I'm giving up on Belgium—it's just too amazing here!
Although Belgium is small, it's packed with medieval old towns, Renaissance art, chocolate, beer, and the heart of the EU. It's perfect for combining with trips to the Netherlands, France, and Luxembourg. This guide will help you sort through the essential information.
I. Before you go
· Best time: April–June, September–October for mild weather and fewer tourists. July–August is lively but accommodation is expensive. Winter has Christmas markets.
· Visa: Schengen visa, apply in advance.
· Language: Dutch in the north, French in the south, bilingual in Brussels, English is widely spoken.
· Currency: Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, but small shops might only take cash.
· Transportation: The country is small, and trains are the best choice for intercity travel. Brussels to Bruges is about 1 hour, to Ghent about 35 minutes. You can buy SNCB weekend tickets or a Go Pass.
II. Must-visit cities and attractions
· Brussels: Grand Place (World Heritage site), Manneken Pis, Atomium. The Comic Strip Walls and the Belgian Comic Strip Center are great for comic fans. You can visit the Parliament in the EU district.
· Bruges: A well-preserved medieval old town, known as the "Venice of the North." The Belfry, Market Square, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and Minnewater (Lake of Love) are all worth visiting. A boat tour is a classic experience.
· Ghent: More lived-in than Bruges, featuring Gravensteen, St. Bavo's Cathedral (home to the "Ghent Altarpiece"), and beautiful night views of the Graslei riverbank.
· Antwerp: The capital of fashion and diamonds. The Cathedral of Our Lady, the Rubens House, and the Central Station (often called the most beautiful station) are all worth seeing.
· Leuven: A university town with a rich beer culture. You can tour the Stella Artois brewery.
· Namur and Dinant: In the French-speaking south. Namur has a citadel, and Dinant is the hometown of the inventor of the saxophone, with beautiful scenery along the Meuse River.
III. Food and specialties
· Chocolate: You can buy from brands like Neuhaus, Godiva, and Pierre Marcolini. There are many handmade shops in Brussels and Bruges.
· Beer: Over 1,000 varieties. Trappist beers like Chimay and Westmalle are very famous. You can visit the Delirium Café in Brussels for the experience.
· Fries: Belgian fries are double-fried in beef tallow and classically served with mayonnaise.
· Waffles: Brussels waffles are light and crispy, while Liège waffles are sweeter and denser.
· Other: Mussels and fries, grilled ribs, and boiled grey shrimp.
IV. Itinerary suggestions
4-day classic tour
· Day 1: Brussels, Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Comic Strip Walls, Atomium.
· Day 2: Bruges, Belfry, boat tour, Market Square, Minnewater.
· Day 3: Ghent, Gravensteen, St. Bavo's Cathedral, riverbank night views.
· Day 4: Antwerp, Central Station, Cathedral of Our Lady, Rubens House, return.
6-day in-depth tour
· Build on the 4-day tour by adding the Leuven brewery, Namur Citadel, and the town of Dinant, or visit Liège to see the Montagne de Bueren.
V. Accommodation and tips
· Accommodation: In Brussels, choose near the Grand Place or the EU district; in Bruges, choose within the old town; in Ghent, choose the city center. Be sure to book in advance during peak season.
· Tips: Train tickets can be bought in advance on the SNCB website; many museums require reservations; many shops are closed on Sundays; tipping is not mandatory, as service charges are included in the bill.
· Nearby: You can easily visit Luxembourg, Maastricht in the Netherlands, or Lille in France on the way.