This article offers a comprehensive assessment of the current state of knowledge on Belgian and Dutch urban history, drawing on a multidisciplinary approach that includes historical, cultural, and social perspectives. Spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day, the authors provide a detailed examination of the complex evolution of urban society, politics, and culture in both Belgium and the Netherlands. By exploring the shared historical experiences and divergent paths of these two neighboring countries, the authors shed new light on the long-term dynamics of urbanization, identity formation, and cultural exchange in Western Europe.