Instagram story viewer> @visit.benelux> Posts

Your guide to gems in Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg

@visit.benelux

29.6K

followers

6

following

🌄Beautiful places in Stories
🌍Useful info in posts
✨Tag us to get featured
Owner: @anna_chornaya

POSTS STORIES REELS

Spa. Belgium

Spa is one of Belgium’s most famous towns, nestled in a green valley of the Ardennes. It’s the very place that gave its name to the word “spa.” Known since Roman times for its mineral springs, it became a world-renowned destination for wellness and leisure, earning the nickname “Pearl of the Ardennes.”

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the town flourished as a fashionable resort, welcoming royalty and artists from across Europe. Tsar Peter the Great, who visited in 1717, was so impressed that the main spring was later named Pouhon Pierre le Grand in his honor. Today, visitors can still drink its naturally sparkling waters or relax at the historic Thermes de Spa, perched on the hills above the city and connected by a funicular.

Spa’s charm extends beyond its springs. The town is home to the world’s oldest casino, elegant 19th-century architecture, and scenic trails surrounded by the Fagnes forest. It also hosts major cultural and sporting events, including the Francofolies de Spa festival and the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at the nearby Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Today, Spa continues to embody the timeless spirit of European bathing culture. In 2021, the city was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. by @visit.benelux

Landgoed Groot Warnsborn. Arnhem, Netherlands
@landgoedgrootwarnsborn

Landgoed Groot Warnsborn is the kind of hotel where the surroundings are as much a part of the stay as the room itself. Set on a green estate near Arnhem, the hotel combines the atmosphere of a historic country house with peaceful gardens, woodland and plenty of space to slow down.

There are just 40 rooms, divided between the manor house and the coach house, and they are far from identical. Some have a classic, romantic character, while others feel lighter and more Scandinavian. Depending on the category, rooms may come with a French balcony, private terrace or whirlpool bath, often with views over the estate.

Food is an important part of the experience. Restaurant La Belle Source focuses on refined seasonal cooking and works as much as possible with regional ingredients and products from the estate itself, including herbs from the garden and honey from its own beehive. Lunch can be enjoyed as a two- or three-course menu, while dinner develops into a six-, seven- or eight-course culinary experience. The restaurant received 14/20 points and two chef’s hats from Gault&Millau 2026.

For something more relaxed, Brasserie de Bron serves lunch and dinner daily, with fish, meat and vegetarian choices. Its colourful interior takes inspiration from the kingfisher and crayfish, while the adjoining 12-metre bar serves cocktails and even three Groot Warnsborn gins.

The estate is also designed for occasions beyond an overnight stay. Meeting rooms have their own terraces or balconies and views of the surrounding greenery, while the estate also hosts weddings, private celebrations and other events.

In 2025, Groot Warnsborn was named Estate of the Year at the European Hotel Awards — a fitting recognition for a place where nature, hospitality and gastronomy come together just outside Arnhem.

Explore the estate: grootwarnsborn.nl

Stay connected on social media:
@landgoedgrootwarnsborn by @visit.benelux

De Fazant. Ulvenhout, Netherlands
@defazant.ulvenhout

Some places are worth leaving the city centre for. De Fazant is one of them. Just outside Breda, in the heart of the Ulvenhoutse forest, this restaurant is an ideal stop during a day spent outdoors. Combine a walk or bike ride through the woods with lunch on the terrace, come for dinner afterwards, or simply make De Fazant your destination for a relaxed afternoon surrounded by nature.

The setting is a big part of the experience. Inside, the stylish brasserie feels warm and inviting, with natural tones, greenery and plenty of space. Outside, the covered and heated terrace overlooks the green surroundings and makes it possible to enjoy the forest atmosphere well beyond summer, especially lovely on a crisp autumn day.

The menu gives you plenty of reasons to return throughout the year. For lunch, there are generously filled sandwiches, salads, warm dishes and Dutch classics, while dinner offers a full selection of starters, mains and desserts. The kitchen works with fresh, local ingredients and seasonal produce, with a special chef’s menu changing every month. Meat and fish are well represented, alongside creative vegetarian choices.

De Fazant is also particularly welcoming for families. Children have their own menu for both lunch and dinner, including desserts, and there is a playground right next to the restaurant where they can play outside. It makes De Fazant an easy choice for a family lunch or dinner, especially when combined with a walk through the forest.

And there is another side to De Fazant: it is also an event venue. Weddings, birthdays and family celebrations can take place here, as well as meetings, workshops and company events. With several spaces, the brasserie and terrace, the forest setting works just as well for a special occasion as it does for an uncomplicated lunch after a walk.

Explore the menus and plan your visit at defazant-ulvenhout.nl

Follow De Fazant on social media:
@defazant.ulvenhout by @visit.benelux

Corenmaet. Breda, Netherlands
@corenmaet

Corenmaet is the kind of place where you can start with dinner and suddenly realize you’ve stayed for cocktails much longer than planned. This lively restaurant and bar on Breda’s Havermarkt is especially worth discovering in the evening, when good food, freshly shaken cocktails and music come together.

The interior has plenty of character of its own. Deep blue and green tones, warm lighting, wooden tables and an abundance of flowers and greenery create a cozy atmosphere with a slightly glamorous touch. Look up and you’ll even find butterflies among the flowers. In warmer weather, there is also a large terrace right on the Havermarkt.

You can visit Corenmaet for both lunch and dinner. The menu mixes familiar favorites with more playful choices: think tuna tataki, Korean crispy chicken burger, sole, chicken satay or burrata pesto risotto. If choosing is difficult, there is also a 3-course chef’s menu for a fixed price, a simple way to turn a casual visit into a complete dinner.

But cocktails are where Corenmaet really shows its personality. Every cocktail is freshly prepared, and the menu regularly changes, so there is always something new to discover alongside classics such as the Pornstar Martini and Espresso Martini. Current signatures include creations such as Belle Nuit and Mango Garden. You can even ask the team for their own favorite.

Wednesday cocktail nights are another reason to plan an evening here, especially if cocktails are the main event rather than an after-dinner extra.

And for serious cocktail lovers, keep an eye out for the High Cocktail: freshly shaken cocktails served with carefully matched bites. The concept returns for the autumn/winter season, so check availability before visiting.

Discover the menu and reserve your table at corenmaet.nl

Follow Corenmaet on social media for new cocktails, menus and upcoming cocktail nights:
@corenmaet by @visit.benelux

Stadsherberg Alphen. Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands
@de_stadsherberg

Stadsherberg Alphen is a boutique hotel and restaurant in the centre of Alphen aan den Rijn, in the heart of the Dutch Green Heart. Set in a former headmaster’s residence, it combines the character of a historic building with colourful contemporary interiors and a warm, homely atmosphere.

The rooms are all different, with original architectural details and plenty of personality. Romantic Comfort Rooms are tucked beneath the roof, while spacious Deluxe Rooms and suites can reach 40 m², with some offering a private rooftop terrace. Families have their own room with a large double bed, built-in bunk beds for children and a bathroom with both a bath and shower. Every room also comes with a Swiss Sense bed, Nespresso machine and Wi-Fi.

Stadsherberg is also a place to come for food. The restaurant works with fresh ingredients and, where possible, local products. Alongside lunch and à la carte dining, there are regular culinary experiences such as High Wine. Choose three, four or five courses, each combining a dish prepared by the chef with a carefully selected wine. Indonesian tasting evenings and seasonal events also regularly appear on the agenda.

Breakfast deserves time of its own. Fresh bread, cheeses, fruit, coffee and a generous selection of sweet and savoury dishes are served in the cosy restaurant is a relaxed way to start the morning before heading out to explore Alphen and the surrounding Green Heart.

For celebrations and gatherings, Stadsherberg also offers private dining. Groups from 20 people can arrange dinners, lunches, High Tea or High Wine in the restaurant, conservatory or garden.

The central location also makes Stadsherberg a convenient base for exploring the Green Heart. From Alphen aan den Rijn, you can easily combine a stay with days out in the surrounding countryside or nearby Dutch cities.

Explore more: stadsherbergalphen.nl

Stay connected on social media:
@de_stadsherberg by @visit.benelux

Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol. Hoofddorp, Netherlands
@vandervalkhotelschiphol

Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol is a modern 4-star hotel near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport where a stay can easily become part of the trip itself. Spacious rooms, an extensive wellness area, stylish restaurants and convenient airport connections make it a great choice for both leisure and business travellers.

The hotel offers several room categories, including options for couples and families. The spacious interiors are modern and practical, with comfortable beds, sitting areas and plenty of room to unwind. Families can also choose dedicated family rooms with two separate bedrooms and bunk beds for children.

One of the highlights is the wellness area. Guests can swim in the heated 30°C indoor pool, relax in the sauna, infrared cabins and Turkish steam bath, or work out in the spacious Technogym fitness centre. It makes a big difference after a long day exploring Amsterdam or before an early flight.

Food is another important part of the experience. The atmospheric à la carte restaurant serves a mix of familiar classics and international dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. The elegant interior, warm lighting and relaxed atmosphere make it an inviting place for a leisurely dinner without having to leave the hotel.

And definitely leave time for breakfast in the morning. The extensive buffet offers a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, fresh bread and pastries, fruit and plenty of options to build exactly the breakfast you want before starting the day.

For air travellers, the hotel also offers a shuttle service to Schiphol and Park, Sleep & Fly packages combining an overnight stay with long-term parking and airport transport. This makes the hotel particularly convenient for early departures, late arrivals or longer trips when you want to leave your car near the airport.

Explore the hotel and book your stay: hotelschiphol.com

Stay connected on social media:
@vandervalkhotelschiphol by @visit.benelux

Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre. Brussels, Belgium
@thonhotelsbrussels

Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre is a modern hotel in central Brussels, well suited to both city breaks and business trips. It has 454 rooms and an especially convenient location: Rogier metro station is right outside, Brussels North Station is nearby, and Grand Place can be reached on foot. From Brussels North, the train journey to Brussels Airport takes only around 12 minutes.

Rooms have a clean contemporary design, combining neutral tones with the bright colour accents characteristic of Thon Hotels. Categories range from Classic and City View rooms to spacious Superior Rooms and Suites. All rooms have air conditioning, a Smart TV, Nespresso machine, refrigerator, safe and desk. Superior Rooms add a seating area with a sofa bed, making them suitable for families, while some suites even have their own private sauna. Rooms on the upper floors also offer impressive views across Brussels.

The view gets even better from the hotel’s wellness facilities. The panoramic sauna is located on the 29th floor and looks out over the Brussels skyline. There is also a well-equipped fitness room, open daily from morning until late evening.

Breakfast is served as a generous buffet, with plenty of hot and cold choices to start the day. Later, the Lounge Bar is a relaxed place for a drink and a game of pool or shuffleboard, while the 24-hour Grab & Go is useful when you want a quick meal, snack or drink at any time.
The hotel is also a major conference venue. There are 11 meeting rooms, and the largest can accommodate up to 400 people, with modern audiovisual equipment available for meetings, seminars and larger events.

Practical details make the location particularly convenient. City2 Shopping Mall is just a couple of minutes away, while Rue Neuve, one of Brussels’ main shopping streets, is practically on the doorstep.

Explore the hotel and book your stay: thonhotels.com

Stay connected on social media:
@thonhotelsbrussels by @visit.benelux

Hostel Roots. Tilburg, Netherlands
@hostelroots

Hostel Roots brings together two different ways to stay in Tilburg: the privacy and comfort of a hotel and the sociable atmosphere of a hostel. Opened in 2017 inside a former bank and national monument, it is just a short walk from Tilburg Central Station and makes an especially characterful base for exploring the city.

There are 16 bright and spacious rooms, with options for very different types of travellers. Couples can choose a private hotel-style room with their own bathroom, families have larger rooms sleeping up to five, or you can stay in a shared rooms for as many as 12 people. Several rooms have their own Tilburg-inspired themes, reflecting the city’s textile and industrial heritage, music scene and local character.

One of the most unusual spaces is downstairs. The Roots Basement Bar occupies what was once the bank vault around a century ago. Today, it is a relaxed place for breakfast, drinks, darts and regular events, and can also be used for meetings, dinners and celebrations. Upstairs, guests can spend time in the shared living room with its grand piano and pool table or head outside to the sunny terrace.

Breakfast is completely vegetarian and served from 7:30, with freshly ground coffee or tea included. Groups can also arrange lunches, dinner buffets or BBQs, making Roots particularly convenient for friends, sports teams and company trips.

For something completely different, Roots also has a Tiny House in Tilburg’s Spoorzone, around seven minutes’ walk from the hostel. This compact studio has its own bathroom, kitchenette and balcony overlooking the area. The building is gas- and CO₂-free and circular, with 90% of its materials suitable for reuse. During your stay at Tiny House bicycle per guest and late checkout are included.

Private parking is available at Hostel Roots — a useful extra when staying right in the centre — although the proximity to the station also makes arriving by train particularly easy.

Explore Hostel Roots and book your stay: hostelroots.nl

Stay connected on social media:
@hostelroots by @visit.benelux

Kessels Museum. Tilburg, Netherlands
@kesselsmuseum

Kessels Museum in Tilburg is not a museum where instruments simply sit behind glass. It is an interactive place dedicated to music, craftsmanship and the remarkable legacy of Mathieu Kessels, whose instrument factory became internationally known and played an important role in the musical history of the city.

The story began in the 19th century. Mathieu Kessels started with a small music publishing business and moved his company to Tilburg in 1886. His factory eventually produced almost every kind of musical instrument, from brass and woodwind instruments to strings, percussion, pianos and harmoniums. More than half a million instruments were produced and found their way around the world.

Today, visitors can explore this history through original instruments, workbenches, tools, sheet music and interactive displays. The collection includes hundreds of Kessels instruments, unusual musical instruments and prototypes. The restoration workshop is particularly interesting: volunteers work on historic instruments, machines and tools, so you can actually see how musical heritage is preserved and brought back to life.

But the best part is that here you are encouraged to make some noise. In the MuziekLab, children and adults can pick up and try percussion, wind and string instruments and experiment with different sounds. On the Klavierzolder, several pianos and harmoniums can also be played. For children from age four, there is a museum treasure hunt, as well as workshops where they can build their own musical instruments.

Daily guided tours are included with a valid museum ticket, making it easy to discover more about the factory, its instruments and Mathieu Kessels himself.

Kessels Museum turns Tilburg’s industrial and musical history into something you can not only see, but also hear, touch and experience.

Explore the museum: kesselsmuseum.nl

Stay connected on social media:
@kesselsmuseum by @visit.benelux

Wine Restaurant Pinot. Breda, Netherlands
@wijnrestaurantpinot

If you love discovering new wines and surprising food pairings, Wijnrestaurant Pinot is one of those places in Breda worth saving for a special evening. It is a great choice for a romantic date, a dinner with friends, or simply an evening dedicated to good food and wine. Here, wine is not an addition to dinner — it is the inspiration behind the entire experience.

The restaurant is located on the Grote Markt, with a beautiful view of the Grote Kerk. Inside, warm lighting and an elegant yet cozy interior create an intimate atmosphere where you’ll happily stay for another glass. In summer, you can also enjoy the terrace right in the heart of Breda.

Wine is at the heart of everything Pinot does. The kitchen works with fresh, pure ingredients and plenty of seasonal products, and the menu changes regularly throughout the year. Guests can discover Pinot through 3, 5 or 7 courses, while the sommeliers help find the right wine for every dish. You can choose a favorite grape, try something completely new, or simply let them surprise you.

Pinot also offers its popular High Wine, a relaxed tasting experience perfect for an afternoon with friends or someone special. You’ll taste five half-glasses of carefully selected wines, each paired with a small matching bite created by the kitchen. The experience is designed to let you discover different wines and food pairings without committing to a full dinner.

And there is much more hidden beneath the restaurant. La Pinotheque is Pinot’s beautifully restored historic vaulted cellar with space for around 1,500 bottles. It hosts wine tastings, WSET courses, winemaker dinners and special wine-and-food evenings, and can also be booked for private events for up to 30 guests.

Pinot regularly organizes themed 10x Tastings dedicated to different wine regions, countries and pairings. Check the current tasting agenda on their website and book in advance: wijnrestaurantpinot.nl

Follow Wijnrestaurant Pinot on social media for new menus, wine inspiration and upcoming tastings:
@wijnrestaurantpinot by @visit.benelux

The Rembrandt House Museum. Amsterdam, Netherlands
@museumrembrandthuis

The Rembrandt House Museum offers something you cannot experience anywhere else: the chance to step inside the home where Rembrandt lived and worked for nineteen years. Rather than simply looking at his art, here you discover the person behind it: his family life, ambitions, collections, pupils and creative process.

Rembrandt moved into the house on Jodenbreestraat in 1639, when he was a successful and sought-after artist. Today, its rooms have been reconstructed to show how he lived in the 17th century. You can see the family living room with its box bed, the room where he received clients and the fascinating Kunstcaemer filled with art, shells, weapons and unusual objects he collected from around the world.

Upstairs is Rembrandt’s large studio, where four north-facing windows provided ideal light for painting. This is also where the museum brings his techniques to life through daily paint demonstrations. In the Etching Atelier, you can discover how he created his prints and see why experimentation played such an important role in his work. The museum itself holds almost all of Rembrandt’s etchings.

Until 3 January 2027, you can also visit Experimental Urge, an exhibition featuring more than 80 works on paper by Rembrandt and other artists who experimented with techniques and materials. And here you can become part of the experience yourself: choose your paper and drawing materials, sit down in the gallery and create your own artwork.

Families are very welcome too. Children aged six and older can explore the house with Kwast, Rembrandt’s dog, through a special multimedia tour, while demonstrations and hands-on activities make the visit engaging for younger artists.

More than 350 years later, this house still brings you remarkably close to Rembrandt, not only the famous artist, but the man who lived, worked, taught and experimented here.

Explore the museum and plan your visit: rembrandthuis.nl

Stay connected on social media:
@museumrembrandthuis by @visit.benelux

Breda, Netherlands

Breda is a historic city in the province of North Brabant, close to the Belgian border. Its compact center combines centuries-old architecture, canals and cobbled streets with lively squares, restaurants, cafés and terraces.

The Grote Markt forms the heart of the city. Here you’ll find the impressive Grote Kerk, one of Breda’s most recognizable landmarks. The 15th-century Gothic church has a strong connection with the Dutch royal House of Orange-Nassau, and its 97-meter tower dominates the city skyline.

Breda’s history can also be discovered at Breda Castle, once an important residence of the Nassau family, and at Begijnhof, a peaceful historic courtyard that has been home to a community of beguines since the 13th century.

For a different side of the city, explore the Blind Walls Gallery — an open-air collection of murals inspired by stories from Breda’s past and present. Art lovers can also visit Stedelijk Museum Breda, dedicated to the city’s history and visual culture.

Breda is easy to explore on foot, but you can also take a boat trip along its canals or simply enjoy the Brabant atmosphere around Havermarkt and Grote Markt.

Location: Breda, North Brabant by @visit.benelux