Belgium Travel Guide

Belgium has beautiful architecture and delicious food. While I’m normally one to focus more on the history, architecture, and picturesque canals, I couldn’t help but eat my way through Belgium. Enjoy delicious fresh seafood, hot and tasty frites, waffles, chocolate, and so much more.

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Top Things to Do | Itineraries | Know Before You Go | Transportation | When to Travel | Costs & Budget | Solo Female Travel Advice | Photo Inspiration | All Blog Posts

Top Things to Do in Belgium

Bruges – From its main square to its picturesque canals, Bruges is a delight to explore and its a favorite among travelers.

Ghent – Similar to Bruges, you’ll find canals and architecture. Yes there’s museums too, but I think the charm is walking this city.

Antwerp – Antwerp is Belgium’s second largest city and one that was a delight to explore. See the architecture, do some shopping, and stroll its riverfront.

Brussels – The capital city of Belgium offers more great architecture, numerous museums, and plenty of tasty sight-seeing opportunities.

Leuven – This city in eastern Belgium has a lot of the same highlights as many other Belgian cities. But, a visit here wouldn’t be complete without visiting its breweries.

Itineraries in Belgium

Know Before You Go

Currency – Euro. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

Language – Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. The region you are in will determine which language you hear most often.

Power – 230V and 50hz. Types C and F.

Tipping – Your service charge is typically include in the cost of your meal, so tipping is generally not expected. However, if you had a fabulous experience, a small tip is appreciated.

Water – The tap water is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle.

Traveling Around Belgium

By Train – Trains are affordable and frequent, making them ideal for travelers trying to get around the country. I exclusively traveled by trains during my time in Belgium.

By Bus – Buses are cheap and affordable, but can take longer.

By Rental Car – If you’re traveling to smaller towns, a rental car may be a better option because public transportation is often limited.

When to Go to Belgium

Low Season – Winter is low season when the weather is coolest and crowds are at their lowest. Expect major sights to have more limited hours at this time of year.

High Season – Summer is high season when crowds are at their peak.

Shoulder Season – Spring and fall have the best mix of good weather and manageable crowds. This can be the ideal time to visit Belgium.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Belgium

In general, I found Belgium to be an affordable European country. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you should expect.

Accommodations – Costs vary based on the city you visit and where within that city you stay. In 2023, I averaged about 70 euro per night for my accommodation. This included a private room with private bathroom. In Antwerp, it was very centrally located, but in Brussels I had about a 20 minute walk to the main train station.

Food – Food costs will vary wildly, so it depends on your preference. Grab a cone of fries for 3-4 euros, a basic lunch for 10 euro, or splurge on a nicer meal.

Transportation – I spent about 10 euro per journey for trains within Belgium. Additionally, for public transportation within cities, plan to spend about 10 euro per day for a 24 hour pass.

Activities – Budget 15 to 20 euro per museum or sight that you plan to visit.

My Experience as a Solo Female Traveler

I traveled to Belgium in March 2023 as a solo female traveler and spent 4 days exploring the country (in conjunction with a visit to France and Netherlands). There was never a time where I felt unsafe. However, it should be noted that I didn’t go out after dark and I never drank, which standard for my travel and lifestyle.

Photos to Inspire Your Travels

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