Wonderful Wanderings shares tips on things to do, where to eat and where to stay around the world - plus useful travel gear reviews.
Ypres stands as a living testament to a history steeped in valour, resilience and regeneration. Once a bustling hub of the cloth industry, Ypres witnessed significant turmoil during the Great Wars, only to rise again, showcasing an undying spirit that resonates with every visitor who graces its streets. As one embarks upon a journey to explore this remarkable city, a kaleidoscope of experiences awaits.
Ninove is a city and municipality in the Flemish province of East Flanders in Belgium. It is pronounced as Ninive in French, Nienove in German and Ninova in Italian. Ninove means "new pasture" and has a history dating back to the 9th century. Ninove is located on the river Dender and is part of the Denderstreek, a region known for its agricultural and industrial activities.
Kortrijk is a city and municipality in the Flemish province of West Flanders, Belgium. In French and English, it is sometimes called Courtrai or Courtray. In Latin, it was known as Cortoriacum or Cortoracum. In West Flemish, a regional dialect of Dutch, it is called Kortryk or Kortrik. Kortrijk has a long and rich history that dates back to Roman times when it was a settlement near the river Leie and two Roman roads.
Best things to do Location History Tournai in a day Facts Food Neighbourhoods Hotels Restaurants Transportation Christmas markets Weather Cost of living Tournai has a rich…
The Ghent Christmas Market, known as the Ghent Winter Festival, opens on Thursday, December 7, 2023 and closes on Sunday, December 31, 2023. The market is located in the historic city center of Ghent, Belgium, spreading across several central squares and along the Graslei Harbor. The market features over 150 wooden stalls selling gifts, ornaments, festive foods, drinks and local handicrafts. Key attractions of the Christmas market include the Ferris wheel, carousel, musical entertainment and the medieval cities of Graslei and Korenlei decorated with Christmas lights. Visitors can visit sights like Saint Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry of Ghent and Gravensteen Castle, which were decorated for the holidays.
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.
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.
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,…
Belgium is home to several enchanting Christmas markets, including the Brussels Christmas Market, Bruges Christmas Market, Antwerp Christmas Market and Ghent Christmas Market. The Brussels Christmas…
Berlin is popular for its large Christmas markets. In 2023, the city of Berlin will once again come alive with the spirit of the holiday season, offering visitors a magical experience featuring multiple Christmas markets to choose from. The Christmas Market at Alexanderplatz is one of Berlin's largest and most popular winter markets. It is located at the iconic Alexanderplatz square and features around 100 illuminated wooden stalls selling gifts, decorations and food.
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.
The Rüdesheim Christmas Market of Nations is an annual Christmas market held in Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany. The market was established in 1993 and aims to celebrate and share Christmas traditions and culture from around the world. The market features 124 stalls representing 12 nations across 6 continents, offering a range of Christmas decorations, ornaments, food and drinks. The market is open from Monday, November 20, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 23, 2023.
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.
The Braunschweig Christmas Market is an outdoor Christmas market located in the city center of Braunschweig, Germany, surrounding the St. Blasii Cathedral. The market opens on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 and closes on Friday, December 29, 2023. The Christmas market attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually from Germany and abroad.
The Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market, known as the "Reiterlesmarkt", is a traditional German Christmas market held annually in the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany. The market has roots tracing back to the 15th century, making it an integral part of the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber's cultural heritage. The Christmas market opens on Friday, December 01, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 23, 2023.
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.
Prague's Christmas markets in 2023 offer diverse and enchanting experiences. The Old Town Square Christmas Market, open from December 2 to January 6, is the largest and most vibrant, featuring over 100 wooden huts selling Czech handicrafts and sweets. It's set amidst historic architecture, including the Old Town Hall and the Church of St. Nicholas. A highlight is the grand Christmas tree, accompanied by festive music and performances.
The Mechelen Christmas Market is a yearly event in Mechelen, Belgium. It is located in the middle of the city, encompassing 0.2 square km and centered on Vismarkt and the plazas that connect to it. It is one of the most traditional and beautifully decorated markets in Belgium. It is known for having a medieval theme and feeling like an old-fashioned Christmas town. The market has over 150 booths that sell handmade goods, food and drinks. Its medieval roots go back to the 13th century, which became what it is today in the late 1980s.
The Charleroi Christmas Market is taking place in Place Charles II and Boulevard Audent in Charleroi Downtown, Belgium during the holiday Christmas season. The Charleroi Christmas Market opens on Friday 24 November 2023 to Saturday 06 January 2024, attracting thousands over the celebration. The Charleroi Christmas Market is located in the heart of the city and spans the Place Charles II and Boulevard Audent.
The Mons Christmas Market, an annual event held in the Grand Place of Mons, Belgium, is a festive destination attracting visitors with its 40 chalets offering gifts, decorations, food and drinks. Christmas markets spread to Belgium, with Mons' market evolving from informal gatherings to a significant event since the 1980s.
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.
Namur Christmas Market is a traditional market that stretches along Place de l'Ange, Place d'Armes and Place du Théâtre. The market features 70 chalets where local artisans showcase their creations, offering a variety of unique and handmade gifts and crafts. Visitors can enjoy live concerts and performances by folkloric groups, marching bands and street entertainers, such as stilt walkers and roller skaters.
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.
Stuttgart Christmas Market is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets located at Marktplatz, Downtown Stuttgart in Germany. The market opens on Sunday, November 29, 2023 and closes on Saturday, December 23, 2023. Stuttgart Christmas Market attracts over 3 million visitors each year, providing a boost to the local economy and tourism.
Nuremberg Christmas Markets are considered one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Altstadt of Nuremberg, Germany. The market opens on Friday, December 1, 2023 and closes on Sunday, December 24, 2023. The market receives over 2 million Christmas visitors annually, providing an economic and tourism boost.
Contents Best bars Bars near Grand Place Cocktail bars Rooftop bars Pubs American bars Nightclubs Bar Tours Gay bars Live music bars Breweries Brussels offers a…
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.
Dinant Christmas Market is an annual event held from November 24, 2023, through December 28, 2023, in the center of Dinant, Belgium. This Christmas market is located along the Meuse River and attracts 250,000 Christmas market visitors. The market has over 100 local artisan stalls in the streets near the Collegiate Church of Our Lady in the city center of Notre Dame.
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.
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.
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.
Lisbon Christmas Market is a perfect destination for the holidays, with moderate winter weather and beautiful lights. The largest and most popular Christmas market in Lisbon is Wonderland Lisboa, located in Eduardo VII Park in the center of Lisbon. It features a Ferris wheel with 360º views from heated cabins, an ice skating rink and cozy wooden stalls offering apparel, accessories, crafts and regional products.
Riga Christmas Market is an annual event held from Friday, December 01, 2023, to Saturday, January 6, 2024, in Town Hall Square and surrounding areas in central Riga, Latvia. It attracts over 1 million visitors in the Christmas season. The market has over 100 wooden huts and stalls selling Latvian handicrafts, foods and drinks.
Budapest Christmas Market is an annual holiday held at various locations in Budapest, Hungary during the Christmas season. Budapest Christmas Market run from November 18, 2023, to January 01, 2024. Budapest Christmas Markets are located in Vörösmarty Square market, St. Stephen's Basilica, Ujbuda and Óbuda. Vörösmarty Square hosts the largest and most popular Christmas market, located in central Budapest and easily accessible by metro.
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.
Contents Best Museums Most visited Museums Historical Museums Art Museums / Galleries Museums for kids Brussels is a treasure trove of museums that offer diverse and…
Contents Best things to do With Kids Museums Location Towns Best to visit How many days Directions Get around My 4-day gastronomic journey in the Belgian…
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…
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.
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.
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…
The Abbey of Villers-la-Ville in Belgium isn't that known, but it should be. You can wander around these abbey grounds for hours and even picnic there. It's the perfect spot for photographers, children, history buffs and others. Have a look.
Fort Breendonk is an historical site located in Willebroek, Belgium, just 15 kilometers south of Antwerp and 30 km (18.6 miles) north of Brussels. It was…
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…
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…
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…
The National Botanical Garden of Meise near Brussels in Belgium is open all-year-round. The domain itself is 92 ha big and there's also a large greenhouse. I visited the beginning of spring and photographed the botanical garden of Belgium as it came to live.
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.
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…
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!
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.
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
I’m always up for exploring a bit more of my home country Belgium but being the workaholic that I am, I often need a kick in…
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…
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…
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!
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…
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…
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…
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…
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!
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.
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.
Ghent is a historic city located in the Flanders region of Belgium. Ghent’s origin dates back to the 10th century, but then grew to become one…
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…
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.
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!
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…
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?
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.
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.
EN
Nederlands
Français