Belgium

Overview
Belgium is a small yet culturally rich country in Western Europe, known for its diverse history, exquisite cuisine, and vibrant cities. It is bordered by France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, and its compact size makes it an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore a variety of experiences in a short time.
The capital city, Brussels, is the political heart of Europe, home to the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. Brussels offers a unique blend of historical and modern attractions, from the grand medieval architecture of the Grand Place to the contemporary Atomium structure. The city is also famous for its comic strip culture, with murals and museums dedicated to iconic characters like Tintin.
Bruges, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and cobbled streets. It’s a city where visitors can step back in time and enjoy the charm of Belgium’s golden age.
Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, is a dynamic hub for fashion, art, and diamonds. It boasts impressive art museums, including the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Rubens House, celebrating the works of Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens.
Belgium is also celebrated for its culinary offerings, including world-renowned chocolates, waffles, and over 1,000 varieties of beer. The country’s diverse cultural regions—Flanders, Wallonia, and the Brussels-Capital Region—each offer unique traditions, languages, and experiences, making Belgium a multifaceted and fascinating destination.

Belgium location, climate & geography
Belgium is located in Western Europe, bordered by France to the southwest, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, and the Netherlands to the north. The country has a small coastline along the North Sea to the northwest. Belgium's geographic location has made it a crossroads of European cultures and a key player in the continent’s history.
Belgium is divided into three main regions: Flanders in the north, Wallonia in the south, and the Brussels-Capital Region. Flanders is predominantly Dutch-speaking and is known for its flat terrain and bustling cities like Antwerp and Ghent. Wallonia, which is French-speaking, is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and historic towns like Namur and Liège. The Brussels-Capital Region is bilingual, with both French and Dutch as official languages, and serves as the administrative heart of the European Union.
Belgium has a temperate maritime climate, influenced by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This results in mild temperatures, with cool summers and moderate winters. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, making Belgium’s landscape lush and green. The coastal region experiences milder winters and cooler summers, while the Ardennes, a forested region in the southeast, sees colder winters and is known for its outdoor activities, including hiking and skiing.
The country's geography and climate support a variety of outdoor activities, from exploring scenic countryside in Wallonia to enjoying the cultural and architectural treasures of cities like Brussels and Bruges. Belgium’s compact size and excellent transportation network make it easy to explore its diverse regions and attractions.

10 things to know when travelling to Belgium
1. Chocolate Heaven: Belgium is famous for its high-quality chocolate, with over 2,000 chocolatiers offering a variety of delicious confections.
2. Comic Strip Capital: Brussels is a hub for comic book culture, with numerous murals, museums, and shops dedicated to beloved characters like Tintin and the Smurfs.
3. Medieval Bruges: The entire city of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its canals, cobblestone streets, and preserved medieval architecture.
4. Beer Variety: Belgium is home to more than 1,000 beer varieties, many of which are brewed in traditional Trappist monasteries.
5. Grand Place: Brussels’ Grand Place is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall.
6. Atomium: A unique structure in Brussels, the Atomium was built for the 1958 World Expo and represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
7. Festival Fever: Belgium hosts numerous festivals, including the famous Tomorrowland music festival and the Gentse Feesten, a ten-day cultural celebration in Ghent.
8. Languages: Belgium has three official languages—Dutch, French, and German—reflecting its diverse cultural regions.
9. Art and Culture: Belgium has a rich artistic heritage, home to famous artists like Peter Paul Rubens and surrealist René Magritte.
10. Waffles: Belgian waffles are a must-try, with variations like the sweet Liège waffle and the lighter, crispier Brussels waffle.

Last update August 2024