Explore Belgium

Belgium, nestled in the heart of Europe, offers a remarkable blend of history, culture, modernity, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're exploring its medieval cities, enjoying its world-class chocolates, or discovering its complex political history, Belgium has something for every kind of traveler.

Quick Facts about Belgium

• Capital: Brussels

• Population: Approximately 11.5 million

• Languages: Dutch (Flemish), French, German

• Currency: Euro (€)

• Timezone: Central European Time (CET, UTC +1), Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC +2)

• Emergency Number: 112 (for police, fire, and medical emergencies)

1. Best Cities to Visit in Belgium

Brussels

As the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union, Brussels is a vibrant city offering a mix of modernity and historic charm.

• Must-see sights:

  • Grand Place: A UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning architecture.

  • Atomium: A futuristic building and museum, symbolizing Belgium’s industrial achievements.

  • Manneken Pis: A quirky statue of a little boy peeing, an iconic symbol of the city.

  • Royal Palace of Brussels: The official palace of the Belgian monarchy.

  • European Parliament: Learn about EU politics and policies.

• Tips:

  • Explore the Marolles District for antique shopping and local markets.

  • Try local specialties like frites (Belgian fries) and moules-frites (mussels with fries).

Bruges

Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is a picturesque medieval city famous for its canals and cobbled streets.

• Must-see sights:

  • Markt Square: The central square, surrounded by historic buildings.

  • Belfry of Bruges: Climb the 366 steps for panoramic views of the city.

  • Canal Cruise: A boat ride through the charming canals.

  • Basilica of the Holy Blood: Home to a relic believed to contain the blood of Christ.

• Tips:

  • Visit the Choco-Story museum to learn about Belgium’s famous chocolate.

  • Bruges is perfect for a day trip from Brussels.

Ghent

A lesser-known gem, Ghent combines medieval and modern elements, with its picturesque canals and impressive architecture.

• Must-see sights:

  • Gravensteen Castle: A medieval castle offering interactive exhibits.

  • St. Bavo’s Cathedral: Famous for housing the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.

  • Korenmarkt Square: A bustling hub for cafes, shops, and historic buildings.

• Tips:

  • Ghent is less touristy than Bruges but equally beautiful, offering more local experiences.

  • Visit STAM (the Ghent City Museum) to understand the city’s rich history.

Antwerp

A city renowned for its fashion, diamond industry, and vibrant arts scene.

• Must-see sights:

  • Cathedral of Our Lady: Home to works by Peter Paul Rubens.

  • Diamond District: Antwerp is one of the world’s diamond capitals.

  • Museum aan de Stroom (MAS): A museum that celebrates the city’s history and culture.

• Tips:

  • Antwerp is an excellent place for shopping, especially in the Meir district, where you’ll find both luxury brands and trendy boutiques.

  • Don’t miss Antwerp’s Beer Museum, where you can sample local brews.

Leuven

Leuven, a university city near Brussels, is known for its lively atmosphere and historic sites.

• Must-see sights:

  • Old Market Square: Famous for its pubs, it’s the perfect spot to experience the city’s vibrant social life.

  • Leuven Town Hall: An architectural masterpiece with hundreds of statues.

  • Kruidtuin: Belgium’s oldest botanical garden.

• Tips:

  • Leuven is perfect for beer lovers, with many pubs serving Belgian brews. Visit the STEK for the best local beers.

  • Explore the M-Museum for contemporary art.

2. Belgian Cuisine

Belgian food is rich, hearty, and delicious, with a unique mix of French, German, and Dutch influences. Here are the essentials you need to try:

• Belgian Fries (Frites): Unlike French fries, Belgian fries are thick-cut and double-fried for crispiness. They are served with an array of sauces, including mayo and andouillette.

• Moules-frites: Mussels served with fries. It’s one of the most famous Belgian dishes, especially in coastal cities like Bruges and Ostend.

• Chocolate: Belgium is synonymous with high-quality chocolate, and cities like Brussels and Bruges boast countless chocolate shops. Don’t miss Godiva, Neuhaus, and Pierre Marcolini.

• Belgian Waffles: Available in two varieties—Brussels waffles (crispy and rectangular) and Liège waffles (thicker and sweeter, with caramelized sugar). Enjoy them with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate, or fruit.

• Beer: Belgium is famous for its beer, with over 1,000 varieties. Some to try include Duvel, Trappist beers, and Leffe. Belgium is home to a large number of Trappist monasteries, where monks brew their own beer.

3. Belgium's Regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels

Belgium is divided into three regions, each with its own unique culture and attractions:

Flanders (Dutch-speaking)

• Includes cities like Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges.

• Known for its medieval architecture, lively cultural scenes, and a bustling urban lifestyle.

• Flanders is also home to many historical sites, such as battlefields from World War I, particularly around Ypres.

Wallonia (French-speaking)

• Located in the southern part of the country, Wallonia is more rural and mountainous.

• Famous for its castles, natural parks, and charming towns like Namur and Liège.

• The region is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and exploring caves.

Brussels-Capital Region

• A bilingual region with both French and Dutch spoken, and it is also the seat of the European Union.

• A cosmopolitan city with international restaurants, cultural events, and unique art collections.

4. Best Time to Visit Belgium

Belgium has a temperate climate, which means that the weather can be unpredictable at any time of year. Here's a breakdown of the best times to visit:

• Spring (April to June): This is one of the best times to visit Belgium, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Spring is ideal for walking through cities and countryside.

• Summer (July to August): Peak tourist season, especially in cities like Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent. Expect larger crowds, especially in tourist hotspots.

• Autumn (September to November): A great time to visit for fewer crowds and pleasant weather. This is also when Belgium’s beer festivals are in full swing.

• Winter (December to February): While cold, Belgium in winter has a magical atmosphere with Christmas markets, especially in cities like Brussels and Bruges. Be sure to enjoy the wintery ambiance and try some Belgian hot chocolate.

5. Practical Travel Tips for Belgium

• Public Transport: Belgium has an efficient public transportation system, including trains, buses, and trams. Consider getting a rail pass if you're planning to travel between cities. Brussels also has an excellent metro system.

• Language: While French is spoken in Wallonia and Brussels, Dutch (Flemish) is the primary language in Flanders. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

• Tipping: Service charges are included in the bill in most restaurants, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated.

• Safety: Belgium is generally a safe destination for travelers. As with any tourist destination, stay cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially in Brussels and Bruges.

6. Day Trips and Hidden Gems in Belgium

• Waterloo: Visit the site of the historic Battle of Waterloo and the Lion’s Mound, where Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated.

• Ardennes: A mountainous region in Wallonia, perfect for hiking, exploring castles, and outdoor activities.

• Dinant: A charming town nestled along the Meuse River, known for its striking citadel and saxophone heritage (the saxophone was invented here by Adolphe Sax).

• Tournai: One of Belgium’s oldest cities, with an impressive cathedral and medieval town center.

Conclusion

Belgium offers a fascinating mix of culture, history, and cuisine, all wrapped up in a small yet diverse country. Whether you're savoring its famous chocolate, exploring medieval towns, or discovering the impact of the European Union, Belgium guarantees an unforgettable experience. With its charming cities, welcoming people, and exceptional food and drink, it's a destination that should be on every traveler’s list.