Belgium Travel: Ultimate travel guide for a trip to Belgium

Belgium is known as an European country drawing tourists from all over the world with its richness and authenticity from every aspect. A trip to Belgium could offer a chance to gain such wonderful experiences that you can not have anywhere else. Get ready to discover fresh adventures in each of the places to see in Belgium when you visit Belgium.

1. Reasons why you should visit Belgium

A trip to Belgium is a chance to discover a country located in the heart of Europe, known worldwide for its ancient architecture, special beers, and chocolates. Visiting Belgium is an opportunity to immerse oneself in a unique and appealing culture of Europe.

2. Preparation for your trip to Belgium

Best time to visit Belgium

In fact, you can travel to Belgium in any season, but it is recommended that you prefer traveling to Belgium in spring and autumn to enjoy the best weather in the country.

Spring in Belgium lasts from March to May. The weather around this time is quite pleasant and suitable for participating in outdoor activities such as going to the park or visiting botanical gardens.

September marks the beginning of autumn in Belgium. The temperature drops quickly, ranging from 10 to 20°C. You may be surprised by the poetic beauty of autumn leaves covering the city during this period.

Summer and winter in Belgium are a festive period, especially Christmas in winter. However, the weather during this period can be less pleasant and cities will welcome peak tourist numbers, especially because Christmas festivals are held in winter.

Planning Your Budget

The budget for your trip to Belgium will depend on several factors, including choice of accommodation, food, and modes of transportation. On average, a traveler spends between €80 and €130 per person per day for a small hotel and meals at small restaurants, while the budget for more extravagant tourists can reach up to €160 per person, including a night in a charming hotel and meals at good restaurants.

To save your budget when you visit Belgium, it is necessary to plan your trip strictly, paying attention to transportation costs because fewer trips mean less spending; and opting for simple accommodations such as an apartment or staying with locals. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid peak hours to limit high service prices.

Visa for Belgium

There are different types of visas in Belgium depending on your nationality and the duration of your trip. The most common visa for a trip to Belgium is the Schengen visa, which permits you to stay in the Schengen area for 90 days within 180 days after your first arrival.

The process includes a visa application form, a recent passport photo, a letter explaining the reason for the trip and additional documents (confirmed hotel reservations and plane tickets), return flights, financial proof proving your livelihood and proof of travel insurance.

3. What to do in Belgium? Things to visit in Belgium

Belgium is a small country with incredible and unique cities. If you have the chance to travel to Belgium, we recommend some unavoidable places to see in Belgium.

Brussels - the capital of Belgium:

Brussels is a city known to tourists when they travel to Belgium. This city is not only the capital of Belgium but also the capital of Europe where many important conferences that have a significant impact on this continent take place. We’d like to suggest some worth-visiting tourist sites in Brussels.

The Atomium is a famous attraction in Belgium. It is a massive steel structure developed using the crystalline structure model of the iron element. Iron was selected as a prototype for this project since the steel industry was one of Belgium's most important businesses at the time.Visitors may see the entire city from here.

The Manneken Pis or the bronze statue of the "peeing boy" is not only a strange landmark but also a destination with good cultural values. First designed in 1388, the Manneken Pis has seen many ups and downs and upheavals. There are many special stories, each story has its own meaning and is associated with special events in the city. And whatever story it is associated with, the Manneken Pis remains an inseparable symbol of the city of Brussels.

The Brussels Art Museum is also a place that we recommend you to visit when coming to Brussels. The museum displays many valuable works of art which refer to the artistic periods of the Flemish Baroque and the Dutch Golden Age.

Bruges - "Venice of the North"

Bruges is called the Venice of the North because this city is surrounded by rivers. You can discover ancient buildings recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in this city. You can visit chocolate shops and the chocolate museum, the De Halve Maan brewery or the Groeninge Museum, as well as the Belfry and the Beguinages when you come to this city.

Ghent - one of the oldest cities in Belgium

Ghent has been prosperous since the Middle Ages. Thanks to that prosperity, the remaining architectural buildings in this city today will make you fall in love with their beauty. Some typical architectural works include: Saint Bavo's Church, the Belfry, Saint Nicholas' Church, the Counts' Castle. In addition, boating on Ghent's canals is an activity worth experiencing when visitors can freely admire many typical buildings of the city. If you are a photography lover, don't miss the famous check-in location on Saint Michael bridge!

4. Culture and Gastronomy:

Typical Belgium Dishes

Belgian fries are a must-try dish in Belgium which is famous for their distinctive texture: crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside. Some fry shops may also offer additional options, such as meatballs or fricadelles, to accompany them.

Mussels are another Belgian specialty that draws in a large number of tourists. These delightful mussels are cooked in a delicious broth made with white wine, onions, celery, and various herbs and spices

Flemish stew is yet another iconic Belgian dish. It stands out for its combination of meat (typically beef or pork) with beer, slow-cooked for hours to develop a tender and flavorful result. Originally invented by coal mine workers, who would grill their leftover meat over charcoal, hence the term "carbonade." This stew is often served with fries, boiled potatoes, or stoemp (a mashed potato dish with other vegetables).

Belgian chocolate is a popular choice among tourists seeking souvenirs. Belgian chocolate is famous worldwide for its high quality and long tradition of chocolate making. In 2007, the "Code of Belgian Chocolate" was introduced to guarantee the authenticity of Belgian chocolate, ensuring it originates from Belgium.

Belgium Arts and Architecture

Belgium's culture and history has been largely shaped by its art and architecture. The country's architectural landscape is shaped by the perfect combination of several creative movements, from Flemish, modern and contemporary to medieval and Baroque. Cities such as Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp still have many preserved historical landmarks. The variety in architectural style reflects the rich history and myriad influences that have influenced Belgium throughout time.

Festival in Belgium

Belgian beer, classified as UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage, has many fans worldwide. In 1998, the Belgian Beer Weekend was founded to honor and promote this rich and unique heritage. This festival is like a large bar with the participation of over 51 very famous beer brewers from all over Belgium. They will bring to this festival more than 400 kinds of beers produced entirely by hand such as Abbaye des Rocs, Lefebvre, or Légende,...

The Christmas festival in Belgium starts on December 6th and lasts until New Year's Eve. It is recommended not to miss the Christmas market when participating in Christmas festivals in Belgium. According to the Belgian way, these authentic villages are lit up by thousands of twinkling lights and wooden stalls offering artisanal dishes. Popular cities like Leuven, Antwerp, and Liège each have their own unique atmosphere. They share one characteristic: food and drinks: glühwein, genever (or Flemish gin), and hot chocolate to keep warm inside, as well as waffles, crepes, and smoutebollen (fried sweet dumplings) to satisfy your hungry stomach.

5. Note when traveling to Belgium

Visiting a new country always promises a lot of interesting experiences, but only if you are carefully prepared. Here are a few small notes for you when preparing to come to Belgium.

Getting Around in Belgium

Transportation options in Belgium are varied, such as tram, bus, metro, train, and taxi. Belgium ranks first worldwide regarding the distribution of the transportation system across the country's territory. Rail transport is a popular form of tourist transportation. You can easily travel to any part of the country by Belgian rail transport. You can also use river transport for your trip to Belgium. The river network is connected and accessible via canals.

If you want a more flexible travel experience, we recommend getting around by private transportation like taxis, although the price is higher. It is necessary that you understand the available transportation system when traveling in Belgium.

Communication and Languages

Belgium is a multilingual country. Dutch, French, and German are three official languages of this country. It is recommended to learn some basic phrases to make communication easier because finding a native English speaker in Belgium could be difficult. Additionally, you can use some translating applications to facilitate your communication in Belgium.

In conclusion, if you prepare to address the language issue by seeking assistance tools or learning a few words before your departure, your trip to Belgium will be excellent!

6. Conclusion

A trip to Belgium promises to give you an experience with historical charm with modern joys. Whether you're roaming through stunning medieval towns or enjoying the bustling ambiance of urban cities like Brussels or Bruges, there's something to captivate every tourist. Don't wait any longer; visit Belgium and let it amaze you!

7. Traveling in Belgium with Autour Asia, the best travel agency in Asia

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