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Belgium-intro
Belgium’s location between France, Germany and the Netherlands shapes its multicultural atmosphere. In the north, Flanders is Dutch-speaking with a culture similar to its neighbours, while in the south, Wallonia leans more French in both language and lifestyle, and there’s even a small German-speaking area in the east. The result is a mix of cultures, food and day-to-day life in one place.
City breaks made easy
Belgium’s cities are compact, well-connected and packed with history, which makes them ideal for a short, good-value break. Brussels is an easy starting point, with the Grand Place – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – sitting at the heart of the city, surrounded by detailed Gothic and Baroque buildings. You’ll also spot plenty of Art Nouveau architecture as you explore.
Bruges offers something quieter. Its Medieval streets, canals and preserved buildings make it easy to explore on foot or by boat. It’s a popular daytrip, so it can get busy, but early mornings and evenings are usually calmer. If you’re into art and fashion, head to Antwerp, or choose Ypres to learn more about Belgium’s First World War history.
Belgian food and drink
Food plays a big part in any holiday to Belgium, and it’s easy to eat well without spending a lot. Local staples like moules frites, fresh waffles, and praline chocolates are widely available and often good value if you look just outside the busiest spots. Beer is just as much a part of the experience here, too. Belgium is known for its Trappist beers – they’re brewed in a small number of monasteries, and in bars and cafés they’re usually served in their own specially designed glasses to match each type.
Best places to stay in Belgium
Bruges
Bruges is a good option if you want somewhere compact, walkable and full of character. Expect canal views, cobbled streets and plenty of smaller hotels. It can be busy at peak times, so visiting midweek or outside of school holidays can help keep things more relaxed and often better value.
Brussels
Brussels is the easiest base if you’re planning a short city break. It works well for weekend trips, with major sights centred around the Grand Place. Staying just outside the city centre can help reduce costs while keeping everything within easy reach by public transport.
Ghent
Ghent offers a balance of historic sights and a laidback atmosphere. It’s often less crowded than other Belgian cities, which can mean better availability and pricing. It’s a practical choice if you want culture, good food and a slower pace without missing out on key landmarks.
Why we love Belgium
Here are some top tips from our team
Expert recommendation
“If you’re going to Bruges for the day – or just have a few hours to spare – I’d definitely recommend a visit to Choco-Story chocolate museum. It takes around an hour to explore, whether you’re there for the history or just for the free chocolate. And, it’s a great trip for both adults and children – you get an insight on the chocolate trade in Belgium as well as information on how the chocolate is created. The best bit though has to be that you can sample milk, white and dark chocolate along the way – all included in the ticket. I found it to be the perfect blend of history, culture, art – and of course free chocolate”. – George Fortune
Non-touristy activities
If you want to see a quieter side of Belgium, head to Patershol in Ghent. This small historic area sits just away from the main tourist routes, with narrow streets, independent restaurants and local cafés. It’s a good place to slow down for an evening – you can wander without a plan, stop for a simple meal or try a local beer without the higher prices you often get in busier squares.
Free things to do
To keep spending down, look out for free museums and galleries. In Brussels, many museums open for free on the first Sunday of each month, including places like the Magritte Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.
Belgium FAQs
The best time to visit Belgium is in spring and early autumn. You’ll experience mild weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring the cities on foot. However, Belgium is also a great winter destination – late November to December sees the historic squares of Brussels and Bruges transformed into spectacular festive markets.
You don’t need to be fluent in French or Dutch to visit Belgium, but it helps to know the basics. The country has three official languages – Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia and a small German-speaking area in the east. In most tourist spots though, you’ll find people speak good English, especially in restaurants and hotels.
Yes, the historic centres of Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels are incredibly pedestrian-friendly. Packing comfortable, flat footwear is highly recommended, as you’ll be navigating lots of uneven cobbled streets.
When you click through to book your holiday, we’ll supply the exact travel requirements for your chosen destination through our partner, Passolution. In the meantime, check the FCDO for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and health and safety information.