By no means is Belgium going to be on the list of the hottest tourist destinations. And with most connoisseurs of the country keeping the whole place a secret, this is not likely to change! However, for all those who do not know, Belgium is one of the best places to visit if it is a real holiday you want. Most typical tourists will ignore Belgium in favor of Switzerland and France, but Belgium, with its old world charm, quaint old cities, medieval castles and breathtaking scenery is really one of the world’s best kept secrets as of date.
Then of course, there is the food. While most of us have heard of Belgian chocolates, not many people know that Belgium offers more than 600 different types of beers. To top it all, the country has more than its own fair share of Michelin starred eateries, which makes it a foodie paradise to top all paradises.
Throughout history, Belgium has often served as the meeting place of Europe. No wonder then, it is the place that serves as the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO. Brussels, the capital is extremely cosmopolitan, and lifestyle and architecture throughout the country is a unique amalgamation of Spanish, French, Austrian and Dutch influences. If there was a mini Europe, then multilingual and multicultural Belgium would be it. And if you want to witness Europe in a nutshell, then Belgium is the place for you.
The country of Belgium is very distinctly divided into the northern Flanders region and the southern Wallonia. While the Flemish in the north speak Dutch, the Walloons in the south speak French. Thankfully for visitors, almost everyone speaks English, all be it a slightly accented.
The area of Flanders is mostly composed of plains and flat lands with a beautiful network of lakes and canals adding character to the scenery. This is also the hotbed of culture, with cities like Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent falling in the area. When you are in Belgium, there are a number of must do activities that you should definitely indulge in. Of course, the first one is paying a visit to some of the best art museums and theater and opera performances in Europe. 
If you love fun and frolic, then try to schedule your visit in February, when the country hosts the Carnival of {Binche}, by far Belgium’s most colorful and entertaining festival. The carnival has also made it to UNESCO's heritage list because of its unique nature and character that will have you asking for more. The Gentse Feesten, held in Ghent during the month of July, is another festival worth participating in and witnessing. Also, while you are in the north, take a small cruise on the Lys river and discover Belgium’s beautiful waterways. 
Coming to the beautiful Wallonia with its myriad hills and valleys, the first and foremost thing to do is to visit at least some of the medieval castles and palaces. They are amazing enough to make even the most die hard cynics believe in knights and princesses. If you are lucky and rich, you may get to stay in one of the refurbished castles that have now been converted into resorts. Beachgoers can also hit the resorts dotting the 60 km long coastline.
No matter what you do, do not forget to sit in the sidewalk cafes and sip the legendary Belgian hot chocolate. And by no means let even one free evening go to waste and visit one of Belgium’s lively nightclubs and gourmet restaurants.
Accommodation in Belgium is available aplenty to suit all kinds of pockets and budgets. Most cities boast of some of the most luxurious five star hotels that can be found anywhere in Europe. There are a number of options for the budget traveler as well, ranging from youth hostels and camping grounds to family owned bed and breakfasts and self catering villas, bungalows, flats and rooms.