From historic canals and little chocolate shops to exciting fashion and favorite beers, this Western European country has a little something for everyone. Check out the best of Belgium, from Ghent and Mons to Bruges and Antwerp before heading to Brussels, the capital of the European Union.

Ghent: Choose between three hotels—along the canals, in the historic heart, or farther outside of the city center—as you fall in love with Ghent’s adorable medieval core, art-filled museums, and youthful energy.

Mons: Find a revival happening as you explore the Grand Place, the Belfry with panoramic views, old and new museums, and a restaurant with more than 170 beers in Mons.

Bruges: Fall in love with the canals, the stone houses, the cobbled squares, and the glowing steeples in Bruges.

Antwerp: Find stylish undertones, the next big designers, a fashion museum, and a minimal boutique hotel in the hip city of Antwerp.

Brussels: Order mussels, drink Chimays, sink your teeth into a warm waffle topped with powdered sugar, and taste chocolate at as many different chocolate shops as possible in Brussels.