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Belgium

Kingdom of Belgium

Capital: Brussels

Photo: Celuici · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Create a trip called “Trip to Belgium” and plan it from there.

11,600,000 Population
Dutch Language
EUR Currency
C, E Plug Types

Before you go

Visa, plugs, customs and when to go

The essentials

  • Plugs: type C, E · 230 V / 50 Hz
  • Official languages: Dutch, French, and German

Visa

Choose your passport to see whether you need a visa.

Part of Schengen Area. 90-day visa-free stays within 180-day period. Home of EU institutions.

Reviewed on February 8, 2025. Always confirm with the official source before travelling. Official source
See all about before you go

The Language Divide

culture

Belgium is split between Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia. Brussels is officially bilingual but predominantly French-speaking.

  • Flanders (north): Dutch/Flemish speakers
  • Wallonia (south): French speakers
  • Brussels: Bilingual, mostly French in practice
  • Small German-speaking community in the east
Learn more

Belgium's linguistic divide shapes its politics, media, and daily life. Flanders and Wallonia have separate governments, TV channels, and newspapers. In Flanders, start with Dutch; in Brussels or Wallonia, use French. English is widely spoken, especially in Brussels (EU influence) and Flanders.

Beer Culture

culture

Belgian beer culture is UNESCO-recognized. Over 1,500 beers from Trappist ales to lambics.

  • Each beer has its own branded glass
  • Trappist beers brewed by monks
  • Lambics are wild-fermented sour beers
  • Brewing tradition dates to Middle Ages

Belgian Surrealism

culture

Belgium embraces absurdity and surrealism. Magritte is a national icon.

  • Rene Magritte: iconic surrealist painter
  • Self-deprecating humor is common
  • Absurdist comics (Tintin, Smurfs) are Belgian
  • Architecture mixes historic and bizarre

Culinary Pride

culture

Belgians are serious about food. Frites, chocolate, waffles, and mussels are national treasures.

  • Frites (fries) were invented here, not France
  • Belgian chocolate is world-renowned
  • Two types of waffles: Brussels and Liege
  • Moules-frites is the national dish

Belgium is a small country with a big personality, famous for chocolate, beer, waffles, and being the heart of the European Union. The country is divided between Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north and French-speaking Wallonia in the south, creating a unique cultural duality. Belgians are known for their self-deprecating humor, love of surrealism, and world-class cuisine.

Do

  • Try local beers in their proper glasses minor
  • Eat frites with mayonnaise (the Belgian way) minor
  • Learn basic greetings in both French and Dutch minor
  • Appreciate the country's quirky humor minor

Don’t

  • Call frites "French fries" (they're Belgian!) minor
  • Speak Dutch in Wallonia or French in Flanders first moderate
  • Assume Belgian chocolate is the same as Swiss minor
  • Underestimate Belgian food (it rivals France) minor

Etiquette Tips

greeting

Three Kisses

Close acquaintances greet with three cheek kisses (unusual in Europe). Start with right cheek.

nice to-know
gift

Quality Matters

When invited home, bring quality chocolates (Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini), wine, or flowers.

recommended
social

Punctuality

Being on time is important, especially in Flanders. 5-10 minutes late is acceptable socially.

recommended
dress

Smart Casual

Belgians dress well but practically. Avoid overly flashy attire.

nice to-know

When to go

April · May · June

Rating 5/5 Crowds: moderate Prices: moderate

Beautiful weather, flower festivals, outdoor cafe season.

Events: Flower Carpet Brussels (August but prep in spring) · Procession of the Holy Blood (Bruges, May)

July · August

Rating 4/5 Crowds: high Prices: expensive

Warmest weather, outdoor festivals, but occasional rain.

Events: Tomorrowland (July) · Ghent Festivities (July) · Brussels Flower Carpet (August, every 2 years)

September · October · November

Rating 3/5 Crowds: moderate Prices: moderate

Beautiful autumn colors. Getting colder and rainier.

Events: Beer festivals · Museum events

December · January · February

Rating 3/5 Crowds: moderate Prices: moderate

Cold and grey but magical Christmas markets. Cozy beer cafe weather.

Events: Winter Wonders Brussels (Christmas market) · Bruges Christmas market

Climate: Weather is unpredictable. Always carry a jacket and umbrella. "Four seasons in one day" is common.

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Visit Belgium · SNCB · Visit Brussels · Lonely Planet Belgium

Money

Currency and tipping

The essentials

  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Tipping at restaurants — 5-10%
See all about money

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Symbol: €

Tipping Guide

Restaurants

5-10%

Service is included. Small tip for good service appreciated but not expected.

Hotels

€1-2 per bag

For porters. Not expected for housekeeping.

Taxis

Round up

Not expected. Rounding to nearest euro is common.

Tipping is not obligatory. Service charge is included in prices.

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Visit Belgium · SNCB · Visit Brussels · Lonely Planet Belgium

Getting around

Airports, buses, driving and apps

The essentials

  • Traffic drives on the right
  • Main airport: BRU — Brussels Airport (Zaventem)
See all about getting around

Heart of Europe

travel

Brussels hosts EU institutions and NATO. It is incredibly international.

  • European Commission and Parliament
  • NATO headquarters
  • 30% of Brussels residents are non-Belgian
  • Over 160 nationalities represented

Belgium is small and well-connected. Fast trains link all cities. Brussels has a metro, trams, and buses. The country is so compact you can day-trip anywhere.

Major Airports

BRU Brussels Airport (Zaventem) Hub 12 km to center
  • Airport Express 17 min €14.70
  • STIB Bus 12/21 30-45 min €3
  • taxi 20-35 min €45-50
CRL Brussels South Charleroi 55 km to Brussels to center
  • Flibco Bus 55 min €17
ANR Antwerp International 4 km to center
  • Bus 51/52 15 min €3

Between cities

train

SNCB/NMBS

  • Brussels-Bruges (1h)
  • Brussels-Antwerp (40 min)
  • Brussels-Ghent (30 min)

No reservations needed. Buy tickets at station or via app. Weekend tickets are half-price.

Book with SNCB/NMBS
train

Thalys/Eurostar

  • Brussels-Paris (1h22)
  • Brussels-Amsterdam (1h50)
  • Brussels-London (2h)

Book early for best prices. Great for day trips to Paris or Amsterdam.

Book with Thalys/Eurostar

Driving

Traffic drives on the right

EU license or International Driving Permit

Belgium is so small and well-connected that trains are usually better. Traffic is heavy.

Useful apps

  • SNCB/NMBS — Train tickets and schedules
  • STIB-MIVB — Brussels public transport
  • Google Maps — Navigation and transit
  • Uber / Bolt — Ride-hailing

Tips

  • Weekend train tickets are half-price in Belgium
  • Bruges and Ghent are easy day trips from Brussels (under 1 hour)
  • Brussels has confusing station names: Midi/Zuid, Central/Centraal, Nord/Noord
  • Thalys to Paris is often cheaper than flying and faster door-to-door
  • Rent bikes in Bruges—the city is very flat and bike-friendly

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Visit Belgium · SNCB · Visit Brussels · Lonely Planet Belgium

Safety & health

Emergencies, official advice and health

The essentials

  • Emergencies: 112
See all about safety & health

Emergency numbers

Embassies

Staying safe

Belgium is generally safe. Brussels has some pickpocketing in tourist areas. Be aware of surroundings near EU institutions (security zones).

Areas to avoid

  • Molenbeek (Brussels) late at night
  • Around Gare du Midi at night

Common scams

  • Petition scam (distraction theft)
  • Fake charity collectors
  • Overpriced tourist restaurants near Grand Place
Women travellers
Generally safe. Normal urban precautions apply.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Very LGBTQ+ friendly. Same-sex marriage legal since 2003 (second country worldwide). Brussels has a vibrant scene.
Solo travellers
Excellent for solo travel. Beer cafes are welcoming to solo visitors.

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Visit Belgium · SNCB · Visit Brussels · Lonely Planet Belgium

Food

What to eat and how to eat out

The essentials

  • Moules-Frites — Mussels with Belgian frites. National dish. Served in a big pot.
  • Belgian Frites — Thick-cut, double-fried potato perfection. Served with mayo, not ketchup.
  • Belgian Waffles — Two types: Brussels (light, rectangular) and Liege (dense, caramelized sugar).
See all about food

Belgian cuisine is hearty, indulgent, and proud. Famous worldwide for frites, chocolate, waffles, and beer, but also offering sophisticated French-influenced dishes. Portions are generous and quality is paramount.

Signature Dishes

Moules-Frites

Mussels with Belgian frites. National dish. Served in a big pot.

moderate

Belgian Frites

Thick-cut, double-fried potato perfection. Served with mayo, not ketchup.

budget

Belgian Waffles

Gaufres

Two types: Brussels (light, rectangular) and Liege (dense, caramelized sugar).

budget

Belgian Chocolate

World-famous pralines and truffles. Neuhaus, Godiva, Pierre Marcolini.

moderate

Carbonade Flamande

Flemish beef stew braised in beer. Rich and hearty.

moderate

Waterzooi

Creamy stew, traditionally with chicken or fish. From Ghent.

moderate

Etiquette Tips

  • Finish Your Plate

    Leaving food is considered wasteful. Portions are generous, so pace yourself.

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Visit Belgium · SNCB · Visit Brussels · Lonely Planet Belgium

Local slang

How people talk, and words worth knowing

The essentials

  • Bonjour — Hello (French)
  • Goedendag — Hello (Dutch)
  • Merci / Dank u — Thank you (FR/NL)
  • S'il vous plait / Alstublieft — Please (FR/NL)
See all about local slang

Belgian Modesty

communication

Belgians are modest and understated. Boasting is frowned upon.

  • Self-deprecation is a form of humor
  • Understatement is preferred to exaggeration
  • Don't brag about success or wealth
  • "I'm just a little Belgian" is common phrase

Common Phrases

Essential words and phrases in Dutch

Bonjour

/bon-ZHOOR/

Hello (French)

Use in Brussels/Wallonia

Goedendag

/HOO-den-dahk/

Hello (Dutch)

Use in Flanders

Merci / Dank u

/mehr-SEE / dahnk oo/

Thank you (FR/NL)

Both are appreciated

S'il vous plait / Alstublieft

/seel voo PLEH / AHL-stoo-bleeft/

Please (FR/NL)

Polite requests

L'addition / De rekening

/lah-dee-SYON / duh RAY-ken-ing/

The bill (FR/NL)

Restaurants

Une biere / Een bier

/oon bee-YEHR / ayn beer/

A beer (FR/NL)

Essential!

Sante! / Gezondheid!

/sahn-TAY / heh-ZOND-hide/

Cheers! (FR/NL)

Toasting

Au revoir / Tot ziens

/oh reh-VWAHR / tot zeens/

Goodbye (FR/NL)

Farewell

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Visit Belgium · SNCB · Visit Brussels · Lonely Planet Belgium

Top Highlights

Must-see attractions and experiences

landmark Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0

Grand Place / Grote Markt

Brussels

UNESCO World Heritage square. Stunning guild houses and Town Hall. Brussels' heart.

1-2 hours
  • See it lit up at night
  • Flower Carpet in August (even years)
neighborhood Photo: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0

Bruges Historic Center

Bruges

UNESCO World Heritage medieval city. Canals, chocolate, lace, and romance.

Full day
  • Take a canal boat tour
  • Climb Belfry for views
neighborhood Photo: Michielverbeek · CC BY-SA 4.0

Ghent Old Town

Ghent

Vibrant medieval city. Less touristy than Bruges. Van Eyck's Ghent Altarpiece.

Full day
  • See Gravensteen castle
  • Graslei waterfront at sunset
landmark Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0

Atomium

Brussels

Iconic 1958 World's Fair structure. Giant iron crystal with panoramic views.

2 hours € 16
  • Combine with Mini-Europe nearby
  • Book online to skip queues
experience Photo: LBM1948 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Antwerp

Antwerp

Fashion capital, diamond district, Rubens city, and vibrant nightlife.

Full day
  • Visit MAS museum
  • Explore the fashion district
nature Photo: JackyM59 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Ardennes

Ardennes region

Forested hills in Wallonia. Castles, caves, and outdoor activities.

2-3 days
  • Visit Durbuy (smallest city)
  • Kayak on the Ourthe River

More places

From the catalogue — open data plus the community

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