Things To Do
in Belgium
Belgium is a compact, culturally rich country in Western Europe known for medieval towns, Renaissance architecture and a dense network of canals and cobblestone streets. It has three official languages (Dutch, French and German) and a strong regional identity between Flanders, Wallonia and the Brussels-Capital Region. The country is famous worldwide for its chocolate, beer, waffles, fries and historic artisan traditions.
Easy train connections and short distances make Belgium ideal for a short-city-hopping trip or a relaxed regional stay in the Ardennes or on the coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure in Belgium with a visit to the iconic Grand Place, where you can admire the stunning architecture and the ornate guildhalls that surround the square. Take a moment to enjoy a traditional Belgian breakfast at a nearby café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee. Don't forget to snap a few photos of the beautiful surroundings before heading to your next destination.
In the afternoon, explore the Atomium, an architectural wonder that symbolizes the 1958 World Expo. As you make your way to this unique structure, enjoy the beautiful views of Brussels from different angles. Once inside, take the elevator to the top sphere for panoramic views of the city.
As the sun sets, visit the Sablon neighborhood, renowned for its antique shops and chocolate stores. Treat yourself to some of Belgium's finest chocolates and immerse yourself in the cozy café ambiance. End your day with a delightful dinner at a local brasserie, choosing from a menu filled with delectable Belgian fares.
Travel to Bruges, often referred to as the 'Venice of the North,' and begin your day with a stroll along its picturesque canals. Enjoy breakfast at a local bakery, trying out a warm croissant or a slice of cinnamon roll. Take some time to visit the famous Markt square and climb the Belfry for stunning views of the city.
Explore the winding cobblestone streets of Bruges and visit the historic Church of Our Lady, home to Michelangelo's sculpture of Madonna and Child. Enjoy lunch at a canal-side restaurant, sampling traditional Flemish stew. Afterward, take a boat tour of Bruges’ canals to see the city from a different perspective.
As night falls, wander through Bruges’ magical streets illuminated with lights. Stop by a local pub to taste authentic Belgian beer paired with a hearty cheese platter. Wrap up your evening with a leisurely walk along the canals, soaking in the romantic atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $50-90 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-4 |
| 🚆Local public transport single ticket | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Pint of beer at a bar | $4-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural history and compact cities—easy to see a lot in a short time
- World-class chocolate, beer and culinary traditions
- Excellent rail network and short travel distances
- Diverse landscapes from medieval towns to Ardennes forests and a North Sea coast
- Weather can be unpredictable and rainy year-round
- Prices in major tourist areas can be high, especially in peak season
- Language divisions add complexity for communication across regions
- Popular spots can feel crowded during summer and festivals
- "Bonjour / Goedendag" - Hello (French / Dutch)
- "Merci / Dank u" - Thank you (French / Dutch formal)
- "S'il vous plaît / Alstublieft" - Please (French / Dutch formal)
- "Où sont les toilettes ? / Waar is het toilet?" - Where are the toilets?
- "Combien ça coûte ? / Hoeveel kost het?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Belgium
Visit one of these nice places.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with ornate guildhalls and a stunning Town Hall—spectacular by day and when lit at night.
Canal views, medieval architecture and reflection shots around Markt and the Rozenhoedkaai.
Historic riverside quays lined with guild houses—beautiful golden-hour photos and boat reflections.
Futuristic architecture with steel spheres offering unique angles and panoramic city views.
Award-winning railway station with grand halls and impressive iron-and-stone architecture—great for interior and street photography.
Picturesque riverside town with a dramatic citadel and colorful houses; great for dramatic landscape shots.
Rolling hills, dense forests, rivers and charming villages—ideal for nature and autumn-color photos.
Long sandy beaches, piers and seaside promenades—sunrise shots and beachscape compositions.
Food in Belgium
Belgium Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steam-cooked mussels served with a side of crisp fries; available at brasseries and seafood restaurants across the country, particularly near the coast.
Must-Try!
Two main types—Brussels (light, rectangular) and Liège (caramelized sugar chunks); sold at street stalls, markets and cafés.
Slow-braised beef in a rich beer-based sauce served with fries or mashed potatoes; a Flemish classic found in traditional pubs.
Artisanal pralines and truffles from renowned chocolatiers—look for shops in Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp.
Double-fried for a crispy exterior and fluffy interior; served with a variety of sauces from mayonnaise to samurai—try local friteries (fry stands).
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Large weekly market with fresh produce, cheeses, street food and international stalls; good for local snacks and people-watching.
Daily market stalls around the Markt offer waffles, chocolates and regional products—perfect for sampling while exploring the historic center.
Small fry shops or stands serving classic Belgian fries—try a cone with a sauce and eat like a local.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Handshakes are common in formal situations; friends may exchange light kisses on the cheek (region-dependent). Address people politely using titles when appropriate.
Be aware of language regions—Dutch/Flemish in Flanders, French in Wallonia and parts of Brussels, and German in a small eastern region. Using the right language or a polite phrase is appreciated.
People generally respect queues and polite behavior; being punctual for appointments is valued.
Smoking rules are strict indoors in many places; keep noise levels reasonable in residential areas, especially at night.
Safety
Tipping in Belgium
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills; small tips or rounding up (5–10%) for good service are appreciated but not mandatory. For taxis or small services, rounding up is common.
Credit/debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in cities; carry some cash (euros) for markets, small shops and country villages.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming parks and fewer crowds than summer—good time for city walks and cycling; occasional rain showers are common.
Warmest and busiest season with festivals, beach activity and extended daylight; expect higher prices and crowded tourist spots in July–August.
Cooler temperatures and spectacular foliage in the Ardennes; harvest festivals, beer events and fewer tourists make it pleasant for travel.
Chilly and damp with Christmas markets, ice skating and cozy beer cafés; snow is possible in the Ardennes but cities are more often rainy than snowy.
Belgium at Night
Hiking in Belgium
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Unique moorland and peat bogs with boardwalk trails and panoramic views in eastern Belgium; accessible trails for varied difficulty levels.
Hilly forested terrain near La Roche with riverside paths, castle ruins and scenic viewpoints—great for day hikes.
Winding river valley with gentle slopes, forests and picturesque villages—ideal for multi-day hikes and nature photography.
Highest point in Belgium offering trails and boardwalks with open heathland—good for winter walks and observing local flora.
Large beech and oak forest on the outskirts of Brussels with well-marked trails, popular with hikers, runners and cyclists.
Airports
How to reach Belgium by plane.
Main international gateway near Zaventem with extensive European and intercontinental connections; about 20–30 minutes by train to central Brussels.
Low-cost carrier hub serving budget flights; roughly 40–60 minutes from Brussels by shuttle bus or train via Charleroi.
Smaller airport close to Antwerp with regional and some international flights; convenient for travel to the northern region.
Cargo hub with some passenger services and proximity to eastern Belgium; good for accessing the Ardennes and Liège region.
Smaller coastal airport near Bruges—seasonal and limited scheduled services, useful for regional access to the coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Dutch-speaking majority in the northern region (Flanders) with distinct cultural and political identity.
French-speaking population primarily in southern Belgium (Wallonia) with its own traditions and regional governance.
Small German-speaking minority in the eastern border region with recognized language rights.
Brussels hosts many EU institutions and international residents; notable immigrant communities include Moroccan and Turkish origins, contributing to cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Most popular sport; strong domestic clubs and national team (the Red Devils) with passionate local support.
Cycling is a cultural staple—from recreational road routes to iconic races like the Tour of Flanders and Liège–Bastogne–Liège.
Both have solid amateur and professional followings with good local clubs and facilities.
Popular at the amateur level; regional competitions and clubs are widespread.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cities—look for veggie bistros and international restaurants; many traditional dishes are meat-heavy but salads, cheese plates and vegetable stews are common.
Vegan choices are increasing, especially in Brussels and Antwerp. Larger supermarkets and vegan cafés help; always ask about butter, cream and sauces that may contain dairy.
Gluten-free diets are accommodated at many restaurants, but fries may be fried in shared oil—ask staff about cross-contamination and check labels on baked goods.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Belgium.