Travel Blog: Belgium Archives - Paulina on the road

Flawlessly fusing the old and the new, Belgium stays in tune with the recent times while not letting go of its medieval poise.

It is a small little country wedged between Germany, France, and the Netherlands and is famous for waffles, chocolates, Smurfs, and whimsical Manneken-Pis statue as well as the Grand Place, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares.

The capital, Brussels, is home to the headquarters of the European Union and one of the gourmet capitals of Europe. You will encounter some of Europe’s finest cuisine, including the best beer, creamiest chocolates, and tastiest French fries.

The medieval cities Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, and Ghent play home to some stunning architecture with a host of wonderful regional specialties with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Belgium also boasts some places of truly beautiful countryside in its hilly, wooded south and the flatter north area.

Important Facts when Traveling to Belgium

Capital: Brussels

Official language(s) and general knowledge of English: Dutch, French, and German. English is semi-widely spoken

Official religion: Christianity particularly Roman Catholicism

Currency: Euro

Power voltage and socket type: 230V, plug types E and C

Safety rating: Belgium is a safe place to travel, but travelers need to take a few precautions

Female solo traveler: Ranking 10th in the International Women’s Travel Centre’s list, Belgium is a great destination for female solo travelers to meet other travelers their age.

Avoid tourist traps with the “Belgium Like a Local” itinerary:

Make the most of your time with the fully customizable Belgium travel itinerary for 9,99€ only! – Get it here

Do I need a Visa to Travel to Belgium?

Fast-Track: Get your Belgium Visa in advance

Every traveler entering Belgium needs a visitor visa unless you are from the visa-exempt countries which include the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and other EU nations.

However, a passport valid for three months beyond the length of stay is required by all citizens from the nations mentioned above except EU nationals holding a passport or national ID card that is valid for the duration of their stay.

Canadian, Australian, UK, and US nationals can stay without a visa in Belgium for up to 90 days. Visa is not required by nationals of EU/EEA countries, however, those who plan to live in Belgium for an unlimited period must register with the local authorities after three months.

Belgium is a part of the Schengen system, which allows visitors to travel to all participating countries without a visa.

Types and Cost – Schengen Visa cost at about €80. Nationals of Kosovo, Russia, Georgia, and Ukraine pay €35.

Accommodation in Belgium

Belgium offers several accommodations for all travelers from budget to mid-range, and high-end.

Budget: If you are traveling on a tight budget, you can find cheaper options. Hostels are likely to be your accommodation of choice. At around €15-28 per night, you can enjoy dorm-styled or private rooms with free Wi-Fi and breakfast, storage lockers, laundry facilities, and great central locations. Many hostels also have a bar. – Check Hostels in Belgium

Mid-Range: There are various mid-range hotels in Belgium offering a comfortable stay. Expect to pay around €60-100 per night for private rooms with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, a sauna, a gym, and great city locations. – Find Hotel Deals in Belgium

High-End: Upscale hotels will cost around €100-220 per night. Enjoy refined rooms and suites with whirlpool tubs and sitting areas, a hotel restaurant serving fine dining, an indoor pool, sauna, babysitting services, and a hotel bar. – Check Hotel rates in Belgium

Best Time to Visit Belgium

The best time to visit Belgium is in between April and June or September and October.

The spring and fall weather is stunning and will leave you feeling refreshed. Belgium has high-season in summer months between July and August. The weather is quite warm, but the crowds will be higher, especially in coastal towns.

November to February is the low season, but, there will be some amazing carnivals, especially during Christmas and Lent season. Many travel to Belgium to visit the best Belgian Christmas Markets.

The temperature in Belgium is moderate round the year, allowing you to travel without any interruptions, no matter which season you visit in.

Transportation in Belgium

Getting There

Flight – The main international airport is Brussels Airport, located 7.5 miles from Brussels. Antwerp and Ostend also have international airports. Direct flights from the UK and the US come to Belgium. – Check flights to Belgium

Train – If you are traveling from the UK you can take a train as well to reach Belgium. The journey time is just two hours and fares are largely defined by ticket flexibility. – Check train tickets here

Ferry – There are car ferries from the UK direct to two ports in Belgium.

Getting Around

Traveling around Belgium is easy. It is a small country with an extremely organized and reasonably priced public transport system which includes an extensive train network as well as a plethora of local bus services.

Hitchhiking – This is another way to travel to Belgium and very safe. If you are an adventurous one, you can travel through this mode.

Taxi – Taxis are available but quite expensive. Fares start at €3 but they can also start as high as €8 in some places. – Book taxis in advance

Food in Belgium

From chocolate to beer and waffles to fries, Belgian cuisine particularly that of Brussels and Wallonia are some of the most beloved in the world.

Moules-frites or mussels with fries is a classic Belgian dish you can find at just about any café or brasserie in Brussels. They are served steamed in white wine, in big black mussel pots.

Fries are the national dish of Belgium. You’ll never hear a Belgian call them “French fries”, not even when speaking in English.

Meatballs are a Belgian favorite and are usually a mixture of beef and pork. Often served smothered in tomato sauce, or, sometimes, Frikadellen-style; fried in butter with Belgian cherry sauce. It’s one of the best food to eat in Brussels.

A sweet and savory delight, Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream, chocolate, ice-cream or various fruit toppings is something not to miss when in Belgium.

Best Things to Do in Belgium

Taste Craft Beers – Belgium is the absolute number 1 when it comes to craft beers and every region you visit will have some great local beers you should try out. There are many beer bars with a huge selection of different beers.

Canal Cruise in Bruges – Bruges is one of the most enjoyable cities of Belgium and cruising through it by boat on the canals is a great way to enjoy its beauty. – Check Bruges cruises

Visit Grand Palace, Brussels – Travel back in time and stroll through this large market square. Grand Place has beautiful buildings dating back to the 14th-century, as well as the Museum of the City of Brussels.

Treat on Belgian Chocolate – Belgian chocolate is known for being the best chocolate in the world. Almost every village in Belgium has its own chocolate shop where recipes have often been handed down for generations.

Explore Museum of Fine Arts – The Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts in Brussels is especially good for Flemish Primitives and Old Masters. It is made up of two art museums housed in the same building and connected also to the Magritte Museum.

Witness the Carnival, Binche – The Belgians are serious about Carnival and not only is it an excuse for a week-long letting-off of steam, with elaborate outfits and centuries-old rituals, but it’s also an important part of local cultural identity as well.