Travel to Belgium

If you ask any cultivated tourist to make a top 5 list of European destinations that he or she would recommend, Belgium will definitely be on that list. It is one of Europe's smallest yet most impressive countries, a cradle of architecture, history and art.

Being encompassed by Germany, Luxembourg, France and the Netherlands, Belgium can be seen as a true European heart. Belgium spreads over a surface of 30518 square kilometers while being called home by over 10 million people. It is also a country that takes full advantage of its varied physical geography, from the scenic mountainous region of Ardennes in the south to the breezy coastline of the North Sea. There are numerous attractions that you might want to see while visiting Belgium and it will take you quite a while to perform this task. However, if you are short on time, there are certain destinations that will help you understand this one-of-a-kind country.

The Ardennes are one of Belgium's most wonderful areas mostly due to their genuine wilderness and rich diversity of fauna and flora. You will surely be left amazed at the sight of vast forest covered hills crossed by crystal clear rivers and unlimited villages nestled by wide valleys. In this villages you will find, notably enough, that folklore and traditions are still effectively encompassed within people. It is also the place where voyagers may become accustomed to some of this region's most unique arts and crafts.

If you plan to visit the Ardennes you might want to take that trip during springtime. It is the optimum season to take pleasure in the numerous sports and attractions offered here. Those interested in walking, mountain biking, fishing, climbing or even horse riding will have many choices to choose from. Winter sports fans will also feel like home in the Ardennes. Cross country skiing or snow racing are just some of the activities that make the Ardennes such a pleasant paradise during the winter. Speaking of fun, visiting some of the caves in this area might be exceptionally interesting and worthwhile.

Belgium is renowned for its long and rich history, so if you are looking for some of the best conserved castles and citadels in Europe, this is the right place to be. Smart people, the Belgian are surely aware of the important role of these silent beholders of the past. Numerous special events held within these walls try to recreate as authentic as possible the dark times of the Middle Ages. Situated in a fascinating valley in Ardennes, the town of Spa is certainly the world's most acclaimed site of healing hot springs. The town has a very long history, dating since the Roman Empire, when it was known under the name of Aquae Spadanae. The town of Spa is so renowned that it has inherently became an eponymous for any source of hot mineral springs. Today, any place that benefits from a natural water source is known under the name of "spa".

Motorsports fans are also quite intrigued in Spa as it annually holds the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix, on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps which is one of the most difficult, yet beautiful circuit in Formula One. Rain is almost a must during the Formula One weekend each year so the thousands of racing fans will most likely be treated with probably the best race of the entire Formula One season.

With bordering countries like the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg, it's not surprising that Belgium is a country with a rich and inspiring history as well as being a melting pot of languages, traditions and culture. Belgium is perhaps best know for three iconic things – cuisine, Nato and fine art. These attractions make Belgium an interesting place to visit at any time of year with something for all the family to enjoy.

Foodies the world over hold Belgium in his regard. Home to many a Michelin Star restaurants, Belgium is also the birthplace of french fries, the waffle and, of course, has strong links with chocolate. Zeebrugge – one of the countries Gothic cities – even boasts a chocolate museum where visitors can try their hand at making some of regions famous pralines and truffles.

Regarded for its cuisine, Belgium also plays an important role in the political, financial and economic well-being of Europe and the wider world with the European Union and NATO both based in Brussels. An early participant in Europe's industrial revolution means Belgium has a strong business basis and also plays host to financial giants such as Fortis insurance amongst others.

If chocolate or politics isn't your thing, Belgium also boasts the lure of fine art for those with a creative eye or a penchant for galleries and museums. The Flemish Renaissance and Baroque painting means Belgium is not only a milestone in the evolution of modern painting but also home to some wonderful works by painters such as Hans Eworth and Bernard van Orley. Take a wander around Belgium's many cities and you may also be interested by the flourishes of Art Nouveau with Belgian architects instigators of the movement.

Are you a fan of cuisine, culture, art or politics? Belgium offers these interests every day of the year so don't think twice and book your trip today!

Belgium has a lot more going for it than some of the dreary descriptions and jokes about it would suggest. It is a low lying country, situated between France and Holland with a coastline facing England across the North Sea.

A welcoming country to visit

One of the reasons for its boring, unpopular image probably stems from its capital, Brussels being a dreary collection of administrative offices and its associations with E.U. bureaucracy. Another reason is Belgium’s identity crisis. It is Flemish-speaking in the north and French-speaking in the south and there has always been a considerable clash of cultures between the two, both competing for a definition of what is the real Belgium. However, if one delves beneath the surface of this uninspiring portrayal of Belgium, it soon becomes apparent that the country has much to offer. For a start, it is actually packed full of absorbing history; from both before and after its separation from the Netherlands in 1830. 

Beautiful historical buildings and architecture abounds in nearly every city. Ghent provides a fascinating example of a medieval port and has the most number of historical buildings to see. Bruges however, is the most attractive from a scenic point of view. It is a beautifully preserved 14th century Flemish town whose narrow cobble-streets, canals and gabled houses demand at least a day’s visit and preferably a longer stay there.For a lively city with plenty to do, head for Antwerp which as well as being Europe’s diamond capital and a hotbed of modern fashion, still manages to reveal its impressive past through places like the house where Rubens lived and worked for thirty years.

Although much of Belgium’s countryside is flat and lacking in scenic appeal, the Ardennes region is mountainous and offers a beautiful wooded landscape of wild crags and ravines where one of the most famous battles of World War 2 was fought.

Belgium’s people are generally some of the most welcoming you will find anywhere. They are noted for their love of good food in large helpings. The word Gourmands (meaning big cuisine) rather than Gourmets (meaning fine cuisine) describes the typical Belgium very well. Another cliché often used to describe Belgium cuisine is; French food in German sized helpings. It is very apt!

When to visit

The warmest time of the year is April through to September but Belgium weather is inclined to provide days of grey skies and rain at any time.

A popular tourist attraction takes place at the beginning of July. This is the Ommegang Pageant, a spectacular medieval festival dating back to 1359. The colorful procession through the streets of Brussels is followed by a flag and horse parade. Next, crossbow men surround a statue of the Virgin that the procession has escorted from the Sablon Church. Finally everyone settles down to enjoy an incredible fiesta of games and entertainment.

Getting to Belgium

The UK has several discount airlines operating flights from many of its airports to Brussels, Antwerp and other cities. Visitors from other European countries will usually travel by train or road. U.S. and Canadian tourists will probably need to consider flights to France or the UK rather than finding a direct flight.