Countries | Read more
Flags are sourced from free platforms like flagpedia.net
Belgium
Belgium offers a rich blend of historic cities, stunning architecture, and renowned cuisine. Visitors can explore Brussels' Grand Place, Bruges' medieval charm, and enjoy world-class chocolates and beers. Its cultural heritage and diverse experiences make Belgium a fascinating destination.
Photos without credits are sourced from free platforms like Unsplash and Pexels
Summary
Neighboring Countries
Overview
Months
03. March, 05. May, 06. June, 11. November, 07. July, 10. October, 01. January, 02. February, 12. December, 08. August, 09. September, 04. April
Vacation type
Sightseeing, Nature, Family, Couple, Party, Beach
Expenses
<150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
0-10°C, 10-20°C, 20-25°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm
Safety
Safe
Continent
Europe
Currency
Euro
Languages
Dutch, French, German
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit Belgium is from April to October. During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Spring (April to June): Offers blooming flowers and moderate temperatures, perfect for exploring cities and gardens.
- Summer (July to August): Provides warm weather and long daylight hours, suitable for festivals and outdoor attractions, though it can be more crowded and expensive.
- Autumn (September to October): Features cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, with fewer tourists and more affordable prices.
- Winter (November to March) can be cold and rainy, but it is also a great time for enjoying festive holiday markets and cultural events if you don’t mind the chill.
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: June-August (Summer)
Budget Vacation ($60-100/day)
Accommodation: $20-40/night (hostels, budget hotels).
Food: $15-25/day (local cafes, food stalls).
Activities: $10-20/day (museums, walking tours).
Transportation: $10-20/day (public transport).
Other Costs: $5-10/day (souvenirs).
Mid-Range Vacation ($150-250/day)
Accommodation: $60-120/night (mid-range hotels, Airbnbs).
Food: $30-50/day (restaurants, local meals).
Activities: $20-40/day (guided tours, attractions).
Transportation: $20-30/day (public transport, car rentals).
Other Costs: $10-20/day (shopping).
Luxury Vacation ($300+/day)
Accommodation: $150+/night (luxury hotels, boutique stays).
Food: $60+/day (fine dining).
Activities: $50+/day (private tours, exclusive experiences).
Transportation: $30+/day (private transport, taxis).
Other Costs: $20+/day (luxury shopping, spa treatments).
Off-Peak Season: November-March (Winter)
Budget Vacation ($50-80/day)
Accommodation: $20-30/night (budget accommodations).
Food: $10-15/day (cafes, local eateries).
Activities: $5-10/day (indoor attractions, museums).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public transit).
Other Costs: $5/day (souvenirs).
Mid-Range Vacation ($100-180/day)
Accommodation: $30-60/night (comfortable hotels).
Food: $20-30/day (restaurants).
Activities: $10-20/day (indoor activities, cultural experiences).
Transportation: $10-20/day (public transport).
Other Costs: $10/day (shopping).
Luxury Vacation ($200+/day)
Accommodation: $70+/night (luxury hotels).
Food: $30+/day (fine dining).
Activities: $20+/day (private tours, exclusive cultural experiences).
Transportation: $20+/day (private transport).
Other Costs: $10+/day (luxury shopping).
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Brussels
- The capital city of Belgium and the European Union, Brussels is known for its stunning architecture, historic sites, and vibrant cultural scene. Key attractions include the Grand Place, Atomium, and Manneken Pis.
2. Antwerp
- A major port city, Antwerp is renowned for its fashion, diamond district, and historic architecture. Notable sites include the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Antwerp Zoo, and the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS).
3. Bruges
- Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and picturesque canals, Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Popular attractions include the Belfry of Bruges, the Markt square, and the picturesque canals.
4. Ghent
- This historic city is known for its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Key attractions include Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo's Cathedral, and the picturesque Graslei and Korenlei streets.
5. Leuven
- A university town with a lively atmosphere, Leuven is known for its beautiful historic buildings and vibrant student life. Attractions include the Old Market Square, the University Library, and the Gothic-style Town Hall.
6. Liège
- Located in the Walloon region, Liège is known for its industrial history and vibrant cultural scene. Key sites include the Liège-Guillemins railway station, the Palace of the Prince-Bishops, and the Montagne de Bueren stairs.
Brussels
Islands
1. Zeebrugge
- A small island town located at the port of Bruges, Zeebrugge is known for its beach, marina, and seafood. It serves as a gateway to the North Sea and offers various recreational activities.
2. Oosteroever
- Located near Ostend, Oosteroever is an area known for its natural beauty and is accessible via a bridge. It features walking trails and beach areas.
3. Texel
- Not to be confused with the Dutch island of the same name, Texel is a small island in the Scheldt River. It is part of the municipality of Sint-Niklaas and is known for its scenic river views and natural surroundings.
Things to see
In Nature
1. Ardennes
- A picturesque region known for its dense forests, rolling hills, and charming villages. It's ideal for hiking, biking, and outdoor activities.
2. Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Nature Park
- Located in the eastern part of Belgium, this park features high moorlands, beautiful landscapes, and unique wildlife.
3. Sonian Forest
- A vast forest on the outskirts of Brussels, offering trails for hiking and cycling amid serene natural surroundings.
4. High Fens
- The highest region in Belgium, known for its peat bogs, wildlife, and hiking trails.
5. La Hulpe's Solvay Castle Park
- A beautiful park surrounding the Solvay Castle, featuring well-maintained gardens and scenic walking paths.
6. Meuse River Valley
- Known for its beautiful river landscapes, picturesque towns, and scenic walking routes.
7. Botrange Plateau
- The highest point in Belgium, offering panoramic views and nature trails in a unique highland environment.
8. Dinant Caves
- Explore the impressive caves and rock formations in the area around Dinant.
9. Treetop Adventure Park
- Located in different areas, these parks offer treetop trails and zip-lining experiences.
10. Burgundy Ardennes
- Known for its charming natural beauty and outdoor activities, including hiking and exploring the countryside.
Cultural and Historical Sites
1. Brussels Grand Place
- The central square of Brussels, known for its stunning medieval architecture and historical significance.
2. Bruges
- A beautifully preserved medieval city with canals, historic buildings, and charming streets. Key sites include the Belfry of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
3. Ghent
- A historic city featuring impressive medieval architecture, including Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo's Cathedral, and the Graslei and Korenlei.
4. Antwerp Cathedral
- The Cathedral of Our Lady, known for its remarkable Gothic architecture and art by Rubens.
5. Leuven Town Hall
- Renowned for its elaborate Gothic façade and the historic Old Market Square.
6. Waterloo Battlefield
- The site of the famous Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon was defeated. The site includes a visitor center and several memorials.
7. Musée Magritte Museum
- Located in Brussels, this museum is dedicated to the works of surrealist artist René Magritte.
8. Royal Palace of Brussels
- The official palace of the Belgian king, open to the public during the summer months.
9. Atomium
- An iconic building in Brussels, designed to resemble an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, featuring exhibitions and panoramic views.
10. Museum of Fine Arts
- Located in various cities, such as the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp and the Magritte Museum in Brussels, showcasing important art collections.
How to get around
1. Trains
- Belgium has an extensive and efficient rail network operated by SNCB/NMBS (National Railway Company). Trains connect major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent, as well as international destinations like Paris and Amsterdam.
2. Buses
- Public buses are available in cities and towns across Belgium. In cities, they are operated by local companies like De Lijn (Flanders), TEC (Wallonia), and STIB/MIVB (Brussels).
3. Trams
- Cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges have tram systems that are convenient for local travel. In Brussels, the tram network is operated by STIB/MIVB.
4. Metro
- Brussels has a modern metro system that connects various parts of the city. It’s a fast and efficient way to navigate the capital.
5. Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
- Taxis are available in cities, and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt operate in major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent.
6. Car Rentals
- Renting a car is a good option for exploring the countryside or traveling between cities, especially if you want to visit less accessible areas. Driving is on the right side of the road.
7. Cycling
- Belgium is bike-friendly with dedicated bike lanes in cities and scenic routes in the countryside. Many cities offer bike rentals, and cycling is a popular way to explore.
For city travel, the metro, trams, and buses are convenient, while trains and car rentals are best for longer journeys.
What to eat
1. Moules-Frites
- Steamed mussels served with crispy fries, typically accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces like garlic butter or mayonnaise.
2. Carbonnade Flamande
- A rich beef stew cooked with Belgian beer, onions, and mustard, often served with bread or fries.
3. Waffles
- Belgian waffles are famous for their light and fluffy texture, served with toppings like whipped cream, fresh fruits, and chocolate sauce.
4. Stoofvlees
- A traditional Flemish beef stew, slow-cooked with onions and beer, resulting in tender meat and a flavorful sauce.
5. Speculoos
- Spiced shortcrust cookies, often enjoyed with coffee, and known for their distinct caramelized flavor and crunchy texture.
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
Main Airport: Brussels Airport (BRU)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €50 to €250.
- Cheapest Months: February, March, and November.
- Peak Prices: July to August and December.
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $600 to $1,000.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and October.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $500 to $1,000.
- Cheapest Months: Early spring and late autumn.
- Peak Prices: Summer and New Year.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,200 to $2,000.
- Cheapest Months: February and October.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $600 to $1,200.
- Cheapest Months: February and November.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December.
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Many travelers can enter Belgium visa-free for short stays, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and most EU countries.
2. Visa-Free Countries
- Citizens of Schengen Area countries can enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
3. Schengen Visa
- Travelers from countries that require a visa must apply for a Schengen visa, which allows entry into Belgium and other Schengen countries.
4. Application Process
- Apply for a Schengen visa at the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country.
5. Processing Time
- Visa processing can take from a few days to a few weeks, so it’s best to apply well in advance.
6. Duration of Stay
- Most visa-free visitors can stay for up to 90 days; Schengen visa holders can also stay for up to 90 days.
7. Health Requirements
- No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but travel insurance is recommended.
8. COVID-19 Regulations
- Check for any current COVID-19 entry requirements before traveling, as regulations may change.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally safe to drink.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 230V, and plug types C and E (two round pins) are used. An adapter may be needed for devices from other regions.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or giving 5-10% for good service is appreciated.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Proximus, Orange, and Base. They can be purchased at stores, offering various prepaid data plans.
6. Driving Side
- In Belgium, people drive on the right side of the road.