Belgium

Despite its small size, Belgium could easily be mistaken for several distinct countries in one, as Flemish Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia can feel as different as the Netherlands and France. Sandwiched between London, Paris and Amsterdam, the destination packs in a variety of cities and landscapes that offer many attractions for visitors. While most of Belgium's well-known cities, including Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp, are in northern Belgium, the southern region of Wallonia offers quaint towns and beautiful landscapes that are largely ignored by tourists.

Belgium's major cities are lively and cosmopolitan, with interesting modern attractions such as the Walibi Belgium amusement park contrasting with historical sites such as museums, palaces and art galleries. Food lovers especially will want to spend a few days in Brussels sampling the delights of Belgian cuisine and indulging in the fare produced by the city's renowned chocolate makers. After dark, Belgium's cities continue to buzz with music and nightlife, hosting many cultural events and festivals that delight both locals and foreign visitors.

Though often overlooked for its more famous neighbours, a holiday in Belgium offers attractions and activities to please travellers of all ages and interests.

Best time to visit Belgium

The weather in Belgium is generally moderate with few extremes, making for pleasant holiday conditions for much of the year. As July and August are peak tourist seasons, visitors will find that the best time to visit Belgium is in April or September when it's less crowded and better deals can be had.

What to see in Belgium

-Tour the World War I battlefields of Flanders.

-See famous cartoons and comics at the Belgian Centre of Comic Strip Art.

-Get a bird's-eye view of famous European landmarks at Mini Europe.

-View the iconic Atomium sculpture in Brussels.

What to do in Belgium

-Indulge at the Choco-Story Museum.

-Learn about diamond cutting and polishing at the Bruges Diamond Museum.

-Enjoy the markets and flower stalls at the Grand Place in Brussels.

-Get sprayed by the famously irreverent Manneken Pis fountain.

Getting to Belgium

There are plenty of direct cheap flights to Belgium from the UK and US, landing at Brussels International Airport. If travelling to Belgium from England or Europe, there are direct train services to Brussels from London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Zurich and many other cities.

Read

The Sorrow of Belgium by Hugo Claus, A Dog of Flanders by Marie Louise de la Ramée, and Niccolo Rising by Dorothy Dunnett

Listen

Quand on n'a que l'amour (Jacques Brel)

Watch

Carnival in Flanders (1935), L'enfant (2005), and In Bruges (2008)

Drink

Locally brewed Abbey beers

Eat

Belgian chocolate and Belgian waffles

Buy in Belgium

Belgian chocolate and handmade lace

Pack for Belgium

An umbrella; Belgium is known for wet weather at any time of the year.

What's on in Belgium

Brussels's annual Flower Show is a beautiful sight for any green-fingered visitor. The city also builds a beach resort, Bruxelles Les Bains, along its canal every summer in July and August. Bruges's Choco-Late Festival in November is a great place to sample Belgian chocolate.

Some random facts

Belgians consume an average of 20 pounds (9kg) of chocolate, individually, every year.

A final word

Belgium is a small country that draws the best in culture from its neighbours for a fascinating blend of food, music and history.

Things to do in Belgium

When it comes to world-class attractions and exciting sightseeing options, Belgium packs a mighty punch for a country of such modest proportions. Visitors can easily drift from the heavyweight attractions and cosmopolitan thrills of the capital city, Brussels, to the medieval charms of Bruges and the lesser-known historical treasures of Ghent. In between, they will find welcoming people, great food and Europe's finest beer and chocolates to luxuriate in.

Belgium is a year-round destination, though the countryside is prettiest during the summer months of April to October. The transport infrastructure is excellent, which makes getting around a pleasure. This is not a country to see from the confines of a tour bus, however. Visitors need to get out on foot and explore the cobbled streets framed by medieval buildings, rent a bicycle and ride into the countryside along a canal, or simply spend an afternoon on Grand Place watching the world go by. Whatever mode they choose to explore the pleasures of Belgium, spending some time here will reward visitors with some of Europe's most underrated and wonderful attractions.

Belgium travel info

Electricity

The electrical current in Belgium is 230 volts, 50Hz. Types C and E plugs are the official standards, though Type F plugs can also be used.

Language

The Flemish, in the north, speak Dutch; the Walloons in the south speak French. Brussels is bilingual, the majority of citizens speaking French. In the east, there is a small German-speaking community. English is also spoken.

Money

The Belgian currency is the euro (EUR). International credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available in all towns and cities. Banks are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm, and are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Some banks close for an hour during lunch.

Tipping

Service charges are included in bills and tips are only left for exceptional service.

Health

All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and it's recommended that they're up to date with routine vaccines as well. Medical facilities and care in Belgium are excellent but expensive, so travellers are advised to take out medical insurance. UK citizens should have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.

Safety

Most visits to Belgium are trouble-free, but travellers should be wary of street crimes such as mugging and pickpocketing in the cities, particularly in Brussels at major railway stations and on public transport. Brussels is home to a number of international organisations, including EU and NATO, which could become the target of indiscriminate terrorist attacks.

Local customs

Among young locals, especially Francophones, girls rarely shake hands but kiss other girls and boys. The number of kisses varies depending on the region of Belgium, foreigners often have a hard time determining which side to kiss first and how many kisses to give. It's best to follow the Belgian's lead. The law requires everyone to carry some form of official identification at all times; possession of drugs and trafficking in drugs are serious offences.

Doing business

Belgians are very formal in business and have a keen sense of style. dress should be conservative. Conservative yet stylish suits are recommended for men; women should opt for stylish business suits, or dresses and blouses.

Punctuality is extremely important at meetings, which will begin and end with a quick, light handshake. It is standard practice that all involved exchange business cards, and it is recommended that cards are printed in English, with the other side translated in either French or Dutch, depending on the main language of the region where business is to take place.

Visiting business people should research beforehand whether a business is French or Dutch-speaking. Compromise is very important in Belgian business culture and may be required as a show of friendship. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm.

Duty free

Travellers to Belgium arriving from non-EU countries are allowed to enter the country with the following items without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits over 22 percent in alcohol or 2 litres of dessert wine 22 percent in alcohol and sparkling wine, as well as 4 litres wine and 16 litres of beer; and other goods such as souvenirs to the value of €430. Prohibited items include unpreserved meat products.

Communications

The international access code for Belgium is +32. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.

Passport & Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Nationals of non-EU countries are recommended to hold return or onward tickets, sufficient funds and documents for their next destination. It is recommended that passports are valid for six months after departure from any holiday destination.

Entry requirements

US nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

British passports should be valid for the period of intended stay in Belgium. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a half-year period.

Canadians must have a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

Australian nationals must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

South African nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond intended period of stay. A visa is required.

Irish nationals require a valid passport. No visa is required.

New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond intended period of stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Useful contacts

Belgian Tourist and Information Office, Brussels: www.visitbelgium.com/

100 for medical or fire emergencies, 101 for the police, 112 is the pan-European emergency number

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of Belgium, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 333 6900.

Embassy of Belgium, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7470 3700.

Embassy of Belgium, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 7267.

Embassy of Belgium, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 2501.

Belgium Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 440 3201.

Embassy of Belgium, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 631 5284.

Consulate of Belgium, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 974 9080.

Embassies / consulates in Belgium

Embassy of the United States, Brussels: +32 (0)2 811 4000.

British Embassy, Brussels: +32 (0)2 287 6211.

Canadian Embassy, Brussels: +32 (0)2 741 0611.

Australian Embassy, Brussels: +32 (0)2 286 0500.

South African Embassy, Brussels: +32 (0)2 285 4400.

Embassy of Ireland, Brussels: +32 (0)2 282 3400.

New Zealand Embassy, Brussels: +32 (0)2 512 1040.

Climate in Belgium

The Belgium climate is temperate, with warm weather in summer (May to September) and cool to cold weather in winter (December to February). There is also a possibility of snow, which is always an exciting winter prospect. Generally, visitors can expect a maritime climate and a high average annual rainfall. Visitors can also expect thundershowers at any time of year, so it's always best visitors pack a raincoat or an umbrella. Temperatures range from highs of around 73F (23C) in summer to 45F (7C) during winter.