Belgium in a Nutshell

Belgium in a Nutshell:
Your Guide to Medieval Towns, Chocolate, and Beer

Grand Place, Brussels

A Brief History and Tourist Overview of Belgium

Belgium, a small country in Western Europe, boasts a rich history that spans centuries. It was once a major center of trade and industry, and its cities still bear the marks of its medieval past. Today, Belgium is known for its charming cities, delicious chocolate, world-renowned beer, and beautiful countryside.

Reasons to Choose Belgium for Your Next Vacation

• Medieval Charm:Explore the well-preserved medieval towns of Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp, with their cobblestone streets, canals, and historic buildings.
  

  Antwerp, Belgium
• Culinary Delights:Indulge in Belgian chocolate, waffles, fries, and a wide variety of beers, from Trappist ales to lambics.
  

  Belgian chocolate and waffles
• Art and Culture:Discover the works of Flemish masters like Rubens and Van Eyck in world-class museums like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
  

  Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
• Festivals and Events: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Belgian festivals, such as the Carnival of Binche and the Tomorrowland music festival.
• Easy to Explore: Belgium is a small country with excellent transportation links, making it easy to explore multiple cities and regions in a short amount of time.

1. Transportation Options

• Airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main international airport, with connections to major cities worldwide.
• Trains: Belgium has an extensive rail network, including high-speed trains connecting major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges.
• Buses: A reliable and affordable way to travel between cities and towns.
• Trams and Metro: Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent have efficient tram and metro systems.

2. Main Cities, Regions, and Accommodation

• Brussels: The capital city, a cosmopolitan hub with a mix of historical and modern architecture, known for its Grand Place, Manneken Pis statue, and European Union institutions.
  • Luxury: Hotel Amigo, Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo
  • Mid-Range: The Dominican, Hotel Amigo
  • Budget: Meininger Brussels City Center, Sleep Well Youth Hostel
• Bruges: A charming medieval city with canals, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings.
  • Luxury: Hotel Dukes' Palace Brugge, Relais & Châteaux
  • Mid-Range: Hotel De Tuilerieën, Hotel Van Cleef
  • Budget: Lybeer Travellers' Hostel, St Christopher's Inn Hostel Bauhaus
• Ghent: A vibrant city with a medieval castle, a beautiful cathedral, and a lively arts scene.
  • Luxury: Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent, 1898 The Post
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Harmony, Ghent River Hotel
  • Budget: Hostel Uppelink, Backstay Hostel

3. Top Tourist Attractions

• Grand Place (Brussels): A UNESCO World Heritage site, a stunning square surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the Town Hall.
• Manneken Pis (Brussels): A small statue of a peeing boy, a symbol of Brussels.
• Atomium (Brussels):A giant model of an iron crystal, offering panoramic views of the city.
  

  Atomium
• Gravensteen (Ghent): A medieval castle with a moat and towers.
• St. Bavo Cathedral (Ghent): Home to the Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Flemish art.
• Canals of Bruges: Take a boat tour or stroll along the canals to admire the city's picturesque scenery.

4. Sample Itineraries

• 3 Days: Brussels (2 days) + Day trip to Bruges or Ghent (1 day)
• 5 Days: Brussels (2 days) + Bruges (1 day) + Ghent (1 day) + Antwerp (1 day)
• 7 Days: Brussels (2 days) + Bruges (1 day) + Ghent (1 day) + Antwerp (1 day) + Ardennes (2 days)
• 10 Days: Brussels (2 days) + Bruges (1 day) + Ghent (1 day) + Antwerp (1 day) + Ardennes (2 days) + Luxembourg City (1 day) + Dinant (1 day) + Namur (1 day)

5. Best Times to Visit

• Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October): Pleasant temperatures, blooming flowers in spring, and colorful foliage in autumn.
• Summer (July-August): Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities, but also the busiest time.

6. Holidays in Belgium

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Easter Monday (March/April)
• Labour Day (May 1)
• Ascension Day (May/June)
• Whit Monday (May/June)
• Belgian National Day (July 21)

• Assumption Day (August 15)

• All Saints' Day (November 1)

• Armistice Day (November 11)

• Christmas Day (December 25)

7. Useful Tips

• Learn a few phrases in French or Dutch: Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German.
• Try the local specialties: Don't miss out on Belgian chocolate, waffles, fries, and beer.
• Get a Brussels Card: This card offers discounts on attractions and public transportation in Brussels.
• Tipping: Not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros is appreciated.
• Be prepared for the weather: Belgium's weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and a rain jacket.

I hope this guide helps you plan a fantastic trip to Belgium!