Holidays to Belgium

The Baroque architecture of the Grand Place speaks to Brussels’ history as a centre of culture and trade. In Antwerp, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal’s Gothic spire is a can’t-miss landmark. But the cathedral’s interior, featuring masterpieces by Rubens, is just as breathtaking. If you walk across the bridge at romantic Minnewaterpark in Bruges, local legend says you’ll discover eternal love.

Follow a trail of Tintin and the Smurfs along the Comic Book Route in Brussels, featuring over 50 murals of beloved characters. Or discover the wooden statues of friendly trolls hiding in the forest of De Schorre park in Boom. Work up an appetite at the Frietmuseum in Bruges, which tells the story of Belgian fries.

Though small, Belgium’s coastline is packed with sandy dunes, boardwalks and resorts. Stroll along the Art Deco pier in Blankenberge or tan in luxury in Knokke-Heist. Or try land yachting, a popular Belgian pastime where sail-powered carts race along the sand. The North Sea can be chilly, but gently sloping beaches and shallow water are safe for little swimmers.

You’re never too far from nature in Belgium, with windswept coastlines and peaceful forests only steps from resort towns and cities. Coastal dunes and salt marshes are a haven for migratory birds at Westhoek and Het Zwin nature reserves. Hike or mountain bike through expanses of forest and heathland in Sonian Forest and Hoge Kempen National Park.

Belgian food blends refined French and hearty German influences. Try some of the most famous Belgian dishes at street food stalls and local markets, like piping-hot cones of chips and chewy Liège waffles. But seek out restaurants in Belgium for standouts like ‘moules frites’ — mussels steamed in white wine and served with golden chips.

Many museums in Belgium highlight the country’s art heritage, from Renaissance masterpieces at the Groeningemuseum in Bruges to the Comics Art Museum in Brussels. In Antwerp, discover the world’s oldest printing press at the Plantin-Moretus Museum. Walk through the preserved trenches of a WWI battlefield at the Sanctuary Wood Museum in Ypres.

Buses: Buses are an affordable way to travel around the country. Belgium’s major regions are primarily serviced by three operators — De Lijn in the Flanders region, TEC in Wallonia and STIB around Brussels. Ticketing systems and prices are different between operators. Pick up a reloadable MOBIB card to hold all your e-tickets in one place.

Trains: The Belgian rail network, operated by SNCB, is extensive and convenient. With Brussels at its hub, it links major cities and towns — the longest trip is less than three hours. Bring a bike on board, or hire one at the train station to continue exploring on two wheels. The longest coastal tram in the world connects De Panne to Knokke-Heist.

You won’t find domestic flights within Belgium. Brussels Airlines, Belgium’s flagship national carrier, offers flights across Europe.

Driving is a good way to explore more remote parts of the country, including the scenic landscapes of the Ardennes. Toll-free highways connect major cities and are well lit at night. Belgium is somewhat notorious for its traffic jams, and the roads can sometimes be in bad shape. Traffic signs — and often even the names of cities — will change languages between Flanders and Wallonia.