Belgium is (for me) western Europe’s underrated destination country.
It’s no wonder many people like to talk down about Belgium. It’s not as pretty as France, not as modern as the Netherlands, not as distinct as Germany, nor classy as Switzerland, and doesn’t have cool beaches like Spain, Portugal, or Italy.
Some people think of Belgium as small, boring, uneventful, not beautiful or simply not as cool as its neighbors. And for this reason, it’s considered a highly-skippable place. But I think they’re flat out wrong.
You could definitely see all the main cities in a week. Some of them are easy afternoon trips, not even a full day’s worth of stuff IMO.
General tips for traveling in Belgium:
- Belgium is a perfect mix of Holland, France, and Germany. In culture, food, architecture, language. Everything. Like a bastard step-child of the 3…and equally as cool, or even cooler (and more hip). I really liked Belgium!
- Trains are super efficient.
- They speak English, French, Dutch, and German. Of course not everyone…but you can find these languages throughout.
Miscellaneous tips:
- sdfd
Safety tips:
- Belgium is really safe. No concerns. Maybe pickpocketing in busy tourist areas?
Customs:
- Always drink a beer in the branded glass intended for it.
Belgium cities (* = recommended, ** = must see):
- Brussels* – their main city. The main square with the old buildings is really nice to hang at night. There are some busy streets with bars and cafes to see but I felt Ghent was a much more fun tourist destination.
- Bruges – everyone recommends this stop but I absolutely was not a fan. Touristy and boring, not real Belgium life here. But no worries, it’s an easy 2-hour stop from other major cities. Stop by and see for yourself. Take some nice photos but don’t waste time here.
- Ghent** – I loved it! Beautiful buildings and lots of local life, cool cafes and restaurants. Hang out by the water for breathtaking views of medieval buildings, castles, bridges, and architecture. This is where the locals live!
- Antwerp** – I haven’t been but heard lots of great things about it.
Nearby countries:
- Netherlands – clean, modern, chill.
- Germany – big and small cities.
- France – it’s France…rich in culture and extremely french things.
Indeed, Belgium’s neighbors have many interesting things to see.
Unfiltered notes: