Travel to Belgium

Even though Belgium is smaller than many other countries you can visit, it is filled with activities, restaurants, and much more. Getting from place to another is easy for travelers in Belgium because the towns are close together. There are trains and buses that will take you where you want to go. Whether it is Antwerp to see one of the largest collections of diamonds, or to Ghent to visit botanical gardens and visit castles. Brussels, the capital of Belgium is another fascinating city you should visit when you are traveling.

Many people visit Belgium for the food as much as for the countries two diverse cultures. In Belgium, people either speak Dutch or French depending on which part of Belgium you want to visit. Food and drink come in all forms. If you enjoy tasting home brewed beer, then Belgium is a great place to start. There are many breweries and pubs that you can visit during your stay. Chocolate is also a tourist attraction for many people. There are also many restaurants, cafés, and small inns where you will find fresh seafood, potato dishes, and much more.

Some of the more popular tourist attractions include: The Atomium, which is a life size model of an atom. Featured in the 1958 Science Expo, you can walk around inside the atom. It contains restaurants and beautiful views of Brussels. Another attraction is the The Grand Place, which is a town square that is home to markets, people, and history. The Manneken Pis, which is a famous statue of a small boy peeing is another attraction that people enjoy seeing.

These attractions are very easy to get to and are open during the day and in the evening. You should make a list of attractions that you want to see before taking your trip. You will be able to modify the list later if you need to.

Belgium also has a lot of interesting architecture dating back to the Middle Ages. You will be able to visit castles, small villages and towns that have a lot of history. Visit popular town centers, halls, and museums that pay homage to artists and other creative people. Belgium is home to many who have contributed to art, music, and literature.

While in Belgium, you will be able to take day trips to London and other cities. Staying in Belgium is less expensive than staying in other cities, so you will be saving money while being able to see more of Europe. People who visit Belgium are not looking for thrills, they are looking to relax and enjoy the people they meet in small towns along the way. If you want to go on vacation to relax in a slow paced atmosphere, then a trip to Belgium is one vacation you should look into.

Brussels is located in the center of Belgium, and acts as the country's capital. Some people refer to the city of Brussels as a municipality known as the Brussels-Capital Region. The Brussels-Capital region is the home to over 1 million people, and if you extend this to include the metropolitan area the population increases to just around 2 million people. All of these people make the Brussels-Capital Region the most highly populated in the country. In addition, all of these people go a long way in ensuring that Brussels will always be the financial and political center of the country. The main seat of the European Union is also occupied by Brussels. As you can see, Brussels is a very important region throughout Europe.

There is a language border that more or less separates the country of Belgium into two entities. The northern part of Belgium is Dutch speaking, where as the southern half is French speaking. There are parts of both sides that speak both languages, and the city of Brussels is the same way. Brussels is a bilingual city which allows for a more diverse culture and the ease of entry for a larger group of people.

If you are planning a trip to Brussels there are several attractions that you will not want to miss. In fact, there are so many things to see that you will want to plan your trip out very carefully. One of the most popular attractions in Brussels is the Grand-Place. This is thought to be one of the most breathtaking squares in the world. It is surrounded by old buildings such as the Hotel de Ville. Another top tourist destination in Brussels is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. If you are in Brussels to soak up the culture this is a must see. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is the best collection of art in Belgium, and thousands of people from all over travel to the museum on a yearly basis.

When it comes to the climate, Brussels is rather steady throughout the year. Temperatures reach their high during the month of July when they top out at an average of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter months the temperatures in Brussels usually dip down into the low 40s. This makes for a very consistent temperature year round. If you live in Brussels you never have to deal with extreme heat, or a lot of cold weather. As far as precipitation is concerned, Brussels usually averages between two and three inches a month; it can snow, but it is not a common occurrence or worry.

Transportation in Brussels includes several major train stations that connect Brussels to other large cities in the UK. In addition the Brussels National Airport makes it easy to fly in and out of the area. Overall, traveling to Brussels will allow you to see a diverse culture. There are many popular tourist attractions in the area, and a transportation system that is top notch. If you have never visited Brussels you may want to put it on your short list.

Belgium is famous for its world class chocolate. However chocolate isn’t all the Belgium has to offer. Belgium has many tourist attractions ranging from exquisite architecture, romantic cruises and delicious food. If you are interested in diamonds visit Antwerp, located towards northern Belgium closer to Dutch border. Antwerp is nicknamed the world’s diamond trading centre and you will be delighted with the different qualities of precious gems you can discover. Antwerp also has other tourist attraction such as a host of museums and galleries waiting to be explored.

Visit Luxembourg to be transported to another time and place. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is widely known as a walker’s paradise. Take in the many historical sites that Luxembourg has to offer. Famous for it’s casemates, an extensive network of underground galleries which were carved from the cities own rocks, this is an experience not to be missed. Also stop by the Grand-Duke’s residence to discover majestic architecture and medieval houses.

Namur, located towards the south of Belgium, dates back to having foundations in the Roman era. Along with being rich in architecture and history Namur is also famous for its churches and cathedrals. When in Namur make sure to sample its many mouth watering delicacies. Meats, salads, Flamiche, red wine and chilled beer are local foods that have to be tried out. If you are interested in perfumes, visit Perfumes Guy Delforge where you will be able to learn the process involved in making exquisite fragrances.

Liege, a city which is a beautiful blend of the past and the future is a discovery that will delight any tourist. Hunt for antiques at an outdoor market, shop along the traffic free alleys and indulge in restaurants where each meal seems to taste better than the last. Travelling around Belgium is relatively easy. Belgium has an extensive train network which connects the whole country and therefore makes travelling around easy, comfortable and safe. You can also rent a car if you wish or take the bus.

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.

When it comes to traveling to new found places I always like to look at a few online guides beforehand. These guides are nice because they include everything from the location description to best restaurants to eat at to best places to stay and best activities to do while you are there. I think that this is a good option to go with because it gives you a nice idea about the place before you actually visit it. Heck you could even build your trip around these guides to decide where you want to go and stay and where you don't want to go. Most of these guides are pretty straight up and honest. They also give you tips about the location such as weather and suggested places to visit. Lets take a look at a few places from Belgium:

Lively Antwerp is a hidden gem. Its medieval streets, Renaissance monuments and vibrant nightlife tend to be overshadowed by its reputation as center of the diamond trade and as the world's fifth-largest port. Biking is a popular choice for getting around this stylish Flemish city. See thousands of Old Masters at the Royal Museum and Rubens House. Experience the bustle of life at the Grote Market. Marvel at the art and architecture of the still unfinished Cathedral of Our Lady, started in 1351. Top rated attractions include: Grote Market, Museum Mayer van den Bergh, De kookwinkel Soly. Top rated restaurants include: Hippodroom and Fuji San!

Once a 13th-century cloth making center, Brugge, or Bruges, may have become a major tourist destination, but its wealth of wandering canals and ornate houses, plus the city's medieval charm, remains. The historic center's pedestrian-only streets bristle with Gothic spires and flourishes. Friendly residents of the West Flanders capital impress visitors with their enthusiasm to show their city's sights, such as the superb Groeninge Museum, Church of Our Lady and the Belfry and Market Halls.

Best attractions: Quasimundo Bike Tours, The English Theatre of Bruges, Belfry (Belfort) and Market Halls (Hallen), Groeninge Museum and Memling in Sint-Jan Hospitaalmuseum. Top rated restaurants include: Pieter Pourbus, De Karmeliet, De Pepermolen, and Den Dijver. Unassuming Brussels is the capital of Belgium, Flanders and Europe. Medieval Grand-Place, is indeed grand, with many 17th-century buildings and daily flower markets. Reopened in 2006, the Atomium, Brussels' Eiffel Tower, provides great views, inside and out. Architecture fans should visit Musee Horta, home of Belgian master architect Victor Horta. St. Gery's clubs and bars are packed year-round.

Seafood eateries abound in Ste. Catherine. Walk, rather than get snarled up in traffic, in the narrow streets. Best attractions: Brussels Bike Tours, Delirium, St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule). best restairants include: Flaneries gourmandes, Bar Bik, and le fourneau. Also included are photos if of each location from different people that have visited along with hotels. These guides aren't usually JUST guides. Usually they are also a place where you can book hotels, rent cars, and buy airline tickets as well.

You can do all of this separately or as a package and you can also take a look at some of the cruise information as well! Remember ordering packages is always going to be cheaper and more organized time wise. So this is a good option to look at if you want to save money and save time!