★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€€
Ghent Gravensteen Castle
A medieval fortress located in the center of Ghent. Visitors can explore the towers, courtyard, and museum exhibitions.
⏱ 1-2 hours✦ May–September
Historical
Capital
Brussels
Language
Dutch, French, German
Currency
Euro (€)
Time zone
CET (UTC+1)
Plug
Type E, 230V
Best time
April–June, September
Editor's note
Belgium charms with medieval towns, world-class chocolate, and Gothic architecture. Brussels mixes EU institutions with vibrant squares, while Bruges feels like a fairytale with canals and cobbled streets. Antwerp’s fashion scene and Ghent’s cultural energy make Belgium a compact but diverse destination.
Cities
Where to start in Belgium
Ghent
Historic city with vibrant student life.
Culturenightlife
Antwerp
Fashion-forward port city with rich history.
Shoppingart
Brussels
Cosmopolitan capital with grand squares and museums.
CultureEU landmarks
Bruges
Romantic canals and medieval streets.
Couplesphotography
Attractions
Must-see in Belgium
Ghent
Brussels
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Grand Place
Brussels’ central square, known for its impressive guildhalls and the Town Hall. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and hosts major events throughout the year.
⏱ 1-2 hours✦ May–September
Cultural
Brussels
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€€
Atomium
A landmark building designed for the 1958 World Expo. It features exhibitions and panoramic city views from the top sphere.
⏱ 1-2 hours✦ April–October
Views
Bruges
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Bruges Old Town
A well-preserved medieval center with canals, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings. Popular for walking tours, boat rides, and local chocolate shops.
⏱ 2-3 hours✦ April–June, September
Historical
Culture & local tips
Travel like you've been before.
Language
Two language regions
French in Wallonia (south), Dutch in Flanders (north), bilingual in Brussels. Use English if unsure — it's safer than guessing wrong.
Tipping
Service is included
Rounding up is enough at restaurants. No tip needed for taxis.
Beer
Each beer has its glass
Belgian bars serve every beer in its specific branded glass. The ritual is part of the experience — don't ask for substitutions.
Fries
It's frietkot, not French
Get fries from a friterie or frietkot. Order with mayo (or andalouse, sauce samurai) — ketchup marks you as a tourist.
Transport
Buy train tickets in advance
Standard fares are cheaper online or at machines than at the counter. The SNCB/NMBS app handles everything in English.
Sundays
Quiet Sundays
Most shops shut. Museums and brasseries stay open — a good day for a long lunch and a walk.
Culinary journey
Discover the rich flavors of Belgium
Street Food
Belgian Fries
Thick cut fries usually served with mayonnaise.
Dessert
Belgian Waffles
Crispy waffles topped with sugar, fruit or chocolate.
Main course
Moules Frites
Steamed mussels served with fries.
Snack
Speculoos
Spiced caramelized biscuit often enjoyed with coffee.
Speak the language
A little Dutch, French, German goes a long way.
Pick up basic Dutch or French before visiting. Start a free lesson now.
Start a free lesson →Phrase starter
- Bonjour / GoeiedagHello (FR / NL)
- Merci / Dank u welThank you (FR / NL)
- S'il vous plaît / AlstublieftPlease
- Pardon / SorryExcuse me
- Parlez-vous anglais ?Do you speak English?
- L'addition / De rekeningThe bill, please
Practical info
Before you go.
Visa & entry
Schengen visa required for some nationalities.
Connectivity
Strong 4G/5G in cities; widely available WiFi
Keep exploring
