BeNeLux - an unique European walk

BeNeLux – an acronym for the close and tightly integrated Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg region has been growing as destinations for tourism and experiences. Though not as prominent as some of the major European destinations like Spain, Italy and Greece, BeNeLux has started giving a tough competition. Amsterdam traditionally has been the most favoured destination in this area with a wide variety of offerings of nightlife, scenic outskirts, museums and vibrant culture. You can read all about Amsterdam in a dedicated blog here.

This time, I focused on covering South Holland (Hague & Rotterdam), Belgium (Brussels, Bruges and Ghent) and Luxembourg in 5 days. The region is bound by strong workings of European Union and a close Dutch history. Yet, these three countries are distinctly different as is evident in their culture and architecture.

South Holland:

There is a famous saying the Netherlands: work in Rotterdam, stay in Hague and party in Amsterdam. Hague is a small and beautiful government capital in South Holland offering a days worth time to explore the city attractions around Houfvijver / Binnenhof, Peace Palace, the Passage etc around city centre. A must visit attraction includes the Lowman Museum which hosts the world’s largest private collection of antique cars. Close to 300 cars and artefacts on display, this museum showcases some of the most unique and one of its kind car collection that would leave any driver, forget a car enthusiast, awestruck.
Rotterdam is the second largest city in Netherlands and is mostly a working port district and a theatre and music hub of the country. Its famous for its inspiring modern architectural styles that were developed post WWII. Rubic cube houses, jazz festival, the Market are some places you can visit as a Day trip to this town.

Belgium:

Brussels, famously called the capital of Europe, and an indulging destination for waffles, chocolates, beer and fries! It is a very vibrant town offering one of the most beautiful city centres in the whole of Europe. Take the Sandemans free walking tour to explore the city and then get on a Chocolate Tasting or Beer Tasting tours while grabbing some waffles and fries. Check out the Atomium and Mini Europe just on the outskirts. The city has an excellent nightlife, visit the Delerium Café that offers world’s largest beer collection to drink – 3614 and counting!

A day tour to the picturesque city of Brugges is definitely recommended. Stroll leisurely through the medieval architecture, beautiful canals, romantic lakes and historic castles and cathedrals. On the way, you can visit the town of Ghent for a slightly different experience or spend the evening in Brugges before heading back to Brussels.

Luxembourg:

One of the smallest and least populous countries in the world, Luxembourg City is well connected by train and road from Brussels. It is also a working city for EU and considered as 2^nd safest tax country after Switzerland. Start on the top of the city near the Counsulate and walk down the castle through the trail. From this cliff edge, you would witness some of the most beautiful sights of the city: long bridges over mountains, black roof topped houses and town in the valley, canopy of greenery with rivers. Take the elevator back to the top and spend some time walking through the alleys of the city. On the way back you can visit, Dinant, a quaint little town in Belgium. Famous for its war during WWII, this river town is laid back and lost in a different era. It also home to Adolfe Sax, the inventor of Saxophone and has a beautiful Cathedral that hosts Europe’s largest stained glass.

BeNeLux can be easily covered in a week and definitely a refreshing change from the traditional European destinations.