Belgium is a small country in northwestern Europe. Its common borders make it easy to get to the Netherlands, France, Germany and Luxembourg.
Why go?
Tourists come to Belgium for a quiet holiday and a special atmosphere typical of old Europe. Resorts are concentrated in the North Sea regions, on the plains of Flanders and in the picturesque Ardennes Mountains. The country is famous for its museums and architectural landmarks from the Roman and Carolingian times, as well as Art Nouveau buildings. Gastro-tourists are attracted to Belgium by the opportunity to try masterpieces of national cuisine, local sweets and numerous varieties of craft beer.
The main thing about the country
- The country’s currency is the euro. Taking into account travel, excursions and food in cafes, the average cost of a week’s holiday in Brussels is no less than 1,000 euros for two tourists.
- The country’s inhabitants speak three languages: French (in Wallonia), Dutch (in Flanders) and German (in the Eastern Districts). In the northern part of the country, the so-called Flemish language is spoken – a regional dialect that is used in everyday life. Brussels is the only city where French and Dutch are officially recognized, so city signs have inscriptions in both languages.
- Time in Belgium is 2 hours behind Moscow time.
- Half of the Belgians are Catholics. Other faiths are represented to a lesser extent: the largest part is Muslims (5.1%), followers of the Christian religion (2.5%), Buddhists (0.3%). A third of the inhabitants acknowledge the existence of God, the share of atheists is slightly more than 9%. The Roman Catholic Church is dominant in the country.
- The culture of Belgium bears the imprint of the traditions of the main groups of the country’s population: the Flemings, the Walloons, and a small community of German-speaking residents. In the past, the country has repeatedly found itself at the epicenter of military actions, which has strengthened the desire of the Belgians to preserve cultural traditions. Almost every city has its own small museum, where exhibits are collected that tell the history of the region.
Nature
Untouched corners of wild nature remain only in the Ardennes Mountains, the rest of the landscape has been modified by people. Along the coast of the North Sea stretches a strip of sandy beaches 66 km long. Heather-covered dunes protect resort villages from strong sea winds. Behind the beaches is a zone of polders – land plots that are used for agriculture after drainage. They are protected from flooding by dams.
The coastline continues into the Flemish Lowlands, where the perfectly flat landscapes are traversed by numerous rivers and canals. Agriculture is developed in Walloon Brabant, in the Southern Industrial Belt and in Charleroi. It is almost impossible to find uninhabited areas here: villages and towns merge into one continuous development. Quiet rural landscapes have been preserved only in the southern provinces of Hainaut and Namur.
The Ardennes Mountains are covered with dense forests, home to wild pigs, deer and lynxes. There are no large industrial enterprises or large cities in this region. In the picturesque valleys, small settlements are concentrated along the banks of mountain rivers.
Weather
Due to the proximity of the North Sea with the warm North Atlantic Current, the climate of Belgium is moderately warm with a lot of precipitation. The wind from the Atlantic often brings rain, so the weather in the country is mostly cloudy. In the Ardennes, the air temperature is lower, but there are no harsh and snowy winters here. In January, the temperature on the plains rarely drops below -1 °C, and in the mountains the average air temperature at this time is -3 °C. Summer heat is rare in Belgium. As a rule, the thermometer shows +14–18 °C in July. The average amount of precipitation on the plain is 700–900 mm per year, so do not forget to take an umbrella with you. The rivers in the country do not freeze and remain navigable all year round.
Attitude towards tourists
Belgium is friendly to tourists, although Europeans consider the country a bit boring compared to neighboring Germany and France.
Visa and entry
To enter the country, a tourist needs a Schengen visa. It can be obtained at the consulate; for this, you need a passport valid for more than six months. A short-term visa gives the right to stay in the country for up to 90 days. A longer period will require a business visa. The decision to issue it is made by the Office for Foreigners. The period of residence in this case is 180 days. In all cases, you must obtain medical insurance before the trip. The issuance of short-term visas is temporarily suspended.
The main entry point to the country is Zaventem Airport. Belgian border guards are strict about the “first entry” rules. If you plan to go to Belgium, you need to apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate of this country. When crossing the border, be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your visit and prepare documents in advance: a printout of your hotel reservation, an invitation from an organization or individual.
When to go to Belgium
The high season starts in April and ends in September. It is interesting to visit Belgium during the Christmas and New Year holidays, when festive events, fairs and festivals take place. Those who like to ski in winter will be interested in the Ardennes resorts. Trips to the cities from November to March can be disappointing, since during this period visiting the sights is spoiled by damp weather with strong winds.
Currency
You can exchange currency at the airport or at the Brussels branch of Western Union at Place Louise 6, 1060, but in general the exchange service is not widespread in the country. We recommend that you take care of cash in advance and take the required amount of euros with you. Money can be easily withdrawn from ATMs, which are installed in bank branches. Most financial institutions are open from 8:00 to 17:00. Banks close for lunch between 12:00 and 15:00, so plan your visits outside of this period. On Saturday, branches are open until 12:00, Sunday is a day off.
Prices
The price range in Belgium is not fundamentally different from other Central European countries. The cost of staying in an average hotel with advance booking averages from 70 to 110 euros per day, but during the peak tourist season prices increase. Public transport costs 2.6 euros, the fastest way to travel between cities is by train. The ticket price depends on the distance. Travel from Brussels to Ghent will cost 7.7 euros per passenger, the ticket price to Antwerp is 9.3 euros. You can have a snack in cheap cafes for 12-15 euros, a visit to a mid-range restaurant will cost at least 35-55 euros per person. The average bill in fine dining establishments can be 150 euros and above.
Beach holiday
The largest resort on the coast is Ostend. Once a small fishing village, in the 20th century it grew into a large port city where aristocracy from all over Europe vacationed. The relatively small center is a network of absolutely straight streets, the main one of which is the pedestrian Kapellestraat with a huge number of shops and shopping centers. We recommend visiting the Mercator Maritime Museum, admiring the marine animals in the North Sea Aquarium and riding the coastal tram of the De Lij company.
The resort of De Haan is visited by tourists and locals who like to come to the coast on weekends. The city’s architecture was not damaged during the war, and the coastal forest of about 64 hectares gives a special flavor to the surrounding area. Locals once planted pine trees on the dunes to protect themselves from the winds. Today, this place is famous for its clean air and attracts tourists with tents from all over Belgium.
The eastern coastal town of Knokke is a favourite with wealthy tourists. Before the season opens, there is a Celebrity Ball and a Cartoon Festival in July. You can combine a beach holiday with hiking in the Het Zwin Nature Reserve, home to Belgium’s largest salt marshes and covered in purple lichen flowers, which locals call sea lavender.
Attractions
The Brussels Capital Region is a single city. It is impossible to cover all the local attractions in one excursion; even a quick inspection will take at least two days. We recommend purchasing La Brussel Cards for a period of 24 to 72 hours. The coupons give the right to free admission to three dozen museums, free travel on public transport and discounts in restaurants, cafes and shops.
Of interest in the historic centre is the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste-aux-Béguinages at the Beguine hostel, a religious community of women who dedicated themselves to prayer and pious deeds without taking monastic vows. The oldest city church, Saint Nicholas, contains the relics of the holy martyrs of Gorkum, and in Saint Catherine’s Cathedral you can admire the statue of the Virgin Mary with the Child.
The Grand Place is home to guild houses with original architectural solutions. The famous statue of the Manneken Pis can be found in the immediate vicinity of the square. The City Museum will introduce you to the history of the city, and the paintings of famous Flemish artists are presented in the Museum of Ancient Art. Comic book lovers will be interested to visit the museum, where the focus is on Tintin, created by the artist Georges Remi.
In the capital of West Flanders, Bruges, you will be introduced to medieval architectural monuments and take a walk along the city’s rivers and canals. Fans of Charles de Coster’s work will be interested in visiting the birthplace of Till Eulenspiegel – the city of Damme. An entire museum is dedicated to the literary hero. In Ghent, tourists are attracted by the famous altar of the Cathedral of St. Bavo, painted by the Van Eyck brothers. Antwerp is interesting primarily for its churches, which can be visited as part of a walking tour.
Entertainment
In the capital of Belgium, tourists will find entertainment for every taste. For lovers of walking, we recommend visiting Parc de la Porte de Hal. The park’s crowning glory is a medieval-style building with a museum exhibition inside. Collectors will be interested in the brocante – a flea market where locals sell unwanted items on Sundays. Sales take place on one of the closed streets, where a festive atmosphere is created by an orchestra and a procession in medieval costumes. Information about upcoming events can be found in special magazines. Young tourists can have fun in the nightclubs Canoa Quebrada, Dali’s Bar and Fuse. The latter is known for its crowded parties hosted by popular DJs.
Kitchen
The national cuisine is famous for waffles, French fries, chocolate and beer, which are added to many dishes. Fried potatoes have been known in Belgium since the 17th century and are cooked not in vegetable oil, but in fat. This method makes the slices crispy and very tender inside. French fries are a traditional street food, usually sold in paper bags.
There are two different types of Belgian waffles. Liege waffles are round and have a harder crust, while Brussels waffles are square and very soft. Waffles are sold freshly baked and filled with syrup, fruit, and whipped cream. When talking about desserts, Belgian chocolate is a must. Belgian pralines are very popular – candies with a hard chocolate shell and a delicate filling of cream, nuts, or marzipan.
Beer has long been a gastronomic attraction of Belgium. Craft breweries produce thousands of varieties of the foamy drink of the most diverse flavors, and you can only try freshly brewed beer inside the country. Special strains of yeast, which are carefully stored at the enterprises, are responsible for the rich and intense bouquet. One of the world-famous bars in Brussels, Delirium Tremens (Latin for “delirium tremens”), is listed in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest number of varieties of beer available for tasting.
Souvenirs
The most affordable and popular souvenir is the Manneken Pis figurine, the symbol of Brussels. Look for rare and antique items in small shops and flea markets. You can find anything in the caches of things: old coins, 19th-century photographs, stamps and gramophone records. Fans of unusual decor will like Brabant lace, and wealthy tourists will be interested in diamonds. For jewelry, it is worth going to Antwerp, which has long earned the title of “the diamond capital of Europe.”
Transport
The fastest transport in Belgium is the railway. Trains leave from the Central Station to all regions of the country. Traveling by bus is cheaper, but not as fast and less comfortable. Taxis in Belgium are quite expensive. Just for boarding you will have to pay from 3 to 5 euros, and the final cost of the trip will depend on the distance and time of day. The price per kilometer ranges from 2.1 to 3.3 euros. The capital’s public transport is the metro, trams and buses.
Safety
Belgium is considered a safe country for tourists, which does not exclude pickpocketing and assaults. It is not recommended to go out alone at night and visit the crime-ridden areas of Molenbeek, Anderlecht and Saint-Gilles, where migrants live. If you rent a car, do not leave your bag on the front seat to avoid attracting the attention of criminals when stopping at traffic lights. To avoid trouble, do not accept food, cigarettes or drinks from strangers and never agree to requests to help carry luggage through customs. Your gullibility can be used to transport drugs, prohibited substances and explosives.
Medicine
Healthcare in the country is quite well developed. If you have an insurance policy, you will not have problems with emergency medical care; you can call an ambulance by dialing 112. If you need regular medication, take it with you. Most drugs in Belgian pharmacies can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription.
Traditions
Belgians are conservative, calm, polite and ready to help if you get lost. However, do not forget about personal boundaries and get too close to people in public transport, shops or elevators. It is not customary to talk to strangers without a reason. The exception is city holidays, festivals and other cultural events where communication is welcomed.
Internet
Free Wi-Fi in Belgium is available in all public places, as well as in restaurants, cafes and bars. If you want to use mobile Internet, you can buy a local SIM card at international airports and communication stores. The most popular operators among Russians are Orange and Proximus. To apply, you will need a foreign passport. SIM cards are available that work throughout Europe – for example, Base.
Interesting facts
- The country uses European sockets, the voltage in the network is 220 V, 50 Hz.
- Renting a car is only worthwhile for long trips around the country. When visiting Brussels, it is not advisable to rent a car due to the narrow streets and small number of parking spaces.
- Tips in Belgium are 10-15% of the bill and are often included in the bill. It is customary to tip taxi drivers, porters, hairdressers and even cinema ticket takers.
- There are no public toilets in the cities. Don’t be surprised if you are asked to pay to use the toilet in a shopping mall or supermarket; this is common practice in smaller European countries. The usual fee is 50 euro cents. In restaurants and cafes, customers use the toilet for free.
Local laws
You must always have identification documents with you.