Known for its chocolate, waffles and beer as well as its lace and in-season mussels, Belgium brings a wealth of old-world charm to the European tour experience.
Belgium is not your traditional backpacking destination. But this is a great country to explore, whether for a city break or longer trip e.g. interrailing. Expect tasty food, friendly people, beautiful architecture and lots of tourist attractions to visit.
View my travel tips with advice for where to go, what to do and how to save money.
Getting to Belgium
Find cheap flights to Belgium with Skyscanner. You can also cross into Belgium via train, bus and car from nearby European destinations.
Getting Around
Belgium has many different modes of transportation to choose from, including cheap and affordable tickets for the metro and bus.
One of the best and most affordable ways to travel is by train. You can basically travel to the inner heart of Belgium’s most popular cities in about 2 hours on the train.
If you want to see the city of Brussels, then you can hop on board the metro there and take advantage of the cool computerized stations that show you where all trains are located.
Belgium has taxi services all over the country, as well as car rental companies for you to rent a car during your stay.
You can get a 15, 30 or 60 day bus pass from Eurolines and National Express if you want to travel from Belgium to surrounding countries to France, Germany or Netherlands.
Best Places to Visit in Belgium
Here’s a quick overview of the cities you have to visit and what there is to do there:
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and it is also an important political hub being home to the administrative centre of the European Union.
Known as the “Venice of the North”, Bruges is one of Europe’s most-visited medieval cities. The city is surrounded by a ring of picturesque canals, perfect to explore by boat. Take a stroll through the stunning market squares and the tranquil Begijnhof, which is simply stunning if the sun is out! Whenever you go to Bruges, don’t forget your camera!
Antwerp
The old city is build around the very impressive cathedral and was home to the great masters Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck. Nowadays the city is renowned as the starting place of many fashion designers like the famous Antwerp Six (including Dries Van Noten and Dirk Bikkenbergs).
Antwerp offers a wide variety of bars, restaurants and clubs, antique shops and art galleries. The city has an impressive range of architecture on offer from medieval townhouses, Art Nouveau buildings to a very futuristic law court.
Antwerp is also know as the Diamond Capital of the world, so for those looking to bargain hunt for a diamond, this city is the perfect destination.
Ghent
Ghent is Flanders’ hidden gem, and a real favourite amongst the Belgians. This medieval canal city offers nearly a thousand listed buildings but remains small enough to feel cosy but big enough to be vibrant.
You’ll find some fascinating museums in the city but don’t miss out on viewing the world famous “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” – the beautiful representation of medieval religious thinking.
Belgium Travel Tips
Language
Belgium has three official languages – Dutch, French and German – but you’ll find that French is the most popular spoken language in the main cities. Be sure to learn some basic words and phrases before arriving.
How to Visit Belgium on a Budget
Those who fear Belgium is out of financial reach will be pleasantly surprised to learn just how affordable the country can be for the budget traveller. Follow the thrifty travel tips on my city guides for an affordable trip.
Browse more recommendations on my Europe backpacking guide.