Brussels: An hour’s drive north of Charleroi is the Belgian capital of Brussels. Home to the European Union, Brussels is a foodie heaven and a centre for art. If you only have a few hours, make sure you see the Grand-Place (one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe) or the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
Waterloo: Belgium has been a theatre of war for centuries, and Waterloo is where the Duke of Wellington finally defeated Napoleon in 1815. Today, you can visit the battlefield, Napoleon’s Headquarters and the Wellington Museum. Waterloo is an affluent suburb of Brussels, and there are plenty of shops and fine dining restaurants in this historically defining town.
Ghent: The Flemish city of Ghent is just over 100 kilometres from Charleroi. Most of the population here speak Dutch, but many can speak English and French. Ghent is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, with stunning medieval architecture, picturesque canals and a spectacular free summer music festival.