· BE

Belgium

Belgium: Where History Meets Indulgence Belgium, a country small in size but mighty in character, offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Imagine cobblestone streets lined with medieval archit…

#European Union#Chocolate#Waffles#Beer#Historic architecture

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Belgium.

Top Hotels in Brussels

Top Flights to Brussels

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Belgium.

Tours

Explore Grand Place, Brussels

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Place is the central square of Brussels, surrounded by opulent guildhalls and the Town Hall.

Discover the Canals of Bruges

Take a boat ride through the picturesque canals of Bruges, known as the 'Venice of the North'.

Visit the Atomium

An iconic building and museum in Brussels, the Atomium was constructed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo 58).

Climb the Belfry of Ghent

This medieval tower is part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, offering stunning city views from the top.

Antwerp Zoo Visit

One of the oldest zoos in the world, Antwerp Zoo is home to over 5000 animals and beautiful gardens.

Shopping

Shop at Rue Neuve, Brussels

Rue Neuve is Brussels' main shopping street lined with international brands and local boutiques.

Chocolate Shopping in Brussels

Indulge in Belgium's famed chocolates with a shopping tour through Brussels' finest chocolatiers.

Outdoor

Adventure Awaits at Ardennes

Known for its extensive forests, rolling hills, and outdoor activities, Ardennes is perfect for adventure seekers.

Hike in the High Fens

The High Fens nature reserve offers a remarkable hiking experience through Belgium's largest natural reserve.

Cycling in Limburg

Explore Limburg's famous cycling paths through scenic countryside and charming villages.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Belgium.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro Belgium

Population

11.5 million

Languages

Dutch, French, German

Average weather

Belgium

Jan

6°1°

Feb

7°1°

Mar

10°3°

Apr

14°5°

May

18°9°

Jun

21°12°

Jul

23°14°

Aug

23°14°

Sep

20°11°

Oct

15°8°

Nov

10°4°

Dec

7°2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Belgium.

What people love

Belgium is known for many wonderful reasons, making it a popular destination for travelers. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Belgium:

Rich History and Culture: Belgium is home to stunning medieval architecture, picturesque towns, and vibrant cultural heritage. Visitors can explore historic cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp, which are filled with beautiful buildings, museums, and art galleries.
Culinary Delights: Belgium is famous for its delicious cuisine, including mouthwatering chocolates, waffles, fries, and of course, Belgian beer. Food lovers will enjoy sampling the local delicacies and experiencing the country's diverse culinary scene.
Beautiful Landscapes: Belgium is blessed with scenic landscapes, including rolling countryside, picturesque villages, and charming coastal areas. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and exploring the country's many parks and gardens.
Central Location: Belgium's central location in Europe makes it a convenient base for exploring neighboring countries like France, the Netherlands, and Germany. Visitors can easily travel to other European destinations by train or car, making Belgium an ideal starting point for a European adventure.
Multilingual Environment: Belgium has three official languages - Dutch, French, and German - creating a diverse and multicultural environment. Visitors can experience different languages, customs, and traditions within a relatively small geographic area.

Overall, traveling to Belgium offers a mix of history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, making it a fantastic destination for visitors looking for a diverse and enriching travel experience.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Belgium could include:

Weather: Belgium has a temperate maritime climate, which means it can be quite rainy and overcast, especially during the fall and winter months. This may not be ideal for travelers looking for sunny weather.
Crowds: Popular tourist destinations in Belgium, such as Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp, can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. This may lead to longer wait times at attractions and restaurants.
Cost: Belgium is known to be relatively expensive compared to some other European countries, especially in terms of accommodation and dining out.
Language barriers: While many people in Belgium speak English, the official languages are Dutch, French, and German. Travelers who do not speak any of these languages may encounter some difficulties communicating in certain parts of the country.
Transportation strikes: Belgium is known for occasional transportation strikes, which can disrupt travel plans and cause inconvenience for travelers relying on public transportation.

It's important to note that these are just potential cons and may not apply to every traveler's experience.

Belgium, located in Western Europe, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The region that is now Belgium was conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BC and later became part of the Frankish Empire in the 5th century. Over the centuries, Belgium's territory changed hands multiple times and was ruled by various European powers.

In the 15th century, the Burgundian Netherlands, which included modern-day Belgium, came under the control of the powerful House of Burgundy. During this time, the region experienced a period of economic prosperity and cultural development.

In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation led to religious conflicts in the region, culminating in the Eighty Years' War in the 16th and 17th centuries. The war resulted in the division of the Netherlands, with the southern part, including present-day Belgium, coming under Spanish control.

In the 19th century, Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands in 1830 after a revolution against Dutch rule. The country became a constitutional monarchy with Leopold I as its first king. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Belgium emerge as an industrialized nation with a strong economy.

Belgium played a significant role in both World War I and World War II. During World War I, the country was occupied by German forces, leading to widespread destruction and suffering. In World War II, Belgium was again occupied by Germany before being liberated by Allied forces.

One of the most significant events in Belgium's recent history was the establishment of the European Union in the 1950s, with Belgium being one of its founding members. The city of Brussels became the de facto capital of the EU, hosting its major institutions.

Today, Belgium is known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and beautiful architecture. The country is home to several important landmarks, including the Grand Place in Brussels, the medieval city of Bruges, and the historic town of Ghent. Belgium is also famous for its beer, chocolate, and waffles, which are enjoyed by people around the world.

Overall, Belgium's history is marked by periods of prosperity, conflict, and resilience, shaping the country into the vibrant and diverse nation it is today.