easiest way to travel to belgium

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Belgium Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Belgium may be small (it’s one of the smallest countries in Europe) but when it comes to things to see and do it punches well above its weight.

The country boasts over 1,000 breweries and Belgian brewers were some of the first in the world to perfect the beer-brewing process. And the country’s chocolate rivals that of Switzerland , offering decadent sweets that will have you gaining a few pounds during your visit.

On top of that, the country’s mouth-watering frites will make you look at French fries differently for the rest of your life.

And if you’re a history buff, Belgium has countless sites to keep you busy during your visit, including the famous grounds of the Battle of Waterloo, a bloody conflict in 1815 that shaped the face of modern Europe.

More often than not, Belgium gets glossed over by travelers who spend a day in Brussels, Bruges, and maybe a trip to Ghent before they travel onward. However, if you look deeper, you’ll see this country has plenty of medieval towns, historical sites, and parks worth sticking around for.

This travel guide to Belgium will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this incredible country.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Belgium

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in belgium.

1. See Brussels

Brussels is the administrative center of the European Union — and an awesome city to visit. See the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts for its paintings, the magnificent Grand Place and historic Town Hall, sample amazing beer, and more. Spend a few days soaking it all in. It’s worth it!

2. Eat and drink

Though it’s a small country, Belgium has a few culinary aces up its sleeve. Waffles, chocolate, and frites shops dot every street. Beer is produced in massive quantities (there are over 1,000 breweries here, with the most famous being Delirium Cafe in Brussels, which made the Guinness Book of World Records for its selection of over 2,000 beers). Forget the health food, Belgium is a place to indulge in tasty food and hearty brews. If you want to dive even deeper, take a food tour. Discover Belgium has a variety of different food tours offered in all the major cities across the country.

3. Admire Bruges

Bruges is a city not to be missed. It’s one of the most stunning examples of medieval towns left in Europe. BE sure to check out the 14th-century town hall, the Belfry Tower, the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, its market squares, and canals. While touristy, it’s one of the best medieval towns in Europe and worth seeing up close (at least for a day).

4. Tour Ghent

Ghent is often overlooked compared with other cities in the country, but this university town is charming. To visit the city at its liveliest, come in July when the largest cultural outdoors festival in Europe — known as “Gentse Feesten” — takes place, boasting food, music, and live street entertainment. Just make sure to book your accommodation early!

5. Explore Flanders Field

Flanders was the site of half a million deaths during World War I (over 1 million people were either killed, injured, or went missing here). There are numerous military cemeteries and ‘Missing Memorials’ commemorating those of all nationalities who fell in battle (soldiers from 50 different countries fought here over the course of the war). It was also the site of the first use of poison gas in a major conflict on the Western Front. At the museum in Ypres, visitors can learn about the harsh realities of what it was like to be a soldier in the trenches. Admission is 10-13 EUR depending on which ticket option you choose.

Other Things to See and Do in Belgium

1. visit the castles.

There are more castles per square mile in Belgium than anywhere else in the world. With over 3,000 to explore, it can be hard to know where to start. The Castle of Bouillon in the Ardennes is one of the most historic as it was built in the 11th century. Other must-sees are Beersel, which was built in the 14th century and is one of the best-preserved in the country; Gravensteen, built in the 12th century and centerpiece of the 1913 World’s Fair in Ghent; the 16th-century Gaasbeek, with its lavish rooms and art collection; and 15th-century Freÿr, which is often described as a smaller Versailles.

2. Visit Waterloo

The Battle of Waterloo took place in 1815 and brought a decisive end to the Napoleonic Wars. The battle lasted a full day and involved some 200,000 combatants — tens of thousands of whom died. At the site of the famous battle, there is a memorial in the form of a statue of a lion (looking towards France) on a hill, with 226 stairs, called La Butte du Lion (Lion’s Knoll), which represents the Allied victory. There’s also a nearby visitor center where you can watch films that explain the battle and what it meant for world history (admission is 17 EUR). While here, you can also visit the Wellington Museum (admission is 5.50 EUR). It’s located in the building where Wellington spent the night before the battle and houses maps, an overview of the battle, artifacts, and more. For 23 EUR, you can get the Pass 1815, which includes admission to the Wellington Museum, Battle of Waterloo 1815 Memorial, and Napoleon’s Last Headquarters.

3. Explore Ardennes Forest

Ardennes Forest covers an area of over 11,000 square kilometers and is the place to go skiing and hiking. The area is also famous for wild game like boar and venison, smoked ham, paté, and the world-renowned Trappist beers (beer brewed by Trappist monks). Some popular hiking trails are the Vieilles-Forges Lake Loop (easy, 11 kilometers), The Hautes-Rivières-La Semoy (moderate, 13 kilometers), and Crêtes de la Meuse (hard, 14 kilometers). There are also several multi-day hikes here as well.

4. Visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Built in the 12th century, the Cathedral of Our Lady in Tournai is one of the most striking examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral has five towers reaching heights of 83 meters (272 feet), magnificent stained-glass windows. as well as paintings by Rubens and Jacob Jordaens.

5. See Manneken Pis & Jeanneke Pis

These two iconic sculptures can be found in Brussels and are considered by many as a ‘must see’ (there is always a group of people admiring them and taking photos). They are simple, nude male and female children’s figures that are peeing water into a fountain. The male is often dressed up in costumes (and the costumes are saved so you can view previous ones from years past). They are pretty odd tourist attractions but worth a quick photo.

6. Explore the Antwerp Zoo

Located in the center of Antwerp, this zoo is a full afternoon attraction. Open since 1843, it’s one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world (part of the 1920 Olympics was hosted here). There are several exhibits and unusual garden features to be seen, including some unique animal sculptures. Some of the wildlife here includes sloths, lizards, penguins, elephants, zebras, lions, primates, and more! It’s a great place to take the kids. Admission is 27.50 EUR in the winter and 32.50 EUR the rest of the year.

7. Sample the catch of the day

Ostend Fish Market Visserskaai is an open-air market where the Ostend fishing fleet sells their daily catch (Ostend is just 45 minutes from Ghent, located on the coast). If you’re a fan of seafood, this is an awesome place to check out to eat and take in the local flavor of life on the North Sea. There are numerous restaurants along the seafront and you are guaranteed to get a fresh meal.

8. Wander Parc du Cinquantenaire

Also known as Jubelpark, this park and museum complex opened in 1880 and covers over 74 acres. Located on the southeast side of Brussels, it’s home to the Army Museum, the AutoWorld Museum, an art museum, gardens, and more. It’s a nice place to come in the summer to relax and admire the views after you’ve done some museum hopping.

9. See the Basilique de Koekelberg

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels is one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the world. In addition to its amazing architecture and impressive art deco, it offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding area. Completed in 1970, the church is very close to the center of town and is free to see (just dress respectfully as it is a place of worship). Admission to climb the tower is 8 EUR.

10. Explore Antwerp

The country’s second-largest city, Antwerp offers an extraordinary variety of local food and beer for visitors to enjoy. For those interested in art, the Royal Fine Arts Museum houses the world’s best collection of the Flemish Masters’ works, including the largest group of Rubens masterpieces in existence. You can also see Brabo Fountain (a fountain with a weird sculpture of a man throwing his severed arm), the Art Nouveau Little Boat building, and the Whisperer statue (it’s a statue that lets you leave a message that someone else can listen to if they input the right code).

11. See the windmills

Belgium has a long history of using windmills, which were used for cutting wood, pumping water, and grinding grain. There are a number of historic windmills from the 18th-20th century still standing throughout the country, some of which you can visit too. Most are located near Bruges.

12. Visit the European Parliament

Founded in 1952, the EU parliament in Brussels is where all 705 members (from 27 countries) meet to debate the future of the EU. You can watch a parliamentary session in the debating chamber (known as the Hemicycle) or tour the building (with an audio guide) when parliament isn’t in session. Space is limited so book in advance (it’s free). On Mondays at 11am and 3pm, there are in-depth guided tours offered in both English and French.

  For more information on specific cities in Belgium, check out these guides:

• Brussels Travel Guide
• Bruges Travel Guide

Belgium Travel Costs

Accommodation – For a dorm bed in a hostel, prices range from 25-35 EUR per night for dorms with 4-6 beds. Larger dorms with 10 or more beds cost around 18-25 EUR. Private rooms cost between 70-150 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some hostels include self-catering facilities. Only a few include free breakfast.

Camping is available around the country for those traveling with a tent. Expect to pay around 13-17 EUR per night for a basic plot without electricity.

Budget hotels start between 75-150 EUR for a basic double room. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and a coffee/tea maker.

Airbnb is popular throughout the country and you can get a private room for as little as 50-60 EUR per night if you book early. An entire apartment costs between closer to 150-200 EUR. Expect prices to double if you don’t book early, however.

Food – Belgian cuisine has been strongly influenced by its European neighbors over the centuries, specifically France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Food here is hearty with chocolate, waffles, fries, and beer being the most famous cultural staples. Steak and fries, mussels (often with fries), smoked ham, stew, and sausages are just some of the common dishes you’ll find here. Portions are large and filling too (the saying goes that Belgian food takes the portions of German cuisine but adds the quality and delicacy of French cuisine).

Light meals at cafes (like a sandwich, soups, salads, or crepes) cost around 7-12 EUR. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 9 EUR for a combo meal. For cheap and delicious sandwiches under 6 EUR, check out the nationwide chain Panos Takeaway snacks, like a cone of fries at one of the ubiquitous frite shops, cost 3-4 EUR.

At a casual restaurant serving traditional cuisine, expect to pay 15-22 EUR for a main dish. If you want to splash out, a three-course meal with a drink starts at 40-60 EUR. Chinese food costs around 10-14 EUR for a dish while pizza is around 8-10 EUR.

Beer or a glass of wine are both around 4-5 EUR, a cocktail is 9-12 EUR, and a latte/cappuccino is 3-4 EUR. Bottled water is 2 EUR.

If you want to cook your meals, there are some great markets throughout the country. Expect to pay around 60-70 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Belgium Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Belgium, expect to spend around 60 EUR per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, taking public transportation and walking everywhere, limiting your drinking, and doing most free activities like free walking tours and visiting the markets.

On a mid-range budget of about 150 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, enjoy a few drinks, eat out for some meals, take the occasional taxi to get around, rent a bike, and do more paid activities like visiting museums, taking a canal cruise, and visiting castles.

On a “luxury” budget of 270 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, take more taxis, and do whatever activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Belgium Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Belgium is not a cheap country to visit. Accommodation is expensive and food and drinks can really add up. While it will never be the cheapest country in the world, there are a few ways to cut costs. Here are my tips on how to save money in Belgium:

• Drink beer – This country has so many breweries (the most per capita in the world!) that beer is the cheapest form of alcohol. A beer will set you back just a few euros so if you’re going to drink, stick to beer.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to share and share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to save money and have a more local experience.
• Eat cheap – If you’re going to eat out, stick to things like sandwiches, kebabs, and frites. These meals cost between 5-7 EUR and are your cheapest options (unless you cook your own meals).
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the country for cheap. It isn’t glamorous, but for tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!
• Go on a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and to avoid missing any must-see stops. You can find them in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Get a city tourist card – Local tourism offices have a tourist card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. Available in cities like Brussels and Bruges, this card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money if you’re planning to see and do a lot and you can choose between 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour passes.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe and affordable. It’s usually faster than the bus — and much more interesting!
• Have an ISIC Card – To save up to 50% on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Belgium

Belgium has plenty of fun, social, and affordable hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Sleep Well (Brussels)
• Brussels 2Go4 Quality Hostel Grand Place (Brussels)
• easyHotel Brussels (Brussels)
• Meininger Brussels City Center (Brussels)
• Snuffel Backpackers Hostel (Bruges)
• St. Christopher’s Inn Bauhaus Hostel (Bruges)
• Lybeer Travellers’ Hostel (Bruges)
• Boomerang Hostel (Antwerp)
• Yust Antwerp (Antwerp)
• Ecohostel Andromeda (Ghent)
• KaBa Hostel (Ghent)

How to Get Around Belgium

Public transportation – Belgium’s cities and towns have excellent public transportation. Brussels has the only metro system in the country but there are trams in all major cities. Public buses also run everywhere. Tickets cost between 2.50-3 EUR.

Most cities have transportation passes too. Brussels has a STIB-MIVB pass that provides unlimited rides for 24 hours for just 7.50 EUR. In Antwerp, you can purchase a day pass for 7 EUR. Multi-day options are also available.

Taxis – Taxis are generally quite expensive, and seeing as how you can get around on foot or by public transit, they’re not recommended. Fares start at 3 EUR but they can also start as high as 8.50 EUR in some places (like Ghent). Each kilometer starts costs between 2-2.50 EUR, depending on the city. Skip them if you can!

Train – Travel around the country by train isn’t that expensive as the country is relatively small. Brussels to Bruges via train costs about 10 EUR for the one-hour trip. Brussels to Antwerp via train costs about 6 EUR for the 45-minute ride.

You can track schedules and fares on the SNCB website. To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option if you’re doing some country hopping. For more information, here’s a detailed breakdown of how Eurail passes work and can save you money.

But if you’re staying within Belgium, the SNCB also has some great value passes:

• Rail Pass Ten – This pass gives you 10 one-way trips anywhere in the country if you’re over 26 years old. The 2nd-class pass is 86 EUR, and it’s 131 EUR for the first-class pass. It’s valid for one year, and if you don’t use the whole thing, you can hand it off to someone else.
• Go Pass 10 – This is the same as the Rail Pass but for people under 26 years old. It costs 55 EUR.
• Go Unlimited – For people under 26 years old, you can get a week of unlimited travel during school holidays for 18 EUR, or a month of unlimited travel in July or August for 29 EUR.

Bus – Intercity bus tickets are often under 10 EUR for most journeys. Getting to and from most of the major airports is easy, with buses and trains readily available. Expect to pay 10 EUR (usually less) for a one-way ticket.

There are a few major bus companies servicing Belgium, including:

I recommend Flixbus for the cheapest rates and most comfortable buses. You can get from Brussels to Antwerp for as little as 4 EUR, or Brussels to Bruges for 6 EUR. Research the schedule ahead of time, however, as buses tend to not run every day. You may also need to use a service like STIB-MIVB if you’re venturing off the tourist trail.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Belgium is very safe, though not very common. HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info and tips for Belgium.

When to Go to Belgium

The peak travel season in Belgium is from July to August, when tourism traffic is at its highest (especially in coastal areas). It’s always warm and pleasant, with temperatures rarely going above 22°C (72°F). Rainfall increases slightly during the summer months, so bring some rain gear just in case. Expect crowds and higher prices during this period.

Personally, I think May-June and September-October are the best times to visit. In the spring, the entire countryside blossoms. Temperatures are pleasant, around 14-18°C (57-64°F), and there are fewer crowds. The same goes for autumn when the fall colors in the countryside become a photographer’s dream. Fall temperatures range from 5-19°C (41-66°F). You’ll get a lot of sunshine and better prices everywhere. Just bring a sweater and rain jacket.

The low season is during the winter, from November to March. The average daily temperature is 3°C (38°F) but it can go a lot lower than that as well. It can be very cold during these months but Belgium doesn’t get very much snow. Bruges and Ghent are particularly beautiful during this time of year and you can’t beat a mug of hot Belgian chocolate at a Christmas market!

How to Stay Safe in Belgium

Belgium is a safe place to travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even if you’re a solo female traveler. Violent crime here is very rare, though petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas so always keep your valuables secure and out of reach.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams here are rare, but watch out for random people offering you stuff as this often is done to distract you while someone else swipes your belongings. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Belgium Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Belgium Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Belgium and continue planning your trip:

The Best Things to Do and See in Brussels

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

20+ Belgium Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: July 6, 2023

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

With a reputation upheld by the wonders of excellent beer, fine chocolates, world-class waffles, and most importantly: the invention of fries, Belgium is one of those countries that you (and your taste buds) can adore easily from afar.

But for the lucky ones who have a chance to see Belgium for real – there’s are many, many things you need to know.

While it’s easy to imagine Belgium as a whimsical comic strip of treats and delights, the reality can catch first time visitors off-guard, with many cultural quirks and easy tourist mistakes that can jade even the most optimistic of travellers.

Truthfully, it took me a while to fall for Belgium. With Brussels as my only point of reference on my first ever backpacking trip, I found myself caught in enough common traps that I wasn’t sure I’d ever visit again.

But now, a decade (and six visits later), I can safely say Belgium is an amazing country to visit…. you just need to be prepared.

So, in this post I’ll be sharing all THE must-know Belgium travel tips to ensure you love it on your first try. And first fry. I hope you find these Belgium tips useful!

Save this list of Belgium Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Understand Belgium’s two main regions

First thing’s first, it’s important that you understand one of the more unique features of Belgium: the clear divide between its two main areas: Flanders in the North and Wallonia in the South – each with their own language.

Flanders is the Flemish speaking part of Belgium, so this is where they speak Flemish, or the local variation of Dutch… and Wallonia is the French-speaking part of Belgium, with the exception of a tiny part which speaks German.

So, while the official languages of Belgium are Flemish, French, and German, you’ll find that it’s more that different regions have different predominant languages, and not that everybody speaks all three all the time.

Brussels, the capital, is kind of the exception to this – it is officially considered bilingual so French and Flemish are both spoken, although from personal experience people definitely speak more French there.

Why is this important to know as a traveller? Well, you’ll encounter each of these official languages depending on where in Belgium you visit, so be sure to research for your destination so you know which language to say hello and thank you in… although English is also very widely spoken.

2. Beware that most places have a different name in French and in Flemish

Given these different languages, one of the most important things you need to know as a visitor is that destinations in Belgium will have different names in French and Flemish.

This can get especially confusing when you’re at train or bus stations, because both names be used, plus the names themselves are sometimes different to the English names that we know.

Take Antwerp for instance – we know it as Antwerp in English, but in Flemish it’s Antwerpen, and in French it’s Anvers.

Similarly, Leuven in French is Louvain, Ypres in Flemish is Ieper, and my personal favourite, de Haan is Le Coq.

Now most of the time the names are similar enough that you can logic your way through the situation, but in stressful scenarios like breathlessly running for a train, this additional hurdle can mean the difference of catching your train, or missing it as you stress and cry.

So, remember to learn the names of all your destinations in both Flemish and French. Here is a helpful table for some of Belgium’s more visited cities:

NOTE: This Belgium language tip also applies to train stations, so for example Bruxelles-Midi is actually the same station as Brussel-Zuid.

3. Don’t spend all your time in Brussels

One of the most fatal mistakes that first time visitors make in Belgium is they only visit Brussels.

Allow me to indulge in some aggressive through-the-screen shoulder shaking. Do not. I repeat… do not. Limit your Belgium trip to just Brussels.

Brussels is a big city with common ‘big city’ issues to match, from pickpockets and crowds to not-so-desirable areas. While it has a lot of unique museums and attractions to offer those who dig deeper, many first timers (myself included) will find it pretty boring to visit for more than a day or two.

So, I’d recommend adding smaller Belgian cities to your itinerary so that you’re better able appreciate the country’s charm: Bruges , Ghent and Antwerp are all great picks for 2-3 days, while Dinant and Leuven are great one day wonders.

Of course, there’s also plenty of natural beauty in Belgium like around the Ardennes that flies under most tourist radars.

All that to say, if there’s one single Belgium tip that stays with you from this post, let it be that there is MUCH more to see in Belgium than Brussels!

4. That said, if you do go to Brussels, do it properly

Brussels is often named among the most disappointing cities in Europe, and while I did agree with this claim once upon a time, I now find it kind of unfair.

The issue with Brussels (in my opinion) is that most visitors flock to the wrong places. Manneken Pis for instance is often billed as THE must-see attraction of the city, but in reality it’s a tiny little statue that takes less than 5 minutes to see.

Instead, where Brussels shines is the many, many unique museums and quieter neighbourhoods more removed from the tourist centre.

I do have a full article with Brussels tips if you want more pointers, so be sure to give that a read and see other mistakes to avoid.

5. Plan your trip for shoulder or off-season

Now in terms of when to visit Belgium, I would recommend going in shoulder season or even off-season, just because a lot of the best places to visit are cities, which are usually enjoyable no matter the weather.

Summer season can get really busy with both international and domestic travellers, so for the least crowded experience, I would avoid the peak summer months from July to August.

Plus, your chocolate won’t melt as quickly, so there’s that too.

6. Plan your trip for quirky Belgian Festivals

If you’re really struggling to decide when to visit Belgium, I’d recommend looking into festivals and folk events to attend.

One of the most amazing things about Belgium is that it has a ton of unique cultural folk celebrations you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

There’s this one TikTok account I’m obsessed with called @LunaDiscoversBelgium with tons of videos showcasing these, but some of my favourites include:

• Giant omelette day in Malmedy : Every year on August 15, they literally make a giant omelette out of 10,000 eggs and dish it up for the public so everyone can have a piece.
• St Niklaas Peace Festival: Every year in the first weekend of September, they release hot air balloons in all sorts of unique shapes from the city centre.
• Aalst Carnival : An annual three day event in February where they go all out with crazy floats and costumes.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning the Brussels Flower Carpet which takes place every 2 years and covers the main square in a giant carpet made out of flowers. How magical.

7. Take advantage of Belgium’s many train discounts

I’m a huge advocate for travelling around Belgium by train over renting a car for a few different reasons – first off, Belgium is incredibly well connected by train, and second, train travel here is astoundingly affordable, largely thanks to a number of enticing discounts.

Here are some to look out for:

Youth Ticket (Formerly Go Pass 1) : A ticket for those under the age of 26 that allows you to buy a single train ticket for €7.10 to any destination in the country. This is way cheaper than paying full-price!

Standard Multi (Rail Pass): Gives you 10 trips to use over the course of a year for €96, and these trips can be transferred to other people in your party, so this can be an easy way to save money if you’re travelling in a group. Also available as the Youth Multi (for those under 26) which is even cheaper.

Weekend Ticket: If you plan your day trips or side trips for a weekend, you can actually save 50% off your fare with a weekend ticket, which is valid for return trips that leave after 7pm on Fridays and return before Sunday.

Discovery Tickets: Give you 50% off your return train ticket, so long as you’re using it to visit an attraction that’s on their list. Similarly, you can use Bravo Tickets which give you 50% off if you’re going to one of the concerts or festivals on their list.

8. Take note of Belgium’s most beautiful train stations

Besides the amazing deals, another reason to take the train is simply that some train stations in Belgium are obscenely good looking.

Antwerp station for instance is considered one of the most stunning train stations in the world (can confirm), and Liège also has a cool station that was featured as Xandar in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie.

9. Beware that cities have multiple train stations

Of course, don’t be fooled by the great deals and beautiful aesthetics – the Belgian train system can have its confusing moments too.

For instance, big cities often have multiple train stations, and if you’re not careful, you might get them mixed up (like I sadly have!) and miss your train.

Brussels for instance has three stations: Nord/Noord, Centrale/Centraal and Midi/Zuid, all of which are alternatively known by their French and Flemish names.

Similarly, Antwerp has a Central Station and a South station.

So remember, there’s often multiple stations, and you should research which ones are actually the closest to where you need to go.

10. Remember: They’re Belgian Fries, Not French Fries

Alright, now let’s move onto some very important Belgium food and drink tips.

We’ll start with one that may save your life, because Belgians take this one seriously. So repeat after me: always always remember that when it comes to fries (AKA Frites), never call them French fries because they are, in fact…… *dramatic pause* Belgian.

The legend goes that it was actually American soldiers during WWI that mistakenly named them French fries, because they didn’t realize they were in Belgium and not France. We’ve gotten a lot more geographically savvy since then, so don’t make that mistake!

PS: The defining characteristic of these Belgian fries is they’re deep fried twice in animal fat. As such, vegans and vegetarians should know that traditional Belgian fries are not actually vegetarian, although there will almost always be a place where you can find a veggie-friendly option, so be sure to look that up in advance.

PPS: Getting sauce with your fries is non-negotiable. Mayonnaise is a common sauce but most places will have more adventurous options as well, although I’d advise against just getting ketchup because that’s boring.

11. DIY your own chocolate tour around Belgium

Now another important Belgium tip? Shovel as much chocolate into your mouth as you possibly can.

Belgian chocolate has a tasty reputation worldwide, and when you’re lucky enough to be this close to choco-magic, you have to take advantage.

Now, the cool thing about Belgian chocolate shops is you don’t necessarily need to buy a whole box of chocolates – you can literally just get one or two pieces so this is a super fun way to sample chocolate from a bunch of chocolatiers without committing to a box.

NOTE: While going to different cities, be sure to also look for unique chocolate products in each place. Often chocolatiers will do fun chocolates that pay homage to their city in some way, like in Antwerp where there’s chocolate diamonds because of their diamond industry, along with severed chocolate hands based on a popular local legend.

12. Know the difference between waffle types

Next up – waffles! Of course I would dedicate a whole section of Belgium travel tips to waffles. I’m only human.

Now, while I know that waffles seem like an impossible thing to mess up, there are a few important must-knows to ensure you have the BEST possible waffles of your life during your Belgium trip.

So, here’s what you need to know: in Belgium, there are two main kinds of waffles:

• Brussels style waffle: Rectangular, fluffier waffles usually served with toppings like whipped cream and fruit
• Liège style waffle: Round, denser waffles studded with caramelized sugar, best consumed on their own

This is an important distinction because often you’ll come across touristy places that entice you with colourful displays of waffles, including Liège waffles topped with tons of fruit, which is a big waste in my opinion because they’re so good on their own.

So, if you see a place that sells them like that (usually to attract tourist eyeballs), you can deduce it’s probably not the most authentic.

Another red flag is when they have signs like this:

13. Learn the basics of Belgian beer

True story: I used to hate beer until I tried it in Belgium. Beers in this country are unreal, but there’s a few things you should know to enjoy them properly.

First – beware that some Belgian beers can be really strong. Stronger than you’re used to. Indulge accordingly.

Second, know they take their beers so seriously, they’re often served in their own special glass, which I love.

Next, know that Belgian beers are diverse and complex. Unlike Germany where they have a purity law that restricts what ingredients can go in beer, Belgians are always down to experiment, so there’s truly a type of beer for everyone, which is what makes beer tasting in Belgium so much fun. That said, if you haven’t found one you like yet, don’t give up!

Lastly, I would advise prioritizing beers you’ve never heard of. While it’s tempting to go for the big name Belgian beers you already know (e.g. Stella Artois or Leffe) during your trip, the most exciting thing about being in Belgium is you have access to all these unique beers you don’t have back home… so be sure to experiment a bit!

14. Give regional Belgian dishes a try

And of course, while Belgium is well known around the world for its signature snack foods and beer, we need to give a shoutout to other Belgian dishes as well.

Belgian food done right is comforting, hearty, and irritatingly delicious.

Here are a few of my favourites dishes:

• Vol au vent: A creamy meat stew served in a crispy pastry
• Carbonnade Flamande: A rich beef stew made with beer
• Moules-frites: Mussels with fries, another popular (and self-explanatory) treat consisting of shell-on mussels served in a tasty broth, alongside crispy fries. Plus if you play your cards right you can say you had mussels in Brussels!
• Boulets à la Liégeoise: Juicy meatballs in a sweet/savoury sauce, served with a hearty helping of Belgian fries.

15. Carry coins for the bathroom

Another important Belgium travel tip involves public toilets.

Public bathrooms in Belgium are quite rare to be honest, and they usually require a small payment of 50 cents to a euro.

According to this one very angry Reddit thread , you sometimes even need to pay for the toilets at movie theatres (?!??!)

… So, all that said, be sure to have some coins on you so you don’t get caught out.

16. Be sure to also have at least a 1 euro coin too for museum lockers

I noticed in Brussels especially, a lot of the museums there were really strict about me bringing a regular school-sized backpack in, and said I had to leave it in a locker.

Most of these lockers require a one euro deposit that you get back, so just make sure you have that coin on you.

17. Look out for museum free days

One of the best ways to save money in Belgium is by scoping out free days in advance for major museums.

In Brussels for example there’s a lot museums free on the first Wednesday and first Sunday each month.

Antwerp has a similar thing for the last Wednesday of the month.

Liège also has some free museums on the first Sunday.

So if you’re looking to save some money, be sure to look into whether your destinations have these deals.

18. Save money on attractions by purchasing attraction cards or city passes

And if you can’t time your visit to coincide with free museum days, another great way to save big on attractions in Belgium is by purchasing attraction cards that give you access to multiple attractions for one set price.

Now, these are usually only worth it if you plan to visit a LOT of paid attractions, but I do think in museum-heavy cities like Brussels, it’s almost always worth it if you plan to see a lot.

I’ve personally used the Brussels card before and found it to be excellent value. If you’re big into museums like I am, then definitely look into it.

19. Be wary of Google Maps opening hours

Now ahh, for one of the more frustrating quirks from my Belgium travels.

It may just be bad luck, but on most of my trips in Belgium, I’ve encountered inaccurate hours listed on Google Maps and pretty much once a trip I would show up somewhere just to find it unexpectedly closed.

So, be sure to check on official websites whenever possible rather than just relying on Google Maps for hours.

20. Beware of bikes & bike lanes

Much like in the neighbouring Netherlands, Belgians travel a lot by bike.

This therefore means many bike lanes, and (if you’re a clumsy, inattentive tourist like me) many opportunities to get run over by an angry Belgian on a bike.

So, while you’re walking, just take note of your surroundings and make sure you’re not accidentally walking in a bike lane. It happens way more often than you think.

21. Pack a rain/windproof jacket

Belgian weather is notoriously moody, so no matter when you visit, I would advise packing a light rain jacket with a hood, just to ensure you have something in case the weather unexpectedly turns (which it often does).

22. Prepare for Belgian humour

Lastly, I have to say that Belgians have a quirky and unique sense of humour. The fact that a tiny statue of a peeing child is their #1 tourist attraction is a testament to that. As are the accompanying statues of a peeing dog and girl, as well as the country’s giant intestine shaped hotel.

All that to say, come to Belgium for the beer, the waffles and the fries, but stay for the weird quirky stories and jokes.

The amount of times I’ve come across obscure lore while researching Belgian attractions is numerous, and it always makes visiting places a lot more fun.

Here are a few of my favourites:

• This infamous turf war involving nose-shaped candies in Ghent
• The many, many times that the Mannekin Pis in Brussels has been kidnapped then returned
• This brutal tale behind Antwerp’s name (which in Dutch, originates from the phrase ‘Throwing hands’)
• This Ghent bar that takes one of your shoes as a deposit for their most coveted glasses because they kept getting stolen

I hope this list of Belgium Travel Tips was helpful!

Quite frankly, if you made it this far, you deserve some kind of medal! This was a VERY long list of tips for Belgium, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

2 thoughts on “20+ Belgium Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go”

Your review and tips about Belgium were written too late for me. I travelled there June 16 to 21 this year(2023). I enjoyed reading what you wrote.

Interesting insights into Belgium! I never knew that two different languages are used in this country. I am surprised to know that we have to pay to use public toilets in theatres.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

How to Get Around Belgium Like a Local

Belgium, grouped with Luxembourg and the Netherlands to make up the Benelux countries, is a fascinating tourism destination. It's a required side trip on the Grand Tour for beer and chocolate lovers. The landscape is a lush green, and it's flat for easy rural walking. There are plenty of castles and gardens to keep the traveler enamored with the medieval period busy.

Art lovers can be kept busy viewing the likes of the masters Peter Paul Rubens, Sir Antony van Dyck and Rene Magritte. Adolphe Sax, born in Dinant , invented the famous jazz instrument that takes his name--and jazz has become increasingly popular in Belgium in recent years.

And talk about diversity! Belgium is divided into three regions, each with language, culinary and cultural differences. The Flemish Region or Flanders occupies the north, the Walloon Region or Wallonia occupies the south, and the Brussels-Capital Region is central to Belgium.

Belgium doesn't seem to take the standard prizes in the "What's the best place in Europe to visit?" popularity sweepstakes, which is why I tend to think of it as Europe's Best Kept Travel Secret.

Belgium Tourism Map Showing Rail Lines

One of the great things about visiting Belgium is its diminutive size and the interesting cities crammed together so they're just a short train ride from each other. You won't spend a lot of time (or money) getting from one destination to another. Plus, it's very easy to get to London and Paris as well as other destinations in Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

The Thalys high speed train whisks you from Brussels to Paris in about an hour and a half. Brussels to London takes a little over two hours. You can be in Cologne, Germany from Brussels on the cheaper normal trains in under three hours.

Belgium Cities and towns

The major cities popular with tourists are Brussels , Bruges , and Ghent, and Antwerp, followed by smaller cities like Liège, Dinant , Damme , Mechelen, and Mon.

Belgium is also a focal point for World War I sites, many including remnants of the rather brutal trench warfare as in the Trench of Death in Dixmude .

Where to Stay

Belgium has a wide range of accommodations. There are usually hotels near train stations, many budget, a few seedy. You may inspect a hotel before committing to it. There are many hostels in larger cities like Brussels.

Belgium has many self-catering accommodations, from small apartments to sprawling villas for large families and groups. Self-catering can save money over renting hotel rooms, especially for families. HomeAway lists almost 400 vacation rentals in Belgium (book direct).

Farm stays are popular with those who like the rural environment; we enjoyed our stay at Hoeve Spreeuwenburg.

What to Eat and Drink in Belgium

Frites  -or the misnamed "french" fries. Pretty much the national dish, except for the superb waterzooi. You have them with mayonnaise. Find: The Best Belgian Frites

Waterzooi -from a Flemish word meaning "simmering water" comes a hearty stew of local fish (or chicken) with vegetables and herbs, often enriched by a trio of the kitchen god's best: butter, egg yolks and cream.

Carbonnades  - meat cooked with brown beer, the national dish of Belgium. (Cabonnades Flamandes recipe)

Belgian Endive  - White Gold, an endive kept in darkness for most of its life. Often served braised (recipe)

Chocolate  - Belgian Chocolate! Yes, it goes without saying. See: The Best Belgian Chocolate Shops Travel Guide

Beer  - Aficionados of Bud Lite need not read further. The rest of you who like variety and flavor must try one of these: Lambic Ale, Abbey and Trappist Ale, Witbier (wheat), Sour Ale, Brown Ale, Amber Ale, or Strong Golden Ale. You can even order Pilsner. See: Belgian Beer Styles and Food Pairings.

The language spoken in the northern region of Flanders speak Dutch. People in the southern region, Wallonia, speak French. German is spoken in the East near the German Border. English is widely spoken in main tourist areas.

If you would like to learn a few words of Dutch, there are online resources enabling you to do so. One of them is SpeakDutch .

Transportation to and within Belgium

Brussels Airport , east of Brussels, is the only international airport in Belgium. "Taxis with a taximeter are permanently available in front of the arrivals hall. The fare from the airport to the city centre of Brussels is normally around € 45. Licensed taxis can be recognized by the blue and yellow emblem. Travellers are advised to avoid unlicensed taxis!" There is also bus service.

Getting to Belgium - By Train

The  Eurostar goes  between Brussels and London and fast  TGV trains  link Brussels with Paris and  Amsterdam . There is a Benelux rail pass available as well as one which adds France, and one which adds Germany (buy direct). See Our Belgium Map and Travel Essentials for more detailed transportation information.

Belgium is served by an extensive rail system as you can see in the map above. The Belgian Railway is called the SNCB and its website is here . Many discounts and passes are offered to the tourist or occasional traveler.

The fast trains in Belgium are the TGV trains. They run on three routes shown in red on the map. The red Thalys high-speed train links Paris to Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne and Dusseldorf.

Railpasses: A Benelux Tourrail Pass is good for five days unlimited rail travel throughout Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands within a one month period. Two adults traveling together get a discount. The Youth Pass will save money for folks younger than 26. A France-Belgium-Luxembourg-Netherlands Pass is also available.

The Eurostar will take you quickly from London to Brussels and other cities in Belgium.

There is direct bus transportation from the airport to Antwerp, Eindhoven (Sabena) and to Rotterdam (Virgin Express).

There are about 150,000 miles of highways in Belgium. You will need a car to take you to the smaller villages.

Belgium enjoys a moderate climate. It rains frequently but for short durations in most of Belgium. For an overview of climate throughout the year in some of Belgium's most popular destinations see the interactive map at Belgium Travel Weather .

Etiquette and Culture in Belgium

Visitors to Belgium might be concerned about cultural habits and etiquette, especially when business is part of the plan. Executive Planet has information on the most common situations that might get you in trouble.

Restaurants in Belgium

A restaurant in Belgium is a pretty elegant eating place. If you're looking for something a little more informal, look for a bistro, café, restaurant-café, or brasserie. While food is relatively expensive in Belgium, you can also find broodjeswinkel (sandwich shops), or pannekoekhuije (pancake houses) offering good bargains in food.

Lunch is generally served from 12 to 3pm and dinner from 7 to 10 pm.

A "menu" refers to the special of the day.

See the food section of our Belgium article for what to look for in the way of food and drink.

Service charges are included in hotel, restaurant, shopping bills and taxi fares. Belgians commonly round up the total amount to determine the tip.

Alison Wellner, our guide to Culinary travel, recommends the 6 Belgian Food Experiences for Travelers.

Currency in Belgium

The currency in Belgium is the Euro. At the time the Euro was adopted, its value was set at 44.3399 Belgian Francs.

Belgian Chocolate and How It Became Popular

You have checked into your hotel. Bags have been dumped on the bed, a map has been procured from the front desk, and off you go.

It won't be more than 5 minutes before you will encounter a shop with things made of chocolate. Yes, there are little shells like you'll encounter in Guylian chocolates--but there are way more tempting ways to market chocolate for some people: if you don't want your children to gander upon the lusty wonders as you see in the picture, you may need an opaque shopping bag to throw over their heads. Belgians do not flee, especially from breasts.

Belgians make a relatively pure chocolate, but so does Italy. There's a reason you think of Belgian chocolate before you think of Italian chocolate. First of all there are over 2,130 chocolate shops in little Belgium. Then there's consumption:

"According to the International Cocoa Organization, Belgium ranks number two in per capita consumption of chocolate, with Belgians enjoying an average of 11.03 kilograms per year." ~ Belgium Chocolate .

During the 17th century Spain ruled Belgium. The Spanish consumed chocolate as a drink from chocolate they got in South America.

Once the Belgians got a taste for it, they looked for their own source. Remember the deep, dark, Belgian Congo? Yep, they exploited it for cocoa beans.

Neuhaus, Belgium's first chocolate shop, opened in Brussels in 1857. They're still kicking, and you can even order their chocolate from the US: Neuhaus Chocolates .

Antwerp Central: The Railroad Cathedral

It wasn't so long ago that railway stations weren't tall sheds or malls with shopping and a jumble of train tracks. Even in the 1970s there were some great, elegant restaurants in some of Europe's train stations. To go to the station wasn't all a burden but an adventure.

The station that's stood out to frequent travelers is Antwerp's central station. Built between 1895 and 1905, it replaced a wooden station built in 1854 by Auguste Lambeau.

The station is surrounded by diamond and gold shops. If that wasn't enough to be reverential about, the 44-meter high glass vault reaching toward the heavens was designed by the architect J. Van Asperen.

You should visit, even if you're not going anywhere. But then again, there are compelling cities not so far from Antwerp to explore. Look at the chart of departing trains. Dreaming is planning, too.

You could, after all, head to Rotterdam to buy a warm Belgian waffle with chocolate melted on top

The Railway cathedral was recently updated, the renovation started in 1993 was completed 16 years later--in 2009. This, like the chocolate, horses, mussels in great, steaming pots, and long, rambling countryside walks are things about Belgium to remember.

Walking and Biking in the Belgian Countryside

The picture you see above shows you just about all you need to know about the Belgian countryside near the Netherlands border. There are those horses. They are everywhere. The ground is flat. The polder landscape holds a secret: amongst those trees in the background there are waterways, and many of the waterways had tow paths which are now bike and trekking paths that criss-cross the country, even ​between big cities. Here are some resources:

The 16 Best Things to Do in Belgium

What to Do in Lille in Northern France

Top Eurostar Destinations from London

Traveling by Train in Europe: Where, Why, and How

Brussels Travel Guide

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

Travel Guide to Bruges, Belgium

Visiting Liege, Belgium

About Single Europe Train Tickets

France Travel Planner for Every Vacation

10 Classic Belgian Dishes (and Where to Try Them)

5 Best Places to Visit in the 10th Arrondissement of Paris

Low Countries in Northwestern Europe

Everything You Need to Know About Taking the Train in France

Antwerp in Belgium: a Spellbinding City Where Medieval Meets Tomorrow

The 10 Best Places to Drink Craft Beer in Paris

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

A week in Belgium: Your perfect Belgian itinerary for the best of Belgium

February 25, 2019 by Karen Turner 6 Comments

Living in the Netherlands makes it so easy to visit Belgium. I’ve visited Belgium countless times. Although Belgium is fairly small, many people skip some of my personal favorite highlights of Belgium as they speed through Antwerp and Brussels. This is a Belgian itinerary based on one of my favorite road trips through Belgium with my parents-in-law showing them the best of Belgium with a week!

This Belgian itinerary by train includes seeing Brussels, Antwerpen, Gent, Bruges, Namur, and Durbuy. This one week itinerary in belgium is fully possibly without a car. Belgium is an easy place to travel as people readily speak English in addition to Flemish or French depending on where you are traveling. (Belgium uses the euro and you can easily pay by card most places.)

You might want to book your train to/from Belgium, but booking the trains within Belgium ahead isn’t worthwhile. Similarly, it’s not worth using your Interrail/Eurorail pass for local trains within Belgium although I’d recommend booking ahead for the Thalys.

The Belgian trains are easy to navigate. The Belgian trains require minimal planning beyond looking up the train times and buying a ticket for your destination. Train tickets between cities are considerably cheaper (5-20 euros for intra-Belgium travel one-way) than other European countries although I urge you to carefully look up the train station that makes the most sense for you. The train station names for the city centers aren’t as obvious as some other countries.

• 1 One day in Antwerpen
• 2 One day in Ghent
• 3 One day in Bruges
• 4 One day (or two) in Brussels
• 5 Note on Wallonia
• 8 Let me know what you thought of this itinerary for a week in Belgium!

One day in Antwerpen

I love Antwerpen. This Belgian city often overlooked by people who rush through Belgium, however it’s packed with history and charm. Compared to Brussels, hotels tend to be more affordable. I almost always stay at Catherina at Friday apartment, a budget-friendly apartment that is a stone’s throw from the Plantin Moretus House right in the city center. It’s hard to beat the price and the location, especially if you’re a couple.

Antwerpen has some world-class museums, especially the Plantin Moretus House , which is one of the first commercial printing houses in the world as well as a beautifully preserved residence. If you’re a lover of literature as well as history, you will love visiting this museum, which is rarely crowded.

You can not miss the grand Grote Markt, Antwerp’s main square that is full of beautiful buildings that were once used as guildhalls. It’s easy to spend at least an hour exploring the square as well as the nearby historic Cathedral.

Be sure to end your night in Antwerpen at an authentic Belgian bar. Needless to say, Antwerp is heaven for beer lovers and you will find many great beer bars to try the local beers.

On your second day, you might want to leave immediately for another city or take a day trip. If you’re willing to take things a bit slower, consider leaving the city center to explore the hipper neighborhood near MAS (which has a great free viewpoint over the city) gives you a very different flavor of this city. This area is full of cute shops and cafes, perfect for experiencing a more modern side to Antwerp.

You can click for my one day guide to Antwerp , which includes restaurant and beer recommendations.

One day in Ghent

Note: It might be more logical (or easier) to stay overnight in Antwerp with taking day trips to Ghent and Bruges if you’re not keen on moving your bags. I’d check the prices of accommodation, but the Belgian trains are easy enough to navigate that a day trip to Ghent should be easy enough!

Ghent is one of the great student cities of Belgium. Many people who get annoyed with the crowds in Brussels often prefer Gent (Ghent)’s quiet beauty. This city might be Belgium’s most beautiful medieval city, replete with gorgeous medieval buildings, stunning canals, and a bonafide stone castle.

If you only have a day in Ghent, be sure to visit Gravensteen , Ghent’s grand medieval castle that dates back to 1180. It’s truly a castle straight out of a movie and some parts of the castle have a fascinating history. It’s easy to spend at least two hours here exploring the high and low parts of the castle.

Beyond the castle, you’ll want to explore the picturesque Patershol with its many crooked medieval alleys to discover some of the best food in Belgium as well as numerous small boutiques. For something truly unique, head to Confiserie Temmerman for sweets. You can also enjoy street art in other parts of Ghent!

After a great meal, consider sitting out along the canals on a lovely day to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere in the city along with the rest of the city. You won’t be alone in soaking up the atmosphere and many bring drinks with them.

If you want to stay overnight in Gent, consider booking early as there aren’t that many hotels in the city center for Ghent. I recommend staying at Hotel Onderbergen , an affordable and cozy boutique hotel walking distance from the river.

You can click for my guide to Ghent , which includes restaurant and beer recommendations.

One day in Bruges

Bruges is often mentioned as the must-visit destination in Belgium for many people who ask me for travel advice. There’s no doubt that Bruges is beautiful, however it is a popular tourist destination in Belgium. It’s certainly worth seeing although the crowds in the city center can be a bit overwhelming for some, especially in peak season.

If you’re in Bruges, consider taking a relaxing canal cruise along the canals as well as heading to the De Halve Maan brewery to sample Bruges’ most famous brewery! The countless tiny streets are a delight to explore on foot, which make Bruges a great day trip from most Belgian cities.

It’s easy to take a day trip here from most Belgian cities, especially Ghent. I’d definitely recommend staying overnight to enjoy Bruges without the crowds. Around 5 pm, all the crowds and day trippers leave and you can enjoy the picturesque canals as the sunsets without selfie sticks. I recommend staying at a reasonable and beautiful boutique hotel Hotel Het Gheestelic Hof , which is in the heart of Bruges’ medieval city center. Hotels go quickly in Bruges, so book ahead!

One day (or two) in Brussels

Brussels is often the city that people love or hate. I have mixed feelings about Brussels after spending almost a month living in Brussels. Brussels certainly has some charms, but it’s also a bit gritty and not for everyone. I think that Brussels, especially once you leave the city center, has a unique charm to it, but you’ll need to see it for yourself to see if Brussels is for you.

If you have only a day, you’ll be pretty rushed, but two days is perfect in my opinion. (It’s possible to head to the nearby Villers Abbey by train or car if you’re looking or a change from the city.)

If you’re a chocolate lover, you will need to stop off in Brussels as it’s the premier destination for chocolatiers. You can follow my self-guided chocolate tour of the best chocolatiers in Brussels here ! You can also try the famous Brussels-style waffle here.

Beyond the chocolate, I recommend finding the major sights (e.g. Manneken Pis and Grand Place ) before relaxing at some of Brussel’s cozy beer cafes. Outside of the city centre, you’ll find some beautiful covered passages as well as weekend markets, if you love looking for antiques or local food. You can click for my weekend guide to Brussels.

I’ve stayed in quite a few places around Brussels during various trips. I really liked the affordable yet basic Hotel Neufchatel to experience a quieter side of Brussels although you’ll certainly find more places to stay in Brussels here .

Note on Wallonia

Belgium is divided into regions: Wallonia and Flanders. Flanders is where Flemish is spoken and Wallonia is where French is spoken. Both regions are actually quite different in terms of their architecture, landscapes, and cities. Many people travel through Brussels without ever seeing Wallonia, which is a shame as Wallonia is often a highlight of my own Belgian itineraries!

If you’ll be traveling in Wallonia without a car, I’d recommend heading to Namur for at least a day from Brussels! There’s a direct train connection from Brussels. From here, you can take the train towards Durbuy , which is one of the most beautiful towns in Belgium , or Dinant. These are both picturesque towns in Belgium, perfect for a taste of Wallonia. Mons is in a different direction, but beautiful none-the-less.

Namur is the capital of Wallonia. This stunning city with an epic fortress is a dreamy destination for those seeking something a bit different in Belgium. Down the picturesque cobblestoned streets, you’ll find adorable little cafes and bookshops.

Of course, you’ll need to climb the citadel above the city. Many don’t realize that you can also go below to explore the vast underground network of tunnels underneath this old city. Beyond this, you can rent a bike to bike along the picturesque Meuse to nearby castles. Similarly, you can also taste abbey beers produced nearby at the Maredsous Abbey at Namur’s many cozy cafes.

Accommodation in Namur is pretty affordable on a whole, so what might get you a basic room in Brussels can get you a cozy room at a 4* boutique hotel in Namur. The Golden Snail has a great location next to the Citadel.

I love Durbuy! This city, which claims to be the smallest city in Europe, is full of absolutely stunning alleyways. It’s straight out of a fairytale in terms of its stunning topiary garden (with a view of the castle), its cobblestone streets, and its picturesque buildings covered in ivy.

It’s just a great place to wander around aimlessly for hours on end. Stay the night in a surprisingly reasonable little chateau in the middle of the city to fulfill your dreams of becoming a princess. Needless to say, you’ll be wondering why everyone is stuck in Brussels. You can click for my guide to Durbuy!

Let me know what you thought of this itinerary for a week in Belgium!

• A weekend in Brussels
• One day in Antwerp
• A guide to Durbuy
• A self-guided chocolate tour in Brussels
• Mons/Bergen: A day trip from Brussels
• Beautiful towns in Wallonia to explore

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

December 23, 2019 at 4:35 am

So thrilled to find your blog! Your we are unexpectedly going to spend twelve days in Belgium next month, and this seems the perfect planning guide for our trip. (DISCLOSURE: Your aunt Jill is my dearest friend.)

July 14, 2020 at 3:15 pm

Hi Karen, loved coming across your blogs whilst planning an impromptu trip to Belgium in a few weeks time. With Covid-19 putting a halt on holiday plans earlier in the year, we wanted something closer to home and will be bringing our car with us from the UK (Manchester). Your blogs gave us so much information with a good mix of the obvious tourist attractions as well as the more quirky ideas that are our preference. We’re planning a week – Brugge (2 days), Antwerp, Durbuy, Namur and Gent, with Dunkirk either side on our way to/from the ferry port. Already booked La Balade des gnomes for one night close to Durbuy. Now looking for the rest of our accommodations. Thanks for the inspiration! Love Vivienne & G

July 20, 2020 at 4:00 pm

I’m so glad to hear that! I just did a big Belgium trip myself, so please shoot me a message if I can help at all. I’ll be updating these blogs + adding new content on Belgium as I have more time this summer/fall. 🙂

May 19, 2021 at 2:25 pm

Hi Karen, Nice blog but it looks like you haven’t discovered all the highlights of Liège yet. That is the 3rd or 4th city of Belgium and certainly the largest of Wallonia. It also has a very specific historical background that sets it apart as it was ruled by the Prince Bishops whose Palace you can still visit nowadays. There are a number of other very pleasant neighborhoods along the river Meuse or around the pathway between the new architectural train station and the park an d museum Boverie. I hope you’ll get to visit that nice city and draw attention to it for your readers.

May 19, 2021 at 7:01 pm

Thanks! I have been to Liege actually, but indeed, I need to spend more time to get to know it. I love Wallonia and looking forward to visiting more once the corona situation is improved 🙂

December 8, 2021 at 5:50 am

Wonderful post! I and my wife were recently discussing Christmas markets and other attractions in Belgium. A few days later, we came across your blog which nudged us to apply for a Visa for Belgium. The one-week itinerary looks like the perfect guide that can help us experience the best of Belgium. We will be taking most of your tips to make our entire Belgium getaway exciting and memorable.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• The Netherlands
• New York State
• Other European destinations
• Work With Me
• Disclosure and Privacy Policy
• Jeju SEO Tool: Free SEO Writing Tool

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

TreasureHunter USA Inc. 251 Little Falls Drive Wilmington, Delaware 19808 +1 (915) 4632387 EIN 88-2174128

www.wanderlustingk.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also participate in other affiliate programs

www.wanderlustingk.com all rights reserved © 2023 | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy |

Belgium Travel Guide – everything you need to know to plan your trip

Planning a trip to Belgium? Wonderful! Belgium, the land of chocolate, fries, and beer. Of Art Nouveau and the Flemish Primitives. That tiny country where the administrative center of the EU is located. My home country.

When people tell me they've been to Belgium, they've usually just been to Brussels and/or Bruges. Those are great places for sure but limiting yourself to these two cities would do the country injustice. There are castles in Belgium to be explored, trails to be walked, memorials to go silent for.

Let me show you some of the best places to visit in Belgium, some insider tips and give you all the information you need to plan your own Belgium vacation in this Belgium Travel Guide.

Belgium travel guide: quick facts

1. brussels capital-region, 3. east flanders, 6. flemish brabant, 7. brabant wallon, 10. liège province, 11.belgian luxembourg, entry requirements, fly to belgium, independent travel around belgium, what to pack for belgium in summer, what to pack for belgium in winter, what to pack for belgium in fall, what to pack for belgium in spring, the best time to visit belgium, what to eat in belgium, belgium holidays, cultural things to be aware of in belgium, where to stay in belgium, don't forget travel insurance, safety in belgium, the use of cash and cards in belgium, staying connected while you travel belgium, tipping in belgium, a brief history of belgium.

Size: it's a small country at 30.528 km² or 11,787 sq mi

People living there: more than 11 million

Capital: Brussels

Governmental structure: federal constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system

National day: July 21

Time zone: Central European Time / UTC+1 / GMT+1

Currency: euro (EUR)

Power voltage and socket type(s): 230V, plug types E and C. If these plug types don't match your devices, make sure to bring a universal adapter to be able to charge them

Official religion(s)/Freedom of religion: Freedom of religion. 60% of the population is Roman Catholic, followed by atheist and agnostic citizens, other Christians, and Muslims.

Official language(s) and general knowledge of English: Dutch, French and German are the three official languages. English is widely spoken.

Drives on this side: right

International driver's licence accepted? yes

Phone code: +32

Vaccinations needed? none mandatory.

Can you drink the tap water? yes, so make sure to bring your refillable water bottle

Want to know more interesting facts about Belgium? I have a whole post full of them .

Belgian provinces and the capital of Brussels

Belgium consists of 10 provinces and the district capital of Brussels. Before I tell you a bit more about each of them, watch the video below to try and understand the country's complicated political and language structure.

It's a bit crazy, I know. Luckily, if you're just visiting Belgium, you don't need to worry about any of this too much. What is good to know, is what you can find in each of the provinces and Brussels.

Brussels is its high art, medieval architecture, chocolate, and history, but it's just as much its many local markets, bars with live music and people meeting up in parks for a picnic when the sun comes out. Of course, at the end of the year there are the Christmas markets.

Discover more of Brussels:

• Why you should visit the Brussels Christmas market
• 15 typical Belgian dishes to try in Brussels
• Visiting the European Parliament and House of European History
• Where to stay in Brussels
• Interesting facts about Brussels that will make you want to go

If you prefer a smaller city for a day trip, Mechelen is a good option and if you want to get moving, all you need to do is follow one of the province's many walking or cycling routes.

Discover more of Antwerp:

• Visiting former concentration camp Breendonk Fort
• Where to have coffee, breakfast, and brunch in Mechelen
• Things to do in Antwerp
• Marvelous museums in Antwerp
• Where to have coffee in Antwerp
• Visiting the Antwerp Christmas market

Outside of Ghent, East Flanders is great for those who like to walk and bike. There are plenty of well-signed routes of varying lengths, oftentimes put together according to a theme. If you're feeling a bit lazy, going on a riverboat tour is another option.

Discover more of East Flanders:

• Visiting the Light Festival in Ghent
• Capturing Ghent's graffiti scene
• Inside the belfry of Ghent
• Visiting the Gravensteen Castle in Ghent
• An afternoon boat trip on the river Scheldt

4. West Flanders

The coast isn't just popular for its beaches. There are quite a few war memorial sites, from both World Wars, and the city of Ostend is home to several art galleries and museums. Whether you want to walk, bike, eat, shop, or brush up on your history, West Flanders has something for you.

Discover more of West Flanders:

• 7 hip hotspots in historical Bruges
• “In Bruges” movie locations you can visit
• Bruge Travel Guide
• Best things to do in Ostend

Limburg is home to the only national park of Belgium, the Hoge Kempen National Park, and counts several other natural areas that are great for hiking and walking.

It's also a great place for those interested in industrial heritage. They can visit C-mine , a former mining complex turned into a cultural, entertainment, and small business center.

Discover more of Limburg:

• A weekend in Limburg
• Outlet shopping at Maasmechelen Village
• A weekend in Beringen

Museums for every possible interest keep you busy on a rainy day in between stops at local breweries, vineyards, and other producers.

Discover more of Flemish Brabant:

• A walk in Tervuren park
• The breathtaking bluebells of the Hallerbos

Aside from that, Brabant Wallon is also home to many parks and other outdoor recreational areas, the Hergé Museum – dedicated to the inventor of the comic character Tintin – and a collection of small museums mostly focusing on local life and history.

Discover more of Brabant Wallon:

• Visiting the Abbey of Villers-la-Ville

While the province is named after its capital city, Dinant is much better known. Small in size, its dominated by its citadel perched high upon a cliff overlooking the river Meuse.  

The provincial capital of Mons was European Capital of Culture in 2015 and perfect for a day trip or a weekend away while Pairi Daiza is one of the most popular animal parks in Belgium.  

The capital city of Liège puts up the biggest Christmas market of the country and will easily keep you busy for a weekend while the town of Spa gave its name to spa centers around the world and is the perfect place to unwind.

Discover more of Liège province:

• How to spend 3 unique days in Liège province

Make sure to check out the abbey of Orval, the castle of Bouillon, the smallest city in the world Durbuy, and the historically important Bastogne.  

Want even more inspiration? Check out these fun things to do in Belgium .  

How to travel to Belgium

Travelers from the United States and the rest of the world can generally visit Belgium for three months without a visa on the condition that their passports are valid up until six months after their stay.  

How to get to Belgium

The most budget-friendly way to travel to Belgium is by bus from one of the other European countries. Flixbus is known for its great long-distance bus service and equally pleasant prices.

For more options, have a look at Omio . This platform automatically gives you the best route between two places and allows you to immediately book a ticket as well.  

If you're coming from the UK, you can also travel on the Eurostar from London to Brussels. It's usually a bit faster than flying as you don't need to be at the train station as early as you need to be at the airport and the Eurostar drops you off right in the center of Brussels. Check Omio for timetables and prices

If you're coming from France, Germany, or the Netherlands, the highspeed train Thalys is another fast way of getting to Belgium. It's a bit pricier than a regular train but does offer more comfort and is faster too. Look here for Thalys tickets  

Brussels Charleroi is the airport they optimistically call Brussels South but it's at least an hour's drive from the capital. This is where mostly cheaper airlines arrive.

Antwerp and Ostend airport are two smaller airports which also welcome international flights but you'll be most likely to fly to one of the other two.

For flights to Belgium, check Skyscanner . It gives a good overview of your options and their prices and also allows you to set flight alerts so you can track when those prices go up or down.  

How to travel around Belgium

The NMBS/SNCB trains provide the best option to move between cities and buses from De Lijn (in Flanders), the MIVB (in Brussels) and TEC (in Wallonia) will easily take you to smaller destinations.

Belgium is a small country and the highways are often congested. Renting a car isn’t recommended unless you plan on staying in a small village with hard access to public transport or unless you're planning to road trip and then especially in the south of the country where there's still more nature. If you're interested in getting a rental car for your trip to Belgium, check out AutoEurope .

Taxis are an option, but not really if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. A 15-minute drive can easily cost you €30.  

What to pack for Belgium

Winters can get a bit chilly, but it doesn’t often freeze during the day and it usually doesn’t snow for more than a week or two a year in total.

Just make sure to always pack an umbrella, whatever time of the year you decide to come.  

• a reusable water bottle
• good walking sandals
• light clothing
• a rain jacket
• a warm wind and waterproof coat
• comfortable and warm shoes
• a merino woolen baselayer
• merino woolen socks
• a warm scarf

I created an extensive packing list for Belgium in fall which you can find here .  

Both for fall and spring in Belgium, it's important to pack layers. Some days can still/already be sunny and warm while others will be grey, wet, and cold. You probably won't need a super warm winter coat but it is best to bring something warm and waterproof that you can easily stow away, like this jacket .  

Summer is also festival time in Belgium with multiple festivals big and small taking place just about every weekend. Read more about summer trips to Belgium and some of the best Belgian music festivals .

Winter is the time of the Christmas markets and while not as known for them as Germany, for example, Belgium does have quite a few good ones. I've written more about Christmas markets in Belgium here.

Autumn is a bit of a more quiet time around the country but in spring, everyone is getting excited about the upcoming summer and there are several spring-related things to do, like visiting the purple flower forest , the flower show Floralia , or the rose garden Coloma.  

If you'd like to learn how to make some of these dishes yourself, check out this post with Belgian recipes .  

When traveling somewhere, it's always good to know whether there will be a special holiday during your stay. That's why I've compiled a detailed list of holidays in Belgium which I update annually. It includes not only public holidays but also school holidays and other dates to take into account when planning your trip.  

If you speak French but not English and you're visiting the Flemish side of Belgium, you can always ask whomever you're talking to if it's okay to speak French because you're visiting and don't speak Dutch or English, if you want to be absolutely sure not to offend anyone.

When it comes to socializing, there’s quite the difference between the northern and the southern part of the country. When I worked at the Belga Press Agency, my French speaking colleagues would give each other a kiss when arriving at the office, while my Flemish colleagues would shake hands. That about says it all.

Of course, this is a generalization, but I think you could say that the people from the south are a bit warmer and more open than the people from the northern part of Belgium. We all have cliques and groups we belong to and for an outsider, it’s not always easy to become part of such a group.

If you want to meet Belgians, I’d say the best approach is to just walk up to them because the chances of us walking up to a stranger are rather slim (again, generalizing here).  

Whenever I need to book a hotel somewhere, I always check Booking. com. I love that the site has so many filters you can use to easily get a list of just the places that fit your criteria. So if you're looking for the best places to stay in Belgium, I highly recommend you do it there .  

No matter how well you plan your trip to Belgium, there's always something that can happen that's beyond your control. Your luggage can get lost, you can get sick or you can drop and break that new camera. In all of these cases, good travel insurance has you covered.

I've had ongoing travel insurance ever since I started traveling by myself to make sure I'm covered for every trip I go on but if you travel just a few times a year, you can get insurance for each trip separately.

Don't have travel insurance yet? Check out SafetyWing. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. On top of that, they were the first travel insurance to cover COVID, and when I got COVID, they reimbursed all of my expenses without making a fuss. Their customer support team is great and I can personally recommend them.  

As for the rest of Belgium, you just need to mind your belongings in busy areas but the risks of getting pickpocketed are rather low outside of the big cities. The only other thing that could be dangerous over here is getting into a car. We're not the calmest drivers in the world and traffic can get a bit tense.

There are ATMs, usually from multiple banks, in every town and city. Just make sure to check the fees your bank charges for withdrawing money abroad beforehand so you know whether it's better to take out a big amount at once or not.  

Traveling to Belgium from outside the EU and want to stay connected so you can share photos, call loved ones over WiFi and easily use apps like Google Maps? Then check out Solis Wifi mobile WiFi .

Skyroam offers both day passes and monthly subscriptions providing you with 4G throughout your trips. I've been using their daily passes not just when I travel outside the EU (no roaming charges for me in the EU) but also as a backup for when I think I'll go over my phone's data plan.

Tipping isn't mandatory in Belgium but as in many places, it is appreciated. All taxes and service are included in the bill and people working in the service industry make a living wage so it's common to just round up the bill at places like cafes or small eateries and to add whatever you think is suitable at restaurants.

For more specific guidelines, check out this section on tipping on your Belgium trip .  

In the Middle Ages, Belgium was divided into smaller semi-independent regions such as counties and principalities which were under foreign rule, first by the French, then the Austrians, and then the Spanish. It knew a very brief period of independence in the 14th century after it defeated the French army following a rebellion.

After big European turmoils in the 17th century, Belgium became Austrian again at the beginning of the 18th century until the French annexed the country in 1795. Belgium stayed French until Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo in 1815 and it was merged together with the Netherlands.

The differences between the two were too big, though, and in 1830 a Belgian rebellion broke out that would lead to the official independence of the country in January 1831.

During the reign of the first king, Leopold I, Belgium continued the industrialization process that had started in the 19th century. The country knew a dark period with the rule of Leopold II, who made part of Africa, later known as Belgian Congo, his personal property and committed atrocities against the natives who he exploited mostly for harvesting rubber.

The Belgian Congo became state property in 1908, a year before Leopold II died and would remain a colony until 1960.

Later in the 20th century, Belgium suffered a great deal both during World War I and World War II when it was occupied by the Germans twice. It managed to recover quite well and became one of the founding members of the European Union and of NATO.  

And that's it! I hope this guide to Belgium has given you an idea of what to do in Belgium and will help you plan your own trip here.  

Find below the important posts about Belgium.

Dates of Holidays in Belgium 2024 [Annually updated]

Namur Travel Guide: 15 Best Attractions to visit in Namur!

Mons Travel Guide: 15 Best things to do in Mons, History, Attractions

Dinant Travel Guide: 17 Attractions to visit in Dinant, History, Hotels & Restaurants

15 Fun things to do in Ypres: A Visitor's Travel Guide

16 Best things to do in Ninove: Travel Guide, History, Attractions, Transportation & Markets

15 Amazing Things to do in Kortrijk: Travel Guide: History, Attractions, Transportation & Markets

15 Top Things to do in Tournai: Travel Guide, History, Attractions, Facts and Transportation

Ghent Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

15 Best restaurants in Brussels: Where to eat in Brussels?

19 Best Hotels to stay in Brussels – Neighbourhoods, Luxury, Hostels, Family and Airport Hotels

20 Fun Christmas Markets in Belgium to visit in 2023 – 2024

Mechelen Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Charleroi Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Mons Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Namur Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Ostend Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

17 Best Bars in Brussels and their signature Drinks

Dinant Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Liege Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

10 Best Brussels Museums, Art Galleries and Exhibitions

20 Best things to do in Ardennes: My 4 day itinerary

29 Interesting Facts about Brussels

Brussels Travel Guide: 18 Best Things to Do, History, Facts and Hotels

Brussels Christmas Markets 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Visiting Hallerbos: The Blue Forest of Belgium

Visiting the Villers Abbey: Location, History and Guide!

C-mine Genk: Mining site turned to Cultural center

Fort Breendonk: Concentration camp turned National Memorial

My Belgium travel guide contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Join 58,000+ other Wonderful Wanderers!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

• How to get to Belgium

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• getting-there
• Travel guide
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

UK travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding how to get to Belgium. There are flights to Brussels from London and a string of regional airports; Eurostar trains direct from London to Brussels; ferries from Rosyth and Hull to Zeebrugge, near Bruges, and from Ramsgate to Ostend; Eurotunnel services from Folkestone to Calais, a short drive from the Belgian coast; and frequent international buses from London to Brussels and Antwerp. Buses are usually the least expensive means of transportation, but the train is faster and often not that much more expensive, and there are all sorts of great deals on flights too.

Flights from the UK and Ireland

By train from the uk, driving from the uk, by ferry from the uk, by train from continental europe, by bus from the uk, tailor-made travel itineraries for belgium, created by local experts.

8 days  / from 2756 USD

The best of the Netherlands and Belgium

This trip will bring you the best of two countries: the Netherlands and Belgium. From the quaint streets, canals and windmills of Holland to beer and Belgium chocolate tasting in three beautiful Belgium cities. This trip has it all.

9 days  / from 2968 USD

Experience the Liberation Route in BeNeLux

Explore the path of the World War II Liberation Route through Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Visit important landmarks and museums on the way with this self drive itinerary, with enough time to explore cities such as Brussels and Rotterdam on the way.

10 days  / from 5512 USD

Taste of Three - Belgium, France and Switzerland

Start your journey in Belgium and explore Brussels, Ghent and Bruges. A high-speed train will then take you to Strasbourg, from where you'll discover the Alsace. Proceed to Basel as your base, from where you'll see plenty of Switzerland: Zermatt, Matterhorn, Mount Pilatus and much more.

Tailor-made trips for   Belgium

For travellers arriving from North America, the main decision is whether to fly direct to Brussels – though the options are limited – or via another European city, probably London. Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans have to fly via another city – there are no nonstop flights.

From the UK , Belgium’s major airport – Brussels – is readily reached from London and a large number of regional airports. There’s also Brussels-Charleroi airport, whose name is somewhat deceptive – it’s actually on the edge of Charleroi, about 50km south of the capital. Luxembourg City airport, the third choice, is just a short bus ride from Luxembourg City. Airlines flying from the UK to Belgium include British Airways, bmi, Brussels Airlines, easyJet, Flybe, Lufthansa, KLM and Ryanair. Flying times are insignificant: no more than 1.5hr from London or regional airports to Brussels.

Flying from Ireland , there’s much less choice, but Ryanair charges very reasonable rates for flights from Dublin to Brussels-Charleroi, while Aer Lingus links Dublin with Brussels airport, and Scandinavian Airlines flies from Dublin to Brussels.

Whichever route and carrier you choose, it’s hard to say precisely what you’ll pay at any given time – there are just too many variables. That said, flying to Brussels from the UK with one of the low-cost airlines, a reasonable average fare would be about £100 return (including taxes), though you can pay as little as £50 and as much as £400.

From the US and Canada

From the US , you can fly direct to Brussels from New York City (American, Delta or Continental from Newark), Philadelphia (US Airways), Atlanta (Delta), Washington (United) and Chicago (American), but you’ll often find cheaper deals if you’re prepared to stop once, either in the US or mainland Europe. Return fares to Brussels from New York can be found for as little as $800, but $1200–1500 is a more normal fare. From Chicago , fares can cost as little as $1000, but $1500 is more the average. There are no direct flights from the West Coast , but plenty of carriers will get you to Brussels with one stop, for as little as $1200 return.

From Canada , Air Canada flies nonstop to London Heathrow, with onward connections to Brussels. From Toronto to Brussels, return fares range from Can$700 to Can$2000, and about twenty percent more (Can$850–2400) from Vancouver .

From Australia and New Zealand

There are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Brussels. Most itineraries will involve two changes, one in the Far East – Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur – and then another in the gateway city of the airline you’re flying with (most commonly Paris, Amsterdam or London). You can get tickets to Brussels from Sydney or Melbourne for Aus$1500–2000 if you shop around, and from Auckland for slightly more.

From South Africa

There are no direct flights from South Africa to Belgium, but KLM does offer direct flights to Amsterdam, a short train ride away from Belgium, from both Cape Town and Johannesburg. Alternatively, South African Airways flies direct to London, Munich and Frankfurt, from where it’s a short hop onto Belgium and Luxembourg. Return fares with KLM from both cities direct to Amsterdam cost ZAR9000–10000.

Eurostar trains running through the Channel Tunnel put Belgium within easy striking distance of London’s St Pancras plus two stations in Kent – Ashford and Ebbsfleet. Indeed, considering the time it takes to check into any of London’s airports, Eurostar is often faster than a flight – if, that is, you live in or near London. Eurostar operates around ten services a day from London St Pancras to Bruxelles-Midi, and the journey time is a very competitive two hours. Fares are largely defined by ticket flexibility, with the least flexible returns costing around £150, the most flexible, whose times and dates can be changed at will, working out at about £400. However, advance booking – at least three weeks ahead – halves the cost of the cheapest return ticket, and Eurostar also offers myriad special deals and discounts. Eurostar tickets from London to Brussels are also common rated for Belgium as a whole, which means, for example, that you can travel on to and return from Bruges via Brussels at no extra cost; this common rating system may come to an end if and when other train companies start using the Channel Tunnel.

If you’re visiting Belgium as part of a longer European trip, it may be worth considering a pan-European rail pass . There are lots to choose from and Rail Europe ( w www.raileurope.com ), the umbrella company for all national and international passes, operates a comprehensive website detailing all the options with prices. Note in particular that some passes have to be bought before leaving home, others can only be bought in specific countries. For train travel within Belgium and Luxembourg.

To reach Belgium by car or motorbike , you can either take one of the car ferries mentioned below or use Eurotunnel ’s shuttle train through the Channel Tunnel. Note that Eurotunnel only carries cars (including occupants) and motorbikes, not foot passengers. From the Eurotunnel exit in Calais, it’s just 50km or so to De Panne, on the Belgian coast, 120km to Bruges and 200km to Brussels.

There are up to four Eurotunnel shuttle trains per hour (only one per hour midnight–6am), taking 35 minutes (45min for some night departure times); you must check in at Folkestone at least thirty minutes before departure. It’s possible to turn up and buy your ticket at the toll booths (exit the M20 at junction 11a), though advance booking is advisable and usually much less expensive. Fares , which are levied on the vehicle (not the number of passengers), depend on the time of year, time of day and length of stay; it’s usually cheaper to travel between 10pm and 6am, and advance booking attracts substantial discounts. Book well ahead, and a week-long return ticket in June will cost £100–140 without any flexibility, £200 with flexibility.

Three operators currently run car ferries from the UK direct to two ports in Belgium. They are Transeuropa , whose vessels link Ramsgate with Ostend (4hr); P&O from Hull to Zeebrugge (13hr); and Norfolkline from Rosyth to Zeebrugge (20hr). Zeebrugge is a few kilometres from Bruges. Tariffs vary enormously, depending on when you leave, how long you stay, what size your vehicle is and how many passengers are in it; on the two longer routes, there is also the cost of a cabin to consider. As a sample fare, Transeuropa Ferries charges about £50 to transport a car and four passengers from Ramsgate to Ostend – and the return costs about the same, though special deals can lower the price even further. On the two longer routes, booking ahead is strongly recommended – indeed it’s essential in summer.

Belgium has borders with France, Germany and the Netherlands. A veritable raft of rail lines runs into Belgium from its neighbours. Ordinary trains link many cities and towns and there are also the express trains of Thalys , a combined project of the Belgian, Dutch, French and German railways. The hub of the Thalys network is Brussels, from where there are trains to – among many destinations – Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Paris and Cologne.

Given the low cost of budget-airline airfares, travelling by long-distance bus from the UK to Belgium may not seem too attractive a proposition, but it is still likely to be the cheapest way of getting there. Eurolines , part of National Express, has four daily departures from London’s Victoria coach station to Antwerp and Brussels, with a journey time of around eight hours to both destinations. Return tickets cost £40–60, and there are small discounts for travellers under 25 and over 60. There are also less frequent Eurolines buses to several other Belgian cities, including Ghent.

The Rough Guides to Belgium and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for Belgium

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Belgium

• Eating and drinking in Belgium
• Getting around Belgium: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Belgium for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Belgium

Find even more inspiration here

• Travel Tips

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 30.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Belgium?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

How to travel to Belgium

Bordered by Germany , France , the Netherlands and Luxembourg, Belgium is well connected with its neighbouring countries and wider Europe . It's a small and compact country and getting around once you're there is easy thanks to a great public transport system. The rest of Europe is on your doorstep, with affordable flights and great interrail and bus travel options if you have more time to spare or are looking for a greener way to travel .

Flying is the easiest and most time-efficient way to travel to Belgium. The most popular option is to fly to the capital city, Brussels which has good rail and bus links with the rest of the country.  Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is the country’s main international airport with flights to over 220 European and international destinations. Another option is to fly into Brussels  South Airport in Charleroi – roughly 50 kilometres outside of Brussels – which connects Belgium with 190 destinations.

Here are the average flight times to Brussels from several major cities in Europe:

• London to Brussels - 1 hour 10 mins 
• Paris to Brussels - 1 hour
• Barcelona to Brussels - 2 hours 10 mins 
• Dublin to Brussels - 1 hour 40 mins 
• Copenhagen - 1 hour 30 mins 
• Munich - 1 hour 20 mins 
• Rome - 2 hours 10 mins

Taking the Eurostar is a great way to see two fabulous cities in one trip: lively London and beautiful Belgium. Setting off from London St Pancras International Station, it takes just two hours to get from London to Brussels via the channel tunnel. Three ticket options are available to suit your budget: Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier – Standard ticket fares can be as cheap as GBP 29 if you book in advance or snag a last-minute deal.

Purchasing an 'Any Belgian Station' ticket also includes a local train fare to Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent in case you want to kick off your trip from these cities. Simply hop off when you arrive at Brussels-Midi/Zuid and transfer to a local train on another platform (there will be signs showing you where to go, or you can ask a staff member for directions). All Eurostar tickets are now flexible, meaning you can change your booking details up to seven days before departure with no exchange fee – simply pay the difference in fare.

You can also drive your car on the Eurostar Le Shuttle from the Folkstone Terminal in the UK , which is a much faster way to get to Belgium than on the ferry.

If you’re travelling from the UK, you can take a ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkerque with P&O Ferries or DFDS Seaways . You can travel as a foot passenger or in a car. Once you arrive at one of these ports, it’s fairly easy to drive to Wallonia in southern Belgium via the   E40   motorway through northern France.

If you're travelling as a foot passenger you can also take a train to Brussels from Calais and Dunkerque with SNCF Connect on the high-speed train (also known as the TGV). It costs around EUR 40 for a single ticket and the journey takes two hours. Travelling on the TGV is comfortable and efficient and you'll also get to enjoy the pretty French countryside along the way.

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

• Belgium Travel Tips: 19 Things That Will Make Your Trip Easier

I’m not a fan of stereotypes, but Belgium really is all about fries, waffles, beer, chocolate, and beer. Did I mention the beer? This country deserves to be on your travel radar.  

Here are a few pointers and tips that could be useful for your travel to Belgium. Bits and bobs that you’ll only learn through experience.  

Before we start, here are our ratings for Belgium : 

• Belgium Itinerary: 7 Days in the Heart of Europe!
• The Top 15 Museums in Belgium: From Comics to Beer
• Our 9 Top Restaurants in Belgium
• 7 Best Day Trips from Brussels (Includes Train Details)

Prices 

Is Belgium expensive?  

1. Belgium is cheap compared to other Western European countries

Look at this happy guy in Bruges  

You’d think that the presence of the headquarters of the EU would make Belgium a very expensive country, but it’s in fact not that bad. Neighboring Netherlands, France and Luxembourg are all more expensive , so Belgium comes out looking pretty cheap! Although realistically, it’s still on the expensive side.  

Dinner for 2 at a nice restaurant costs €70–80. A pint of beer is around €5. A room in a good 4- or 5-star hotel can cost from €200 to €300.  

2. You rarely need cash

Money, money, money...  

You can pay by card everywhere except for maybe some tiny shops or souvenir shops. Even on public transportation you can usually pay not only with cards, but also your phone or smart watch .

Our top tips for traveling in Belgium : 

• Almost everywhere in Belgium can be easily visited as a day trip. Consider basing yourself in a fantastic hotel in Brussels (like the Radisson Red ) and making trips out from there.
• Take the train instead of driving. It’s fast, clean, cost-effective and cool. And ecology-minded, for those of you that are so inclined.
• Summers in Belgium are rainy and winters are foggy and damp. Visit in the spring instead.  

Transportation 

So how do you get around? Not in a car, that’s for sure! 

3. DON’T rent a car in Belgium

This time I recommend travelling by train  

Not only does the parking in popular Belgian cities suck (time limits on central parking, residential-only parking spots) and cost a fortune, the trains are just so good .  

4. DO travel by train in Belgium

The train station in Antwerp is one of the nicest in Europe!  

Belgian trains are comfortable, cheap, and fast as lightning . Brussels to Ghent or Antwerp is like 30 minutes! It makes making day trips from Brussels really easy.  

(I mean you could stay the night in Antwerp , because there’s plenty to see, but you don’t necessarily have to. If you can stay at the 5-star Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp , you’ll be doing yourself a favor.) 

We went as far as including Paris on our list of top day trips from Brussels . Yeah, it’ll still be a crazy long day, but hey, who wouldn’t want to see the Eiffel Tower on a trip to Belgium ?!  

Within the country, two people can travel on a train for the price of one with the “duo ticket”.  

Check connections and buy tickets on the website of the National Railway Company of Belgium (SNBC) . 

5. Within cities, walk or take taxis (or even trams)

Grand Place in Brussels  

As for transportation within cities , I’ll again step out of my comfort zone and endorse public transportation. It’s well organized and easy to get around with.

In Ghent , a day pass for public transportation costs €7.50, which is great value for money. In Bruges , the only alternative to a day pass is a 10-journey ticket for €17, which I’m not sure you’d utilize because almost everything is within walking distance.  

In general, in the compact city centers of Ghent and Bruges you’ll mostly just walk .  

In Brussels , since you’ll need to cover a larger area, taking public transportation often means multiple tram/bus changes (you can find connections online or in an app ). For us, that meant Bolt provided a better service with less hassle.  

Brussels reminded us of Berlin with its wide avenues and mostly flat geography . Perfect conditions for bikes and scooters (which can also be rented).  

Weather 

When should you visit Belgium?  

6. The best time to visit Belgium is not in the summer

We visited Belgium in April and as you can see, the weather was perfect! (The Atomium and Mini-Europe in Brussels )  

But also definitely not the winter! Unless you like sightseeing on cold, foggy days. Temperatures aren’t crazy low, hovering around 3–7°C, but it’s the damp air that’ll get you . It stays this cold until March. Then again, maybe you’ll find the frozen canals of Ghent charming.  

Summer in Belgium is short . Seriously, if you blink you might miss it. It starts in July and is over by August. I mean summer is usually stupidly short in the Czech Republic too, but this is just plain sad. Average daytime temperatures during Belgian summers are around 25°C. July also brings the most rain of the year . 

And so, I hereby proclaim April to June the best time to visit Belgium. Temperatures gradually rise to a pleasant 15–20°C, chances of rain are minimal and you’ll be missing the summer price surge. The mornings are crisp and skies are mostly blue—perfect for an outing!    

7. It rains a lot in Belgium

Pack an umbrella!  

You also better get ready for some rain. With an average of 200 rainy days per year , your chances of at least a drizzle are pretty high. Rain comes in pretty steady year-round with a slight increase in July and in December and the highest chance of a dry day in the spring (April-ish).   

It has to do with Belgium’s location by the sea .  

As they say in countries with crap weather: There is no bad weather, just bad clothing . So suit up! 

People 

Belgians are a friendly bunch.  

8. Almost 30% of Belgians aren’t Belgian

Wondering what to visit? We’ve got you covered: Read our list of top places in Belgium.  

Belgium is like the United Colors of Benetton in the best way possible. Now I’m a white dude so I’m not supposed to have an opinion on this, but from my perspective, Belgium had a positive multicultural vibe .  

It was very different from what I witnessed in South Africa and even the US where different races mean you hang out and live in different circles. Everyone in Belgium just seemed to get along and mingle .  

9. Belgians are polyglots

How about a day trip from Brussels to Antwerp?  

In general, the people of Belgium are super nice and speak perfect English . That’s along with their native Flemish (in the north) or French (in the south). In Brussels, people usually speak all three, or rather a mix of French and Dutch, and English on top of that.     

More on the languages of Belgium (plus history, geography, economics, etc.) in our Belgium Background article .  

Tourist infrastructure 

You’ll feel right at home in Belgium. Belgium’s infrastructure, in general, is top notch and tourists benefit from it greatly.  

10. You speak English, they speak English

Belgium is easy and delightful to travel through. The fact that most people have a good command of English makes finding your way around and figuring out the hows and whats of travel smooth sailing.  

Brussels is especially used to dealing in English, being a business city and the headquarters of the EU.  

(Speaking of which, the Stanhope Hotel by Thon Hotels and the Radisson Red are both fantastic hotels that are within spitting distance of the EU Parliament in Brussels . The Radisson is our personal favorite. Just saying.) 

11. Exploring is made easy in Belgium

We liked Ghent (pictured) a little better than Bruges  

Belgian trains are fantastic —fast, clean and cheap. They’ll get you anywhere in the country quickly and you can buy your tickets online with no trouble at all. See the transportation section above for details.  

Museum websites are always available in English, online tickets can easily be bought if you don’t want to deal with live humans at the ticket desk. The user-friendliness of museums is great, providing audio or interactive guides in many languages. Check out our list of the best museums in Belgium for info on some of the ones we liked the most.  

All the food in Belgium is basically comfort food , so if you aren’t exactly adventurous with your taste buds, Belgium will be easy on you. See below.  

Food and drinks 

Belgium is one of our favorite countries for food.  

12. Belgian food = wonderful, fried goodness

What more could you want? It’s almost impossible to be sad in Belgium!   

I don’t know if all the beer and fries clouded my judgment, but we ate really well. Granted, a lot of the food is fried and the variety isn’t huge , but you can’t argue with a satisfied stomach.  

Just don’t ask for French fries , because no self-respecting Belgian would ever use that term.  

Waffles are omnipresent, which sounds like a great thing. Who wouldn’t want delicious waffles on every corner, right? The problem is that they are usually crappy tourist waffles , and not the delights that Belgium is known for. Check out our guide to Belgian restaurants for a few tips on where to get the real deal.  

More on the best food and beer in Belgium in a separate article .  

13. The beer culture in Belgium is real

Left: Smell some hops and become a beer expert! Right: Taste some beer and become a beer expert! @  Bruges Beer Experience  in Bruges  

As a beer lover, I found the beer culture in Belgium very satisfying (and entertaining). I didn’t see a soul drinking wine!  

Beer is paired with absolutely everything even in the best restaurants. We learned a ton about beer on our Beer Experience tour in Bruges , which elevated this classic to a whole new level in our eyes.  

14. There are terrific restaurants all over the place

Find out which place in Brussels made us this happy in our best restaurants in Belgium article  

For restaurants, we usually check reviews on Google Maps or TripAdvisor before heading out to a meal. Make sure to make dinner reservations if you’re heading to a popular and centrally located restaurant. Our list of the best restaurants in Belgium can help you discover some fantastic options.   

Hotels 

You won’t have any trouble finding a great hotel in Belgium. You’ll have more trouble choosing the one out of many!  

15. In Brussels, you need to try the Radisson Red

The cool and comfortable Radisson Red  

We were loyal to our now-favorite Radisson Red in Brussels . It’s a super cool, stylish hotel that is excellent value for money. It’s all artsy and high-tech, you’ll love it.  

We first tried the Radisson Red chain in Lima, Peru , but they have hotels all over the world , including Europe, the US and South Africa , so we’ll for sure be staying with them again in the future. We only have good things to say about them and want to pass on the recommendation.  

16. Make your hotel reservations through booking.com

The charming Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce , right on the canals of Bruges  

We put hotel recommendations in all of our Belgium articles , but basically any hotel with a rating of at least 9.0 on booking.com , which is hands down our favorite booking website, will probably make you happy.  

A room in a good 4- or 5- star hotel in Belgium will cost you between €200 and €300 per night.  

We have an affiliate link for booking.com not because we get rich off of it (we don’t, trust us), but because we sincerely think it’s the best place to book your hotels and use it ourselves all the time. We do get a small kick-back if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. We appreciate the love!  

Things to do in Belgium

I had high expectations from Belgium, but almost no expectations from Brussels in terms of interesting things to do. But alas, after some research, I started getting excited— Brussels was looking mighty fine! And even then, Brussels totally surpassed what I thought it would be!  

17. Cities are the top thing to visit in Belgium

Ghent was one of our favorite places in Belgium  

Brussels itself warrants a 3-day visit . There are so many fantastic museums to choose from, plus the EU Parliament, Mini-Europe and of course the Atomium. And so much more. Check out our Brussels guide of top things to do or start planning with our Brussels 3-day itinerary .  

Other popular cities , like Bruges , Ghent and Antwerp, should all be on your list of places to visit in Belgium. The former two have lovely historical centers set on numerous canals. They are all easy day trips from Brussels on the fantastic Belgian trains.  

A shout out to the Catholic Church, whose spectacular churches are almost always free to visit.  

We have an article with a list of the best places to visit in Belgium if you want more detailed descriptions.  

18. You can’t visit Belgium without going to the museums

The Parlamentarium in Brussels  

Like I said, the museums in Belgium are just fantastic—very high quality, well-curated, usually interactive and fun . They are also some of the biggest I’ve ever visited. The huge Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels can take you all day (if you leave your wife at the hotel) .  

Some museums are interactive and tasty, like the Choco Story Museum in Brussels , or our personal favorite, the Beer Experience in Bruges .  

Almost all museums give you a tablet as a guide and off you go to explore.  

Ticket prices to most museums range from €10 to €20 .  

19. Belgium doesn’t have a lot of nature worth seeing

Check out the coast of Belgium: Zwin Nature Park  

As for nature , well, there is none. If you’re really set on seeing something that wasn’t created by humans, you can choose to visit the coast and Zwin Nature Park , a marshy area by the sea full of birds and sand dunes . Look for nests from the viewpoints and huts and enjoy the sea breeze.  

Or, visit the Meuse Valley . The Meuse River cuts deeply into the landscape in southern Belgium, creating great scenery along its banks, though most of what you’ll actually be stopping to see are man-made places like towns and castles picturesquely built next to or on the limestone cliffs along the river.   

For more ravishing information about this little country, click on over to our Belgium Background article . We’ll tell you how it became half-French, half-Dutch, why it’s called the Battlefield of Europe, and which red, yellow and black felines the Belgian flag represents.  

Where to next?

• Cities: Brussels , Bruges , Ghent
• The best of the best: Top museums in Belgium , Top restaurants in Belgium
• Make plans: Best day trips from Brussels , Best places in Belgium , Brussels 3-day itinerary
• Background: Belgium basics, The best food and beer in Belgium

This post may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission if you make bookings through my links, at no additional cost to you. This helps us keep this blog free, thank you!  

Recommended articles

If you are about to plan a trip to Belgium, you are lucky my friend! You have just found the best Belgium itinerary there is! I’ve obviously had my humble pie this morning, so let’s get on with it.

Antwerp, is a center of culture, art, history, and diamonds. The options for things to do in a day in Antwerp are almost limitless. But this is my—aka the best—take on how to spend one day in Antwerp. 

Belgium’s selection of museums is the crème de la crème of museums. We museum’d out all over the country and these are the museums that we think are the best in Belgium. And yes, the top one is a beer museum.

Thoughts? Give us a shout!

Hi! I’m Jan. I live in Prague, Czech Republic. I try to experience the best the world has to offer, and I don’t cease to be impressed. But if I’m not, I’m sure going to tell you! You can count on my full honesty and real opinions here. No bullcrap. I own and run several companies, which gives me great (but not unlimited) freedom to roam the world.  

I was first inspired to start this blog by my own experience of researching for upcoming trips—I often struggle with a lack of good information, accuracy, and authenticity of resources. You wouldn’t believe how many “travel bloggers” don’t even visit the destinations they write about! 

My goal with this blog is to provide you with complex and practical information so that you can plan your own vacation, complete with insights you’d only get if you visited the place. I also put together itineraries that are fully planned out trip guides.

Another aspect that drives this platform is my curiosity about the history, geography, politics, and economy of each country I visit, so I try to include this information in my articles, too. It’s always great to get the bigger picture, right? 

And just to be clear, I am not trying to compete with backpacking blogs or provide hacks for an economical and affordable experience. My vacations follow the standard pattern of traveling by plane, staying in good hotels, and renting a car on the spot to get around. I’m also always up for a fantastic meal, though I don’t shy away from local delicacies and street food, either.  

• Destinations
• Travel hacks
• Privacy policy

Belgium Itinerary: How to See the Best of Belgium in 3 or 4 Days

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 27, 2023

Visiting Belgium for the first time and are not sure where to start with planning your trip? Then this post is for you. In this article, we feature a suggested Belgium itinerary that brings you to the most beautiful places in Belgium in three or four days . Read on!

Our tiny country is squeezed in between the top-tourist destinations like London , Amsterdam , or Paris and is therefore often overlooked. But Belgium has a lot to offer to any type of traveler!

Since I know that many people don’t have a lot of time to explore Belgium deeper, here are my very best recommendations for a short first trip to Belgium .

Even if you are visiting Belgium for just one or two days, you will be able to plan your trip using our tips below. But if you have the time, I recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days in Belgium .

My recommended three day Belgium itinerary includes the capital city Brussels and the most beautiful towns of Flanders – Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges.

If you have four days in Belgium I also strongly recommend visiting one of the historic war sites in Belgium – either Ypres and WWI battlefields or Bastogne and its WWII museums and monuments.

TIP: The distances in Belgium are not big and there are good railway connections between all major towns. Therefore you can base yourself in any city and make day trips from there – that way you don’t have to pack/unpack all the time. But you can, of course, stay in a different town every day as well. Find out!

Good to know: Since most of the main highlights of Belgium are towns, you can visit Belgium in any season. 

Recommended Belgium itinerary:

Day 1: Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and a city every tourist has to see at least once. In my opinion, one day is plenty of time in order to see the main highlights of Brussels. If you want to visit museums (Musical Instruments Museum is my favorite and there are so many more) and less centrally located areas you will, of course, need more time.

Here is my suggested itinerary for Brussels in one day:

In the morning, take a walk in the town center and don’t miss the following places:

• Grand Place and the Town Hall. The central square of Brussels is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful town squares in the world. Surrounded by the decorative 17the century guild houses, the impressive City Hall and the Maison du Roi (now the Brussels City Museum) it’s a place not to be missed. My favorite time to go is in the evening when the crowds are smaller and the buildings are nicely lit.
• Manneken Pis.  According to one of the legends, the little peeing boy saved the city from the fire and is the ultimate symbol of Brussels. The iconic bronze statue will surprise you with its small size. Depending on the day you visit, you might see him naked or dressed. Manneken Pis has over 1000 costumes for all kinds of different occasions. Here you can read the real story of Manneken-Pis and how he became so popular.
• Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert . The 19th-century pedestrian gallery with numerous boutiques and restaurants is not to be missed.
• St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral . Finished at the beginning of the 16th century, the impressive Gothic cathedral took over 300 years to build. It is here that all significant Belgian monarchy’s celebrations take place: coronations, weddings, and state funerals.
• Royal Palace of Brussels.  The official palace of the Belgian King in the center of Brussels is used for all kinds of official events and can be visited from the end of July till the beginning of September. The Royal family itself lives in the Castle of Laeken, on the outskirts of Brussels.
• Mont des Arts. This ‘hill of the arts’ is a nice garden overlooking the Sablon area and the City Hall of Brussels.
• Brussels Stock Exchange . Impressive architecture.

In the afternoon take a metro to the Heysel area and visit   Atomium . If you have an hour to spare, you may want to visit Mini Europe  as well. It’s one of the nicest family-friendly attractions in Brussels. Combination tickets are available for both attractions.

In the evening head back to the city center of Brussels, see the nicely lit Grand Place, and check out the famous dining area –  Rue des Bouchers. I don’t advise dining here as the restaurants are real tourist traps, but this street has such a unique atmosphere that no visit to Brussels would be complete without passing by here.

A bit hidden out of sight, the ‘sister’ of the Manneken Pis – Jeanneke Pis can be found in a small alley next to the Rue des Bouchers.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Brussels

Some practical tips for visiting Brussels:

• Brussels is a good base for exploring Belgium. There are direct train connections to all the major towns.
• Where to eat. Like in many cities, there are many good restaurants in Brussels, but there are real tourist traps as well. One of our favorites for traditional Belgian food in the center of Brussels is ‘t Kelderke located right on Grand Place. Despite its central location, this restaurant managed to maintain high-quality standards for many years. Recently we discovered a really nice Italian restaurant – Spago that I would also recommend.
• Safety. Brussels is a rather safe city, but – as in any other big city – there are some areas to avoid and simple safety tips to follow. For more information, please check our guide – is Brussels safe?
• Where to stay. If you decide to use Brussels as your base for exploring Belgium, I would advise staying close to the Central Station (e.g. Hilton Grand Place ) – from there you can easily get to the airport and to the other towns. Here you can read our complete guide to the best places to stay in Brussels and here you can find the top 10 of the most popular hotels in Brussels center .

READ ALSO: Brussels Christmas Market & Brussels Flower Carpet

Day 2: Antwerp

Antwerp is my personal favorite Belgian town. It’s not as big as Brussels, not as touristic as Bruges or Ghent, and therefore has a more authentic feeling. I strongly suggest that you spend the whole day in Antwerp.

Since we live nearby, I have quite a few more detailed blog posts highlighting the  best things to do in Antwerp with kids ,  exploring Antwerp by bike , etc.

Below are my suggestions for the main places you have to see in Antwerp.  Below, you can find a link to our more detailed guide to the best things to do in Antwerp, including a suggested city walk with the map.

• Central Station
• Antwerp Zoo
• Rubens House
• Groenplaats
• Cathedral of Our Lady
• Grote Markt
• Steen Castle
• MAS rooftop terrace
• The New Port House
• Starline Museum

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Antwerp & Antwerp Hidden Gems

Some practical tips for visiting Antwerp:

• Antwerp is very well located and has excellent connections to Brussels Airport and Brussels city center (35-40 min), but also to Ghent (50 min) and Bruges (1h30).
• In my view, Antwerp is as good a place to base yourself for exploring Belgium as Brussels. Depending on when you visit, it’s likely that it will be somewhat cheaper to stay in Antwerp than in Brussels. Here you can find accommodation in Antwerp .

Day 3: Ghent and Bruges

While some people choose to spend the whole day in each Ghent and Bruges, you can see the very best these cities have to offer in just half a day as well. So if you are short on time, you can visit Ghent and Bruges on the same day. The train between the two towns only takes 35 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take an organized day trip from Brussels  – they will take you to the most beautiful spots of these two must-see Flemish towns.

I suggest that you go to Ghent first (you’ll see why later). The Dampoort Railway Station is the one closest to the old historic town center.

Here are the main places not to be missed in Ghent:

• Gravensteen. The 10th-century castle is worth a short visit.
• Leie river. Take a walk along Graslei and Korenlei and past  St Michael’s Bridge.  A great way to explore Ghent is by taking a short boat trip.
• Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral . Inside you can opt to visit the famous  Ghent Altarpiece , aka the Mystic Lamb painting.
• Belfry and Cloth Hall and St. Nicholas Church are also worth a short visit.

Have lunch in Ghent, then head back to the Dampoort Railway Station and take a train to Bruges.

I always advise visiting Bruges toward the evening because it’s crowded with tourists during the day. Bruges is a fairytale-like place, but it’s difficult to truly appreciate it if you have to squeeze your way through the crowds.

However, only a very small percentage of tourists actually stay in Bruges, so in the evening the city is completely deserted, and you can have the whole place to yourselves. 

If you come by train, plan to stay late in the evening and explore the beautiful canals after all the day tourists have left. It’s my very best tip for anyone visiting Bruges for the first time.

Here are the main things to do in Bruges for first-time visitors:

• Lake of Love – Minnewater .
• The old beguinage Ten Wijngaerde.
• Belfort of Bruges – you can climb this medieval tower for beautiful views.
• Market Place – the central town square of Bruges.
• Burg Square is really beautiful too. Take a narrow passageway left from the City Hall towards the Vismarkt (Fish Market), then go right (South) and follow the canals in the direction of the Church of Our Lady .
• A real must-do in Bruges is a boat ride on the canals .
• If you have some time left, you could visit one of the breweries – De Halve Maan Brewery or Bourgogne des Flanders Brewery .

Have dinner in one of the many restaurants in Bruges and head back to the canals. As I said, it’s a very different atmosphere in the evening.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Bruges

TIP: if you are planning to visit the WWI battlefields (see below), then it’s best to stay in Bruges to avoid driving up and down too much.

Day 4: World War I Battlefields near Ypres

To some people, WWI battlefields are the main reason to visit Belgium. But the majority of tourists never even consider it…

I have to admit that it took us many years to get there (and we live in Belgium), but it was so worth it! There is so much history in those war cemeteries, fields, and trenches! 

We now visited Ypres and the WWI battlefields several times, with our kids, and it’s an experience I would recommend to everyone. Below, you can find a link to a detailed guide for your visit.

Here are the main places not to miss when visiting the WWI battlefields:

• Ypres: In Flanders Fields Museum and the Menin Gate
• Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial
• Langemark German War Cemetery
• Yser Tower – IJzertoren Diksmuide
• Trench of Death, Diksmuide
• Essex Farm Cemetery
• Vladslo German War Cemetery

LEARN MORE: Ypres and the WWI Battlefields

Some practical tips for visiting the WWI battlefields:

• You will need a car to get there, or you can join an organized day tour from Bruges .

TIP: If you are interested in the history of the Second World War, you may want to visit Bastogne town in the French-speaking part of Belgium.

LEARN MORE: Bastogne War Museum & Mardasson Memorial

If you only have three or four days in Belgium, then this itinerary is all you need. If you have more time and are looking for ideas on what else to see, check our other blog posts about Belgium for more inspiration.

You could also consider visiting the French-speaking part of Belgium with beautiful places like Namur, Dinant , Durbuy, etc. Luxembourg is also just a 2,5 hours drive from Brussels and there are lots of beautiful places to visit near Luxembourg .

Winter TIP: If you are visiting Belgium in winter , don’t miss our Christmas markets. Here you can find our selection of the best Christmas markets in Belgium .

Summer TIP for families: If you are visiting Belgium with kids, take them to a theme park. Here you can read about our recommended Belgian theme parks .

Belgium FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions that our readers ask about visiting Belgium:

As a minimum, we recommend 3-4 days in Belgium. With 3 days, you can briefly visit the most beautiful cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. If you have 4 days, you can also visit some of the famous Belgian war sites.

Belgium is a year round destination and because most landmarks are located in the cities, you can visit at any time of the year. For the best weather, come between April and September. In summer, Belgium hosts lots of festivals and events. From mid-November until January, you can visit Belgian Christmas markets.

Belgium is a small country and it’s possible to stay in one place and see everything. For that, Brussels is probably the best place to stay. Alternatively, Antwerp or Ghent are also well located for exploring the main cities in Belgium. If you decide to stay in Brussels, we recommend staying close to the Central Station. That way, you can easily make day trips to other destinations in Belgium.

Yes, Belgium is absolutely worth visiting! There is so much history, stunning architecture, and arts. Also Belgian food is worth a trip in itself.

The main highlights of Belgium are its cities. Don’t miss Brussels, the canals of Bruges, Antwerp city center, and charming Ghent. If you are interested in war history, Belgium has some interesting war sites, especially around Ypres and Bastogne.

Belgium has a reputation for being a rainy country. However, in recent years, we often have very long periods with no rain at all. While there is always a chance that it will rain in Belgium, you can also have the most beautiful sunny weather during the entire trip. In principle, the driest months in Belgium are between April and September.

READ ALSO: Fun & Interesting Facts About Belgium

More tips for visiting Benelux:

• Brussels in summer: Brussels Flower Carpet
• Belgium in winter: What It’s Like to Travel in Belgium in Winter & Brussels Christmas Market & Antwerp Christmas Market & Bruges Christmas Market
• Antwerp: Best Things to Do in Antwerp & Hidden Gems of Antwerp
• Amsterdam: Best Things to Do in Amsterdam & 1 Day in Amsterdam & 2 Days in Amsterdam
• Netherlands: Best Day Trips in the Netherlands & Best Tulip Fields in the Netherlands
• Luxembourg: Best Day Trips from Luxembourg

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Priyank Malhotra

Friday 25th of August 2023

Hi, we are planning to come in end of February next year to Belgium for 3 days, can you advise if it rains a lot in February so that we can pack our clothes accordingly, we will be traveling with our 2 years old kid. And is it advisable to travel in February. Loved your blog but didn't see lot of festival and activities in February. Also in the cities, from one place to another do you advise to walk or use public transport. Planning to stay in Brussels and doing day trips to Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, hoping that won't be too tiring with the kid. Thank you!

Hi Priyank, if there is one thing you can't predict is the weather in Belgium (in any season). February is usually quite cold and rainy (can snow too), but we have had some amazing warm weather in February too. You really never know, but you can check the weather forecast a few days before you travel and you'll get a better idea of what to expect. As for whether it's advisable to travel to Belgium in February, it all depends on your expectations and what you want to see and do. February is the Carnival season, so there will be a lot going on. Google "Aalst Carnival" for example, and there are many other places where you can see carnival celebrations. Do some research and see if anything interests you. Most city centers are walkable, but there are lots of cobblestones. We also have good public transport if you need to cover bigger distances (trams, metros, buses, etc.). For intercity travel, take a train. With a child that age, be sure to pack a stroller (ideally with big wheels and a rain cover)! Also, you may want to plan some time visiting museums. Keep in mind that the days are rather short at that time of the year, so it gets dark early (around 6pm depending on when exactly you travel). You may also want to read this article to get a better idea of what it's like to visit Belgium in winter.

Diane Falconer

Friday 10th of March 2023

Can you suggest how we can create an itinerary that takes us from the Dinant/Durbuy area to Bruges/Ghent and on to the Netherlands (Delft, Hoorn, Giethoorn, Amsterdam)? How long should we plan on for Belgian portion? And the Dutch? We are driving. No children.

Hi Diane, unfortunately, I really have no time to help our readers with individual itinerary suggestions. There are just too many options and everything depends on your interests and the time that you have. You can spend just a few hours in most of these places, or a few days in each. You can find quite a few detailed guides for Belgian and Dutch destinations on our blog. So try to figure out what you really want to see, how much time you want to spend, and how you will travel/where you'll stay and park your car in the cities (or just outside), and then it will be easier to make an itinerary. Good luck!

Tess Lawler

Thursday 8th of December 2022

We've scheduled an upcoming Viking cruise which will end in Antwerp on 04/04/23 and I was considering your comments & like the itinerary on the 4-day Belgium tour. Maybe stay in Antwerp 2 nights; Bruges 1 night & 1 night Brussels and travel by train to see Ghent & battlefields?? Need to get to Brussels airport for exit. Any thoughts/suggestions for hotels, etc??

Monday 12th of December 2022

Hi Tess, sure, all this is doable if you want to change hotels and move around. You could also easily stay at any of these towns and visit others by train without having to take all your luggage with you. Trains go from early morning until late at night. If you want to visit the WWI battlefields, it's a bit difficult without a car, so it's best to take a tour. The best ones run from Bruges and start in the morning at the station, so it could indeed be somewhat easier if you are in Bruges already that day. Also, on your last day, depending on the flight time, you may want to stay closer to the airport or closer to the train station with a direct train to the airport. It's no big deal if your flight is later in the day, but if it's in the morning, be sure to check the train schedules so that you can easily get there on time. As for hotels, we have some suggestions under each city guide (Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges). For Brussels, we also have this guide to the best areas to stay. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Lori Maccarone

Monday 5th of December 2022

Hello! We are flying into AMS (Netherlands). Can we easily book and catch a train ticket to Brussels from the airport? If so, where? I plan to get a hotel in central station as you recommend. Should we buy a train pass so we can travel throughout Belgium over the three days on your suggested itinerary or should we just buy single ticket train rides as needed?

Hi Lori, if you don't mind taking the regular (=slower) train, then yes, you can just get the tickets on the spot and take the next train. If you prefer the faster one, book your tickets on the Thalys website in advance. I find that it's often not worth the price difference to go for the faster one (and you keep flexibility because the regular trains don't have assigned seating so it doesn't matter which one you take). But if you are in a hurry, Thalys can be worth it. In Belgium, you can just get your train tickets on the day itself or buy them on the website or via the app of Belgian Railways. Normally yes, we just get single or return tickets, but they also have all kinds of passes, seasonal tickets, passes for young people, etc. See the 'Tickets & Railcards' section on their website for more info (for some reason, I can't link directly to it). Here is a link to the ticket options for young people under 26. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Wednesday 31st of August 2022

Hello- Your blog is very helpful. One last question please. Im flying in and out of Paris from USA and I have 14 days total and I was thinking of doing Paris to Belgium to Switzerland in October. Do you know what is the best way to do this meaning should I first do Paris to Switzerland and come back to Paris and go to Belgium? Thanks so much.

Friday 2nd of September 2022

Hi Radha, there are countless of ways to do that. You could fly to/from Switzerland from either Paris or Brussels depending on what works best for you. A train might also be an option depending on where you are traveling. I wouldn't do any backtracking though. There's really no reason to return to Paris when you can go straight to Switzerland. Good luck with the planning.

Find cheap flights to Belgium from $206

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to belgium departing on 9/2. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to belgium.

Save 22% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Best Belgium Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking belgium flights, are there any nonstop flights to belgium.

Yes, there are quite a few nonstop flights from the US to Belgium. Most are operated by Brussels Airlines, United Airlines, or Delta Airlines. If you’re in the Midwest US, then consider flying from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). For those in the east, consider flying from John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport (ERW), or Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Which airport should I fly to if I want to visit Boverie Park?

Boverie Park is a famous attraction located in Liege. The easiest way to access is to book a flight that lands at Liège Airport (LGG). This landmark sits about 7.8 miles (12.5 km) from the airport and can be easily reached via buses in around 15 minutes. Picnic spots, strolling lanes, and green spaces await.

Where should I fly to if I want to visit Antwerp?

If you want to visit the city of Antwerp in the Flanders region of Belgium, then you may consider flying from the US to Brussels Airport. From the airport, you may catch a direct train or bus to the Antwerp-Central Station. Although it’s true that Antwerp has its own airport, it’s a small airport that mostly caters to a few business destinations in Europe.

Which Belgian airport should I fly into if I want to transit to the eastern part of Belgium?

The cities that lie in the eastern part of Belgium include Eupen, Herstal, and Rochefort. Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) is the regional airport that serves Eupen and the neighboring regions. Alternatively, you can consider arriving via Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), before connecting to Eupen by train or bus.

I want to visit Bruges. Where should I fly to?

If you want to visit the city of Bruges – and, in particular the historic center which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – then first take an international flight from the US to Brussels Airport. From the airport, you may catch a train to Brussels Central Station and then hop on a direct train to Bruges.

Which Belgium Airport is closest to the Fortress of Gravensteen?

Those traveling to Belgium to The Fortress of Gravensteen should remember that it’s located in Ghent. To this end, plan to book flights that land at Brussels National Airport (BRU), which sits about 42 miles (67 km) from Ghent. The establishment is one of the unique examples of the European medieval art of fortification.

If I want to visit Mons, where should I fly to?

If you want to visit the Belgian city of Mons – which was the 2015 European Capital of Culture – then you must first take a flight from the US (most likely from the Midwest or east) to Brussels Airport. From the airport, take a train to Brussels Central Station, and from there to Mons Station.

Are there hotels near major airports in Belgium?

You do not have to worry if you are scheduled to arrive late in Belgium from the U.S. as all the international airports in the country are located close to several idyllic hotels. Usually, these accommodation options provide free transportation to and from the airport, making it easy for those with many bags to move around.

How long is the flight to Belgium?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Belgium takes 12h 51m, covering a distance of 4630 miles. The most popular route is New York - Brussels with an average flight time of 7h 25m.

What is the cheapest flight to Belgium?

The cheapest ticket to Belgium from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $434 one-way, and $336 round-trip. The most popular route is New York John F Kennedy Intl to Brussels Bruxelles-National and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $460.

Which airlines fly to Belgium?

United Airlines, Brussels Airlines & Air Canada fly the most frequently from the United States to Belgium. The most popular route is from New York to Brussels, and Air France, Delta and KLM fly this route the most.

What are the most popular destinations in Belgium?

The next most popular destinations are Antwerp (0.3%) and Liège (0.0%).

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Belgium

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Belgium flight deals.
• The most common airport for international flights from the United States to Belgium is the Brussels Airport (BRU), located a few miles outside Brussels. From there, you may catch trains and buses to other domestic locations or flights to international destinations.
• Belgium has a wide range of tourist attractions, and your port of arrival is likely to depend on where you want to visit. With five international airports located in Brussels (BRU), Antwerp (ANR), Bruges (OST), Charleroi (CRL), and Liege (LGG), you can easily and conveniently connect to any other destination in Belgium. Those keen on exploring popular museums should land at Antwerp International Airport (ANR), in Antwerp.
• Brussels Airlines, the national carrier of Belgium, uses Brussels Airport as a hub. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair also use this airport.
• Suppose you are planning to explore the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul to delve into the religious heritage of Belgium. In that case, consider booking a flight that lands at Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST), located in Bruges. The magnificent architecture of this restored establishment is sure to offer lasting memories.
• If you’re having trouble finding a direct flight from the US to Brussels Airport, you may consider flying to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) because there is regular train service between the Schiphol Airport and Brussels.
• The peak tourism months in Belgium are in July and August when visitors troop to various destinations to enjoy the warm summer weather. To this end, expect airfares and hotel prices to rise dramatically. If you are on a tight budget, consider visiting during the low-season months of November to March.
• Although Belgium has five international airports – Liege Airport (LGG), Antwerp Airport (ANR), Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST), Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), and Brussels Airport – only Brussels Airport has regular flights to the US.
• The popular route for flights from the U.S. to Belgium is New York via John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), to Brussels with Brussels Airport as the arrival port. United Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Lufthansa fly the most frequently from the United States to Belgium.
• If you plan on doing some hiking in Belgium, consider flying to Brussels Airport and then taking a train to the Ardennes region in southern Belgium.
• For a better travel experience, it might be best if you booked flights on airlines that make one-stop layovers at their hubs. For instance, Icelandair passes through Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Air Canada makes a stopover at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), and United Airlines has a layover at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
• For those who’re traveling with young kids and renting a car in Belgium, the car companies have a variety of car seats that can be rented for a fee. If using taxis, it’s best to call ahead and request a car seat.
• US citizens traveling to Belgium don’t need a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days. All you need is a valid passport with two blank pages and validity for three months after leaving the Schengen zone.

Top 5 airlines flying to Belgium

Everything was great except for the seat. The backrest would not stay in the upright position.

I usually have a positive experience with Delta. Complimentary upgrades are always nice!

Flight delayed about 2 hrs so it made it a VERY late night

The crew, food, and entertainment were all good. But my screen had some sort of bug where if I turned it off, it would turn back on after 2-5 minutes. At full brightness. It made it very hard to get any shut-eye on the overnight flight. Also, the older Boeing plane, while nicely cared for (and no doors fell off 😅👏) doesn't have the nice air quality of newer planes. So I felt a bit greasy by the time we landed in Sweden.

It was a crowded flight. They did the best they could.

Service was good for such a short flight. Small plane but smooth flight.

Worst flight in my life. Only was scheduled for a 45 min flight to get our connection flight. It was late by 40 minutes and we missed our connection. Delta was totally useless trying to help and unable to get my family on the next flight because they overbooked it Thus had to get a hotel at my expense and lost a day at Disney as a result. Cost me about a $1000 if you add 2 hotels meals shuttles etc to get thru the day Awful customer service by Delta in Detroit totally useless people

The experience was good and the flight departed on time and landed early

The flight was delayed but we got to our final destination.

Boarding was great. The flight landed early. It took the crew over an hour and a half to bring out drinks. I paid to upgrade my seat to Comfort+ only to be near a crying/screaming baby who was seldom quiet. Noise-cancelling earbuds didn’t even help. Waste of money to upgrade.

My return flight has been changed to JFK from EWR without any notice or reason

I had economy plus and it’s definitely worth the price. The seats are so comfortable, so much space, great large TV screens, and you get fed often. Really decent food (although other fish was overcooked.) They do need better movie choices. The crew is the best. Super friendly and accommodating. So much better than most American run Airlines.

Flight was delayed 3 hours. Pilot cancelled flight under 4 people volunteered to change their seats to economy from business class.

Last minute cancelation, though a substitute flight was found I could not pick my meal or seat. The hotel offered didn't have working air control or shower.

My seat was not the one I paid for, the crew was very curt, and the cabin was extremely warm.

Old plane with terrible business class seats - good food and service. Boarding was a joke with business class boarding last.

Best airline to travel on a budget- really like their reasonably priced access to the SAS lounges where available.

The flight was cancelled early on and messed up the whole vacation and hard to get a refund from Kayak as they owned the ticket and of course they did not believe that SAS cancelled the ticket. Definite bad side to third party. SAS had rescheduled but overlapped the connecting flights. That did not work. Flight was cancelled long ago but Kayak still has it. Like it was taken? Bad IT ? Or all assumptions and no follow up which is the whole IT world. It needs to wake up and be more efficient. Especially as the world is going, there will be no freedom to do anything. And we will be living like the Middle Ages. Yeah, go read up on that while you still can.

A Lufthansa flight operated by SAS with a jettime plane. Fight was nice, no food but free tea and coffee.

It didn't happen. SAS csncrlled and it was very difficult to convince the 3rd party they did. Not good on the 3rd party program. I don't think they trust their customers, much less being able to help them. I have had several nitemaes using 3rd party this trip and WILL NEVER use 3rd party again.

The delays (5 hrs) were a comedy of errors, and the multiple safety issues encountered were very concerning.

flight delays, staff only communicating when pushed, food service lasting a grand total of 7 minutes, stuck in seat from 45mins into flight until landing

Crew was great and did their best to make us comfortable and captain came out at the beginning to announce why the flight was delayed, weather situation up ahead, and kept us updated throughout the flight.

the flight from Tampa departed with a delay. The food on board was poor, usually on international airlines alcoholic beverages are offered free of charge , but here it was for a fee, the cutlery was wooden, there were no hot drinks (tea, coffee). Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the portions of food, but it wouldn't have been enough for a child either.And in the future, I will try not to use the services of this airline

they made me check my carryon. There was space in the overhead bins.

Nice flight, nice crew but no cookie or napkin with my seltzer.

Trip was smooth bumpy from the wind but no issues at all the crew attendant was very pleasant and had great customer service

This was a Lufthansa flight. Disappointing main meal. Very rough over Canada and arrival at FRA. IFE was almost unusable.

It got me where I needed it to; not much more. It had no competition so that was why I chose it.

I liked everything about the flight. The service was excellent!

The only problem was there are games on the entertaiment system. The guy behind me played poker the entire time and poking the back of my seat. I hope they remove these.

Great travel. Wonderful experience. Hope to do it again in the near future. God willing

Aer Lingus doesn't have plug ins for devices at each seat. They also did not give me a dairy free meal as requested and confirmed by staff. It was as if I had not requested anything. Otherwise, they were great!

The transatlantic flight was wonderful. The regional reminded me of jet blue. Crazy and packed. Not enough overhead space and tough on elderly.

All OK. Food, best bring your own. Even a BigMac will be better.

Always find Aer Lingus reliable and good value for money. Food on this flight was pretty basic and the headphone Jack at my seat only worked for one ear. Little disappointed in movie selection, limited on recent releases. Staff are okay - but I always buy a cheap ticket so not like I expect first class opulence anyway!!!

Great hospitality and service! Seats are better cushioned then some

The vegan meal was pretty horrible tasting and the staff did not bring me breakfast and no coffee and asked. the connecting flight from dublin to bristol was much delayed.

Pretty darn good. Food was typical airline food. Not anyone’s favorite.

My luggage was missing for 3 days. It’s not acceptable

I dropped my wallet under my seat on this flight with all of my money and credit card. I requested to be able to go back and retrieve it but Lufthansa denied my request. I went to the Customer Services and they called Lost and Found but I was told nothing found would be turned in until around 12:00pm. My next flight was leaving so I was unable to check to see if my wallet was turned in. I will never fly with Lufthansa again.

My concern is with Flight: 441 IAH-FRA I was very cramped in my seat and the person in front of me was reclined. I pulled my wallet out of my purse and when finished I did my best to cram it back into my purse. Our flight was very delayed and we were rebooked twice and lots of airport time. As I got off the flight I noticed that I had dropped my wallet( containing all my credit & debit bank cards + 240 US dollars & 240 Euros. I spoke to customer service & Lost &Found. I was denied access to look on the plane. Therefore I have been without money and given no help. Paula Bjork 503.545.6698

Dinner was good by air travel standards but breakfast was too light and heavy on carbs/sugar.

Used to love Lufthansa, but Rowe are too close together in Economy and passengers are allowed to recline their seats so far back it is impossible for those behind them to even reach for carry-on essentials during flight - except for meal service when flight attendants ask for seat backs to be raised, we can’t sleep on planes so this flight was most uncomfortable ever! Rod Rose

So far so good. I missed my flight because of the Lufthansa diversion. United helped me to figure out how to get accommodations from Lufthansa for my long layover. They help me book appropriate onward flight.

Horrible crowding on the seats, headphones provided did not fit or work in the entertainment center, seriously the most uncomfortable flight I have taken in a LONG time. The people in front of me were literally 5 inches from my face the entire flight. Did they change their seats recently? I remember it being tight but wow this was a whole new level. Also I am a 5'3" small woman so I can't even imagine a larger person dealing with that for 11 hrs.

Seat controls of lights were broken, and only 1 of the 2 seat TVs ever worked on the long flight. On the short flight there were no USB connections, on the long one they were difficult to access. Part of my meal was frozen, though the hot portion was good.

Lufthansa fails at mentioning no luggage when booking through points. We had to pay added fees to take checked bags to Europe for 2 weeks. The staff at check in were not helpful at all. told us "if we don't like it, then book another flight". Food was bad, they ran out of half the options. Vegetarian was terrible. The flight crew was nice, and tried to make it work ok.

Always a pleasure to deal with United's helpful and knowledgeable staff

Always a pleasure to deal with United's helpful and knowledgeable saff

Book Cheap Belgium Plane Tickets

Recent round-trip flight deals, search by stops, search by airline, search by price, recent one-way flight deals, last minute flights to belgium, last minute flight, train and bus deals, flights to belgium, return flight deals:.

Belgium - United States

Cabin classes:

Browse origins:.

• Flights  » 
• United States

Browse destinations:

• Worldwide  » 

8 of the best places to visit in Belgium

Dec 4, 2023 • 8 min read

Explore Brussels with this guide to the country's best places to visit © RossHelen / Getty Images

Travelers often overlook Belgium in favor of neighbors like France and the Netherlands, but it’s one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Because of its history, Belgium is linguistically and culturally diverse; it’s also small and compact, so visitors can travel to multiple destinations with ease. 

From perfect fries and chocolate to accessible nature breaks, picturesque medieval towns and vibrant art and fashion scenes, there is truly something for everyone to experience in Belgium. Here are the best places to visit.

1. Brussels

Best for shopping, museums and street food

Brussels , the capital of Belgium and seat of the EU and NATO, is one of Europe’s most multicultural cities. 

Art lovers can spend a whole day visiting the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium – its six different museums include the must-visit Magritte Museum – along with the Boghossian Foundation at Villa Empain, and the modern-chic Center for Fine Arts, a multipurpose cultural venue commonly referred to as BOZAR .

The city is filled with architectural masterpieces such as the Grand Place , a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, and the illustrious Maison Cauchie , which can be toured on certain weekends with advance reservations.

You can find some of the world’s best and most affordable vintage shopping at the Brussels flea markets, most notably the daily open-air antique market in Place du Jeu-de-Balle, and the shops in the Sablon district.

Planning tip: For food and drink lovers, Brussels is the place to taste all of Belgium’s highlights. Délirium Café is a beloved, always-crowded bar with more than 2,000 types of beer, including the country’s famed Trappist beers. Nearby, there are a handful of outdoor kiosks, known as frietkot (snack stands), where you can get your fix of frieten – fries served in a paper cone with your sauce of choice. To satisfy a sweet tooth, try Belgian chocolate at Pierre Marcolini and, of course, the fluffy Brussels-style waffles at Maison Dandoy .

2. Namur Province

Best for forts, nature and river views

Known as the “Land of Valleys”, the land-locked province of Namur in the Wallonia region is rich in nature – rivers, cliffs, rolling farm hills and lush Ardennes greenery.

With postcard-perfect aesthetics and a mighty citadel perched atop limestone cliffs, Dinant is the ideal day-trip destination. Stroll around the town, cruise along the river, ride the cable car up to the fortress to take in the sweeping views and enjoy the scenery from a cafe while tasting regional specialties like the Couque de Dinant, a hard biscuit that comes in various shapes. Made of equal parts wheat flour and honey, it can be kept indefinitely, making a great souvenir to take back home.

For a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience, head to Liernu, an even smaller town that’s the epitome of tranquility. Here you’ll find L’air du Temps , a fine-dining restaurant in a beautifully renovated farmhouse set on 12 acres of private gardens. Most of the dishes served are sourced from the garden and often feature highlights of the local terroir, like Wallonia’s most sustainable food source, the Petits-Gris de Namur snails.

From there, you’re a stone’s throw from the city of Namur , capital of both the province and the region. This relaxed city is home to one of Europe’s largest citadels and also the adults-only Musée Félicien Rops , which exhibits the life and work of the scandalous 19th-century Belgian artist.

Best for wandering and romantic escapes 

A visit to Bruges feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Often called the Venice of the North, the city is incredibly charming with an intricate network of tree-lined canals, cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture. To add to the allure, many of the distinctively medieval buildings look like gingerbread houses, thanks to the red Gothic brick. All that and the fact that it’s the birthplace of Flemish Primitive painting led to the entire historic center of Bruges being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bruges is best experienced at a leisurely pace. Wander around the Old Town on foot, soaking up the atmosphere of the city squares, the Markt and the Burg ; hop on a canal boat tour and count all 54 bridges, then bike along the canals to the less crowded places. For the best bird’s-eye views, head to the Belfort , one of Bruges’ most recognizable landmarks, and climb the 366 steps to the top.

Catch your breath with a crisp Belgian beer, which can be found on every corner of the city. Noteworthy destinations are De Halve Maan , a brewery that also offers tours with tastings, and ’t Brugs Beertje , a legendary beerhouse with more than 300 Belgian brews on the menu.

Last but not least, no visit to Bruges is complete without a visit to the Groeningemuseum , a fine art museum with an impressive Flemish Primitive collection.

Best for fashion and design 

Home to the world-renowned Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Belgium’s second city is also its coolest . Some of fashion’s top creatives, including Martin Margiela and Balenciaga’s Demna Gvasalia, have connections to Antwerp . A few have gone on to open unique shops here that are worth a visit, such as Dries Van Noten’s Het Modepaleis and Ann Demeulemeester’s sleek, black-and-bone-white flagship store .

There are more trendy shops in the Kammenstraat and Nationalestraat areas that make up the Fashion District, where you can also find the impressive fashion museum MoMu .

Beyond its stylish inhabitants, Antwerp has a visual edge driven by the contrasting architectural styles of contemporary projects and medieval buildings. Make your way down to the port to marvel at late architect Zaha Hadid’s Antwerp Port House and the MAS , home to exhibitions and collections revolving around the city.

5. The Belgian coast

Best for beaches 

The white, sandy Belgian coast stretches for 65km (40 miles), meaning you can pack multiple towns into a visit without feeling overwhelmed. Making things even easier is de Kusttram , a coastal tram that’s one of the longest in the world. It starts near the French border at De Panne and travels all the way to Knokke-Heist near the Dutch border, making 67 stops. The complete journey takes 2.5 hours and allows you to admire the coastline in its entirety, jumping off whenever you like without having to worry about parking.  

The two must-visit stops are De Haan and Oostduinkerke. De Haan is unlike other towns in that all buildings must be under five floors, which helps preserve its small-village charm. The low beachfront made up of Belle Epoque architecture and unspoiled grassy dunes is love at first sight for many. Still not convinced? The sweet treats at the retro Wafelhuis Annie or high tea at the vintage 't Stil Genot tearoom are sure to win you over. 

Oostduinkerke, or East Dunkirk, is a protected dune area and the only place in the world where shrimpers still use horse-dragged nets to collect tiny gray shrimp from the sand. This centuries-old tradition is practiced by just over a dozen highly trained locals and takes place at low tide during the warmer months, usually between April and October. In 2013, shrimp fishing on horseback in Oostduinkerke received UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status. To learn more about this and the other local sea traditions, visit Navigo , a national museum housed in a 19th-century fisher’s cottage.

Best for a quirky weekend break

Located between Brussels and Bruges, Ghent encapsulates the best of Belgian cities: winding canals, medieval architecture, enviable museums and cobblestone alleyways filled with shops and restaurants. The difference is that it’s also home to the largest student population in Belgium – a young, beating heart in one of the country’s oldest urban areas. 

Take a closer look and you’ll find an unconventional creative community, flourishing music scene and so many plant-based menus that it’s often referred to as the vegetarian capital of Europe. 

Since 2009, Ghent has proudly held the title of UNESCO Creative City of Music. There’s a wide range of options for everyone’s tastes, from Belgium’s first silent disco at Abacho to performances at the never boring Vooruit Art Center and De Bijloke Muziekcentrum , and live music on the street and in bars and cafes like Kinky Star , a record-label-owned cafe famous for its Irish coffees and alternative concerts.

Best for thermal hot springs and well-being

Spas around the world take their name from this peaceful and breathtaking Ardennes town. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, Spa is known for its healing thermal springs and lightly sparkling mineral water. The most famous spa in Spa is Thermes de Spa , a modern and surprisingly affordable complex in the hills that’s backed by more than 150 years of knowledge and tradition. With a stunning natural landscape as your backdrop, resting and relaxing feels easy here.

Spa is also home to the world’s first casino , a permanent exhibition of Joan Miró lithographs , and the annual Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at the world-class Spa-Francorchamps track.

8. Hoge Kempen National Park

Best for nature

Hoge Kempen National Park is the only national park in Belgium. A former coal-mining site, it opened in 2006 following the cooperative conservation efforts of businesses, government agencies and environmental organizations.

The 5,700-hectare (14,085-acre) nature reserve is mostly heathland and pine forest, a lush landscape of evergreen trees – and vibrant purple-flowering shrubs in August and September – next to expansive artificial waterways. Today, it’s inhabited by more than 6,000 species of flora and fauna, which is especially impressive considering the area’s industrial history. 

Planning tip:  There are five main gateways that serve as entrances to the park. For those without a car, the park can be accessed through the Kattevennen Gateway, first by taking a train to Genk station, followed by a De Lijn bus ride or a short walk. Once inside, there are different routes depending on whether you’re exploring by bicycle, mountain bike, horseback or on foot. Admission is always free, and the park is open all year long. Rangers offer guided experiences for all ages with advance registration.

This article was first published May 2022 and updated December 2023

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Dec 19, 2023 • 6 min read

The great European rail renaissance shows no signs of hitting the buffers anytime soon.

Sep 19, 2023 • 4 min read

May 18, 2023 • 6 min read

Dec 9, 2022 • 9 min read

May 31, 2022 • 6 min read

May 23, 2022 • 7 min read

May 21, 2022 • 6 min read

May 15, 2022 • 4 min read

Dec 20, 2021 • 7 min read

Aug 30, 2021 • 7 min read

• 5 Cheap Ways To Travel...

5 Cheap Ways to Travel Around Belgium

When travel is involved, choosing a country the size of a peanut is a great advantage. Medieval sightseeing hubs like Bruges and Ghent are never more than a good hour’s journey away from Antwerp and capital Brussels thanks to an efficient train network, and local trams and buses smoothly help you out once you arrive. Here are five penny-pinching ways to explore the heart of Europe.

Figure out which one of these train passes floats your boat.

Besides being one of the most romantic ways to get around, traveling the Belgian inner cities by train is fast, efficient, and surprisingly inexpensive if you play your cards right. The NMBS (the national railway company) offers a variety of different passes for the penny-pinching traveler, including the Belgian Rail Pass that consists of 10 train rides to any destination in the country for a total of 77 euros (7.70 each). The lone backpacker can get five democratically priced round trips out of this – Ghent, Bruges and the seaside are just a few suggestions that come to mind – but you’re also allowed to share the card with one or more traveling buddies.

People under the age of 26 should look into the Go Pass 10 , which offers the same formula but with a discount of 25 euros. Travelers who fancy just one great trip during their stay will be glad to know weekend fares are 50% off starting Friday evening, and the Go Pass 1 is a 6.20-euro one-way ticket for young people. Special combination fares called B-excursions are great options for families on one-day trips to zoos or amusement parks, and anyone under the age of 12 and above 65 gets a decent discount as well. The only bummer about Belgian train travel is that heading to the airport comes with an additional “Diablo” surcharge of 5.25 euros.

Lovers of North Sea beaches and the surreal sights they hold are guaranteed blissful days hopping on and off the Belgian coastal tram. At 68 kilometers (42.3 miles), stretching from Knokke and its admired nature reserve ‘t Zwin to the French-bordering De Panne, this tram line is the longest in the world, and it stops all along the country’s west coast in 70 stops. A one-day pass will set you back no more than six euros, and the three-day version no more than 12. Trams run every 15 minutes in both directions, so there’s ample opportunity to sample the seaside towns, including Ostend and its healing powers . Make sure to buy a ticket online or at a kiosk since they’re more expensive on the tram itself.

Go underground in Antwerp and Brussels

Not a lot of Belgian cities are big enough to warrant building an entire subway system underground, but those of capital Brussels and second-biggest city Antwerp are in frenzied use and keep on expanding. In both cases, carriages occasionally dip in and out of their underground tunnels to become above ground trams, and they’re the fastest way of getting from one side of town to the other. Heads up if you’re planning on taking the metro in both cities, though: Antwerp works with the same transportation company that provides all bus services in Flanders – De Lijn, which also operates on the coast – but Brussels uses MIVB, or STIB in French. Tickets and passes do not overlap, so don’t buy a multiple-ride ticket or multiple-day pass with De Lijn if you were planning to use it in the capital as well.

The cheapest one-way metro (and bus) option in Antwerp is a simple text to the number 4884 that says “DL.” You’ll receive your two-euro ticket (plus 15 cents service costs) as a response, and that will remain valid for an hour. Brussels metros have no text option, but a single fare is 2.10 euros at a kiosk or a ticket office and 2.50 euros on the bus itself. Brussels has four different organizations running its public transport (buses, metros, and trains), but an adjustable, reasonably priced Jump card should do the trick for all of them within the capital’s wider region.

Make Belgian friends on a carpool trip

Online carpooling communities like Blablacar have proven their worth as a nifty way to find a ride and share the expenses. With Belgium being so compact, a seat in a car driving from one big city to another can cost as low as four to five euros, and unlikely new connections have been known to form along the way.

Rent a car from a local

Another helpful service to come out of the sharing economy, peer-to-peer sites, such as the Belgian CarAmigo , can prove of great worth to the traveler who wants to take a weekend trip to a more remote place – a hike in the leafy Wallonian Ardennes , for example. Renting a suitable car from a person nearby who otherwise would just have it sitting in the driveway can turn out to be 50% cheaper than knocking on the door of a traditional car rental service.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

What's On

A new exhibition in brussels explores disability through new technology and historic artifacts.

See & Do

10 free things to do in antwerp, belgium.

Restaurants

The 10 best restaurants in brussels.

Discover the Best Belgian Photography in Antwerp this Summer

Guides & Tips

11 beautiful words to make you fall in love with the flemish language.

10 Awesome Free Things to Do in Brussels

Places to Stay

The best cheap hotels to book in belgium.

How to Celebrate the Legacy of Peter Paul Rubens in Antwerp

Why Are People Stealing Bees in Belgium and the Netherlands?

How to Spend a Weekend in Han-sur-Lesse, Belgium

Ostend is Converting an Abandoned Hangar into a 'Mega Brothel'

The Flemish Masters Every Art Lover Should Know

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1171516
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

How to Get from Brussels to Ghent & Vice Versa (2024)

This article may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission whenever you book or purchase something through our links (at no extra cost to you!). You can find more information in our disclaimer .

Travelling between Brussels and Ghent? We’ll help you discover How to get from one city to the other.

Including both Brussels and Ghent in your go-to list is something you will never regret.

Most travellers will start their journey in the capital city, however, when it comes to hidden gems, Ghent is one of our favourite places in the world.

The city has a wonderful young and trendy feeling and will leave you stunned with its many sights.

🏆 Our Top Pick: Train from Brussels to Ghent

Transportation between Brussels and Ghent is easy, regardless of whether you prefer driving, taking the train, or opting for a bus.

The road connections are well-developed, which makes it convenient for visitors to drive between the two cities .

Let’s explore each option in detail so you can choose the one that suits your travel needs!

Things to Know Before Travelling from Brussels to Ghent

Before your trip from Brussels to Ghent, it’s important to know about transportation choices, travel durations, and must-visit sights.

Being familiar with this information will make your travel planning easier and ensure an enjoyable adventure.

💡 Where is Ghent Located?

Ghent is a city located in the  northwest of Belgium , at the junction of two rivers,  the Leie and the Schelde.

It is often considered to have a perfect location due to its  proximity to various significant places.

Ghent is situated only  50 kilometres away from Brussels . It is the  capital of the Flemish Region and the third-largest city in Belgium.

💡 What is the Distance from Brussels to Ghent?

Brussels and Ghent are only 56 kilometres apart , making it easy to travel between the two lovely cities.

💡 How Long Does it Take to Get from Brussels to Ghent?

It takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour to get from Brussels to Ghent which allows you to visit both cities in one day or as part of your trip.

💡 What is the Cheapest Way to Get from Brussels to Ghent?

The cheapest way to travel between cities is typically by using public transportation such as buses and trains.

These transportation options often offer affordable fares and can be a cost-effective choice for travelling from Brussels to Ghent.

💡 What is the Fastest Way to Get from Brussels to Ghent?

The fastest way to travel from Brussels to Ghent is by taking a high-speed train, which typically takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour.

🥇 Best option to Get from Brussels to Ghent

🚉 If you are looking for the fastest way to reach Ghent when you’re coming from Brussels, we recommend catching the train. Both cities are too large to comfortably use the car and parking is rather costly.

Besides, the journey will only take about 25-40 minutes (depending on the station) while driving should at least take an hour. You can book your train tickets here!

🚘 If you’re looking for the most convenient way to get to Ghent from Brussels, we recommend booking private transport.

Join the community! Make sure you join our free Belgium Travel Planning Facebook group. This is the place to ask any questions about your trip, to be inspired, and to connect with other Belgium travelers. Click here to join !

4 Ways to Get from Brussels to Ghent

Option 1: brussels to ghent by car.

Many people travel in their own car while in Belgium. In that case, you’ll obviously want to bring it along with you.

And even if you’re flying in, if you prefer to have your own means of transport, renting a car is a pretty popular choice to travel around the country.

The distance from Brussels to Ghent is 57 km which should take you about 1 hour with regular traffic.

💡 The drive is pretty straightforward, as you only have to take the highway between both cities ( E40 Brussels – Ostend ) and transfer to the connecting highway E17 in the direction of Antwerp where you’ll find the Ghent city centre exit a couple of kilometres along the road.

Keep in mind that traffic jams are no exception. Overall, the major problematic zones are the highways around Brussels and Antwerp, so if you’re driving the Brussels-Ghent distance you might get lucky and avoid being stuck.

However, make sure to add at least half an hour to your schedule if you’re driving during rush hours.

Parking in Ghent

If you don’t have a free parking space included in your accommodation, it might be a good idea to leave your car at one of the 7 parks + ride parking zones.

These free car parks on the edge of Ghent allow you to drop your car close to the highways and use public transport to get into the city.

Keep in mind that these car parks are not secure (however, we’ve never had any issues).

🚘 Read more about the different Park&Ride areas here

Option 2: Brussels to Ghent by Train

Most travellers will choose to take the train from Brussels to Ghent as it is by far the most convenient way to travel between both cities.

Brussels is a fairly large city and has 3 main train stations to choose from (there is also a Brussels Airport train station and a couple of smaller ones in the suburbs).

🚃 All intercity trains stop at every station.

The 3 train stations in Brussels are called Brussel-Noord/Nord (North Station), Brussel-Centraal/Central (Central Station) and Brussel-Zuid/Midi (South Station). The last one is where international trains such as Thalys, Eurostar, TGV and ICE serve.

Ghent has 2 train stations, with Gent-Sint-Pieters being the main hub but about 2,5km outside the city centre , while Gent-Dampoort is a lot smaller but only a short walking distance from all the main sights.

There is a direct Brussels – Ghent train to Gent-St-Pieters four times an hour .

There is no direct train to Gent Dampoort . However, there are connections between Gent-Sint-Pieters and Gent Dampoort every 5 minutes or so.

Other options if you arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters, are to walk into the centre (30 minutes) or take tram #1 in front of the station.

The Brussels to Ghent train time is 25 min if you’re leaving from Brussels South, 36 min from Brussels Central and 40 minutes from Brussels North.

The earliest trains from Brussels to Ghent leave around 5.30 AM and the last one is around 00.30 AM.

🚉 CHECK THE CURRENT BRUSSELS-GHENT TRAIN TIMETABLE HERE

Ticket Prices

• 🎫 Single Ticket: €12
• 🚊 Retour: €24
• 🙎🏼‍♂️ Under 26 years old: €6,6 (single ticket) and €13,2 (retour)
• 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Children under 12 years travelling with a paying adult: Free

Should you travel during the weekend (from friday at 7PM to sunday), you can buy a retour ticket at 50% of the price It is convenient to book your train ticket online. Click here to find know the Brussels to Ghent train cost.

Option 3: Brussels to Ghent by Bus

Although the local bus is by far the cheapest way to travel around Belgium, it’s not recommended to use this form of transport for this connection.

Buses from Brussels to Ghent offer no direct service , so you’d have to pass through Aalst (70 min, bus #214, get off at the station) and then continue on to Ghent (60 min, bus #96, get off at Gent-Sint-Pieters).

➡️ You can use this website to plan your trip

Belgian buses are not convenient to transport luggage. I’m not saying it isn’t possible (because it is, we’ve done it many times), but there is no room to store your suitcase, so you should put it in the middle section of the bus and stay there to keep it from falling.

• 🎟 Regular ticket: €2,50 (valid for 60 minutes)
• 🚌 Entire trip cost: €7,50

The cheapest bus tickets are the ones you can buy in the app . Other options are smartphone tickets or regular tickets bought at a store. You can no longer buy them from the driver.

Flixbus is another option.

However, they only offer 1 bus a day from Ghent to Brussels and it leaves at 1.15 AM. So, I’m guessing that’s not really an option.

If you believe that’s your cup of tea, though, be my guest and book your trip here .

It’s pretty cheap with prices starting at €4,99, but you have to pay an additional service fee.

Option 4: Brussels to Ghent by Taxi

❗️ A taxi from Brussels to Ghent can definitely be the most expensive mode of transportation.

However, if you do not wish to rent a car and prefer a private means of transport, a taxi or private transport company might be the best choice for you.

Besides, it’s a pretty convenient way to travel without having to drag your luggage.

And if you’re travelling as a larger family or a group, this might even end up being cheaper than taking the train!

🚖 A 3-person standard car will cost you about €71 for this trip, while an 8-person minivan would be €88.

How to Get from Ghent to Brussels

If you’d like to return to Brussels, the same options as above are available.

For travellers with their own car or a rental , driving from Ghent to Brussels is pretty straightforward.

Keep in mind that traffic around the capital is usually heavy and traffic jams are common.

BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES  

Getting to Belgium : Fly into one of the main international airports : Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.

Getting Around : For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here . If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars , they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.

Accommodation : Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.

Guided tours : Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.

Babs Rodrigus is a travel addict at heart and loves to explore her home country Belgium and the rest of the world – preferably with her wife and kids. She’s all about showing you the most mesmerising spots in this tiny European country and making you see how great it truly is.

When she’s not travelling, Babs loves to read, write, eat chocolate (hey, Belgian remember) and sing Frozen songs with her daughter.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Belgian Grand Prix ⋅ Getting to Spa Francorchamps

Plan your belgian grand prix.

CIRCUIT SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS

Stavelot, Belgium

• grandstands

Clearly, organisers of the first Belgian Grand Prix in 1925 didn’t have international F1 tourists in mind when they decided to hold it in this quaint corner of the Belgian countryside. Nestled in the Ardennes region of Belgium over a hundred kilometres from Brussel’s main airport, the circuit is not the most accessible. But things are steadily improving and it’s always worth the extra effort it takes to get to Spa.

International Travel: Arrival in Belgium for the Belgian Grand Prix

Though there is a small airfield near the track this doesn’t cater for commercial flights. Your best option is to look for flights for Brussels (BRU) or Brussels Charleroi (CRL) . The latter is especially popular with low-cost carriers but if you plan to stay in Brussels it’s close to an hour’s drive away. Other options in the region include Luxembourg (LUX), Cologne (CGN) and Maastricht (MST).

If you can get a return flight for late Sunday night you might be okay. But bear in mind traffic is excruciatingly slow after the race so flying home the next day tends to be the smarter choice.

Kiwi.com lets you search for the lowest-cost flights and shows you route combinations that often don’t show up on other search engines. If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay the Kiwi guarantee means you can take the next available flight at no extra cost.

Europe’s train network is efficient and well-connected so wherever you are on the continent a train is an option.

Travelling city centre to city centre, train travel can cut out a lot of transfer time and save you from the dreaded airport security checks. This all means a more quick, convenient and sustainable way to travel from surrounding countries. From further away destinations a plane is often cheaper and quicker than an overnight sleeper train.

In most cases, you can book international train tickets online from 60 to 90 days before the dates you wish to travel.

You can search train schedules across multiple operators simultaneously to and from just about any station in Europe using Omio (formerly GoEuro) and purchase tickets for the same cost as buying direct from the train lines.

Travelling to Spa from the UK? For a detailed guide on travelling by train from the UK to the Belgian Grand Prix (with or without your car), see below.

Local Travel: Getting to the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa

Now that you’ve got as far as Belgium, you have several options. If you have a car you can drive to the track or as far as Stavelot and cycle the rest of the way. To get to Spa without a car you can make use of public transport or hop on a City Shuttle bus.

Tip: Traffic around Spa is notoriously bad, especially after the race. If your itinerary is flexible enough, it’s a smart move to hang around at the circuit or in Francorchamps village until the gridlock eases.

Getting to Spa-Francorchamps by Car, Motorbike and Bicycle

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps lies on the edge of the village of Francorchamps. It’s along the E42 highway about 110km southeast of Brussels, between the towns of Spa and Stavelot.

The exact route you take will depend on where you are seated. Whichever your route you need to approach the Spa-Francorchamps region on either the E25 or E42 highways and take the appropriate exit (see below). From there continue to the designated car park at the track.

If you’re using GPS, key in the relevant highway exit. Beyond that point the directions may differ due to local traffic diversions, so look out for signs for your car park instead.

There’s no shortage of car hire companies at the airport but you’ll get better deals reserving one in advance using a search aggregator like RentalCars.com that searches multiple car hire companies at once for the best prices.

Parking at Spa-Francorchamps

Official car parks .

Temporary parking areas are erected in fields at 4 points around the circuit. They are named yellow, green, red and blue. Parking tickets can be purchased here and received via email. You’ll need to print this and display it in your car so the barcode can be scanned when passing the checkpoints. Car parks open at 6AM.

Unofficial Parking

Local Francorchamps residents sometimes let out their driveways for the weekend and you may find parking spaces within walking distance from the La Source entrance. Unless you’re arriving early on Thursday, it’s better to book official parking in advance.

Motorbike Parking

There are asphalt parking lots for motorbikes at the circuit which include facilities for helmet storage. Both are near the paddock end of the circuit with the blue parking being the closest to the circuit’s Ster entrance. Tickets should be booked in advance and are available to purchase here .

Park and Bike

Cycling to the circuit is a great way to avoid the worst of the traffic congestion and now that there’s a park and bike option it’s never been easier. Park your car at the car park in Stavelot (Avenue André Grégoire) and then cover the remaining 6km by peddle power. At the track, there’s a dedicated bike park near the Blanchimont entrance. Book park and bike tickets here .

Getting to the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps by Public Transport and the City Shuttle Bus

By train and local bus (via verviers).

To get to the Belgian Grand Prix by rail, take the train to Verviers-Central station, about 30km from the circuit. There are direct trains from Liege and Brussels.

Buses leave from just outside the train station. These are the regular TEC buses (routes 395 and 294) which run more frequently during race weekend. The first bus to the circuit is at 7.40 am and the last bus returning to Verviers is at 6.40 pm.

The journey from Verviers to the circuit gates takes about 45 minutes and tickets costing €10 can be bought from the driver.

By Train (via Spa)

The spa-Genonstrere train station is actually closer to the circuit (13km). However, travelling via Spa involves more transfers and there isn’t a bus service from here to the track. Unless you’ve arranged your own transport, taking the train to Verviers and continuing by bus is the best way to go.

To get to the railway station of Spa you’ll board the same train as the one to Verviers but will need to change trains at Pepinster. Many IC trains won’t stop at Pepinster so if you’re coming from Brussels you may need to get off at Liege and transfer to a regional train.

It will take 25 minutes for the train to reach Pepinster where you can transfer to the train to Spa-Genonstrere, also about 25 minutes. From here you can continue to your accommodation or the circuit.

Buying Train Tickets in Belgium

• For travel within Belgium, view schedule information and buy tickets in advance with Omio .
• You can also buy tickets from machines at any station but there may be a long wait on race day! Buy your return tickets in advance to avoid the queue on the way back
• Tickets are for the journey only, not a seat reservation. Sit – or more likely stand – anywhere.
• Tickets are issued for the date of travel only. You are free to take whichever train at whichever time you like.
• Online ticket sales usually open one month in advance.

City Shuttle

From Friday to Sunday there are direct shuttle buses to Spa-Francorchamps. They leave from cities in Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The City Shuttle is scheduled to arrive at the circuit at 9 am and depart at 6.30 pm.

Services from the cities listed below range from about €60-90 and tickets (return only) can be booked in advance .

• Aix-La-Chapelle
• Brussels Nord
• Brussels Midi

Submit your Grand Prix pics here

Have your grandstand and general admission photos featured here and give other fans a taste of your experience.

Travelling by train from Britain to the Belgian Grand Prix (with or without your car)

Given the short distance to Spa, many UK based fans travel to Spa not by air but by train, and for city centre to city centre direct routes and no lengthy check in or airport security to endure it’s easy to see why.

Getting to Spa Francorchamps by Eurostar from London’s St. Pancras Station

The Belgian Grand Prix is stupidly easy to get to from Britain. In fact for car-less Londoners it’s almost an easier commute than getting to the British Grand Prix and many British F1 fans make the trip through the channel tunnel each year to lap up some high octane excitement and waffles on the continent.

One of the best and most popular ways of getting to Spa-Francorchamps from the UK is to hop on the Eurostar, departing from St. Pancras and whisking you away to the heart of the low countries in no time at all. The high speed Eurostar gets to Brussels in about 2 hours.

Buying Eurostar Tickets – Where, When, How?

There are 9 services between London and Brussels during the week and 14 on weekends. You can go to the Eurostar website to view schedule information and buy tickets.

Tickets are usually available 120 days prior to the weekend of the Grand Prix and I recommend making your booking as early as possible. As tickets sell and supply decreases, the price will shoot up. 2nd class ticket prices start from £41 one-way or £72 return.

When buying tickets you can select ‘any station’. This will allow you to travel onward to Verviers or Spa (see above) for just an extra £10 return, meaning a saving of about £16.

You can use your onward travel powers anytime within 24 hours of arriving in Brussels so if you want to break up the journey and over-night there to see some of the city, you’ll have time to do just that. Like wise, on your return you have 24 hours from arriving in Brussels to departing back to London.

• If you’re starting your journey from outside London you can book your travel to include travel to London from 130 UK towns and cities.
• Search schedules and buy tickets with Omio .
• Eurostar tickets can be printed at home, collected at the station or displayed as an e-ticket.
• On the day of travel you need to check in 30 minutes before departure.
• From Brussels, it’s a short connection to take you the rest of the way in under 2 hours.
• The Eurostar arrives in Brussels Midi/Zuid station. From here your ticket covers you to travel to any Brussels station. Trains to Verviers and Spa leave from Brussels Central.

Driving from the UK – taking your car through the Channel Tunnel

Taking the Eurotunnel is ideal if you wish to take your own car from the UK to Spa and have the freedom to explore in the fabulous Ardennes region, not to mention driving on part of the original Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Services run up to 4 times an hour taking you and up to 8 others from Folkstone in Kent to Calais in about 35 minutes. It will cost from under £50 return which is actually great value for families and groups.

The cheapest fares are for short trips of under 3 days which is ideal if you’re just nipping over for the race. If you have a 3 day ticket to the grand prix however the price shoots up to over £110.

Once across the Chunnel it’s just about 3 and a half hours drive to the F1 circuit in Spa.

• For more information and to book tickets, go to the Eurotunnel homepage.
• Extra charges apply to large cars, roof-boxes, bike-racks and caravans.
• Book at least 1 month before the grand prix.
• Check in starts 2 hours 30 minutes before departure.
• On the day of travel, bring the credit card used to make the booking, and your passport.

I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 30 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.

Follow @thef1spectator

You are being transferred to Gootickets.com – my trusted ticket partner

How To Travel Amsterdam to Brussels (2024)

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and a principal European political centre – located around 200km from Amsterdam.

Travel between Amsterdam and Brussels is possible by high speed and standard rail, airline flights and coaches.

As Belgium and the Netherlands are members of the Schengen Zone agreement you do not normally need to go through a passport control check when travelling between Amsterdam and Brussels.

Amsterdam-Brussels by Train (recommended)

Travelling by train between Amsterdam and Brussels is certainly the best option in terms of time and convenience and gets you into the heart of both city centres. It can be easily booked using via the NS International site (euros) or the Trainline site here (multi-currencies) with prices starting at €25 one-way.

There are currently 3 choices of trains available:

• Eurostar (formerly Thalys), the high-speed train service between Amsterdam and Paris (from €29)
• Intercity Brussels , the Intercity service between Amsterdam and Brussels (from €25)

1. Amsterdam-Brussels by Eurostar (formerly Thalys)

The high speed Eurostar service runs from Amsterdam Central station to Paris Gare du Nord via Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Central, Antwerp Central and Brussels Zuid/Midi .

Eurostar normally runs up to 15x daily and the Amsterdam-Brussels journey takes 1 hour 50 minutes .

There are 3 classes of travel on Eurostar: Standard, Comfort and Premium.

Standard has 2nd class seating (2-2 configuration) with free WiFi. Food/drink can be purchased at the bar carriage. Standard tickets are refundable and exchangeable up to 7 days before travel; thereafter there are no refunds, but changes are possible for a €15 fee plus the price difference.

Comfort has 1st class seating (2-1 configuration), free WiFi and food/drink can be purchased at the bar. Comfort tickets are also refundable and exchangeable up to 7 days before travel; thereafter there are no refunds, but changes are possible for a €15 fee plus the price difference.

Premium is a proper first class product with 1st class seating (2-1 configuration), free WiFi (with more data), complimentary food/drink served at your seat and and free access to an international press app. Premium tickets are fully refundable up to 1 hour before travel; changes are possible right up to departure time with any price difference applying.

Premium ticket holders can access the Eurostar lounges in Brussels as well as the NS International lounges at Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport or Rotterdam..

All Eurostar seats have individual electric power outlets.

Eurostar permits 2 pieces of luggage (max 75 x 53 x 30cm, no weight limit) plus 1 item of hand luggage. There are overhead luggage racks and special racks at each end of the carriage for larger items.

Eurostar tickets are on sale up to 4 months out and are booked like an airline seat – with a specific seat reservation. Your ticket will have a carriage and seat number.

To secure the cheapest fares you should book as early as possible. Standard fares cost €29-€89, Comfort fares cost €52-€103 and Premium fares range from €106-€129.

TIP: The last Eurostar of the day out of Amsterdam (departing around 2015 or 2115) can often have cheaper availability even at the last minute. Conversely, the first Eurostar out of Brussels towards Amsterdam (departing around 0650 on weekdays) tends to still have the cheaper tariffs.

• Fastest journey time
• Includes seat reservation
• Lowest Standard fares are good value
• Catering available
• More expensive than Intercity
• Popular – so tickets can sell out

Book your Eurostar ticket with NS International here Book your Eurostar ticket with Trainline here

2. Amsterdam-Brussels by Intercity Brussels

The Intercity Brussels is an Intercity train service which normally runs up to 16x daily between Amsterdam and Brussels Zuid/Midi. It is jointly operated by NS Dutch Railways and Belgian Rail.

Although this train does run along the high speed track, it is not a high speed train service and makes more stops than the Eurostar.

The stops are at Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam, Breda, Noorderkempen (Belgium), Antwerp Central, Antwerp Berchem, Mechelen, Brussels Airport , Brussels North and Brussels Central .

Allow about 2 hour 50 minutes to make the Amsterdam-Brussels journey on the Intercity Brussels.

There are no seat reservations so passengers can simply board and sit in any free seat in their class. Seating is 2nd class (2-2 configuration) and 1st class (2-1 configuration). Some 1st class carriages can also have a couple of small 6 person (3-3) compartments.

Luggage racks can accommodate small and medium size bags. In 1st class there are larger luggage racks at the end of the carriage.

Standard distance-based prices are in effect for travel using intercity trains although cheaper online “early bird” fares are also available if booking at least 3 days in advance.

The standard full-flex (2024) fare for Amsterdam-Brussels one-way costs €56.50 (2nd class) or €91.50 (1st class). These are valid on any Intercity Brussels service on-the-day and are freely changeable up to the departure day.

Early bird one-way fares start at €25 (2nd class) and €41 (1st class) and are valid for a specific train only. Tickets can be changed for a €5 fee.

Holders of Dutch Railways NS discount cards and free NS travel cards receive a fare reduction off the full-flex fare for the Netherlands segment of travel.

Intercity Brussels tickets are on sale from 180 days out.

TIP: The Intercity Brussels is a popular service and gets very busy at peak times. Boarding and finding a seat can sometimes be a bit of a scrum. Consider buying a 1st class ticket for a smoother boarding experience; or take the train at an earlier or later time in the day.

• Cheaper than Eurostar
• ‘Walk-up’ full-flex fare always available
• No guaranteed seat reservation – can get busy
• No catering on board

Book Intercity Brussels tickets with NS International here Book Intercity Brussels tickets with Trainline here

Amsterdam-Brussels Flights

It is possible to fly between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Brussels Zaventem (BRU) airport. The scheduled flight time is around 45 minutes – although by the time you take into account travel to/from the airport and waiting for your flight – you are much better off taking the train.

Dutch airline KLM (Skyteam) currently has up to 4x daily flights from Schiphol to Brussels – using either Boeing 737s or “Cityhopper” branded Embraer 175/190 jets. Return airfares start at around €200 – note KLM charges for checked luggage but you do get a complimentary drink and snack onboard.

The reality is this flight route is mainly aimed at transfer passengers on longer-haul routes.

There are train stations at Schiphol and Brussels airports which can get you to the centre of town in 15-20 minutes. The Brussels airport train to central Brussels runs up to 4x hourly. Buy Brussels airport train return tickets in advance here

Amsterdam-Brussels by Coach

The coach is the cheapest travel option between Amsterdam and Brussels with a journey time of around 3 hours

Flixbus is a German coach company that offers services between Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Brussels Noord. It currently operates a multiple daily service with fares starting at around €9 one-way. Book your Flixbus ticket here

BlaBlaCar bus normally operates a 3-8x daily Amsterdam-Brussels coach service. Fares start at €9 one-way. Coach stops are at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station and Brussels Zuid/Midi station. Book your BlaBlaCar bus tickets via Omio here

For more on travel to Belgium see Amsterdam-Antwerp travel options and Amsterdam to Bruges or Ghent

Amsterdam Resources

Looking for a convenient hotel near Amsterdam Central station? Check out the stylish Kimpton-De Witt which is a short walk from the station. For those on a budget the Ibis Amsterdam Centre is literally on top of the western edge of the station platforms.

The I Amsterdam City Card (1-5 days) offers free entry and discounts to numerous Amsterdam museums and attractions. It also includes a free public transport pass, a canal cruise and bike rental as well. You can order your I Amsterdam City Card online here

Brussels Resources

Are you looking for a hotel in Brussels? Book here with Booking.com

The Brussels Pass includes access to the Atomium, the hop-on/off Tootbus Brussels and a city guide app.

This article was originally published in 2010 and has continuously been updated. Last update 30 January 2024 .

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

Related Articles

How to Travel Amsterdam to Barcelona

How To Travel Amsterdam to Dublin

How To Travel Amsterdam to Edinburgh

How To Travel Amsterdam to Bruges (Brugge) in 2024