Belgium

Essential information for travelling to Belgium

Here are the key practical things to know when planning a trip to Belgium.

Why visit Belgium?

Belgium is surprisingly varied for such a compact country, combining major cultural cities, smaller historic centres and opportunities to escape into nature, all within relatively short distances.

Beyond the clichés of fries and chocolate, Belgium stands out for its architectural heritage – from belfries and medieval squares to Flemish townhouses and Art Nouveau in Brussels – as well as its human-scale cities, which are easy to explore on foot. The differences between Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia also mean you can experience a surprising variety of atmospheres, languages and urban landscapes within a single trip.

One of Belgium’s biggest advantages as a travel destination is how easy it is to combine several places in a relatively short trip. The country is compact and its main cities are well connected by train, so you can move from one destination to another without spending a large part of your holiday in transit or necessarily needing to rent a car.

One thing that really struck me on my trips to Belgium was just how quickly the atmosphere changes from one city to the next. Bruges and its canals already feel completely different from Ghent and its lively quays, even though the two cities are incredibly easy to combine in the same trip. Across the country, the contrast is even greater, from Brussels and its Art Nouveau heritage to Antwerp and its port-city identity, or the greener landscapes of Wallonia.

Where to go in Belgium: cities and regions to explore

For a first trip to Belgium, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp are the main cities to consider, with destinations in Wallonia or along the Belgian coast easily added depending on how much time you have and what you want to see.

Belgium is divided into three regions: the Flemish Region in the north, where Dutch is the official language; the Walloon Region in the south, which is predominantly French-speaking but also includes the German-speaking Community; and the Brussels-Capital Region, which is officially bilingual in French and Dutch. For travellers, this means cities with very distinct identities, place names that sometimes vary depending on the language (Bruges/Brugge, Ghent/Gent, Antwerp/Antwerpen), and noticeably different atmospheres across Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels.

Brussels, the Belgian and European capital

Brussels is a natural starting point for exploring Belgium, with a wealth of cultural attractions and excellent rail connections to the rest of the country.

At its heart, Brussels’ Grand-Place is striking for its historic façades and Gothic Town Hall; just a few streets away, the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert are among the capital’s most iconic covered shopping arcades. The city is also deeply associated with Art Nouveau, with several notable buildings designed by Victor Horta, as well as Belgian comics, which feature both in museums and throughout the city itself.

Brussels also has a distinctive European dimension thanks to the district housing the European institutions. Further north, the Atomium, built for the 1958 World’s Fair, has become one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. All of this makes Brussels a very different stop from medieval Flemish cities such as Bruges or Ghent.

Bruges, Belgium’s must-see medieval city

Bruges is one of the most iconic cities to visit on a first trip to Belgium, with a remarkably well-preserved historic centre that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You’ll find a network of canals reflecting rows of gabled façades, the bustling Markt square overlooked by the Belfry of Bruges, as well as numerous museums and churches. The Beguinage offers a peaceful break from the busier parts of the city, especially early or late in the day once the tour groups have left. Flemish architecture, cobbled streets and intimate little squares make Bruges particularly photogenic.

When I visited Bruges, I was really glad I chose to stay overnight rather than coming just for a day trip: the city becomes much quieter in the evening, making it the perfect time to wander along the canals and watch the light fall across the rooftops.

Ghent, historic heritage meets a lively city

Ghent combines an impressive historic centre with the energy of a genuinely lived-in city, thanks in part to its large student population.

The Castle of the Counts of Flanders (Gravensteen) is a reminder of the city’s medieval power, while St Bavo’s Cathedral houses the famous Ghent Altarpiece. The Graslei and Korenlei quays, lined with historic façades, are among the nicest places to sit outside at a café or simply watch the boats go by.

Compared with Bruges, I found Ghent a little less “picture-postcard perfect”, but livelier in everyday life, with more shops, student cafés and street art. It’s a destination I’d recommend if you enjoy combining historic sights with a more contemporary atmosphere. I share my itinerary, the places I visited and all my tips in my guide to visiting Ghent. And if you’re trying to choose between Ghent and Bruges, I’ve put together a detailed comparison of the two cities based on several criteria to help you decide.

Antwerp, architecture, art and fashion

Antwerp (Antwerpen in Dutch) is a major port city known for its artistic heritage, fashion and diamonds.

Around the Grote Markt and the Cathedral of Our Lady, you’ll find the Flemish squares and historic façades that characterise the city centre. Antwerp is closely associated with Rubens, who lived and worked here, while its more recent history is intertwined with Belgian fashion and the designers known as the “Antwerp Six”. The MoMu fashion museum is one of the best places to explore this side of the city.

Antwerp is also famous for its diamond district and is home to one of Europe’s largest ports. Even the city’s Central Station is worth taking the time to see for its spectacular architecture. If you’re looking for a more urban stop combining historic heritage with contemporary creativity, Antwerp makes a great addition to Bruges or Ghent.

Wallonia: Dinant, Namur, Liège and the Ardennes

Wallonia reveals a hillier and often more rural side of Belgium, with historic cities, the landscapes of the Meuse Valley and the forests of the Ardennes.

In Dinant, the town stretches between the cliffs and the Meuse River, overlooked by its citadel. Namur, at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers, also has an imposing citadel overlooking the city. Liège has a more urban feel, with a heritage quite different from that of the Flemish cities and the spectacular Liège-Guillemins railway station designed by Santiago Calatrava.

Further south, the Belgian Ardennes are perfect for adding a few days in nature to a city-based itinerary, with forests, valleys, villages and hiking trails to explore. Durbuy is one of the best-known destinations in the region.

The Belgian coast and the North Sea

The Belgian coast is an easy way to add some time by the North Sea to a trip around Belgium, with several seaside resorts connected by the coastal tram.

Ostend combines beaches, a seafront and cultural attractions, while Knokke-Heist has a more upmarket atmosphere. De Haan offers something different again, with its Belle Époque villas and long sandy beaches.

The coastal tram (Kusttram) is one of the distinctive features of the Belgian coast: it connects seaside towns and resorts along several dozen kilometres of coastline, making it easy to explore the area without a car. If you’d like to combine city sightseeing with some time by the sea, the coast can easily be added as another stop on your itinerary.

How to plan your Belgium itinerary

The ideal length of a trip to Belgium depends mainly on how many cities you want to explore: a weekend is enough to focus on one destination, 3 or 4 days allow you to combine two, and a week gives you plenty of options for a varied itinerary.

With relatively short distances and good rail connections, it can be tempting to squeeze in as many stops as possible. However, I think it’s better to leave yourself enough time to enjoy each city rather than constantly moving on and changing hotels. Bruges and Ghent, in particular, are very easy to combine without a car.

A weekend in Belgium: focus on one city

For a weekend in Belgium, I’d recommend focusing on just one city so you have enough time to really enjoy it.

In 2 days, you could explore Brussels and its main neighbourhoods and museums, choose Bruges for its medieval heritage and canals, or head to Ghent for a mix of historic landmarks and a livelier atmosphere.

Visiting two cities is still possible if they’re close together and you don’t mind a fairly busy schedule, but I wouldn’t try to squeeze three destinations into 48 hours. A day trip from wherever you’re staying is often a better compromise.

3 or 4 days in Belgium: combine two cities

With 3 or 4 days, I think two cities make for a comfortable pace. You could combine Brussels with Ghent or Bruges, while Bruges + Ghent works particularly well thanks to their proximity and direct train connections.

If you choose Bruges and Ghent, I’d recommend spending at least one night in Bruges rather than visiting only as a day trip. I loved seeing the canals and streets once the daytime crowds had thinned out. Ghent then offers a different atmosphere, with a livelier feel and a strong student presence.

One week in Belgium: three or four stops

With a week, you can comfortably plan three or four stops and start experiencing several different sides of the country.

For a city-focused first trip, you could, for example, combine Brussels, Ghent, Bruges and Antwerp. There’s no need to spend exactly the same number of nights in each city: instead, adjust your itinerary according to the places you want to visit and the train connections between each stop.

If you’d rather include a greater variety of landscapes, you could swap one of the cities for Dinant, Namur or the Belgian Ardennes. A car becomes more useful for exploring some rural areas, whereas you won’t need one for an itinerary between the main cities.

When is the best time to visit Belgium?

Belgium can be visited year-round, but April to June and September to October are particularly good months for city breaks: temperatures are generally mild and the days are long enough to make the most of exploring on foot. Summer is livelier but also busier, while December brings Christmas markets, lights and a festive atmosphere to many Belgian cities.

Belgium has an oceanic climate, which means the weather can be changeable and rain is possible throughout the year. Whatever the season, it’s worth packing a waterproof jacket and keeping a few indoor attractions in mind in case the weather turns.

Spring: April, May and June

Spring is a great time to explore Belgian cities on foot. Between April and June, the days gradually get longer and temperatures are generally pleasant enough for long walks.

It’s a good time to combine several cities and enjoy parks, gardens, canals and outdoor terraces without necessarily encountering the summer crowds. It’s still worth keeping something waterproof close at hand, though: a beautiful day can quickly give way to a rain shower.

Summer: July and August

July and August bring long days and plenty of outdoor events, but they are also the peak tourist season.

Bruges and the main attractions in Brussels or Ghent can be busier, as can the resorts along the Belgian coast when the weather is good. If you’re travelling during the summer holidays, it’s particularly worth booking accommodation well in advance in the most popular destinations.

Autumn: September and October

September and early October are a good alternative to summer for a city break in Belgium. The main summer holiday season is over, while the days are still long enough to fit plenty of sightseeing into your itinerary.

Later in autumn, the days become shorter and the weather generally turns cooler and wetter. However, this can still be a lovely time to explore the wooded landscapes of the Belgian Ardennes as the leaves take on their autumn colours.

Winter: Christmas markets and festive atmosphere

Belgium is still well worth visiting in winter if you don’t mind shorter days and cooler weather. From late November onwards, several cities host Christmas markets, festive lights and seasonal events.

Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Liège and Namur all host different festivities depending on the year. Dates and programmes change from one edition to the next, so it’s best to check the official websites before your trip.

In winter, you’ll mainly want good walking shoes and clothing suitable for cold, wet weather. Museums, cafés and other indoor attractions make it easy to alternate city walks with time indoors when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

How to get to Belgium?

Belgium is easy to reach from many parts of Europe by train, with direct international connections to Brussels from cities including Paris, London, Amsterdam and Cologne. If you’re travelling from further afield, flying into Brussels is usually the most straightforward option, while driving can make sense if Belgium is part of a longer European road trip.

The best option will therefore depend largely on where you’re travelling from and the type of trip you’re planning. For a city break or a multi-city itinerary, arriving by train has the advantage of taking you directly into a city centre, where you can easily connect to Belgium’s domestic rail network.

Travelling to Belgium by train

International trains make Belgium particularly easy to reach from neighbouring countries and the UK. Brussels is the country’s main international rail hub, with direct services from several major European cities.

From Paris Gare du Nord, direct Eurostar trains reach Brussels-Midi in around 1 hour 22 minutes, while Brussels can also be reached directly by train from London, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Cologne and other European cities. Once in Belgium, the SNCB/NMBS national rail network makes it easy to continue to Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Liège and many other destinations.

For a trip focused on Belgium’s main cities, travelling by train also means avoiding parking restrictions and low-emission zones. It’s perfectly possible to plan an entire itinerary around Belgium without a car.

Travelling to Belgium by car

Driving to Belgium can be a convenient option if you’re travelling from a neighbouring country, planning a European road trip or want to explore rural areas, particularly the Belgian Ardennes.

Having a car gives you more freedom to reach villages, natural areas and accommodation away from railway stations. However, if your itinerary is limited to Brussels, Ghent, Bruges or Antwerp, a car is rarely essential: the cities are well connected by train, and driving can become more of a hassle than an advantage once you arrive.

You should also be aware of the low-emission zones (LEZ) in place in some Belgian cities. Access requirements depend on factors such as your vehicle and may involve additional registration or other formalities for foreign-registered cars. If you’re driving your own car to Belgium, check the current rules for each city on your itinerary before you travel.

Flying to Belgium

Flying is generally the most practical option if you’re travelling to Belgium from further afield, although rail travel is often more convenient for journeys from nearby European cities.

The country’s main airport is Brussels Airport (Brussels-Zaventem), which has direct train connections to central Brussels as well as other Belgian cities. Brussels South Charleroi Airport, located further from the capital, is used by several low-cost airlines and has bus connections to Brussels.

If you’re travelling from elsewhere in Europe, it’s worth comparing the entire door-to-door journey before booking a flight. The time required to reach the airport, check in and travel into the city after landing can sometimes make the train a faster and more convenient option.

How to get around Belgium

It’s very easy to travel around Belgium without a car: the main tourist cities are well connected by train, and their historic centres are easy to explore on foot. A car becomes more useful if you want to visit rural or natural areas with limited public transport.

Travelling between Belgian cities by train

The train is one of the easiest ways to travel between Belgium’s main cities. SNCB/NMBS operates the national rail network, with frequent connections between Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Liège and other major destinations across the country.

You don’t always need to travel via Brussels either: several cities have direct connections with each other. Bruges and Ghent, for example, are directly connected by train, making them particularly easy to combine in the same trip.

Tickets can be purchased online, through the SNCB/NMBS app or at the station. As fares and ticket options vary depending on factors such as your age, travel date and type of journey, I recommend checking the available options when planning your itinerary.

Metro, trams and buses in Belgian cities

Local public transport is operated by different companies depending on the region: STIB/MIVB runs the metro, trams and buses in Brussels, De Lijn operates buses and trams in Flanders, while TEC covers Wallonia.

In the historic centres of Bruges and Ghent, however, you can do much of your sightseeing on foot. In Brussels and Antwerp, public transport is more useful for reaching neighbourhoods and attractions further away from the city centre.

Along the Belgian coast, the Kusttram (coastal tram) also makes it easy to travel between the different seaside resorts without a car.

Do you need to rent a car in Belgium?

You don’t need a car for an itinerary between Belgium’s main cities. If your trip focuses on Brussels, Ghent, Bruges and Antwerp, trains and local public transport are generally all you need, while also saving you the hassle of traffic and parking.

A car becomes more useful for exploring the Belgian Ardennes, smaller villages and rural areas that are less well connected by train. If you do drive, remember to check the low-emission zone requirements if your itinerary takes you through any major cities.

Practical information for planning a trip to Belgium

Entry requirements, languages, currency, mobile phones and healthcare: here are the main practical things to know before travelling to Belgium.

What are the entry requirements for Belgium?

Belgium is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area, so entry requirements depend on your nationality. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to Belgium with a valid national identity card or passport.

Travellers from other countries may need a passport and, depending on their nationality and circumstances, a visa or other travel authorisation. As entry requirements can change, I recommend checking the official rules that apply to your nationality before travelling.

What languages are spoken in Belgium?

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. Dutch is spoken in Flanders, French mainly in Wallonia, while a German-speaking community is located in the east of the country. The Brussels-Capital Region is officially bilingual in French and Dutch.

You’ll therefore encounter different languages depending on where you travel. English is also widely understood in tourist areas and major cities. It’s useful to know the Dutch names of some destinations, especially when reading signs or checking transport information: Ghent = Gent, Antwerp = Antwerpen, Bruges = Brugge and Leuven keeps the same name in English and Dutch.

What currency is used in Belgium and how can you pay?

Belgium uses the euro (€). If you’re travelling from another eurozone country, you won’t need to exchange any currency. If you’re coming from elsewhere, it’s worth checking your bank’s foreign transaction and cash withdrawal fees before your trip.

Card payments are common, although I still recommend carrying a small amount of cash for minor purchases or places that may not accept your usual payment method.

Do you need a travel adapter in Belgium?

Belgium uses type C and E power sockets, with a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Whether you need a travel adapter therefore depends on the plugs used in your home country.

Travellers from many continental European countries can use their devices without an adapter. If you’re travelling from the UK, North America or another country using different plug types, you’ll generally need a suitable adapter. You should also check that your devices are compatible with 230 V before plugging them in.

Can you use your mobile phone in Belgium?

If you have a mobile plan from an EU or EEA country, you can generally use your phone in Belgium under the EU’s roaming rules, allowing you to make calls, send messages and use mobile data under similar conditions to those at home.

Fair-use limits may apply, particularly to mobile data. If your mobile plan is from outside the EU/EEA, roaming charges will depend on your provider, so check the rates before travelling. An international roaming package, travel eSIM or local SIM may be more economical depending on your plan.

Do you need a European Health Insurance Card for Belgium?

If you’re eligible for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), it’s worth bringing it with you when travelling to Belgium. It gives you access to medically necessary state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay, under the same conditions and at the same cost as people insured in Belgium.

Each traveller needs their own card, including children. The EHIC does not necessarily cover all medical expenses and is not a substitute for travel insurance, particularly as it does not cover every situation or service you may need while abroad.

What to eat and drink in Belgium

Fries, waffles, chocolate and beer are Belgium’s best-known specialities, but there’s much more to Belgian cuisine than these famous classics. Depending on the region, you’ll also find slow-cooked dishes, fish and meat specialities and plenty of distinctly local recipes.

Belgian specialities to try

It’s impossible to talk about Belgian food without starting with fries, served at traditional friteries with a sometimes bewildering choice of sauces. Waffles also vary depending on where they come from: a Brussels waffle is rectangular, light and crisp, while a Liège waffle is denser and caramelised, with pearl sugar baked into the dough.

Other dishes worth trying include Flemish carbonnade, a beef stew cooked with beer, while boulets à la liégeoise are Liège-style meatballs served with a sweet-and-savoury sauce. Waterzooi, associated with Ghent, is made with fish or chicken in a creamy broth with vegetables. Moules-frites – mussels served with fries – are another Belgian classic you’ll find on menus in brasseries across the country.

Chocolate, pralines and speculoos

Belgium is also inseparable from chocolate. You’ll find countless chocolate shops in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp, ranging from historic names to independent artisan chocolatiers.

The Belgian praline, a filled chocolate whose invention is credited to Jean Neuhaus Jr in Brussels in the early 20th century, is one of the country’s most iconic specialities. Another classic is speculoos, a spiced biscuit traditionally associated with St Nicholas, although you’ll now find it throughout the year.

What beer should you try in Belgium?

Belgian beer culture is exceptionally rich and has been included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2016. There’s an enormous variety of brewing styles and traditions, including Trappist and abbey beers, lambics, gueuzes, top-fermented beers and fruit beers.

If you enjoy beer, there’s little point in looking for a single “typical Belgian beer”: part of the fun is trying several different styles during your trip. Just bear in mind that some Belgian beers have a significantly higher alcohol content than a standard lager.

My tips for planning a great trip to Belgium

To make the most of a trip to Belgium, my main advice is not to be fooled by the short distances: just because the cities are close together doesn’t mean you need to squeeze as many as possible into your itinerary. For a weekend, I think it’s better to explore one city at a relaxed pace; with a few extra days, the train makes it easy to build an itinerary with several stops.

If you’re visiting Bruges, try to spend at least one night there rather than coming only for a day trip. That’s one of the main things I took away from my own stay: once some of the daytime visitors have left, the atmosphere really changes and walks along the canals become much more peaceful. During the busiest periods, however, it’s worth booking well in advance if you want to stay in the historic centre.

I also think it’s well worth combining Bruges and Ghent in the same trip. The two cities are close together and very well connected by train, yet they offer quite different experiences: I was more drawn to Bruges for its picture-postcard charm and evening atmosphere, while Ghent felt livelier and more like a city people actually live in. Together, they give you a great introduction to two very different sides of Flanders.

Finally, keep your itinerary flexible enough to adapt to Belgium’s changeable weather. A waterproof jacket and good walking shoes are useful, but I find it even more practical not to plan an itinerary made up entirely of outdoor activities: museums, historic sights and food stops make it easy to reshuffle your day if the rain sets in.

The Traveler’s Memo for Belgium

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Belgium and choosing the right cities, attractions and itinerary for your stay.

Belgium works equally well for a weekend in a single city or a longer itinerary through different parts of the country. For a first trip, Bruges and Ghent are an excellent starting point in my opinion: they’re easy to combine by train and already give you a taste of two quite different sides of Flanders.

I’ll continue adding to this page as I explore more of Belgium and publish new travel guides.