Belgium holidays
Sandwiched between the Netherlands and France, this small country is full of medieval castles, Renaissance masterpieces and beer-brewing monks. But holidays to Belgium aren’t just a nod to the past. Today, it hosts the headquarters of the European Union, cutting-edge art and music and some of the best street food on the continent.
Top destinations in Belgium
Brussels
Welcome to Brussels, a city where architects, painters and chefs have created the perfect playground for visitors. Come for the sights, stay for the entertainment.
Bruges
Lose yourself in the medieval magic of Bruges, where cobbled lanes, dreamy canals and chocolate shops create a fairy-tale setting straight out of a Flemish painting.
Ghent
One of Belgium’s oldest cities, Ghent is young at heart. Come for the medieval art and architecture — stay for the beer cafes and some of the best festivals in Europe.
Antwerp
Fashion-forward and full of flair, Antwerp mixes historic streets with cutting-edge cool. Shop local designers, explore world-class galleries, and feel the energy of Belgium’s trendiest port city.
Belgium: fast facts
Language
Dutch, French, German
Currency
Euro (€)
Time zone
UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)
Belgium holiday highlights
Thermals spas
Soak your sore muscles and chase away the jet lag with a trip to the original spa town. Nestled in a valley of the Ardennes, the town of Spa has welcomed visitors to its mineral-rich waters since Roman times. In addition to thermal baths, the ‘thermes’ (spa complexes) in Spa and nearby Chaudfontaine offer saunas, massages and other wellness treatments.
Medieval castles
The grand turrets and medieval fortifications of its many castles are one of the most impressive things to see in Belgium. Remarkably well-preserved Gravensteen, the ‘Castle of the Counts’, towers over the city of Ghent. Take a tour through history at Bouillon Castle or hike between scenic Château de Vêves and Walzin Castle along the River Lesse.
Belgian beer
With more than 400 breweries and a tradition that goes back nearly 1,000 years, Belgium’s beer culture is legendary. Grab a pint at a quirky beer cafe in Brussels or Antwerp. Or tour a Trappist monastery, where monks have been brewing for centuries. In the Senne Valley, hike the 16-kilometre Lambic Trail between breweries specialising in lambic, a sour, fruity beer.
Things to do in Belgium
Top attractions
The Baroque architecture of the Grand Place speaks to Brussels’ history as a centre of culture and trade. In Antwerp, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal’s Gothic spire is a can’t-miss landmark. But the cathedral’s interior, featuring masterpieces by Rubens, is just as breathtaking. If you walk across the bridge at romantic Minnewaterpark in Bruges, local legend says you’ll discover eternal love.
Family friendly
Follow a trail of Tintin and the Smurfs along the Comic Book Route in Brussels, featuring over 50 murals of beloved characters. Or discover the wooden statues of friendly trolls hiding in the forest of De Schorre park in Boom. Work up an appetite at the Frietmuseum in Bruges, which tells the story of Belgian fries.
Beaches
Though small, Belgium’s coastline is packed with sandy dunes, boardwalks and resorts. Stroll along the Art Deco pier in Blankenberge or tan in luxury in Knokke-Heist. Or try land yachting, a popular Belgian pastime where sail-powered carts race along the sand. The North Sea can be chilly, but gently sloping beaches and shallow water are safe for little swimmers.
Nature
You’re never too far from nature in Belgium, with windswept coastlines and peaceful forests only steps from resort towns and cities. Coastal dunes and salt marshes are a haven for migratory birds at Westhoek and Het Zwin nature reserves. Hike or mountain bike through expanses of forest and heathland in Sonian Forest and Hoge Kempen National Park.
Cuisine
Belgian food blends refined French and hearty German influences. Try some of the most famous Belgian dishes at street food stalls and local markets, like piping-hot cones of chips and chewy Liège waffles. But seek out restaurants in Belgium for standouts like ‘moules frites’ — mussels steamed in white wine and served with golden chips.
Culture and museums
Many museums in Belgium highlight the country’s art heritage, from Renaissance masterpieces at the Groeningemuseum in Bruges to the Comics Art Museum in Brussels. In Antwerp, discover the world’s oldest printing press at the Plantin-Moretus Museum. Walk through the preserved trenches of a WWI battlefield at the Sanctuary Wood Museum in Ypres.
Find the best time to visit Belgium
Weather in Belgium
March – May: Spring is usually the driest season, with mild days and cool nights. In April and early May, a vibrant carpet of bluebells draws crowds to Hallerbos.
June – August: Belgians head to the beaches and music festivals in summer. The weather is rarely too hot, though occasional heat waves can push the temperature above 25°C.
September – November: Changing leaves and mild temperatures make autumn a great season for hiking. The Ardennes mountains are particularly gorgeous this time of year.
December – February: Though mountain towns like Spa can see snow, freezing temperatures are rare along the coast and in the cities. Christmas markets brighten grey days and periods of cold rain.
Events in Belgium
Rock Werchter (July): Belgium’s biggest music festival draws international talent and cheering crowds to the small village of Werchter. Four stages and dozens of musicians make for a classic rock festival experience.
Ommegang (July): The Grand Place is transformed into a Renaissance village during this UNESCO-recognised festival. Archery contests, costumed re-enactments and puppet shows bring history to life.
Film Fest Gent (October): This popular film festival pays special tribute to music, featuring the World Soundtrack Awards and live concerts of scores composed by musicians like Philip Glass.
Winter Glow (November to December): The Christmas market in Bruges turns this already charming city into a winter wonderland.
Know before you go
Getting around Belgium
Public transportation
Buses: Buses are an affordable way to travel around the country. Belgium’s major regions are primarily serviced by three operators — De Lijn in the Flanders region, TEC in Wallonia and STIB around Brussels. Ticketing systems and prices are different between operators. Pick up a reloadable MOBIB card to hold all your e-tickets in one place.
Trains: The Belgian rail network, operated by SNCB, is extensive and convenient. With Brussels at its hub, it links major cities and towns — the longest trip is less than three hours. Bring a bike on board, or hire one at the train station to continue exploring on two wheels. The longest coastal tram in the world connects De Panne to Knokke-Heist.
Domestic flights
You won’t find domestic flights within Belgium. Brussels Airlines, Belgium’s flagship national carrier, offers flights across Europe.
Driving
Driving is a good way to explore more remote parts of the country, including the scenic landscapes of the Ardennes. Toll-free highways connect major cities and are well lit at night. Belgium is somewhat notorious for its traffic jams, and the roads can sometimes be in bad shape. Traffic signs — and often even the names of cities — will change languages between Flanders and Wallonia.
