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Guide to Belgium

Geography

Belgium is a European nation located in the northwest of the continent. It is Europe's sixth most populous country despite its tiny size. The Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France all border it, with the North Sea lying to the northwest. The city of Brussels is Belgium's capital and largest city.

Climate in Belgium

The climate in Belgium is mild due to the country's location on the coast. With a climate influenced by the Atlantic and the North Sea, it has mild summers and cold winters. When easterly winds blow, it's possible to have more continental weather. This time of year is hot and dry, but the winters may be bitterly frigid. The rainy season lasts from April to September, with a dry spell in between.

Culture

After the Belgian Revolution of 1830, when the country separated from the Netherlands, Belgium became what it is today. Because of its strategic location along three important rivers, it has enjoyed considerable prosperity and good trade and political ties with its larger neighbours since the mediaeval period. It has also served as a battleground for European powers, garnering it the nickname "Battlefield of Europe."

Because of the two World Wars that occurred in the 20th century, that reputation has only grown in stature. It was one of the founding members of the European Union's original six. Furthermore, it is a founding member of the Eurozone as well as NATO, the OECD, and the World Trade Organization. Many important international organisations, such as NATO, have their headquarters in Brussels.

Belgian Chocolate

Belgium is known for its exquisite chocolates and you may see them being created at Choco-Story - The Chocolate Museum in Bruges. A father and son run the museum and Belcolade, a chocolate manufacturer known for its premium Belgian chocolates. Visit the museum's displays to understand how cocoa beans become chocolate, and about the cultures that contributed to the development of chocolate as we know it today.

Things to Do in Belgium

• Stroll Through the Magnificent Grand Place: The Grand Place in Belgium's ancient and modern capital city is a famous tourist destination. Due to its outstanding depiction of late-17th century architecture, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The Gothic Hôtel de Ville, the city's mediaeval town hall, is arguably the plaza's most striking structure. During the Flower Carpet Festival in August, Brussels' Grand Place is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world (every other year). The vast cobblestone plaza is always crowded with people and a great place to people-watch while you munch on a delicious Belgian waffle.

• Take a Trip into the Future at the Atomium: A trip to Brussels would be incomplete without a tour to the Atomium, a must-see attraction. The structure resembles a 165 billion-fold enlargement of a single iron crystal unit. At the centre are nine glass spheres, each representing one of the nine elements in the periodic table. The Atomium was built in 1958 for the Brussels World Fair, and before long, the Belgians had fallen in love with this 335-foot huge steel structure and had it preserved as part of the cityscape. Mini-Europe, a theme park with tiny reproductions of European landmarks, is located at the base of the Atomium.

• Have a Chuckle at the Amusing Manneken Pis: The Manneken Pis is a Belgian icon that you must visit while you're in town. Artist Jerôme Duquesnoy created this tiny bronze statue in 1619, depicting a young child peeing into a fountain in the Belgian capital. Dubbed the capital's oldest inhabitant, the boy's story is rife with myth and folklore. The current statue is a re-creation from 1965. The Manneken Pis is a beloved part of the city for Belgians because it represents their sense of humour (known locally as zwanze) and their freedom of thought.

• Visit Fascinating Museums in Antwerp: Antwerp, Belgium's second-largest city and site of the country's busiest port, is a natural choice for visitors. The city was one of Europe's most significant in the 16th century, with one of the most important ports. Despite the fact that the city was devastated during World War II, many of its mediaeval charm and landmarks may still be found today.

  Learn about the history of printing at the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the world's oldest printing press, a library dating back to the 17th century, and an amazing art collection. Continue on to the Red Star Line Museum, which chronicles the stories of many Belgian migrants who boarded Red Star Line ships and went to the United States for economic reasons. Finally, spend the day at the MAS museum learning about Antwerp's maritime history, with some of the greatest views of the city from its open-top roof.

• Enjoy Both History and Nature at Waterloo: For history buffs, the nearby town of Waterloo is a must-visit destination. Napoleon Bonaparte was finally defeated on 18 June 1815, in Belgium at the Battle of Waterloo, putting an end to his conquest of most of Europe in the early 19th century. To memorialise this, a man-made hill was constructed in the flatlands nearby, with a lion sculpture at its summit and 226 steps providing breathtaking views over the battlefield. While in Waterloo, also visit the Sonian Forest, a 4,421-hectare forest extending all the way to Brussels' southeast corner, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.

• Take a Day Trip to Charming Bruges: With its romantic atmosphere, Michelin stars, and nostalgic vibe, Bruges seduces. One of the most striking features of Bruges is the city's central market square's 83-metre-high Belfry, built in 1240. Climb the carillon's 366 spiralling stairs for an aerial view of the city and an up-close look at the mechanical system housing the carillon's 47 bells. As a result of its numerous canals, Bruges is known as the "Venice of the North," with magnificent bridges and attractive gardens visible while cruising on a boat.

• Deep Dive into Ghent's Intriguing Medieval Past: Gravensteen Castle in Ghent is a well-preserved mediaeval stronghold, one of the best-preserved moated fortresses in Europe. Built by Count Philip of Alsace and known as the Castle of Counts, it features strong towering walls and crenellated towers surrounded by a beautiful moat, now open to the public, with a few instruments of torture still visible behind plexiglass. St. Bavo's magnificent church is another must-see, attracting visitors with its impressively high Gothic choir, Romanesque crypt, and stained-glass windows, as well as the Flemish masterpiece known as the Altar of Ghent.

Eating Out in Belgium

Belgium is well-known for its delectable Belgian chocolate, waffles, beer, and other delicacies. Restaurants in towns like Brussels and Bruges serve classic Belgian fare to a wide range of diners. A selection of some of our favourites may be seen below.

Belgica offers large servings of traditional dishes like meatballs with Flemish tomato puree, as well as cool Belgian beers. There is a cosy atmosphere in the Park Restaurant, which is housed inside a mansion, with French fries and steak among the delightful European fusion dishes available. In Pomperlut, there are antique chandeliers and a massive fireplace, giving it a rustic character — it used to be a farm before it was transformed into an upscale fine dining experience. Bruneau is said to be the city's oldest dining establishment, serving dishes from all around Europe and Belgium; both the creative cuisine and the romantic atmosphere have won the restaurant two Michelin stars.

Belgium Transport

Airport

There are 5 airports in Belgium, and they are all within driving distance of Antwerp, Liège, or Brussels. Brussels Airport (BRU), the country's primary international airport, is most likely where you'll be flying in if coming from abroad. It's a 12-kilometre drive northeast of Brussels to get there.

Getting Around Belgium

A tiny nation with an efficient public transportation system, Belgium is a great place to visit. The rail network is substantial, and local bus services are available as well. Most large cities have subways and tramways. Taxis, bike rentals, and vehicle rental agencies abound in every city.

However, many visitors travelling across Belgium still opt to hire a car for maximum flexibility, comfort, and convenience.