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Belgium Travel Wiki

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Easy travel guide
Find general travel information, guides and “good to know”. Find the cheapest flights and best hotels offers in one click multi search engine - just click a city and discover the best of the country.

Travel to Belgium

Belgium is often off of the radar for those who want to experience a European holiday, but it shouldn’t be. This nation isn’t a link between the places you want to explore. It is the place you want to be. This is especially true if you’re planning on a holiday around December. The Christmas markets are simply extraordinary and deserve to be experienced at least once by everyone.

Brussels often gets the most attention when planning a visit to Belgium, but cities like Ghent offer a number of incredible attractions as well. You can find your own little green space to enjoy a beautiful day, take a river cruise for a unique view of a city, or find a little hidden gem of a gin place in one of the public markets.

You can’t ignore the coast of Belgium either, even during the colder months, because of the continuous opportunities there are to explore. Take advantage of the sea breezes to hike over sand dunes or stroll in the gentle waves when there’s a still and sunny day. You’ll want to work up a hunger because local foods are often fried or rustic and served family style, which means you’ll want to have room to experience everything.

It’s been said that there is fury in a pheasant’s wings. This fury is found in a gentle way in all of the cities that you may choose to explore on your upcoming holiday in Belgium. Fuel your creative fire by exploring the numerous museums, parks, and cultural opportunities and you will discover that all of the preconceived notions that have been published about Belgium over the years are completely false.

Best of Belgium

Belgium learned how to create the perfect first impression very early on. It might not be the largest country you ever visit, but it will make a large impression on you during your stay. You’ll find charming villages, stunning coastal views, and iconic urban destinations in the best of what Belgium offers.

#1. Bruges

With its maze of winding, Medieval streets, beautiful Bruges offers unexpected delights everywhere you look. Gaze upward and you may find an ancient gargoyle staring down at you. Search the local market and you may find a cone of frites made just for you. Look for a spot to relax and you may find a lively pub or club with the right music. Whether you tour by boat or by foot, you’ll find this destination to be an amazing experience.

#2. Antwerp

This urban center has it all. You’ll find Flemish homes that relish their grandiose nature. There are Medieval streets to wander. A stunning Gothic cathedral serves as the trailhead for all your walking adventures. The MUHKA gallery gives the city a modern edge, while the various antique emporiums help us to remember the past.

#3. Ghent

Instead of striding forward with confidence onto the world stage, this stunning city preferred to stay lost in the background. It was the right choice. Whether you sip some coffee along the river or relax on a river cruise, the Gothic medley of architecture is a delight to the eyes. Visit the Gravensteen Castle during your stay, get a box of chocolates, and be ready to maximize the joy of your holiday.

#4. Hoge Kempen National Park

There may only be one national park in the country. It is still worth a lingering visit, however, with its mirrored lakes and pine forests. More than 200km of hiking trails are available to explore. You’ll find yourself surrounded by lavender, wildlife, and beautiful blue skies. It really is an outdoor paradise.

#5. Durbuy

With its cobblestone streets lined with ivy and flowers, you’ll discover that life here has adapted to a different world. Craft boutiques might be busy in the summer, though the wooded valley where you find this village is a perfect destination in any season. Find an excellent restaurant, relax in a pub, and enjoy the beautiful cottages that make up the “smallest” town in the world.

#6. Ypres

The Ypres Cloth Hall, a reconstructed cloth market from 1304, was one of the largest buildings of its type during the Middle Ages. From 1933-1967, the building was meticulously reconstructed to restore its appearance. It is 125m in width and stands 70m tall at the belfry tower. Other landmarks, such as the In Flanders Fields Museum and the Menin Gate Memorial, make this community a top destination choice.

The best of Belgium will take you through history. It will show you hope for what the future could be. You will also discover that when you visit, each day provides new opportunities to discover more about yourself.

City Guides

Click on a city for more information about the city, maps, tourist information, tours and what to see and do in the city.

Antwerpen

Antwerp Travel Wiki Travel to Antwerp Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Antwerp Antwerpen, or Antwerp if you prefer, is the second largest city in Belgium and may even be called Anvers depending on your nationality. It's linked to the North Sea thanks to the Scheldt via the Westerschelde estuary and is one of the largest seaports in all of Europe. The city may have had its origins in...

Binche

Binche Travel Wiki Travel to Binche Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Binche The beauty of Binche is something that was completely planned. Charles V gave the Castle of Binche to his sister, who was Queen Mary of Hungary, in 1545. She lavished her love on this community and it flourished during the Middle Ages. The Carnival that is held here on Ash Wednesday is considered a masterpiece of human...

Bouillon

Bouillon Travel Wiki Travel to Bouillon Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Bouillon This pearl of Belgium offers visitors a number of fascinating opportunities to get out an explore. Located in the Semois Valley, the highlight of a trip here is a visit to the fortified medieval castle that has been perfectly preserved. It continues to guard the community and you get the chance to walk back through time...

Brugge / Bruges

Bruges Travel Wiki Travel to Bruges Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Bruges Brugge, or more commony Bruges, is a city that invokes many images of peaceful tranquility when one hears the name. The most immediate image that comes to mind for most is that of one of the city's many canals, perhaps with the famous belfry in the background as the sun turns the sky into a beautiful...
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Brussels, Capital of Belgium

Brussels Travel Wiki Travel to Brussels Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Brussels Brussels, which is sometimes called Bruxelles, at one point was voted as the most boring city in all of Europe. Considering the whimsical look at life that the city takes as a whole, that perception is pretty incredible! If you're looking for a unique, fun place to take your next holiday, Brussels is an excellent choice!...

Charleroi

Charleroi Travel Wiki Travel to Charleroi Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Charleroi Charleroi had its existence first documented in the 9th century with the Lobbes abbey, which listed towns and tithe duties for the region. Throughout history, it was a small hamlet, with barely 100 residents for much of its earliest existence. Beginning in the 17th century, when free land was offered a new city was built, people began...

Dinant

Dinant Travel Wiki Travel to Dinant Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Dinant With roots in the 10th century, the beautiful colors and breathtaking vistas of Dinant make it very apparent why the Celtic name for the area literally means “Sacred Valley.” It is an area of quiet reflection, exploration, and a unique chance to relax in Belgium. The primary landmark for Dinant is the Collegiate Churce of Notre Dame...

Genk

Genk Travel Wiki Travel to Genk Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Genk Genk is one of those communities were cultures collide, fusing together into a beautiful melting pot of opportunity. More than half of the city’s residents come from outside of Belgium and nearly 100 different nationalities are represented. It may be a hard-working industrial city on the Albert Canal, but Genk is also a city that is...

Gent

Gent Travel Wiki Travel to Gent Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Gent Gent, also known as Ghent, is an popular destination in Belgium. The word “Gent” is actually the Dutch spelling for the city of “Ghent” and the two terms are often used interchangeably. With roots in the Middle Ages, Gent is one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. Some believe that the Romans may have initially inhabited...

Knokke-Heist

Knokke-Heist Travel Wiki Travel to Knokke-Heist Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Knokke-Heist If you love to take a holiday in a community where there is a beautiful beach, access to natural wonders, and plenty of exploration opportunities, then consider Knokke. It is the most northeastern beach resort along the Belgian Coast. You have access to the Zwin Nature Reserve, wide stretches of warm sands, and plenty of recreational...

Kortrijk

Kortrijk Travel Wiki Travel to Kortrijk Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Kortrijk You’ll find Kortrijk in West Flanders, centrally located between Ghent, Lille, and Mouscron. Situated on the Leie, it was originally founded as a Gallo-Roman town that was called “Cortoriacum.” Two Roman roads converged here at the river. Thanks to flax and wool, Kortrijk was a major trading and economic force throughout the Middle Ages. It was one...

Leuven

Leuven Travel Wiki Travel to Leuven Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Leuven Leuven has a history that dates back to the 9th century, but the two world wars created a massive amount of destruction that has caused the city many dark days. In World War I, for example, German soldiers killed the university rector and all of the police officers in the city. More than 230,000 books were burned,...

Liege

Liege Travel Wiki Travel to Liege Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Liege Liege (Luik). With a foundation for the modern city built in the Middle Ages, Liege is a major metropolitan center that can offer you many opportunities to relax, have fun, and explore. It also offers you a unique way to experience Belgian culture that can be missed sometimes when visiting the high traffic tourism areas. Here are...

Malmedy

Malmedy Travel Wiki Travel to Malmedy Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Malmedy Malmedy is a beautiful community in the Walloon region of Belgium. It is one of the few places where the Walloon language is still regularly used and the folklore is celebrated. Festivals are held throughout the year to continue with the traditions, including the “Cwarme,” or Carnival.  Traditional costumes are worn by some all year long...

Mechelen

Mechelen Travel Wiki Travel to Mechelen Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Mechelen Located in the Antwerp province, Mechelen gives visitors access to Brussels as well, situated about 25kim from each city. It is a center of historical art for the Flanders region, with a history that dates to the Middle Ages when it comes to painting, composition, and printing. Several places of interest can be found within the city....

Mons

Mons Travel Wiki Travel to Mons Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Mons Mons is a city that has roots in the Middle Ages, but settlements have been thriving there for centuries before that. From the 1st century, when Julius Caesar arrived in the region, the value of this community's location has been beyond argument What stands out about Mons is its commitment to a specific architectural heritage. Most of...

Namur

Namur Travel Wiki Travel to Namur Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Namur Located in the Wallonia region of Belgium, Namur makes up part of the Meuse Citadel group. It can be found where the Meuse and Sambre rivers confluence, with three different regions coming together at this location. Because of this centralization, Namur grew as a Celtic trading settlement, had Roman influences, and eventually grew into a modern community...

Nieuwpoort

Nieuwpoort Travel Wiki Travel to Nieuwpoort Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Nieuwpoort Located in West Flanders, Nieuwpoort is a coastal village that provides visitors with access to the beauty of the North Sea. Official city rights were obtained in the 12 century and the old city center is located just 3km from the shore. What you will find with a visit to Nieuwpoort is the chance to have some...

Oostende

Oostende Travel Wiki Travel to Oostende Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Oostende Oostende is a coastal community that is famous for beautifully wide beaches, sunlit skies, and unique cafes that create a wonderful holiday experience. The seaside esplanade, which includes the Royal Galleries of Ostend and a lengthy pier, is popular for day trips for visitors and locals alike. You have plenty of space, panoramic views, and the...

Somme-Leuze

Somme-Leuze Travel Wiki Travel to Somme-Leuze Read about and get inspiration for a trip to the city, check for the cheapest flights and hotels in Somme-Leuze Somme-Leuze is a community that offers an excellent opportunity to get to know the Walloon culture for the first time. With fewer than 5,000 residents, there is a definite vibe here where everyone knows everyone else – and that includes you after a day or two. It is a quiet community, providing access to many protected...

Travel resources

Below you can find usefull travel resources for your visit to the country

Weather Online

Brussels
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Belgium Holidays

Belgium Public Holidays See the calendars for national Belgium holidays year by year. Find and just click on the year you for which you need more information about Belgium holidays, and the calendar for the year will open. When is the non working days for the year. Public / national days, see the calendar for the country here.

Biggest City Belgium

Biggest city Belgium What are the name of the biggest city Belgium, and how big are city by population. Easy overview of the informations in the sortable table below. Please note that the informations comes from various sources,if you are using the informations professional you should get confirmation that the figures are actual. Last update august 2017 Belgium is situated in the west of Europe. The land here mostly comprises of flat coastal plains in the northeast, and southeast is occupied by the...

Food Belgium, Local Dishes

Belgium has an interesting local kitchen. Below you can see some of the local dishes you maybe would like to try during a vacation. One of the things you should try when travelling around the world is absolutely the local food. Generally you should be able to eat exactly the same as the locals - off course, if the streets are littered with dead bodies, then maybe it is worth to think twice before ordering some local food. We all know...
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Geography and facts, Belgium

Belgium, geography and facts explained Geograhy, facts, local customs and foodie guide. All explained in videos 8 to 15 minutes, very good, informative and funny videos that will ensure you see the videos to the end. The videos are produced by Geography now, thanks for the videos and keep up the good work. Discover Belgium More than just being known as that odd waffle-and-mussels country between larger ones, Belgium has an expansive history, amazing 60 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and unique culture with multiple...

Money Belgium, Local Currency, Euro

Money in Belgium (notes and coins) Belgiums legal tender is called Euro (EUR). 1 Euro = 100 cent. Coins in circulation: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cent €1 and €2 Notes in circulation: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. European Central Bank

National Tourist Information Belgium

Traveladvisor in Belgium: Are you going on a vacation you can get lots of free and professional help, traveladvice and information from the National Tourism Organisation. Discover the country and the cities getting the most out of your vacation with the professional help from the people who knows their country and their culture the best. Belgium Tourism Authority WEBSITE FACEBOOK TWITTER YOUTUBE FLICKR INSTAGRAM GOOGLE+ PINTEREST VIMEO About Belgium Located on the European mainland, Belgium often is short-shifted in discussions of Europe. Following is an overview of Belgium for travelers. Belgium is located on...
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VR City tour in Liege

What to see in Liege, Belgium ? VR guided tour. Liege Belgium Belgium is situated in the west of Europe. The land here mostly comprises of flat coastal plains in the northeast, and southeast is occupied by the Ardennes Forest. Dutch, Flemish, French and German are the official languages of Belgium, with Dutch being the widely spoken followed by French. The weather here is pretty predictable. Months from April to September are the warmest. Otherwise the weather is pretty humid and skies...
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What to see in Brussels

What to see in Brussels, Belgium ? As well as being the capital of the European Union and an important commercial hub, Brussels is a popular tourist destination with stunning cathedrals, castles and world heritage sites. About Brussels Belgium has three official languages – Dutch, French and German – but you’ll find that French is the most popular spoken language in Brussels. When you go to Brussels for a city break, you can immerse yourself in the city’s beautiful sights, museums, parks...
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Why you should visit Bouillon

Why Visit Bouillon ? Bouillon is a city that is situated in the province of Luxembourg, in the western section of Belgium. A small city and part of the Neufchateau district, Bouillon has a relatively small population numbering just over 5,000 individuals. Yet, the small population of the city can be somewhat deceiving, Bouillon is a city that offers plenty of things to do see and enjoy. Bouillon is located very near the French border and is surrounded by Ardennes. Filled...

Official holidays

When are holidays and no working days in the country ?

DateEnglishDutchRemarks
January 1New Year's DayNiewjaarFixed
Easter MondayEaster MondayPaasmaandagVariable
May 1Labour DayDag van de arbeidFixed
AscensionAscensionOnze Lieve Heer hemelvaartVariable
Pentecost MondayPentecost MondayPinkstermaandagVariable
July 21Belgian National DayNationale feestdagFixed
August 15Assumption of MaryOnze Lieve Vrouw hemelvaartFixed
November 1All Saints' DayAllerheiligenFixed
November 11Armistice DayWapenstilstandFixed
December 25ChristmasKerstmisFixed
The above mentioned days are the national holidays. In Belgium there are three different communities. The days of the three communities are holidays for their civil servants and for employees of institutions controlled, supervised or financed by them (e.g. municipalities, universities) and may also be observed by banks in the concerned community. King's feast is a holiday observed by all (i.e. federal, community or regional, provincial and local) administrations, including the schools they organize.

Which are the largest cities ?

Listing of the most important and largest cities in the country

RankNamePop.RegionState
1Brussels1.138.854 Brussels-Capital Region
2Antwerp466.203 Antwerp Flemish Region
3Ghent235.143 East Flanders Flemish Region
4Charleroi201.550 Hainaut Wallonia
5Liège188.907 Liège Wallonia
6Bruges116.982 West Flanders Flemish Region
7Namur107.653 Namur Wallonia
8Leuven91.942 Flemish Brabant Flemish Region
9Mons91.196 Hainaut Wallonia
10Mechelen78.900 Antwerp Flemish Region
11Aalst77.790 East Flanders Flemish Region
12La Louvière77.509 Hainaut Wallonia
13Kortrijk73.777 West Flanders Flemish Region
14Hasselt70.584 Limburg Flemish Region
15Sint-Niklaas70.016 East Flanders Flemish Region
16Ostend69.115 West Flanders Flemish Region
17Tournai67.844 Hainaut Wallonia
18Genk64.095 Limburg Flemish Region
19Seraing61.237 Liège Wallonia
20Roeselare56.268 West Flanders Flemish Region
21Verviers54.150 Liège Wallonia
22Mouscron53.174 Hainaut Wallonia
23Beveren45.771 East Flanders Flemish Region
24Dendermonde43.521 East Flanders Flemish Region
25Beringen41.531 Limburg Flemish Region
26Turnhout39.863 Antwerp Flemish Region
27Dilbeek39.585 Flemish Brabant Flemish Region
28Heist-op-den-Berg38.721 Antwerp Flemish Region
29Sint-Truiden38.427 Limburg Flemish Region
30Lokeren38.276 East Flanders Flemish Region
31Vilvoorde37.964 Flemish Brabant Flemish Region
32Herstal37.720 Liège Wallonia
33Braine-l'Alleud37.512 Walloon Brabant Wallonia
34Brasschaat37.133 Antwerp Flemish Region
35Maasmechelen36.456 Limburg Flemish Region
36Ninove35.874 East Flanders Flemish Region
37Waregem35.831 West Flanders Flemish Region
38Châtelet35.813 Hainaut Wallonia
39Geel35.502 Antwerp Flemish Region
40Halle35.108 Flemish Brabant Flemish Region
41Ypres34.919 West Flanders Flemish Region
42Grimbergen34.320 Flemish Brabant Flemish Region
43Knokke-Heist34.132 West Flanders Flemish Region
44Lier33.259 Antwerp Flemish Region
45Schoten33.132 Antwerp Flemish Region
46Mol33.060 Antwerp Flemish Region
47Wavre32.576 Walloon Brabant Wallonia
48Binche32.508 Hainaut Wallonia
49Menen32.439 West Flanders Flemish Region
50Evergem32.373 East Flanders Flemish Region
51Lommel32.141 Limburg Flemish Region
52Tienen32.083 Flemish Brabant Flemish Region
53Geraardsbergen31.543 East Flanders Flemish Region
54Heusden-Zolder31.017 Limburg Flemish Region
55Sint-Pieters-Leeuw30.929 Flemish Brabant Flemish Region
56Wevelgem30.926 West Flanders Flemish Region
57Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve30.188 Walloon Brabant Wallonia
58Bilzen30.173 Limburg Flemish Region
59Houthalen-Helchteren30.050 Limburg Flemish Region