Overview
Belgium is a food lover’s dream and a beer lover’s heaven. Officially the Kingdom of Belgium is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organizations. Flat coastal plains in northwest, central-rolling hills, wooded hills and valleys of Ardennes Forest in southeast, surround the beautiful country. It is a small, highly developed country. Belgium's rich history has left impressive churches, town halls, castles and works of art, dating back to the early Middle Ages, spread around the cities and countryside.
Belgium has possibly the highest "quality of life" in the world, as testified by its excellent food, housing, health care, education and infrastructure, its world records for high productivity and low poverty, and the appreciation of foreigners residing in Belgium.
For a hearty dose of the medieval architecture and atmosphere in time-capsule condition, Bruges is a lovely spot. Brussels and Antwerp are both dynamic cities, or scale down the pace a touch in Ghent, is today one of the swing ingest towns in Belgium.
Places to Visit in Belgium:
Belgium consists of three regions, listed from North to South:
Flanders
It is the northern, Dutch-speaking region of the country. It includes well-known cities like Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges.
Brussels
Brussels is the bilingual capital region of the country and headquarters of the EU.
Wallonia
It is the southern, French-speaking region, incorporating a small German-speaking region in the east near the German border.
Attractions:
Belgium is a historic country with a very modern flare. It is an important international centre, home to many EU institutions, the headquarters of NATO, and a mixture of cultures.
• Brussels Attractions
Best Sightseeing in Brussels, the capital city are-Atomium Town Hall, Manneken Pis, and Grand Place.
• Antwerp Attractions
Once home to such famous artists as Rubens, van Dyck, and Jordaens, and such famous sites as the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp is a cultural treasure.
Places to visit here are: Antwerp Zoo, International Port, Museum of Fine Arts, Cathedral of Our Lady, Plantin-Moretus Museum.
• Bruges Attractions
The beautifully preserved medieval city center of Bruges is an architectural treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Places to visit here are-Burg, Belfry, Memling museum, Sint-Jansspitaal.
• Ghent Attractions
The old port city of Ghent rests at the confluence of the Scheldt and the Leie in Belgium's flower growing district. The city's history dates back to the Roman period.
Places to visit are: Graslei, Gravensteen, Cathedral of St Bavon, Korenlei.
• Waterloo Battlefield:
Belgium’s Waterloo is just a short trip south of Brussels. The famous village of Waterloo lent its name to the battle, the famous battle fought by Napoleon.
Things to do in Belgium
Brussels Grand City Tour
Explore the rich cultural attractions and activities of Brussels on this Grand City Tour. Start your tour with a walking tour to Brussels’ beautiful Grand Place. Learn about the history of this unique city hall and the splendid guild houses. Next you will board the luxury coach and drive along the magnificent St. Michael’s Cathedral towards the National Basilica of Koekelberg, one of the most imposing churches in Europe. Next, visit the world-famous Atomium, the Chinese Pavilion and the Japanese Tower. Drive past the Royal residence of Laeken and the Royal St Mary’s church and reach the city center. Visit the Sablon district with its elegant stores selling beautiful antiques. After you see the impressive Court of Justice, drive to the stately Place Royale and the Royal Palace. The next part of tour brings you to the European district with the European Parliament, European Commission and Council of Ministers. In the Park of the Jubilee, you will marvel at the monumental Triumphal Arch and some excellent examples of Art Nouveau houses. Pass the Royal Parc and the Belgian Parliament and drive back to the city center where the tour ends.
Antwerp Tour
Antwerp is Belgium’s 2nd largest city and Europe’s 2nd largest harbour. The city has preserved its historic character and many buildings remind us of its rich past. Above all, it is the city of Rubens, the world famous master of the 17th century. We drive to the ancient fortress of the city. Here we start our walk tour to the Market Square with its ancient houses and Our Lady’s Cathedral (entrance fee included). This cathedral boasts many treasures among which 4 of Rubens’ masterworks: “The Erection of and the Descent from the Cross, the Ascension of the Virgin and the Resurrection.” Enjoy a beautiful walk through the city center and some free time. Antwerp is also the world’s Diamond Center. You will visit a diamond workshop and explanations from experts. We end the tour with a drive through a part of the harbour.
Luxembourg and Bastogne Tour
Travel through the green hills of the Belgian Ardennes and drive to Bastogne. The town was the site of the worst battle between the allied (American) and German forces in 1944. Known for the fierce fighting that took place here during Christmas 1944. Visit the Mardasson-Memorial. After an hour ride, arrive in Luxemburg, the capital of the Grand Duchy. Your guide takes you to the many European Buildings at the plateau of Kirchberg, the picturesque historical town, the impressive citadel, the cathedral, the palace of the Grand Duke. Before leaving, you will have free time in the city center.
Brugges Express Tour
Travel back in history and time and learn about the rich history and culture of Flemish Belgium. Sit in a comfortable coach that takes you in one hour and a half to Brugges. Your guide will meet you on arrival and bring you to the Lake of Love and the Beguinage. Afterwards we start our walking tour and discover all the highlights of the city with Our Lady Church, the Market Square with the Belfry, the Holy Blood Chapel and many more. Don’t forget your walking shoes! Enjoy free time free for personal visits.
Maasmechelen Village Tour
In Maasmechelen Village you will find more than 100 brands offering more than 150 world’s most luxury fashion and lifestyle brands. Premium brands offer their previous collections 30 to 60% off, all year round. Versace, Hugo Boss, Escada, Guess, Desigual, Karen Millen... You can visit Maasmechelen Village from Brussels with a unique 5 star shuttle services every Saturday and Sunday and daily during the holiday period. It is the perfect start for your shopping trip as you are welcomed with Maasmechelen Village Vip Daypass entitling you to a 10% discount in 9 boutiques of your choice.
Weather of
Belgium
Belgium has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean, with cool summers and moderate winters. Since the country is small there is little variation in climate from region to region. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with a dryer period from April to September.
Food of
Belgium
Belgium is world-famous for its chocolate and beer. Belgian frites (french fries), Belgian waffles, and a tasty cookie called ‘speculoos’, Waterzoo, stoemp potato, and Salade Liégeoise are just a few of the mouth-watering snack foods that visitors and residents enjoy here.
Best Time to Visit
Belgium
To avoid major dampness coupled with biting cold, best time to visit Belgium is May to September (late spring to early autumn).
Required clothing:
Lightweights with rainwear for summer, waterproof Medium- to Heavyweights for winter. A sweater is necessary almost any time of year.
How to Reach
Belgium
BY Plane:
Brussels Airport (also known as Zaventem) is Belgium's main airport. It is not located in Brussels proper, but in surrounding Flanders. The airport is the base of the national airline Brussels Airlines. Other full-service airlines use BRU, as well as budget carriers such as Vueling, JetairFly and Thomas Cook.
By train
There are direct trains between Brussels and: Amsterdam, Luxembourg; Paris, Köln/Cologne, Aachen, Amsterdam; Lyon, Bordeaux, Paris-CDG airport and many other French cities.
By ship
There are overnight ferries to/from Zeebrugge from Hull in England and Rosyth in Scotland. There's also a vehicle-only daytime service from Oostende to Rams gate in England.
By Bus
One can get to Belgium from all over Europe on Euro lines coaches. International buses have stopovers in Antwerpen, Brussels north-station, Leuven & Liege.