Belgium Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
Planning a trip to Belgium? Start with Brussels for grand architecture, museums, chocolate and European history; Bruges for canals and medieval charm; Ghent for castles, historic streets and nightlife; and Antwerp for art, fashion, shopping and its famous diamond district.
This Belgium travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about Belgian visas, currency, transportation, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, and local travel tips.
Visiting Belgium for the first time? Brussels makes a convenient starting point, while Bruges and Ghent are easy additions for travelers interested in medieval architecture and picturesque canals. Add Antwerp for a completely different side of Belgium filled with fashion, art, striking architecture, and a lively urban atmosphere.
Belgium’s compact size and extensive rail network make it easy to visit several cities in one trip without renting a car. Base yourself in one or two cities and use Belgium’s trains to explore more of the country on day trips.
Belgium Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to Belgium? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: Brussels
Currency: Euro (€)
Official Languages: Dutch, French, and German
Emergency Number: 112
Driving: Belgians drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type C and E, 230V, 50Hz
Best Time to Visit: April–June and September–October for generally pleasant sightseeing weather and fewer summer crowds; late November–December for Christmas markets
Popular First-Time Destinations: Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp
Getting Around Belgium: Trains are one of the easiest ways to travel between major cities; Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and other cities also have extensive public transportation
Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens can currently visit Belgium and other Schengen countries for tourism without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period; always check current entry requirements before traveling
Best Known For: Medieval cities, Belgian chocolate, beer, waffles, fries, castles, canals, comics, art, and beautiful historic squares
Don’t Miss: Brussels’ Grand-Place, the canals of Bruges, Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, Antwerp’s historic center, Belgian chocolate, waffles, fries, and at least one Belgian beer experience
First-time Belgium travel tip: Don’t limit your trip to Brussels. Belgium is compact and well connected by train, making Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven, and other destinations easy to combine in one trip.
Best Places to Visit in Belgium
Brussels: Best for First-Time Visitors, Museums and Food
Brussels Belgium is unofficially the capital of the EU. It is the home of the European Union Commission and the headquarters of NATO. The city is full of art nouveau, cobblestone pathways, sidewalk cafes, comic book murals, a little boy famous for peeing, frites, waffles, beer, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolates.
READ 100 to Do in Brussels Belgium, a Bucket List City
READ One Day in Brussels, a Detailed Itinerary
Bruges: Best for Canals and Medieval Charm
Bruges Belgium has been called an open-air museum and is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The historic pedestrian-only city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bruges is also nicknamed Venice of the North due to its canals lined by weeping willow trees and white swans. You will find lots of folklore, chocolate shops, and lace boutiques.
READ Top Things to Do in Bruges Belgium During a Day Trip
Antwerp: Best for Art, Fashion and Shopping
Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city. It is also the world’s diamond capital. Explore the historic Grote Markt, admire Antwerp Central Station, visit the Cathedral of Our Lady to see works by Peter Paul Rubens, and browse the boutiques and designer shops in the city’s fashion district.
READ A Perfect Day in Antwerp Belgium: Exploring the Highlights in 24 Hours
Ghent: Best for History, Castles and Nightlife
Ghent Belgium is a fairytale city full of medieval architecture, cathedrals, belfry, guildhalls, the Graslei, St. Michael’s Bridge, and cobbled streets. Ghent is a college town with a thriving nightlife and has been named one of the UNESCO Cities of Music.
READ One Day in Ghent Belgium: Must-See Sights and Experiences
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Belgium
Where is Belgium?
Belgium is in Western Europe. The country is bordered by the North Sea, France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Germany. Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium. Brussels is also the unofficial capital of the European Union due to the number of EU institutions in the city.
What Languages Are Spoken in Belgium?
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Dutch is primarily spoken in Flanders, French in Wallonia, and German in a small eastern region. Brussels is officially bilingual in Dutch and French. English is also widely understood in major tourist destinations, but learning a few basic Dutch or French phrases is always appreciated. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa for Belgium?
U.S. citizens can generally visit Belgium and other countries in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism. Time spent elsewhere in the Schengen Area counts toward the same 90-day allowance.
What Currency Does Belgium Use?
The currency in Belgium is the euro. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can You Use Credit Cards in Belgium?
ATMs are available throughout Belgium. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Belgium and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Belgium, you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. American Express and Discover may be accepted. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in euros. It is always a good idea to carry some cash.
How Much Does a Trip to Belgium Cost?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Belgium is $130. Expect to pay $1,815 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Belgium?
The high season in Belgium is June to August, expect high prices and crowds. The shoulder season is April-May and September to October. The low season is November through March, crowds are low and temperatures are moderately chilly. Snow is rare in Belgium but rain is common. Christmas Markets are held from November to December and Carnival is held from February to March.
How Do You Get Around Belgium?
Between cities: SNCB/NMBS trains
Within Brussels: Metro, tram and bus
Within Ghent/Antwerp: Tram and bus
International: Eurostar and other international rail services
Car: Generally unnecessary for a Brussels–Bruges–Ghent–Antwerp itinerary
Note: Since July 1, 2026, passengers must have a valid ticket before boarding public transportation; failure to have one can result in a €90 irregularity charge.
What Power Adapter Do You Need?
The plugs in Belgium are type C and E. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What Should You Pack?
Summer: Pack lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a light rain jacket or umbrella. A light sweater or jacket is useful for cooler evenings.
Spring and fall: Dress in layers and pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella. Temperatures and weather can change throughout the day.
Winter: Pack a warm coat, sweater, scarf, gloves, and weather-resistant shoes. Winters are generally cool and damp, so layers are useful.
Year-round: Bring comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and long sightseeing days in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. A compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is useful in any season.
Is Belgium Safe for Solo Travelers?
Belgium is a popular destination for solo travelers, but normal city precautions are important. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, can occur in busy tourist areas, train stations, and on public transportation. Keep valuables secure and stay aware of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on trains.
As of 2026, the U.S. Department of State advises travelers to exercise increased caution in Belgium due to crime, terrorism, and unrest. Demonstrations and strikes can also disrupt public transportation, so check local news and transportation updates during your trip.
Dial 112 for emergency assistance in Belgium and throughout the European Union. U.S. travelers should check the latest U.S. Department of State Belgium Travel Advisory before departure.
What to Eat and Drink in Belgium
Belgian classics: moules-frites, carbonnade flamande, waterzooi, boulets à la Liégeoise
Street food and snacks: Belgian fries, waffles, shrimp croquettes
Sweets: Belgian chocolate, waffles, rijsttaart
Drinks: Belgian beer and jenever
Tips for Traveling in Belgium
- Tipping is not mandatory, yet it might be already added to the bill.
- You need 1 euro to use public restrooms.
- Belgium beer is 7.5 to 10.5% alcohol.
- Bars are open all night, there is no last call.
- Do not steal bar glasses.
- Stay out of the bike lane, it looks like a sidewalk.
- Do not cross streets against the light.
- Signal lights change from green to red, there is no in-between (yellow).
- Many shops are closed on Sunday.
- Many attractions and museums are closed on Monday and Wednesday.
- Belgians have their own sense of humor (think Manneken Pis).
- Belgians do not talk about money.
Top 10 Things to See and Do in Belgium
- Take a boat trip through the canals of Bruges.
- Visit the Grand Place in Brussels.
- Tour the chocolate shops in Brussels.
- Visit the Grand Place (Grote Markt) in Antwerp.
- See the graffiti in Doel, now a ghost town.
- Explore Gravensteen Castle and Old Town Ghent.
- Check out the Grote Markt in Mechelen’s Old Town.
- Explore the stone houses and cobbled streets of Durbuy.
- Visit the Hallerbos (Blue Forest) in April or May for the bluebell bloom.
- Enjoy a beer in the longest bar in the world, Leuven’s Old Square.
Check the Belgium Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Fun and Interesting Facts About Belgium
- Belgium has 3 languages, and none of them are Belgian.
- Mannequin Pis is Belgium’s national symbol, and he has hundreds of outfits.
- Belgium holds the world record for the longest period without a government: 589 days.
- Belgians are fined if they do not vote.
- Europe’s first skyscraper was built in Antwerp Belgium in 1928.
- The longest tram line in the world is the Belgian Coast Tram.
- Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world.
- Belgians invented “French” fries.
- Belgium produces over 220,000 tons of chocolate each year.
- You could drink a different Belgian beer for more than 3 years and each beer has its own specific glass.
- Belgium’s beer culture has made the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
- In the 1970s, light beer was served at school lunch.
- The Smurfs are Belgian.
- The world’s smallest city, Durbuy, is in Belgium.
- The oldest shopping arcade in the world is in Brussels, the Galeries St Hubert.
- Belgians created the Big Bang Theory, Body Mass Index (BMI), Imodium, the saxophone, asphalt, and plastic.
- Karl Marx wrote The Communist Manifesto while exiled in Brussels in 1848.
- Belgium’s highway system has so many lights it can be seen from the moon.
- Brussels South Charleroi Airport is the most punctual airport in Europe.
- Belgium was the world’s second country to legalize same-sex marriage.
- The divorce rate in Belgium is the highest in Western Europe.
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