How to Plan a Trip to Belgium: Frequently Asked Questions

Belgium is in Western Europe. It is bordered by France to the south, Germany and Luxembourg to the east, and the Netherlands to the north. To its west is the North Sea. Its location makes it the perfect hub for many luxury European tours and vacations, with effortless access by high-speed rail or short flights to major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and London.

Belgium is a sovereign country and not part of France or the Netherlands, though it shares deep historical and linguistic ties with both. The country has three official languages: Dutch, spoken in the northern region of Flanders; French, spoken in the southern region of Wallonia; and German, spoken in a small area in the east. Brussels, the capital, is officially bilingual, with locals speaking French and Dutch. A Zicasso tour of France or trip to the Netherlands can easily be combined with a trip to Belgium for a broader European experience.

Belgium is famous for its culinary specialties, such as chocolate, waffles, and thousands of varieties of beer, including those brewed by Trappist monks. The country is also credited with inventing fries, known as frites, which are a national obsession.

Architecturally, Belgium is known for the magnificent guildhalls of Brussels' Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the stunning medieval city centers of Bruges and Ghent, with their picturesque canals and belfries. The city of Antwerp is one of the world's leading diamond capitals.

Belgium also holds a significant place in world history, particularly for the major World War I battles fought on its soil in Flanders Fields. For art lovers, it is the home of Flemish Primitives like Jan van Eyck and masters like Peter Paul Rubens.

The best time to visit Belgium is during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October. These spring and fall months offer pleasant weather, perfect for strolling through cities and enjoying canal-side cafés. You will also enjoy the luxury of fewer crowds than the summer peak. Explore the country's vibrant cities and lush countryside, from the flower carpets of spring to the crisp air of autumn.

December is also a magical time to visit Belgium for its stunning Christmas markets. Cities like Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent transform with ice rinks, festive stalls, and glittering lights, offering a truly special atmosphere.

One week is a good amount of time to spend in Belgium. The country is compact and has an excellent train network, making it easy to travel between cities.

In seven to 10 days, you can thoroughly explore the capital, Brussels, discover the medieval charm of Bruges and Ghent, and visit the vibrant port city of Antwerp. This allows enough time to visit key historical sites, indulge in chocolate and beer tastings, and perhaps take a day trip to the Ardennes forest or the historical battlefields near Ypres.

From historic city centers that feel like open-air museums to the serene beauty of its forests, the best places to visit in Belgium are rich and varied. Here are a few highlights:

• Brussels: The vibrant capital, home to the Grand-Place, Atomium, and EU institutions.
• Bruges: Often called the "Venice of the North" for its romantic canals and preserved medieval architecture.
• Ghent: A lively university city with a stunning castle, beautiful canals, and a dynamic arts scene.
• Antwerp: A global center for fashion and diamonds, with a beautiful historic core.
• The Ardennes: A region of forests, hills, and caves, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and exploring charming towns like Dinant and Durbuy.
• Ypres: A city central to understanding the history of World War I, home to the Menin Gate and the In Flanders Fields Museum.
• Leuven: A historic university town with a stunning Gothic town hall and a lively atmosphere.

Working alongside our travel specialists, we highlight some of the things you should do on your trip to Belgium. From culinary journeys to historical explorations, there is an activity for every traveler.

• Take a canal cruise in Bruges to see the city from its most enchanting perspective.
• Stand in awe at the Grand-Place in Brussels, especially during the nightly summer light show.
• Indulge in a chocolate-making workshop or visit one of the many famous chocolatiers.
• Embark on a beer-tasting tour to sample famous Trappist, Lambic, and Abbey ales.
• Visit the Gravensteen, or Castle of the Counts, in Ghent for a taste of medieval history.
• Pay your respects to history at the Flanders Fields battlefields and attend the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres.
• Explore the scenic hills and caves of the Ardennes region.
• Eat a fresh Liège waffle from a street vendor and savor a cone of authentic Belgian frites with mayonnaise.

Belgium is arguably the best place in the world for beer. With over 1,500 varieties, beer culture is a given in the nation and is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. From world-famous Trappist breweries to unique Lambic beers brewed only around Brussels, the diversity is astounding.

Beyond beer, Belgium is known for Jenever, a juniper-flavored spirit that is the ancestor of gin. It's a traditional drink, especially popular during winter and at Christmas markets.

Belgium is great for hiking and cycling, dishing up diverse opportunities. In the northern region of Flanders, you will find flat, well-maintained cycling paths that run along canals and through charming villages, making for leisurely and scenic rides.

For more challenging terrain, the southern region of the Ardennes is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. Its rolling hills, dense forests, and winding rivers offer countless trails with stunning viewpoints, especially in the fall when the foliage is spectacular.

Best Hiking and Cycling Regions in Belgium

• The Ardennes for hiking and mountain biking
• The Flemish Ardennes for challenging road cycling
• Canal paths between Bruges and Ghent for flat, scenic cycling
• The Sonian Forest near Brussels
• The High Fens, or Hautes Fagnes, Nature Reserve

Belgium’s Christmas markets will completely immerse you in the season. The main squares of its historic cities are transformed into festive hubs filled with wooden chalets, sparkling lights, and the scent of mulled wine and waffles. Some of Belgium’s best Christmas markets include those in:

• Brussels: The "Winter Wonders" market is one of the largest, featuring a giant Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and over 200 stalls.
• Bruges: A fairytale setting with its market in the main square and an ice rink on the Lake of Love.
• Ghent: The "Ghent Winter Festivities" offer a cozy atmosphere, with a giant moose and a rustic feel.
• Antwerp: Features market stalls stretching from the Grand-Place to the Scheldt river, with a focus on local crafts.
• Liège: Home to the country's oldest Christmas market, with a festive "Christmas Village" atmosphere.

The most convenient airport for most international travelers is Brussels Airport (BRU). It is well-connected to the city center and the national rail network, making it easy to reach any part of the country.

Train travel is the best and most efficient way to get around Belgium. The national railway company operates a dense, punctual, and affordable network that connects all major cities and towns. The distances are short; for example, Brussels to Bruges is only about an hour by train.

Renting a car is an option if you plan to explore the rural Ardennes region in depth, but it is not necessary or recommended for travel between the main cities, where parking can be difficult and expensive.

There is a wide variety of delicious food to try when visiting Belgium. Here is a list of cuisines you should taste:

• Moules-Frites: A pot of steamed mussels served with a side of crispy fries.
• Carbonnade Flamande or Stoverij: A rich, savory beef and onion stew made with Belgian beer.
• Frites: Thick-cut Belgian fries, traditionally served in a paper cone with mayonnaise.
• Waffles: Available in two main styles: the light, rectangular Brussels waffle and the dense, sweeter Liège waffle with caramelized sugar.
• Belgian Chocolate: world-famous for its high quality. Look for handmade pralines from local chocolatiers.
• Waterzooi: A creamy chicken or fish stew originating from Ghent.
• Stoemp: A hearty dish of mashed potatoes mixed with other vegetables, often served with sausage.

Belgium is a fantastic destination for families. It offers attractions that appeal to all ages, from exploring medieval castles like the Gravensteen in Ghent to the futuristic Atomium in Brussels.

Children will love the country's comic book culture, with the Belgian Comic Strip Center and a comic book route through Brussels dedicated to characters like Tintin and the Smurfs. Chocolate-making workshops are a fun, hands-on activity, and the abundance of parks and boat rides makes for a memorable family trip. And let’s not forget the waffles.

Belgium is an excellent destination for seniors. The main cities are largely flat and walkable, and the efficient public transport system makes getting around easy and comfortable.

Seniors can enjoy leisurely canal cruises in Bruges and Ghent, take horse-drawn carriage rides, or simply relax at a café in a historic square. The country's many world-class museums, beautiful gardens, and excellent restaurants offer enriching experiences at a relaxed pace.

Belgium is an incredibly romantic destination, perfect for couples and honeymooners. The city of Bruges, with its cobblestone streets, tranquil canals, and medieval architecture, feels like it was designed for romance.

You can enjoy intimate dinners in Ghent, explore charming inns in the Ardennes, or share a box of exquisite chocolates while strolling through Brussels' Grand-Place. The blend of beautiful scenery, rich culture, and gourmet food creates an unforgettable romantic getaway.

Belgium is an incredibly safe country for travel. It has a low crime rate and is a stable, modern European nation. As with any destination, general safety precautions should be taken, such as being aware of your surroundings and belongings in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.

In Belgium, the official currency is the euro (€). Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases at markets or cafés. ATMs are readily available throughout the country.

There are generally no specific vaccination requirements for travelers entering Belgium from most countries. However, it is always recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations. For the most current information, check the CDC's official travel recommendations for Belgium. You can contact your Zicasso travel specialist if you have any questions or concerns.

Our European vacation ideas and itineraries offer a number of travel ideas to assist you in planning an itinerary that includes Belgium. Select a trip that aligns with your ideal vacation, be it family travel, a honeymoon, an adventure tour, or something else. When you are ready, complete a trip request to begin planning your vacation. We ask for more information on where you would like to go, how long you would like to spend in Belgium, the size of your party, and traveler ages to help streamline your planning.

You can also provide additional ideas and set a travel budget, after which our Travel Care team will contact you to match you with a top Belgium travel specialist. Our Belgium travel specialists will use their expertise and understanding of your preferences to curate your dream vacation.