Belgium travel guide
Meet Belgium Belgium weather reportGetting into BelgiumFrom the Belgian kitchenFrom the Belgian bar Currency in BelgiumMajor airports in BelgiumExamples of food and drink spendThings to have at hand in BelgiumDid you know?
Meet Belgium
Located at the heart of Europe, Belgium is a culturally diverse country with three official languages, a rich history, and a thriving present. Bordered by France, Germany and Holland, Belgium offers the best of European culture, within an area of just 33 990 square kilometres.
Belgium’s capital city, Brussels, houses the headquarters of both NATO and the European Union, so you may well bump into a few international diplomats during your stay. But you don’t need to be a bureaucrat to enjoy this city. Tourists can shop in glamorous boutiques, and enjoy grand museums of the Upper Town, before wandering around the stunning medieval architecture of the Lower Town. When you fancy a break from sightseeing, the bustling bars, cosmopolitan cafes and refined restaurants in the rue des Bouchers region of the city, are sure to help you relax.
A short trip north of Brussels, you’ll find the capital of the Flanders region, Antwerp, which is home to architectural splendours, including the largest Gothic cathedral in the country. Then be sure to stop off at the beautifully preserved medieval city of Bruges, which has been named both a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a European City of Culture.
For those who prefer peace and quiet, Belgium's picture-perfect countryside is the ideal place to appreciate Belgium at a slower pace. The flatlands of the North provide great opportunities for cycling and walking, while the rolling hills of the Ardennes valley a great place to enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and canoeing.
Belgium weather report
Belgium has a maritime climate, which is greatly influenced by air masses which move in from the Atlantic Ocean. During the winter months, from December to February, the weather is wet, sometimes snowy, and temperatures do not usually rise above 3 degrees Celsius.
The summer months, between June and August, are fairly warm and mild, with an average temperature of 18 degrees, although there is still a chance of rain at this time. Most tourists travel to Belgium during this season, but you will be able to find some cheap flights outside the summer rush.
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Belgium
British citizens, and other members of the EU, do not need a visa to enter Belgium. However, a passport which is valid for 3 months beyond the intended stay is required.
From the Belgian kitchen
Belgium is a country where good food is celebrated. Bordered by both France and Germany, the Belgians combine the quality of French cuisine, with the quantity of hearty German portions. Some typical Belgian foods that you can enjoy are:
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Chocolate: perhaps the food which is most synonymous with Belgium. Chocolate shops are dotted throughout any Belgian town, so why not stock up on some tasty treats while you’re here?
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Frites: although chips may be a staple British food, the Belgians actually lay claim to inventing them. Belgian chips, or ‘frites’, are thick, usually fried in animal fat, and can be found in mobile ‘friteries’ in any Belgian town square.
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Paté: an example of the heavy influence of French cuisine in Belgium, this spreadable mixture of ground meat, herbs, and fat is usually eaten with fresh bread. The pate made in the Ardennes region of the country is exported throughout the globe.
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Stoemp: potato mashed with other vegetables, often served with sausages.
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Vlaamse stoofkarbonaden: a homely beef stew, similar to the French Beef Bourguignon, but made with beer, rather than wine.
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Braadworst: a pork sausage mixed with fine breadcrumbs. This is often eaten with potatoes and apple sauce.
From the Belgian bar
Beer is definitely the most popular alcoholic drink in Belgium. This small country is home to 125 breweries, which produce around 400 varieties of beer! Some typical tipples that you’ll find in any Belgian bar are:
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Leffe beer: perhaps the most popular Belgian beer, this comes in both a sweet-tasting, ‘Blonde’ variety, and a ‘Brune’ ale form
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Kriek: one of the best Belgian fruit beers. This sweet, cherry beer is produced by several brands, including Lindemans and Belle Vue
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Hoegaarden: one of the white, cloudy wheat beers for which the country is famous. This drink can be especially refreshing with a slice of lemon on top
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Jenever: for the non-beer drinker, this is a Flemish version of gin, produced in the province of Limburg.
Currency in Belgium
The unit of currency used in Belgium is the euro (€), which is comprised of 100 cents. Coins come in €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c. Banknotes are issued in €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10, €5 bills. For the lastest info on your rates, please use the Pampo exchange rates calculator.
Major airports in Belgium
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Antwerp International Airport (ANR)
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Brussels Airport (BRU)
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Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
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Liège Airport (LGG
Examples of food and drink spend
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An average restaurant bill is around €25 per person. Service charges are usually included in this price, but it is customary to give an additional tip for good service
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A pint of beer is priced at about €1-2 per person.
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A glass of wine is usually priced at about €2-4 per person
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A typical soft drink is priced between €1 and €2
Things to have at hand in Belgium
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An umbrella
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Valid photo ID
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International or European driver’s license
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Citizens of the EU will need their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Did you know?
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Belgium has a population of approximately 10 ½ million people.
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Belgium’s capital city, Brussels, is the de facto capital city of the European Union
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The country produces 220,000 tonnes of chocolate every year
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Actor Jean Claude Van Damme was born in Belgium, and won the ‘Mr Belgium’ bodybuilding contest
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Belgium is home to more comic publishers per square kilometre than any other country in the world