Belgium
Europe · Brussels · BE
Belgium packs an astonishing amount of variety into a country roughly the size of Maryland. Gothic cathedrals, art nouveau townhouses, and medieval belfries line streets where four languages mingle. Brussels serves as both a cosmopolitan capital and a canvas for surrealism, from the Grand Place's gilded facades to Magritte's bowler-hatted men. Bruges lures visitors with its canal-laced old town and lace-making heritage, while Ghent blends student energy with gravensteen fortifications. The Flemish countryside is a patchwork of windmills, polders, andycling routes. Wallonia offers its own distinct charm in the rolling Ardennes, where forested valleys shelter brewery towns and river gorges. Belgian food is a national obsession, from frites served in paper cones to pralines wrapped in gold foil, and the beer culture spans Trappist monasteries to experimental Brussels lambic bars. Architecture lovers can trace the country's identity through Art Nouveau facades, Flemish Primitive altarpieces, and the stark modernism of its postwar rebuilt towns.
Overview
Belgium is a country in Europe. Its capital is Brussels and the international dialling code is +32. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Dutch, French and German. Local currency is the Euro (EUR). Our guide covers 1 airport, including Brussels Airport. We also list 1 city in Belgium: Brussels.
Getting around Belgium
Belgium's national rail company (SNCB/NMBS) runs frequent intercity trains that connect Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges and Liège in an hour or less, and Brussels Airport has a direct rail link to the city centre. Within the cities, tram, metro and bus networks are frequent — Brussels and Antwerp both have efficient tram systems.
Cycling is a normal part of everyday transport in Belgium, especially in Ghent and Antwerp, and most cities have bike-safe lanes. Driving is on the right, and the network is dense and well signed. Distances are short, which makes a multi-city trip practical over a long weekend.
When to visit Belgium
Spring (April–June) is a pleasant time to visit the cities and the Ardennes, and the summer months bring outdoor events, street festivals and beer markets. Winter markets and the ice rink at Bruges and Brussels attract weekend visitors in December.
Weather is changeable all year, so pack layers whatever the season. Public holidays and school breaks fill hotels in Bruges and the coast quickly, so book ahead if you travel over Easter or the summer holidays.
Eating and drinking
Belgian food is hearty and served in generous portions: moules-frites, stoofvlees (beef stew), waterzooi and crisp-fried fritjes (fries) with a choice of sauces. Chocolate shops and waffle stands (Brussels-style with a large irregular grid, Liège-style sweeter and rounder) are everywhere.
Belgium is famous for its beer — from Trappist ales to fruity lambic — served in a glass made for each brew. Bars close late and drinking culture is social rather than reserved. Table service includes a small charge, so check the menu; rounding up modestly is the usual way to tip.
Money and local customs
Belgium uses the euro and card payment is accepted almost everywhere, including most cafés and markets. Smaller village cafés and food stalls still prefer cash, so keep a little for off-the-beaten-path stops.
Belgium is bilingual (Flemish and French, with small German-speaking areas near the border). A simple "goede morgen" in Flanders or "bonjour" in Wallonia is welcomed. Service in shops and restaurants is efficient and direct, and punctuality for appointments is appreciated.
Compare hotels, cover your trip and stay connected.
- Capital
- Brussels
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- Dutch, French, German
- Calling code
- +32
- Internet TLD
- be
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Belgium.
Which nationalities can enter Belgium?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Airports (1)
All airports →Cities (1)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Belgium?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Belgium visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Belgium?
Brussels is the capital of Belgium, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Belgium?
You pay with Euro (EUR) in Belgium. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Belgium?
The languages we list for Belgium are Dutch, French and German. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Belgium?
The dialling code for Belgium is +32 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which airports serve Belgium?
Brussels Airport (BRU) in Brussels is the airport we cover for Belgium.
Which cities in Belgium do you cover?
Our guide lists 1 city for Belgium: Brussels (capital).