Belgium may be small but it packs a visual punch.

From an architectural point of view alone, Belgium certainly punches above its weight: it’s the home of Art Nouveau (or at least it’s here where the phrase was first coined); it boasts one of the most beautiful train stations in the world (the Centraal in Antwerp); and its capital city has what many consider to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe (Brussels’ Grand Place).

Plus there are quirky structures that get an architectural nod, too, like the futuristic Atomium in Brussels that was built for the 1958 World’s Fair and designed to resemble a giant iron molecule.

And then there is Bruges, a medieval time capsule of a canal city that owes its well-preserved beauty to the fact that it fell on hard times at the end of the 16th century, and was never ‘modernized’.

Thank goodness for that, is all I can say, as Bruges is one of the most charming cities I’ve encountered.

If physical beauty isn’t enough to entice you to visit Belgium, let’s not forget about those famous waffles and chocolate, too – no one does either better.

READ MORE ARTICLES ON WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN BELGIUM: