Why visit Belgium?
Belgium is a concentrate of Europe in a small country that never stops surprising. Between its medieval cities beautifully preserved, its legendary gastronomy and its avant-garde art scene, Belgium offers an exceptional cultural density. From the Grand-Place in Brussels to the canals of Bruges, from golden waffles to Trappist beers, every kilometer holds a new discovery. This crossroads of Europe blends French, Flemish and Germanic influences to create a unique and endearing identity.
The land of Magritte, Hergé and Jacques Brel, Belgium has contributed to the world well beyond its size. Brussels is the capital of the European Union, Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world, and Ghent is one of the most dynamic student cities in Europe. Explore our European cultural experiences to enrich your stay in Belgium.
Brussels, capital of Belgium and Europe
Brussels is a city of fascinating contrasts. The Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a Baroque masterpiece surrounded by gilded guild houses. Just steps away, the Manneken-Pis has been making visitors smile since 1619. The European Quarter houses the Parliament and the Commission, while the Marolles district preserves the city’s working-class soul with its daily flea market. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts showcase Bruegel, Rubens and Magritte under one roof. And the Brussels dining scene — from fry stands to Michelin-starred restaurants — is one of the finest in Europe.
Bruges and Ghent, Flemish jewels of Belgium
Bruges is the most romantic city in Belgium, perhaps in all of Europe. Its canals wind between 14th-century gabled houses, the belfry towers over the Markt, and lacemakers carry on a centuries-old craft. The Groeninge Museum houses masterpieces of Early Flemish painting, while Van Eyck’s Mystic Lamb altarpiece is displayed at the cathedral in nearby Ghent. Ghent is Belgium’s best-kept secret: just as beautiful as Bruges but without the crowds, with a vibrant student nightlife scene, omnipresent street art and the Graslei, one of the most photogenic waterfronts in Europe.
Antwerp and Flanders in Belgium
Antwerp is the coolest city in Belgium. The world’s diamond capital and birthplace of Belgian fashion (the Antwerp Six), it pulses with contagious creative energy. The MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) offers a panoramic view of the port, Centraal Station is one of the most beautiful in the world, and the Rubens House bears witness to the splendor of the Flemish Golden Age. The Eilandje district, a converted former port area, has become the city’s gastronomic and cultural hotspot. Leuven, Mechelen and Turnhout complete the Flemish picture with their UNESCO-listed béguinages.
- Antwerp — Diamonds, fashion, MAS, Centraal Station, Rubens House
- Bruges — Canals, belfry, lace, chocolate, Flemish Primitives
- Ghent — Graslei, Mystic Lamb, street art, nightlife
- Leuven — Historic university, UNESCO béguinage, Stella Artois brewery
Wallonia and the Ardennes in Belgium
Wallonia, the French-speaking part of Belgium, presents a very different face: deep forests, hilltop castles and lush green valleys. The Ardennes are the green lung of the country, perfect for hiking, kayaking on the Lesse or Semois rivers, and forest walks. Namur, the Walloon capital, overlooks the Meuse from its imposing citadel. Dinant, birthplace of Adolphe Sax, enchants visitors with its collegiate church set against a cliff face. Liège, the Fiery City, wins hearts with its gastronomy (Liège waffles, boulets-frites) and its nightlife in the Carré district.
Belgian gastronomy and beers
Belgium is a gastronomic paradise. The country boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than France. Belgian fries (never “french fries”!) are an art form: double-fried in beef tallow. Belgian chocolate is the finest in the world, with master chocolatiers such as Pierre Marcolini, Neuhaus and Mary. Waffles come in two versions: Brussels (rectangular, light and crispy) and Liège (round, sweet with pearl sugar). And the beers! With over 1,500 varieties, including the 6 Trappist breweries (Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Achel, Westvleteren), Belgian brewing culture is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Routes and itineraries in Belgium
Belgium is so compact that no city is more than 2.5 hours by train from any other. Here are three itineraries to discover the many facets of the country.
| Itinerary | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels – Bruges – Ghent – Antwerp | 5 days | Flemish cities, art, beer and chocolate |
| Brussels – Namur – Dinant – Ardennes – Liège | 4 days | Nature, castles, kayaking, Walloon gastronomy |
| Brussels – Leuven – Mechelen – Antwerp – Bruges – Ypres | 7 days | Complete tour, béguinages, World War I memorials |
When to visit Belgium?
Belgium can be visited year-round. Spring (April–May) is ideal with blooming flowers and the first sunny days. Summer (June–August) offers the best conditions, with many festivals (Tomorrowland, Pukkelpop, Gentse Feesten). Autumn brings stunning colors to the Ardennes. In winter, the Christmas markets in Brussels, Bruges and Liège are among the most beautiful in Europe. Belgium has a temperate maritime climate — it rains often but rarely for long, so always carry an umbrella!
Budget and practical information for Belgium
Belgium uses the euro (€). The cost of living is comparable to France. Budget around €80–120 per day for a mid-range trip. The SNCB rail network is excellent and connects all cities. The SNCB pass (10 journeys) at €92 is a great deal for exploring the country by train. Bruges is pricier than average, while Liège and Ghent offer better value for money. Museums are affordable (€8–15) and many are free on the first Wednesday of the month.
- Accommodation — Hotel: €80–150/night, B&B: €60–100, hostel: €25–40
- Dining — Fry stand: €5–8, brasserie: €15–25, restaurant: €30–50
- Transport — Train Brussels–Bruges: €15, 10-journey pass: €92, De Lijn/TEC bus
- Beers — Bar: €3–5, Trappist: €4–7, brewery tasting: €10–15
Belgium off the beaten path
Beyond the classics, Belgium hides little-known gems. Tournai, one of the oldest cities in Belgium, boasts a five-towered cathedral listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mons, European Capital of Culture 2015, surprises with its Doudou festival (a folk celebration inscribed on the UNESCO list). The Belgian coast, from De Panne to Knokke, offers 67 km of beaches served by the Kusttram, the longest tramway in the world. Rural Hainaut conceals the ruins of Villers-la-Ville Abbey, one of the most moving Romantic sites in Europe. And combine with the neighboring Netherlands for an unforgettable Benelux road trip.
Practical information for Belgium
Belgium is part of the Schengen Area and the Eurozone. EU citizens only need a valid ID card. Three official languages coexist: French in Wallonia, Dutch in Flanders and German in the Eastern Cantons. Brussels is officially bilingual French-Dutch. Power sockets are type C/E (European standard). The Thalys/Eurostar high-speed train connects Paris to Brussels in 1 hour 22 minutes. Belgium has several sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage, including the Grand-Place in Brussels, the belfries and the Flemish béguinages.
Browse all our destinations to complete your European journey.
