Things to Do in Belgium

About Belgium

Belgium is small, rich, and knows it. Medieval squares meet waffle stands in a country that turned beer and chocolate into serious business—no fairy tales needed. Gothic spires rise over canal cities where merchants once built fortunes on textiles and lace, leaving behind guildhalls that dwarf most churches. The chocolate here isn't a souvenir. It is craft taken seriously. Same with the beer, which locals have been perfecting for centuries while the rest of Europe caught up. Brussels runs on EU money and Art Nouveau architecture. Bruges has the canals and tourist crowds to match. Antwerp cuts diamonds and sells fashion. Three cities, three distinct identities, all within an hour of each other. The country straddles a language divide—French south, Flemish north—that shapes everything from politics to bar conversations. That friction creates tension. It also creates depth. Corner cafés outnumber chain stores, at least in the old centers where locals still drink their morning coffee standing at zinc bars. You'll find pralines sold by weight in shops that have occupied the same addresses since before the World Wars leveled neighboring cities. Belgium didn't shout its way onto travel lists. It just kept making good beer, kept its architecture intact, and waited for people to notice.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase a SNCB rail pass for unlimited train travel between cities—distances are short but tickets add up. In cities, use contactless payment for trams and buses, or buy day passes from machines. Walking remains the best way to explore compact historic centers.

Money: Belgium uses the Euro with widespread card acceptance, but carry cash for small cafés and markets. Tipping 10% is appreciated in restaurants but not mandatory. ATMs are abundant, and contactless payments under €50 require no PIN verification.

Cultural Respect: Learn basic greetings in both French and Dutch—use 'Bonjour' in Wallonia, 'Goedemorgen' in Flanders, and either in Brussels. Keep conversations quiet on public transport and always greet shopkeepers when entering small establishments.

Food Safety: Belgium maintains excellent food safety standards. Try local specialties like raw herring and unpasteurized cheeses without concern. Tap water is safe to drink. Book restaurant reservations in advance, especially for well-known chocolate shops and traditional brasseries.

When to Visit

Belgium's temperate maritime climate offers distinct seasonal experiences, each with unique charms. Spring (April-May) brings mild temperatures (12-18°C), moderate rainfall (50-60mm monthly), and blooming flowers in parks and castle gardens. Hotel prices are 20% below peak season, making it ideal for budget travelers. Summer (June-August) sees warmest weather (15-23°C) but heaviest crowds and 40% higher accommodation costs. July averages just 75mm rainfall, perfect for outdoor festivals like Ghent Festival (mid-July) and Brussels Summer Festival (August). Autumn (September-November) delivers crisp temperatures (8-16°C), beautiful foliage, and shoulder-season pricing 15% below summer peaks. October's 80mm rainfall suits museum-lovers and cultural ensoiasts. Winter (December-March) brings cool, damp conditions (2-8°C) and frequent drizzle (70-80mm monthly), but Christmas markets transform cities into wonderlands. December's markets in Brussels, Bruges, and Liège create magical atmospheres despite 15-hour daylight. Off-season rates drop 35% below summer, attracting culture seekers and chocolate ensoiasts. Beer lovers should visit during autumn harvest season, while spring offers the perfect balance of mild weather, reasonable prices, and fewer tourists for those seeking authentic local experiences.