Culture, cuisine and charming cities

Full of history, home to some of Europe’s finest museums and galleries, and filled with charming medieval towns, Belgium is a joy to explore. Flanked by two European giants – France and Germany – Belgium may be small in size, but it more than makes up for it in character.

The country is split into two main regions, the Flemish speaking north and the French speaking south, known as the Walloon Region. In the north you’ll find the elegant cities of Bruges and Ghent with pretty squares and canals while the south is great for outdoor lovers with its abundance of caves, castles and valleys.

Art lovers can easily lose themselves amongst the works of the Flemish Primitives and the Old Masters or that of contemporary artists such as Luc Tuymans and  Michaël Borremans. The architecture is equally impressive from the The Grand-Place in Brussels to the colourful step gabled houses of Bruges and Ghent.

Belgium fills the pages of many history books and sits at the heart of European politics. It was where Wellington defeated Napoleon at Waterloo and it witnessed the horrors of both World Wars, while more recently it was one of thr founding countries of the European Union and its capital hosts the official seats of many major international organisations. This blend of history, culture, art and politics is truly unique.

And then of course, there’s the food. As well as being famous for its beer, chocolate, fries and waffles, Belgium is also home to some incredible restaurants at the forefront of contemporay cuisine.

Inspiring destinations in Belgium

Need to Know

  • is the local time
  • Euro is the local currency
  • Brussels is the capital city
  • Moules-frites is Belgium's national dish

When to go

For the best weather, visit between April and October, but be aware that June, July and August are the hottest months and attract crowds of visitors. December, while on the colder side, brings with it Christmas decorations and celebrations, which make for a memorable wintery holiday.

 
 
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Belgium travel guides