bel-fort Tower and the towers of St. Nicholas's Church and St. Bavo's Cathedral. The Gothic Saint Michael's Church, with its ornate medieval spires, sits in the foreground. This is Ghent's most photographed spot, and it's just as popular for nighttime photo-ops when the stone buildings are lit from beneath.

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The gardens of Brussels' commemorative park are a stunning complement to the Arc du Triumph. This triumphal arch links the wings of the Palais du Cinquantenaire, a beautiful 19^th-century palace that was built to celebrate Belgian independence. The park is also home to numerous photo-worthy statues and fountains.

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Centuries-old brick and stone houses line the peaceful canals of Bruges' old town, with flower boxes and windows facing the water just as they would a neighborhood street. A leisurely boat ride on the canals of Belgium's best-preserved medieval town is the best way to capture stunning and unique shots of the city's historic charm. If you are planning an itinerary, this is one of the must-see places in Belgium.

Antwerp's Grand Place (Groke Markt) has some of the best examples of traditional Flemish architecture, including the 16^th-century Town Hall (Stadhuis) adorned with vibrant flags. The main square's historic guild houses (gildehuizen) feature ornate facades and gilded ornamentation, and Brabo's Monument fountain sits in the center of the square.

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The staircase that ascends the slope of Bueren Mountain rises at an astounding 30 percent incline and consists of 374 steps, creating a dramatic sight. The sight is enhanced during the "Beuren en Fleur," when the steps are adorned with flowers in beautifully planned patterns, and each October they are lined with candles for the Nocturne des Coteaux de la Citadelle celebrations.

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Veves Castle is a fairy-tale castle in every way and an elegant medieval residence, from its pepperpot-capped stone turrets to the wrought-iron gates. The castle sits just outside of Namur.

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The pedestrian square in Mechelen's Grote Markt has a variety of architectural styles that coexist beautifully, including the 14^th-century Lakenhalle and an assortment of gabled houses and guild halls built from the 16^th to 18^th century. Sint-Rombouts Cathedral sits just behind the square. Mechelen is in Flanders, located about 23 kilometers south of Antwerp.

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From the center of Mons (in Flemish, Bergen), the imposing belfry known as El Catiau can be seen towering above the town. The bell tower is 87 meters tall and was built in the 17^th century in the Baroque style. Mons is home to numerous photo-worthy stone and brick buildings, including the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and the ornate Toison d'Or House, both of which reside in the Grand Place.

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Leuven's City Hall is a stunning example of the Late Gothic style of Brabantine architecture, with intricate stonework and a sculptured façade that features 236 figures and a turreted roof.

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Menin Gate is an imposing memorial to the British soldiers who lost their lives during World War I, and the starting point for regional tours of the battlefields of Flanders.

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The town of Dinant is one of the gateways to the Meuse Valley, with its picturesque clifftop citadels and busy commerce along the shores of the Meuse River.

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Just a short drive from Bruges, several beautiful beaches grace the shores of the North Sea and offer endless seascapes and natural scenes, from the grassy dunes of Blankenberge and Zeebrugge to the sailboats of Ostend and the native wildlife at the coastal Zwin Nature Park.

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Moated by the River Lieve, Gravensteen Castle is a 12^th-century fortress that embodies the iconic medieval castle, complete with turrets, battlements, and lookouts.

From its elevated position by the Place Royal (Royal Palace), the Mont des Arts affords excellent views of the city. Within the park there are landscaped gardens and several striking buildings.

Like Bruges, Ghent is full of canals large and small, many of which are lined with historic guild houses. Canal rides are an ideal way to view the variety of medieval architecture throughout the old town.