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Belgium Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 25, 2024

Belgium may be small (it’s one of the smallest countries in Europe) but when it comes to things to see and do it punches well above its weight.

The country boasts over 1,000 breweries and Belgian brewers were some of the first in the world to perfect the beer-brewing process. And the country’s chocolate rivals that of Switzerland , offering decadent sweets that will have you gaining a few pounds during your visit.

On top of that, the country’s mouth-watering frites will make you look at French fries differently for the rest of your life.

And if you’re a history buff, Belgium has countless sites to keep you busy during your visit, including the famous grounds of the Battle of Waterloo, a bloody conflict in 1815 that shaped the face of modern Europe.

More often than not, Belgium gets glossed over by travelers who spend a day in Brussels, Bruges, and maybe a trip to Ghent before they travel onward. However, if you look deeper, you’ll see this country has plenty of medieval towns, historical sites, and parks worth sticking around for.

This travel guide to Belgium will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this incredible country.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Belgium

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in belgium.

1. See Brussels

Brussels is the administrative center of the European Union — and an awesome city to visit. See the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts for its paintings, the magnificent Grand Place and historic Town Hall, sample amazing beer, and more. Spend a few days soaking it all in. It’s worth it!

2. Eat and drink

Though it’s a small country, Belgium has a few culinary aces up its sleeve. Waffles, chocolate, and frites shops dot every street. Beer is produced in massive quantities (there are over 1,000 breweries here, with the most famous being Delirium Cafe in Brussels, which made the Guinness Book of World Records for its selection of over 2,000 beers). Forget the health food, Belgium is a place to indulge in tasty food and hearty brews. If you want to dive even deeper, take a food tour. Discover Belgium has a variety of different food tours offered in all the major cities across the country.

3. Admire Bruges

Bruges is a city not to be missed. It’s one of the most stunning examples of medieval towns left in Europe. BE sure to check out the 14th-century town hall, the Belfry Tower, the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, its market squares, and canals. While touristy, it’s one of the best medieval towns in Europe and worth seeing up close (at least for a day).

4. Tour Ghent

Ghent is often overlooked compared with other cities in the country, but this university town is charming. To visit the city at its liveliest, come in July when the largest cultural outdoors festival in Europe — known as “Gentse Feesten” — takes place, boasting food, music, and live street entertainment. Just make sure to book your accommodation early!

5. Explore Flanders Field

Flanders was the site of half a million deaths during World War I (over 1 million people were either killed, injured, or went missing here). There are numerous military cemeteries and ‘Missing Memorials’ commemorating those of all nationalities who fell in battle (soldiers from 50 different countries fought here over the course of the war). It was also the site of the first use of poison gas in a major conflict on the Western Front. At the museum in Ypres, visitors can learn about the harsh realities of what it was like to be a soldier in the trenches. Admission is 10-13 EUR depending on which ticket option you choose.

Other Things to See and Do in Belgium

1. visit the castles.

There are more castles per square mile in Belgium than anywhere else in the world. With over 3,000 to explore, it can be hard to know where to start. The Castle of Bouillon in the Ardennes is one of the most historic as it was built in the 11th century. Other must-sees are Beersel, which was built in the 14th century and is one of the best-preserved in the country; Gravensteen, built in the 12th century and centerpiece of the 1913 World’s Fair in Ghent; the 16th-century Gaasbeek, with its lavish rooms and art collection; and 15th-century Freÿr, which is often described as a smaller Versailles.

2. Visit Waterloo

The Battle of Waterloo took place in 1815 and brought a decisive end to the Napoleonic Wars. The battle lasted a full day and involved some 200,000 combatants — tens of thousands of whom died. At the site of the famous battle, there is a memorial in the form of a statue of a lion (looking towards France) on a hill, with 226 stairs, called La Butte du Lion (Lion’s Knoll), which represents the Allied victory. There’s also a nearby visitor center where you can watch films that explain the battle and what it meant for world history (admission is 17 EUR). While here, you can also visit the Wellington Museum (admission is 5.50 EUR). It’s located in the building where Wellington spent the night before the battle and houses maps, an overview of the battle, artifacts, and more. For 23 EUR, you can get the Pass 1815, which includes admission to the Wellington Museum, Battle of Waterloo 1815 Memorial, and Napoleon’s Last Headquarters.

3. Explore Ardennes Forest

Ardennes Forest covers an area of over 11,000 square kilometers and is the place to go skiing and hiking. The area is also famous for wild game like boar and venison, smoked ham, paté, and the world-renowned Trappist beers (beer brewed by Trappist monks). Some popular hiking trails are the Vieilles-Forges Lake Loop (easy, 11 kilometers), The Hautes-Rivières-La Semoy (moderate, 13 kilometers), and Crêtes de la Meuse (hard, 14 kilometers). There are also several multi-day hikes here as well.

4. Visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Built in the 12th century, the Cathedral of Our Lady in Tournai is one of the most striking examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral has five towers reaching heights of 83 meters (272 feet), magnificent stained-glass windows. as well as paintings by Rubens and Jacob Jordaens.

5. See Manneken Pis & Jeanneke Pis

These two iconic sculptures can be found in Brussels and are considered by many as a ‘must see’ (there is always a group of people admiring them and taking photos). They are simple, nude male and female children’s figures that are peeing water into a fountain. The male is often dressed up in costumes (and the costumes are saved so you can view previous ones from years past). They are pretty odd tourist attractions but worth a quick photo.

6. Explore the Antwerp Zoo

Located in the center of Antwerp, this zoo is a full afternoon attraction. Open since 1843, it’s one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world (part of the 1920 Olympics was hosted here). There are several exhibits and unusual garden features to be seen, including some unique animal sculptures. Some of the wildlife here includes sloths, lizards, penguins, elephants, zebras, lions, primates, and more! It’s a great place to take the kids. Admission is 27.50 EUR in the winter and 32.50 EUR the rest of the year.

7. Sample the catch of the day

Ostend Fish Market Visserskaai is an open-air market where the Ostend fishing fleet sells their daily catch (Ostend is just 45 minutes from Ghent, located on the coast). If you’re a fan of seafood, this is an awesome place to check out to eat and take in the local flavor of life on the North Sea. There are numerous restaurants along the seafront and you are guaranteed to get a fresh meal.

8. Wander Parc du Cinquantenaire

Also known as Jubelpark, this park and museum complex opened in 1880 and covers over 74 acres. Located on the southeast side of Brussels, it’s home to the Army Museum, the AutoWorld Museum, an art museum, gardens, and more. It’s a nice place to come in the summer to relax and admire the views after you’ve done some museum hopping.

9. See the Basilique de Koekelberg

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels is one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the world. In addition to its amazing architecture and impressive art deco, it offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding area. Completed in 1970, the church is very close to the center of town and is free to see (just dress respectfully as it is a place of worship). Admission to climb the tower is 8 EUR.

10. Explore Antwerp

The country’s second-largest city, Antwerp offers an extraordinary variety of local food and beer for visitors to enjoy. For those interested in art, the Royal Fine Arts Museum houses the world’s best collection of the Flemish Masters’ works, including the largest group of Rubens masterpieces in existence. You can also see Brabo Fountain (a fountain with a weird sculpture of a man throwing his severed arm), the Art Nouveau Little Boat building, and the Whisperer statue (it’s a statue that lets you leave a message that someone else can listen to if they input the right code).

11. See the windmills

Belgium has a long history of using windmills, which were used for cutting wood, pumping water, and grinding grain. There are a number of historic windmills from the 18th-20th century still standing throughout the country, some of which you can visit too. Most are located near Bruges.

12. Visit the European Parliament

Founded in 1952, the EU parliament in Brussels is where all 705 members (from 27 countries) meet to debate the future of the EU. You can watch a parliamentary session in the debating chamber (known as the Hemicycle) or tour the building (with an audio guide) when parliament isn’t in session. Space is limited so book in advance (it’s free). On Mondays at 11am and 3pm, there are in-depth guided tours offered in both English and French.

For more information on specific cities in Belgium, check out these guides:

• Brussels Travel Guide
• Bruges Travel Guide

How to Stay Safe in Belgium

Belgium is a safe place to travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even if you’re a solo female traveler. Violent crime here is very rare, though petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas so always keep your valuables secure and out of reach.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams here are rare, but watch out for random people offering you stuff as this often is done to distract you while someone else swipes your belongings. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Belgium

Belgium has plenty of fun, social, and affordable hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• KaBa Hostel (Ghent)
• Sleep Well (Brussels)
• Brussels 2Go4 Quality Hostel Grand Place (Brussels)
• easyHotel Brussels (Brussels)
• Meininger Brussels City Center (Brussels)
• Snuffel Backpackers Hostel (Bruges)
• St. Christopher’s Inn Bauhaus Hostel (Bruges)
• Lybeer Travellers’ Hostel (Bruges)
• Boomerang Hostel (Antwerp)
• Yust Antwerp (Antwerp)
• Ecohostel Andromeda (Ghent)

Belgium Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel Dorms – 18-35 EUR per night
• Hostel private rooms – 70-150 EUR per night
• Budget hotels – 75-150 EUR per night
• Airbnb private rooms – 50-60 EUR per night
• Airbnb apartments – 150-200 EUR per night
• Campsite – 13-17 EUR per night
• Cafe meals – 7-12 EUR
• Street food – 3-6 EUR
• Sit-down restaurants – 15-60 EUR
• Casual take-out places – 8-14 EUR
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 9 EUR
• Beer – 4-5 EUR
• Glass of wine – 4-5 EUR
• Cappuccino/latte- 3-4 EUR
• Bottled water -2 EUR
• Groceries for a week – 60-70 EUR

Belgium Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 60 eur per day.

If you’re backpacking, this budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, taking public transportation and walking everywhere, limiting your drinking, and doing most free activities, such as free walking tours and visiting the markets.

Midrange – 150 EUR Per Day

On a mid-range budget, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, enjoy a few drinks, eat out for some meals, take the occasional taxi to get around, rent a bike, and do more paid activities like visiting museums, taking a canal cruise, and visiting castles.

Upscale – 270 EUR Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, take more taxis, and do whatever activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Belgium Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Belgium is not a cheap country to visit. Accommodation is expensive and food and drinks can really add up. While it will never be the cheapest country in the world, there are a few ways to cut costs. Here are my tips on how to save money in Belgium:

Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Drink beer – This country has so many breweries (the most per capita in the world!) that beer is the cheapest form of alcohol. A beer will set you back just a few euros so if you’re going to drink, stick to beer.

Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to share and share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to save money and have a more local experience.

Eat cheap – If you’re going to eat out, stick to things like sandwiches, kebabs, and frites. These meals cost between 5-7 EUR and are your cheapest options (unless you cook your own meals).

Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the country for cheap. It isn’t glamorous, but for tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!

Go on a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and to avoid missing any must-see stops. You can find them in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!

Get a city tourist card – Local tourism offices have a tourist card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. Available in cities like Brussels and Bruges, this card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money if you’re planning to see and do a lot and you can choose between 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour passes.

Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe and affordable. It’s usually faster than the bus — and much more interesting!

Have an ISIC Card – To save up to 50% on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not.

How to Get Around in Belgium

Public transportation – Belgium’s cities and towns have excellent public transportation. Brussels has the only metro system in the country but there are trams in all major cities. Public buses also run everywhere. Tickets cost between 2.50-3 EUR.

Most cities have transportation passes too. Brussels has a STIB-MIVB pass that provides unlimited rides for 24 hours for just 7.50 EUR. In Antwerp, you can purchase a day pass for 7 EUR. Multi-day options are also available.

Taxis – Taxis are generally quite expensive, and seeing as how you can get around on foot or by public transit, they’re not recommended. Fares start at 3 EUR but they can also start as high as 8.50 EUR in some places (like Ghent). Each kilometer starts costs between 2-2.50 EUR, depending on the city. Skip them if you can!

Train – Travel around the country by train isn’t that expensive as the country is relatively small. Brussels to Bruges via train costs about 10 EUR for the one-hour trip. Brussels to Antwerp via train costs about 6 EUR for the 45-minute ride.

You can track schedules and fares on the SNCB website. To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option if you’re doing some country hopping. For more information, here’s a detailed breakdown of how Eurail passes work and can save you money.

But if you’re staying within Belgium, the SNCB also has some great value passes:

• Rail Pass Ten – This pass gives you 10 one-way trips anywhere in the country if you’re over 26 years old. The 2nd-class pass is 86 EUR, and it’s 131 EUR for the first-class pass. It’s valid for one year, and if you don’t use the whole thing, you can hand it off to someone else.
• Go Pass 10 – This is the same as the Rail Pass but for people under 26 years old. It costs 55 EUR.
• Go Unlimited – For people under 26 years old, you can get a week of unlimited travel during school holidays for 18 EUR, or a month of unlimited travel in July or August for 29 EUR.

Bus – Intercity bus tickets are often under 10 EUR for most journeys. Getting to and from most of the major airports is easy, with buses and trains readily available. Expect to pay 10 EUR (usually less) for a one-way ticket.

There are a few major bus companies servicing Belgium, including:

I recommend Flixbus for the cheapest rates and most comfortable buses. You can get from Brussels to Antwerp for as little as 4 EUR, or Brussels to Bruges for 6 EUR. Research the schedule ahead of time, however, as buses tend to not run every day. You may also need to use a service like STIB-MIVB if you’re venturing off the tourist trail.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Belgium is very safe, though not very common. HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info and tips for Belgium.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for 35 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. However, with trains and buses so cheap, I’d only rent a car here if you want to get off the beaten path. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old. To find the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Belgium

The peak travel season in Belgium is from July to August, when tourism traffic is at its highest (especially in coastal areas). It’s always warm and pleasant, with temperatures rarely going above 22°C (72°F). Rainfall increases slightly during the summer months, so bring some rain gear just in case. Expect crowds and higher prices during this period.

Personally, I think May-June and September-October are the best times to visit. In the spring, the entire countryside blossoms. Temperatures are pleasant, around 14-18°C (57-64°F), and there are fewer crowds. The same goes for autumn when the fall colors in the countryside become a photographer’s dream. Fall temperatures range from 5-19°C (41-66°F). You’ll get a lot of sunshine and better prices everywhere. Just bring a sweater and rain jacket.

The low season is during the winter, from November to March. The average daily temperature is 3°C (38°F) but it can go a lot lower than that as well. It can be very cold during these months but Belgium doesn’t get very much snow. Bruges and Ghent are particularly beautiful during this time of year and you can’t beat a mug of hot Belgian chocolate at a Christmas market!

Belgium Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Belgium Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Belgium travel and continue planning your trip:

The Best Things to Do and See in Brussels

My Step-By-Step Guide to Backpacking Europe

My 13 Favorite Hostels in Europe

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Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

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• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

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Belgium Itinerary: How to See the Best of Belgium in 3 or 4 Days

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 27, 2023

Visiting Belgium for the first time and are not sure where to start with planning your trip? Then this post is for you. In this article, we feature a suggested Belgium itinerary that brings you to the most beautiful places in Belgium in three or four days . Read on!

Our tiny country is squeezed in between the top-tourist destinations like London , Amsterdam , or Paris and is therefore often overlooked. But Belgium has a lot to offer to any type of traveler!

Since I know that many people don’t have a lot of time to explore Belgium deeper, here are my very best recommendations for a short first trip to Belgium .

Even if you are visiting Belgium for just one or two days, you will be able to plan your trip using our tips below. But if you have the time, I recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days in Belgium .

My recommended three day Belgium itinerary includes the capital city Brussels and the most beautiful towns of Flanders – Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges.

If you have four days in Belgium I also strongly recommend visiting one of the historic war sites in Belgium – either Ypres and WWI battlefields or Bastogne and its WWII museums and monuments.

TIP: The distances in Belgium are not big and there are good railway connections between all major towns. Therefore you can base yourself in any city and make day trips from there – that way you don’t have to pack/unpack all the time. But you can, of course, stay in a different town every day as well. Find out!

Good to know: Since most of the main highlights of Belgium are towns, you can visit Belgium in any season. 

Recommended Belgium itinerary:

Day 1: Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and a city every tourist has to see at least once. In my opinion, one day is plenty of time in order to see the main highlights of Brussels. If you want to visit museums (Musical Instruments Museum is my favorite and there are so many more) and less centrally located areas you will, of course, need more time.

Here is my suggested itinerary for Brussels in one day:

In the morning, take a walk in the town center and don’t miss the following places:

• Grand Place and the Town Hall. The central square of Brussels is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful town squares in the world. Surrounded by the decorative 17the century guild houses, the impressive City Hall and the Maison du Roi (now the Brussels City Museum) it’s a place not to be missed. My favorite time to go is in the evening when the crowds are smaller and the buildings are nicely lit.
• Manneken Pis.  According to one of the legends, the little peeing boy saved the city from the fire and is the ultimate symbol of Brussels. The iconic bronze statue will surprise you with its small size. Depending on the day you visit, you might see him naked or dressed. Manneken Pis has over 1000 costumes for all kinds of different occasions. Here you can read the real story of Manneken-Pis and how he became so popular.
• Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert . The 19th-century pedestrian gallery with numerous boutiques and restaurants is not to be missed.
• St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral . Finished at the beginning of the 16th century, the impressive Gothic cathedral took over 300 years to build. It is here that all significant Belgian monarchy’s celebrations take place: coronations, weddings, and state funerals.
• Royal Palace of Brussels.  The official palace of the Belgian King in the center of Brussels is used for all kinds of official events and can be visited from the end of July till the beginning of September. The Royal family itself lives in the Castle of Laeken, on the outskirts of Brussels.
• Mont des Arts. This ‘hill of the arts’ is a nice garden overlooking the Sablon area and the City Hall of Brussels.
• Brussels Stock Exchange . Impressive architecture.

In the afternoon take a metro to the Heysel area and visit   Atomium . If you have an hour to spare, you may want to visit Mini Europe  as well. It’s one of the nicest family-friendly attractions in Brussels. Combination tickets are available for both attractions.

In the evening head back to the city center of Brussels, see the nicely lit Grand Place, and check out the famous dining area –  Rue des Bouchers. I don’t advise dining here as the restaurants are real tourist traps, but this street has such a unique atmosphere that no visit to Brussels would be complete without passing by here.

A bit hidden out of sight, the ‘sister’ of the Manneken Pis – Jeanneke Pis can be found in a small alley next to the Rue des Bouchers.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Brussels

Some practical tips for visiting Brussels:

• Brussels is a good base for exploring Belgium. There are direct train connections to all the major towns.
• Where to eat. Like in many cities, there are many good restaurants in Brussels, but there are real tourist traps as well. One of our favorites for traditional Belgian food in the center of Brussels is ‘t Kelderke located right on Grand Place. Despite its central location, this restaurant managed to maintain high-quality standards for many years. Recently we discovered a really nice Italian restaurant – Spago that I would also recommend.
• Safety. Brussels is a rather safe city, but – as in any other big city – there are some areas to avoid and simple safety tips to follow. For more information, please check our guide – is Brussels safe?
• Where to stay. If you decide to use Brussels as your base for exploring Belgium, I would advise staying close to the Central Station (e.g. Hilton Grand Place ) – from there you can easily get to the airport and to the other towns. Here you can read our complete guide to the best places to stay in Brussels and here you can find the top 10 of the most popular hotels in Brussels center .

READ ALSO: Brussels Christmas Market & Brussels Flower Carpet

Day 2: Antwerp

Antwerp is my personal favorite Belgian town. It’s not as big as Brussels, not as touristic as Bruges or Ghent, and therefore has a more authentic feeling. I strongly suggest that you spend the whole day in Antwerp.

Since we live nearby, I have quite a few more detailed blog posts highlighting the  best things to do in Antwerp with kids ,  exploring Antwerp by bike , etc.

Below are my suggestions for the main places you have to see in Antwerp.  Below, you can find a link to our more detailed guide to the best things to do in Antwerp, including a suggested city walk with the map.

• Central Station
• Antwerp Zoo
• Rubens House
• Groenplaats
• Cathedral of Our Lady
• Grote Markt
• Steen Castle
• MAS rooftop terrace
• The New Port House
• Starline Museum

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Antwerp & Antwerp Hidden Gems

Some practical tips for visiting Antwerp:

• Antwerp is very well located and has excellent connections to Brussels Airport and Brussels city center (35-40 min), but also to Ghent (50 min) and Bruges (1h30).
• In my view, Antwerp is as good a place to base yourself for exploring Belgium as Brussels. Depending on when you visit, it’s likely that it will be somewhat cheaper to stay in Antwerp than in Brussels. Here you can find accommodation in Antwerp .

Day 3: Ghent and Bruges

While some people choose to spend the whole day in each Ghent and Bruges, you can see the very best these cities have to offer in just half a day as well. So if you are short on time, you can visit Ghent and Bruges on the same day. The train between the two towns only takes 35 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take an organized day trip from Brussels  – they will take you to the most beautiful spots of these two must-see Flemish towns.

I suggest that you go to Ghent first (you’ll see why later). The Dampoort Railway Station is the one closest to the old historic town center.

Here are the main places not to be missed in Ghent:

• Gravensteen. The 10th-century castle is worth a short visit.
• Leie river. Take a walk along Graslei and Korenlei and past  St Michael’s Bridge.  A great way to explore Ghent is by taking a short boat trip.
• Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral . Inside you can opt to visit the famous  Ghent Altarpiece , aka the Mystic Lamb painting.
• Belfry and Cloth Hall and St. Nicholas Church are also worth a short visit.

Have lunch in Ghent, then head back to the Dampoort Railway Station and take a train to Bruges.

I always advise visiting Bruges toward the evening because it’s crowded with tourists during the day. Bruges is a fairytale-like place, but it’s difficult to truly appreciate it if you have to squeeze your way through the crowds.

However, only a very small percentage of tourists actually stay in Bruges, so in the evening the city is completely deserted, and you can have the whole place to yourselves. 

If you come by train, plan to stay late in the evening and explore the beautiful canals after all the day tourists have left. It’s my very best tip for anyone visiting Bruges for the first time.

Here are the main things to do in Bruges for first-time visitors:

• Lake of Love – Minnewater .
• The old beguinage Ten Wijngaerde.
• Belfort of Bruges – you can climb this medieval tower for beautiful views.
• Market Place – the central town square of Bruges.
• Burg Square is really beautiful too. Take a narrow passageway left from the City Hall towards the Vismarkt (Fish Market), then go right (South) and follow the canals in the direction of the Church of Our Lady .
• A real must-do in Bruges is a boat ride on the canals .
• If you have some time left, you could visit one of the breweries – De Halve Maan Brewery or Bourgogne des Flanders Brewery .

Have dinner in one of the many restaurants in Bruges and head back to the canals. As I said, it’s a very different atmosphere in the evening.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Bruges

TIP: if you are planning to visit the WWI battlefields (see below), then it’s best to stay in Bruges to avoid driving up and down too much.

Day 4: World War I Battlefields near Ypres

To some people, WWI battlefields are the main reason to visit Belgium. But the majority of tourists never even consider it…

I have to admit that it took us many years to get there (and we live in Belgium), but it was so worth it! There is so much history in those war cemeteries, fields, and trenches! 

We now visited Ypres and the WWI battlefields several times, with our kids, and it’s an experience I would recommend to everyone. Below, you can find a link to a detailed guide for your visit.

Here are the main places not to miss when visiting the WWI battlefields:

• Ypres: In Flanders Fields Museum and the Menin Gate
• Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial
• Langemark German War Cemetery
• Yser Tower – IJzertoren Diksmuide
• Trench of Death, Diksmuide
• Essex Farm Cemetery
• Vladslo German War Cemetery

LEARN MORE: Ypres and the WWI Battlefields

Some practical tips for visiting the WWI battlefields:

• You will need a car to get there, or you can join an organized day tour from Bruges .

TIP: If you are interested in the history of the Second World War, you may want to visit Bastogne town in the French-speaking part of Belgium.

LEARN MORE: Bastogne War Museum & Mardasson Memorial

If you only have three or four days in Belgium, then this itinerary is all you need. If you have more time and are looking for ideas on what else to see, check our other blog posts about Belgium for more inspiration.

You could also consider visiting the French-speaking part of Belgium with beautiful places like Namur, Dinant , Durbuy, etc. Luxembourg is also just a 2,5 hours drive from Brussels and there are lots of beautiful places to visit near Luxembourg .

Winter TIP: If you are visiting Belgium in winter , don’t miss our Christmas markets. Here you can find our selection of the best Christmas markets in Belgium .

Summer TIP for families: If you are visiting Belgium with kids, take them to a theme park. Here you can read about our recommended Belgian theme parks .

Belgium FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions that our readers ask about visiting Belgium:

As a minimum, we recommend 3-4 days in Belgium. With 3 days, you can briefly visit the most beautiful cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. If you have 4 days, you can also visit some of the famous Belgian war sites.

Belgium is a year round destination and because most landmarks are located in the cities, you can visit at any time of the year. For the best weather, come between April and September. In summer, Belgium hosts lots of festivals and events. From mid-November until January, you can visit Belgian Christmas markets.

Belgium is a small country and it’s possible to stay in one place and see everything. For that, Brussels is probably the best place to stay. Alternatively, Antwerp or Ghent are also well located for exploring the main cities in Belgium. If you decide to stay in Brussels, we recommend staying close to the Central Station. That way, you can easily make day trips to other destinations in Belgium.

Yes, Belgium is absolutely worth visiting! There is so much history, stunning architecture, and arts. Also Belgian food is worth a trip in itself.

The main highlights of Belgium are its cities. Don’t miss Brussels, the canals of Bruges, Antwerp city center, and charming Ghent. If you are interested in war history, Belgium has some interesting war sites, especially around Ypres and Bastogne.

Belgium has a reputation for being a rainy country. However, in recent years, we often have very long periods with no rain at all. While there is always a chance that it will rain in Belgium, you can also have the most beautiful sunny weather during the entire trip. In principle, the driest months in Belgium are between April and September.

READ ALSO: Fun & Interesting Facts About Belgium

More tips for visiting Benelux:

• Brussels in summer: Brussels Flower Carpet
• Belgium in winter: What It’s Like to Travel in Belgium in Winter & Brussels Christmas Market & Antwerp Christmas Market & Bruges Christmas Market
• Antwerp: Best Things to Do in Antwerp & Hidden Gems of Antwerp
• Amsterdam: Best Things to Do in Amsterdam & 1 Day in Amsterdam & 2 Days in Amsterdam
• Netherlands: Best Day Trips in the Netherlands & Best Tulip Fields in the Netherlands
• Luxembourg: Best Day Trips from Luxembourg

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

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Friday 16th of August 2024

Hi, thanks for you article.

I liked the activies in Brussels, however, the idea to visit Mini Europa is completely ridiculous. No Belgian would ever suggest this place to be a highlight, especially not for a 3-4 day trip.

Kind regards.

Well, I'm a Belgian and so is my family, and we have been to Mini-Europe a few times. We also took some international visitors and everyone always enjoyed it. Many overseas tourists love it too, so we like to show our readers different options and let them decide what they like to see and do. Thousands of amazing reviews (e.g. on GYG - also from Belgians and people from neighboring countries) show that many people find it more than worth it. But I'm sure there are plenty of others - like you - who have different opinions (often without ever having set a foot inside ;)). In fact, I personally wouldn't go to the Atomium just for it alone, but in combination with the Mini-Europe, it becomes well worth a detour from the city center. But that's just my opinion. And yes, there are plenty of other great things to do in Brussels, especially for museum enthusiasts.

Joe Hartnett

Saturday 13th of July 2024

Hello Jurga: We are strongly considering visiting Belgium next Spring. It is best to know that we are also 65+ years old. We like to take our time and not rush. Belgium looks very interesting to me. Do you think that 12 days would be too long to visit Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges? Thanks, Joe

Tuesday 6th of August 2024

@Jurga, Thanks Jurga These smaller towns don't appear in the guide books

Monday 15th of July 2024

Hi Joe, 12 days is a nice amount of time to explore Belgium, but I would venture outside these main cities as well. Spend a few days in Brussels, a few in Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges. Visit the war sites if you are interested, spend some time at the coast (we love a seaside walk between De Haan and Wenduine, for example, or the sand dunes of De Panne, and Oostende is well worth a visit too). If you are visiting during the orchard blossom season, visit the area around Sint-Truiden - Borgloon (don't miss the “Reading between the Lines” See-through Church). Hallerbos near Brussels is worth seeing when the bluebells bloom. If you want to see some nice smaller towns, check out Mechelen, Leuven, Hasselt, Ypres, or Lier in Flanders or Namur, Dinant, Durbuy, Liege, Bastogne, or the Caste of Bouillon in the French-speaking part of Belgium. There is so much to see and you won't have difficulties filling two weeks or even more. Have a great trip!

Need your advise. We are planning a trip that starts in Paris and we want see Bastogne, Beigium because our father was in the Battle of the Bulge. We also want to stop in Bayeux and Deauville France. Please let me know how you would plan the travel and if it is doable in 4 - 5 days. Your expertise and advise very welcome. Thank you, margaret

Hi Margaret, the best way to visit all these places would be by renting a car. We use this website to find the best deals for car hire. We also recommend using Google Maps to plan your trip, estimate driving times and distances, etc. Just keep in mind that depending on when you travel, traffic can be very busy around the main cities so you need to factor in some extra time for potential traffic jams. I don't know if you have looked at the map already. Bastogne is about 4 hours drive from Paris and in a totally different direction than Bayeux or Deauville (which are both also at least 3 hours drive away). If you have 4-5 days outside of Paris, you could plan a nice little road trip, but if you only have that much time including the city and want to use Paris as your base, then you have to prepare for some very long drives on at least two days. Also, driving in and around Paris can be quite stressful if you aren't used to it, so I would never use the city as your base if renting a car. Hope this helps. Good luck with the planning and have a great trip!

Wednesday 26th of June 2024

Hi there, I am taking my son to the Spa Grand Prix in July (staying in Trois -Ponts) and am going to combine it with some sightseeing around Belgium. Having read your fabulous article, we will visit Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges. I am trying to decide the best way to travel, my options are i) to drive from UK to Calais via the shuttle and then do Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels and then to Spa. How easy is it to drive around and park in these towns and cities? ii) Fly to Brussels and a) hire a car or b) take train to the various places and just hire a car to go to Spa iii) Euro star and train to the various places and then hire a car at Brussels to travel to Spa

If I drive, we will leave Spa on Sunday evening and get the shuttle back sometime on Monday, any recommendations are where to stay over / visit on the way back to Calais?

Thanks in advance.

Thursday 27th of June 2024

Hi Nicola, only you can decide what makes the most sense for you. Overall, you don't need a car to explore the main cities and if you have one, it will likely make things more complex. Some places (like Antwerp) have low-emission zones where not all cars are allowed, in Brussels, there are very strict speed limits, and in most cities, parking is very expensive and not always easy to find. Plus, there are constant traffic jams, all over Flanders and around Brussels. July will be quieter than normal since it's a school holiday, but still. If it were me, I would do as much as possible by train and only rent a car to visit Spa (although even that is possible by public transport, but is a bit less straightforward than places that can easily be reached by train). And yes, Eurostar is usually so much more relaxing than flying, especially if you are coming from London. Otherwise, if you live close to an airport, that could be easier. Once again, see what makes sense for you. And if you drive between Spa and Calais, you could stop at Dinant or Namur for a few hours. But if you are looking for a place closer to Calais, then Lille in France is the nicest option. It's a beautiful city.

Joan Williams

Saturday 27th of April 2024

I saved your article for years (due to Covid). We were finally in Belgium this past week. I found your suggestions extremely helpful. We had dinner at Spago and it was very good. We toured Brussels and went to Bruges and Ghent in one day. We skipped Antwerp and went to Leuven instead. A local we met on the train suggested it. The people are very friendly and helpful. Thanks for a very helpful article.

Monday 29th of April 2024

Glad to hear that you enjoyed the trip, Joan, but it's a pity you missed Antwerp. Next time ;).

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"Belgium is famous for Tintin, Hercule Poirot, beer and chocolate but has a great deal more to offer and I love exploring it with our travellers"

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Stroll through the beautiful Bruges

Horse drawn carts, brick façade buildings and waterfront windmills make Bruges a place to savor. Climb the 83-meter Belfry Tower for sweeping views and to watch treats being made at the Chocolate Line. Charm is packed into these flower dressed streets.

Admire the delicate art of Belgian lace

Step back in time to a cultural heritage delicately laced since the 15th century. Though some points in history saw nearly 50,000 people dedicated to this craft in Belgium, it is now a unique specialty. Experience the country’s romantic white lace at the interactive Kantcentrum museum.

See the Atomium

Designed in homage to the country’s metals industries and in celebration of the atomic age, the Atomium is a symbol of modern European architecture. Step inside one of nine 18-meter spheres to dine, admire views and browse its exhibitions.

Taste delicious chocolate in Brussels

Sample one too many delightfully smooth blocks of milky cacao in the city of Brussels. You’ll find many chocolate shops along the streets. Visit Choco-Story the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate to immerse deeply and deliciously into this culinary wonder.

Learn about Flanders farm life

Feel a deep connection to the land by visiting one of almost 500 organic farms and conservation areas spread over Flanders in the north of Belgium. Outside, you’ll be delighted by fields of blueberries, rows of brightly colored flowers and free-roaming animals, before stepping inside the charming farmhouse for a local meal.

Our top 5 things to do in Belgium

Waltz through fields of blueberries, see a masterpiece of modern European architecture and be charmed by waterfront windmills. Discover the true heart of the country on a Belgium travel experience with Trafalgar.

Royal Palace

Stand before The Royal Palace of Brusselsin awe ofthe imperial magnitude of the neoclassical façade – one that measures 50 percent longer than that of Buckingham Palace. Soak in the opulence as you get escorted through lavish ceremonial rooms including the Mirror Room encrusted with 1.4 million iridescent jewel beetles.

Plantin-Moretus Museum

Explore the ancient city of Antwerp and immerse yourself in the publishing dynasty of Plantin and Moretus. Browse through the UNESCO World Heritage Listed museum and see priceless typographical antiquities including two of the oldest printing presses in the world. Lose yourself in the collection of 30,000 books and visit the bookshop dating back to 1700.

Magritte Museum

Pay homage to Belgian artist René Magritte at Magritte Museum. Behold the largest collection of Magritte’s work including some 230 paintings, drawings, and sculptures as well as his experiments with photography from 1920 and short films from 1956. Trace his development across surrealism, and Magritte’s “vache” period, through to his signature bowler hats.

Best museums in Belgium

An often underrated destination, Belgium attractions are a surprise to many. Step a little closer on our trips to Belgium and you’ll find a place bursting with culture and museums, from an ancient printing press to a decadent royal palace.

Moules-Frites

Erase your appreciation for fish and chips with its far superior Belgian alternative, mussels and fries. The mussels are usually boiled with fresh herbs and oil – use the left-over juices as dipping sauce for your thin cut fries.

Belgian Beer

The perfect way to wash down Moules-Frites – or any meal, in fact – is with a Belgian beer. Perfecting their brew since the 12th century, fermented cereal grains are part of this country’s heritage. Even fussy beer drinkers will find a variety to love.

Belgian Waffles

Only a few fortunate countries brag a national dish as special as the Belgian waffle. With a perfect consistency both soft and crunchy and countless sweet toppings to choose from, eat this lovable snack from a street vendor, fancy restaurant, or both.

Best food in Belgium

Our trips to Belgium gravitate around the country’s delicious food. Journey with us to connect with the culinary heritage behind these world-famous delights, drifting from herb soaked mussels to Belgian waffles, with a few local beers in between.

What to pack for Belgium

Loose-fitting clothes

Between the beer, waffles, fries and chocolate, no amount of walking will fend off the feeling of gluttony. Pack loose-fitting clothes so you can indulge in Belgium’s food without any discomfort.

A book or app dedicated to flowers

A country famed for its biennial Flower Carpet festival, Belgium is alive with floral colors at many times of the year. Take a book or download an app and you’ll quickly learn to differentiate varieties of begonias and poppies.

Comfortable shoes

From the flower lined streets of Bruge, to the gorgeous fields of Flanders, you'll need a reliable pair of walking shoes for your trip to Belgium.

An open mind

Belgium is known for its progressive mindset and forward-thinking legal system, often praised for re-shaping outdated systems long before the rest of the world. Feel right at home here with an open mind.

Your credit card

The Belgian city of Antwerp has been dubbed the diamond capital of the world. Home to the second largest port in Europe, it is said that nearly half of the world’s diamonds shimmy through here. Pack your credit card if you care to splurge.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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How to Get Around Belgium Like a Local

Belgium, grouped with Luxembourg and the Netherlands to make up the Benelux countries, is a fascinating tourism destination. It's a required side trip on the Grand Tour for beer and chocolate lovers. The landscape is a lush green, and it's flat for easy rural walking. There are plenty of castles and gardens to keep the traveler enamored with the medieval period busy.

Art lovers can be kept busy viewing the likes of the masters Peter Paul Rubens, Sir Antony van Dyck and Rene Magritte. Adolphe Sax, born in Dinant , invented the famous jazz instrument that takes his name--and jazz has become increasingly popular in Belgium in recent years.

And talk about diversity! Belgium is divided into three regions, each with language, culinary and cultural differences. The Flemish Region or Flanders occupies the north, the Walloon Region or Wallonia occupies the south, and the Brussels-Capital Region is central to Belgium.

Belgium doesn't seem to take the standard prizes in the "What's the best place in Europe to visit?" popularity sweepstakes, which is why I tend to think of it as Europe's Best Kept Travel Secret.

Belgium Tourism Map Showing Rail Lines

One of the great things about visiting Belgium is its diminutive size and the interesting cities crammed together so they're just a short train ride from each other. You won't spend a lot of time (or money) getting from one destination to another. Plus, it's very easy to get to London and Paris as well as other destinations in Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

The Thalys high speed train whisks you from Brussels to Paris in about an hour and a half. Brussels to London takes a little over two hours. You can be in Cologne, Germany from Brussels on the cheaper normal trains in under three hours.

Belgium Cities and towns

The major cities popular with tourists are Brussels , Bruges , and Ghent, and Antwerp, followed by smaller cities like Liège, Dinant , Damme , Mechelen, and Mon.

Belgium is also a focal point for World War I sites, many including remnants of the rather brutal trench warfare as in the Trench of Death in Dixmude .

Where to Stay

Belgium has a wide range of accommodations. There are usually hotels near train stations, many budget, a few seedy. You may inspect a hotel before committing to it. There are many hostels in larger cities like Brussels.

Belgium has many self-catering accommodations, from small apartments to sprawling villas for large families and groups. Self-catering can save money over renting hotel rooms, especially for families. HomeAway lists almost 400 vacation rentals in Belgium (book direct).

Farm stays are popular with those who like the rural environment; we enjoyed our stay at Hoeve Spreeuwenburg.

What to Eat and Drink in Belgium

Frites  -or the misnamed "french" fries. Pretty much the national dish, except for the superb waterzooi. You have them with mayonnaise. Find: The Best Belgian Frites

Waterzooi -from a Flemish word meaning "simmering water" comes a hearty stew of local fish (or chicken) with vegetables and herbs, often enriched by a trio of the kitchen god's best: butter, egg yolks and cream.

Carbonnades  - meat cooked with brown beer, the national dish of Belgium. (Cabonnades Flamandes recipe)

Belgian Endive  - White Gold, an endive kept in darkness for most of its life. Often served braised (recipe)

Chocolate  - Belgian Chocolate! Yes, it goes without saying. See: The Best Belgian Chocolate Shops Travel Guide

Beer  - Aficionados of Bud Lite need not read further. The rest of you who like variety and flavor must try one of these: Lambic Ale, Abbey and Trappist Ale, Witbier (wheat), Sour Ale, Brown Ale, Amber Ale, or Strong Golden Ale. You can even order Pilsner. See: Belgian Beer Styles and Food Pairings.

The language spoken in the northern region of Flanders speak Dutch. People in the southern region, Wallonia, speak French. German is spoken in the East near the German Border. English is widely spoken in main tourist areas.

If you would like to learn a few words of Dutch, there are online resources enabling you to do so. One of them is SpeakDutch .

Transportation to and within Belgium

Brussels Airport , east of Brussels, is the only international airport in Belgium. "Taxis with a taximeter are permanently available in front of the arrivals hall. The fare from the airport to the city centre of Brussels is normally around € 45. Licensed taxis can be recognized by the blue and yellow emblem. Travellers are advised to avoid unlicensed taxis!" There is also bus service.

Getting to Belgium - By Train

The  Eurostar goes  between Brussels and London and fast  TGV trains  link Brussels with Paris and  Amsterdam . There is a Benelux rail pass available as well as one which adds France, and one which adds Germany (buy direct). See Our Belgium Map and Travel Essentials for more detailed transportation information.

Belgium is served by an extensive rail system as you can see in the map above. The Belgian Railway is called the SNCB and its website is here . Many discounts and passes are offered to the tourist or occasional traveler.

The fast trains in Belgium are the TGV trains. They run on three routes shown in red on the map. The red Thalys high-speed train links Paris to Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne and Dusseldorf.

Railpasses: A Benelux Tourrail Pass is good for five days unlimited rail travel throughout Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands within a one month period. Two adults traveling together get a discount. The Youth Pass will save money for folks younger than 26. A France-Belgium-Luxembourg-Netherlands Pass is also available.

The Eurostar will take you quickly from London to Brussels and other cities in Belgium.

There is direct bus transportation from the airport to Antwerp, Eindhoven (Sabena) and to Rotterdam (Virgin Express).

There are about 150,000 miles of highways in Belgium. You will need a car to take you to the smaller villages.

Belgium enjoys a moderate climate. It rains frequently but for short durations in most of Belgium. For an overview of climate throughout the year in some of Belgium's most popular destinations see the interactive map at Belgium Travel Weather .

Etiquette and Culture in Belgium

Visitors to Belgium might be concerned about cultural habits and etiquette, especially when business is part of the plan. Executive Planet has information on the most common situations that might get you in trouble.

Restaurants in Belgium

A restaurant in Belgium is a pretty elegant eating place. If you're looking for something a little more informal, look for a bistro, café, restaurant-café, or brasserie. While food is relatively expensive in Belgium, you can also find broodjeswinkel (sandwich shops), or pannekoekhuije (pancake houses) offering good bargains in food.

Lunch is generally served from 12 to 3pm and dinner from 7 to 10 pm.

A "menu" refers to the special of the day.

See the food section of our Belgium article for what to look for in the way of food and drink.

Service charges are included in hotel, restaurant, shopping bills and taxi fares. Belgians commonly round up the total amount to determine the tip.

Alison Wellner, our guide to Culinary travel, recommends the 6 Belgian Food Experiences for Travelers.

Currency in Belgium

The currency in Belgium is the Euro. At the time the Euro was adopted, its value was set at 44.3399 Belgian Francs.

Belgian Chocolate and How It Became Popular

You have checked into your hotel. Bags have been dumped on the bed, a map has been procured from the front desk, and off you go.

It won't be more than 5 minutes before you will encounter a shop with things made of chocolate. Yes, there are little shells like you'll encounter in Guylian chocolates--but there are way more tempting ways to market chocolate for some people: if you don't want your children to gander upon the lusty wonders as you see in the picture, you may need an opaque shopping bag to throw over their heads. Belgians do not flee, especially from breasts.

Belgians make a relatively pure chocolate, but so does Italy. There's a reason you think of Belgian chocolate before you think of Italian chocolate. First of all there are over 2,130 chocolate shops in little Belgium. Then there's consumption:

"According to the International Cocoa Organization, Belgium ranks number two in per capita consumption of chocolate, with Belgians enjoying an average of 11.03 kilograms per year." ~ Belgium Chocolate .

During the 17th century Spain ruled Belgium. The Spanish consumed chocolate as a drink from chocolate they got in South America.

Once the Belgians got a taste for it, they looked for their own source. Remember the deep, dark, Belgian Congo? Yep, they exploited it for cocoa beans.

Neuhaus, Belgium's first chocolate shop, opened in Brussels in 1857. They're still kicking, and you can even order their chocolate from the US: Neuhaus Chocolates .

Antwerp Central: The Railroad Cathedral

It wasn't so long ago that railway stations weren't tall sheds or malls with shopping and a jumble of train tracks. Even in the 1970s there were some great, elegant restaurants in some of Europe's train stations. To go to the station wasn't all a burden but an adventure.

The station that's stood out to frequent travelers is Antwerp's central station. Built between 1895 and 1905, it replaced a wooden station built in 1854 by Auguste Lambeau.

The station is surrounded by diamond and gold shops. If that wasn't enough to be reverential about, the 44-meter high glass vault reaching toward the heavens was designed by the architect J. Van Asperen.

You should visit, even if you're not going anywhere. But then again, there are compelling cities not so far from Antwerp to explore. Look at the chart of departing trains. Dreaming is planning, too.

You could, after all, head to Rotterdam to buy a warm Belgian waffle with chocolate melted on top

The Railway cathedral was recently updated, the renovation started in 1993 was completed 16 years later--in 2009. This, like the chocolate, horses, mussels in great, steaming pots, and long, rambling countryside walks are things about Belgium to remember.

Walking and Biking in the Belgian Countryside

The picture you see above shows you just about all you need to know about the Belgian countryside near the Netherlands border. There are those horses. They are everywhere. The ground is flat. The polder landscape holds a secret: amongst those trees in the background there are waterways, and many of the waterways had tow paths which are now bike and trekking paths that criss-cross the country, even ​between big cities. Here are some resources:

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Travel to Belgium

All information on travelling to Belgium: visa applications, practical information, travelling with pets, etc.

• Last updated on August 30, 2022

For any questions concerning access to Belgian territory , please consult the  FPS Interior website .

Visa for Belgium

Here you will find our tailor-made instructions for people applying for a visa in one of our U.S. consular posts.

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On this external website, you will find useful information about moving to Belgium and about life in Belgium: finding a home, healthcare, studies, transportation, etc.

On this webpage of the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, you will find general information about traveling to Belgium.

Traveling with pets (cat, dog, ferret)

On this webpage of the Embassy, we elaborate on the US and Belgian requirements when traveling to Belgium with pets.

Battle of the Bulge

On this webpage of the Embassy, we elaborate on the commemoration of the Battle of the Bulge.

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Belgium Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 204 most popular belgium trips. compare tour itineraries from 79 tour companies. 569 reviews. 5/5 avg rating., popular belgium tours.

European Whirl (Paris, Base)

• Florence: Eight generations of history with plenty of stories to tell. Enjoy a traditional Be My Guest lunch with the Landi family at their home near Florence, set within a garden of oak trees against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.
• Amsterdam: Led by your Travel Director, wander the city to see the floating flower market, Dam Square and the Royal Palace.
• Rhineland: Cruise beneath the semi-ruined castles and terraced vineyards. Sleepy villages slip by as you saunter upstream to the Lorelei Rock where the enchantress lured sailors to their doom.
• Heidelberg: Explore one of Germany's most enchanting cities during an orientation with your Travel Director.
• Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.

Netherlands, Belgium & France - 2024

• Be united by food during an Impact Moment at “A Beautiful Mess” in Amsterdam.
• Tour a traditional brewery in Bruges and sample some legendary Belgian beers.
• Meet local cheese enthusiasts in Meaux and sample their famous Brie.
• Dine at the Eiffel Tower.
• Spend 2 nights in the storybook Belgian town of Bruges (UNESCO).

Euro Getaway

• Quick stop at Bruges, the open-air museum which is a UNESCO cultural heritage
• Visit the Magdalena Church
• Visit the capital of the Hauts-de-France région in Bruges
• Take a quick stop at the Grand Place or Grote Markt in Brussels

Holland & Belgium Bike & Boat: Bruges to Amsterdam

• Cycle along tranquil rivers and past meadows, dairy farms, quaint villages, and polder countrysides.
• Get acquainted with local people — and local life — during a visit to a family home.
• Join a local guide for a boat tour of Ghent, whose history dates to around 600 AD.
• View the famous Kinderdijk windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Sip authentic Belgian beer during a special tasting on board.

Europe Explorer

• Gaudi's modern cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, is like no other building you've ever seen. Still under construction after over 130 years, this Gothic masterpiece embodies Barcelona's artistic and progressive heart.
• Immerse yourself in the bohemian vibes of the Czech Republic, soak up the smooth sounds of jazz at a low-lit bar in Prague and sample locally made pilsners.
• Enjoy a scenic walk along the banks of the River Danube in Budapest. Threaded with bridges and hemmed in by castles and historic city buildings, Europe’s second longest river is also one of its most beautiful.
• Feast on mouth-watering seafood along Italy's coast, drink fine wine in Tuscany and indulge in the endless pasta dishes on offer in Rome.
• Make cross-country travel a breeze with a European trip including train travel. Enjoy extra time to sit back, relax, play games with your fellow travellers or watch the changing scenery roll by.

Cycling from Amsterdam to Brussels

• Visit two European Capitals in Amsterdam and Brussels along with the historic cities of Gouda and Antwerp
• Enjoy the peace and quiet of Holland's Green Heart and the Flemish countryside with mostly flat cycling
• Delight in Dutch and Belgian treats - stroopwafels, cheese, moules & frites, luxury chocolates, gaufres and beer!

Holland & Belgium Bike & Boat: Amsterdam to Bruges

• Get acquainted with local people—and local life—during a visit to a family home.
• View the famous Kinderdijk windmills, a UNESCO Heritage site.

Essence of Europe

• Traveling Europe by Rail, 10 nights to explore 5 popular European cities, Package starts and end in London St Pancras Station. Eurostar travel.

All Belgium , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Belgium

Small Group Belgium Tours

Barcelona to Venice

• Take in some of Germany’s best views from the heights of Bastei – a towering sandstone formation home to a medieval castle.
• With plenty of free time in classic Vienna and vibrant Budapest, whether you end up eating Sacher torte in a neighbourhood cafe or downing a couple of local brews in a ruin bar is totally up to you!
• Find the best Belgium fries in Brussels and wander the incredible façade of the Grand Palace as you get lost in the quaint city streets.

Cycling from Brussels to Bruges

• Visit the iconic cities of Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges
• Follow the artwork of the Flemish Masters - Van Eyck, Bruegel and Rubens with exhibitions and events along the route
• Prepare your tastebuds for world-famous Belgian beer, triple-fried frites, chocolates and waffles (gaufres)

Paris to Berlin

• Walk the picturesque waterways and cobbled streets of Bruges, maybe visit a local brewery and try one of the iconic regional beers.
• Explore the many romantic districts and hidden alleyways of Paris, discover the history and culture of this beloved city at the many museums and galleries and tick the Eiffel Tower off your bucket list in your free time.
• From the arts district and museums to the unmatched cafe culture and leafy parks, Amsterdam has it all. Maybe grab a bike and see the city the way the locals do.

Cycling from Bruges to Amsterdam

• Visit the iconic cities of Bruges, Gouda & Amsterdam
• Follow the enchanting coastline of West Flanders, relaxing on the beaches of Zeeland
• Prepare your tastebuds for world-famous Belgian waffles (gaufres), mussels (moules), triple-fried frites, chocolates and a huge array of beers

Barcelona to Berlin

• Start your trip in Barcelona, the city of Gaudi, wander the streets and marvel at the incredible architectural feats, from the incredible La Sagrada Familia Basilica to the lush gardens of Park Guell. 
• Discover the heart of Burgundy’s wine region in the town of Beaune. Sample a glass (or two or three!) of some of the finest wine in France and explore the many underground cellars scattered throughout the town. 
• Explore the many romantic districts and hidden alleyways of Paris, discover the history and culture of this beloved city at the many museums and galleries and tick the Eiffel Tower off your bucket list in your free time. 
• From the arts district and museums to the unmatched cafe culture and leafy parks, Amsterdam has it all. Maybe grab a bike and see the city the way the locals do.  

Art History in Belgium and Holland

• I like to spend much of the day exploring
• Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
• Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

Best Belgium Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Belgium Tours by Price

Top Belgium Attractions

• Peering through a see-through church in Borgloon. From some angles it looks solid, from others you can see straight through it - this chapel/art installation is a hidden treasure in Belgium.
• Biking through Belgium's expansive Sonian Forest, where flat routes weave in and out of huge beech and oak trees - there are not only maps at the ranger station, but local microbrews!
• Making music at the Musical Instrument Museum, one of the most interesting museums in Brussels - you’ll be just as impressed by the art nouveau architecture as by the instrument collection from all over the world.
• Visiting the Hallerbos (or Blue Forest) in springtime, when the 1,360-acre forest is complemented by a carpet of blooming bluebells - a favorite Belgium outdoor experience.
• Strolling through the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken on the grounds of the Palace of Laeken, a must-see for nature lovers in Belgium.
• Exploring the best castles in Belgium, the fairytale Gravensteen in Ghent and the Bouillon Castle in the Ardennes, one of the oldest castles in Belgium.
• Climbing around in the Brussels World’s Fair 1958 Atomium - all but three of its nine gigantic spheres are available to enter and explore.
• Visiting the site of the Battle of Waterloo near Brussels, with its famous farmhouses, huge panoramic painting, Lion’s Mound and interesting visitors center.
• Going back in time at the Flanders Field WWI battlefield sites, the In Flanders Field Museum at Ypers, the many cemeteries and the somber memorials.
• Visiting the world’s largest brewery in the buzzing college town of Leuven (also home to the world’s oldest Catholic university).

Belgium Tours & Travel

Belgium Attractions & Landmarks Guide

For a small country, Belgium packs in lots of diverse cultures , landscapes, and cities. Split into two distinct regions, Flanders to the North and Wallonia to the South, Belgium is perhaps best known for its culinary gems , including chocolate and, yes, waffles. More recently, companies specializing in Belgian beer tours have sprung up, offering travelers an insight into the mysterious world of Belgium’s Abbeys and the monks who oversee them.

An Introduction to Belgium

Belgium is a fantastic introductory country to Europe . It’s easy to get around, there’s little to no language barrier, affordable flights, a compact size and an incredible array of historical , cultural and architectural treasures. Into the world wars? Belgium history tours are a big draw here, with thousands upon thousands of war sites to visit.

Foodies find much to love - a Belgium culture and culinary tour will not only include those crispy frites and creamy Belgium chocolates, but also that perfect beer for which the country is known - there are more than 1,000 breweries within the country borders.

Main Regions to Visit on a Belgium Tour

Center your guided Belgium tour on one or both of the small country’s two main regions: Flanders in the north, where the main language is Dutch, and Wallonia, where they speak French for the most part.

Flanders is home to Antwerp , Bruges and Ghent - all brimming with gothic and baroque architecture, winding canals and world-class dining establishments. The landscape is relatively flat here, so a Belgium cycling tour would be a good choice if you’re looking to get up close and personal, as well as rev up your heart rate. There’s a spectacular nature preserve here, beloved by Belgium outdoor enthusiasts: Het Zwin on the North Sea coast, famous for its migratory birds and sea lavender in the summer.

In Wallonia, your Belgium tour will undoubtedly include the lush Ardennes forest and the Haute Fagnes landscape for wildlife viewing . Outdoor adventure tours in Belgium will often center their stays here for the many hiking , biking and canoeing opportunities .

Top 10 Things to Eat and Drink in Belgium

Chocolate, waffles, French fries, beer - it’s here in spades.

• Frites -  The ultimate comfort food, Belgian fries are famous for a reason. They’re usually double-fried (yes!), and sometimes even triple-fried, and are best with ketchup, mayonnaise or both.  
• Yule log cake -  A favorite Belgian sweet, this rolled-up Genoise sponge cake is filled with buttercream and topped with chocolate frosting or ganache and woodsy decorations - it’s a ode to the Norse god Thor and the end of winter.
• Stoemp -  A popular Brussels meal, this side dish is a blend of mashed potatoes, vegetables and sometimes sausage or stewed meat to make it into a full meal.
• Chocolate hands in Antwerp -  The best chocolate to eat in Antwerp is the severed hand (really) - ask about the myth of the Druon Antigoon giant for whom the hand is named.
• C arbonnade à la Flamande -  Beer, beef and onions - the three simple, yet hearty ingredient in Belgium’s best stew. If you love bourguignon, this is for you.
• Chimay cheese -  Pair a monk-made, aromatic, ale-flavored cheese with a Chimay “red” beer for the best countryside dining experience in Belgium.
• Olibollen -  Say “Happy New Year” with this traditional deep-fried dough filled with raisins or chocolate and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
• Boulet au Sauce Lapin -  “Meatballs in rabbit sauce” can be misleading - the meatballs are usually made of pork and beef. Eat this popular Belgian meat dish with a sweet and sour sauce of onion, vinegar, brown sugar and sirop de Liège.
• Grisette -  Make like a 19th-century miner and sip this favorite Belgian beer - a light-bodied, somewhat carbonated farmhouse ale originating in Hainaut.
• Waterzooi -  Save room for this heavy, creamy fish soup (often made with chicken instead) with an egg and butter base.

And one more for the sweet tooths:

• Cuberdons , one of Belgium’s best candies. Also known in Flemish as neuzekes or “small noses .” Bite the top off the candy shell, conical outer part, then suck out the sticky raspberry syrup that drips out.

A Guide to Belgian Waffles

What’s a Belgium gourmet tour without a carb-loaded dose of sweet, doughy Belgian waffles? These puffy little pastries date back to the Middle Ages, but they weren’t as sweet back then. Over time, sweeteners and eventually yeast were added to the batter, so the consistency morphed from cracker-like to the waffle of today.

They exploded onto the world culinary scene when a man named Maurice Vermersch sold traditional Brussels waffles during the 1964 New York City World’s Fair.

A couple of top tips for your Belgian waffle tour:

There are two different types of waffle sold in Brussels : the Brussels Waffle, made in a perfect rectangle, light and airy inside, crispy outside and a bit less sweet, and the Lieges Waffle, oval-ish in shape, denser than the Brussels version and with a caramelized, sweeter exterior.

Go for toppings (or not). Try Belgian waffles plain or with a bit of powdered sugar, as the Belgians do for the most part, or try any combination of topping you can imagine. Most Belgian waffle shops you visit as part of your Belgium tour will offer everything from caramel and nutella to freshly whipped cream and fruit.

Mussel Season in Belgium

Any summertime Belgium gourmet tour should include as many samplings of North Sea mussels as possible. Moules-frites or mosselen-friet (mussels and chips) are ubiquitous at cafes and best washed down with some of the best beer in the world. Try this unofficial national dish of Belgium June through April.

What to Buy in Belgium

Whether you’re sampling one of the 600 different varieties of beer or bringing home a gift of lace for just about everyone you know, here are our favorite items to purchase when we’re traveling in Belgium.

• Beer -  Like we said, 600 different types…try the ones that entice you, then purchase a glass or two from a brewery as a unique souvenir. Be sure to sample the Trappist variety, produced by the monastic orders.
• Chocolate -  Go on a Belgium chocolate tour and indulge - try the worth-the-price treats of Neuhaus, the chocolate croissant of Wittamer and the pure varieties and macaroons at the renowned Pierre Marcolini.
• Waffles -  Eat your fill, then bring some to your family and friends, or pick up waffle flour to bake some of your own when you’re home.
• Lace -  Belgian lace lovers can pick up handmade items, from tablecloths to bridal veils - look for different types, such as duchess, princess and renaissance. The perfect souve
• Speculoos spread -  Based on the favorite Belgium cookie made with brown sugar and spices, this spread is a delightful indulgent treat.

Six Trappist Breweries in Belgium

What’s a Belgium tour without Trappist beer? Wondering what the hype is about? Here’s what it means to be a true Trappist brewery: “measuring up to the quality and traditional standards rooted in the monastic life of a real Trappist community.”

Spread out between Flanders and Wallonia, the six Trappist breweries in Belgium include:

• Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy in Rochefort, for Rochefort
• Abbaye Notre-Dame de Scourmont in Chimay, for Chimay
• Abbaye d’Orval in Villers-devant-Orval, for Orval
• Abdij van de Trappisten van Westmalle in Westmalle, or Westmalle
• St. Benedictus-Abbey ( Achelse Kluis ) in Achel, for Achel
• Sint-Sixtusabdij in Westvleteren, for Westvleteren Beer

A Belgium guided beer tour may be able to ensure entry into the breweries and/or monasteries that are not otherwise open to the public. Typically, each brewery will have a cafe, where one can sample the beer and other monk-produced items, such as cheese and pȃté.

The most accessible Trappist brewery in Belgium is Orval - and its is also the most impressive to look at. Explore the 18th-century cellar and well exhibition and the ruins of the original 12th-century abbey.

Top 10 Castles in Belgium

Belgium is brimming with medieval castles - from crumbling ruins to postcard-perfect palaces you might feel Disney is borrowing inspiration from. These are our favorites to visit on a Belgium tour:

• Gravensteen van Ghent -  Creepy, in the coolest possible way.
• Kasteel van Gaasbeek -  From the pages of a fairytale.
• Freÿr sur Meuse -  A good starting point for castle lovers.
• Groot-Bijgaarden Castle and Gardens -  Tulips galore.
• Bouillon -  Chambers and dungeons on a steep bluff.
• Beersel -  13th-century wonder full of turrets, tower and even a drawbridge.
• Modave Castle -  Ring the bell when you enter.
• Chateau de Beloeil -  Gorgeous gardens.
• Alden Biesen Castle -  Pretty as a picture.
• Chateau de Waroux -  Art by Chagall.

Top Museums in Belgium

From art to world war memorabilia, a Belgium museum tour should hit these top choices:  

• Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, Brussels -  Two museums in one, the Museum of Historical Art and Modern Art Museum. Look for top Belgian artists, including Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, Hieronymus Bosch, as well as Rene Magritte, Paul Delvaux, James Ensor and more.
• Musée de la Vie Wallonne, Liège -  Learn about the Belgium French-speaking Wallonia region in this former 17th-century convent.
• Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (Royal Fine Arts Museum), Antwerp  -  A comprehensive Belgium art tour should definitely include this ode to the Flemish Masters - in fact, you’ll find here the biggest collection of Rubens masterpieces in the world.
• Cinquantenaire  -  Dating back to 1880, this museum complex in Brussels is home to the the Army Museum, the Auto World Museum and an interesting art museum, among others.
• Musee Magritte Museum, Brussels  -  Magritte fans will find the largest collection of Magritte works in Belgium - more than 200 pieces.
• The Museum by the Stream  -  New to Antwerp, the MAS boasts a panoramic rooftop, a show-stopping restaurant and temporary and permanent exhibitions that tie Antwerp’s culture and history to the outside world.
• Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels  -  Check out the best dinosaur exhibit in Belgium - entire skeletons!
• Museum of Music Instruments, Brussels - The most popular music museum in Belgium, the Art Nouveau building houses more than 7,000 instructions, with about 1,500 on display for visitors to see.
• Flanders Field, Ypres -  Belgium tours for World War I history lovers must include this somber setting, complete with the Flanders Field Museum.

Top Cities in Belgium

Funky, rejuvenated Antwerp has reemerged as one of Europe’s favorite cities and should be high on your list of top cities to visit in Belgium. This was once an important trading city, the hometown of Peter Paul Rubens and now known for its high fashion, world-class museums, hip art galleries, alfresco dining, people-watching on the main square and an overall heady spot to soak up Belgium’s history, culture and traditions.

You’ll get lost - in a happy way - along the labyrinthian canals that wend their way through Bruges, telling time by the clock bell tower that chimes every quarter-hour. Gaze upon stunning castles, indulge in creamy chocolates and the world’s best beer and stroll through Grote Markt Square on your guided tour of this “Venice of the North.”

3. Brussels

Capital of Belgium, Brussels is a must-see city on your Belgium tour - it’s busy and crowded yes, being the headquarters of NATO and the European Union, but the Bruxellois, as the residents are known, are hospitable and kind, welcoming you to their Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts, Grand-Place, Town Hall and verdant parks.

Looking for a more off-the-beaten-path Belgium city to visit? Don’t miss the working city of Ghent, with its historic quarter, huge cathedral with its Van Eyck altarpiece, art and design museums and a favorite dining destination, the Patershol restaurant quarter.

Outdoor Travel in Belgium

1. Ardennes Forest

For skiers, hikers, kayakers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, the La Roche area of the Ardennes Forest is the top outdoor adventure spot in Belgium. Fill up after an active day with the Ardennes’ top culinary treats: smoked ham, venison, wild boar, pâté and Trappist beer. Don’t miss the Castle of Bouillon, Han-sur-Lesse and Labyrinth of Barvaux.

There are natural caves and caverns for exploring in the Namur province, another top outdoor enthusiast favorite in Belgium. There’s an amazing diversity of wildlife here, the Meuse River, the Caves of Han and the Grotto of Dinant to discover.

3. Het Zwin National Park

Play in the water all day in this top Belgium birding spot, paddling in dykes, ponds and lagoons and checking off all manner of freshwater and seawater birds on your life list.

4. Hautes Fagnes Nature Reserve

Look for the roe deer, black grouse and the pretty white wintergreen chickweed. This is Belgium’s oldest nature reserve.

5. Antwerp Zoo

Love animals and just being outside in the fresh air? Head to Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world - it opened in 1843.

Trip Reviews

Trusted Customer

European Whirl

It was a beautiful trip. Deborah could not have done a better job! It was a full itenerary, but every moment was wonderful, even the hours on the bus were filled by...

We knew going into this trip that you would want more time at each sto...

It is a great itinerary, but it is definitely a whirlwind tour. You get to see many cities and countries; and you will absolutely want to go back to visit to see al...

The tour was very much like a sampling of various locations. We did not spend enough time in most places to really feel like we know the areas. However, once we acc...

See all Belgium reviews

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Travelers who discover sometimes underrated Belgium will enjoy the beautiful homes and canals of Bruges, luscious chocolate, world-renowned beer, and delicious street foods. Medieval castles, modern buildings, museums, and Christmas markets in December offer much to see and do. The Grand Place in the center of Brussels features historic buildings in one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval squares.

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