Two European gems with their own treasures to discover – Sweden and Belgium.

Sweden essentially offers the ultimate Nordic experience. Depending on the season, cities in Sweden transform themselves in to nature’s playground, especially in summers.  A holiday in Sweden is a lot about celebrating the outdoors. Strolling down riverside walkways, island hopping in a paddan and idling in a garden is just some of what you can expect while on holiday.
Belgium has the reputation of being culturally rich historically. Once decadent, it’s a country that boasts of cosmopolitan cities with cutting-edge modern infrastructure along with grand palaces and centuries old monuments. Delicious chocolates, mouth-watering waffles and fine Belgian beer are all trademarks of Belgium.

To more about what a holiday in Sweden and Belgium entail, read on…

SWEDEN

Stockholm

The capital city of Sweden, Stockholm spans 14 islands of the vast Stockholm archipelago on the Baltic Sea. There are several treasures to discover starting with the Vasa Museum, which houses the only preserved 17th century ship in the world. Don’t miss out on visiting Gamla Stan with its old churches, museums and the Royal Palace and Drottningholm Palace, the royal castle built in the 1600s where the royal family still resides. Music lovers will be thrilled to visit the ABBA The Museum & Swedish Music Hall of Fame dedicated to the band’s contribution to the music world. 

Gothenburg
Gothenburg is best explored on foot or in a paddan boat that takes you beneath low bridges and through scenic shipping and fishing harbor. Be a child again at Liseberg, an amusement park with over 40 thrilling rides. Visit the old City Hall and Universeum where you can go on safari in the rainforest, head out into space, dive into the depths of the world’s oceans and walk through the Swedish wilderness all in one day! Adventure seekers can go canoeing or kayaking in the Sweden’s longest river, Swedish Lapland or ride a bike along the riverside.  

How To Get There
Major international airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, Air India, Jet Airways and KLM operate flights from India to Stockholm. Check for available flights from your city here. 

BELGIUM

Brussels

Charming and elegant, the vibrant city of Brussels is a tourist delight. Most landmarks in a city are either cathedrals or historical monuments. Only in Brussels will you find a famous statue of a little boy relieving himself in a fountain known as the Mannekin Pis as a main attraction. One of Europe’s’ most beautiful squares and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Place is the city’s centre where you will find ornate baroque and gothic buildings. Concerts, events and a daily flower market in the summertime is a big attraction here. Other significant monuments worthy of a visit in Brussels include the 13th century Town Hall, the Royal Palace, which is home to the Belgian king and Atomium, shaped on the model of an elementary iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times and undoubtedly the country’s most iconic symbol. 

Antwerp
The bustling city of Antwerp is home to iconic museums and cathedrals. Irrespective if you have somewhere to go or not, visit the Central Station, a multi-level terminus built using iron and glass and deemed as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Another public masterpiece is De Stadsfeestzaal, which houses retail outlets in a converted dance hall complete with a sweeping marble staircase, golden glass dome and a mosaic floor. For some bling, head to the Diamond District where you can see diamond dealers and stone cutters at work while art lovers will enjoy a day at the Rubenshuis, the former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens.   

Ghent
Located in the Flemish region of Belgium, the city of Ghent is known for its medieval architecture that can be seen in its monuments like Saint Bavo Cathedral, which houses the Ghent Altarpiece comprising 12 panels designed and constructed by the Van Eyck brothers. Visit the Belfry and Cloth Hall where you can take an elevator up to the Belfry's upper gallery and see the giant bells toll as you feat your eyes on a panoramic view of the city. Ghent also has several museums, namely MSK with its collection of Flemish paintings and sculptures, SMAK, which displays contemporary art and MIAT, the Museum about Industry, Labour and Textile that is situated in an old cotton mill. 

How To Get There

Major international airlines including KLM, Air France, Air India and Jet Airways operate flights from India to Brussels. Check for available flights from your city here. 

 

Destination	Stockholm, Sweden	Brussels, Belgium
Hotels (centrally located)	Rs. 6,907 per night (Standard room at Park Inn Stockholm Hammarby Sjostad) Rs. 11,671 per night (Single room at Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel) Rs. 14,862 (Classic room at Sheraton Stockholm Hotel)	Rs. 6,308 per night (Standard room at Dansaert Hotel) Rs. 9,994 per night (Standard room at Metropole Hotel Brussels) Rs. 11,661 (Superior Double room at The Hotel, Brussels )
Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner without alcohol)	Rs. 2,800 per day	Rs. 4,400 per day
Local Transportation (public bus)	Rs. 295 per ticket	Rs. 160 per ticket
Miscellaneous	Rs. 2,800 per day	Rs. 4,000 per day

*All prices are approximate and subject to change.

If you’re looking for unique holiday experiences, both Sweden and Belgium promise you something distinct. It’s nearly impossible to recommend one over the other. Be a global explorer and save up to visit both!