Spring
A time of blooming flowers and mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities.
Travel guide
Belgique
Belgium, known for its medieval towns and Renaissance architecture, offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and culinary delights beyond its capital, Brussels. Explore vibrant cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp, each with its unique charm and attractions.
Gf uip · CC BY-SA 3.0- Best MonthsApril to June, September to October
- AirportsBrussels Airport, Brussels South Charleroi Airpo
- TransitTrains, trams, buses
- Power230V, Type C and E plugs
- TippingNot mandatory, rounding up is common
- LanguageDutch, French, German, English widely spoken
01
When to go
The best time to visit Belgium is during spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and festivals abound.
Jan
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Apr
May
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Aug
Sep
Oct
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Best monthsHot monthsCooler months
Summer
Warm weather ideal for festivals and exploring cities.
Fall
Cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn colors make it a picturesque time to visit.
02
Where to stay
Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.
Charming
Bruges
Stroll along the canals and cobblestone streets of this fairy-tale city.
Book early for the best views.
Cultural
Ghent
Experience a blend of medieval and modern in this vibrant university city.
Explore the nightlife for a local vibe.
Stylish
Antwerp
Visit the diamond district and enjoy the fashion scene.
Check out the local boutiques.
Diverse
Brussels
The capital offers a mix of historic sites and modern attractions.
Try the local waffles.
Youthful
Leuven
Home to one of the oldest universities in the world, it has a lively atmosphere.
Visit during the academic year for more energy.
Historic
Namur
Explore the citadel and enjoy the scenic views of the Meuse River.
Take a guided tour for deeper insights.
Dynamic
Liège
Known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
Try the local dishes in the evening.
Architectural
Tournai
Visit the stunning Cathedral of Tournai, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Plan for a day trip from Lille.
03
What to eat
Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.
Moules-frites
Enjoy this classic dish of mussels and fries at seaside restaurants.
→ Pair with a local beer.
Belgian Waffles
Try both Brussels and Liège styles at street vendors.
→ Best enjoyed fresh.
Chocolate
Visit chocolatiers in Brussels or Bruges for artisanal treats.
→ Look for tasting tours.
Speculoos
Sample this spiced biscuit in cafes throughout the country.
→ Great with coffee.
Stoofvlees
Savor this beef stew, especially in Flanders.
→ Perfect with fries.
Carbonnade Flamande
A traditional Flemish beef stew, best found in local brasseries.
→ Enjoy with a local ale.
Frikandel
Try this Dutch-style sausage at snack bars.
→ A popular fast food choice.
04
What to see
An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.
Grand Place
The central square of Brussels, known for its opulent guildhalls.
Atomium
A unique building and museum in Brussels, resembling an atom.
Manneken Pis
The famous statue of a little boy urinating, a symbol of Brussels.
Bruges Canals
Take a boat tour to see the medieval architecture from the water.
Cathedral of Our Lady
A stunning Gothic cathedral in Antwerp housing masterpieces.
Gravensteen Castle
A medieval castle in Ghent with a rich history.
Battlefields of Flanders
Visit the memorial sites from World War I.
Horta Museum
Explore the works of architect Victor Horta in Brussels.
Grote Markt
The main market square in Bruges, surrounded by historic buildings.
Royal Palace of Brussels
The official palace of the King and Queen of Belgium.
Belfry of Bruges
Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.
Meuse River
Enjoy scenic walks along the river in Namur.
Cinquantenaire Park
A large public park in Brussels with museums and gardens.
Museum aan de Stroom
A museum in Antwerp showcasing the city's history and culture.
Tournai Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Romanesque architecture.
Sablon Square
A picturesque square in Brussels known for its antique shops.
05
Getting around
Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.
Air Travel
Belgium is accessible via major international airports, including Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport.
BRUBrussels Airport
CRLBrussels South Charleroi Airport
Train Travel
The train network connects all major cities, making travel convenient and efficient.
Public Transport
Trams and buses operate in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent, providing easy access to attractions.
Biking
Many cities are bike-friendly, with rental options available for exploring at your own pace.
Walking
Walking is a great way to explore the historic centers of cities like Bruges and Ghent.
06
Practical notes
Plugs
Belgium uses type C and E plugs, with a standard voltage of 230V.
Cash
Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill is common.
Language
Dutch, French, and German are the official languages; English is widely spoken.
Data
A travel eSIM covers maps and tickets after landing.
Trip Duration
A week is ideal to explore major cities and attractions.