EXPLORE BELGIUM
Your Comprehensive Destination Guide
At a Glance
Total area: 30,688 square kilometers
Capital: Brussels
Religion: Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic)
Population: Approximately 11.7 million
Language: Dutch, French, German
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 am–4:00 pm; some close for lunch
Telephone/Communication: The country code is +32; widespread mobile and internet coverage
Climate: Temperate maritime climate; cool summers, mild winters, frequent rain year-round.
VAT in Belgium
Non-EU residence: Your permanent residence must be outside the EU, and you should be visiting Belgium for leisure purposes, planning to leave the EU after your trip.
Export of goods: You must carry the purchased items in your personal luggage when you leave the EU, and this must occur within three months after the month in which the purchase was made.
Minimum purchase amount: The total value of your eligible goods must exceed €125 per invoice or Tax-Free Form. You can potentially combine multiple invoices from the same retailer on the same day if they amount to at least €125.01.
Personal use: The purchases must be for your personal use, not for business or commercial purposes.
Documentation: You must obtain a Tax-Free Form or invoice from the retailer, keep the original sales receipt, and have your passport and travel documents readily available.
Travel Requirements
Entry & Visa
Passport
- A valid U.S. passport is required.
- It must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from the Schengen Area.
- You must have issued it within the last 10 years.
Visa
- No visa is required for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen Area (including Belgium).
- Your stay must not involve paid work.
ETIAS (Coming Soon)
- Beginning in mid-2025, U.S. travelers must apply for an ETIAS travel authorization before entering Belgium or any Schengen country.
- This will be a simple online process, valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.
Proof of Sufficient Funds & Accommodation (May Be Requested): Border officials may request the following documents:
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation letter, etc.)
- Proof of financial means for the stay
Travel Insurance
- We strongly recommend travel medical insurance to cover potential healthcare costs in Europe, even though it’s not mandatory.
Getting there from the US
Traveling to Belgium from the United States is straightforward, with several major airlines offering direct and connecting flights. Brussels Airport (BRU) is the primary gateway into Belgium, about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the capital city.
Direct Flights:
Major U.S. cities such as New York (JFK), Washington, D.C. (IAD), and Chicago (ORD) offer nonstop flights to Brussels through airlines like United, Delta, American Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. Flight times typically range from 7 to 9 hours, depending on the departure city.
Connecting Flights:
If you’re flying from a smaller U.S. city, you may need to connect through major European hubs like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, or London. Numerous carriers serve these routes and often provide flexible schedules and pricing options.
Arrival & Transportation:
Brussels Airport connects the city center and other Belgian cities via train, bus, and taxi. A train from the airport to Brussels Central Station takes about 20 minutes. High-speed trains also make connecting to nearby countries such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands easy.
Travel Safety Tips
Stay Alert in Crowded Areas. Pickpocketing can be common in busy tourist spots like Grand Place in Brussels, train stations, and popular festivals. Keep your belongings secure and avoid carrying too much cash.
Use Licensed Taxis or Public Transport. Avoid unlicensed taxis. Belgium has an excellent public transport system—trains, trams, and buses are safe and reliable.
Watch Out for Bicycle Traffic. Many Belgian cities are bike-friendly, and cyclists have the right-of-way in many areas. Be cautious when crossing streets or opening car doors.
Be Careful at Night. While Belgian cities are generally safe, staying in well-lit, populated areas at night is best. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated places.
Know Emergency Numbers. The emergency number in Belgium is 112 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
Avoid Political Demonstrations. Belgium can have protests and strikes; avoiding large gatherings or demonstrations is wise to avoid unexpected disruptions.
Check Local Travel Advisories. Stay updated on regional alerts, especially if traveling near borders or in crowded events.
Health Precautions. Tap water is safe to drink in Belgium. Carry basic medication and health insurance details just in case.
Secure Your Accommodation. Use hotel safes if available, and double-check doors and windows in your lodging.
Respect Local Laws and Customs. For example, smoking is banned in most indoor public spaces, and there are strict rules on drug possession.
Health Safety Tips
Vaccinations
No special vaccinations are required for Belgium if you are coming from the US or Europe. However, being current on routine vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, and influenza is beneficial.
Health Care Quality
Belgium has high-quality healthcare facilities. Pharmacies are widespread; pharmacists can often provide advice without a doctor’s visit.
Travel Insurance
Always have travel health insurance covering medical emergencies and hospital stays abroad.
Water and Food Safety
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Belgium. Food standards are high, but still follow basic hygiene rules—wash your hands before eating and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
Medication
Bring any prescription medications with you in original packaging and a copy of the prescription. Over-the-counter medications are available in pharmacies.
Allergies and Dietary Needs
Belgian cuisine is diverse but can include nuts, dairy, and gluten. If you have allergies, learn key phrases in French or Dutch to communicate your needs.
Seasonal Weather
Belgium’s weather can be rainy and chilly, even in summer. Dress in layers and stay dry to avoid colds or flu.
Sun Protection
Summers can have sunny days, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat when spending time outdoors.
Emergency Services
For medical emergencies, call 112. Major cities have excellent hospitals with English-speaking staff.
Mental Health
Traveling can be stressful. Take time to rest, stay hydrated, and maintain a balanced diet.
Fun Facts
- Austria is known as the birthplace of classical music legends, producing world-famous composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, and Beethoven, who spent much of his life in Vienna.
- Vienna is the home of the Vienna Philharmonic, one of the most prestigious orchestras worldwide, renowned for its global broadcast of its New Year’s Concert.
- Filming for The Sound of Music took place in and around Salzburg, Austria, showcasing stunning landscapes.
- The World’s Oldest Zoo—Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna, founded in 1752, is still the oldest zoo in the world.
- Alpine Playground—The Alps cover about 62% of Austria, making it a prime destination for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking.
- The Austrian flag is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the 13th century.
- Coffee House Culture—Vienna’s traditional coffee houses are UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, known for being places of conversation, creativity, and comfort.
- Vienna invented the famous Sachertorte in 1832, making it a must-try when visiting Austria.
- No Official Language? — While German is the official language, Austria recognizes regional dialects and minority languages, enriching its linguistic culture.
- The Lipizzaner Stallions—the famous white horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna—perform highly skilled dressage, a centuries-old tradition.
Top Places to Visit in Belgium
Brussels-The Capital Hub of Art and Politics
- The Grand Place (Grote Markt), a stunning UNESCO-listed central square with ornate guild houses and the Town Hall, is often considered one of Europe’s most beautiful squares.
Museums:
- The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium house a range of artists, from Old Masters to contemporary Belgian artists such as René Magritte.
- The Magritte Museum is devoted solely to the works of surrealist master René Magritte.
- The Atomium, an iconic 1958 World Expo structure, boasts a futuristic design, exhibition spaces, and panoramic views.
- The Museum of Natural Sciences is renowned for its dinosaur hall.
- The Comic Strip Museum (Belgian Comic Strip Center) celebrates Belgium’s rich comic tradition, including Tintin and The Smurfs.
Culture & Food:
- Explore the European Parliament and EU institutions.
- Try Belgian waffles, chocolates, and famous beers.
- Sample mussels with fries (moules-frites) at local bistros.
Events:
- The Ommegang Festival, held in July, is a medieval pageant that reenacts historic events on the Grand Place.
- The Brussels Summer Festival features concerts and street performances.
Bruges — The Fairy-Tale Medieval City
Bruges boasts canals, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved medieval architecture. Often called the “Venice of the North.”
- Belfry Tower — climb for sweeping views of the city.
- Basilica of the Holy Blood — a relic said to contain Christ’s blood.
- The Groeningemuseum showcases Flemish and Belgian artwork from the early Renaissance to the present.
- Church of Our Lady—features Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture.
Things to Do:
- Canal boat tours are available to admire the city by the water.
- Sample traditional Belgian chocolates and beer at local shops and breweries.
- Visit local lace shops — Bruges is famous for lace-making.
- Explore Markt Square with its vibrant cafes and restaurants.
Events:
- One of Europe’s oldest religious processions, the Procession of the Holy Blood, takes place from May to June.
- Bruges Beer Festival (February)—tasting and celebrating Belgian craft beers.
Ghent — The Vibrant University City
Historic yet lively with a youthful energy, Bruges blends medieval sites with contemporary art and culture.
Key Sites:
- Gravensteen Castle —a medieval fortress with exhibits on history and weaponry.
- The Van Eyck brothers’ famous Ghent altarpiece, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, is housed in St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
- Museum of Fine Arts (MSK)—Flemish and Belgian masterpieces.
- The SMAK is a museum dedicated to contemporary art.
- The Patershol neighborhood boasts charming medieval streets and modern eateries.
Things to Do:
- Take an evening boat tour on the canals.
- Sample local specialties like waterzooi (a creamy chicken or fish stew).
- Enjoy Ghent’s vibrant café and music scene.
- Visit local markets on weekends.
Events:
- The Gentse Feesten, a massive 10-day cultural festival featuring music, street theater, and more, takes place in July.
- The Light Festival takes place in the winter, featuring illuminations and light art installations.
Antwerp is Europe’s diamond capital, fashion hub, and baroque art and architecture center.
Key Attractions:
- The Cathedral of Our Lady—houses works by Peter Paul Rubens.
- Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)—a modern museum focused on Antwerp’s history and global connections.
- The former home and studio of the Baroque painter Rubens is known as Rubenshuis.
- Visitors can shop in the fashion district.
Leuven, a historic university town, exudes a vibrant student atmosphere.
Key Sites:
- The University Library and the Bell Tower, an iconic building with panoramic views, are two key sites.
- Old Market Square is renowned as the “longest bar in the world” due to its numerous cafes.
- The M-Museum showcases a collection of contemporary and modern art.
Dinant is a picturesque town on the Meuse River with dramatic cliffs and a citadel.
Key Sites:
- The Citadel of Dinant offers a panoramic view of the river valley.
- The Collegiate Church of Notre Dame boasts striking Gothic architecture.
- Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, was born here.
Belgian Culture & Food
Cuisine: Belgian waffles, chocolates, fries (frites), mussels, and various local beers (Trappist, Abbey, and craft).
Language & Regions: Dutch-speaking Flanders (north), French-speaking Wallonia (south), and bilingual Brussels.
Beer Culture: Belgium has hundreds of breweries producing unique beers with rich traditions. Brewery tours and beer tastings are a must.
Chocolate: Visit famous chocolatiers like Neuhaus, Godiva, and local artisan shops.
Travel Tips
Getting Around: Belgium’s train network is efficient and connects major cities within an hour or two.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn is the best time to visit for festivals and pleasant weather. During winter, experience the charm of Christmas markets and a quaint café culture.
Local Etiquette: Politeness and greetings in the local language (Dutch or French, depending on the region) are appreciated.
Belgium may be small, but it offers a rich and immersive travel experience that lasts a long time. It’s a country where medieval towns whisper stories of the past, world-class art stirs the soul, and the simple pleasure of a warm waffle on a chilly morning can feel like pure magic. From the romantic canals of Bruges to the vibrant, multicultural buzz of Brussels, every region of Belgium reveals a unique charm.
What makes Belgium special isn’t just its beauty—it’s the way it blends old and new, depth and delight. It’s a destination that rewards curiosity and invites you to slow down, connect, and discover. Mi Bella Mondo is about welcoming the world and finding joy in the journey.
“You can never cross the ocean until you dare to lose sight of the shore.” — Christopher Columbus.
Let Belgium be that moment for you—a gentle step into the unknown and a beautiful reminder of how far curiosity and courage can take us.