Belgium

From medieval villages to modern cities and everything in between, Belgium is a destination that is sure to delight no matter your travel style. Some of the best destinations include:

• Bruges – Located in northwest Belgium, Bruges is a fairytale-like city that is characterized by baroque and gothic-era buildings, cobblestones, canals, and more.
• Brussels – The capital of Belgium and the administrative hub of the European Union, Brussels is a culturally-diverse destination that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
• Ghent – A port city and university town, Ghent is known for its large markets and medieval architecture.
• Antwerp – The diamond capital of the world, Antwerp is the second-largest city in Belgium and a foodie haven.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November) are certainly the best times to visit Belgium. Why? The weather is comfortable, places are less crowded and tourist-related expenses such as accommodation are definitely less expensive.

⚠️ Safety

Other than the occasional petty crime and scams that are common to a lot of destinations, Belgium is a very safe place to visit for tourists. You just have to be mindful at all times. Still, it is a good idea to check the latest US State Department travel advisories for your destination. 

👉 Tips & Things to Know

• 📅 – Many Shops Close on Sundays – While not a hard and fast rule, you may find there are less shopping options on sundays in Belgium.
• 💵 – Tipping is Not Mandatory (Sometimes) – Though you may sometimes find an automatic gratuity added to your bill at restaurants, tipping isn’t expected at most establishments in Belgium. That said, it’s not unheard of to tack on 10-15% for great service.
• 👂 – Almost Everyone is Multilingual – Though the three main languages of Belgium are Flemish Dutch, French, and German, almost half of all Belgian residents speak English fluently.
• 🚆 – Getting Around Is Easy – Being such a small country, you can generally get from Point A to Point B in just a few hours. Trains and buses make this especially easy.
• 🍺 – There’s No Last Call – Belgium doesn’t have a federally-mandated last call for bars and alcohol. Meaning, if the vibe is right, parties can go all night long.

🧳 What to Pack

• ☂️ – Travel Umbrella – Belgium is known to have its fair share of rainy and gloomy days. Pack a travel umbrella and be ready for whatever the weather may bring.
• 👞 – Walking Shoes – Regardless of where you’re exploring, having walking shoes that will keep you going all day is a must.
• 👖 – Smart Clothing – Like other destinations in Western Europe, the unspoken dress code in Belgium is smart and put together, yet casual.
• 🔌 – Universal Travel Adapter – If you’ll be visiting from outside Europe, be sure to bring a travel adapter and converter that can adapt your devices to Belgium’s sockets.
• 🔋 – Power Bank – Don’t get stuck with your phone battery on low. Bringing along a portable power bank can be a game changer while traveling.

🤓 Facts & Info

• Population – 12 million
• Capital – Brussels
• Currency – Euro ($1 = ~0.91 euros)
• Language – English
• Plugs – Type C or E, 230V / 50Hz.

💵 Budgeting & Money

Major establishments accept credit and debit cards, but smaller-scale accommodations, tourist sites and restaurants tend to only take cash. ATMs are widely available.