Belgium is a beautiful country with plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos and videos. From the historic streets of Brussels to the fairy-tale beauty of Bruges, it’s easy to find picturesque spots around every corner. But taking great travel photos while you’re there isn’t just about pointing and shooting. With a few tips and knowing where to go, you can make your Belgian travel memories look even better.
The Best Locations to Photograph in Belgium
1. Grand Place, Brussels
Grand Place in Brussels is one of the most iconic landmarks in Belgium. The medieval square, with its ornate buildings and gold accents, looks great at any time of day. Try to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds or stay late at night for a magical shot when the buildings are lit up. Late afternoon also works well for soft lighting.
2. Atomium, Brussels
The Atomium is another great subject if you’re looking for something modern. Capture it from different angles to take advantage of reflections in the metallic spheres. The best time for photos here is around sunrise or sunset, when the light isn’t too harsh.
3. Bruges City Center
Bruges feels like a postcard come to life. With its canals, medieval architecture, and charming streets, you’ll find amazing photo opportunities around every corner. Head to the Rozenhoedkaai, a popular spot where the canal reflects the old buildings for a picture-perfect scene. Sunrise is the best time here if you want photos without tourists, and the golden hour just before sunset will give you warm tones.
4. Belfry of Bruges
After wandering around Bruges, climb the Belfry for a panoramic shot of the entire city. The view from the top is amazing, and you can shoot the rooftops and canals from above. It does require a bit of effort to get to the top, but the shots you get are worth it!
5. Ghent by Night
Ghent is another spot that’s best seen after the sun goes down. The city lights up its medieval buildings beautifully, and the water reflections in the canals make for dramatic shots. Set your camera to a slower shutter speed so that you can capture the light trails from boats or passing bicycles.
6. Hallerbos Forest
If you’re in Belgium during spring, don’t miss the Hallerbos forest. Between April and May, the forest floor is carpeted with bluebells, creating a breathtaking scene. A wide-angle lens will help you get the full effect of the flowers and the towering trees.
7. Mechelen Cathedral
This less touristy gem offers fantastic views of the city from its tower. The tower of St. Rumbold’s Cathedral gives you a less crowded, yet equally stunning, vantage point compared to other destinations in Belgium. Early morning gives the best lighting for cityscape views.
Best Times of Day to Photograph Belgium
Early Morning
If you want photos without people crowding the frame, mornings are your friend. The light is soft, and there’s often a bit of mist, especially during autumn. This makes for hauntingly beautiful shots, particularly in cities like Bruges and Ghent.
Golden Hour
The hour after sunrise and before sunset is ideal for warm, golden tones. This is the time you get that lovely soft light that flatters both landscapes and portraits. It’s perfect for Bruges’ canals, Brussels’ Grand Place, or even fields in the Belgian countryside.
After Sunset (Blue Hour)
Once the sun has set, there’s still some magic left. The blue hour, right after sunset, gives a soft, twilight hue to landscapes. Use this time for places like Ghent’s canals or Atomium because the artificial lights combined with the deep blue sky are unbeatable.
Cultural Considerations for Taking Photos in Belgium
Be Respectful of People and Places
Belgium is welcoming, but like anywhere, always ask permission before photographing locals, especially in more sensitive areas like places of worship. It’s good to keep in mind that some outdoor markets or historic buildings will discourage flash photography or tripods. Respect these rules to show good travel etiquette.
Watch for Special Events and Festivals
Belgium hosts many cultural festivals throughout the year. If you see one, don’t just snap away. Try asking participants for permission when taking close-ups. Many people will be happy to pose or allow you to take photos, but a quick “Can I?” goes a long way.
No Drones in Certain Areas
If you’re planning to use a drone, check restrictions ahead of time. Using drones around cultural landmarks like Bruges or Brussels’ city center is often forbidden. Drones can only be flown in designated areas, so check local laws before you send yours up into the air.
Recommended Camera Gear and Smartphone Tips
Using a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
If you’re serious about photography, a DSLR or mirrorless camera will give you more control over your shots. Belgium’s changing weather means a camera with good low-light capabilities will come in handy. Whether you’re capturing night cityscapes or gloomy overcast days, a steady hand or tripod will also help avoid blurry photos.
For lenses, a wide-angle is essential for those medieval towns like Bruges, especially when you want to capture expansive views or narrow cobblestone streets. A zoom lens is great for getting closer shots of ornate architecture without getting in anyone’s way in crowded areas like the Grand Place.
Using a Smartphone
Smartphones these days are more than capable of capturing great shots. If you’re using a phone, make full use of the editing features built into apps like Lightroom or VSCO to fine-tune your images. Consider enabling “grid” mode on your camera app to help with composition. Lining up two elements at the intersection of these gridlines will greatly improve the balance of your photo.
Stabilization is Key
Whether you’re on a smartphone, camera, or GoPro, stabilization is everything. If you don’t have a tripod, use solid surfaces—like a park bench or wall—to steady yourself. Many phones come with built-in stabilizers, but setting your phone or camera for a slower shutter speed and using techniques like holding your breath can help too.
Don’t Forget to Back Things Up
Belgium is beautiful, but losing your photos can dampen your memories. Always back up your photos daily, using cloud services like Google Photos or Dropbox, or an external hard drive. Some memory cards support Wi-Fi syncing, which can save you a lot of hassle!
Editing Your Photos and Videos
Apps for Easy Editing
If you’re using a phone, apps like Snapseed and Lightroom mobile give you powerful controls to adjust your photos. Play with brightness and shadow to bring out the details in your shots, especially in underexposed photos from dim-lit interior spaces or night scenes.
Don’t Overdo the Filters
It can be tempting to throw on the boldest filters to make your photos pop, but Belgium’s beauty doesn’t need much post-processing. Keep your edits subtle with slight adjustments to contrasts, shadows, and saturation. This way, your photos will look natural without being too heavily edited.
Video Tips
For videos, smoother transitions between scenes can be the difference between an amateur clip and something that feels more professional. Shoot in 60 frames per second if you want smooth slow motion. Also, consider stabilizing handheld shots in post-production if the video is a little shaky.
Final Thoughts
Belgium is a dream destination for any traveler with a camera in hand. Whether you’re using a high-end DSLR or your trusty smartphone, being mindful of the times of day, locations, and cultural considerations will help you take home amazing photos. Take the time to explore different angles, enjoy the light as it changes, and don’t be afraid to get creative. Capture Belgium in a way that reflects your experience, and you’ll come away with photos and videos you’ll cherish.
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