Belgium
Western Europe · Europe
- Capital
- Brussels
- Currency
- Euro (EUR €)
- Language
- Dutch (Flemish), French, German
- Timezone
- UTC+1 (CET), UTC+2 (CEST)
- Safety rating
- 8.2/10
- Best time to visit
- April to June and September to October — mild weather, lower prices than peak summer. December for Christmas markets (Bruges' market is among Europe's most beautiful). Summer (July–August) for outdoor festivals.
Overview
Belgium punches far above its weight culturally — the birthplace of the comic strip, Art Nouveau architecture, Belgian chocolate, waffles, more beer varieties per capita than any nation on earth, and the medieval masterpieces of Bruges and Ghent. Brussels, the de facto capital of the EU, is a cosmopolitan city with an extraordinary food and art scene often overshadowed by its famous neighbours.
Visa requirements
Part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens enter freely. USA, Canada, Australia, UK enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Safety information
Generally safe. Brussels has higher petty crime than most Belgian cities — watch bags in busy public squares and metro stations. Bruges and Ghent are very safe. Tap water is safe to drink.
Travel tips
Belgian beer culture is UNESCO-listed — try Trappist ales (Chimay, Orval) in their monastic context. Bruges is a day-tripper destination but magical when you stay overnight as crowds thin. Fries (Belgians invented them, not the French) with andalouse sauce from a friterie are mandatory. Belgian waffles are very different north/south — Liège vs Brussels style.