Explore Belgium
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Belgium may be small in size, but it delivers an extraordinary blend of historical significance, artistic heritage, and gastronomic excellence that captivates visitors from around the world. This compact kingdom sits at Europe's crossroads, where Germanic and Latin cultures meet, creating a unique multilingual nation with distinct regional identities. From the medieval charm of Flanders in the north to the rolling hills of French-speaking Wallonia in the south, Belgium offers remarkable diversity within its borders.
Beyond the famed chocolate, waffles, and beer that have earned Belgium international culinary acclaim, the country boasts UNESCO-recognized belfries, begijnhofs (béguinages), and a rich artistic legacy from Flemish Primitives to Surrealism. Cities like Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp each possess their own character – from grand Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets to cutting-edge fashion and design. With excellent rail connections and short travel distances, Belgium allows visitors to experience castle-dotted countryside, pristine North Sea beaches, and vibrant urban centers all within a single trip.
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West Flanders, Belgium
- UNESCO-listed medieval city center
- Picturesque canals and boat tours
- Belfry of Bruges with panoramic views
Often called the 'Venice of the North,' Bruges enchants visitors with its perfectly preserved medieval architecture and romantic canals. This fairytale city's cobblestone streets lead to magnificent market squares, Gothic churches, and peaceful begijnhofs. Beyond its visual charm, Bruges delights with artisanal chocolate shops, lace-making traditions, and intimate museums housing masterpieces by Flemish Primitives like Jan van Eyck.
Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium
- Grand Place (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Atomium and Mini-Europe
- Belgian Comic Strip Center
Belgium's cosmopolitan capital blends administrative importance as the EU headquarters with a playful spirit evident in its comic strip murals and quirky Manneken Pis statue. The breathtaking Grand Place showcases ornate guild houses and the Gothic Town Hall, while neighborhoods like Sablon charm with antique shops and chocolate boutiques. Brussels embraces contrasts—Art Nouveau mansions alongside modern architecture, traditional beer cafés near innovative restaurants, and multicultural communities contributing to its dynamic urban fabric.
East Flanders, Belgium
- Gravensteen Castle
- St. Bavo's Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece
- Vibrant university atmosphere with car-free center
Less touristy than Bruges but equally captivating, Ghent combines medieval splendor with youthful energy from its large student population. The city's three towers—St. Nicholas' Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo's Cathedral—dominate the skyline, while the imposing Gravensteen Castle provides a glimpse into medieval military architecture. Ghent's revitalized canal district, Graslei and Korenlei, offers picturesque waterfront dining, and the city proudly maintains its rebellious spirit with a thriving arts scene and sustainability initiatives.
Antwerp Province, Belgium
- Diamond District and diamond trading legacy
- Fashion District and MoMu Fashion Museum
- Rubens House (Rubenshuis)
Belgium's second-largest city and biggest port, Antwerp blends historic significance with contemporary cool. Known globally for its diamond trade, the city also established itself as a fashion capital thanks to the influential 'Antwerp Six' designers. The spectacular Central Station, the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady housing Rubens masterpieces, and the recently renovated Royal Museum of Fine Arts showcase architectural splendor across centuries. Antwerp's diverse neighborhoods range from the medieval center to the rejuvenated docklands area, offering visitors cutting-edge design, excellent shopping, and a vibrant culinary scene.
Southeastern Belgium (Wallonia)
- Dense forests and dramatic river valleys
- Adventure activities including kayaking and hiking
- Historic battle sites from World War II
The Ardennes region provides a refreshing contrast to Belgium's urban centers with its lush forests, winding rivers, and rolling hills. This outdoor playground offers extensive hiking trails, kayaking on the Semois and Ourthe rivers, and mountain biking routes for adventure enthusiasts. Picturesque towns like Durbuy, La Roche-en-Ardenne, and Bouillon feature medieval castles and charming stone architecture. The region also holds historical significance as the site of the Battle of the Bulge during WWII, with museums and memorials commemorating this pivotal moment in European history.
Guidelines for Cultural Awareness
- Belgium has three official languages: Dutch (Flemish) in the north, French in the south, and German in a small eastern area. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases in the local language of the region you're visiting is appreciated.
- Belgians value punctuality in business and social settings. Arrive on time for appointments, restaurant reservations, and tours as tardiness may be considered disrespectful.
- When greeting Belgians, a handshake is appropriate for first meetings. Once you develop a relationship, the typical greeting becomes three kisses on alternating cheeks (starting with the right) in Wallonia, or one kiss in Flanders, though this varies by region and generation.
- Tipping is not expected in Belgium as service charges are typically included in bills. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros for exceptional service is appreciated but not obligatory.
- Belgians take their beer culture seriously—each beer has its own specially designed glass to enhance its particular characteristics. When drinking at a café or bar, wait for everyone to be served before drinking, make eye contact when saying 'Santé/Proost' (cheers), and never pour your own beer if it comes in a bottle (let it be served to preserve the proper ratio of beer to foam).
Suggestions for Evening Activities
- Experience a traditional Belgian beer tasting at Delirium Café in Brussels, home to over 2,000 beers including rare Trappist varieties and seasonal specialties.
- Attend a classical concert at BOZAR (Centre for Fine Arts) in Brussels or the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, internationally renowned venues hosting world-class performances.
- Take an evening canal cruise in Bruges when the medieval buildings are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere distinct from daytime tours.
- Visit the vibrant Patershol district in Ghent, where historic 16th-century architecture houses trendy bars, jazz clubs, and intimate restaurants perfect for evening exploration.
- Experience contemporary Belgian culture at the Vooruit Arts Centre in Ghent or the deSingel International Arts Campus in Antwerp, offering cutting-edge performances in theater, dance, and music.
Customer Feedback
Sophia Rodriguez
Ghent was the unexpected highlight of our Belgian adventure! Less crowded than Bruges but equally beautiful. The Gravensteen Castle tour was fascinating, and the view from the Belfry was worth every step. We stayed in a converted canal house and enjoyed the vibrant nightlife along the Graslei. The street art and overall youthful energy made this medieval city feel surprisingly contemporary.
Journeyed from Mexico City, Mexico
Hiroshi Tanaka
The chocolate workshop in Brussels was the perfect rainy day activity. Our instructor taught us about bean selection and tempering techniques before guiding us to create our own pralines. The Grand Place at night exceeded expectations—the golden illumination of those baroque facades is unforgettable. Only downside was the crowded tourist restaurants nearby; wish we'd ventured further for more authentic meals.
Journeyed from Osaka, Japan
Aisha Patel
Our cycling tour through the Ardennes was magical! We followed the RAVeL routes along converted railway lines and riverbanks, stopping at small villages and local breweries. The Orval Abbey was a highlight—not only could we tour the ruins, but the trappist beer and cheese made by the monks was exceptional. The forest landscapes reminded me of fairytales, especially with morning mist rising from the valleys.
Journeyed from Mumbai, India
Lars Eriksson
Antwerp's fashion district and MoMu museum were impressive, and the renovated port area has some excellent contemporary architecture. However, construction around the cathedral detracted from the experience, and many shops closed earlier than expected. The diamond district tour felt somewhat commercialized. The central station lives up to its reputation though—truly one of the world's most beautiful train stations.
Journeyed from Stockholm, Sweden
Olivia Chen
Bruges in winter was absolutely magical! We visited during the Christmas market season, and the snow-dusted medieval buildings looked like a scene from a holiday card. Taking a horse-drawn carriage through the cobblestone streets while wrapped in blankets was romantic and provided a great overview of the city. The Groeningemuseum's collection of Flemish Primitive paintings was stunning, and the Belgian hot chocolate at The Old Chocolate House was the best I've ever had.
Journeyed from Sydney, Australia