Travel landscape in Belgium
Belgium flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to Belgium

Belgium, located in the heart of Europe, is renowned for its historic cities, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and diverse landscapes ranging from the Ardennes to Flemish plains.

Photo by Lajos Kristóf Kántor · Pexels

Currency converter

Indicative EUR → EUR rate

Rate temporarily unavailable

Two ways to explore

01 / 02

CREATE YOUR IDEAL TRIP

Plan custom city trips for the whole family, in Paris or anywhere else.

YOUR CITY ROUTE

A day in Paris

3 stops
A lovely walk · 3 stops
SERVICESStaysActivities
Start Trip Generator
02 / 02

CREATE YOUR GPX CYCLING ROUTE

Routes tailored to your riding style, with useful roadside services.

THE ROUTE

68 km · Loop route

GPX · 68 km

ELEVATION PROFILE

Altitude 580 m

RentalsRepairs
Discover Bike Generator

Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
French, Dutch, German
Time zones
UTC+1 (Central European Time), UTC+2 (summer time)
Electrical outlets
230 V, 50 Hz, plug type E/F
Climate
Temperate oceanic climate with mild summers and cool winters, rain distributed throughout the year

Health

Belgium offers high-quality medical care. In emergencies, dial 112. Check official sources prior to travel for up-to-date health advice.

Travel health advice

  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure
  • Bring a basic first aid kit
  • Check European Health Insurance Card coverage before traveling

Recommended vaccines: Routine vaccines up to date (DTaP, Hepatitis B); Seasonal flu vaccine as appropriate

Required vaccines:

Money

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Avoid exchanging money at unofficial places. Prefer authorized exchange offices or banks.

International bank cards are widely accepted in cities and ATMs.

Safety

Belgium is generally safe for tourists. Stay attentive in tourist areas to avoid pickpocketing.

  • Keep personal belongings under close watch in tourist spots
  • Do not leave valuables unattended
  • Be cautious in queues and public transport

Areas to check before travel: Certain neighborhoods in Brussels at night; Isolated areas in the Ardennes after dark

Regions

Flanders — travel guide
Region

Flanders

Dutch-speaking northern region known for medieval towns, architecture, and coastline.

Wallonia — travel guide
Region

Wallonia

French-speaking southern region featuring rolling hills, forests, and the Ardennes massif.

Brussels-Capital Region — travel guide
Region

Brussels-Capital Region

Bilingual region and country capital, home to the EU institutions with diverse museums and architecture.

Ardennes — travel guide
Region

Ardennes

Forested massif ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and kayaking.

Belgian Coast — travel guide
Region

Belgian Coast

Coastal area with long sandy beaches, popular seaside resorts and maritime charm.

Cities

Brussels — city guide
City guide

Brussels

Cosmopolitan capital famous for Grand Place, Atomium, and European institutions.

  • Grand Place
  • Manneken Pis
  • Atomium
  • Royal Museums of Fine Arts
  • Brussels Park
Bruges — city guide
City guide

Bruges

Well-preserved medieval city called the "Venice of the North" with charming canals.

  • Market Square (Markt)
  • Belfry
  • Basilica of the Holy Blood
  • Groeninge Museum
  • Boat tours
Antwerp — city guide
City guide

Antwerp

Historic diamond trade center and city of Rubens, with rich architectural heritage.

  • Cathedral of Our Lady
  • Rubens House
  • Antwerp Zoo
  • Diamond District
Ghent — city guide
City guide

Ghent

Vibrant university city boasting a medieval center and impressive castle by the Lys river.

  • Gravensteen Castle
  • Saint Bavo's Cathedral
  • Graslei and Korenlei
  • Museum of Fine Arts
Liège — city guide
City guide

Liège

Dynamic Walloon city known for its gastronomy, nightlife and industrial history.

  • Montagne de Bueren
  • Prince-Bishops' Palace
  • Curtius Museum
  • The Carré district
Namur — city guide
City guide

Namur

Wallonia's capital situated on the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers with a citadel.

  • Namur Citadel
  • Félicien Rops Museum
  • Casemates
  • Old Town
Leuven — city guide
City guide

Leuven

Flemish university city rich in history with notable gothic architecture.

  • University Library
  • Saint Peter's Church
  • Town Hall
  • M Museum

Highlights

Brussels Grand Place — travel guide
Must-see

Brussels Grand Place

Historic central square, UNESCO World Heritage site with ornate buildings.

Bruges Belfry — travel guide
Must-see

Bruges Belfry

Medieval tower offering panoramic city views.

Maredsous Abbey — travel guide
Must-see

Maredsous Abbey

Benedictine abbey renowned for its architecture and local products like cheese.

High Fens-Eifel Nature Park — travel guide
Must-see

High Fens-Eifel Nature Park

Protected natural area perfect for wildlife observation and hiking.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts Brussels — travel guide
Must-see

Royal Museums of Fine Arts Brussels

Collection spanning from old masters to modern art.

Namur Citadel — travel guide
Must-see

Namur Citadel

Impressive fortress symbolizing Belgian military history.

Nature & other places

Ardennes — travel guide
natural region

Ardennes

Wooded and hilly region ideal for adventure sports and hiking.

High Fens Nature Park — travel guide
nature park

High Fens Nature Park

Area of heathland, forests and peat bogs rich in ecology.

Sonian Forest — travel guide
forest

Sonian Forest

Ancient forest near Brussels, perfect for walking and cycling.

High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) — travel guide
nature reserve

High Fens (Hautes Fagnes)

Marshy, peat bog area in the southeast unique for biodiversity.

Belgian Coast — travel guide
coastal area

Belgian Coast

Sandy beaches and dunes popular for water sports and seaside activities.

Lakes of Eau d’Heure — travel guide
lake area

Lakes of Eau d’Heure

Largest artificial lakes in Belgium for water sports and hiking.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

Was this article helpful?

Share it with your travel companions.