Ultimate Belgium Travel Guide

This ultimate travel guide for beautiful Belgium features an overview of the top places to visit, how to get around, safety, scams, logistics, and more to help you plan your trip.

With its quaint step-gabled houses reflected in meandering canals, beautiful squares harkening back to its “Golden Age”, when much of the Flemish area was a major European commercial metropolis, stunning historic architecture, castles with moats and turrets, enchanting cathedrals filled with art, and bell towers so tall, they once served as watch towers and warned of danger, visiting Belgium is like being transported back in time.

Adding to the list of cultural treasures, it’s also known for its culinary delights; Belgian waffles, fries, or frites, and world renowned chocolate and beer, amongst a variety of other delicious foods. And, if you don’t know (I didn’t), Antwerp’s sparkling diamond district is the world’s diamond capital, with 3,500 brokers, merchants, and diamond cutters, and many, many dazzling diamond shops.

All the information in this travel guide and posts on Belgium is updated as of March 2022

Top Attractions In Belgium

Brussels

Brussels, Belgium’s capital and main economic hub, has over a 80 museums, galleries, concert halls, and theaters, also making it a haven for culture.

Its main square, the Grand-Place, with its elegant, well-preserved gild-houses and elegant town hall is a must-see, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It’s even more beautiful when it’s covered with its flower carpet, or Tapis de Fleurs, with bold designs made with almost a million flowers. This is worth timing a trip for, although crowded, held in mid-August in even numbered years (2024, 2026, 2028,…)

Other top spots in Brussels include visiting elegant Palais de Bruxelles, its magnificent royal palace, and trying exquisite Belgian chocolate in one of its many chocolate shops. Of course, although a little underwhelming, you also can’t miss the Mannekin Pis, a 24” (61 cm) statue of a boy peeing, Brussels’ humorous mascot.

Brugge, or Bruges

Quaint Brugge, or Bruges, is a complete charmer and Belgium’s second most visited city. Once northwestern Europe’s leading international center of trade, with merchants visiting from around the world, it’s now one of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval towns.

With it’s historic step-gabled houses and winding canals, often complete with weeping willow trees and swimming swans, it’s easy to imagine what life was like here in the Middle Ages.

Bruge’s main square, Grôte Markt, is also a must see. Often noted as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, it’s lined with colorful gild-houses and historic architecture. This square is extra beautiful when lit at night, or when seen from up above at the Bell Tower lookout, or Belfry, of Bruges.

Ghent

The hip university town of Ghent, with its old-world architecture, is located between Brussels and Bruges, the perfect stop between Belgium’s two most visited cities.

Its laid-back vibe is less touristy, yet the city still offers plenty to see and do, like Gravensteen, its medieval castle, Graslei Quay, the city’s ancient port now filled with cafes overlooking the water, the world’s most stolen piece of artwork, and Paterschol, a former working class neighborhood that’s now Ghent’s culinary heart.

Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium’s second most populous city is located on the Scheldt River, 25 miles (40 km) south of Brussels. One of its top sites is its central station, Antwerpen-Centraal. Locally known as Spoorwegkathedraal, which means “Railway Cathedral” (because it’s so pretty), it frequently tops lists of the world’s most beautiful railway stations.

Just west of the railway station is the Diamond District, where roughly 80% of the world’s rough cut, and 50% of finely cut diamonds pass through. It’s the world’s definitive diamond capital, an ideal place to shop for diamonds (at least if you know what you’re doing).

Antwerp is also home of Peter Rubens, the most famous Belgian artist of his time, and his former home-turned museum, Rubenhuis, featuring his art.

Best Time To Visit Belgium

Although Belgium’s most temperate weather is from mid-May to mid-October, the best time to visit is March through May, and September through October, as there are fewer crowds.

June to August is when the weather is most comfortable (although there is still a chance of rain as northern Belgium can be chilly and damp). During this time there are festivals and events almost weekly, attracting locals and tourists, so the small towns can feel congested.

And although winter can be cold and gloomy, Brussels’ grand square hosts Belgium’s largest Christmas market, Plaisirs d’Hiver (Winter Wonders) from the end of November to early January. It’s twinkling, colorful lights and festive atmosphere amidst the backdrop of its beautiful architecture is heartwarming.

Languages in Belgium

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Dutch is the main language in northern Belgium, French in the south (towards France), and German close to the German border. Many citizens, however, are bi-lingual (Dutch and French), so you don’t need to worry about offending someone by using the wrong language, especially in the capital, Brussels.

English is spoken by more than 50% the population. More frequently in the most-visited cities of this guide.

Belgium Money Matters

Currency: Belgium’s currency is the Euro. The following conversion rates are from January 1, 2024.

• 1 USD=.91 Euro
• 1 CNY=.13 Euro

Credit Cards: Credit and Debit Cards are widely accepted, especially MasterCard and Visa. American Express may only be accepted by larger establishments. Many locations will require a chip card, so ask your bank for one if yours does not. There will always be places, like smaller cities and local markets, that only accept cash, so always have some Euros on hand.

ATM’s: ATMs, called Geldautomaat here, are prevalent and easy to find in larger cities. Most large private banks do not charge fees, but the screen will alert you to fees above and beyond fees charged by your bank. Try to use ATMs at banks, as private ATMs, like Maestro and Sirrus charge fees. ATMs at airports, hotels, and near tourist areas likely charge higher fees (convenience). Some ATMs will allow you to view the transaction in your home currency, but beware as this triggers a higher conversion fee. Always use/view local currency and do the math yourself for the best rate. Belgian ATMs use 4 digit pins, so if yours is longer, change it before you travel. Also, most do not have letters, so it’s best to know your pin numerically

Tipping: Tipping is not a standard practice in Belgium. Most restaurants will include a service charge of 10-15% to your bill. You can round up your bill to the next whole Euro, but it is not expected.

Ultimate Belgium Travel Guide: Safety

Belgium is relatively safe, but pick-pocketing and petty theft do occur. Especially in touristy areas. Don’t carry too much cash and keep a close eye, or hand, on your purse or wallet.

Also, unfortunately, you need to be alert to possible terrorist events. Take normal precautions, always being vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts. If things don’t feel right, look for alternatives.

Reported areas to be cautious around in the Brussels area include: Schaerbeek, Brussels North, Brussels Center, Molenbeek, and Anderlecht. I’ve also read of threats of violence to visitors in Parc de Bruxelles/Warandepark, especially near the Royal Palace and Belgian Parliament. It would not be bad idea to know where local police stations are located, in case you need assitance.

Always check the latest warnings on your government website. It’s also good to sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), or similar with your country. These services with alert you if an emergency does occur.

Note that while traveling in Belgium it is a legal requirement to carry identification at all times (for security reasons).

Ultimate Belgium Travel Guide: Scams

Generally Belgium is safe, but there are always a few people trying to take advantage of tourists. Especially in touristy areas. Some common scams to watch out for in Belgium include the following.

Driving You To Distraction

Beware of people trying to distract you by asking for directions, spilling something on you, claiming you spilled something on them, or offering to help you with your luggage. Thieves often work in pairs with one distracting you while the other tries to steal your valuables.

Tourist Trap Restaurants

Restaurants in more touristy areas, like Bruge’s Grôte Markt and Burg Square, may bring items to your table like bread or water, giving you the impression they are free, but then finding them added to your bill at overpriced costs. Try to avoid eating in more touristy spots, and ask if items are extra.

Antwerp Diamond Scams

Although Antwerp can be a great, low cost place to buy a diamond, watch out for scams. There are so many shops here, and business is so competitive, some resort to unethical practices, relying on the naïvety of tourists. If you do plan to buy a diamond here, make sure to research everything fully in advance, understanding the different qualities of a diamond, typical costs, as well as the purchasing process (how to negotiate) and certificates you should receive. I have never bought a diamond here, so cannot begin to give advise, but they say to visit the Diamond High Council, known by the acronym HRD, to learn more about diamonds. It’s located in Antwerp.

Fake PLF Service Providers

A PLF, or Passenger Locator Form, is a relatively new requirement in Belgium. Beware of fake service providers offering to help with this form in exchange for money. This is something you can do yourself. If you do need assistance, contact government approved sources.

Tampered ATM Machines

Always try to use ATMs inside, or connected to banks, as they are less likely to be tampered with. Check for hidden cameras over pin keypads, scanners that have been tampered with, and fake key pad covers. Really look at the ATM to make sure it doesn’t appear altered. There have been reports of fake card scanners ‘keeping’ your card. If this happens, don’t leave your card in the machine. Attempt to get official help to come to you.

Fake Taxis

It’s unfortunate, but just about every ultimate travel guide scam section I write includes taxi scams, and Belgium is no different. Always make sure you get in an official taxi, and not a fake one. Particularly in Brussels. There have been reports of fake taxis using fake mobile payment terminals, obtaining your bank information and later withdrawing thousands of dollars from your account. Talk to your hotel to learn official taxi markings and know that all taxis should have a document with the driver’s photo and license number, and use official taxi ranks.

Getting Around Belgium

Getting Into Belgium

Fly

There are two international airports in Brussels, Brussels and Charleroi, with regular flights from top European cities.

The Brussels airport is closest to the city center, about 17 minutes via Belgian rail and offers convenient service to Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. The train station is located directly under the departures and arrivals hall.

Most low cost airlines fly into Charleroi, which is about an hour drive from the Brussels city center. Flibco offers shuttle bus service between Charleroi and Brussels (this is temporarily suspended during COVID so check the website). There is also a bus (line A) from the airport to the Charleroi train station (about 20 minutes) where you can take a train to Brussels, or connect to Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp.

Antwerp also has an international airport. The closest train station, Antwerp-Berchen station can be reached by bus (lines 51, 52, and 53) in about 10 minutes. From there you can take a 5-minute train to the Antwerp-Central station, or a train to Brussels, Bruges, or Ghent.

Train

High speed trains connect major European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne, Frankfurt, London, Strassbourg (France), and Basel (Switzerland) to Brussels. Advance reservations are required for many, and recommended at the very least.

Bus

Busses run regularly from major nearby cities like Paris, Strasbourg, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Cologne, and more. Flixbus is a great option, with multiple routes, easy booking, and wifi on board.

Getting Around Between Cities

Train: The train is the best way to get between Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. see happyrail.com for more information.

BlaBla Car: BlaBlaCar is a carpooling app used in Europe and great between cities in Belgium. It’s most effective on more popular driving routes, as there are more options. Drivers (and passengers) get rated, so relatively safe, but as when dealing with strangers, you can never be 100% certain. Do your diligence and read reviews. If things don’t feel right when you meet the driver, walk away.

Getting Around Within Cities

Walking: The cities listed above are small enough to see most of the sites in foot, even the tourist sites in Brussels. Especially Bruges, which is the smallest city.

Metro: Brussels has a metro system, which is an ideal way to get around.

Tram: Trams are available in Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp.

Taxis: As of this writing, March 2022, Uber is not operating in Belgium, but they will continue to fight to gain back rights. Local taxis are available at key locations, including train stations, especially in the larger cities of Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. Always make sure to use on official taxis, not fake ones, in official pick-up lines, see scams above.

Greenrides: In Bruges, environmentally friendly taxi bicycles, called greenrides, are another great option.

Bicycle: Cycling is huge in Bruges and Ghent, and there are many bike rental shops around the city. Some of the better ones also offer bike tours.

Ferry: A ferry in the canals to see the sites in Bruges and Ghent in a must. Antwerp also offers boat tours in its port area.

Visa Information For Belgium

Belgium is in the Schengen, so operates on the Schengen Visa policy. US citizens can enter visa free for up to 90 days, then can only re-enter after an additional 90 days.

Chinese citizens need to apply for a Schengen Visa. See the Schengen Visa Policy to learn more.

It is mandatory to carry a photo ID in Belgium at all times. Ideally, get a Passport Card in advance, so you can leave your passport locked in the safe of your room.

Ultimate Belgium Travel Guide: Top Destination Blogs & Stories

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Safe Travels!

Julie

Note: All efforts have been made to provide accurate information in the Ultimate Travel Guide for Belgium, but from time to time things change. If you see something that is not right, please contact me below.

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