Belgium travel guide : discover history, culture and must-see destinations

Essential Belgium travel information

• Official name: Kingdom of Belgium (Koninkrijk België/Royaume de Belgique/Königreich Belgien)
• Capital: Brussels
• Population: About 11.5 million people
• Official languages: Dutch, French, and German
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Government: Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Belgium's rich history: from battleground to European capital

Belgium has one of the most fascinating histories in Western Europe. Here's a simple timeline:

Ancient and medieval times

The area that is now Belgium was originally settled by Celtic and Germanic tribes before becoming part of the Roman Empire as Gallia Belgica. After Rome's fall, the region was ruled by various powers, including the Franks and the Holy Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp became wealthy centers of trade and culture, with the Flemish cloth industry particularly renowned. The region passed to the powerful Dukes of Burgundy in the 14th-15th centuries, creating a golden age of artistic and cultural achievement.

The Spanish and Austrian Netherlands

Through marriage alliances, the Belgian provinces came under Habsburg rule, first Spanish (1555-1713) and then Austrian (1713-1794). This period saw religious tensions and conflicts, but also continued cultural and economic development. The region became known as the "battlefield of Europe" as various European powers fought for control of this strategically important territory. The Belgian provinces developed distinct cultural identities, with strong Catholic influence throughout, but linguistic divisions between the Dutch-speaking north and French-speaking south.

Nation-building and World Wars

After a brief period of French rule under Napoleon, Belgian territories were incorporated into the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815. Growing cultural and religious differences led to the Belgian Revolution of 1830, establishing Belgium as an independent constitutional monarchy under King Leopold I. The industrial revolution transformed Belgium into a major economic power, though with significant social inequalities. Belgium's neutrality was violated in both World Wars, with the country suffering German occupation and becoming the site of major battles, including Ypres and the Battle of the Bulge. The wars significantly damaged infrastructure but reinforced Belgian national identity.

Modern Belgium

Post-war Belgium was a founding member of NATO and the European Economic Community (now EU). The country evolved from a unitary state into a complex federal system addressing tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemish community in the north and French-speaking Walloons in the south. Brussels emerged as the de facto capital of Europe, hosting the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. Contemporary Belgium balances linguistic and regional differences within a sophisticated federal structure, while maintaining a high standard of living and prominent international role. Today's Belgium is known for its multilingual society, culinary excellence, rich artistic heritage, and central place in European politics.

Belgian culture & traditions every traveler should know

Belgian Languages

Belgium's linguistic landscape is central to its identity, with three official languages reflecting distinct regional cultures. Dutch (officially called Flemish in Belgium) is spoken in the northern region of Flanders by about 60% of Belgians. French dominates in southern Wallonia and is the primary language of Brussels, despite the city being geographically surrounded by Flemish territory. German, spoken by less than 1% of the population, is official in a small eastern area bordering Germany. Brussels is officially bilingual (Dutch and French), with street signs and public announcements in both languages. Most Belgians speak excellent English, especially in tourist areas and Brussels, making travel relatively easy for international visitors. Any Belgium travel guide should note that greeting people in the local language of the region you're visiting—"Goedendag" in Flanders or "Bonjour" in Wallonia—is greatly appreciated.

Art & architecture in Belgian culture

Belgium's artistic legacy spans centuries, from Flemish Primitive painters like Jan van Eyck to Surrealist René Magritte. The 15th century saw the rise of Flemish masters whose oil painting techniques revolutionized European art. Peter Paul Rubens, based in Antwerp in the 17th century, became one of Europe's most influential Baroque painters. In the 20th century, Belgium embraced modernism and surrealism, with Magritte's enigmatic paintings challenging perception and reality. Comic art holds a special place in Belgian culture, with characters like Tintin (created by Hergé) and the Smurfs achieving global fame. Belgian architecture includes spectacular Gothic town halls, Art Nouveau masterpieces by Victor Horta, and contemporary innovations. The country's complex history is reflected in its architectural diversity, from medieval guild houses to sleek European Union buildings.

Belgian cuisine: What to eat & drink

Belgian gastronomy combines French refinement with German heartiness, creating distinctive culinary traditions:

• Belgian waffles (Brussels-style rectangular with deep pockets, or Liège-style with caramelized sugar chunks)
• Moules-frites (mussels steamed with white wine and vegetables, served with crispy fries)
• Carbonade flamande (Flemish beef stew cooked with beer)
• Waterzooi (creamy chicken or fish stew originating from Ghent)
• Belgian chocolate (with over 2,000 chocolate shops nationwide)

Belgium's brewing tradition is perhaps unmatched worldwide, with over 1,500 distinct beers ranging from lambics and Trappist ales to witbiers and red Flemish ales. Each Belgian beer typically has its own specially designed glass to enhance its particular aromatics and flavor profile. Six Trappist monasteries in Belgium produce authentic Trappist beers, brewed within monastery walls with monks overseeing production. Belgian chocolates, especially pralines (chocolates with soft fillings) invented in Brussels in 1912, represent the pinnacle of chocolate craftsmanship. Belgian fries, incorrectly called "French fries" elsewhere, are a national institution, traditionally double-fried for the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Belgian traditions and everyday life

Despite linguistic divisions, Belgians share cultural traits including a love for conviviality, quality of life, and pragmatism. Belgians typically greet friends with three kisses on alternating cheeks. Family life remains important, with Sunday often reserved for extended family gatherings. Belgians have a distinctive sense of humor characterized by surrealism and self-deprecation, perhaps best embodied by surrealist painter René Magritte. Carnival celebrations are important throughout Belgium, with distinctive regional traditions like Binche's Gille dancers in their bizarre feathered headdresses. The Belgian approach to life balances work and leisure, with a strong appreciation for life's pleasures—whether that's a leisurely three-hour dinner, a weekend antique market, or enjoying world-class beer and chocolate. Every comprehensive Belgium travel guide should emphasize this "Burgundian lifestyle" that values sensory enjoyment and social connection over materialism or status.

Top places to visit in Belgium

Brussels: Essential sights in Belgium's capital

The capital offers a remarkable blend of historic grandeur and contemporary European politics:

• Grand Place/Grote Markt: One of Europe's most beautiful squares, surrounded by opulent 17th-century guild houses and the Gothic Town Hall, and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Atomium: The iconic 102-meter-tall structure built for the 1958 World's Fair, representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, with spheres containing exhibitions and a panoramic restaurant.
• Manneken Pis: The surprisingly small but world-famous bronze statue of a urinating boy, often dressed in costumes that reflect different occasions and cultures.
• Royal Museums of Fine Arts: A complex of museums housing extraordinary collections from Flemish Primitives to modern art, including the world's largest collection of Magritte works.
• European Quarter: Home to the main EU institutions, including the European Parliament, which offers guided tours providing insight into the workings of this supranational organization.

Bruges: Medieval perfection

Often called the "Venice of the North," Bruges presents an almost perfectly preserved medieval city center that earned UNESCO World Heritage status. The city's canals wind past gabled houses and under stone bridges, while the central Markt square features the iconic Belfry tower rising 83 meters with 366 narrow steps leading to panoramic views. The Groeningemuseum houses an outstanding collection of Flemish Primitive paintings, while the Basilica of the Holy Blood claims to contain a cloth with Christ's blood. Despite its popularity with tourists, Bruges retains enchanting quieter areas, especially in early morning or evening when day-trippers have departed. Any Belgium travel guide should recommend staying overnight to experience the magical atmosphere of floodlit buildings reflected in still canals.

Ghent

Less touristed than Bruges but equally beautiful, Ghent combines medieval architecture with vibrant student energy. The city center features three magnificent medieval towers in a row: Saint Nicholas' Church, the Belfry, and Saint Bavo's Cathedral, which houses the Van Eyck brothers' masterpiece "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb," one of the most significant artworks in European history. The 12th-century Gravensteen castle rises dramatically in the city center, while picturesque guildhalls line the Graslei and Korenlei quays along the Leie River. Ghent's pedestrianized center, excellent museums, and thriving food scene make it a favorite for travelers seeking authentic Belgian experiences.

Antwerp

Belgium's second-largest city blends historic wealth with contemporary style. The magnificent Central Station, often called the "Railway Cathedral," welcomes visitors with its soaring dome and marble interiors. Antwerp's status as a diamond-trading center for over five centuries continues today, with 84% of the world's rough diamonds passing through the Diamond Quarter. The city's association with fashion began with the "Antwerp Six" designers who emerged in the 1980s and continues with the Royal Academy of Fine Arts' prestigious fashion department. The riverside Het Steen castle, Rubens House museum, and towering Cathedral of Our Lady with Rubens' masterpieces provide historical depth to this dynamic port city.

The Ardennes

The forested hills of southeastern Belgium offer a dramatic contrast to the flat landscapes of the north. This region of deep valleys, rivers, and forests provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, and cycling. Historic towns like Dinant, dramatically situated between the Meuse River and towering cliffs, and Durbuy, claiming to be "the smallest city in the world," offer charm and character. The area is famed for its distinctive cuisine featuring game, ham, and local cheeses, as well as breweries producing rich Trappist and abbey beers. Battle of the Bulge sites from World War II, including the Bastogne War Museum, attract history enthusiasts.

Natural wonders & landscapes of Belgium

• High Fens (Hautes Fagnes/Hoge Venen): Belgium's largest nature reserve covering 4,500 hectares of raised bogs, moorland, and forests, reaching elevations of 694 meters.
• Meuse Valley: A picturesque river corridor cutting through limestone cliffs, featuring castle-topped promontories and charming riverside villages.
• Zwin Nature Park: A unique coastal nature reserve with salt marshes and mudflats that form a crucial habitat for migratory birds at the Belgian-Dutch border.
• Caves of Han-sur-Lesse: One of Europe's most beautiful cave systems, featuring spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations illuminated by a sophisticated lighting system.
• Hallerbos: The "Blue Forest" near Brussels that transforms each spring when millions of bluebells carpet the forest floor, creating a magical purple-blue landscape beneath beech trees.

Fascinating Facts About Belgium

Belgium has the world's highest density of castles, with more than 3,000 castles in a country smaller than the state of Maryland.

The Belgian highway system is the only man-made structure visible from the Moon at night due to its complete illumination until recently (partial lighting was introduced as an energy-saving measure).

Belgium holds the world record for the longest period without a government—589 days in 2010-2011—due to complex coalition negotiations.

The world's first recorded lottery was held in Bruges in 1466, raising money for charitable works and poor relief.

Belgium produces over 220,000 tonnes of chocolate per year, with Brussels Airport being the world's largest chocolate selling point, moving 800 tonnes annually.

Belgian contributions to world culture

• The saxophone (invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840s in Dinant)
• The Body Mass Index (developed by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet)
• Praline chocolates (invented by Jean Neuhaus in Brussels in 1912)
• The Big Bang Theory (first proposed by Belgian priest and physicist Georges Lemaître)
• Modern oil painting techniques (pioneered by Jan van Eyck in the 15th century)