Belgium Travel Guide

Hallo, bonjour! 🍫🍺 Belgium is a land of rich chocolates, frothy beers, and medieval cities. Ready for an adventure?

Brussels – The Capital Charm

Grand squares, iconic atom, and yes, a peeing statue!

Grand-Place: Stroll around this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ornate guild houses.
Atomium: Explore this unique building, a remnant of the 1958 World Expo.
Manneken Pis: See the famous small bronze statue of a boy, often dressed in fun outfits.

Wondering what the best things to do in Brussels are? You’re in for a treat! You’ll also find the best restaurants and tips from locals.

Visiting Brussels with family? We have suggestions on the best sights, where to stay, and practical tips for your family visit.

Bruges – Medieval Magic

Canals, cobblestones, and charming market squares.

Market Square: Enjoy the panoramic view from the Belfry tower.
Canal Tours: Float through the city’s picturesque waterways.
Chocolate Shops: Satisfy your sweet tooth in the city known for its chocolates.

Ghent – Historic Elegance

Medieval castles, vibrant streets, and a unique altar piece.

Gravensteen Castle: Dive into history in this well-preserved fortress.
St. Bavo’s Cathedral: Admire the Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of the Early Renaissance.
Graslei and Korenlei: Chill by the river, surrounded by beautiful historic buildings.

Planning a visit to Ghent with kids? Explore our guide on family-friendly spots, where to stay, and practical tips.

Antwerp – Diamond District

Sparkling gems, a massive cathedral, and cool museums.

Diamond District: Witness the world’s diamond trading hub.
Cathedral of Our Lady: Explore this UNESCO-listed gothic marvel.
MAS Museum: Delve into the city’s history and culture.

Leuven – University Vibes

Ancient libraries, buzzing squares, and student life.

University Library: A symbol of the city’s resilience and academic pride.
Old Market Square: Dubbed as the “longest bar in the world”, it’s a hub of activity.

Dinant – Riverside Gem

Steep cliffs, saxophones, and a citadel with a view.

Citadel of Dinant: Perched high above, explore the fortress for a panoramic view of the Meuse River.
Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame: Admire the Gothic marvel nestled by the river’s edge.
Saxophone Bridge: Pay homage to Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, and see the colorful saxophone statues decorating the bridge.

Thinking of experiencing Dinant with your family? Dive into our guide on the best spots for children, where to stay, and tips for an unforgettable visit.

There are also lots of fun activities around Dinant, such as Chateau de Veve, a castle where kids go on a treasure hunt dressed up as knights and princesses, and the railbikes of Molignee, where you pedal on old rails all the way to Maredsous Abbey.

Namur – The Wallonia Wonder

Majestic fortresses, bustling squares, and the confluence of two rivers.

Citadel of Namur: Delve into history by wandering through this expansive fortress overlooking the city.
Place d’Armes: Enjoy the city’s main square, bustling with cafes and events.
Felicien Rops Museum: Discover the works of the famous 19th-century Belgian artist in his hometown.

Planning a trip to Namur with the kids? Check out our suggestions on the most family-friendly attractions, places to stay, and handy travel tips.

Belgian Food

Waffles: Try them with toppings like strawberries, chocolate, and whipped cream.
Beer: With hundreds of varieties, you’re spoiled for choice.
Frites: Belgian fries are best enjoyed with mayo or other tasty sauces.

Fun Facts

Comics: Belgium is the birthplace of The Smurfs and Tintin.
Language: Belgians speak Dutch, French, and German, depending on the region.
Chocolates: Belgium produces over 220,000 tons of chocolate annually.

Tips for Explorers

Greetings: Say “Hallo” in Dutch, “Bonjour” in French, or “Hallo” in German.
Money: Belgium uses the Euro (€). Maybe pick up some famous Belgian chocolate?
Transport: Consider getting the Belgium Rail Pass if you’re traveling across cities.

Cities in Belgium

“Big shout out to Jo for her fab group on FB!

We’ve discovered so much more of Belgium thanks to her!”
Jo W.

Spring in Belgium

Spring in Belgium is a picturesque season, where the country comes alive with vibrant colors and beautiful blooms.

Hallerbos

Another must-visit place during spring in Belgium is the Hallerbos. The forest is famous for its beautiful bluebell carpet.

Cherry Blossoms

Here’s where to find cherry blossoms in Belgium and practical tips on how to visit the best cherry blossoms spots!

Japanese Garden in Hasselt

The Japanese Garden in Hasselt is one of the best places to witness cherry blossoms. The garden features over 250 cherry blossom trees that bloom in various shades of pink and white, creating a stunning visual display.

Doode Bemde

For those who want to experience cherry blossoms in a more secluded setting, Doode Bemde is an excellent option. The nature reserve is home to a beautiful cherry blossom grove perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Winter in Belgium: A Season of Festive Cheer and Snowy Delights

Belgium transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months, offering a variety of activities and events that cater to all ages. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:

Christmas Markets Galore: Belgium is renowned for its Christmas markets. The Brussels Christmas market is the most important one with many located near Brussels, offering unique gifts, delicious treats, and a festive atmosphere.
Christmas Events: The country comes alive with numerous Christmas events, including light shows, concerts, and parades, adding to the holiday cheer.
St. Nicholas Celebrations: Experience the traditional Belgian festivities for St. Nicholas, a beloved holiday figure, especially among children.
Family Activities: The winter holidays in Belgium are packed with family-oriented activities, from workshops to winter-themed attractions.
Snowy Escapades: For those who love snow, Belgium has several snow spots ideal for enjoying the winter landscape, whether it’s for skiing, snowboarding, or just playing in the snow.

Belgium in winter is truly a magical experience, blending traditional holiday charm with a plethora of activities for everyone.

Fun For Kids

Indoor Playgrounds in Belgium

Belgium is also home to some of the best indoor playgrounds in Europe. These playgrounds offer a safe and fun environment for kids to play and explore, regardless of the weather outside.

Some of the best indoor playgrounds in Belgium include Plopsa Indoor Hasselt, which features rides and attractions based on popular Belgian TV characters, and Lego Discovery Center in Brussels, which has Lego-themed rides and workshops, as well as a 4D cinema that kids love.

Kid-Friendly Cafes

Here are our favorite family-friendly cafés in Brussels and around with lots of practical tips to visit them

Family-Friendly Swimming Pools in Belgium

Discover the best swimming pools for kids in Belgium. Safety, fun, and convenience – find the perfect swimming spot for your family!

Zoos in Belgium

If you’re planning a family vacation in Belgium, other popular activities include visiting the zoo in Antwerp, Planckendael zoo and Pairi Daiza zoo.