10 Places to Visit in Belgium (That Aren’t Brussels)
Ready to see what makes Belgium one of the must-sees of Western Europe? Here are 10 places to visit in Belgium (that aren’t Brussels).
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Belgium is a travel destination made for history buffs and chocolate addicts. Though the nation is small, it plays a big part in the world’s history. There are over 3,000 castles to explore, battlegrounds from the World Wars, and every museum imaginable.
After you’ve had your history fill, you can kick your feet back and relax at one of the 1,000 breweries in the small country. Sip on a cold beer while you munch on frites—sounds dreamy to me!
And to finish off the day? All the gourmet chocolate you can imagine! Many people tend to gloss over the country, visiting Brussels or Bruges for a day before moving on, but if you take the time, you’ll find that Belgium has so much more to explore!
The biggest thing to take into consideration when planning a trip to Belgium is the weather. During the winter months, November through March, it can get quite cold. If you’re a fan of the winter, it’s a great time to enjoy skiing and Belgium’s Christmas markets—plus, the canals will freeze over, forming ice skating rinks!
Spring and fall are arguably some of the best times to visit the country. The temperatures are enjoyable, and there tend to be fewer tourists. During the fall, the countryside is painted with hues of red, orange, and yellow as the leaves begin to change. There are also a few festivals to look into during the season, particularly the Jazz Marathon and Ghent Film Festival.
Summer in Belgium, as with most European destinations, means warmer weather but larger crowds. Be sure to book in advance for the best rates and availability!
Language: The country of Belgium has three official languages, Flemish (Dutch), French, and German. You’ll often see signs in both French and Flemish.
Currency: The official currency of Belgium is the Euro (EUR). The exchange rate is USD is equivalent to 0.88 EUR.
Credit Cards & ATMs: You shouldn’t have any trouble using your credit card when visiting Belgium. However, keep in mind that many people prefer cash when it comes to small purchases. Some businesses require that you show ID when using a card and some might even insist that you show your passport, so it’s wise to have both with you. There are ATMs in all Belgian cities and towns, and you’ll usually find them near gas stations, shopping centers, and bus and train stations.
Plugs: In Belgium, the power plugs are type E, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.
Safety: Overall, Belgium is a safe country to visit. Petty crime does exist though so don’t carry too much cash and keep an eye on your bags.
*European Travel Alert*
Starting sometime around November 2023, US travelers between 18-70 years old will need to fill out an ETIAS visa-waiver form prior to their trip, and pay a €7 ($7.25) entry fee, to travel to European countries within the Schengen Area. It’s a quick form, and you will most likely receive instant approval—but it’s important to plan and submit ahead.
Ready to see what makes Belgium one of the must-sees of Western Europe? Here are 10 places to visit in Belgium (that aren’t Brussels).
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