Belgium Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Belgium: Tips on Driving, Safety, and Culture

Flag of Belgium

Top 10 Most Searched Questions About Belgium

The capital of Belgium is Brussels, a vibrant city known for being the political heart of the European Union and its historic Grand Place.

Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, so EU citizens don’t need a visa. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Check Schengen visa rules for other nationalities.

Belgium uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some cash for smaller establishments, especially in rural areas.

Yes, Belgium is very safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, be cautious of pickpocketing in tourist-heavy areas like Brussels’ Grand Place or Antwerp’s train station.

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch (Flemish) in the north, French in the south, and German in a small eastern region. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Belgium is famous for its chocolate, waffles, beer (like Trappist ales), medieval cities like Bruges and Ghent, and landmarks such as the Atomium in Brussels.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is great for festivals, but it can be busy. Winter is ideal for Christmas markets, especially in Bruges and Brussels.

Belgium is moderately priced. Cities like Brussels and Bruges can be expensive for accommodation, but food and transport are reasonable. Budget travelers can find affordable options in smaller towns.

Yes, tap water in Belgium is safe to drink and meets high quality standards. Many locals drink it, though bottled water is also widely available.

Top spots include Brussels (Grand Place, Atomium), Bruges (canals, historic center), Ghent (Gravensteen Castle), Antwerp (diamond district), and the Ardennes for nature lovers.

Belgium, a small yet diverse country in Western Europe, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and cuisine. Known for its medieval towns like Bruges and Ghent, Belgium offers cobblestone streets, canals, and Gothic architecture alongside modern hubs like Brussels, the de facto capital of the EU. The country is a foodie’s paradise, famous for its chocolate, waffles, fries, and a vast array of beers, including Trappist brews. Its regions—Flanders in the north, Wallonia in the south, and the bilingual Brussels—each have distinct identities, reflected in their languages and traditions. From the rolling hills of the Arden`Ardennes to the bustling port of Antwerp, Belgium is perfect for history buffs, food lovers, and those seeking a mix of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.

Visa & Passport for Belgium: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from the Schengen Area. Ensure it has at least two blank pages for stamps.
  • Visa Requirements: Belgium is part of the Schengen Area. EU citizens don’t need a visa. US, Canadian, Australian, and many other nationalities can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays or other nationalities, check Schengen visa requirements on the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
  • Health Entry Rules: No specific vaccinations are required. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is recommended, as healthcare costs can be high for non-residents.

Driving in Belgium: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: EU licenses are valid. Non-EU drivers can use their national license for up to 6 months, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for clarity.
  • Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways like the E40. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%—don’t drink and drive.
  • Toll Roads: Belgium has few toll roads, but the Liefkenshoek Tunnel near Antwerp requires a fee. Most highways, like the E19, are free.
  • Road Conditions: Roads are generally well-maintained, but cobblestone streets in cities like Bruges can be tricky. Traffic in Brussels can be heavy, especially during rush hour.
  • Parking: Parking in cities like Brussels and Antwerp is regulated—use paid parking zones or park-and-ride facilities. Blue zones require a parking disc for short-term parking (max 2 hours).
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Roadside assistance is widely available through services like Touring or VAB.
  • Useful Resource: For more on driving, visit the Belgian Mobility and Transport website.

Belgian Currency: Using the Euro for Your Trip

  • Euro: Belgium uses the Euro (€). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros. Banknotes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.
  • Currency Exchange: Exchange money at banks or official exchange offices in cities like Brussels for the best rates. Avoid exchanging at airports due to high fees. ATMs are a better option for withdrawing euros.
  • Payment Methods: Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, even for small purchases. Contactless payments are common. Cash is useful for small vendors, especially at markets like the one in Bruges.
  • ATMs: ATMs are abundant in cities and towns, accepting international cards. Fees may apply for foreign cards—check with your bank. Look for ATMs at major banks like Belfius or KBC for lower fees.

Belgium Legal Guide: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Drug possession, including marijuana, is illegal and can lead to fines or imprisonment. Public drinking is generally allowed, but excessive drunkenness can result in fines, especially in cities like Brussels.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Belgians value politeness—greet people with a "hello" (bonjour in French, hallo in Dutch). Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, as service is included in bills (around 5-10% is typical).
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography is generally allowed, but avoid taking photos inside certain museums or churches without permission, such as the Royal Palace in Brussels. Be respectful when photographing people.
  • Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are acceptable but keep them discreet. Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, including restaurants and bars, and on some train platforms.
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to 10 liters of spirits, 90 liters of wine, and 800 cigarettes if arriving from outside the EU. Declare cash over €10,000 upon entry or exit.
  • Complaints: For travel-related issues, contact the Belgian Federal Public Service for Economy. Visit their official website for more information.
  • Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for general emergencies. For non-urgent issues, contact local police at 101. Most cities have tourist police services in high-traffic areas like Bruges.

Travel Safety in Belgium: Staying Safe on Your Trip

  • Crime in Belgium: Belgium is safe, with low violent crime rates. Pickpocketing is the main concern in tourist areas like Brussels’ Grand Place, Antwerp’s Central Station, or Bruges’ Markt Square—keep your belongings secure.
  • Road Safety: Belgian drivers are generally cautious, but trams in cities like Brussels have right of way—watch for tram tracks. Cyclists are common, especially in Flanders, so check for bike lanes before crossing.
  • Health Risks: Tap water is safe to drink across Belgium. Food hygiene standards are high, but be cautious with street food at busy festivals—opt for vendors with good reviews.
  • Natural Hazards: Belgium has a temperate climate with occasional flooding in low-lying areas, especially in winter. The Ardennes can see snow, but it’s rarely severe.
  • Medical Facilities: Healthcare is excellent, with top hospitals like UZ Leuven and Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc in Brussels. EU citizens can use an EHIC card for treatment; others should have travel insurance, as costs can be high.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). For non-urgent medical help, call 1733 to find a local doctor or pharmacy.
  • Public Transport Safety: Public transport, like trains (SNCB) and trams (De Lijn, STIB), is safe but can be crowded. Watch for pickpockets on busy routes, such as the Brussels Metro.

Flights to Belgium: Travel Options

The main gateway to Belgium is Brussels Airport (BRU), located 12 km northeast of Brussels, offering flights to over 200 destinations worldwide. Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), 46 km from Brussels, serves budget airlines like Ryanair. Other airports include Antwerp (ANR) and Ostend-Bruges (OST) for regional flights.