VISIT BELGIUM

Belgium is a small yet diverse country that charms visitors with its medieval towns, elegant cities, world-famous chocolates, and hearty cuisine. From the cobbled streets of Bruges and the Art Nouveau gems of Brussels to the vibrant culture of Antwerp and Ghent, Belgium offers rich history, excellent museums, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s also ideally located for exploring the heart of Western Europe.

❄️ December – February: Winters are cold and damp, with temperatures averaging 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F). Christmas markets add charm to cities like Brussels and Bruges, but daylight hours are short.

🌱 March – May: Spring brings milder temperatures and blooming parks. It’s a great time for city trips with fewer tourists and pleasant weather for walking tours and cycling.

☀️ June – August: Summer is warm, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 23°C (55°F to 73°F). It’s festival season, and the longer days are ideal for exploring cities and countryside. This is also peak tourist season, so book accommodation in advance.

🍂 September – November: Autumn brings vibrant foliage and a quieter pace. It’s a beautiful time to enjoy Belgium’s art, food, and cultural events without the summer crowds.

Belgium is compact and has excellent transport links:

🚌 Buses: Local and regional buses connect towns and rural areas. They’re affordable but less frequent in the countryside.

🚂 Trains: Belgium’s rail network is fast, efficient, and covers most of the country. Trains run regularly between Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Liège. International trains (Thalys, Eurostar) connect Belgium to France, the Netherlands, and the UK.

🚗 Car Rental: Renting a car can be useful for exploring the Ardennes or rural villages. Roads are in good condition. An IDP is not required if your license is in Latin script. Traffic drives on the right-hand side.

Cards are widely accepted in cities, especially Visa and Mastercard. In smaller towns or markets, cash may still be preferred. It’s wise to carry some euros just in case.

Belgium uses two plug types: C and E. They have two grounding holes. Most European plugs work, but check compatibility before you go. Belgium operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency.

If needed, you can order an universal travel plug adapter here.

Service charges are usually included in bills, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated for good service in restaurants and taxis.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Belgium.

Sunday is a closing day for many stores. National holidays in Belgium include:

• New Year’s Day (January 01)
• Easter Monday (date varies)
• Labour Day (May 01)
• Ascension Day (date varies)
• Whit Monday (date varies)
• National Day (July 21)
• Assumption Day (August 15)
• All Saints’ Day (November 01)
• Armistice Day (November 11)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

On these days, most businesses and offices will be closed, and many attractions may be shut or have limited opening hours.

In Belgium, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. The main speed limits are as follows:

• 50 kph / 30mph in urban areas
• 90 kph / 56 mph on rural roads
• 120 kph / 75 mph on motorways

During adverse weather (rain, fog, etc.), the speed limits are lowered.

Belgium has three official languages: German, Dutch (Flemish), and French.

🇩🇪 German:

• Hello (informal) = Hallo
• Good day = Guten Tag
• Goodbye = Auf Wiedersehen
• Yes = Ja
• No = Nein
• Thank you = Danke
• Please = Bitte
• You’re welcome = Gern geschehen
• Excuse me = Entschuldigung
• Day = Tag
• Night = Nacht
• Good evening = Guten Abend
• Goodnight = Gute Nacht

🇳🇱 Dutch (Flemish):

• Hello (informal) = Hallo
• Goodbye = Tot ziens
• Yes = Ja
• No = Nee
• Thank you = Dank u
• Please = Alsjeblieft
• You’re welcome = Graag gedaan
• Excuse me = Pardon
• Day = Goedendag
• Night = Goedenacht

🇫🇷 Français:

• Hello (informal) = Salut
• Good day = Bonjour
• Goodbye = Au revoir
• Yes = Oui
• No = Non
• Thank you = Merci
• Please = S’il vous plaît
• You’re welcome = De rien
• Excuse me = Pardon
• Day = Jour
• Night = Nuit
• Good evening = Bonsoir
• Goodnight = Bonne nuit
• Mister = Monsieur
• Ma’am = Madame
• Street = Rue
• Road = Route

💡 Tip: With the GoogleTranslate app, you can download these languages to use it even offline!

Belgium is generally a safe country to visit. Cities are well-patrolled, and transport is secure. However, pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, especially in Brussels and at train stations. Basic precautions are advised:

• Secure Your Belongings: Be alert in busy places.

• Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services anywhere in Belgium.