Belgium Travel Guide: Medieval Cities, Chocolate Trails & Cultural Gems
Intro to Belgium Travel Guide
Start planning your journey with our complete Belgium Travel Guide — from storybook towns and decadent chocolate to beer abbeys, battlefields, and world-class museums.
Belgium may be small in size, but it packs a cultural punch. Gothic architecture, surrealist art, canal-lined cities, and a culinary scene that blends French finesse with Flemish heart — Belgium is as complex and rewarding as its famous Trappist ales. Explore the contrasts between Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia, wander cobbled streets in Bruges, sample waffles in Brussels, and hike rolling hills in the Ardennes. With high-speed trains and short distances, Belgium is a breeze to explore — and hard to forget.
Explore immersive Belgium tours and discover unforgettable things to do in Belgium — from beer pilgrimages and canal cruises to battlefield memorials and Art Nouveau adventures.
Continent: Europe
Country: Belgium
Area: 30,689 km²
Population: ~11.8 million (2024 est.)
Density: ~384 people/km²
Capital: Brussels
Regions/Subregions: Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels-Capital Region
Language(s): Dutch (Flemish), French, German (all official)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Time Zone(s): CET (UTC+1), CEST in summer (UTC+2)
Airports: BRU (Brussels), CRL (Charleroi), LGG (Liège), ANR (Antwerp), OST (Ostend–Bruges)
Climate: Temperate maritime – cool winters, mild summers, frequent rain
Known For: Medieval towns, chocolate, beer, waffles, fries, castles, EU institutions, Bruges canals, art nouveau architecture
Member of the Schengen Area
Visa-free for 90 days for citizens of the EU, U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, and many others
Starting 2025, ETIAS required for visa-exempt nationals
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond departure from the Schengen area
Apply via Belgium Foreign Affairs – Visa Info
Routine vaccinations are sufficient; recommended: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, COVID-19
Healthcare system is excellent and widely accessible
EU citizens can use EHIC for public care; others should carry travel insurance
Hospitals in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent offer English-speaking services
Check CDC – Belgium Travel Health — get coverage here
Stay Informed with Official Updates: World Health Organization – International Travel and Health | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Global Travel Health
Refer to U.S. State Dept – Belgium Travel Advisory
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to risk of terrorism in public places
Enhanced police presence around transit hubs and major events
Standard urban precautions apply (pickpocketing in crowded areas)
Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice
Belgian National Day – July 21
Armistice Day – November 11
Christmas Day – December 25
Easter Monday – Varies
Ascension Day – Varies
Public holidays vary slightly between regions (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Credit/debit cards widely accepted; ATMs readily available
Tipping not expected but appreciated — round up or leave ~5–10% for excellent service
Duty-Free Limits (for non-EU travelers):
Alcohol: 1 liter spirits OR 2 liters wine
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes
Goods: €430 value limit
Full details via Belgium Customs
Extensive and efficient rail network (SNCB/NMBS) connects all major cities
Tram and metro systems in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Charleroi
Intercity buses, ride-sharing (e.g., BlaBlaCar), and taxis are widely available
Drive on the right; EU/EEA licenses accepted, IDP recommended for others
Biking is popular and supported by city-wide lanes and rental programs
SIM cards from Proximus, Orange, and BASE available at airports and shops
4G/5G coverage strong across urban areas
eSIM support for modern devices
Free Wi-Fi in hotels, trains, cafés, and city centers (especially Brussels and Bruges)
Legal drinking age: 16 for beer/wine, 18 for spirits
Public drunkenness and noise violations are fined
Three national languages – locals appreciate greetings in their region’s language (Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia)
LGBTQ+ rights are strongly protected; same-sex marriage has been legal since 2003
Respect for privacy and reserved manners is common in public spaces
Emergency Number: 112 (universal EU emergency line)
Police (non-urgent): 101
Embassies located in Brussels, many within the EU Quarter
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially for medical coverage and theft
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Temperate maritime climate
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, grey, ~0–6°C (32–43°F)
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mild to warm, ~18–25°C (64–77°F)
Rainfall possible year-round — bring a waterproof jacket
Best time to visit: April–June and September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds
Forecast: Weather Forecast
Belgium by Region – Where to Go
Belgium is divided into three main regions: Flanders (north), Wallonia (south), and Brussels (central). Each offers unique language, culture, and landscapes.
Flanders (Dutch-speaking North)
- Bruges: Belgium’s best-preserved medieval city, with canals, swans, and Gothic charm.
- Ghent: A university town mixing edgy art, history, and riverside life.
- Antwerp: The fashion and diamond capital, home to Rubens and bold architecture.
- Leuven: Historic breweries, a youthful buzz, and a majestic library.
- Ypres: A poignant World War I memorial city with the moving Last Post ceremony.
Brussels-Capital Region
- Brussels: A bilingual hub and EU capital blending grandeur and quirk — from Grand Place to surreal comic art and culinary diversity.
Wallonia (French-speaking South)
- Namur: Hilltop citadel views and riverside walks define this laid-back capital.
- Dinant: Towering cliffs, a dramatic church façade, and birthplace of the saxophone.
- Liège: Gritty yet lively with nightlife, waffles, and a futuristic train station.
- Mons: Cultural events, UNESCO belfries, and an emerging art scene.
- Ardennes: Forested hills, castles, and hiking trails for nature lovers.
German-speaking East
- Eupen & Spa: Rolling countryside, thermal spas, and a distinct identity nestled along the German border.
Top Places to Visit in Belgium
Cultural Capitals
- Brussels – Home to the EU, with ornate squares, Art Nouveau buildings, and top museums.
- Antwerp – Fashion-forward, artistic, and bustling with café life.
Historic Cities & Towns
- Bruges – Canals, cobblestones, and fairy-tale ambiance.
- Ghent – History meets nightlife in a vibrant canal city.
Nature Escapes
- Ardennes – Forests, river valleys, and castles.
- Hautes Fagnes Nature Reserve – Belgium’s moorlands with wooden boardwalk trails.
UNESCO Sites
- Belfries of Belgium – Across Flanders and Wallonia, from Bruges to Tournai.
- Neolithic Flint Mines of Spiennes – Ancient subterranean networks near Mons.
Foodie Pilgrimages
- Chimay & Orval Abbeys – For legendary Trappist beers.
- Brussels’ Sablon – Boutique chocolatiers and patisseries.
How to Choose Where to Go in Belgium
Love architecture and art? Start in Brussels, Bruges, or Ghent — all bursting with historic and contemporary beauty. For beer lovers and culinary explorers, head to Leuven, Antwerp, and the Trappist abbeys. If you’re after nature and medieval charm, the Ardennes and towns like Dinant offer hilltop fortresses and river trails.
Efficient pairings:
- Brussels + Ghent + Bruges (culture-packed triangle with easy rail links)
- Antwerp + Leuven (modern art, nightlife, and beer)
- Namur + Dinant + Ardennes (relaxed pace with scenic hikes and castles)
How to Get Around Belgium
Trains
Belgium has one of Europe’s most reliable rail networks. Cities are well connected — Brussels to Bruges takes under 1 hour. Buy tickets on the SNCB/NMBS app or at stations.
Buses & Trams
- De Lijn serves Flanders
- TEC covers Wallonia
- STIB/MIVB operates in Brussels
Tickets are region-specific, so plan accordingly.
Car Rentals
Ideal for exploring rural Wallonia or the Ardennes. Driving is on the right. Roads are excellent and well signed.
Bicycles
Cities like Ghent, Leuven, and Bruges are bike-friendly. Many have rental services and cycling lanes.
Domestic Flights
Not needed — Belgium is compact enough for trains and cars.
Travel Budget & Costs in Belgium
Belgium isn’t the cheapest, but it offers excellent quality for money.
Daily Budget Estimates
- Budget: €60–€90 (hostels, street eats, local trains)
- Mid-range: €120–€180 (3-star hotels, sit-down dining, museum entries)
- Luxury: €250+ (boutique hotels, fine dining, private guides)
Sample Costs
- Belgian beer: €3–€5 (higher at tourist spots)
- Moules-frites: €15–€25
- Train Brussels–Bruges: ~€15
- Entry to Atomium: ~€17
Money-Saving Tips
- City cards offer free transit and attractions (e.g., Ghent CityCard)
- Midweek travel avoids price surges
- Lunch menus (formules) offer great value at restaurants
Best Time to Visit Belgium
- Spring (April–May)
Blossoming gardens, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds. - Summer (June–August)
Festival season, long daylight hours, and peak tourism. Great for beer gardens and music events. - Autumn (September–October)
Fewer tourists, golden forests in the Ardennes, and harvest festivals. - Winter (November–December)
Charming Christmas markets in Bruges, Brussels, and Leuven. Expect chilly weather.
Must-See Experiences in Belgium
- Canal cruise in Bruges, gliding past centuries-old façades
- Chocolate tasting tour through Brussels or Ghent’s top chocolatiers
- Trappist beer pilgrimage to Orval, Chimay, or Westvleteren
- Cycle the Scheldt River Path from Antwerp to Ghent
- Attend Tomorrowland, one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals
- Explore the Magritte Museum, celebrating surrealist genius
- Hike the Ardennes, with castles and valleys bursting with legend
- Visit Waterloo Battlefield, site of Napoleon’s defeat
Book immersive Belgium tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Belgium — from medieval towns and sacred abbeys to chocolate tastings and forest hikes.
Best Travel Itineraries in Belgium
7-Day City Sampler
- Day 1: Brussels (Grand Place, Atomium)
- Day 2–3: Bruges (historic core, boat tour)
- Day 4: Ghent (Gravensteen Castle, canals)
- Day 5: Antwerp (fashion district, museums)
- Day 6–7: Leuven or Mechelen (beer + day trips)
10-Day Culture & Nature Route
- Brussels → Bruges → Ghent → Dinant → Namur → Ardennes
- Focus: balanced city life and countryside serenity
5-Day Quick Getaway
- Brussels + Bruges (2 nights each), with a Ghent day trip
Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences
Must-Try Belgian Dishes
- Moules-Frites: Steamed mussels with crispy fries
- Carbonnade Flamande: Beef stew cooked in beer
- Stoofvlees: Flemish slow-braised meat, hearty and rich
- Waffles: Try Brussels (light and crisp) and Liège (dense and sweet)
- Waterzooi: Creamy chicken or fish stew
- Speculoos: Spiced shortbread cookies, often spread on toast
- Chocolate: Don’t miss pralines from Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, or local shops
Food Experiences
- Beer tasting in Leuven or Antwerp
- Street fries in a paper cone from a friterie
- Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants in Brussels or Bruges
- Take a chocolate workshop or beer-pairing dinner
Taste your way through Belgium with local beer flights, creamy stews, artisan pralines, and café culture on every corner.
Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in Belgium
Safety
Generally safe and stable. Watch out for pickpocketing in train stations and busy areas.
Transport Tips
Keep validated tickets; transit checks are frequent. Rail strikes can occur — check ahead.
Cultural Notes
- Greet with “Bonjour” (French) or “Goede dag” (Dutch) depending on the region
- Punctuality is valued, especially in business settings
- Don’t joke about linguistic divides — cultural identity is taken seriously
- Tipping is modest (rounding up or 5–10% in restaurants)
Where to Go Next – Pair Belgium with These Destinations
- Netherlands: Amsterdam and Rotterdam are just a few hours by train
- France: Lille, Paris, and Champagne region are easily accessed
- Germany: Cologne and Aachen make great short hops
- Luxembourg: Tiny but scenic, ideal for a day or overnight trip
Explore more:
Final Planning Checklist for Belgium
• Map out your regional route: Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia
• Book train passes or individual tickets in advance
• Consider city cards for museum and transport discounts
• Check the language spoken per region to prep basic phrases
• Download SNCB/NMBS and STIB transit apps
• Pack for layered weather and bring a quality umbrella
• Book popular chocolate tours, brewery visits, and canal cruises early
• Stay alert to public transport strikes or seasonal closures
Explore Belgium with confidence using our trusted tips, local insights, and region-by-region planning tools.
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