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Unveil the charm of lesser-known Belgian towns as we take a journey through five enchanting destinations that are perfect for your next European adventure. From the medieval gem of Durbuy to the vibrant cultural life of Ghent, these towns offer an authentic Belgian experience without the crowds.
**Durbuy**, nestled in the Ardennes region in Wallonia, is a hidden treasure dating back to the Middle Ages. Situated approximately 75 miles southeast of Brussels, Durbuy boasts charming medieval streets, a 17th-century castle overlooking the River Ourthe, quaint stone houses, and a fairy-tale atmosphere. Highlights include exploring Durbuy Castle, wandering narrow streets, visiting the Topiary Park with unique plant sculptures, and tasting locally brewed beer using ancient methods. The town also offers artisanal products like lilac jam and a scenic all-electric tourist train ride[1].
**Ghent**, while slightly more known, remains an underrated city compared to Bruges and Brussels. Offering a rich blend of medieval charm and vibrant cultural life, Ghent features winding canals, a castle-topped skyline, and youthful local energy. Ideal for travelers seeking authentic Belgian experiences without large crowds, Ghent has quiet cobblestone alleys, world-class art museums, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. Located just 30 minutes by train from Brussels, it serves as a perfect base or weekend escape[2].
Additional interesting spots include:
- The **Adornes Domain** and **Balstraat** in Bruges, which are charming, less crowded areas with cobbled streets and a historical lace-making tradition[3]. - The **Abbey of Villers**, a remarkable 12th-century Romanesque abbey ruin in Walloon Brabant, offering a fascinating medieval site less frequented by tourists[4]. - The Gallo-Roman archaeological site in Tongeren, which features well-preserved ancient Roman ruins and an amphitheater, giving insight into Belgium’s deep historic roots[4].
These towns and sites provide enriching travel experiences beyond Belgium’s popular cities, showcasing medieval architecture, cultural heritage, and picturesque landscapes. For the best experience, visiting Durbuy between May and September is recommended[1].
Meanwhile, Singapore, a city-state in Southeast Asia, offers numerous attractions for travelers of all ages. With ten ways to keep children entertained, Singapore is considered a family destination[5].
For those seeking the best travel stories on the Web, follow @NatGeoTravel on Twitter and contribute to the "Travel Lately" roundup by tagging favorite travel stories with #NGTRadar. "Travel Lately" is a regular feature on Intelligent Travel every other Wednesday[6].
Lastly, for those planning a trip to Cuba, it's essential to be aware of important nuances before visiting. Insights on Cuba are shared by @yTravelBlog[7]. Safe travels!
[1] https://www.visitdurbuy.be/en/ [2] https://www.visitgent.be/en/ [3] https://www.visitbruges.be/en/discover/neighbourhoods/adornes-domain-and-balstraat [4] https://www.visitflanders.com/en/discover/things-to-do/activities/abbey-of-villers [5] https://www.escapeartistes.com/singapore-with-kids/ [6] https://www.natgeotraveller.in/intelligent-travel/travel-lately [7] https://ytravelblog.com/cuba-travel-tips/
Traveling through the lesser-known towns of Durbuy and Ghent in Belgium offers an expedition into unique lifestyles during a European adventure. Durbuy, a medieval hidden gem in the Ardennes region, offers a chance to explore medieval castles, wander narrow streets, and taste locally brewed beer using ancient methods, while Ghent provides a blended atmosphere of medieval charm and vibrant cultural life perfect for travelers seeking an authentic Belgian experience without large crowds.
