A typical first trip here runs about $950 to $1,275 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
- Belgian waffles, Liège (dense, sweet) vs. Brussels (light, crispy) styles
- Belgian chocolate is arguably the world's finest, Neuhaus, Godiva, Côte d'Or
- Moules-frites (mussels and fries), unofficial national dish
- Over 1,500 distinct beers including Trappist ales from monasteries
- Belgian fries (frieten), cooked twice in beef fat, served with mayo
- Carnival of Binche (February), UNESCO-listed with iconic Gilles costumes
- Gentse Feesten (Ghent, July), 10-day street festival with free music
- National Day (July 21), parades and military review in Brussels
- Bruges Christmas market, fairy-tale setting around the Markt square
- Comic strip culture, birthplace of Tintin and the Smurfs
Belgium has three official languages: Dutch (Flemish in the north), French (in the south), and German (small eastern region). English is widely spoken.
Using the wrong language regionally can cause offense, be aware of linguistic divides.
- Never start eating before the host says "Smakelijk/Bon appétit"
- Belgians are modest and dislike boasting, avoid it
- Punctuality is important in business but more relaxed socially
- Tipping: round up or leave 10%, not mandatory but appreciated
Latest for Belgium
Updates for Belgium will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.