Antwerpen to Aalst: Top Five Places to Visit on This Belgian Road Trip
If you're looking for a delightful road trip route through the heart of Belgium, look no further than the journey between Antwerpen and Aalst. With charming towns, legendary breweries, and stunning architecture along the way, you're bound to have a memorable trip. Here's our top five list of the best places to visit on this scenic drive.
Halfway Point: Meise, VBR
Before we dive into the individual stops, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the halfway point: Meise, located in the Flemish Brabant province. If you're a nature lover, then the National Botanic Garden of Belgium is a must-visit. With over 18,000 plants species, it's an oasis of peace and an impressive sight to behold. You can also explore the 19th-century Castle of Bouchout, which is located within the garden's grounds. If you're traveling with kids, the Brussels Planetarium is a great stop, where you can learn about astronomy, space travel, and more.
Stop 1: Antwerp's Historic Center
Our first stop takes us to Antwerp's Historic Center, a must-visit for anyone traveling through Belgium. With stunning architecture ranging from Gothic to Renaissance, it's no wonder this area was considered the cultural and economic center of Europe in the 16th century. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the stunning architecture, or step inside the Cathedral of Our Lady, one of Belgium's most iconic landmarks. You can also check out the Rubens House, the former home and studio of the famous Baroque painter.
Stop 2: Mechelen's Brewery Het Anker
Next up is Mechelen, a charming town known for its cultural heritage, including the UNESCO World Heritage St. Rumbold's Cathedral. But what we're most interested in is its beer brewing tradition. Head over to Brewery Het Anker to learn about the history of Belgian beer and sample some of the best brews in the region. Don't miss out on their flagship beer, Gouden Carolus, which has been brewed since the 15th century.
Stop 3: Leuven's Grand Béguinage
Our next stop brings us to Leuven, a vibrant university town with stunning Gothic architecture and a lively atmosphere. While there are plenty of sights to see in Leuven, we recommend visiting the Grand Béguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tranquil oasis was once home to the Béguines, a community of religious women who lived together in a quasi-monastic setting. Today, it's a peaceful retreat where you can wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the well-preserved 17th-century houses and gardens.
Stop 4: Brussels' Grand Place
No trip to Belgium would be complete without a visit to its capital city, Brussels. While there's plenty to see and do in this vibrant metropolis, we recommend starting with the Grand Place. This stunning square is surrounded by opulent buildings decorated with gold leaf and features a stunning 15th-century fountain at its center. Take a stroll through the square and soak in the atmosphere, or grab a seat at one of the outdoor cafes and sample some of Belgium's famous chocolate.
Stop 5: Aalst's Carnaval Museum
Our final stop brings us to Aalst, a charming town famed for its annual carnival celebrations. While the carnival is undoubtedly the highlight of the town, the Aalst Carnaval Museum is worth a visit year-round. Here you can learn about the history of the carnival, see elaborate costumes and floats, and even catch a glimpse of King Carnival himself.
In conclusion, the journey between Antwerp to Aalst is a road trip that should be on every traveler's bucket list. With its stunning architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and legendary beer, there's something for everyone on this journey. So pack your bags, grab your map, and set out on an adventure you won't soon forget.