Belgium is a compact and welcoming country that lends itself superbly to a first trip. Within short distances you will find medieval cities, world-famous cuisine, art and a coast on the North Sea. Even so, it is worth knowing a few practical things in advance: the languages, the transport, the budget and the best time to travel. This guide brings together everything you need for a carefree visit.
When to travel to Belgium
Belgium has a temperate maritime climate: mild summers, gentle winters and rain that can fall all year round. The most pleasant period runs from May to September. Spring colours the parks and summer brings the great festivals, from Tomorrowland to the Ghent Festival. The end-of-year period is also special, when the Christmas markets of Brussels, Bruges and Liège light up the historic squares. Always bring an umbrella or a raincoat, whatever the season.
Transport: the densest railway network in Europe
Belgium has one of the densest railway networks in the world, run by the SNCB (in Dutch NMBS). Almost every town is reachable by train, and the country is so small that most destinations lie within three hours. A few tips:
- Consider a Rail Pass of ten journeys, good value if you visit several cities.
- In Brussels, Antwerp and other cities you will find a good network of trams, buses and metro, operated by De Lijn in Flanders and the STIB (MIVB) in Brussels.
- Bike rental is available everywhere, with sharing systems such as Villo in Brussels and Blue-bike at the stations.
- Thanks to the short distances, day trips from city to city are very easy to combine.
Languages: three official tongues
Belgium has three official languages. In the north (Flanders) people speak Dutch, in the south (Wallonia) French, and in a small eastern community German. Brussels is officially bilingual, Dutch and French. In the tourism sector, English is understood almost everywhere, so as a visitor you will get by without any trouble. A friendly word in the local language is nonetheless always appreciated.
Currency, budget and paying
The currency is the euro. Card payments are widespread, including contactless, though it is handy to carry some cash for small cafés or markets. As for budget:
- A night in a mid-range hotel usually costs between 80 and 150 euros; hostels and guesthouses are more affordable.
- A meal in an ordinary restaurant is around 20 to 35 euros; chip shops and brasseries are cheaper.
- Many museums and sights charge between 10 and 20 euros for admission.
Safety, plugs and city cards
Belgium is a safe country. The main concern for tourists is pickpockets in the busy areas of Brussels, such as around the stations and on the Grand-Place. Keep your valuables close and stay alert on public transport.
The plugs are of type E (with an earth pin), at a voltage of 230 volts. Travellers from countries with different plugs will need an adapter. For city breaks, city cards such as the Brussels Card are worthwhile: they combine free entry to museums with discounts on transport and attractions, and pay for themselves quickly if you want to see a lot.
Business trip or holiday: everything is close by
What makes Belgium so appealing for a first visit is the closeness of everything. In a single week you can combine the art of Antwerp, the canals of Bruges, the stepped gables of Ghent, the Art Nouveau of Brussels and a day at the coast, without ever having to travel long. Book your stay centrally, choose the train as your main transport, and let yourself be surprised by the hospitality of a country that feels far larger than it looks on the map.