Travel - Hot Spots - Belgium

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INFO on Belgium

Belgium is a federal state divided into three regions: Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north, francophone Wallonia in the south and Brussels, the bilingual capital, where French and Dutch share official status. There is also a small German-speaking minority of some 70 000 in the eastern part of the country.
Belgium’s landscape varies widely: 67 kilometres of seacoast and flat coastal plains along the North Sea, a central plateau and the rolling hills and forests of the Ardennes region in the southeast.
Brussels hosts several international organisations: most of the European institutions are located here as well as the NATO headquarters.
Independent since 1830, Belgium is a constitutional monarchy. The two houses of Parliament are the Chamber of Representatives, whose members are elected for a maximum period of four years, and the Senate or upper house, whose members are elected or co-opted. Given its political make-up, Belgium is generally run by coalition governments.
Among the best known Belgians are Georges Rémi (Hergé), creator of the Tintin comic-strip, writers Georges Simenon and Hugo Claus, composer and singer Jacques Brel and cyclist Eddy Merckx. Painters like James Ensor, Paul Delvaux and René Magritte are the modern-day successors of Rubens and the other Flemish masters of yesteryear.
Belgium is famous for its chocolates, which are appreciated the world over. A favourite dish is mussels and chips (French fries) which, according to legend, are a Belgian invention. The country also produces over 1 000 brands of beer.

It may be a little country, but it is a lovely one, so it is sad that Belgium is often overlooked when travellers plan a trip to Europe. Tucked between the desirable and obvious destinations of London, Paris and Amsterdam, Belgium is usually treated as a stepping stone to the English Channel, or, at most, a quick stop-over for a look-see in the capital, Brussels.

Beyond the city of Brussels with its historic Gothic buildings and tall European Union office blocks, is a treasure-trove of undiscovered lazy seaside towns, and the inland wooded gorges of the splendid Ardennes, sprinkled with medieval castles and steeped in folklore. The medieval city of Bruges has character and charm galore with a rich architectural heritage, graceful canals, winding waterways and cobbled streets, and is a favourite with visitors. Belgium is a country that has inspired many artists and writers with the charm of its Gothic cathedrals, town halls, gabled guildhouses and rich museums.

After a busy day exploring it all, evenings are best spent experiencing Belgium's fantastic cuisine and delighting in the country's variety of 300-odd brews of beer. Belgians have a reputation for their gracious hospitality, no doubt due in part to the country's location, which has created an international crossroads for commerce and culture. Despite this, Belgium and its distinct regions of Flemish Flanders (north) and French Wallonia (south) has proudly preserved its traditions and identity.

What to do in Belgium?

Special Interests
Art & Architecture
Brussels: "The Fall of Icarus" by Pieter Breughel The Elder (16th Century)
Liege: The "bronze baptismal font" by Rene de Huy (12th Century)
Namur: The "Treasury of Hugo d'Oignies" (13th Century)
Tournai: The "Reliquary of Our Lady" by Nicolas de Verdun (13th Century)
Ghent: "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by Jan and Hubert van Eyck (15th Century)
Bruges: "Shrine of St. Ursula" by Hans Memling (15th Century)
Antwerp: "Descent of the Cross" by Peter Paul Rubens (17th Century)


Belgium for Chocolate Lovers
Chocolate Museums & Demonstrations
Musee du Cacao et du Chocolat (Brussels)
Planete Chocolat (Brussels)
Le Chocolatier Manon (Brussels)
Chocolaterie Duval (Brussels)
La Maison du Chocolat (Brussels)
Chocolaterie Jamart (Brussels)
P&J Chocolate (Adinkerke)
Burie Handmade Chocolates (Antwerp)
Goossens Chocolatier
Choco-Story (Bruges)
De Proeverie Tea Room
Roose's Chocolate World (Bruges)
Etienne Bouvier Anseremme (Dinant)
Chocolate Museum Jacques (Eupen)
Musee de la Patisserie (Harze - Aywaille)


Family Fun in Belgium Children's Museums and Attractions
The Atomium, a mythical building from the 1958 world expo, is shining brightly again.
At the automobile museum, cars are appreciated for their beauty or design or for the quality of their technology.
Children's Museum - Pilot a bathyscaphe, become a magician, build a flying machine, ....
Comic Strip Center
Comic Strip Itinerary
Houtopia - It's a place full of discovery and wonder
Mini-Europe
Museum of Musical Instruments
Museum of Natural Sciences
Océade
Planetarium
Scientastic Museum
Toy Museum


French Speaking Wallonia
Gallo-Roman archeological park of Malagne
Blegny Mine (Blegny)
Caves of Han-Sur-Lesse (Han-sur-Lesse)
Chlorophyll Park (Dochamps)
Comblain-au-Pont (Comblain-au-Pont)
The Maze (Barvaux-sur-Outhe)
Parc Paradisio (Brugelette)
Houtopia (Houffalize)
Euro Space Center (Transinne)

Belgium Travel Guide

Brussels International Airport (BRU)
Location: The airport is located eight miles (13km) northeast of the city centre.

Antwerpen International Airport (ANR)
Location: The airport is located one mile (2km) east of Antwerp.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Location: Brussels South Charleroi Airport is 28.5 miles (46km) from the city.

Climate
Brussels has a maritime temperate climate, characterised by warm summers and mild winters. The city has a high average annual rainfall, and visitors can expect a downpour any time of year. Temperatures range from highs of around 80°F (27°C) in summer to 45°F (7°C) during the middle of winter. Snow is possible, but not frequent, in winter.

Money:
Euro (EUR) divided into 100 cents. Most credit cards are accepted (Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Eurcard) as are travellers cheques (though it is best to carry them in Euros, US dollars or Pounds Sterling to avoid additional charges when exchanging). ATMs are available in all major cities. Banks are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, and are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Some banks close for an hour during lunch. There are however some foreign exchange offices that trade on Sundays.

Passport & Visa
Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals must possess a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months for passports stating European Union on the front cover, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Citizen or British Subject, with the right of abode in the UK. Other passport holders require a visa.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond intended period of stay. A Schengen visa is required and should be obtained before travel.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond intended period of stay. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport. No visa is required.

Belgium Map

INFO on Belgium