The Ultimate Belgium Travel Guide

The Ultimate Belgium Travel Guide

Belgium is a country brimming with charm, culture, and history. From the cobbled streets of medieval towns to the lively, modern cities, it offers a unique blend of old-world beauty and contemporary energy. Whether you’re indulging in world-famous chocolate, savoring a glass of Belgian beer, or exploring castles and quaint villages, there’s something for every traveler.

Belgium is also home to stunning art, rich history, and picturesque landscapes that make it a must-see destination in Europe. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, and tips to make your trip unforgettable. Prepare to explore everything Belgium has to offer, from its iconic landmarks to hidden gems!

In this Belgium travel guide, we’ll explore the key attractions and practical tips to help you navigate Belgium. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, everything you need to fully enjoy your time in this European gem is right here.

Know Before You Go

But, what exactly do you need to know before you go? In this Belgium Travel Guide, I have compiled a list of helpful information I learned throughout my stay to share with you!

If you’re flying into Belgium, the airport you’re going to fly into is in Brussels. If you choose instead to begin your journey in another European city, there are several other ways to get to Belgium. The first option is by train. The railway system connects all of Europe together and makes city hopping easy and convenient. The second option is to drive. Similar to taking the train, the major highways also connect all of Europe together. I personally love the idea of driving because I’m not hindered by any time tables and I can move at my own pace.

The Nitty Gritty

So, what else do you need to know to travel to Belgium? There are a lot of considerations to make before you decide to travel internationally. Whether it’s your first time or 100th time outside of your respective country, it is important to know what to expect as you prepare to travel to your chosen destination. Although Belgium is considered an easy country to plan for and visit, it’s always important to consider the following. Keep in mind, this list is not all inclusive, but things I thought about when planning my trip.

Top Things to Do

There are so many fun things to do in Belgium! Here are just a few that I recommend:

• A Walking & Canal Boat Tour in Bruges: Visiting the beautifully preserved medieval city of Bruges is a must if you are in Belgium. I cannot recommend the boat tour enough!5
• The Frietmuseum: A museum dedicated to fries in Bruges? Yes, please!
• Explore Ghent by boat: On this short tour you’ll learn all about the city of Ghent. If you have time, I also highly recommend visiting the castle too!
• Learn how to make the famous waffles: No matter what city you’re in in Belgium, you’ll find classes on how to make waffles or other tasty treats.

Where to Stay

Arguably, one of the most important question when planning any trip! There are countless choices depending on what type of amenities and experience you prefer. There are many modern hotels in Belgium. I’ve personally stayed at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Bruges. I loved the location of this hotel! It was perfect for getting around the city on foot. Wherever you choose to stay though, make sure to do your research! Read reviews, understand its location and proximity to attractions, and confirm availability and price.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Belgium is during spring or early autumn. April and May have pleasant temperatures and September and October bring beautiful fall foliage. June through August are also popular months to visit. Warm temperatures, outdoor festivals and cultural events take place during this time of year. However, the months can be crowded with tourists and as such, I recommend traveling during the shoulder season – the months right around peak season.

Language

The main languages spoken in Belgium are both French and Dutch. However,  German is also spoken here as well. My personal experience was that I had no problem communicating or navigating around the country. Although, I find it easier to maneuver a language barrier when I’m in a big city; there is a higher likelihood that I can find someone who speaks English. Belgium was no different!

Visa Requirements

Determining whether or not you need a visa to visit Belgium depends on where you are from, how you are traveling there, and what travel documents you are carrying with you. I found this website to be very helpful.

Vaccinations Needed

If you are traveling to Belgium, it is recommended that you are vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Rabies (only necessary for high-risk travelers), Tick-borne Encephalitis and Covid-19. In addition, travelers must ensure they are up to date on their routine vaccinations. For more information, please read this website.

Currency

This travel guide to Belgium would not be complete without knowing more about the currency used within the country. The Euro is its official currency. The value of it is a 1-to-1.09 ratio with the U.S. dollar. Euro notes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. The Euro is also divided into 100 cents; coins come in denominations of €2, €1, 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, 5¢, 2¢, and 1¢. I always find it beneficial to have cash or coins on me for any small purchases or emergencies and recommend carrying some with you. Keep in mind too, that if you use American Express, my tip is always to have a backup credit card. There are still a few places that don’t accept it.

No matter where you stay or what you do, remember to soak everything in around you. It’s the memories that matter at the end of the day. You made it to Belgium!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally use and love, and the income goes towards this site so I can continue to provide you with free posts, tips, and tricks. Thank you for supporting The Life of a Tourist!