Picture postcards from Belgium—Europe's lesser-known wonder

Glimpses of the past, a boat ride on picturesque canals, a hike amidst lush landscapes, jugs of frothy beers, and the world’s most delicious chocolates—Belgium is one of Europe’s most fascinating but lesser discovered destinations. Witness time moving at a slower pace, and discover the warmth of locals, as you explore this charming, small country.

The richest and most powerful city in Europe during the Middle Ages, Ghent is now a city of scenic canals, picturesque chapels, quaint eateries and is impressively popular for its unending flower fields. Reminiscent of the late-medieval era, the Gravensteen castle is the most famous landmark in the city, almost at par with the Belfry of Ghent and Saint Nicholas' Church. Leave your car behind and explore the charming city with a criss-crossing boat ride on River Leie.

Belgium’s answer to Venice, Bruges has quite a few unforgettable experiences up its sleeve. As you take a leisurely stroll on the cobblestone pathways or step into a boat and explore the city through the meandering canals, this city will remind you of old fairytales. The spectacular Gruuthuse Mansion, the striking Belfry Tower and the historic centre of Bruges (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) will transport you to the medieval times.

The multi-cultural city of Brussels will leave you intrigued with its diversity and vibrancy. Seeped in classical European charm, the 13th-century Grand Place will enthral you with its intricate architecture, picturesque guild houses and its golden-lit promenade. Pull up a chair and join the locals in singing, have a meal in the city’s quaint roadside cafés, shop on the high-street shopping district, and discover why the Belgian capital is a true traveller’s paradise. Add to that, a walk through the city's streets will impress you with its murals based on comic strips!

A city of many faces, Antwerp will charm you with its quintessential European heritage and at the same time amaze you with its spirited nightlife. While this city is dotted with examples of immaculate architecture (like the Antwerp City Hall, Cathedral of Our Lady and Rubens' House), it is also is seen as the ‘cool capital’ by Belgians because of its booming fashion industry and globally-ranked restaurants and bars.

Discover the rugged wilderness of Ardennes, with strenuous hikes and treks in unending stretches of verdant forests and hills located in southern Belgium. Covered with soaring trees, the Ardennes are one of the country’s biggest surprises because of its scenic peaks, meandering pathways, variety of wildlife and picturesque, fast-flowing rivers. A heaven for adrenaline addicts, these stretches are perfect for hiking, biking and camping.

Situated between Brussels and Antwerp, this tiny city exudes a quiet charm with its car-free areas, pleasant, crowd-free promenades and a surfeit of charming cafés and restaurants. Built between the 14th and 17th centuries, the city's Gothic and Baroque churches are the chief attractions here, and the city is also known for its green covers, spectacular landscapes and easy lifestyle.

Home to the oldest Catholic university in the world, the city of Leuven is always lively and informal thanks to a large student population. A tangle of picturesque streets, with a medieval statue around every corner, the city is less than half-hour away from Mechelen and Brussels and is a very viable alternative to the other touristy cities in Belgium. Breathtaking landmarks like the town hall, the Belfry on St. Peter’s Church and the Grand Beguinage add to Leuven’s old-world charm.

In contrast to the medieval marvels scattered all over the country, the Belgian coast’s raw natural beauty attracts beach bums, adventure enthusiasts, kids and families. The 65-km-long sandy coastline is dotted with numerous resorts and restaurants where you can spend a day sampling some of best food in the country and indulging in luxury right on the seafront.

Getting around Belgium is not just about taking a regular train ride, but an exciting experience because of its coast tram. The tram service connects the cities and towns along the entire Belgian coast and is a very viable option for those who want to explore this charming European country on a strict budget. Around 68 km in length, it is the longest tram line in the world, as well as one of the few inter-urban tramways in the world.

When in Belgium, you must stop counting your calories and get ready to indulge in some heavy chocolate and beer intake. Be it any street in any city of this charming country, the rich aroma of chocolate will attract you towards the nearest eatery, where you’ll find decadent cocoa treats in every imaginable shape and size. With hundreds of beers stacked in almost every tavern of Belgium, this European country can be easily called a beer-lover’s paradise. (Text by Mayank Kumar)