Discover a country filled with medieval charm, exquisite chocolates, world-class beers, and vibrant cities, culminating in a truly memorable experience.
Fast Facts:
Capital: Brussels
Population: 11.8 million (2023)
Currency: Euro (€)
Official Language: Dutch, French, German
Drives: On the right-hand side of the road
Adapter Type: Type C and E
Visa Requirements: None for visa-exempt countries with stays up to 90 days, but EITAS required starting late 2026 for non-EU citizens. I recommend reviewing your country’s specific visa regulations to determine if your country is visa-exempt.
Part of the Schengen Area? Yes
Popular Attractions in Belgium
Brussels: As Belgium’s capital, Brussels features iconic landmarks like the St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral, the Atomium, the Royal Palace of Brussels, and the Grand Place plaza, which features historic buildings dating back to the 14th century. Brussels also serves as the de facto capital of the European Union.
Antwerp: A city dating back to the Middle Ages, Antwerp sits along the River Scheldt. The city center hosts its centuries-old Diamond District, which houses thousands of diamond traders, cutters, and polishers. Renaissance architecture is prominent in Antwerp, such as in Grote Markt, a central square in the old town. Popular sights include the Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerpen-Centraal station, and the MAS–Museum aan de Stroom, which showcases the history, art, and culture of Antwerp.
Bruges: Bruges is the largest city and capital of the West Flanders province, in the northwestern part of the country. Due to its proximity to the North Sea, it is referred to as “Venice of the North” and is a popular port of call for European cruises. The port of Bruges, Zeebrugge, is translated to “Bruges by the Sea.” Attractions include a canal tour, trying Belgian chocolate and waffles, and seeing landmarks such as Belfort, a medieval bell tower, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, famous for housing a phial claimed to contain a cloth with Christ’s blood.
Ghent: Ghent has been cited by many tourists as one of the most underrated cities in Europe to visit. It is in northwestern Belgium at the junction of the Leie and Scheldt rivers. During the Middle Ages, it was a prominent city-state. Ghent is a university town and also has medieval architecture, such as the 12th-century Gravensteen castle (Castle of the Counts), and the buildings along Graslei, a famous street that houses plenty of restaurants and shops.
Liège: Liège is a French-speaking city located an hour by train east of Brussels, nestled along the Meuse River. Attractions include the La Boverie art museum, the Montagne de Bueren, a long stone staircase climbing the hill in the middle of the old town with city views from the top, and the Marché de la Batte, a busy street market open every Sunday along the Meuse River that has been a local tradition since the 16th century.
Bruges
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Best Time To Visit Belgium
The best time to visit Belgium is during spring (between April and June), and during the fall (between September and October). During these months, there is pleasant weather, lower prices for flights and accommodations, and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season. Always prepare for rain, as the weather can be unpredictable year-round in Belgium.