Belgium, small but packs a punch. Not known among its fellow Europeans as a destination hub nor among those beyond the continent but look close and you will find some hidden gems. A confusing country with 3 official languages! We're here to help you navigate it and find the best best places in Belgium. 

Lying on the North Sea coast, Belgium's immediate neighbours are France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands. The small nation of Belgium might leave you surprised by its rich and gorgeous heritage. It boasts a number of fascinatingly historic cities packed with medieval and Art Nouveau architecture and famous for their long traditions in arts, fashion and fine dining. If you've seen the best of them, the Belgian countryside offers anything from sandy beaches to the densely forested hills and ridges of the Ardennes. Brussels, the country's vibrant capital, is a modern world city with a highly international character. It combines massive postmodern buildings in its European Quarter with impressive historic monuments, such as the World Heritage listed Grand Place, surrounded by guildhouses and the Gothic town hall. There's Laken Castle and the large St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, dedicated to the cities patron saints. The Royal Palace is a more recent but no less grand structure. One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Atomium, a remarkable steel structure and remnant of the 1958 World's Fair.

Belgium

Are you ready to get inspired by a world of art, design and culture? From creative hubs filled with the best galleries, museums, and ongoing exhibitions, to imaginative centres and workshops frequented by locals - check out the coolest curated spaces in {{area}}. 
The scene here is dynamic and endlessly evolving, whether you're an architecture admirer, a culture vulture, or an art and design enthusiast. Feed your creative side and dive right in! 

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Top Spots for all Things Creative

Indulge your senses in art galleries, museums, and experience the cultural side of {{area}}

Art & Culture

When it comes to the culinary scene, we’ve got you covered with a list of dining and drinking experiences to take your tastebuds on a journey through {{area}}! Searching for the best local markets with yummy stalls? Curious about cooking classes, or wondering which traditional drinks and bites to try out? Our community of locals have some tasty recommendations for you.

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Taste This 

Eat & drink your way through {{area}}

Food & Drinks

Beaches, national parks, urban parks, forests, dunes, heathlands - you name it! We've lined up the best of locally recommended nature activities in {{area}} that are sure to get some fresh air in those lungs! If it's anything you can explore and do in the great outdoors, you can plan it here.

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The Grass is Always Greener 

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Nature

Lace up those hiking boots and get out on the trail! We’ve organized the top nature walks and hikes in {{area}} for all the outdoor lovers looking to go the limits. There are plenty of routes you can choose from - all offering you stunning views that make each step even more worth it.

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Get Outdoors

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Hiking

All of the landmarks, viewpoints, monuments, city skylines, and hidden gems at your fingertips! These are the places that will astound your sight and senses,  and would also make a pretty Instastory. 
From urban architecture to natural wonders, explore the must-see spots in {{area}}, and revel in the beauty that surrounds you here.

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See it to Believe it

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Sightseeing

Come one, come all - come big, come small! We've rounded up all of the kid-friendly places in {{area}}, including parks, playgrounds, outdoor activities, and museums for you and your family to enjoy. These places and activities are fun (and safe!) for the whole family, no matter what size or age!

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Best places for all ages

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Ready for an epic time? Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for an exciting outdoor activity - check out what {{area}} has going on. There's truly never a dull moment here. From biking, adventure parks, and water sports to wonderous new environments - we rounded up the best things for you to do to have an adventurous time outdoors.

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Best places to seek thrills

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Adventure

Get Inspired by Belgium

Our picks for Adventure 

Ready for an epic time? Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for an exciting outdoor activity - check out what Belgium has going on. There's truly never a dull moment here. From biking, adventure parks, and water sports to wonderous new environments - we rounded up the best things for you to do to have an adventurous time outdoors.

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Go on an Adventure in and around Belgium

Other top activities

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Adventure 

Essentials

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Languages: Flemish (Dutch), Walloon French, German

Dates for your calendar

### Languages 101

Belgium is a multilingual country. Flemish - the Belgian dialect of Dutch -  is the most commonly spoken language (about 60%), followed by Walloon - the Belgian French dialect (40%) and German (1%). English is spoken too, but you’ll get a deeper connection with the locals and the culture by trying out the language of the region. We’re giving you the basics of Flemish Dutch and Walloon French to help you get around!

In the southern part of Belgium, you’ll be hearing French. Head over to the north (aka Flanders) to meet Dutch speakers. While a tiny fraction of the east (Eupen, St Vith and Malmedy) speak German, it’s not that common. Brussels is even more of a mix with French, English and Dutch being used often. 

Ready to try out another language? Stick to Dutch in the northern part of the country and French in the south. 

### Essential Phrases 

Dutch is said to be one of the easier languages to learn for English-natives. For French and German speakers, you should be able to pick up phrases and some words pretty quickly as the languages can be similar. 


Flemish Dutch

Walloon French

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Three cathedral tower spires on the roof, Leuven, Belgium

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Mining museum C-mine lit up at night, Belgium

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### The Three Regions 

Belgium is made up of three regions with their own unique quirks. 

Still, most Belgians speak English in the Dutch speaking and the Brussels capital region, so it’s not too difficult to say hi to the locals. The French-speaking Walloon side a bit less, but you should still be able to get around easily. 

### Outdoor Adventures 

It’s easy to find adventure outdoors in Belgium! Go in the winter for a cross-country skiing trip in the beautiful Ardennes or simply look up at the summer sky to find adventure course bridges. Cycle through the trees or go off-road in the dunes. 

### Cultural catch-up 

No slow travel trip is complete without learning the culture. And Belgium has tons to discover. Check out tons of sights from refreshing outdoor open-air galleries to emotional museums on Belgium’s war history. Then, get a taste of Belgian culture by trying out the chocolate, local beer, and delicious frites. 

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The Arc Du Cinquantenaire and its reflex in a pond at the Parc du Cinquantenaire, Brussels

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### When to go 

Belgium is an interesting country to visit no matter the time of year. But there’s a few things to keep in mind when planning your slow travel trip. We’re letting you know when to avoid the tourist peak and the dates you need to know about. 

### Weather 

Belgium has mild weather. Bring some jumpers for the winter and get those cute summer dresses ready. In the summer, you’re looking at a mild average of 22 c (about 72 f). Rainy and cloudy days are common throughout the year though. As for snow in winter, it’s not guaranteed unless you’re in the Ardennes. 


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The diamond heart of Belgium with awesome cultural experiences and natural gems on its borders.

Antwerp

Home to the iconic city of Ghent and so much more. Famous for its cycling events, beautiful sights, and medieval cities.  

East Flanders

This province is cozied right up to Brussels, surrounding it with some of the best green spaces of Belgium, beautiful castles, and famous breweries. Flemish Brabant is one of the five provinces of Flanders but stands out for its cultural heritage and beer. The Flemish Brabant has many of Belgium’s famous beers on tap and breweries to visit. Dutch is the main language spoken here, but the closer you get to Brussels the more you’ll hear French in the streets. 

Flemish Brabant

Meet Limburg, Flander’s eastern most province, bordered by the Netherlands to the east and Wallonia to the south. This small part of Belgium is off the tourist track with plenty of hidden gems to discover. Wandering around the charming towns, you’ll discover why Limburg is Flander’s friendliest province and also the greenest. With Flanders’ only national park, Hoge Kempen, Limburg is the perfect place to get outside and enjoy the great Belgian outdoors.  There is Flemish culture aplenty and Belgian history from the Roman’s to WWII. 

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Welcome to the rolling dunes and open beaches of Belgium’s coastline. West Flanders is, you guessed it, Belgium’s most western province. It’s most popular in the summer when everyone is looking for a coastal escape. 

West Flanders

Hainaut is a unique mix of industrial towns and natural gems in its quiet countryside. Since it’s not as touristy as other parts of Belgium, it’s a perfect spot for travellers wanting to see the full picture of the country. Venture out into Hainaut for hidden gems, lesser known adventures, and historic castles to see. 

Hainaut

The steady beating heart of Wallonia’s industry, prosperity, and culture. Liege province is bustling with things to do from artsy experiences, beautiful nature sights to see, and some of the must-see historical places of Belgium. Plus, you might just hear some German being spoken in the unique Eupen-Malmedy, which has been part of Belgium since WWI. Liege is a unique mix not to be missed on a slow travel trip to Belgium. 

Liège

Don’t get it confused with the country! This province of Belgium is a beautiful place to visit in its own right. Why’s it called Luxembourg, then? Long story short, back in 1830 the King of the Netherlands gave this province to the new Kingdom of Belgium. This French speaking province of Belgium is the southernmost part of the country on the border with France and Luxembourg (the country!). 

Luxembourg

Namur is filled with beautiful sights to see from the man-made stunning castles to Mother Nature’s calming rivers and valleys. Looking for a travel escape? Namur should be your next destination in the Ardennes. Urban explorers have plenty of beautiful cities to visit too from Namur itself to Dinant. 

Namur

Oh, money, money! Welcome to the wealthiest part of Wallonia. Walloon Brabant is rich in more ways than one. There’s grand churches and castles galore to discover in this province of Belgium. 

Walloon Brabant

Welcome to the capital of Belgium! Known as the heart of the European Union, Brussels is absolutely buzzing. Modern neighbourhoods sit side by side with Art Deco buildings and historic landmarks. 

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Walloon Region

Flemish Region

Brussels-Capital Region

Facts and where to find them all about Belgium!

Top 10 essential facts about Belgium

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Door into the Chocolate Nation museum, Antwerp, Belgium

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Belgian local travel blogger, Lisaura brings you 5, little-known activities in Limburg.

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A guide to blossom spotting in springtime Haspengouw.

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Fantastic flower gardens to see this spring in Belgium

Transport

All the practical info you need to know about travelling to Belgium!

### Getting There



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Major Airports for international flights are near Brussels, Zaventem being the main one and Charleroi being the low-budget one. There are others in  Antwerp, Liege, Ostend but with limited flights.

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All major towns have train stations. Smaller towns might have one too or at least a bus stop. 

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Getting to Belgium via the bus or coach is a super affordable option. 

There are no toll roads and roads are generally smooth. You’ll probably run into traffic in the city and some language confusion further out from Brussels, as road signs can be Dutch or French. Fuel is more pricey than other countries, but you don’t have to drive long distances. For convenience and harder to reach locations, renting a car is a good option too.

Belgium has a well connected public transport system. You can stick to the trains, buses and trams to get you around the cities. Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Charleroi all have a tram network too. Check out the city guides for detailed info! 

Major cities have bike stands and many use a rental system “Velo”. Watch out for the big trunk roads in the big cities, though. Most travellers also take their bikes onto public transport. Get out into the countryside and you’ve got tons of cycling trails to choose from. 

Electric rental scooter options are available in most major cities; Bird and Lime being the most widely available. 

Going on foot is the easiest way to get around the cities. Use our map to find out what’s near you and walk or combine with the bus for an easy, hassle-free day out.

#### Transport Tips!

- If it snows, public transport usually grinds to a halt. Winter trips to Belgium can be awesome, just plan ahead and watch out for that snow. 
- You might need to Park & Ride in the bigger cities to avoid traffic and expensive parking charges. 
- To rent a car, you have to be **21** and have been driving for at least 1 year. Renting a car for a week will cost you 300€ minimum, but that usually includes insurance. Always check the coverage before renting. 


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