Small Country. Extraordinary Food.

Why Visit Belgium?

Belgium is the country that invented the modern chocolate truffle, that produces 1,500 different beers, that gave the world both moules-frites and the waffle, and that quietly contains some of Europe\'s greatest medieval architecture in its Flemish cities. Brussels is the capital of Europe but also a deeply underrated food city. Bruges is the medieval fairy tale. Ghent is the young, creative city. And the Belgian countryside — the Ardennes forest, the coast at De Haan — offers peaceful contrast to the urban intensity.

Belgian culture is fascinatingly complex — a country that speaks three languages, is divided between Flemish and Walloon regions, and yet produces extraordinary art, world-class food and a national genius for the pleasures of everyday life. The Belgian concept of gezelligheid — convivial warmth in a comfortable setting — governs the café culture that is at the heart of Belgian social life.

Bruges Old Town

The medieval centre of Bruges — canals, guild houses, belfry towers and horse-drawn carriages — is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The Groeningemuseum contains Flemish Primitive paintings of extraordinary power. Arrive early morning to beat the day-trippers.

Brussels Grand Place

The Grand Place — Victor Hugo called it the most beautiful square in the world — is surrounded by gilded guild houses from the 17th century, with the Gothic town hall at one end. The flower carpet (every two years in August) is a spectacular folk art event.

Ghent's Gravensteen & Grasiei

Ghent's medieval castle (Gravensteen) and the Graslei quay — lined with 12th–18th century guild houses — are among the finest medieval streetscapes in Europe. Ghent has almost no mass tourism and feels entirely authentic.

Trappist Brewery Tours

Several of Belgium's Trappist breweries — including Chimay and Rochefort — offer tours and tastings. The experience of drinking a Chimay Blue in the brewery's own café, with cheese made by the same monks, is a singular pleasure.

Travel Tips for Belgium

• ✦ Bruges is best visited mid-week or off-season — weekends bring enormous crowds.
• ✦ A Belgian Rail Pass gives unlimited train travel for 3 days within a month — excellent for city-hopping.
• ✦ Belgium's frites are served with mayonnaise, not ketchup. This is not negotiable.
• ✦ Museum Night Brussels (twice yearly) gives access to 30+ museums for one ticket after dark.
• ✦ Ghent is 30 minutes from Brussels by train and significantly less crowded than Bruges.

Belgium at a Glance