Travel to Belgium — everything you need to know
When to go to Belgium?
- May – September — Spring and summer : Best time to visit Belgium: pleasant temperatures (15–22°C), lively terraces, beer and music festivals. Bruges and Ghent are especially beautiful under the summer sun.
- November – December — Christmas markets : The Christmas markets of Bruges, Ghent and Brussels are among the most beautiful in Europe. A magical atmosphere despite the cold and grey winter weather.
Weather in Belgium
Check the weather city by city, starting with Brussels.
- Bruxelles: daytime highs from 6 to 23 °C depending on the season, 70 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Belgium?
Belgium is a small country at the heart of Europe, famous for its chocolate, craft beers and fries. From medieval Bruges to bohemian Ghent, via Brussels, capital of the EU, the country is full of Flemish and Walloon architectural treasures. The Ardennes offer a natural contrast to the lively cities of the northern coast.
Bruxelles
Capital of Belgium and seat of the European institutions, Brussels blends Art Nouveau grandeur with lively working-class neighbourhoods. The Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The city is also known for its museums, comic strips and cuisine.
Highlights : Grand-Place — baroque square, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Atomium — giant sculpture from Expo 58, Manneken Pis — the city's iconic symbol, Royal Museums of Fine Arts — Bruegel and Magritte.
Bruges
Nicknamed the 'Venice of the North', Bruges is an exceptionally well-preserved medieval city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its canals, belfries and cobbled streets attract millions of visitors every year. The city is also a paradise for Belgian chocolate and handmade lace.
Highlights : Belfry of Bruges — 366 steps for a breathtaking view, Markt — central square with gabled houses, Lake of Love (Minnewater) — picturesque romantic lake, Groeninge Museum — early Flemish masters.
Gand
Ghent is a lively university town that combines medieval heritage with contemporary cultural life. The Castle of the Counts, the Graslei and Saint Bavo's Cathedral, home to Van Eyck's famous Mystic Lamb, make it a must-see destination. The city is also renowned for its flower market and music scene.
Highlights : Gravensteen — medieval castle of the Counts of Flanders, Saint Bavo's Cathedral — Van Eyck's Mystic Lamb, Graslei and Korenlei — picturesque historic quays, SMAK — renowned museum of contemporary art.
Ardennes
The Belgian Ardennes offer a landscape of dense forests, steep valleys and stone villages. Ideal for hiking, kayaking and cycling, the region is also home to the memorials of the Battle of the Bulge from the Second World War. Dinant, La Roche-en-Ardenne and Bouillon are the gems of this natural region.
Highlights : Citadel of Dinant — fortress overlooking the Meuse, Bouillon Castle — Godfrey's medieval fortress, Caves of Han — spectacular network of karst caves, Bastogne War Museum — memorial to the Battle of the Bulge.
Travel budget for Belgium
Belgium is a Western European country with a moderate cost of living. Public transport is efficient and affordable, and you can get good fries for under 5 €. Accommodation in Bruges can be more expensive in high season.
- Backpacker : 75–100 €/j — Hostel, fries and sandwiches, public transport, a few free visits
- Comfort : 145–200 €/j — Charming hotel, brasserie meals, intercity train, museums and activities
Practical tips for travelling to Belgium
- Flight from Paris : 1h flight or 1h22 by Thalys to Brussels-Midi
- Visa : No visa required — Schengen area, French ID card is sufficient
- Currency : Euro (€) — ATMs everywhere, card payment accepted everywhere
- Language : French in Wallonia and Brussels, Dutch in Flanders
- Electricity : Type E (same as France) — no adapter needed
- Health : European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid — quality healthcare
- Train : Dense SNCB network — all major cities connected in under 2h
- Beer : Over 1,500 craft beers — the brewing culture is UNESCO-listed
Compare Belgium with other destinations