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Belgium is an ideal destination for a holiday, offering a mix of dynamic cities, rich historic marvels, and scenic countryside. Visit Brussels, the capital, known for its historic Grand Place, Atomium, and world-class museums. Explore Bruges and its charming canals, medieval architecture, and cobbled streets. Don’t miss Ghent, famous for its rich culture, and Gravensteen Castle, or Antwerp, the centre of fashion, art, and diamonds.
Belgium is renowned for its chocolate, Belgian waffles, and beer. Try local dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries) and enjoy the country's famous Trappist beers. When visiting Belgium, you could plan your trip around popular events like the Carnival of Binche, Brussels Summer Festival, or Christmas markets in cities like Brussels and Bruges. Browse our Belgium holiday packages and let us help you plan a fantastic city break adventure.
Rue de la Vge Noire 32, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Currency: you’ll be spending Euros.
Language: Belgium has three official languages: Dutch (Flemish) in the northern region (Flanders), French in the southern region (Wallonia), and German in a small eastern region. In Brussels, the capital, both French and Dutch are widely spoken. English is also commonly understood, especially in tourist areas.
Local time: in winter, Belgium is 1 hour ahead of GMT. In summer, Belgium is 2 hours ahead of GMT.
Flight time from the UK: the flight time from the UK to Belgium is relatively short, typically around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the departure and arrival cities.
Tourist Information: visit the official Belgian tourist information site for lots of helpful information regarding upcoming events, where to go, what to do, and how to get around.
Health/travel restrictions: to travel to Belgium, British citizens need a valid passport. A visa is not required. For up-to-date travel advice and health recommendations visit the government’s travel advice for Belgium.
The best times to visit are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. Summer (July and August) is the high tourist season, with festivals and warmer weather. Winter (December to February) is great for enjoying the Brussels Christmas markets.
Belgium has an excellent public transport system, including trains, buses, and trams. The SNCB train network connects major cities like Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Renting a car is an option, especially for exploring the countryside, but public transport is sufficient for most trips within cities and between major destinations.
Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover any medical emergencies, lost baggage, or trip cancellations, although not mandatory for EU citizens with an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card).
Belgium is generally a very safe country to visit. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas or tourist spots, so it's wise to stay alert. In case of emergency, the general number for police, fire, or medical assistance is 112.
Belgium is famous for Belgian waffles, chocolate, moules-frites (mussels and fries), and its variety of Belgian beers. Be sure to try local specialties in each city and visit famous chocolatiers like Neuhaus, Godiva, and Pierre Marcolini.
Belgium offers a wide variety of attractions, from historic landmarks and beautiful cities to natural landscapes and cultural experiences. Some of the country’s most significant historic attractions include the UNESCO listed Grand Place Brussels, Flanders Fields – home to World War I battlefields, the Belfry of Bruges bell tower, The Royal Palace of Brussels which is the official residence of the Belgian Royal Family, and the Waterloo Battlefield, site of the famous defeat of Napolean Bonaparte.
Other must-do activities in Belgium include sampling the staple Belgian waffles, exploring the futuristic Atomium structure which offers panoramic views of Brussels, the quirky Mannekin Pis statue, the Horta Museum which is dedicated to Art Nouveau designs, and Antwerp Zoo, which is one of the world’s oldest zoos.
Belgium experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters, cool summers, and moderate rainfall throughout the year. In spring, the weather gradually starts to warm, and rainfall is common; average daily temperatures range from 6°C in March to around 15°C in May. Summer brings a mixture of sunny days and rainy spells, with average daily temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, though it can occasionally reach over 30°C.
Autumn starts off mild but gradually becomes cooler and wetter. Average temperatures range from around 17°C in September to about 8°C in November. Rainfall increases during the autumn months, with October often being particularly rainy. Winters in Belgium are generally cold and damp, but extreme weather is rare. Average temperatures range from 2°C to 7°C. Frost and occasional snowfall can occur, particularly in January and February, and though this season experiences less rainfall, it can be quite overcast.
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