Belgium, small but packs a punch. Not known among its fellow Europeans as a destination hub nor among those beyond the continent but look close and you will find some hidden gems. A confusing country with 3 official languages! We're here to help you navigate it and find the best best places in Belgium. 

Lying on the North Sea coast, Belgium's immediate neighbours are France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands. The small nation of Belgium might leave you surprised by its rich and gorgeous heritage. It boasts a number of fascinatingly historic cities packed with medieval and Art Nouveau architecture and famous for their long traditions in arts, fashion and fine dining. If you've seen the best of them, the Belgian countryside offers anything from sandy beaches to the densely forested hills and ridges of the Ardennes. Brussels, the country's vibrant capital, is a modern world city with a highly international character. It combines massive postmodern buildings in its European Quarter with impressive historic monuments, such as the World Heritage listed Grand Place, surrounded by guildhouses and the Gothic town hall. There's Laken Castle and the large St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, dedicated to the cities patron saints. The Royal Palace is a more recent but no less grand structure. One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Atomium, a remarkable steel structure and remnant of the 1958 World's Fair.

Belgium

Are you ready to get inspired by a world of art, design and culture? From creative hubs filled with the best galleries, museums, and ongoing exhibitions, to imaginative centres and workshops frequented by locals - check out the coolest curated spaces in {{area}}. 
The scene here is dynamic and endlessly evolving, whether you're an architecture admirer, a culture vulture, or an art and design enthusiast. Feed your creative side and dive right in! 

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Top Spots for all Things Creative

Indulge your senses in art galleries, museums, and experience the cultural side of {{area}}

Art & Culture

When it comes to the culinary scene, we’ve got you covered with a list of dining and drinking experiences to take your tastebuds on a journey through {{area}}! Searching for the best local markets with yummy stalls? Curious about cooking classes, or wondering which traditional drinks and bites to try out? Our community of locals have some tasty recommendations for you.

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Taste This 

Eat & drink your way through {{area}}

Food & Drinks

Beaches, national parks, urban parks, forests, dunes, heathlands - you name it! We've lined up the best of locally recommended nature activities in {{area}} that are sure to get some fresh air in those lungs! If it's anything you can explore and do in the great outdoors, you can plan it here.

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The Grass is Always Greener 

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Nature

Lace up those hiking boots and get out on the trail! We’ve organized the top nature walks and hikes in {{area}} for all the outdoor lovers looking to go the limits. There are plenty of routes you can choose from - all offering you stunning views that make each step even more worth it.

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Get Outdoors

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Hiking

All of the landmarks, viewpoints, monuments, city skylines, and hidden gems at your fingertips! These are the places that will astound your sight and senses,  and would also make a pretty Instastory. 
From urban architecture to natural wonders, explore the must-see spots in {{area}}, and revel in the beauty that surrounds you here.

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See it to Believe it

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Sightseeing

Come one, come all - come big, come small! We've rounded up all of the kid-friendly places in {{area}}, including parks, playgrounds, outdoor activities, and museums for you and your family to enjoy. These places and activities are fun (and safe!) for the whole family, no matter what size or age!

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Best places for all ages

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Family Fun

Ready for an epic time? Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for an exciting outdoor activity - check out what {{area}} has going on. There's truly never a dull moment here. From biking, adventure parks, and water sports to wonderous new environments - we rounded up the best things for you to do to have an adventurous time outdoors.

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Best places to seek thrills

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Adventure

Our picks for Hiking

In Belgium

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The Jura mountain chain traverses the canton. The canton is full of beautiful landscapes, natural sites and cultural jewels. You can visit this canton in many ways; following the footsteps of the Romans, cruising on the Rhine or even biking around the Jura. The landmarks in the canton area are the Augusta Raurica, the Merian Gärten, the Park im Grünen, the Kunstmuseum in Holbein, Goetheanum.

Basel Land

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Hiking 

Pratteln

Oberwil (Basel-Land)

Aesch (Basel-Land)

Muttenz

Augst

Liestal

Laufen

Binningen

Bubendorf

Pfeffingen

Switzerland is known for its mountains (Alps in the south, Jura in the northwest) but it also has a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes. Switzerland is renowned over the world for downhill skiing, and the country is also great for many other outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking. Mountain climbing, from easy to very hard, can also be found in Switzerland, and there is hardly another place with a longer tradition for this. Some routes, like the North face of the Eiger, have become near-mythical due to the hardships, sacrifice and even deaths suffered by the first people to climb them. And because of the breathtaking views, travelling from one place to another by car, bus, train or bike along alpine roads and railroads is often an experience in itself.

Switzerland

Hi, I’m Atlas, your personal AI travel assistant. I can help you plan a trip, recommend destinations, recommend hotels, or answer any travel-related questions.

The star of the Netherlands! This is one city every tourist to the Netherlands visits at least once. While most gather in the red-light district and urban centre, we know Amsterdam has way more to offer. Check out our slow travel city guide to Amsterdam for an authentic experience. 

Amsterdam

The Netherlands is known for its canals and windmills for a reason; every sight here looks like something off a postcard. Most tourists gather here to visit its capital Amsterdam to party! But there’s so much more to the Netherlands.

Netherlands

Home to the country’s historically vibrant capital: Amsterdam, globally known for its picturesque canals, red lights, and liberal thinking. You’ll also find hidden gems along the coastline and traditional Dutch villages highlighting the production of cheese, clogs, and windmills. The buzzing province of North Holland has something for every type of traveler!

North Holland

Large red 9's hang from the building in the 9 Streets in Amsterdam. 

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A couple ride their bikes over a canal bridge in Amsterdam. 

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A red scooter sits outside a vintage shop with two dresses hanging from the windows in the 9 Streets in Amsterdam. 

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A colourful breakfast dish sits between two green matcha lattes from the 9 Streets cafe Chun. 

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The 9 Streets in Amsterdam lit up at night with the hanging 9 lights. 

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# Meet De Negen Straatjes

## How much can you fit into 9 little streets? 

If you ask an Amsterdam local, they’d quickly tell you - a LOT. Welcome to the small but mighty district of the 9 Streets. Wrapped around the UNESCO World Heritage canal belt, this area is decked out with some of the city’s most chic spots. Wander along the cute, cobbled streets and find some of the best boutique shops, quaint cafes, delicious restaurants, and terrace bars overflowing with both locals and tourists. Start your journey along the picturesque canals with a visit at **The Houseboat Museum**. From there let the 9 streets be your oyster, as you discover all of the coolest vintage shops, art galleries, and so much more. 

### Learn Something New 

Canals are kind of a big deal here, and for a reason. With the 9 Streets being situated between the Singel and Prisengracht canals, it’s pretty much a central focus of the area. So it makes sense that there would be a museum dedicated to the incredible sight. Head to the *Museum of the Canals* to get educated on the area. If photography is more of your thing, you should definitely check out the *Huis Marseille Museum for Photography.* You’ll find Dutch and international contemporary works of photography in a 17th-century home. Plus there’s a super cute garden and book store. 

### Get Outdoors

While there aren’t any parks in this compact area, the canals are more than a good enough excuse to get outside for some fresh air. Canal boat tours are about as touristy as you can get in the Netherlands, but hey - they get the hype for a reason. We recommend the [Viator Tour](https://www.viator.com/en-GB/tours/Amsterdam/Luxury-Small-Open-Boat-Canal-Tour/d525-75227P1) which starts in front of the Anne Frank Museum and tours around the Amsterdam canals for 75 minutes. 

### Sip N Dine

Is this the best area to eat and drink in all of Amsterdam? I think a lot of people would agree, YES. Everywhere you turn you’ll find trendy cafes, insanely good quality food, and bars that will keep you hanging out until the wee hours of the night. You can start your day at *Chun Cafe* with minimalistic vibes, serving up a combination of Korean and Dutch drinks, such as boba teas. We’ve heard *Bussia* has brioche buns that are TO. DIE. FOR. But don’t take our word for it, you’ll have to head to the part bakery, part restaurant to try for yourself! For any cheese lovers, step into heaven at *De Kaaskamer*. It’s a decadent cheese shop where you can also get sandwiches made right in front of you. 

For the bars, we’ve got two great suggestions for you. First is *Proeflokaal A Van Wees* - this place dates back to 1973, so you know it must be good to still have hundreds of guests a day. Along with a tasty food menu, they’ve got over 17 jenever flavours for you to try. *Bar Brasserie OCCO* is the other on our list, which is great for brunch, lunch, or just some great cocktails. The best part? They’ve got a super cute outdoor garden area to dine in. 

### Shop Til You Drop

While the list could go on and on for the shopping spots along the 9 streets, we’ll highlight a few of our favourites. *Anna + Nina* is a chain of stores owned by Amsterdam locals - yup, you guessed it: Anna and Nina. Their store is filled with clothing, jewellry, and homeware that will have you quickly snatching your wallet. For our vintage lovers, *Episode* has all of your secondhand dream outfits awaiting you. Home interior and design thrive in the store *The Frozen Fountain*. It’s basically an institution for design. Find your favourites from both famous and up and coming designers. 

### Play

Everyone loves a good board game! Find something for the whole family in *De Gamekeeper* - a store dedicated to old and new games that will surely liven up any group. Find classics like Monopoly, Risk, and Catan, or find one of the newer games like Cards Against Humanity. Whatever games you’re into, it’s likely De Gamekeeper has it ready for you. They’ve been Amsterdam’s leading game store for the last 25 years for a reason! 

### Stick Around for a While 

Even though the neighbourhood isn’t too big, we totally don’t blame you for feeling like you need more time in the 9 Streets. After all, there are TONS of shops and restaurants to check out. If you need a place to extend your stay, we recommend [*The Huxton*](https://www.booking.com/hotel/nl/the-hoxton-amsterdam.html?aid=304142;label=gen173nr-1FCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaKcCiAEBmAExuAEXyAEM2AEB6AEB-AECiAIBqAIDuALf0c6QBsACAdICJGIyNmU3MTg1LTEyNDQtNDlmYy1iOWEzLWY5MzBlZDAyMjgxMtgCBeACAQ;sid=cb9ab2c1fe8e8a630387328c6a46fdc0;dist=0;group_adults=2;group_children=0;hapos=1;hpos=1;no_rooms=1;req_adults=2;req_children=0;room1=A%2CA;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=popularity;srepoch=1645455595;srpvid=524069749bce006d;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl). Situated along the Herengracht canal, the boutique hotel was originally made up of 5 canal houses. Now you can find over 100 rooms with a cool, modern style. They’ve also got Lotti’s Restaurant on sight. It’s got neighbourhood vibes serving up strong coffee, brasserie-style dishes, and tasty cocktails right in the hotel. 


After the 9 streets have been conquered, why not dive even deeper into Amsterdam? Check out all of our neighbourhood guides around the city. 


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