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Introduction to Belgium

Brussels

Being centrally located it is the capital of both Belgium and Europe, and as a result it’s a given this city is an administrational hub where plenty of diplomats and high officials roam around the streets. It also houses the headquarters of the NATO which only stipulates the importance of Brussels as a global hub. Of course there is much more than just offices and the European parliament. The grand central square for example is one of the most beautiful in the world and besides the impressive town hall it is surrounded by historical guild houses which have be restored into their former glory. No wonder it is classified as a unique UNESCO World Heritage centre.

The city also features a large collection of Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings, of which Victor Horta was one of the most well known architects. One of the most eye-catching buildings in Brussels is without a doubt the Atomium. It is one of several buildings that remain from the World Expo that took place here in 1958 and resembles the iron crystal, magnified billions of times of course as it stands over 100m tall and since its renovation shines as bright as ever before.

Wallonia

In the southern part of Belgium you’ll find Wallonia, the green lung of the country as it houses most of the expansive forests called the Ardennes. This is also the French speaking part and there’s even a small German speaking region in the east which is due to the annexation after World War I. While Namur is the capital city of the region, Liège remains the biggest one. Wallonia used to be one of the most industrialised areas in the world during the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, thanks to the rich coal and iron deposits, which were easily transported by train but also by boat on the rivers Sambre and Meuse.

Another important attraction was Spa, which quickly became a wellness hotspot and from which the term spa originates. The cold springs are not only used for wellness, but are also turned into mineral water which is exported worldwide. Spa-Francorchamps might also ring a bell, as it is the racetrack which is so loved by all the drivers and every year it delivers plenty of thrilling races of which the F1 race is the most well known. The Ardennes covers most of Wallonia and are a favourite getaway for many Belgians thanks to the abundance of nature which allows many to escape the hectic life in the cities. It is also loved by schools and youth leagues for their annual camps of which you’ll see many during the summer months.

History of Belgium

Talking about cities, there are many to be found in the densely populated area of Flanders. Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen, Kortrijk, Hasselt, Tongeren,….all of them offer great historical attractions, museums, architecture, accommodation, shops, restaurants and bars and anything else you desire when going on a citytrip. Of course you can find all these things in Brussels and further east too as Wallonia has beautiful cities like Liège, Namur, Dinant, Spa and many more.

Those looking to escape the busy life and find peace in nature will be happy to know there are several areas where you can do just that. Especially in Wallonia which is less densely populated you can find massive forests, rolling hills, wide open spaces and so much more. In Flanders these areas are harder to find yet they are surely there, just not to the same extend as for example the the Ardennes. This greener area in the east is much loved with families and groups of friends to rent a cabin or house in the middle of nature.

All in all there are plenty of places to stay and to discover even if at first sight you would think Belgium is just too small to fit more than 1 shoebox.

The coast does have its fair share of hotels too, yet often locals prefer to rent one of the countless apartments which are available and by doing so allow themselves to have more flexibility regarding the location and also the budget. Moving more inland there are plenty of b&b’s, giving you the unique opportunity to stay with locals who can also point you in the right direction to find those hidden gems when it comes to restaurants or local attraction. Another way of experiencing the open fields of Belgium is to stay at one of the converted farms. These days farmers often look for new ways to add some extra income but also to awake the interest of the youngsters hoping to keep the farming industry alive.

The Ardennes have countless cabins that are always a big hit with the locals when they want to get away from the busy daily life with friends or family. Thanks to the massive forests, hills and cute little rivers that form the landscape this region is also very much liked by youth organisations for their annual trips with the whole team.

It’s a given that the Belgian coast is certainly worth a detour and you would be surprised by the amount of activities that are offered in this region. Museums, nature reserves, shopping, architectural gems… it’s all there. Go further inland and you will be able to relive memories from WWI in and around the city of Ypres. The massive graveyards from both local and foreign soldiers are kept in an immaculate state and will make you speechless.

The south-eastern part of the country also deserves some attention, due to its wild nature and the quintessential little towns which are hidden in valleys and along small rivers. If castles is what you are looking for, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this area as there are still plenty that till today are inhabited and often even transformed to hotels or guesthouses.

Active people might want to explore the country by bike, as it is a great way of seeing the landscapes, towns and cities while working out at the same time. Infrastructure for cyclists has been much improved and it is certainly a unique way to discover Belgium.

If history is right up your alley you’re at the right address as there’s literally a story around every corner of this little country. Of course there are also iconic places which are certainly worth a detour like Waterloo where you can visit the museum explaining everything there is to know about the battle, but you can also climb up the monument which will give you a great bird’s eye view of the battlefield. And besides the countless historical squares, monuments, townhouses, gild houses, castles,….you certainly don’t want to miss out on the many museums which are often true gems.

And then we haven’t even talked about the chocolate which is one of the big export products of this country. White, brown, black and all the varieties in between can be found here, and there are several master chocolatiers which produce the most delicate chocolate treats you’ve ever tasted. Again, also chocolate shops are dotted all around and it will be hard to pass by without buying a box of those goodies.

In general you can find great food all around and if you visit you’ll notice you can get cheap and tasty food everywhere, but also options for more gastronomic experiences. After all, there are plenty Michelin starred restaurants to be found and enjoyed.

Both Brussels and Antwerp have a metro, giving you even more options to travel around the cities, and this time without any traffic. Tram lines can be found in many cities but the one that is most used by visitors is the coastal tram that runs all along the coast and is a great option to discover this part of the country without any hassle.

Public transport tickets can be bought both online or through text message which makes it easy and saves time once again.

Autumn gives you the chance to enjoy some of the best gastronomy as the wild season will blow your tastebuds away. Summer obviously is the most busy time but locals are out and about to enjoy the warm weather and there is an endless array of outdoor activities, exhibitions, festivals,….to experience. And those famous Belgian beers surely help when it is too hot to do any physical activity.

Belgians are proud of their heritage and will certainly give it their all during events and festivals. They are also very open to others joining the festivities and celebrating their heritage. One of the best ways to learn a bit more about the locals is to step inside a café (or sit on their terrace when the weather is playing along) and order a few drinks at the bar. There will aways be someone near you that will start the conversation and shares all there is to know about the local hotspots.

Weather in Belgium

Visiting Belgium soon? See below for the latest weather forecast for Belgium.

BELGIUM WEATHER