Benelux is an area of western Europe that covers Belgium, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. It's also known as the Low Countries as they are on a plain near the North Sea. These countries have several things in common including their landform and climate.
Transport Links
Getting to this area from the UK you would fly to one of the cities in Belgium, The Netherlands or Luxembourg, take a ferry for example to Zebbruge or Amsterdam, or take the train. Personally, I would take the London to Amsterdam train if you are starting your trip in the Netherlands or take the Eurostar direct to Belgium if you are starting your journey there. There is so much to see in these three countries so here is an overview and brief guide to some of the best sights in Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Belgium
Belgium is a densely populated country, known for medieval towns, Renaissance architecture and as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. The biggest cities are Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi, Liège, and Brussels.
I visited Antwerp a few years ago and loved the beautiful architecture. Whilst I was there I visited the incredible MAS museum with its diamond exhibition. The Rubens House is another great museum to visit. Have a big dish of mussels and fries when you are here or a delicious bubble waffle.
Although not one of the biggest cities in Belgium, Bruges is a pretty city. Walk the old streets, see the canals and bridges, visit the beer museum and fill up on Belgium chocolate at a chocolate-making workshop which is a great activity for all the family. Flanders is a couple of hours' drive from Bruges, visit key sites in the area from World War 1.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a country known for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes. The biggest cities are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Eindhoven.
I have been to Amsterdam several times. It is a very walkable city and has some amazing museums such as the Van Gough museum, the Rijksmuseum with paintings from the Dutch masters and the Anne Frank Museum. Rent a bike to get around and take a cheese and wine tour on a boat to see some of the sites from the canals.
Rotterdam is also an interesting city. I'd recommend if visiting Rotterdam for the first time, to go on a boat tour of the harbour and the maritime museum then later walking the streets visiting Deliplein, the charming city square with restaurants and cafes. Some of the architecture is very modern and distinctive, especially the cube houses and the Markthal, the modern market hall.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one of the world's smallest countries and is famous for being the second richest country in the world. The biggest cities and towns are Luxembourg City, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Dudelange, Schifflange, and Bettembourg,
Luxembourg City is one place I've wanted to visit for a long time. The capital city has a historic centre which is UNESCO preserved. Perfectly walkable take in the sights such as the Wenceslas ring wall, and a view of the Alzette valley. At certain times of the year, you can do a guided tour of the underground tunnels. Get around with the free public transport (yes you heard that correctly!).
Esch-Sur-Alzette, the second largest area by population is relatively small with a population of just over 28,000. It has the National Museum of the Resistance and the Escher Tier Park which is a great park for children with deer, goats and rabbits.
So here is a brief guide to what to see and do while travelling around Benelux. If you are thinking of doing this I recommend getting a map, planning a route to take in the major sites and just enjoying the experience! Have fun.
*AD
Amsterdam is a fab city, I have been numerous times. Would love to try Belgium too
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