Belgium, located at the heart of Europe, is a small yet incredibly diverse country known for its rich history, medieval towns, world-class chocolate, and, of course, its iconic beer. While it might be smaller in size compared to its European neighbors, Belgium offers an array of experiences, from bustling cities like Brussels to the quaint charm of Bruges. Whether you’re planning to explore its historical landmarks or indulge in its culinary delights, there are some key things you should know before your trip. Here are 17 important things Americans should keep in mind when traveling to Belgium.
1. Belgium Is Multilingual
Belgium is a country with three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. The country is divided into distinct linguistic regions:
- Flanders (northern Belgium) predominantly speaks Dutch.
- Wallonia (southern Belgium) predominantly speaks French.
- A small region near the German border speaks German.
Brussels, the capital city, is officially bilingual (Dutch and French), but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. It’s important to be mindful of which region you’re in, as language can be a sensitive issue. While most Belgians speak English, learning a few words in the local language (such as “Bonjour” or “Goede dag”) will be appreciated.
2. Belgium Is Not Just About Brussels
While Brussels is the capital and home to major European Union institutions, there is much more to Belgium than its capital city. Make sure to explore other cities and regions to experience the country’s diversity:
- Bruges: Known as the “Venice of the North,” this medieval city is famous for its canals, cobblestone streets, and picturesque architecture.
- Ghent: A vibrant university city with a rich history, Ghent is often less crowded than Bruges but equally beautiful, featuring medieval castles and stunning churches.
- Antwerp: As the diamond capital of the world and a hub of modern art and fashion, Antwerp offers a mix of contemporary and historical attractions.
3. Belgium Has a Complex Political System
Belgium has one of the most complex political systems in the world, with multiple levels of government, including federal, regional, and community. Each region (Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels) has its own government, and this setup reflects the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity. While this political structure might seem confusing to outsiders, it’s a reflection of Belgium’s unique history and its commitment to maintaining peace between its linguistic and cultural communities. However, as a tourist, you won’t need to worry about navigating this complexity—it’s more of a background characteristic that shapes life in Belgium.
4. Belgium Is Famous for Its Beer
Belgium is world-renowned for its beer culture, which is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The country produces a wide variety of beer styles, from Trappist ales brewed in monasteries to saisons, lambics, and Flemish red ales. Belgian beers are often higher in alcohol content and more complex in flavor than typical beers.
If you’re a beer enthusiast, you’ll want to visit local breweries and try regional favorites. Be sure to sample Duvel, Westmalle, and the world-famous Westvleteren, often regarded as one of the best beers in the world. Many bars also offer beer tasting flights, where you can try several different varieties in smaller portions.
5. Belgium’s Food Scene Is Exceptional
Belgium’s cuisine is more than just waffles and chocolate—though both are iconic. Belgian food blends influences from French, Dutch, and German cooking. Some must-try dishes include:
- Moules-frites (Mussels and Fries): A beloved national dish, often served with a variety of sauces, from white wine to cream and garlic.
- Carbonade Flamande: A hearty beef stew made with beer, usually served with fries or bread.
- Waterzooi: A creamy chicken or fish stew originating from Ghent.
- Waffles: Belgium is famous for two types of waffles—the Liège waffle, which is sweet and caramelized, and the Brussels waffle, which is lighter and crispier.
Don’t forget to indulge in Belgian chocolate, with famous chocolatiers like Godiva, Neuhaus, and Pierre Marcolini offering decadent treats.
6. Belgium Is Home to Stunning Architecture
Belgium has a rich architectural heritage that spans centuries, from medieval Gothic cathedrals to stunning Art Nouveau buildings. Some architectural highlights include:
- Grand Place (Brussels): This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall.
- Atomium (Brussels): A futuristic building created for the 1958 World Expo, it remains one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
- St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Ghent): St. Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent is a must-visit for its stunning Gothic architecture and its famous altarpiece, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan and Hubert van Eyck. This masterpiece of Flemish art has been a draw for visitors worldwide.
Belgium’s cities also boast numerous medieval buildings, such as Belfries, castles, and churches. Bruges is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, which gives visitors a glimpse into Belgium’s past, while Antwerp is known for its Renaissance architecture and the Cathedral of Our Lady.
7. Public Transportation Is Convenient and Efficient
Belgium’s public transportation system is reliable, affordable, and easy to navigate. The country has an extensive network of trains, buses, and trams, connecting major cities and towns. The train system, operated by SNCB, is especially convenient for getting between cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges.
If you plan to explore the country by train, consider purchasing a Belgian Rail Pass, which allows unlimited travel for a set number of days. Within cities, buses and trams are commonly used, and Brussels also has a metro system.
For shorter trips, cycling is a popular option, particularly in Flanders, where you’ll find an excellent network of bike paths. Many cities offer bike rentals, and Belgium’s relatively flat terrain makes it easy to explore by bike.
8. Tipping Is Not Mandatory
In Belgium, tipping is not as common as in the United States, and it’s generally not expected, as service charges are usually included in restaurant and café bills. However, if you receive excellent service, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated but not required.
For taxis, it’s common to round up the fare, and in hotels, small tips are appreciated for bellhops and housekeeping staff, but it’s not obligatory.
9. Belgium Has a Rainy Climate
Belgium is known for its unpredictable weather, and it rains frequently throughout the year. While summer is generally the best time to visit (with temperatures averaging around 60-70°F (15-21°C)), even in the warmer months, you should be prepared for sudden showers.
It’s a good idea to pack an umbrella or raincoat, no matter the season, as Belgium’s weather can change quickly. Winters can be cold and damp, with temperatures ranging from 32-45°F (0-7°C), so if you visit during this time, make sure to bring warm clothing and layers. Despite the rain, Belgium’s cities are beautiful year-round, and the slightly gray weather adds to the charm of its medieval streets and Gothic architecture.
10. Belgium Is a Hub for European Politics
Belgium, particularly Brussels, is often referred to as the capital of Europe because it is home to many European Union (EU) institutions, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, and NATO headquarters. Brussels’ role in European politics makes it a melting pot of cultures and languages, with diplomats, politicians, and professionals from all over Europe and the world living and working in the city.
If you’re interested in politics, you can visit the European Quarter in Brussels and take guided tours of the European Parliament or the House of European History. The political significance of Brussels gives the city a unique cosmopolitan vibe, blending traditional Belgian culture with international influences.
11. Belgium Has a Rich Artistic Tradition
Belgium has a deep and influential artistic heritage, producing some of the world’s most famous painters and artworks. The country is known for its contributions to the Flemish Renaissance and Baroque periods, with artists like Jan van Eyck, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and Peter Paul Rubens hailing from Belgium.
Visitors can explore many art galleries and museums, including:
- The Royal Museums of Fine Arts (Brussels): This museum complex houses an impressive collection of Flemish and Belgian art, including works by van Eyck, Rubens, and Magritte.
- The Magritte Museum (Brussels): Dedicated to the surrealist artist René Magritte, this museum offers a fascinating look into his unique artistic vision.
- The Groeningemuseum (Bruges): A smaller museum that focuses on Flemish Primitive artists, particularly the Early Netherlandish painters.
Modern art also thrives in Belgium, with Antwerp being a hub for contemporary artists, fashion, and design.
12. Belgium Is Famous for Its Chocolate
Belgium is world-famous for its chocolate, and visiting a local chocolatier is an absolute must for any traveler. Some of the best-known Belgian chocolate brands include Godiva, Neuhaus, Leonidas, and Pierre Marcolini. You’ll find chocolate shops all over major cities, where you can sample and purchase handmade pralines, truffles, and other treats.
If you’re a chocolate lover, consider taking a chocolate-making workshop or a guided chocolate tour in Brussels or Bruges, where you can learn about the process of making chocolate and sample some of the finest creations in the world.
13. Belgium Has World-Class Festivals
Belgium hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, showcasing its rich culture, history, and music scene. Some of the most famous festivals include:
- Tomorrowland: One of the world’s largest electronic dance music festivals, held annually in Boom, Belgium, attracting thousands of music lovers from across the globe.
- Carnival of Binche: A UNESCO-recognized event held in Binche that features elaborate costumes, music, and parades, making it one of Belgium’s most celebrated traditional festivals.
- Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festival): A ten-day festival in Ghent featuring music, theater, street performances, and local food, offering a great way to immerse yourself in Belgian culture.
Belgium’s music and cultural festivals draw visitors from all over Europe, and no matter when you visit, there’s likely to be a festival or event to enjoy.
14. Belgian Fries Are a National Treasure
Belgians are extremely proud of their fries, and they are a staple of the country’s food culture. Known locally as frites, Belgian fries are typically served in a cone with a variety of sauces, with mayonnaise being the most popular. The fries are double-fried for extra crispiness, giving them a distinctive crunch that sets them apart from fries in other countries. You’ll find friteries (fries stands) all over Belgium, particularly in busy squares and markets, and they often serve fries alongside traditional Belgian dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries) and carbonade flamande (beef stew).
For a truly Belgian experience, try your fries with one of the many available sauces, like andalouse, samurai, or tartar sauce. Don’t leave Belgium without tasting what locals proudly consider to be the best fries in the world!
15. Belgium’s Castles and Countryside Are Stunning
Beyond its bustling cities, Belgium is home to beautiful countryside and an array of impressive castles that reflect the country’s medieval history. Many of these castles are well-preserved and open to visitors, offering a glimpse into Belgium’s past.
Some of the most famous castles include:
- Gravensteen (Ghent): Known as the Castle of the Counts, this medieval fortress is a major attraction in Ghent, offering guided tours and panoramic views of the city from its towers.
- Château de Bouillon: Located in the Ardennes, this medieval castle is perched on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s one of Belgium’s oldest and most impressive castles.
- Château de La Hulpe: Situated just outside Brussels, this castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands, making it a peaceful retreat from the city.
Belgium’s Ardennes region is particularly popular for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, cycling, and canoeing opportunities in its lush forests and rolling hills.
16. Belgium Is a Culinary Crossroads
Belgium’s food scene reflects its position at the crossroads of French, Dutch, and German cultures, creating a unique and diverse culinary landscape. Belgian cuisine combines the heartiness of Dutch and German dishes with the refinement of French cooking, offering a wide array of flavors and ingredients.
In addition to famous national dishes like moules-frites and carbonade flamande, you’ll also find influences from neighboring countries in everyday food. For example:
- French-inspired dishes: Belgium shares a border with France, and French culinary techniques are widely used in Belgian kitchens. Expect to find dishes like coq au vin or quiche in many restaurants.
- Dutch and German influences: You’ll encounter hearty sausages, stoofvlees (a beef stew similar to the German “sauerbraten”), and other comfort foods with Dutch or German roots.
Belgium also excels in the creation of pastries and desserts. Apart from the famous Belgian waffles, you can indulge in speculoos, a spiced shortcrust biscuit that is often served with coffee, or tarte au riz, a traditional rice pie that is popular in the French-speaking region of Wallonia.
17. Belgium Has a Rich World War History
Belgium has played a significant role in both World War I and World War II, and its landscape is dotted with memorials, battlefields, and cemeteries that honor those who fought in these conflicts. For history enthusiasts, visiting these sites offers a poignant glimpse into the past.
Key historical sites include:
- Flanders Fields: Located near Ypres, this area was the scene of intense battles during World War I. The Flanders Fields Museum and Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world, are must-visit sites for understanding the impact of the war.
- The Ardennes: Known for the Battle of the Bulge, one of the largest and bloodiest battles fought during World War II, the Ardennes region is home to several museums and memorials dedicated to this pivotal moment in history.
- Waterloo: Just south of Brussels, this is the site where Napoleon was defeated in 1815. The Waterloo Battlefield is a popular tourist attraction, offering interactive exhibits and a panoramic view of the battlefield.
Exploring Belgium’s war history provides a deeper understanding of the country’s resilience and its important place in European history.
Conclusion
Belgium is a fascinating destination that offers much more than meets the eye. From its delicious food, world-renowned beer, and rich cultural heritage to its medieval architecture and significant war history, Belgium has something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Brussels, the picturesque canals of Bruges, or the scenic countryside of the Ardennes, you’ll be captivated by the country’s charm, history, and diversity. By keeping these 17 tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your visit to Belgium, ensuring an enriching and memorable experience.
