Belgium – The Land of Beer, Chocolate and Fries

When people hear ‘Belgium’, they rarely think of a small nation that is the home of the European Union, or a nation that played a huge part in both World Wars. When you hear ‘Belgium’, you think of fries, beer and, of course, you think of chocolate. Located north of France and south of the Netherlands, Belgium is as charming a country as you are going to find in Europe. The medieval towns and historical sites intrigue you and draw you in. However, what will live in your memory long after you leave, is how relaxed the country is and how the good things in life are done really well here. This Belgium Travel Guide will give you an insight into what you can expect before arriving in a country that, despite its diminutive size, packs a powerful punch.

Currency Converter – €5 = £4.50/$5.70

Weather

Belgium typically gets cool summers and moderate winters. The hottest month of the year is usually July, with highs of 18°C. The coldest month is February when average temperatures drop as low 3°C. Rainfall can be quite consistent throughout the year with June, surprisingly, being the wettest month of the year. Belgium is also known for being quite a windy country.

Visa Policy

Belgium is a country in the Schengen area. EU citizens have freedom of movement in and out of Belgium, meaning they can go when they want and stay for as long as they want. US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens along with a large amount of South Americans have visa-free access into the Schengen states for stays of up to 90 days. Most other nationalities require their citizen to go through the formal visa application to obtain their Schengen area visa. For more information, click here.

Things to See and Do in Belgium

Bruges

Bruges is the most well preserved medieval town in all of Belgium, which is an honour in itself. With the cobbled streets, the beautiful central square, the museums and the Belfry tower, Bruges keeps you busy. However, it is also a very peaceful place to spend some time. The downside is that Bruges is quite popular, especially during the weekends in peak summer. Avoid these times to visit and you will be glad you did. There is something special about Bruges in the winter time. With some fog in the air and the quiet streets, the town becomes quite surreal.

Budget Tip – Bruges can get quite expensive with the large numbers of tourists that visit every year. It is best to avoid eating and drinking in Central Square. There are much better restaurants and bars in the town, like Ganzespel for food and the Bauhaus for beer. St Christopher’s Inn at the Bauhaus has the best bar I have witnessed in a hostel. But it is also a pub for locals and you do not have to be a guest to drink there.

Flanders

The fields of Flanders played host to some of the most epic battles of the First World War. A million soldiers were either wounded, missing or killed there. Today, it is home to memorials, cemeteries and monuments commemorating the wonderful history that took place. It is a good area to spend a day or two and learn about the tragedies that occurred in this region.

Ghent

Certainly not as famous, and quite often overlooked, Ghent can most definitely hold its own. A university town in the North West of Belgium, Ghent is pretty, charming and, if you come in July, very lively when it hosts the ‘Gentse Feesten’, the largest cultural festival in the whole of Europe. During the other times of the year, Ghent still has plenty to attract you. Gravensteen for example, is a medieval castle that was re-purposed as a court, a prison, a mint and as a cotton factory.

Antwerp

Famous for its diamonds, Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium. The city centre is home to hundreds and hundreds of diamond traders, cutters and polishers. Art lovers shouldn’t miss out on the Royal Fine Arts Museum. The architecture here is something to marvel at and the city is full of excellent food and drinks at every corner. Although it is pricey, Antwerp Zoo has been open since 1843 and is well worth a visit.

Brussels

The capital of Belgium and the European Union is full of stunning architecture and has history down every street and alley. There are a lot of interesting and wonderfully weird sites, the Mannekin Pis statue being just one. It also has the St. Michael and Gudela Cathedral, the Galeries Royales and Grande Place. All of which are sure to leave you impressed. For food and drink, don’t miss out on Le Bistro, a great place to eat and only a 15-minute walk from Grande Place. For alcohol, the hugely popular Delirium Cafe has a list of beers so long it made the Guinness Book of Records. Despite never feeling a connection as such, Brussels still draws me in and I would definitely recommend a visit.

What To Eat in Belgium

Frites

Known as Frites in Belgium and French Fries to the rest of the world. It is a little known fact that it was actually the Belgians who invented fries. It is no surprise that you are sure to find good fries quite quickly after arriving. Fast food shops around the country sell huge amounts of them on a daily basis to both locals and tourists. The crispy, deep-fried potato is then topped or served with a side of either ketchup or mayonnaise. Most restaurant meals are also served with a side of frites. When you are in Brussels, be sure to check out Maison Antoine, renowned for having the best in the country.

Mussels

Mussels are considered the national dish of Belgium. They are almost always served alongside frites. The way in which the mussels are cooked can vary significantly. The most popular and my personal favourite is with wine, shallots, parsley and butter. Other ways include white wine, flour and cream or even with beer. It is a dish that you may have tried before elsewhere in the world but I assure you that it is worth trying again during your time in Belgium.

Flemish Stew

Like most countries in the western world, Belgium has its own version of a beef stew. It is made quite similar to a French stew but instead of the use of wine in the cooking process, the Belgians use beer. The dark beer is poured into the stock and gives off such huge flavour that no stew will ever taste as good again. The stew is then typically served with either potatoes and vegetables or frites.

Speculoos

What is known as Lotus Biscoff in many other countries are called Speculoos and originate from Belgium and the Netherlands. They can be found everywhere in Belgium, with my favourite being crumbled onto a waffle.

Waffles

Waffles are to Belgium as Crêpes are to France. Meaning you can basically find them anywhere, especially an area that tourists regularly frequent. Shops and food trucks cook them up fresh and then it is up to you what toppings you want. The options are usually plentiful, my favourite is ice-cream or cream and then either chocolate or the aforementioned speculoos. Of course, certain establishments try to change things to be unique but just the normal, standard waffle wins for me.

Chocolate

Another option for those with a sweet tooth, Belgian chocolate is world renowned and for good reason. You can find it all over any area of the country that welcomes tourists on a regular basis. It is sold in all shapes and sizes and with, of course, huge variations in price. Being in Belgium is a great excuse to binge on all things sweet and chocolaty and no one will question you for it.

Waterzooi

Another stew dish, one that originates from Flanders. It originally started out as a fish stew but it is more common to find it sold with chicken these days. The base is made with egg yolk, cream and a thickened vegetable broth. Vegetables and Potatoes are then added and it is served. I never got to try Waterzooi made with fish, but the chicken version is delicious.

Helpful Phrases

Hello – Hallo

See you later = Ik zie je later

Help = Helpen

Where is? = Waar Is?

Excuse Me = Excuseer mij

Can you help me? = Kan je mij helpen?

A table for two, please = Een tafel voor twee alstublieft

May I have a glass of…? = Mag ik een glas …?

Check please = De rekening, alstublieft.

Please = Alstublieft

Typical Costs in Belgium

Accommodation

Hostels are your cheapest option in Belgium. You can still expect to pay €18 per night for an average hostel countrywide. For budget hotels, you can pay anywhere from €50 – €100 a night. Of course, a more luxurious hotel comes at a much higher price.

Food

You could get a decent sit-down meal for €10 – €12, but for a better setting and more than one course, expect to pay closer to €25. Fast food like frites and croquettes will cost less than €5.

Transport

Transportation prices around the country are not too bad. The country is small so train journeys never take too long. Most journeys cost €10 or slightly less. There is a concession if you are under 25. Ticket prices can be as much as halved if you have proof of age.

How To Save Money in Belgium

Cycling

This may be more specific to the smaller towns like Ghent and Bruges, but cycling is a great way to explore the areas. Bike rentals for a day can cost as little as €10 and are cheaper for half a day.

Eat Fast

Food in Belgium can be pricey so eating in restaurants 3 times a day will cost you a small fortune. Sandwiches are a cheap option and can be picked up on the go. Fast food like Frites are readily available and can be a handy and cheap option that fills the stomach.

Plat Du Jour

A lot of restaurants offer a fixed menu at lunch or in the early evening. This can be a cheaper option if you are hungry for a more traditional meal.

Couch surf and Hostels

Accommodation isn’t cheap here. Hostels are certainly a good option but could cost you €20 a night. If you are staying in one, try to find one with free breakfast, as at least that saves you some money every day. Couch surfing is the best and cheapest option if you can find a host.

Drink Belgian Beer

Beer is not that expensive here in comparison with other Western European countries. Getting it at the source certainly helps. Drink the local beers, they are better and cheaper than the more worldwide brands. You and your wallet will be happier for it.

I have always enjoyed Belgium. Even at its busiest, it still has this peaceful feeling to it. I get the sense that life doesn’t move too fast there. The people are so laid back, I couldn’t imagine them ever in a rush. I say this in the nicest way possible. I love the culture and the fact that they have so much of it. Belgium truly is an easy country to spend time in. It is also an easy country to spend money in! Whilst I am all for budget travel, I also find that in a country like Belgium spending that small bit extra goes a long way and can vastly improve the time you spend in this beautiful little country.

Like It? Pin It!