
Explore Belgium
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Belgium may be small in size, but it delivers an impressive array of experiences that belie its modest dimensions. Nestled between France, Germany, and the Netherlands, this multilingual kingdom seamlessly blends Flemish and French influences to create a unique cultural identity. From the medieval splendor of Bruges and the cosmopolitan energy of Brussels to the battlefields of Flanders and the scenic Ardennes forests, Belgium rewards visitors with architectural treasures, artistic masterpieces, and a culinary heritage that extends far beyond its famous chocolates, waffles, and over 800 varieties of beer.
What makes Belgium truly special is its accessibility and diversity of experiences within short distances. In a single day, you can wander through UNESCO-listed medieval squares, view works by Flemish Masters like Rubens and Van Eyck, sample artisanal chocolates from world-renowned chocolatiers, and end your evening at a local café choosing from an encyclopedic beer menu. The country's complex history as a cultural crossroads is reflected in its stunning Art Nouveau buildings, somber WWI memorials, and the contrasting characters of its Flemish north and Walloon south – all waiting to be explored by the curious traveler.
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West Flanders, Belgium
- UNESCO-listed medieval city center
- Scenic canal network and boat tours
- Belfry Tower with panoramic views
Often called the 'Venice of the North,' Bruges captivates visitors with its perfectly preserved medieval architecture and romantic canals. The cobblestone streets lead to picturesque market squares framed by step-gabled houses, while horse-drawn carriages clip-clop through narrow lanes. Beyond its postcard-perfect scenery, Bruges offers world-class museums like the Groeningemuseum with its Flemish Primitive masterpieces, artisanal chocolate shops where pralines are still handcrafted, and intimate beer cafés serving rare Trappist ales.
Brussels, Belgium
- UNESCO World Heritage Site with 17th-century guildhalls
- Biennial Flower Carpet event (August)
- Daily artisan markets and surrounding chocolate shops
The Grand Place (Grote Markt) stands as one of Europe's most spectacular medieval squares, surrounded by ornate guildhalls, the Gothic Town Hall, and the King's House. This cobblestoned central square transforms throughout the year, hosting flower carpets in summer, Christmas markets in winter, and regular cultural events. Just steps away are Brussels' other iconic attractions—the cheeky Manneken Pis statue, the Comic Strip Route celebrating Belgium's rich comic heritage, and countless chocolate shops and cafés where you can sample the country's gastronomic treasures.
East Flanders, Belgium
- Gravensteen Castle (Castle of the Counts)
- The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (Ghent Altarpiece)
- Vibrant university atmosphere with canal-side bars
Ghent offers the perfect balance between Bruges' preserved beauty and Brussels' urban energy. This university city combines medieval architecture with a youthful, creative spirit. The car-free city center reveals treasures at every turn—from the imposing Gravensteen Castle to Saint Bavo's Cathedral housing the Van Eyck brothers' masterpiece. Unlike its more touristy neighbors, Ghent maintains an authentic local feel, especially in the evening when the innovative lighting plan bathes historical buildings in a magical glow, and students gather along the Graslei and Korenlei waterfronts.
Namur Province, Wallonia, Belgium
- Dramatic clifftop Citadel
- Birthplace of Adolphe Sax (inventor of the saxophone)
- Scenic Meuse River cruises
Dramatically situated between steep limestone cliffs and the Meuse River, Dinant is one of Belgium's most photogenic small towns. The town's skyline is dominated by the bulbous spire of the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame and the imposing citadel perched 100 meters above on a rocky outcrop. Accessible by cable car or 408 steps, the citadel offers spectacular valley views. Dinant proudly celebrates its famous son, Adolphe Sax, with saxophone sculptures throughout town and a dedicated museum. The surrounding region is perfect for kayaking adventures, exploring nearby caves, or sampling local specialties like the hard Dinant cookies called 'couques'.
Flanders, Belgium
- Diamond District with over 70% of world's rough diamonds traded
- Rubens House (Rubenshuis) museum
- Contemporary fashion scene and MoMu Fashion Museum
Belgium's second city and largest port, Antwerp combines historic splendor with cutting-edge creativity. The magnificent Central Station, often ranked among the world's most beautiful, welcomes visitors to a city that has reinvented itself as a fashion and design capital while honoring its artistic heritage. Home to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, which produced the 'Antwerp Six' fashion designers, the city maintains a bohemian atmosphere in neighborhoods like Zuid and Het Eilandje. The legacy of Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens is celebrated throughout his hometown, while the city's reputation as the world's diamond capital continues with the Diamond District processing billions in gems annually.
Guidelines for Cultural Awareness
- Belgium is divided linguistically—Dutch (Flemish) is spoken in the north, French in the south, and German in a small eastern area. While many Belgians speak English, attempting a few words in the local language is appreciated, especially in smaller towns.
- Belgians value punctuality in business and social settings. Arriving 5-10 minutes early for dinner invitations is considered polite, but don't show up too early as this can inconvenience your hosts who may still be preparing.
- When greeting Belgians, a handshake is appropriate for first meetings. Among friends, the customary greeting is one kiss on the cheek in Wallonia (three kisses in some areas) and three kisses in Flanders (alternating cheeks).
- Tipping is not expected as service charges are included in bills. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros for exceptional service is appreciated but not mandatory. In taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is common practice.
- Chocolate and beer are serious cultural institutions in Belgium, not just tourist attractions. When discussing these topics with locals, avoid generalizations—Belgians take pride in the diversity and craftsmanship of their products and often have strong opinions about different varieties and producers.
Suggestions for Evening Activities
- Experience a traditional Belgian beer tasting at Delirium Café in Brussels, which holds the Guinness World Record for the most beers offered (over 2,000 varieties) and features themed rooms dedicated to different brewing traditions.
- Attend a classical concert at BOZAR (Palais des Beaux-Arts) in Brussels, a cultural center designed by Victor Horta that hosts world-class performances in its art deco concert hall with exceptional acoustics.
- Take an evening canal cruise in Bruges when the medieval buildings are illuminated, creating magical reflections on the water—many tours include Belgian beer and chocolate tastings aboard.
- Visit the MAS Museum in Antwerp, which stays open until 10 PM on Thursdays and offers free access to its rooftop panorama deck with stunning night views over the city and port.
- Experience Ghent's award-winning city lighting plan on a self-guided night walk following the 'Light Plan' route, which artistically illuminates historical buildings, bridges, and waterways while reducing light pollution.
Customer Feedback
Hiroshi Tanaka
The Trappist beer tour in West Flanders was the highlight of our European trip. We visited the Saint Sixtus Abbey where they brew the legendary Westvleteren 12, often called the best beer in the world. You can only purchase it at the abbey with a reservation, making the experience even more special. The monks' dedication to traditional brewing methods was fascinating.
Journeyed from Tokyo, Japan
Sophia Rodríguez
Antwerp surprised me with its fashion scene! The MoMu Fashion Museum was excellent, but the real treat was exploring the independent designer boutiques around the Nationalestraat. The Royal Academy students' designs are cutting-edge. Only downside was the rainy weather that limited our outdoor activities.
Journeyed from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Amir Patel
The WWI battlefields tour around Ypres was a profoundly moving experience. The Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate happens every night at 8 PM without fail since 1928 (except during WWII). Hearing the buglers play while standing beneath the names of 54,000 missing soldiers created a moment of reflection I'll never forget. The In Flanders Fields Museum provided excellent historical context.
Journeyed from Melbourne, Australia
Olivia Chen
Brussels has amazing chocolate and the Comic Strip Museum was fun, but I found the city somewhat dirty and the famous Manneken Pis statue underwhelming. I much preferred the charm of smaller cities like Dinant and Leuven. The Grand Place is genuinely spectacular though, especially when illuminated at night.
Journeyed from Vancouver, Canada
Ibrahim Al-Farsi
The cycling infrastructure in Flanders is incredible! We rented e-bikes in Ghent and followed dedicated cycling paths through picturesque villages and countryside. The 'fietsroutes' (cycle routes) are well-marked and connect major cities. Stopping at small cafés along the way for waffles and coffee made for perfect breaks. Even in December, it was a wonderful experience with proper clothing.
Journeyed from Dubai, UAE