Belgium makes a perfect introduction to Europe. It's especially good for first-timers who might be overwhelmed by all there is to see in larger European countries. Though there are plenty of attractions to keep visitors happily occupied for a couple of weeks, Belgium's size is quite manageable, and getting around is easy. In fact, Brussels could be used as a base for exploring the entire country, though some local flavor would be missed. The people are friendly and helpful—even to visitors who speak only English.
For many people, thoughts of Belgium often involve chocolate: sipping oh-so-rich hot chocolate at sidewalk cafes; strolling down cobbled streets with a chocolate ice-cream cone in hand; buying a gaufre (waffle) slathered with melted chocolate sauce from a street vendor; stepping into a favorite chocolatier. Others think of the country's first-rate museums filled with the work of Flemish masters. But our favorite aspect of Belgian life is what we consider some of the best food and drink on the continent.

A minimum of one week is required to even scratch the surface of this small but fascinating country. We suggest the following:
Day 1—Arrive Brussels.
Days 2 and 3—Brussels.
Day 4—Ghent.
Days 5 and 6—Bruges.
Day 7—Antwerp.
Day 8—Depart Belgium.

To gain a better appreciation of Belgium, you can spend an additional week, with a few nights each in the eastern part (near Liege) and in the southern portion (perhaps in the Bouillon/Arlon region). In the summer, you might wish to make a visit to the Belgian coast.

Sights—The Grand Place, preferably when illuminated at night; pretty Petit Sablon and the adjacent Church of Notre-Dame du Sablon; the view from the Basilique Nationale du Sacre-Couer dome; the Galeries St. Hubert.

Museums—The Royal Museums of Fine Arts; the Horta Museum; the Gueuze (beer) Museum; the Musical Instruments Museum.

Memorable Meals—A splendid dinner at Comme Chez Soi; fish waterzooi at L'Ecailler du Palais Royal; dining among celebrities at La Quincaillerie; waffles with chocolate sauce at a sidewalk cafe.

Walks—A stroll through the National Botanical Garden; a walk in the Foret de Soignes, one of Europe's most beautiful beech forests.

Especially for Kids—The Museum of Natural Sciences and its dinosaurs; hands-on exhibits at the Scientastic Museum.
The bustle of tourists in Bruges is daunting in high season, but given the postcard-perfect beauty of this medieval city, its popularity is understandable.
Bruges' historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the half-hour, narrated canal boat tour is the place to be on a hot summer day.

There are plenty of tony shops and outdoor cafes in the Market Square.
Visit the Beguinage, a group of medieval buildings organized around a courtyard that served as homes for the poor centuries ago. You can still wander through the grounds, which offer a respite from the busy sidewalks of the inner city. Back on the street, you can sightsee via a horse-and-buggy ride or simply take a walking tour of the most impressive sights in under two hours.
After taking in the sights, stop at an outdoor cafe for a Belgian beer and plenty of people-watching. Or for a real taste of local cuisine, try chocolate and Belgian waffles with ice cream from stands along the streets.
Museums

Bruges' 13th-century Grote Markt (Market Square) has a belfry with a 47-bell carillon that's world famous. (Carillon concerts are held on Sundays.) It's a strenuous climb to the top, but the belfry provides a great view of the city.
Another square, the Burg, is a showplace of architectural styles through the ages. Among its buildings is the 12th-century Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses the Relic of the Holy Blood and other artifacts from the Crusades. The 14th-century town hall (go upstairs to the very ornate Gothic Hall) is also on the square.
We highly recommend a visit to the Gruuthuse Museum, a medieval house with period furnishings. Other sights include the 13th-century beguinage (a religious community for women) and the Memling Museum (the art of Hans Memling and others).
The Groeninge Museum has works by Van Eyck, Bosch, Van der Weyden and other Flemish painters. The Church of our Lady also contains a rich art collection, including Michelangelo's white marble Madonna with Child.