Belgium Travel Guide

Plan your Belgium trip with our comprehensive travel guide.

Traveling in Turkey may not be challenging, but some of its customs and rules can confuse many travelers.

The initial confusion often arises when looking at flights to Turkey, as it’s now Turkiye, not Turkey. If you’re not a full-time traveler and take vacations between 9-5 work like us, planning a trip to Turkey might seem daunting – but we’ve got you covered.

Our buddy Keerti from the Netherlands, who frequently visits Belgium, helped put this together, bringing you some insider travel tips. So you can trust us totally with this How to Travel in Belgium without going bankrupt.

Index

1. Preparing for Your Trip – Visa, Air connectivity, Currency, Cards
2. Belgium Travel Cost
3. Essential Information – Language, people, Culture and Safety
4. Practical Travel Tips – SIM, VPN, Plug sockets and Tipping Culture
5. Getting around – Public and Private Transport
6. Amenities – Public Toilet, hygiene, drinking water
7. Food and Alcohol etiquette
8. Ideal Time and Duration of Trip
9. Places to see
10. Booking Tours and Activities

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1. Preparing for Your Trip

Belgium Tourist Visa

Greece is among the 27 Schengen countries. Politically and economically the meaning of Schengen union vary, but for tourists, having a visa from any of these 27 nations means you can visit the other 26 without hassle.

Over 50 nationalities don’t need a Visa to enter these 27 Schengen countries. So, if you’re from one of these 50 nations, you can just stroll into any Schengen country with a valid passport. But things are shifting a bit. Due to misuse, folks from non-European countries with visa-free access to the Belgium or other Schengen nations will need an ETIAS by 2025. Find more info here.

The Schengen Sticker Visa

Except for those fortunate 50 nationalities, everyone else including Indians has to go through a pretty extensive process to snag a Schengen visa. Getting that visa takes around a month and a truckload of documents, plus a face-to-face chat at the embassy.

It’s a real hassle, so teaming up with a reliable company is a savvy call. Focus on planning your Belgian escapade, not drowning in visa forms!

Belgium hasn’t lifted all COVID rules yet. They’ve got specific rules for high and moderate-risk places, including needing vaccination proof or PCR tests. Check their official website before you travel there.

Air Connectivity

Belgium has five international airports- Brussels, Antwerp Bruges and two more! When you realise how small Belgium is and how many airports it has it’s pretty amazing and lot! Even though Brussels is the main airport, it’s not as well connected as airports in nearby countries like Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris, and Frankfurt. They’re just a quick 2-hour train ride from Brussels but have better connections to international flights than Brussels does.

So, it’s probably smarter to check flight prices to Paris or Amsterdam and then hop on a train to Brussels. You might end up paying less for your flight that way! It’s super wise to explore these options using the Skyscanner. It will clearly guide you if you should travel to Belgium directly or to the neighbouring country’s city.

Don’t bother with domestic flights unless it’s your last option. Belgium’s trains are super efficient and budget-friendly for getting between cities, and they’re great for hopping over to neighboring countries too!

Currency

Belgium currency is Euros. Bringing Euros from home is best as most other currencies can’t be exchanged for Euros. If not, US Dollars, British Pounds, or Canadian dollars work for exchange at most times. But those exchange spots might give you worse rates than in your own country. Also, sometimes, immigration might ask for proof of cash and cards. So, bring your Euro stash when you come to Belgium.

2. Belgium Travel Cost

Comparing Greece and Belgium for tourists, Belgium is cheaper. Greece racks up costs with sailing, ferries, and other touristy stuff. In Belgium, trains and trams make city hopping cheap, quick, and ideal for tourists. It’s even cheaper than Austria and more expensive than Turkey.

The hotel rooms, meals and drinks are costlier than in Greece. The Summary is – Belgium isn’t a budget-friendly country, even with BnBs and hostels. So as a mid-range flashpacker, keep 150 Euros / peron/ day that includes 3 times meals in budget cafes, accommodation, public transport, sightseeing during offseason such as March to May

Tips to save money in Belgium

To save money, use Belgium’s freebies: A railway station-city center shuttle and free museum entry on select days in Brussels and Bruges. There are plenty of Free Walking tours around Belgium.

Check Guru Walks Free tours in Belgium, especially the ones labeled “Pro.”

I’ve tried their tours in Tokyo and Vienna , and it was the best choice! Remember to tip them at the end for their good narration.

Finding right accommodations

Belgium offers the usual range of accommodations. You’ve got the pricier boutique/luxury hotels in historic buildings, budget-friendly hotels, and hostels for backpackers. To save money, book your hotels away from tourist hotspot – There are plenty of trams and metro to take you to your favourite place.

Book hostels or budget hotels on Booking.com. Use filters for elevator access and AC (essential in summer). Use their messenger to contact hosts without sharing your private number.

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3. Essential Information

Language Spoken in Belgium

There are three official languages in Belgium – Dutch, French and German. The nation was once under the Austrian Empire, later ruled by the French, and indeed, it was under German control too! For a nation of such a small size, the linguistic diversity is astonishing. That shows how many layers of history Belgium holds underneath.

Most Belgians speak Dutch, followed by French. If you know either, getting around Belgium is easy. Touristy spots often have all three languages plus English. Also, while not an official language, English is the fourth most popular in the country.

Belgians and their Culture

The majority of Belgians identify as Roman Catholic, but I’m not certain about how deeply religious they are (I’d need more time exploring small villages and their churches in Belgium to know for sure). Less than 5% of the population is Muslim. I’m not implying that every Muslim in Belgium is a beggar, but during our visit, we noticed numerous beggars, and most of them were Muslim. They were begging in Arabic, wearing the typical Muslim attire, both men and women.

Keerthi finds Belgians quite similar to the Dutch. They’re not overly grumpy or overly friendly; they keep to themselves. You might get a “Hi” or “Good morning” from a stranger, but deeper conversations with locals are rare. Even café owners often don’t seem too smiley. We felt a bit unwelcome at a café in Bruges, but that’s just their way.

Belgium was the second country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2003. So, it’s one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places to travel. The Belgian pride parade usually happens between the second week of April and mid-May.

How to dress in Belgium?

Belgium goes through all four seasons, so pack accordingly. During our spring visit, it got quite chilly post-lunch. Bring a jacket and full-length trousers for any season. Plus, Belgium tends to be cloudy (there are plenty of online jokes about Belgium’s “solar-powered parking ticket system” that never quite kicks in).

Most people in Belgium opt for smart casual attire, so dressing similarly helps you blend in. Gym wear and yoga pants are rare sights on Belgian streets. While there are hiking trails, heavy-duty hiking boots aren’t a necessity like they might be in Austria. Churches in Belgium typically lack a strict dress code, but it’s advisable to wear modest clothing at religious sites. Muslim travelers should note that Belgium imposes restrictions on wearing full-faced veils in public spaces.

Safety Concerns in Belgium

You can easily free yourself and glide like these swans in Belgium. Because it is very safe for tourists. Belgium ranks 17th out of 163 nations on the Global Peace Index as of 2020. Brussels, the capital, houses the European Union headquarters, so Belgium is generally safe for all types of tourists. However, like many European countries, Belgium faces terrorism threats. Between 2016 and 2020, there were two incidents of terror attacks.

Keerthi mentions that pickpocketing and theft here are fewer compared to Paris. I feel it’s even less than in Athens, but it’s wise to be cautious in crowded tourist spots.

However I need to report one incident that caused us a trouble

During our visit in May 2018 to Belgium’s Brussels, the Pride parade had just ended, and the festivities were ongoing. In an unexpected turn of events, a stranger held my husband Ashrith’s hand forcefully, attempting to engage in uncomfortable conversations. However, a Belgian intervened, rescuing me from the situation.

After enjoying delicious waffles near Jubilee Park, another strange incident occurred. A guy in a rainbow scarf approached, asking for something. Even after politely declining, he kept bothering us, especially Ashrith. To escape, we headed into a shop. He kept talking in Dutch (I think) while we stood firm and asked if he needed food. But he persisted, got too close, and almost grabbed Ashrith’s waist. Thankfully, the store manager kicked him out while we tried to push him away. No clue what he wanted – food or who knows what else – but it was seriously unsettling.

Tourist Scams in Belgium

• Beware of tours that include tourist traps, bad chocolate factories, and other unworthy trips.
• Be cautious of individuals soliciting charity donations with fake forms claiming to help the poor, orphans, and refugees. Often, these are scams.
• In Antwerp, watch out for agents selling fake diamonds; ensure you buy from trusted sources and avoid intermediaries.
• Horse chariot rides in Bruges might seem nostalgic, but they’re expensive, noisy, and restrict access to less crowded narrower lanes.
• Be cautious of common scams like inflated taxi fares and overpriced restaurants.

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4. Practical Travel Tips for the Belgium

Mobile SIM and Connectivity

We bought two Lyca Mobile SIM for each of us in Greece. The plan we opted for included international roaming in the Schengen countries. with lots of data packs. The coverage was good It worked perfectly throughout. Keerthi has been using Lebara since 2016 and it works better than Lyca.

Plug Sockets and Adapters

Belgium uses Type C & Type E power sockets ( Two Round pins). Check if your country needs a plug adapter here. I carry a universal adapter.

Tipping Culture

Tipping isn’t expected at restaurants or for taxis in Belgium! Most people don’t leave even a few cents back after the bill.

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5. Getting Around Belgium

Roads and Driving

Belgium follows right-lane driving. You can easily travel 230 to 250 km in less than two hours between the cities. But be prepared to face traffic jams in Brussels. One happy news is that nobody honks like how we do when stuck in traffic. Motorbikes are not a common thing here. If someone has a motorbike, it means luxury and is solely used for leisure travel.

Renting cars in Belgium

Renting cars in Belgium is a easy, but not cheap – It works out if only you are at least four in a group. You’ll find rental services in major cities and airports from big-name companies. Just make sure you’ve got a valid license and know the local traffic rules.

Read our post “A guide to road trip between to Schengen countries” as part of our Belgium Travel Guide. It covers essential tips before you rent and hit the road in Belgium!

Public Transport Overview

When it comes to getting around in Belgium, you’ve got a bunch of options:

• Trains
• Trams and Metro
• Buses
• Boats and Cruises

The railways are operated by the Belgian government organization known as “The Belgian National Railway Company (NMBS/SNCB).” Additionally, approximately three privately owned companies operate public buses.

Having a MoBIB card is the way to go for using public transport in Belgium. It’s a universal card that smoothly operates across the country for all transportation modes and companies, making it easy to switch between different options.

Heads up : The MoBIB Card is primarily used by local Belgians. It might not be as useful for short-term tourists in Belgium. Check each city’s passes can and know if public transportation is covered within them.

Guide to travel in Belgium by Railways

Trains connect most of the important cities in Belgium. You can buy a daily or weekly pass, or even a group pass, based on your needs online or at the train stations.

There are about 8 types of train services in Belgium. This includes

• International trains (INT), like Eurostar, link cities across nations.
• Local trains (L): Connect cities, stopping at every station – Cheapest and Slowest.
• InterCity (IC): Link major Belgian cities, stopping at main stations – Faster and Costlier

Eurail Pass for Belgium.

A lot of folks believe a Eurail pass means you can hop on any public transport in Belgium or other EU countries, but that’s not the deal. It’s useful only for those long-haul trips, like a three-month Euro tour, great if your plans are all up in the air. But if you’re travelling in Belgium for just a week or 10 days, a Eurail pass might not be your best bet. Here’s the lowdown:

• Limited coverage: The pass may cover more ground than you’ll explore in the Belgium’s relatively smaller landscape.
• Local transport: While Belgian trains are efficient, for shorter distances, bicycles or local transit could be more convenient.
• Cost considerations: Individual tickets for specific trips might be more economical for shorter stays compared to a pass.
• Flexibility concerns: The pass might limit your flexibility to change plans, as it might feel necessary to stick to train routes to justify the pass cost.
• Special deals: Belgium offers tourist discount cards that could be more cost-effective than a Eurail pass for shorter stays. Consider Tourist Day tickets or individual city’s tourist passes/

Trams and Metro

Brussels is the only Belgian city with a metro system. However, you can still catch trams in the cities of Antwerp, Ghent, and Charleroi.

Grab your tram or bus ticket from shops, vending machines, or the app for better deals. The individual ticket gives you 60 minutes to hop between trams and buses without limits. No worries if you ride the same bus or tram longer than 60 minutes, but if you change after that, you’ll need a new ticket or SMS.

Don’t forget to check out city passes in each city. Many of these passes offer unlimited use of public transport and include entry to numerous monuments within the purchasing cost.

Public buses

One of the go-to ways to get around Belgium is by bus, a solid choice for shorter to mid-range trips. They’re budget-friendly, easy to hop on, and come around often.

Belgium has three primary bus companies, each covering different region- De Lijn, TEC, and STIB Knowing which company serves your area is essential for getting the correct ticket.

To book Belgium bus tickets online, use Bookaway using your credit and debit card easily. They display all possible routes from various companies. You can even book buses from Belgian cities to other nations’ cities like Paris in France, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and also Luxembourg.

Boats and Cruise

Antwerp reigns as the top port in Belgium. Cruising from Amsterdam to Antwerp is popular among luxury travelers. Despite Bruges having picturesque canals that seem perfect for daily boat commuting, locals tend to prefer buses.

Cycling in Belgium

Unlike the Netherlands, cycling isn’t evident in Belgium. Nevertheless, cycling remains a good option for exploring the towns. Plus, they’ve developed some fantastic cycle routes through forests and along rivers that are completely car-free! You can find more information on exploring all of Belgium through cycling routes here.

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6. Amenities

Public Toilet Policy

You hardly find Public toilets as such in Belgium. You can use any restaurant toilet by paying 0.5 euros (Almost 40 INR!. Paying 45 INR to pee and poop is a lot for us).  Secondly, all EWCs are without jet sprays. You have to use tissue paper to wipe your ass. So carry a recyclable plastic bottle, fill it with water in the restroom, use it and trash it in the bin.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Bruges Belgium?

Tap water in Belgium is safe for drinking, and it’s a good idea to carry a reusable water bottle to refill wherever possible to save money. While water spouts might not be plentiful like in Austria. But wherever you find one, fill your bottles.

Public Hygiene

You can’t fault the public hygiene in Belgium. I’m still amazed at how Grand Place square stays spotless despite thousands of tourists visiting every day. The Silver Jubilee park was incredibly clean and tidy; you will be comfortable laying down on the grass without any hesitation.

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7. Belgium Food and Alcohol Etiquette

Belgian Cuisine Overview

Before I delve into Belgian cuisine, I must mention that trying it out in cafes was super duper expensive! To truly indulge in real Belgian cuisine, head at least 2km away from the tourist spots.

The usual Belgian breakfast consists of bread such as croissants, pastries like pain au chocolat (influenced by the French), and they’re often topped with jams, honey, and plenty of cheese. Belgian cuisine is both amazing and a bit boring! It’s amazing because it’s the birthplace of fries, chocolates, and waffles – who can resist these? So, these three things are the highlights of Belgian food. So it is best to learn what really Belgian food is by going on food tour

The Flemish beef stew is another commonly found dish in tourist areas. Mussels and shrimp were served in almost every street-side restaurant. Excitedly, Ashrith tried their Moules-Frites: steamed mussels cooked with herbs and served with fries. He mentioned it wasn’t as good as it’s hyped to be. He compared it to what he had in Miyajima near Hiroshima, finding those mussels much better. Shrimps are also common, but after the not-so-great mussels, my husband moved on to the next waffle shop with me.

Tips to Vegetarian Dining in Belgium

Keerthi mentions that there aren’t hundreds of vegetarian counterparts in Belgian cuisine. However, finding vegetarian options isn’t as challenging as it might be in Japan. You’ll likely rely on waffles, chocolate, and other desserts. Also, there’s an abundance of freshly baked bread. With the rise of veganism, vegan croquettes and cheese croquettes have gained fame in Ghent. Plus, there are numerous Chinese restaurants offering delightful veggie options with noodles.

And watch out for pizzas – they put potatoes on vegetarian pizza! I mean, who does that? We even went to a pizza shop in Brussels to check if Keerthi was telling the truth – sadly, he was right!

Drinking Culture and Smoking in Belgium

Beer is Belgium’s proud creation, and drinking it is a social tradition – a must!

Similar to Austria, it’s totally normal to crack open a beer on trains or enjoy a sip while waiting at train stations. Nearly all restaurants offer beer, and the beer we tried in Bruges was unlike any other we’ve had before. (Maybe the Augustiner in Salzburg was the only close rival!) The other alcohols such as whiskey and rum famous among Belgium are served in bars.

Smoking in public is common in Belgium, but at tourist spots, people typically don’t smoke in open areas. Restaurants often have designated smoking zones. Surely there is a ban on smoking inside public transport.

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8. How long and when to visit Belgium?

Recommended Duration

To figure out how long to stay in Belgium, consider this: my home state, Karnataka in India is six times larger, Egypt is 33 times, and California is 14 times bigger than Belgium. It’s compact. You don’t need two weeks to explore, but don’t expect to see everything in just two-three days!

Six days in Belgium is ample for visiting the main attractions. Extending your stay to eight to ten days allows you to explore off the beaten path and truly engage with the local Belgian people.

Best time to visit Belgium

The prime time to visit Belgium is in late spring or early autumn – April, May, June, September, and October. However, it’s best to avoid July to August due to scorching heat, huge crowds, and skyrocketing prices for accommodations and flights.

9. Guide to crafting Belgium Travel Itinerary

Belgium isn’t just about Tomorrowland and chocolates, even though they’re pretty cool. Despite its small size, it’s a powerhouse filled to the brim with history and shines like diamonds in a pocket. You’ll find historic streets with castles, incredible artists showcased in stunning museums, World War stories and significant event locations. And for outdoor enthusiasts, there are forests, hills, villages, and tons of hiking adventures to dive into.

Then there are handicrafts too – ancient lace making, Art Nouveau jewellery, handmade biscuits!

Places to visit in Belgium

Bruges and Brussels are the go-to spots most people visit in Belgium.

If you’ve got about 8 or 10 days to spare, consider exploring these additional places as well.

• Ghent: Quieter than Bruges, known for universities, great nightlife.
• Antwerp: Renowned for diamond-cutting industry, museums, diamond cutting factory.
• Halle: Close to Brussels, famous for waffles, history, Blue Forest.
• Liege: Notable for stairways to the mountain offering impressive city views.
• Spa: Famous for F1 track, ideal for F1 race enthusiasts.
• Castle of Bouillon: Huge castle near France border, ideal stop on road trips to Northern France.

10. Booking Tickets for Activities

You should definitely prebook some activities and get those skip-the-line tickets sorted, no matter the time of year. Some places in Belgium are super popular, so it’s worth checking if they offer free access on certain days before you make your booking.

Don’t forget to check out city passes in each city. Many of these passes offer unlimited use of public transport and include entry to numerous monuments within the purchasing cost.

Must Pre-Book Events and Activities in Belgium

• Events and Festivals: Tomorrowland tickets go quick; start planning six months early, register, and watch for limited ticket sales.
• Fine Dining or Unique Experiences: High-end places or unique experiences often need reservations, especially for big groups or busy times.
• Museums and Landmarks: Spots like the Magritte Museum, Salvador Dali exhibition or Atomium might need early booking, especially when it’s crowded.
• Special Tours: Eyeing historical, Chocolate tours or Beer tour? Book them at least a week ahead for a guaranteed spot.

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