Flights from Maldives to Belgium

Discover Belgium

Discover Belgium

Why visit Belgium?

Belgium offers grand historic cities, picturesque medieval squares, and a relaxed cafe culture at the heart of Europe. You find a blend of French, Dutch, and German influences in a compact and welcoming country.

What to expect

Explore the elegant boulevards and institutions of Brussels, the canals and cobbled lanes of Bruges and Ghent, and the creative energy of Antwerp. Expect efficient public transport, walkable city centres, and a strong focus on art, design, and history.

Plan your trip

Belgium is easy to combine with nearby France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg, thanks to extensive rail links. Use Brussels as your base and add day trips or onward journeys across Western Europe.

Top experiences in Belgium

Grand Place, Brussels

Stand in the UNESCO-listed main square of Brussels, surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the Town Hall, beautifully lit after dark.

Bruges canals and medieval streets

Wander Bruges historic centre or take a canal boat tour to see stone bridges, gabled houses, and quiet inner courtyards from the water.

Ghent castle and riversides

Visit Gravensteen Castle, then stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei quays where historic facades line the river Leie.

Antwerp fashion and old town

Discover Antwerp Cathedral and the old town squares, then explore the fashion district and design stores that showcase the city creative side.

Belgian chocolate and patisserie trails

Call in at traditional chocolatiers and patisseries in Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp to sample pralines, truffles, and delicate pastries.

Art and museums in Brussels

Spend time in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the Magritte Museum to see masterpieces spanning Old Masters to surrealism.

Battlefield remembrance sites

Visit Flanders region around Ypres for museums, memorials, and preserved trenches that reflect the First World War history.

Experience Belgium way of life

Getting around

Belgium has a dense rail network that links Brussels with Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, and Liege in under a couple of hours, making day trips easy. Local trams, buses, and bike rentals help you move smoothly within cities.

Local life & culture

You experience a relaxed rhythm of life centred on neighbourhood squares, cafes, and pavement terraces. Belgium has a strong tradition in visual arts, comic strips, and music festivals, with each region adding its own language and character.

Where to unwind

Head to the coast around Ostend and Knokke-Heist for long sandy beaches and sea air, or to the Ardennes for forested hills, rivers, and walking trails. City parks in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent offer calm green spaces close to the sights.

A taste of Belgium

National dishes & specialties

Enjoy classics such as moules-frites, slow-cooked stews, and crisp frites with sauces, along with waffles served plain or richly topped. Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp are known for their chocolate, with each city home to long-established chocolatiers.

Casual & modern dining hubs

You find relaxed brasseries, bistros, and contemporary restaurants on almost every square, serving everything from local comfort food to international favourites. Neighbourhoods in Brussels like Saint-Gery and Ixelles, and Antwerp Zuid, offer varied and modern dining scenes.

Signature & scenic dining

Dine in historic townhouses around Brussels Grand Place, canal-side venues in Bruges, or converted warehouses in Ghent and Antwerp. Many restaurants highlight seasonal produce and pair menus with extensive Belgian beer or wine lists.

Retail therapy in Belgium

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Explore city-centre shopping galleries such as Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert in Brussels, along with modern malls on the city edges. Antwerp offers stylish fashion districts combining global brands with local designers.

Markets & local crafts

Browse weekend markets in Brussels, including vintage, antiques, and book stalls, or seek out lace and handmade crafts in Bruges. Ghent and Antwerp host design and makers markets where you can find ceramics, textiles, and artwork.

Evening retail scene

Shopping streets in Brussels and Antwerp often stay lively into the evening, with illuminated windows and late-opening stores on certain days. Around main squares, boutiques sit beside cafes and bars, making it easy to combine browsing with a relaxed night out.

Best time to visit Belgium

Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild weather around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), with blooming parks and generally comfortable conditions for city walking. Summer peak season (July to August) is warmer at about 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), with long days, busier attractions, and many outdoor events. Autumn and winter low season (November to March) are cooler at roughly 2°C to 10°C (36°F to 50°F), with quieter sights, early sunsets, and festive lights in December.

Frequently Asked Questions