Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Belgium

Discover Belgium

Discover Belgium

Why visit Belgium?
Belgium offers grand medieval squares, ornate guild houses, and romantic canal-lined cities where history and contemporary life sit side by side. You can explore compact historic centres, rich artistic heritage, and a welcoming café culture in a single, easy-going trip.
What to expect
Brussels blends international institutions with classic architecture and street art, while Bruges and Ghent charm with cobbled lanes and quiet waterways. Antwerp adds cutting-edge fashion and design, and Liège and Leuven bring student energy and riverside walks to your itinerary.
Plan your trip
Belgium is small and well connected, so you can base yourself in one city and take simple day trips by train. It also sits at the heart of western Europe, making it a convenient gateway for onward rail or road travel to France, the Netherlands, Germany, and beyond.

Top experiences in Belgium

Grand-Place, Brussels

Stand in the middle of this UNESCO-listed square to admire ornate townhouses, the Town Hall, and a lively café scene by day and night.

Bruges canals

Take a canal boat tour past brick façades, low bridges, and hidden gardens to see Bruges from the water at a relaxed pace.

Ghent skyline and Gravensteen

Climb the belfry for views over Ghent’s towers, then explore the medieval Gravensteen castle in the middle of the city.

Antwerp’s creative quarters

Stroll through Antwerp’s fashion district and old town to discover boutiques, design galleries, and the dramatic riverside MAS museum.

Art and museums in Brussels

Visit museums dedicated to Magritte, comics, and fine arts, and spot playful murals on walls throughout the city.

Historic towns of Leuven and Mechelen

Enjoy university life, historic churches, and compact, walkable centres that showcase everyday Belgian life at a gentle rhythm.

Battlefield and remembrance sites

Travel to Ypres or Waterloo to explore museums, memorials, and landscapes that tell the story of Europe’s past conflicts.

Experience Belgium’s way of life

Getting around
Belgium’s rail network connects Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, Liège, and smaller towns with frequent services. Trams, buses, and cycle lanes make it easy to move within cities, while regional trains and occasional river boats are ideal for short day trips.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Belgium moves at a measured pace, centred around grand squares, neighbourhood cafés, and leafy parks. You will find a strong appreciation for art, design, and music, with regular festivals, exhibitions, and local events throughout the year in many cities.
Where to unwind
Parks, riversides, and coastal paths offer calm places to pause between city visits. Wander through lakeside green spaces near Brussels, sit beside the Scheldt in Antwerp, or take the train to the North Sea coast for breezy walks along wide, sandy beaches.

A taste of Belgium

National dishes & specialties
Belgium is known for crisp frites, richly sauced stews, and carefully crafted chocolate and pralines. Coastal towns highlight fresh seafood, while inland cities serve comforting classics in brasseries and bistros throughout the year.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp you will find relaxed cafés, contemporary bistros, and international flavours on compact streets and lively squares. Smaller towns mix traditional taverns with modern dining rooms, reflecting regional tastes and seasonal produce.
Signature & scenic dining
You can enjoy memorable meals in historic guild houses, canal-side restaurants, or rooftop venues overlooking city skylines. Tasting menus, food pairings, and carefully styled interiors provide a refined backdrop to explore Belgian flavours in more depth.

Retail therapy in Belgium

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Brussels and Antwerp you will find covered shopping galleries, modern malls, and lifestyle districts with international brands and local designers. These areas combine fashion, homeware, and cafés, making it easy to spend a relaxed afternoon browsing.
Markets & local crafts
Weekend markets in cities like Brussels, Ghent, and Liège showcase antiques, seasonal produce, flowers, and regional treats. Smaller towns often host craft stalls where you can pick up handmade goods, artisanal foods, and distinctive Belgian souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets in major cities stay gently active, with illuminated façades and late-opening shops in key districts. You can combine evening window-shopping with a stroll past historic buildings and a stop at a nearby café or bar.

Best time to visit Belgium

Peak season: June to August brings mild to warm days around 18–23°C (64–73°F), longer daylight, and many outdoor events, making it popular for city walks and coastal trips.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October offer cooler temperatures of about 10–18°C (50–64°F), fewer crowds, and pleasant conditions for sightseeing and day trips.
Low season: November to March is cooler at roughly 3–8°C (37–46°F), with shorter days and a quieter atmosphere, but cosy interiors and festive lights in many city centres.

Frequently Asked Questions