Belgium Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Belgium and wondering where to go and what to see?

On this page, you’ll find destination guides and insider tips for visiting Belgium. From the most popular cities and important historical sites to a few less touristy places, our guides will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you plan your trip. We live in Belgium and regularly update these guides with local favorite spots and practical tips to help you plan a more memorable visit.

First time in Belgium? Don’t miss these cities:

Best things to do in Antwerp Belgium - updated for 2018
Best places to see in Brussels - Grand Place
Bruges is not to be missed - suggested Belgium itinerary for 3 or 4 days

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Belgium Travel Guides

BRUSSELS

ANTWERP

BRUGES

More of FLANDERS

More of WALLONIA

THEME PARKS

When to Visit

Belgium is a year-round destination. Since most attractions are located in or around cities, you can visit at any time of the year and still find plenty to see and do.

The weather in Belgium can be unpredictable – sometimes February or March can be nicer than August. Overall, the climate is mild. Snow is rare, and summer temperatures above 30°C (86°F) are uncommon, although short heatwaves do happen.

For the best chances of pleasant weather, plan your trip between May and September. This is also when cities are at their liveliest and when many festivals, concerts, and outdoor events take place. It’s one of the best times to travel in Europe.

For a festive atmosphere and Christmas markets, visit Belgium between late November and early January. For a more detailed seasonal breakdown, see our guide on what it’s like to visit Belgium in winter.

Where to Stay

For most trips to Belgium, it’s easiest to base yourself in one city and explore the rest of the country by train. Brussels is a very practical base, but Antwerp, Bruges, or Ghent also work well for visiting the main highlights.

You can find more information in our detailed guides to the best places to stay in Brussels and where to stay in Antwerp.

If you’re staying in Brussels, it’s a good idea to book your accommodation well in advance. From time to time, major international events (such as EU meetings) take place in the city, and when this happens, hotels sell out quickly and prices rise significantly.

During school holidays and long weekends, accommodation is also in high demand in Bruges, along the Belgian coast, and in the most popular areas of the Ardennes.

Even outside these peak periods, it’s best to book as soon as you know your travel dates. Most hotels offer free cancellation, so reserving early usually comes with very little risk.

Getting Around

If you’re mainly visiting the main cities and towns in Belgium, you don’t need a car. Train connections are frequent and reliable, and distances are short, so traveling by train is usually the fastest and easiest option. From Belgium, it’s also easy to visit nearby cities such as Amsterdam, Paris, London, or Luxembourg by train.

If you plan to visit smaller towns or more rural areas, renting a car for a few days can be very helpful, as some of the nicest parts of Belgium are much easier to reach by car. However, traffic in and around Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent can be extremely heavy, especially on weekdays and during peak hours. If you do rent a car, it’s best to avoid driving around these cities and to plan your trips outside of morning and evening rush hour whenever possible.

If you prefer not to deal with train schedules or driving, guided day tours are a convenient alternative, especially from Brussels. You can browse the most popular tours in Belgium here.

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Belgium travel guide