10 of Belgium’s hidden gems: The quiet luxury guide
From ancient cities to serene nature reserves and cool coastal retreats
In a world where over-tourism is common, there’s something magical about finding places offering quiet luxury—where peace and charm win over crowds and queues.
Belgium may be small, but beyond Brussels and Bruges lies a treasure trove of hidden gems. After nine years of living here, I’ve discovered ancient towns, serene wellness and nature spots and tranquil coastal retreats that often go unnoticed by tourists.
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Here are 10 of Belgium’s best-kept secrets that deserve a spot on your itinerary:
Ancient cities
1. Dinant – for dramatic views and musical heritage 🏰🎷
Perched 100 metres above the Meuse River is the Citadel of Dinant. Skip the 408 steps and opt for the cable car to the top for stunning views.
Fun fact: Dinant is the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone. He also invented the saxotromba, saxhorn and saxtuba (I’m sensing a theme). You can visit his house here.
Quiet luxury tip: Rent a yacht and cruise the River Meuse in style—no license needed.
2. Namur – for relaxed riverside vibes 🛥️🐢
As the capital of Wallonia, Namur’s larger Citadel offers views over two rivers and hidden tunnels to explore. Its riverside cafes and walks add to the laid-back charm.
Fun fact: Overlooking the city is a giant golden tortoise, ‘Searching for Utopia,’ by Jan Fabre. The snail is also Namur’s symbol, representing its slow pace of life.
Quiet luxury tip: Stay at The Royal Snail, Namur’s first boutique design hotel.
3. Durbuy – for quaint charm and outdoor activities 🚵🐎
Tucked away in the Ardennes, Durbuy is a medieval gem with cobbled streets, artisanal shops and a fairy-tale castle. Enjoy hiking, horse riding and kayaking nearby.
Fun fact: Durbuy proudly holds the title of the smallest city in the world, a status it has kept since medieval times.
Quiet luxury tip: Dine at Gastropub Gaspard for gourmet meals with impeccable wine pairings.
4. Bouillon – for medieval history and hiking 🏰🥾
Bouillon Castle was once home to Godfrey of Bouillon, leader of the First Crusade. Hikers will love Bouillon’s trail to the Tombeau du Géant viewpoint.
Fun fact: Legend says the Tombeau du Géant (‘Giant’s Tomb’) is the resting place of a giant warrior, which the iconic hill is said to resemble.
Quiet luxury tip: Stay at the riverside Hotel de la Poste, which once hosted Napoleon III.
Nature and wellness escapes
5. Spa – for spa treatments and trails 💆♀️🌿
Spa is the world’s original wellness town. Unwind at the famous Thermes de Spa thermal baths or explore the peaceful forested trails. Formula 1 fans can see the famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
Fun fact: The term ‘spa’ comes from this Roman town. It’s also home to Spa mineral water.
Quiet luxury tip: Stay at Le Villa Des Fleurs, a fabulous 19th-century mansion.
6. Hoge Kempen National Park – for panoramic views🌳🏞️
Hoge Kempen National Park is Belgium’s only national park, with 57 sq km of stunning landscapes. The Connecterra Terhills area has some of the best views.
Fun fact: It's home to over 6,000 species of plants and animals, making it one of Belgium’s most biodiverse areas.
Quiet luxury tip: Stay at Terhills Hotel and indulge at the nearby Maasmechelen shopping village.
7. Hautes-Fagnes (High Fens) – for nature and hiking 🌿🥾
The Hautes-Fagnes is a vast nature reserve with peaceful hiking trails through wetlands, forests and open landscapes. It's a perfect escape into nature’s quiet beauty.
Fun fact: The Signal de Botrange, Belgium’s highest point at 694 metres, has a small stone tower so visitors can reach the dizzying height of 700 metres above sea level!
Quiet luxury tip: Stay at Domaine des Hautes Fagnes, a 4-star hotel with a spa and pool.
8. Orval – For monastic history and Trappist beer 🍺⛪
Orval is famous for its peaceful abbey, founded in 1132, and its Trappist brewery, where monks have produced Orval beer and cheese for centuries—both of which are definitely worth tasting!
Fun fact: Legend says a noblewoman dropped her wedding ring into a spring, and when a fish returned it, she delightedly named the site Val d’Or (Valley of Gold), inspiring the name Orval.
Quiet luxury tip: Stay at Le Florentin, a boutique hotel near Orval offering fine dining.
Coastal getaways
9. Ostend – for coastal culture 🏖️🎨
Ostend offers sandy beaches, stylish beach clubs and fresh seafood. Cultural highlights include its annual dance music festival and Hollywood-style walk of fame.
Fun fact: Marvin Gaye spent time in Ostend in the early 1980s, where he found peace and inspiration to write his hit song Sexual Healing. The music video was also filmed here.
Quiet luxury tip: Stay at the elegant Andromeda Hotel, a 4-star beachfront hotel with luxurious sea-view rooms, a pool and a spa.
10. Middelkerke – for tranquility and Belgian comics 📚🏖️
Middelkerke is a tranquil coastal town, perfect for long beach walks.
Fun fact: Along the seafront, you’ll find statues of Belgium’s comic book heroes, including The Smurfs (yes, they’re Belgian!).
Quiet luxury tip: Stay at the Villa Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel near the beach.
Thank you for reading! ❤️ Have you visited any of these hidden gems or do you have your own secret spots in Belgium to recommend? Let me know in the comments!
What a wonderful list! I’ll definitely save it for when I plan to travel to Belgium :)
So cool you’re going the deep dive!