Things To Do
in Belgium
Belgium is a small, densely populated country located in Western Europe, known for its pivotal role in European and international politics, housing the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. It boasts a rich history reflected in its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and significant battlefields from both World Wars.
Belgium is renowned for its culinary culture, especially its chocolates, waffles, fries, and over 1,000 varieties of beer.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the iconic Grand Place, taking in the stunning architecture. Grab a Belgian waffle from a nearby café to fuel up for the day's adventures.
Visit the Atomium, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Afterward, explore Mini-Europe to see miniature replicas of famous landmarks.
Dine in the lively neighborhood of Sablon, known for its fine dining options. Finish your evening with some chocolate tasting at a local chocolatier.
Stroll through the picturesque canals of Bruges, admiring the medieval buildings. Climb the Belfry for breathtaking views of the city.
Visit the Markt square and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the terrace cafés. Don’t miss the chance to tour the Groeningemuseum for Flemish art.
Enjoy a canal cruise to see Bruges from a different perspective at sunset. Delight in local seafood for dinner at a well-rated restaurant.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and diverse languages (Dutch, French, German).
- Central location in Europe, making it a hub for travel and trade.
- High-quality healthcare and education systems.
- Exquisite cuisine, especially famous for chocolates, waffles, and beer.
- Vibrant cities like Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp with historic landmarks.
- High cost of living in major cities.
- Traffic congestion and public transportation challenges.
- Complex political structure and regional divisions.
- Weather can be quite rainy and unpredictable.
- Bureaucratic processes can be slow and cumbersome.
Best Activities in Belgium
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful forests and hills of the Ardennes region, with numerous trails catering to all levels of hikers.
Enjoy scenic bike rides through picturesque towns and charming countryside in the Flanders region, with well-maintained cycle paths.
Paddle along the stunning River Lesse in the Wallonia region, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and lush greenery.
Experience thrilling rock climbing in the stunning Meuse River valley at Freyr, known for its challenging rock faces and scenic views.
Tours
Uncover the best of Belgium with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Belgium
Visit one of these nice places.
Known for its picturesque canals and medieval architecture, offering great photo opportunities
Famous for its well-preserved medieval buildings and stunning riverside views
Iconic modernist structure offering unique and futuristic photo opportunities
Scenic region with beautiful forests, hills, and rivers, ideal for nature photography
Historical square surrounded by opulent guildhalls, providing a colorful and lively photo backdrop
Food in Belgium
Belgium Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Belgian dish of steamed mussels served with crispy fries, usually cooked in a flavorful broth of white wine, garlic, and shallots. Best enjoyed at traditional brasseries like Chez Léon in Brussels and 't Zilte in Antwerp.
Must-Try!
A hearty beef stew slow-cooked in beer, seasoned with thyme and bay leaves, and often accompanied by a side of frites or bread. Visit a local tavern or bistro like A l'Imaige Nostre-Dame in Brussels for an authentic taste.
Spiced, crispy biscuits with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Sample these delightful treats at traditional bakeries such as Dandoy in Brussels or Maison Dandoy in Antwerp.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Belgium better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This annual event hosts a wide array of food trucks offering diverse cuisines, including Belgian specialties like waffles, fries, and artisanal chocolates.
A vibrant market where you can find local vendors selling everything from fresh produce and cheeses to ready-to-eat snacks like Belgian waffles and frites with an array of sauces.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Belgium, it is important to be punctual for social and business meetings. Arriving on time shows respect for others' time and is considered a part of good manners.
When meeting someone in Belgium, it is customary to greet them with a handshake. Use formal titles such as 'Monsieur' or 'Madame' until invited to use first names, which signifies respect for the person's position and status.
Belgians value personal space, so it's important to maintain a comfortable distance when conversing. Refrain from standing too close or touching someone unless invited to do so, as this is seen as respectful behavior.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Belgium with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Belgium
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not compulsory in Belgium, as a service charge is usually included in the bill. However, it is appreciated to round up or leave a small tip for good service, typically around 5-10%.
In Belgium, cash is still widely used for small transactions, but credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in most establishments. Contactless payment methods are also becoming increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Belgium.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see the beautiful blooming flowers, particularly in the Hallerbos forest. Mild temperatures and fewer crowds make it a great time for sightseeing.
Ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The weather is generally warm, and many cultural events take place during this time.
Witness the stunning fall foliage and enjoy pleasant temperatures. It's also the season for beer festivals and harvest-themed events.
Experience the festive markets and enchanting holiday atmosphere. It can get cold, but the Christmas spirit and winter sports opportunities make it a special time to visit.
Belgium at Night
Hiking in Belgium
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located in the province of Limburg, Hoge Kempen National Park offers a variety of trails through forests, heathlands, and sand dunes, making it an ideal spot for hiking enthusiasts.
The Ardennes region is famous for its beautiful rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque villages, offering numerous hiking paths for all skill levels.
Just outside Brussels, Sonian Forest features tranquil trails winding through ancient beech and oak trees, perfect for a peaceful day hike.
The Meuse Valley provides scenic hiking routes alongside the Meuse River, with opportunities to explore charming towns and stunning landscapes.
This park, located in Walloon Brabant, offers lovely walking paths, a beautiful lake, and the chance to enjoy the nature and tranquility of a historic estate.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Belgium through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Belgium by plane.
The main international airport serving Brussels and the largest airport in Belgium.
Located in Charleroi, it is a major hub for low-cost airlines and serves international flights.
Located near Antwerp, it is one of the smaller international airports offering limited services.
An international airport in Liège, primarily serving cargo but also handles passenger flights.
Located in the Netherlands, this is one of the largest international airports in Europe, a short distance from Belgium.
The primary airport serving London, located in the UK, easily accessible from Belgium.
A major international airport in Germany and one of the busiest in Europe, located a few hours from Belgium.
The largest international airport in France, located near Paris, convenient for travel from Belgium.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Belgium, primarily speaking Dutch and residing mainly in the Flanders region.
The second-largest demographic group, primarily French-speaking and mainly found in the Wallonia region.
A diverse demographic, including both Flemish and French-speaking communities, as well as a high number of expatriates.
A small community in the eastern part of Belgium, primarily speaking German.
Includes various groups such as Moroccans, Turks, Italians, and others, contributing to the multicultural landscape of Belgium.
Includes various other smaller ethnic groups and communities from around the world.
The Soul of Belgium
Discover the essence of Belgium through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Belgium, with a rich history and a strong national league. The Belgian national team, known as the Red Devils, has achieved significant success in international competitions.
Cycling is a cherished sport in Belgium, known for its famous races such as the Tour of Flanders. The country has produced numerous world-class cyclists and hosts several prestigious cycling events.
Field hockey is a major sport in Belgium, with the national team being one of the top-ranked teams in the world. The country has a strong league system and regularly competes in international tournaments.
Tennis enjoys popularity in Belgium, with a number of successful players in both men's and women's categories. The country hosts various tournaments and has vibrant local clubs.
Basketball is growing in popularity in Belgium, with a professional league and a competitive national team. The sport is played at various levels across the nation.
Athletics has a strong following in Belgium, with numerous competitions held throughout the year. The country has produced several successful athletes in track and field events.
Rugby is an emerging sport in Belgium, with a growing number of clubs and a national team competing in European competitions.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Belgium cater to vegetarians and vegans, offering diverse options such as stuffed bell peppers, vegan stoofvlees, and falafel wraps.
While traditional Belgian cuisine heavily features bread and beer, there are increasing options for gluten-free versions of waffles, frites, and even gluten-free beers available in major cities.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Belgium with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Belgium.