🇧🇪 Belgium Travel Guide

Belgium is small, but it packs in a little bit of everything, medieval cities, grand squares, winding canals, and some of the best food in Europe. It’s a country where every region feels unique, from Brussels’ cosmopolitan energy to Bruges’ storybook charm and Ghent’s creative edge. Spend your mornings wandering historic streets, your afternoons sampling chocolate or sipping Trappist beer and your evenings watching the canals light up under glowing streetlamps. Whether you’re here for art, history, food, or just a weekend getaway, Belgium is the kind of place that always leaves you wanting more.

Brussels:

Grand Squares, Chocolate and Beer

Home to EU headquarters, comic book murals, and some of the country’s best food, Brussels mixes global influence with local charm. Start your day at Grand Place, wander through the Galeries Royales, and make time for a chocolate tasting or beer crawl. The city is an easy base if you’re traveling by train, with day trips to Bruges and Ghent only an hour away. While it isn’t as postcard-perfect as some Belgian towns, Brussels has an artsy energy, buzzing neighborhoods, and endless cafés to explore.
Read our full Brussels guide →

Bruges:

Storybook Canals and Christmas Magic

Bruges looks like it stepped straight out of a postcard. Cobbled streets wind past pastel-colored houses, charming squares and tranquil canals. Spend your day exploring Market Square and climbing the Belfry for sweeping views, then take a boat tour to see hidden courtyards and quiet bridges. Don’t miss artisan chocolatiers like Dumon and The Chocolate Line and stop by De Halve Maan Brewery for a tasting. In December, the Bruges Christmas market transforms the city into a winter fairytale.
Read our Bruges Christmas Market guide →

Ghent:

Cool, Creative and Slightly Underrated

Ghent combines medieval beauty with a modern, youthful spirit. Explore Gravensteen Castle, stroll the Graslei waterfront, and wander through Werregarenstraat, better known as “Graffiti Street”. Ghent also has a thriving café and beer scene, perfect for relaxing between sights. Visit in December for a lively Christmas market, or come in fall when the canals are lined with golden leaves and the city feels quieter but just as vibrant. Read our full Ghent guide →

Know Before You Go: Belgium

Best Time to Visit
April to June and September to October are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. December is magical with Christmas markets across the country.

Currency
Euro (€)

Language
Dutch, French, and German are spoken depending on the region. English is widely understood in major cities and tourist areas.

Getting Around
Belgium’s train system connects Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp quickly and affordably. For smaller towns and the Ardennes, a car offers more flexibility.

Travel Tip
Because Belgium is compact, you can base yourself in one city and explore the rest on day trips. A perfect place for shorter stays or weekend getaways.