Travel in Belgium

Belgium, the heart of Europe and home to the main European institutions, is a destination that combines culture, history, gastronomy, and picturesque landscapes. With perfectly preserved medieval cities, world-famous museums, and a renowned culinary tradition, it offers unforgettable experiences just a stone’s throw from every country in middle Europe.

In this guide, you’ll discover road rules, useful information, places to visit, and typical dishes to try to make the most of your trip to Belgium.

Road rules in Belgium: what to know before you go

If you travel by car, it is important to know the main traffic regulations:

Speed limits:
- 50 km/h in urban centers (30 km/h in many residential and school areas).
- 70–90 km/h on rural roads, depending on the region.
- 120 km/h on the motorway.
Balcohol level: maximum 0.5 g/l.
On-board requirements: Reflective vest and warning triangle.
Tolls: Motorways are free for private cars.
Parking: Many cities use parking disc systems or paid parking.

Tip: In cities like Brussels and Antwerp, it’s best to leave your car in suburban parking lots and use public transport.

Useful information for traveling in Belgium

Official languages: Flemish (Dutch), French, and German. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency: Euro (€).
Internal travel: The rail network is efficient and quickly connects cities such as Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp.
Safety: The country is safe, but Beware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.

What to see in Belgium: must-see cities and attractions

Brussels: Capital of Europe

The Belgian capital is a mix of modernity and historical charm:

Grand Place: one of the most beautiful squares in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Atomium: symbol of the city and interactive museum.
Manneken Pis: the famous sTattoo of a urinating child, an icon of local folklore.
European Quarter: home to the European Commission and Parliament.

Bruges: The Venice of the North

With its canals and medieval streets, Bruges is one of the most romantic destinations of Europe:

Belfort: Bell tower offering breathtaking views of the city.
Canals and mills: Discover on foot or by boat.
Chocolate shops: Bruges is famous for its artisanal chocolate.

Gent: between history and modernity

Gent is a lively and culturally rich university city:

Castle of the Counts of Flanders: an imposing medieval castle.
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral: houses the famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
Old Town: perfect for an evening stroll along the canals.

Antwerp: the city of diamonds

Known for its port and artistic tradition:

Cathedral of Our Lady: Gothic masterpiece with works by Rubens.
Diamond District: World center of the precious stone trade.
Art museums: including the House of Rubens.

Other destinations not to be missed

Leuven: university city famous for its historic breweries.
Liège: multicultural and lively, with the scenic steps of the Montagne de Bueren.
Waterloo: relive the historic battle of 1815.
North Sea Coast: wide beaches and cycle paths.

What to eat in Belgium: typical dishes to try

French fries (Frites)

Crispy and golden, they are served with all kinds of sauces. They are often considered the best in the world.

Waffles (Gaufres)

Two variants:

Brussels: lightand rectangular.
From Liege: sweeter and more caramelized.

Belgian chocolate

A global institution, with famous brands such as Godiva, Leonidas and Neuhaus, but also small shops artisans.

Belgian beers

Belgium produces hundreds of varieties, from Trappist beers to lambic. Every city has its own historic breweries.

Other typical dishes

Carbonnade flamande: beef stew cooked in beer.
Waterzooi: creamy chicken or fish soup typical of Ghent.
Moules-frites: mussels served with fries.

Conclusion

Visiting Belgium means immersing yourself in a country that combines art, culture, and gastronomy. From the magic of Bruges to the palaces of Brussels, from the intense flavors of Flemish cuisine to the sweet smell of waffles, every trip to Belgium is an experience to remember. Whether you’re away for a weekend or a week, you’ll always find something new to discover.