Diana Goodwin is a freelance writer, translator and tour guide with a focus on art, architecture, history and culture.
A British-born American living in Hasselt, the capital of Limburg province, Diana majored in medieval history at Yale, then earned a dual Master’s degree in medieval art history and museum studies at the University of Michigan. She came to Belgium ten years ago and met her husband shortly after arriving here. They married in 2012.
Diana started her website Based In Belgium to share all she was learning about Belgium, in particular its fascinating history and rich culture. She now gives private, custom tours focusing on art, architecture, history and culture.
Let’s find out what Diana Goodwin loves about Belgium:
Favorite city: Hasselt

Hasselt is a great place to live because it has a pedestrian-friendly city center, great cycling paths and the Hoge Kempen National Park nearby. I also like going to Brussels, because there’s so much to do and see there.
Favorite restaurant: Il Colosseo

I challenge you to find better wood-fired pizzas anywhere in Belgium than at this cozy restaurant in Hasselt!
Favorite café /bar: Poechenellekelder, Brussels

I love the crazy decor with all the old puppets, they have a great selection of local beers, and the service is excellent.
Favorite museum: Mayer van den Burgh, Antwerp

I’m a big fan of small house museums, and this one has some real gems in its collection, including Pieter Breugel’s Dulle Griet (Mad Meg, above).
Favorite green area: Japanese Garden, Hasselt

This is the largest Japanese Garden in Europe. The best time to visit is in the spring when the cherry trees are in bloom. Simply stunningly splendid!
Favorite “Quiet area”: Kadettenplein, Hasselt
This is a little hidden courtyard in Hasselt that’s a tiny green oasis in the middle of the city. I love to sit here on a bench, amidst the outdoor sculptures.
Favorite country walk: Hoge Kempen National Park

We enjoy taking our chocolate labrador for walks here. We especially like the Mechelse Heide entrance and trail head in Maasmechelen.
Favorite cycling route: A local Limburg loop

I have a favorite circular route starting from my house that includes Cycling Through Water, the clever bike path through a lake between cycle junctions 91 and 243.
Favorite family activity: Bokrijk

There’s something for everyone, from kids to grandparents, at this outdoor museum in Genk with its old farmhouses, live animals, windmills and taverns. It’s just a fun, beautiful place to spend the day.
Favorite romantic location: Bruges at night

What more can I say about Bruges that hasn’t already been said? If you’ve never been there, go!
Favorite tourist attraction: Historium, Bruges

This places takes you back to the 15th century and the time of Jan Van Eyck. You walk through seven historical themed rooms accompanied by movies, music and special effects. It’s truly outstanding. (I may be biased since I worked on the historical interiors).
Favorite market: Antiques market, Tongeren

I always enjoy a browse here on Sunday mornings. Whether you’re looking for a priceless treasure or a funky flea market find, you’ll probably find it at the weekly Sunday antiques market in Tongeren. It’s the largest in the Benelux!
Thanks Diana for sharing your interesting insights. So if any readers are looking for a private, custom tour of one of the great cities of Belgium, with a special focus on art, architecture, history and culture, you know who to ask. Contact Diana at Based In Belgium!

Do you want to keep up-to-date with more “My Belgium” posts? (And other posts of course!). Just add your email below:
Rather the new and smart multi lingual audio guide tour of the Gravensteen in Ghent, than the surely well intended yet sadly shortfallen Historium.
Let alone the altogether absence of Ghent in this shortlist.
Thanks for adding your own personal preferences Roby! Much appreciated.
Lovely post, that’s a nice job to have.
Absolutely! If she’s looking for an assistant I’ll drop your name in the hat Frag.
Hah my hubby might not be happy about that. But then again…….🤣
Wonderful article and it’s amping my desire to visit Belgium (some day).
Great article and good reference as I’m keen to visit the Limburg region on my next trip to Belgium. Thanks!
Hope you enjoy your trip whenever it happens Michelle
Some good choices — especially Bokrijk, which is brilliant.
I don’t live that far from Hasselt. I really should visit the city more often.
I’ve only been twice but on both occasions I was struck by the relative tranquility of the centre.
Thanks! And yes, you should definitely visit Hasselt more often. Let me know if you want any more tips.
Much appreciated 🙂
We’re always on the lookout for child appropriate (and reasonably affordable) ways to spend the weekends.
What a wonderful review of some of Belgium’s best bits, I want to start exploring today!
PS and the cycle path through water is amazing!
Indeed!
I have to agree – Bruges is a beautiful place to visit, both in the day and at night.