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Brussels - Let's start with the city of Brussels. Belgium's capital headquarters many institutions of the European Union. This means unique employment opportunities, as well as many other important advantages.

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A diverse city - Brussels is known for its rich cultural diversity. Portuguese, Congolese, French, Moroccans, Turks... the list of different communities living together in Brussels is a long one! The neighborhoods of Matongé, Gare du Midi, and Châtelain reflect this melting pot of culture.

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Fashion - Just how great of a fashion country is Belgium? Well, famed designers Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Kris Van Assche (pictured), and Raf Simons are all Belgians!

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Brussels waffles - There is an abundance of great food in Belgium, and Brussels waffles are one of them! Choose your toppings and forget counting calories—these waffles are more than an occasional treat to Belgians!

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French fries - As you may know by now, French fries weren't actually created in France, but in Belgium instead. So where else are you going to find the best fries?

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Antwerpen-Centraal station - The majestic Antwerpen-Centraal train station is a real architectural gem. This eclectic station, originally constructed between 1895 and 1905, was deemed the world's most beautiful railway station in 2014 by Mashable.

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Antwerp's diamond district - Did you know that 84% of the world's mined diamonds and 50% of all cut diamonds were traded in Antwerp? The city is the center of the world diamond trade, and also the oldest diamond center in Europe. Unsurprisingly, walking through Antwerp's diamond district is pretty impressive!

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Montagne de Bueren -

The city of Liège, also called "the Ardent City," will amaze you with its medieval past. And if there's one place you must see, it's Montagne de Bueren. The 374-step staircase was ranked number one on Huffington Post's list of "The Most Extreme Staircases."

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Liège-Guillemins station - The epic railway station Liège-Guillemins is not only the biggest and most important station in Liège, it's also a real masterpiece. It was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, who also designed the Bilbao Airport, the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, the Dubai Creek Tower, and many other impressive buildings.

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Liège waffles - There are different Belgian waffles in the country. When you're in Brussels, ask for a Brussels waffle. But once in Liège, it's a Liège waffle. Either way, they're both delicious!

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Bruges - Lovebirds will adore this city! The fairy-tale city of Bruges really does honor its nickname: "the Venice of the North." Bruges will truly mesmerize you with its gorgeous canals. It's therefore no surprise that the Historic Center of Bruges was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2000.

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The Giant's Tomb - If you're tired of the city, you might want to escape to the Ardennes and enjoy the tranquility of nature. While you're there, take a look at the magnificent open view of The Giant's Tomb (Tombeau du Géant), located in the little village of Botassart.

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Atomium - America has the Statue of Liberty, France has the Eiffel Tower, and Belgium has the Atomium! The iconic building located in Brussels consists of nine spheres that represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. But don't let those high figures spook you—it only takes 23 seconds to get to the top with an elevator.

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'Manneken Pis' - 'Manneken Pis' is without a doubt the most famous little boy in Belgium. The peeing statue is definitely a symbol of the self-deprecating and peculiar Belgian sense of humor.

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Christmas market - Belgians keep their Christmas markets traditional and cozy. If you'd like to spend some quality time with family or friends while in Belgium during the holidays, the Christmas market at Grand-Place square in Brussels is recommended. The large Christmas tree and light show fill the square with even more enchantment.

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Street art -

Belgium is the home of many comic strips, such as 'The Adventures of Tintin' and 'The Smurfs.' Take a walk in the streets of Brussels and you may stumble on a comic hero! Brussels even made an itinerary to help you find all the heroes on the walls and building facades!

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Hergé Museum -

Speaking of comic strips, the creator of 'Tintin' has his own museum located in Louvain-la-Neuve. The museum, which celebrates famed cartoonist Hergé, is worth a visit for its unique construction alone!

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Belgian beer culture - Besides being the country of chocolate, Belgium rules the craft beer game. With more than 1,500 beers and no less than 180 breweries, Belgians have a strong beer culture. It was even added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2016.

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Ghent - Ghent is the largest city in East Flanders after Antwerp, and was one of the most important cities in Europe in the Middle Ages between the 11th and 16th centuries. Today, it's full of history, medieval structures, and great food!

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St Bavo’s Cathedral - Ghent is filled with architectural gems, and St Bavo’s Cathedral is a perfect example of this. The structure features various building styles, as its construction occurred in three stages over the course of 500 years. It was completed in 1569.

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'The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' -

St Bavo’s Cathedral houses many art treasures, such as the world-renowned masterpiece 'The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.' The unique altarpiece was painted by the Van Eyck brothers in 1432, and attracts hordes of tourists every year. Art lovers—you can't miss this spot!

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Art Nouveau -

Brussels is said to be the capital of art nouveau thanks to Belgian architect Victor Horta. He's considered the pioneer of the art nouveau style, and one of the most influential European architects of the late 19th century. To this day, the capital has a few art nouveau gems like the Comics Art Museum (pictured) and town house Hôtel van Eetvelde, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

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Moules-frites - The popular main dish of mussels and fries is a true Belgian specialty. Fortunately for locals and tourists alike, it has a very long season: it runs from July through mid-April of the following year.

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Museum aan de Stroom - Museum aan de Stroom ("Museum by the River") is an absolute must-see if you're visiting Antwerp. The building, with its unusual architecture, is located along the Scheldt river and is the city's largest museum.

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In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres - You can completely immerse yourself in one of the most important chapters of history at the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres, West Flanders. The museum tells the story of the First World War and narrates the invasion of Belgium.

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Magritte Museum - Another great museum in Brussels is the Magritte Museum. It's located where Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte worked for 24 years. With its more than 230 works and archived documents, it's the most important collection of the famous Belgian artist!

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Belgian chocolate -

And last, but not least: Belgian chocolate. Leaving the country without tasting its delicious pralines should be considered a crime! 

Sources: (Mashable) (HuffPost)

See also: Beautiful towns and villages in Belgium

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