Belgium may be one of Europe’s smaller countries but don’t let that fool you. What Belgium lacks in size it makes up for in charm, beauty and culture! There are so many great reasons to visit this fascinating country such as its delicious food, stunning architecture and the vibrant mix of languages and cultures. Expat Explore highly recommends a trip to this beautiful country conveniently located between Germany and France.
To celebrate Belgian National Day on 21 July, we’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Belgium!
Eat Belgian chocolate
If there’s one thing that Belgium is known for all over the world, it’s their incredible chocolate! Walk down any street in one of Belgium’s major towns and you’re sure to be tempted with the sight and smell of decadent chocolate truffles. Belgium produces a whopping 270,000 metric tons of chocolate annually and is home to more than 2,000 chocolate shops! This is certainly quite something for a country with a land area of just 30,528 square kilometres. Belgian chocolate contains 100% cocoa butter, making it higher in pure chocolate content than many other chocolate products.
Related: These are the world’s best destinations for chocolate lovers!
Explore Bruges on a canal cruise
Bruges is the historic capital of the Flemish region of Belgium. Its gorgeous city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its fairytale streets are truly a sight to behold. Bruges is one of the best preserved medieval towns in the world. Walking along its cobbled streets will certainly take you back in time. However, the best way to admire Bruges’ spellbinding architecture is from its dreamy canals. Hop on a canal cruise and marvel at the picture-perfect reflections of the buildings on the water. You can also enjoy a drink or a meal at one of the cosy canal cafés or restaurants.
Go to a music festival
As a music lover, summer is the best time to visit Belgium. From spring until late summer, you could go to a music festival every weekend in Belgium! The largest and best-known festival is probably Tomorrowland. Taking place in the city of Boom, this is a dream event for any electronic music fan. However, Belgium has something to offer for fans of any genre. Rock out at the Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel or the Rock Werchter Festival, see legendary performers at the Gent Jazz Festival, watch pop superstars at Pukkelpop in Hasselt and much more!
Related: Don’t miss out on these top summer music festivals in Europe!
Drink Belgian beer
In Belgium, beer is much more than just a satisfying beverage. In fact, Belgian beer was inscribed into the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2016! There are so many different types of Belgian beers to taste and each region offers their own local specialities. From light and fruity kriek beers, witbier and blonde pale ales to heavy and strong quadrupels and dark ales, there really is a beer for everyone! Even if you’re not usually a beer drinker, you’ll likely find something for your pallet from one of Belgium’s many breweries. Almost every brand of Belgian beer has its own unique glass which makes for excellent souvenirs!
Visit the capital of Europe!
Brussels is Belgium’s capital city and a must-visit destination for many reasons including incredible architecture, nightlife and culture. Not only is Brussels the capital of Belgium but as the European Union’s administrative centre, it is also known as the capital of Europe! Wandering Brussel’s streets, you’ll be awe-struck by the Art Nouveau buildings. The Grand Place is one of the city’s top attractions. This square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the impressive town hall and surrounded by Baroque guildhalls, many of which have been turned into shops and restaurants.
Other top sights include the Royal Palace of Brussels, the official residence of the Belgian royal family and the Atomium, a futuristic icon of the Brussels skyline!
Did you know: Belgium has three national languages: Dutch (Flemish), German and French!
Discover one of Belgium’s many museums
Whatever your interest may be, Belgium likely has a museum for that! For art and history lovers, the options are endless. Discover the surrealist artworks of renowned Belgian artist René Magritte at the Musée Magritte in Brussels. Learn about the invasion of Belgium during World War I at the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres. The Belgian Comic Arts Museum in Brussels is home to the world’s largest public comic book collection and showcases iconic characters like Tintin and the Smurfs! Foodies should not miss a trip to Chocolate Nation, Antwerp’s immersive Belgian chocolate museum or the Frites museum in Bruges which is dedicated to Belgium’s national dish!
Related: Along with the Frites museum, these are the world’s best quirky museums!
Indulge in Belgian cuisine in Ghent
The charming city of Ghent is paradise for all types of foodies! In 2005, Ghent introduced Donderdag Veggiedag (Thursday Veggie Day). This is still in place today with most of Ghents’ restaurants and hotels serving only vegetarian foods and over 50% of citizens observing vegetarianism on Thursdays. Ghent’s culinary scene boasts over 600 restaurants and 600 cafés and there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan and omnivorous options available!
Be sure to try local specialties like Neuzekes (little noses), a purple gummy candy filled with raspberry, and waterzooi which is a thick, warming chicken or fish soup. You’ll also find a variety of Belgian delicacies from moules frites (mussels and french fries) and, of course, delectable Belgian chocolate and waffles! Did you know that there are two types of Belgian waffles? Brussels waffles are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. While Liège waffles are thicker and made with pearl sugar making them richer and sweeter in flavour.
Ready to discover all this magical country has to offer? Have a look at our tours that visit Belgium and start planning your next adventure!