Flights from Cairns (CNS) to Belgium

Discover Belgium

Discover Belgium

Why visit Belgium?
Belgium offers grand medieval cities, elegant boulevards, and charming small towns in a compact, easy-to-explore country. You can enjoy fine architecture, rich history, and a relaxed café culture on a single trip.
What to expect
From Brussels with its striking Grand Place to storybook Bruges and vibrant Antwerp, Belgium blends historic quarters with modern design. Distances are short, trains are frequent, and each city has a distinct character, from port city energy to quiet canal-side streets.
Plan your trip
Belgium works well for both short urban breaks and longer journeys combining several cities. Its central location in Western Europe makes it a natural base to continue by rail to neighbouring countries, or to start and end a wider European itinerary.

Top experiences in Belgium

Explore Brussels Grand Place

Walk the cobbled square surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the Town Hall, then wander into nearby lanes filled with cafés and boutiques.

Cruise the canals of Bruges

See medieval facades and quiet gardens from the water on a short canal cruise through Bruges historic centre.

Discover Antwerp diamond and fashion districts

Stroll between the central station area and fashion quarter to browse jewellery ateliers, independent labels, and galleries.

Visit historic Ghent

Climb belfries, tour the riverside castle, and enjoy lively streets lined with townhouses and waterside terraces.

Tour Belgian breweries

Join brewery visits in cities and countryside, learning about traditional brewing methods and regional styles.

Cycle through the countryside

Follow well-marked cycling routes past farms, forests, and villages, with frequent stops in small-town squares.

Explore Belgian art and museums

Spend time in museums dedicated to Old Masters, comic art, and design in Brussels, Antwerp, and beyond.

Experience Belgium's way of life

Getting around
Belgium is well connected by frequent trains linking Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Liège, making car-free travel easy. Local trams, buses, and bike-sharing schemes help you cover shorter distances within cities and nearby suburbs.
Local life & culture
You will find a strong café and terrace culture, with people lingering over hot drinks or an evening drink in city squares. Distinct regional identities in Flanders and Wallonia show up in language, architecture, and local festivals across the year.
Where to unwind
Green spaces, riversides, and coastal paths offer quiet corners when you want a pause from city life. You can relax in urban parks, stroll along canal promenades, or take a day by the North Sea for fresh air and open views.

A taste of Belgium

National dishes & specialties
Belgium is known for hearty classics such as fries, slow-cooked stews, and a wide range of chocolates and sweets. Each city highlights local favourites, from seaside seafood dishes to inland comfort food.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You can eat well at relaxed bistros, brasseries, and contemporary eateries across Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. International influences sit alongside traditional flavours, with everything from quick snacks to leisurely multi-course meals.
Signature & scenic dining
Memorable meals often come with city views, canalside settings, or historic interiors. You can choose stylish dining rooms in grand townhouses, intimate spots on quiet squares, or restaurants overlooking waterways and skylines.

Retail therapy in Belgium

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major cities such as Brussels and Antwerp offer shopping streets and centres that mix international brands with local labels. You will also find design stores, bookshops, and homeware boutiques in compact, walkable districts.
Markets & local crafts
Weekend and neighbourhood markets are good places to look for regional products and handmade items, especially around Brussels, Ghent, and Liège. Smaller towns often host seasonal fairs where craftspeople sell textiles, ceramics, and decorative pieces.
Evening retail scene
In larger cities, key shopping streets and central districts remain lively into the evening. Restaurants, bars, and illuminated storefronts create a pleasant atmosphere for a stroll after dark, even after most shops have closed.

Best time to visit Belgium

Peak season: June to August brings mild to warm weather, around 18–23°C (64–73°F), with long daylight hours and many outdoor events. This is when cities and coastal areas feel busiest.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October see cooler temperatures of about 10–18°C (50–64°F), with changeable weather and fewer crowds. It is a good time for city sightseeing and museum visits.
Low season: November to March is cooler at roughly 3–8°C (37–46°F), with short days and a higher chance of rain. Festive markets and cosy interiors make winter city breaks appealing despite the chill.

Frequently Asked Questions