Introduction to Belgium
Not a lot of people would pick Belgium as their first stop when planning a European holiday. It’s a shame since this Western European country offers a lot of attractions that can satisfy even the most severe case of wanderlust. For a small country, Belgium is quite populous. You will see many people from different walks of life here!
Furthermore, even though the country is small, their taste for beer is not. In fact, one of the most sought-after beers is from Belgium. Their beer culture is known worldwide. So, make sure to get your stomach ready if you want to hang with the locals. Tourists also do not need to worry about closing times in bars.
Most bars stay open till very late, especially if there are plenty of people there.
It is also quite easy to roam the country. Most tourist destinations are in close proximity to each other. From the forest to the sea, it will usually take you about two hours or even less to get there. Talk about time management!
Where to stay in Brussels
Looking for ideas on where to stay in Brussels during your first-time visit? Read our comprehensive guide created to make your decision easier.
Top things to do in Brussels
Here are the top things to do in Brussels, Belgium. It includes information on food, drinks and some of the coolest attractions in the city.
The unique geographical regions in Belgium give its landscape a distinct taste. The lovely sceneries you will discover in your tour include the short but packed coastal plain, the central plateau, and the Adrannes uplands. The landscape of the coastal plain is mainly sandy while the central plateau region has fertile valleys. On the other hand, the Adrannes region has a thick forest plateau.
Gastronomy
The gastronomical evolution in Belgium dates back up to the influence of the French cuisine. Even though the native use of French recipes some have made a few tweaks to the ingredients and preparation to produce outstanding traditional meals. For instance, the Trappist beer is known to originate and be only produced in Belgium. Other good recipes and exotics foods you will come across in Belgium include the cinnamon cookie known as speculaas, the world-famed Brussels waffles, waterzooi, stoofkarbonnaden and the Belgian pralines. Belgium will never cease to impress as its cuisine never gets boring: every region in Belgium has a unique dish originated in the area. Make sure you get a taste of chocolate when you tour the country.
Culture in Belgium
The Belgian culture and tradition go deep into the nation’s heritage. The country is famous for its old medieval towns detailed with renaissance architecture. The main linguistic groups encompass the Flemish who speak Dutch and the Walloons who speak French.
Besides the linguistic division, the two groups share a lot in common regarding culture and traditions. According to the Belgium societal culture, the country comes together as a homogenous unit with a shared national identity.
Other values and customs that are nurtured here include:
Sensitization of unity at the family level
Giving homes and aesthetic value through general cleanliness in and around the homestead
Last, prioritization of a proper etiquette
Experience luxury in Antwerp
Visiting Antwerp soon? Visit the beautiful boutique hotel De Witte Lelie and stay in one of the most incredible rooms, perfectly suitable to couples looking for cosy, intimate moments together.
Did you know Brussels is listed among the most dynamic cities in Europe? Well, when you decide to tour Belgium consider cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi and Liege for the ultimate Belgium experience.
Belgium is doing well economically, and you can quickly notice through the advanced infrastructure in all the major cities of the country. When you stroll around the towns, you will be amazed by the magnificent sites and quickly become intrigued by all cities' history and development.
Not a lot of people would pick Belgium as their first stop when planning a European holiday. It’s a shame since this Western European country offers a lot of attractions that can satisfy even the most severe case of wanderlust.
For a small country, Belgium is quite populous. You will see many people from different walks of life here! Furthermore, even though the country is small, their taste for beer is not. In fact, one of the most sought-after beers is from Belgium. Their beer culture is known worldwide. So, make sure to get your stomach ready if you want to hang with the locals.
Tourists also do not need to worry about closing times in bars. Most bars stay open till very late, especially if there are plenty of people there.
It is also quite easy to roam the country. Most tourist destinations are in close proximity to each other. From the forest to the sea, it will usually take you about two hours or even less to get there. Talk about time management!
Where To Stay
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The best time to visit is during the months of April to June and September to October. The weather during these dates is great. You can get to experience the spring and fall.
Winters in Belgium are still great, though! To visit the country during the winter months, plan your trip for the months of November to February.
Try to avoid the months of July to August since tourists tend to visit during this time. But if you don’t mind crowds, then go ahead and make those reservations.
“If adventures do not befall a lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad.” - Jane Austen
Fall in love with Europe
The perfect Europe Itinerary for first time visitorsFind out how to plan an amazing European itinerary. Planning your first Europe itinerary is such an exciting time. Whether you decide to backpack across the old continent or explore it in luxury, a good Europe itinerary will require some research
Here are some things you must remember as a tourist in Belgium!
Currency
Belgians use Euros for their transactions. One Euro is equivalent to 1.12 United States Dollars.
Language
The three official languages used in Belgium are French, Dutch, and German. Be sure to bring some flashcards for the essential questions and information. This is to avoid accidents and to prevent you from getting lost.
If you find yourself in Brussels, they mostly speak French and Flemish. Most Belgians are comfortable speaking the English language, but it is recommended to learn a bit of French to get by.
ATMs
You will be able to find many ATM machines in Belgium without having to try! Most banks have it, so you are sure to find one there. Fortunately, the US, UK, and Australian cards work in Belgium. But take note they use chips instead of magnetic strips!
Plugs
In Belgium, power plugs type C and E are used. They operate on 230 V and 50 Hz. Bring the necessary attachments!
Safety
The police force in Belgium is efficient as well as consistent. This is the reason why the crime rate there is so low! Security efforts have increased over the years due to some terrorist attacks, but there is no need to worry. The police squad has your back!
Climate
Belgium has a temperate maritime climate. This means they have cool summers and winters that are moderate. Make sure to pack a parka for the winter as the temperature is known to go down below zero!