Just back from Belgium—travelers, think twice before you go
Belgium may be small, but it is famous for its chocolate, beer, waffles, diamonds, and comics. A classic itinerary connects Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent, plus Antwerp for fashion and diamonds. The best times to visit are April–June and September–October, when the weather is mild and crowds are thinner. December features Christmas markets, but it gets very cold.
Getting there
· Flights: Brussels Airport is the main gateway. You can also fly into Ostend, near Bruges.
· Trains: About 1.5 hours via Thalys from Paris Gare du Nord, 2 hours from Amsterdam, and 2 hours via Eurostar from London.
· Within Belgium: The train network is dense. Brussels to Bruges takes about 1 hour, to Ghent about 40 mins, and to Antwerp about 45 mins.
Where to stay
· Brussels: Staying near the Grand Place is most convenient but expensive. Avenue Louise or the EU Quarter offer better value.
· Bruges: Staying in the Old Town is great, but dragging luggage over cobblestones is tiring. Staying near the train station is cheaper.
· Ghent: Stay in the city center for great night views.
What to do
· Brussels: Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, Atomium, Cinquantenaire Park, and the Comic Art Museum.
· Bruges: Belfry, Market Square, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Minnewater Lake, and canal boat tours. The Old Town itself is like a fairy tale.
· Ghent: Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts), St. Bavo's Cathedral (home to the Ghent Altarpiece), and the night view of the Graslei quay.
· Antwerp: Cathedral of Our Lady, Central Station, Diamond District, and the Fashion Museum.
· Others: University town of Leuven, Namur Citadel, and the thermal springs in Spa.
What to eat
· Fries: Invented by the Belgians, served with mayonnaise.
· Waffles: Brussels-style (crispy, rectangular) and Liège-style (soft, oval).
· Chocolate: Neuhaus, Godiva, and Pierre Marcolini.
· Beer: Trappist beer, Lambic, and thousands of other varieties.
· Mussels: Served with fries, this is the national dish.
Itinerary suggestions
· 3-day highlights: Day 1 Brussels, Day 2 Bruges, Day 3 Ghent + Antwerp.
· 5-day in-depth: Add Leuven, Namur, Dinant, or visit the thermal springs in Spa.
Notes
· Language: Dutch is spoken in the north, French in the south, and Brussels is bilingual. English is widely spoken.
· Safety: Security around Brussels-South and Brussels-North stations is average. Keep an eye on your belongings.
· Transportation: Train tickets can be bought on-site. Weekend discounts are available. Ticket inspections are strict, so don't skip paying.
· Tipping: Service charges are usually included in the bill. You can leave the small change.