Frommer's Favorite Experiences in Belgium

Seeing the Grand-Place for the First Time: There's nothing quite like strolling onto the Grand-Place. You'll never forget your first look at this timelessly perfect cobbled square, surrounded by gabled guild houses and the Gothic tracery of the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) and Maison du Roi (King's House).

Admiring Art Nouveau: Brussels considers itself the world capital of Art Nouveau, and local architect Victor Horta (1861-1947) was its foremost exponent. View the master's colorful, sinuous style at his former home, now the Horta Museum, and in buildings around town.

Time-Traveling in Bruges: Without a doubt, Bruges is one of Europe's most handsome small cities. Its almost perfectly preserved center sometimes seems like a film set or museum, with buildings that run the gamut of architectural styles from medieval times to the 19th century. The picturesque canals are the icing on Bruges's cake.

Riding the Kusttram (Coast Tram): Onboard the Kusttram, the 2-hour ride along the Belgian coast, from De Panne on the French border to Knokke-Heist near the Dutch border, still seems like an old-fashioned adventure. Along the way, stop off at inviting resorts, beaches, horseback-riding trails -- whatever takes your fancy.