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InternationalTravel.ai > Belgium

Belgium

Coastal Beaches

Best Season to Visit: Spring

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: November

Famous For: Chocolate, Beer, Medieval architecture

Train Access: Yes (sncb/nmbs, very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (De Lijn, TEC, STIB/MIVB, relatively safe)

Tourist Visa: Citizens of the EU, the United States, Canada, and many other countries do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in Belgium for tourism purposes. For longer stays or travelers from other countries, a Schengen visa may be required, which allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Belgium offers a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers, from its historic cities and charming medieval towns to its renowned culinary scene and vibrant cultural festivals. Visitors can explore the cobblestone streets of Bruges, with its picturesque canals and stunning architecture, or dive into the bustling city life of Brussels, home to the European Union and iconic landmarks like the Atomium and Manneken Pis. Belgium's cultural heritage is on full display in the art cities of Antwerp and Ghent, where museums showcase the works of Flemish masters. For those with a sweet tooth, Belgian chocolate is a must-try, with countless chocolatiers offering delectable treats. Beer enthusiasts will find paradise in Belgium's numerous breweries and pubs, where they can sample a wide variety of unique Belgian beers. Outdoor activities include cycling through the rolling hills of the Ardennes or walking along the sandy beaches of the North Sea coast. Unique events such as the colorful Carnival of Binche and the atmospheric Christmas markets add to the country's allure. Dining in Belgium is a delight, with a range of options from street food like frites and waffles to fine dining establishments serving moules-frites and carbonnade flamande. Belgium's compact size and excellent public transport make it easy to experience the diversity of its regions, from the tranquil countryside to the dynamic urban centers.

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Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Planning Your Trip to Belgium

Weather: Belgium has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean, with cool summers and moderate winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with a dryer period from April to September. The country often experiences cloudy and damp conditions.

Festivals: The Carnival of Binche, recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance, features elaborate costumes and parades, while the Brussels Summer Festival brings music and entertainment to the heart of the capital.

Best Destinations for Kids: Pairi Daiza, a world-class zoo and botanical garden, provides an exciting day out for families, while the interactive exhibits at Technopolis offer educational fun for children.

Hidden Gem: The Ardennes region is often overlooked but offers lush forests, rolling hills, and outdoor adventures, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Budget-Friendly Advice: Belgium can be a budget-friendly destination for travelers who plan wisely. Affordable accommodations such as hostels and guesthouses are available in major cities like Brussels and Bruges, with prices starting around €20-€30 per night for a dorm bed. Eating out doesn't have to break the bank; visitors can enjoy local street food like frites, waffles, and sandwiches for under €10. Supermarkets and markets also offer fresh produce for those who prefer to self-cater. Public transportation, including trains and buses, is relatively inexpensive, with options like the Go Pass for travelers under 26 offering ten journeys for €53. Attractions such as city museums and historical sites often have reduced rates or free entry on certain days. Cycling is a popular and cost-effective way to explore the countryside, with bike rentals available in most towns.

Accessibility: Belgium is relatively accessible for older travelers, with well-maintained public transport systems in cities and flat, walkable city centers, although some historic areas may have uneven cobblestone streets.

For the Solo Traveler: Solo travel in Belgium is generally safe and enjoyable, with a welcoming atmosphere and a high level of English spoken among locals. Cities like Brussels and Antwerp offer a range of activities and social opportunities for solo travelers, from museums and cultural sites to cafes and bars. Hostels provide budget-friendly accommodation and the chance to meet fellow travelers. Belgium's efficient public transport system makes it easy to navigate the country alone, and there are plenty of organized

Planning a 1 Week Stay: A week in Belgium could include visiting the historic cities of Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent, exploring the Ardennes countryside, and enjoying the culinary delights of Antwerp.

Planning a 1 Month Stay: For a month-long trip, immerse yourself in Belgium's culture by attending local festivals, visiting museums in Brussels and Antwerp, exploring the castles of Wallonia, and relaxing by the North Sea beaches.

Delving into the Culture

Movies Set: In Bruges, A Dog of Flanders, The Fifth Estate

Popular Foods: Belgian cuisine is known for its rich and hearty dishes. Some of the most popular foods include moules-frites (mussels served with fries), carbonnade flamande (a sweet-sour beef and onion stew made with beer), and Belgian waffles, which come in a variety of styles such as the Liege waffle and the Brussels waffle. For desserts, chocolates and pralines from Belgium are renowned worldwide.

Unusual Eats: One of the more unusual Belgian specialties is tête pressée, a cold cut made from brawn, or head cheese, which is a jellied loaf made from the head of a calf or pig. Another is paling in 't groen, a dish of eels in a green herb sauce, which might be off-putting to some visitors due to its appearance and the idea of eating eels.

Popular Sports: football, cycling, tennis, field hockey

Popular Teams: R.S.C. Anderlecht (football), Club Brugge KV (football), Standard Liège (football)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When greeting, Belgians usually expect a brief handshake or, among friends, cheek kisses, which can vary in number depending on the region. It's important to wait for a Belgian to initiate this form of greeting. Also, punctuality is highly valued in Belgium, so being late can be seen as a sign of disrespect. Lastly, it's considered impolite to speak loudly in public places, as Belgians generally value modesty and discretion.