Belgium Travel Information

Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe, known for its medieval cities, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to narrow down the top 10 attractions in Belgium. However, these top 10 things to do in Belgium are must-sees for any first-time visitor to this fascinating country.

1. Visit the Atomium in Brussels

This iconic landmark, located in the heart of Brussels, offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. With its nine steel spheres, the Atomium provides panoramic views of the city, as well as exhibits and interactive displays on the history of science and technology.

2. Explore Bruges

Bruges is a charming, medieval city located in the Flanders region of Belgium. With its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and historical buildings, Bruges is a popular destination for tourists and a must-see when visiting Belgium.

3. Visit the Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians and is located in the heart of Brussels. Visitors can tour the palace, admire its ornate interiors and take in the history of this royal residence.

4. Take a stroll in the Grand Place of Brussels

The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels and is one of the most beautiful in Europe. The square is surrounded by ornate buildings and is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

5. Explore the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres

This impressive war memorial is dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. The Menin Gate Memorial is an important site for visitors to pay their respects to those who died in the war.

6. Visit the Waterloo Battlefields

The Waterloo Battlefields, located just outside of Brussels, commemorate the famous battle that took place in 1815. Visitors can tour the battlefields, view the monuments, and learn about the history of this significant event in European history.

7. Discover the Castle of Laeken

The Castle of Laeken is the official residence of the King and Queen of the Belgians and is located just outside of Brussels. Visitors can tour the castle, admire its beautiful gardens, and take in the history of this royal residence.

8. Explore the Meuse Valley in Dinant

The Meuse Valley is a scenic region in Belgium that is known for its stunning natural beauty. Visitors can hike or cycle through the valley, admire the views, and visit the charming towns and villages along the way.

9. Visit the Grotte de Lascaux in Han-sur-Lesse

The Grotte de Lascaux is a stunning cave system located in the Ardennes region of Belgium. Visitors can take a tour of the caves, admire the stalactites and stalagmites, and learn about the history of these fascinating natural formations.

10. Discover the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels

This impressive cathedral is located in the heart of Brussels and is one of the city's most famous landmarks. Visitors can tour the cathedral, admire its stained glass windows, and take in the history of this religious and cultural site.

Climate

Belgium has a temperate maritime climate with moderate temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are generally cold and cloudy, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Snowfall is rare in coastal regions, but it can be frequent in the higher elevations of the Ardennes. Summers are warm and relatively sunny, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Belgium is from late spring to early autumn, from May to September. During this period, the weather is warm and pleasant, and the days are long, making it ideal for exploring the cities, parks, and gardens. The months of June and July are particularly popular among tourists, as they offer the most pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). However, keep in mind that the high season is also the most crowded and expensive time to visit.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Belgium has a variety of hotels to choose from, including budget-friendly options, mid-range hotels, and luxury establishments. Many hotels are located in the city centers, offering easy access to the main tourist attractions.

Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and breakfasts are a popular option for travelers who want a more personal and intimate experience. They are often housed in traditional Belgian homes, offering a unique and authentic taste of local culture.

Hostels

Hostels are a great option for budget travelers and backpackers. They offer basic but clean and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as apartments and houses, are a great option for families or groups of friends traveling together. They offer more space and privacy, as well as access to a kitchen, making it easier to prepare meals.

Luxury Hotels and Resorts

For those looking for a luxurious experience, Belgium has a range of high-end hotels and resorts, offering top-notch facilities and services. These include spa and wellness centers, fine dining restaurants, and spacious rooms and suites.

Trains

The train network in Belgium is extensive and efficient. Trains run frequently between the major cities and there are international connections to neighboring countries. The high-speed trains, such as Thalys and Eurostar, connect cities like Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, and Ghent.

Buses

Buses are a convenient option for getting around smaller cities and towns. The main bus operator in Belgium is De Lijn, which provides services in Flanders. TEC is the main operator in Wallonia. Buses are affordable, frequent, and reliable.

Trams

Trams are a popular mode of transportation in cities like Brussels and Antwerp. They offer a convenient way to get around and are a great way to see the sights. Trams are usually frequent, efficient, and cost-effective.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in Belgium, especially in cities like Brussels and Antwerp. They’re a convenient option if you need to get around quickly. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are a good option if you’re planning to explore Belgium at your own pace. There are several rental car companies located at the major airports, train stations, and in city centers. Just be aware that driving in Belgium can be congested, especially in cities, and parking can be difficult to find.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.