BELGIUM

Welcome to Belgium! Situated at the crossroads of Europe, this compact country offers a delightful mix of medieval charm, vibrant culture, and world-renowned culinary delights. From its historic battlefields to its artistic cities and delicious chocolates and beers, Belgium promises a journey rich in history, flavor, and unique experiences.

Region: Western Europe

Capital: Brussels

Official Language: Dutch, French, German

Level of Travel Safety: Generally safe, but exercise normal safety precautions due to an ongoing threat of terrorism and the possibility of petty crime, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.

A map of Europe with Luxembourg highlighted in green.

Why Visit Belgium?

Historic Cities: Discover the medieval beauty of Bruges and Ghent, with their canals, castles, and cobblestone streets.

Rich Art & Culture: Belgium is home to masterpieces by René Magritte, Peter Paul Rubens, and stunning medieval architecture.

Belgian Beer: A must for beer lovers—Belgium boasts hundreds of unique brews, including Trappist beers and Belgian ales.

A row of ornate, classical buildings with intricate facades and domes.

Exquisite Cuisine: Treat yourself to Belgian waffles, frites (fries), and Belgian chocolates, globally recognized for their quality.

Festivals and Events: Enjoy vibrant festivals like Tomorrowland (music) and Carnaval de Binche (traditional), adding cultural flair to your visit.

World War I History: Visit Flanders Fields and Ypres to learn about Belgium’s pivotal role during WWI, with poignant memorials.

A colorful town reflected in a calm river, nestled between hills.

Essential Trip Information

Travelers are advised to check Belgium’s official visa information on the Belgium Visa Portal.

Passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay.

Entry requirements may vary based on nationality; travelers may need a short-stay Schengen visa if not from the EU.

ESTA is not applicable for Belgium; travelers from the U.S. will need to apply for a visa if required.

Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of stay may be required.

  • Belgium uses the Euro (€) as its currency.

  • Banknotes: €5–500; Coins: €1, €2, and 1¢–50¢.

Best Ways to Handle Currency:

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange some money before you go, but ATMs often offer the best rates in Belgium.

  • During Your Trip: ATMs are readily available in cities. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, but having €20–30 in cash is recommended for small vendors.

  • What to Avoid: Avoid currency exchange kiosks with high fees and dynamic currency conversion options (always choose EUR).

Dutch, French, and German are the official languages, depending on the region.

English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

Helpful phrases: “Excusez-moi” (Excuse me), “Merci” (Thank you), “Waar is…?” (Where is…?)

Belgium is generally safe for travelers, but always be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas (e.g., Brussels Grand Place, train stations).

Emergency number: 112 (Europe-wide emergency services)

Avoid walking in poorly lit or isolated areas at night, especially in large cities.

No special vaccinations are required to visit Belgium.

It is highly recommended to have travel insurance as medical costs can be high in Europe.

Pharmacies are widely available, and tap water is safe to drink.

Trains: Efficient and well-connected across Belgium. Train tickets can be purchased at stations or online.

Trams/Metro/Bus: A comprehensive and easy-to-use system, especially in Brussels.

Walking/Biking: Many cities (Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent) are pedestrian-friendly with bike lanes.

Taxis/Uber: Generally safe and reliable, but prices can surge during peak times.

Belgium offers a wide range of prices, with tourist areas generally being more expensive.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Hostels/budget hotels (€50–100/night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels (€100–180/night)

  • Luxury: 4-5 star hotels (€200+/night)

Food:

  • Quick eats: Street food (€5–10), sandwiches (€7–12)

  • Casual dining: €15–30/person

  • Fine dining: €40+/person

Drinks:

  • Beer: €3–5 (bars), €1.50–2.50 (supermarkets)

  • Cocktails: €8–15

Transportation:

  • Trams/Metro/Bus: €2–3/ride (day passes available)

  • Taxis/Ride-sharing (Uber): €10–20 for short trips

  • Bike rentals: €10–20/day

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Many museums in Belgium offer free entry or discounted rates on specific days.

  • Take advantage of Brussels’ excellent public transportation system for getting around efficiently.

  • Enjoy affordable meals in local markets like the Brussels Stock Exchange area or Meatpacking District in Antwerp.

Explore Belgium

The vibrant capital, home to the iconic Grand Place, Atomium, and Manneken Pis. Discover museums, savor waffles, and explore diverse neighborhoods. Located in the central region of Belgium.

A fairytale medieval city renowned for its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and stunning Gothic architecture. Take a boat trip or climb the Belfry for panoramic views. Located in the northwest of Belgium, in the province of West Flanders.

A dynamic university city blending historical charm with a vibrant modern atmosphere. Visit Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and explore its cool street art scene. Located in the east of West Flanders, about 30 minutes by train from Bruges.

Belgium’s second-largest city, a global hub for fashion and diamonds, with an impressive port. Explore its trendy boutiques, the Rubens House, and the beautiful Central Station. Located in the north of Belgium, in the province of Antwerp.

A lively university city with a rich brewing heritage and impressive Gothic architecture, including the stunning Town Hall and the Oude Markt (Old Market Square). Located east of Brussels, in the province of Flemish Brabant.

A vast region of rolling hills, dense forests, and charming valleys perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking, and visiting quaint villages and castles. Spans across southern Belgium, touching Luxembourg and France.

A town with deep historical significance, particularly for its role in World War I. Visit the Menin Gate, In Flanders Fields Museum, and numerous war cemeteries and memorials. Located in West Flanders, near the French border.

A dramatic town nestled along the Meuse River, overlooked by a stunning citadel and the collegiate church of Notre-Dame. Famous as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone. Located in Wallonia, in the province of Namur.

Belgium’s largest coastal city, offering wide sandy beaches, a vibrant promenade, and a rich maritime history. Perfect for seaside relaxation, fresh seafood, and exploring its port. Located on the North Sea coast, in West Flanders.

Historically significant as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s final defeat in 1815. Visit the Lion’s Mound and the visitor’s center to learn about this pivotal battle. Located south of Brussels, in the province of Walloon Brabant.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Authentic Local Vibe
  • Cozy Atmosphere
  • Christmas Markets (November-December)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Cold Temperatures (average 35-45ºF / 2-7ºC)
  • Shorter Days
  • Limited Outdoor Activities
  • Some closures

Key Regions:

  • Ardennes: Ideal for winter walks, cozy stays, and enjoying the snowy landscapes.
  • Bruges: Experience the magical, less crowded medieval city; picturesque canals.
  • Ghent: Enjoy charming canals and historic architecture without the summer bustle.
  • Brussels: Perfect for museum visits, indoor attractions, and indulging in local cuisine.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather (average 45-65ºF / 7-18ºC)
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events
  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (Spring/Autumn)
  • Some attractions might still have reduced hours in early Spring

Key Regions:

  • Flanders Fields: Moving historical sites are more accessible and poignant.
  • Belgian Coast: Enjoy seaside towns before peak crowds, perfect for walks.
  • Antwerp: Explore fashion, diamonds, and vibrant art scene comfortably.
  • Wallonia: Discover castles, caves, and charming towns amidst nature’s beauty.
  • Brussels: Excellent time to explore parks, outdoor cafes, and city life.
  • Mid-Summer (June-August)
  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
  • Some major festivals (e.g., Tomorrowland)

Planning Your Trip

Language: Belgium has three official languages: Dutch (Flemish), French, and German. English is widely understood in major cities.

Tipping: 10–15% is appreciated at restaurants, though service charges are often included. Tipping for taxis is not expected but rounding up the fare is common.

Dress Code: Casual for sightseeing, but dress smartly when visiting fine dining restaurants or attending performances.

Personal Space: Belgians are polite and value personal space; avoid being overly loud in public places.

Free Attractions: Many museums and monuments are free in Belgium, including the Royal Palace in Brussels.

Accommodation: Hostels (€20–50 / US$22–55), mid-range hotels (€75–150 / US$82–165), luxury hotels (€200+ / US$220+).

Food: Street food (€5–10 / US$5–11), casual meals (€15–30 / US$16–33), fine dining (€50+ / US$55+).

Transport: Train (€5–20 / US$5–22), local transit (€2–5 / US$2–6), bike rentals (€10–20 / US$11–22).

Activities: Museum entry (€5–15 / US$5–16), beer tasting tours (€30–50 / US$33–55).

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$50–80 (hostels, street food, local transport).

  • Mid-range: US$120–200 (hotels, meals in restaurants, attractions).

  • Luxury: US$250+ (luxury stays, fine dining, exclusive experiences).

Free Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels, cafes, and public areas like train stations.

SIM Cards: Prepaid SIM cards are available at Proximus, Telenet, and Orange stores (US$20–30 for 5–10GB).

eSIMs: Supported by Airalo and Orange for flexible plans.

Recommended for: Medical coverage, trip cancellations (especially in winter or for festival visits).

Healthcare: Belgium offers high-quality healthcare, but travel insurance covering medical emergencies is advised.

Adventure Activities: Check your policy for activities like cycling tours or kayaking in the Ardennes.

Belgium has an excellent transportation network, making it easy to travel between cities and explore the countryside.

Train:

  • The Belgian National Railway (SNCB/NMBS) connects all major cities (Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges) and smaller towns.
  • Trains are fast and efficient, with rides between Brussels and Bruges taking around 1 hour.
  • Tip: Use the Go Pass for flexible multi-trip tickets.

Trams/Metro:

  • Available in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent.
  • In Brussels, the STIB/MIVB metro and tram system is easy to use for city exploration.

Buses:

  • Buses cover rural areas and small towns not served by trains.
  • Fares are generally affordable, with day passes available for tourists.

Biking:

  • Belgium is a bike-friendly country, especially in cities like Ghent and Bruges, with Villo! bike-sharing systems.
  • Cycling tours are popular, particularly in areas like the Flanders Fields region.

Walking:

  • Most city centers are walkable, especially in smaller cities like Bruges and Leuven.

Taxis/Rideshares:

  • Uber is available in major cities like Brussels and Antwerp.
  • Taxis can be pricey, so consider using public transport or walking when possible.

Car Rental:

  • Renting a car is recommended for exploring rural areas, but driving in cities can be tricky due to narrow streets and limited parking.

Belgium offers a range of accommodations, from historic hotels to modern boutique stays.

Hotels:

  • Luxury: Hotel Amigo (Brussels), The Dominican (Brussels).
  • Mid-range: Meininger Hotel (Brussels), Park Inn by Radisson (Antwerp).
  • Budget: Ibis Budget (Brussels), Hostel Uppelink (Ghent).

Hostels:

  • Sleep Well Youth Hostel (Brussels) and KaBoom Hostel (Antwerp) offer affordable and social stays.

Airbnb/VRBO:

  • A great option for those looking for home-style accommodations. Consider staying near Grand Place (Brussels) or historic city centers like Ghent or Bruges.

Boutique Stays:

  • The Dominican (Brussels) and Hotel de Orangerie (Bruges) offer stylish and intimate stays.

Tip: Stay close to city centers or train stations for convenience and ease of exploration.

Handy Tips

Belgium uses the Euro (€). Notes come in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500; coins include 1¢, 2¢, 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, €1, and €2.

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport currency exchanges due to poor rates. Use ATMs or local banks for better deals.

  • Using Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; American Express may be limited. Carry small cash for local markets and small cafés.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Service charge is usually included, so tipping is optional.

    • Restaurants/Bars: Rounding up or leaving €1–2 is appreciated.

    • Taxis: Round up or tip 5–10%.

    • Hotel Staff: €1–2 per bag; €2 per night for housekeeping.

    • Tour Guides: €5–10 for half-day tours.

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch (Flemish), French, and German. English is widely understood, especially in Brussels and tourist areas.

  • Useful phrases:

    • “Waar is het station?” (Dutch) / “Où est la gare ?” (French) — Where is the station?

    • “Hoeveel kost het?” / “Combien ça coûte ?” — How much is it?

    • “Spreekt u Engels ?” — Do you speak English?

Pro Tip: Locals appreciate if you greet with “Bonjour” or “Hallo” before asking something.

Belgium is generally safe, but pickpocketing can occur in busy areas like Brussels Midi Station or popular markets.

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • 112: For police, medical, and fire emergencies.

    • 101: Direct police line.

Belgium uses 230V/50Hz with Type C and E plugs (two round pins). Bring a universal adapter; converters are rarely needed for modern electronics.

Tap water is safe and clean throughout Belgium. You can drink it freely unless signs indicate otherwise (rare in cities). Ask for “tap water” in restaurants, though they may still charge for bottled water.

Shops, banks, and many museums close on public holidays:

  • Jan 1: New Year’s Day

  • Easter Monday (varies)

  • May 1: Labor Day

  • May 9: Ascension Day (varies)

  • Whit Monday (varies)

  • July 21: Belgian National Day

  • Aug 15: Assumption Day

  • Nov 1: All Saints’ Day

  • Nov 11: Armistice Day

  • Dec 25: Christmas Day

Note: Museums often remain open on Sundays and are free or discounted the first Wednesday afternoon of the month.

Shops: Mon–Sat, typically 10:00–18:00. Most shops close on Sundays (except in tourist zones).

Supermarkets: Open daily, often until 20:00 or later.

Pharmacies: 09:00–18:30; one pharmacy per area remains open 24/7 (list posted outside).

Markets: Morning markets in nearly every city (e.g., Place du Jeu de Balle in Brussels for antiques).

Frites: Thick-cut Belgian fries, double-fried for crisp perfection. Best with Andalouse or Samurai sauce.

Moules-Frites: Steamed mussels in white wine with herbs, served with fries—Brussels bistro classic.

Carbonnade Flamande: Rich Flemish beef stew slow-cooked in dark beer—hearty and comforting.

Stoofvlees: Similar to carbonnade, often eaten with fries or bread to soak up the sauce.

Waterzooi: Creamy chicken (or fish) stew from Ghent with vegetables and egg-yolk broth.

Grey Shrimp Croquettes (Garnaalkroketten): Crisp on the outside, creamy inside, filled with tiny North Sea shrimp.

Speculoos Spread: Spiced cookie spread, often used on toast or waffles.

Liege Waffle: Dense, chewy, caramelized sugar—best eaten warm, on the go.

Brussels Waffle: Light and crispy, square-shaped and dusted with powdered sugar.

Cuberdon: Cone-shaped raspberry candies from Ghent with a gooey center.

Alcoholic:

  • Lambic Beer: Wild-fermented sour beer—try Kriek (cherry) or Gueuze.

  • Trappist Beers: Brewed by monks—Westvleteren 12 is a legend, but Chimay and Orval are more accessible.

  • Duvel: Strong golden ale—bright, dry, and deceptively potent (8.5% ABV).

  • Leffe Blonde: Easy-to-find abbey-style beer with honeyed notes.

  • Rodenbach: Flanders red ale, aged in oak barrels with sweet-sour complexity.

  • De Koninck: Antwerp’s malty amber beer, great with cheese.

  • Peket: Juniper-based spirit from Wallonia—think of it as Belgian gin.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Chocolat Chaud (Hot Chocolate): Thick, rich, and made with real Belgian chocolate.

  • Spa Water: Mineral water from the Ardennes, famous across Europe.

  • Café Liégeois: Cold coffee dessert with whipped cream—more drink than dish.

  • Chicory Coffee: Historically used as a coffee substitute, still found in older cafés.

  • Apple Pear Juice (Appel-Peer Sap): Popular in Flanders, made from orchard fruits.

Medieval Towns: Bruges and Ghent offer cobblestone charm and fairytale architecture.

Battlefield Sites: WWI memorials in Ypres and Flanders Fields—deeply moving.

Royal Palace (Brussels): Open to the public in summer.

Street Art: Look up! Brussels celebrates comic murals on buildings.

Historic Abbeys: Visit Orval or Grimbergen for peaceful grounds and beer.

Art Museums: Explore works by Magritte, Rubens, and Bruegel.

Castles: Don’t miss Gravensteen in Ghent or Castle of the Counts.

Religious Architecture: Admire cathedrals like St. Bavo’s in Ghent and St. Michael’s in Brussels.

European Quarter: Tour EU institutions and visit the Parlamentarium.

Hidden Gem: Begijnhofs (Beguinages)—peaceful women’s communities, now tranquil retreats.

Grand Place (Brussels): A UNESCO-listed square, stunning lit up at night.

Belfry of Bruges: Climb for panoramic views—worth the 366 steps!

Canal Tours: In Ghent or Bruges, especially romantic at sunset.

Comics Art Museum (Brussels): Home of Tintin and The Smurfs.

Atomium: Retro-futuristic landmark offering great views and exhibitions.

Royal Greenhouses of Laeken: Open just a few weeks a year—plan ahead!

Music Festivals: Tomorrowland (EDM) and Rock Werchter draw global crowds.

Beer Tastings: Join a local tour or visit a historic brewery like De Halve Maan (Bruges).

Winter Markets: Cozy and festive with lights, skating rinks, and mulled wine.

Carnival in Binche: UNESCO-listed celebration with ancient masked traditions.

Delirium Café (Brussels): Holds the world record for beer variety—over 2,000 on offer.

Madame Moustache (Brussels): Circus-themed bar with vintage flair and DJ nights.

Taphouse Domus (Leuven): Cozy brewpub serving house-made beers and local bites.

Jazz Station (Brussels): Old train station turned live jazz venue.

De Dulle Griet (Ghent): Order a strong beer and surrender a shoe for a quirky experience.

Bar Des Amis (Antwerp): Trendy spot with a young crowd and house cocktails.

L’Archiduc (Brussels): Art Deco jazz lounge dating to 1937—classy and moody.

Ponyhof (Ghent): Hip bar with board games, local beers, and candlelight charm.

Café Belga (Brussels): Popular spot for locals, with terrace overlooking Ixelles Ponds.

Café Vlissinghe (Bruges): The city’s oldest pub, in operation since 1515—go for the history, stay for the beer.