Belgium —
medieval cities, extraordinary beer, chocolate and the country that got under my skin

From study abroad to a love affair with Belgium that never ended.

Nicola arrived in Brussels in 2005 to study and ended up staying a full year. That year changed everything. Belgium is not a destination that reveals itself in a weekend — it rewards those who stay, who explore, who take time to understand the differences between Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia, who sit in cafés and drink Belgian beer, who eat their way through the food culture, who travel between cities by train.

The first thing that strikes you about Belgium is how small it is, yet how much it contains. From Brussels you can reach Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Liège and beyond — all within an hour or two by train. This makes Belgium ideal for exploration. You can move through the country collecting experiences, discovering different atmospheres, understanding how Flanders differs from Wallonia, seeing how each city has its own distinct character.

Then there is the culture. The beer culture that runs so deep it's been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The chocolate that genuinely deserves its reputation. The waffles. The frites with proper Belgian mayonnaise. The moules-frites. The stoemp and carbonnade flamande. Eating in Belgium is not just about sustenance — it's an event, a ritual, part of understanding what it means to be Belgian.

The architecture stopped Nicola in her tracks again and again — the Gothic and Baroque guild houses ringing Grand Place, the medieval centres of Bruges and Ghent with their canals and bridges, the industrial character of Antwerp, the historic heart of Liège. Belgium is not a traditionally beautiful country in a postcard sense — but it has a deep, lived-in beauty that grows more compelling the longer you spend there.

And then there are the moments. A memorable race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, with pit passes behind the scenes at one of the world's greatest racing circuits. Dinner at Le Grand Maur near Spa, in a beautiful historic mansion with stone walls and a grand fireplace. The realisation that you don't just like Belgium — you love it. That you could live here. That you want to come back.

Why Belgium's food culture is extraordinary

Eating in Belgium is not just about sustenance — it's a core part of the culture. Belgian food reflects the country's geography, history and values. Every city has its specialities. Every café and brasserie has pride in what it serves.

Belgian Beer — UNESCO Heritage

Belgium's brewing tradition runs deep. The country produces hundreds of distinct beers — abbey beers brewed by monks using centuries-old recipes, Trappist ales from monastic communities, lambics with wild yeasts and fruit, strong dark beers, crisp pilsners. Belgian beer culture was recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is not exaggeration. The diversity, complexity and quality are genuinely world-class. Sitting in a Belgian café with a proper beer is one of life's pleasures.

Waffles — Two Styles

Brussels waffles are fluffy, golden, often served with chocolate or fruit. Liège waffles are denser, richer, with pearl sugar baked into the batter. Both are exceptional. Fresh Belgian waffles from a proper street stand are worth the detour — they're nothing like the frozen versions you might have tried elsewhere.

Belgian Chocolate

Belgian chocolate deserves its reputation. The craftsmanship is serious. The quality is exceptional. From artisanal chocolatiers creating intricate pralines to larger makers like Godiva and Neuhaus, Belgium has chocolate culture built into its DNA. A visit to a traditional chocolaterie is not just about buying chocolate — it's about understanding Belgian quality and pride.

Frites & Moules-Frites

Belgian fries (frites) are an art form. Cut thick, fried twice, served in a paper cone with proper Belgian mayonnaise (not ketchup). Moules-frites — mussels and fries — is a Belgian institution. Fresh mussels steamed with white wine, shallots and herbs, served with frites. It's simple, it's perfect, it's Belgium.

Traditional Dishes

Carbonnade flamande is a rich Flemish beef stew with beer and dark spices. Stoemp is creamy mashed potatoes with vegetables. Waterzooi is a vegetable or chicken stew. These are comfort foods that have been perfected over centuries. Eating them in Belgium, in a proper brasserie with locals around you, connects you to the country's history and culture.

Café Culture

The Belgian café and brasserie culture is an essential part of travel. This is where you sit for hours with a coffee or beer, where you watch the city pass by, where you have conversations and experience Belgian life. It's not about rushing through a meal — it's about settling in, taking time, being part of the rhythm.

Why Belgium is ideal for independent travel

Belgium is fantastically compact. You can experience several very different cities without huge travel days. The rail network connects the major centres well, making Belgium ideal if you want to explore independently without hiring a car, while having a car can be useful for the Ardennes and more rural areas.

Rail Travel

Belgium's rail network makes city hopping refreshingly straightforward. Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Liège are well connected, so you can build a multi-city itinerary without needing a car. For exact journey times, fares and engineering updates, check the current SNCB/NMBS timetable before travelling.

Brussels as a Base

Because Brussels is so well connected, it works brilliantly as a base for exploring Belgium. Spend 3–4 days in the capital, then take day trips to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, even Liège. Or use Brussels as your starting point and make it your only overnight base, moving through other cities as you go.

Multi-City Combinations

A classic Belgium trip might be: 2 nights Brussels, 1 night Bruges, 1 night Ghent, back to Brussels. Or: Brussels → Bruges → Ghent → Antwerp → home. Or if you have a week: Brussels → Bruges → Ghent → Antwerp → Liège → Spa → back to Brussels. The trains make this easy.

When to Use a Car

For the six main cities, trains are better than a car — parking is expensive, city centres are compact and walkable, trains avoid stress. A car becomes useful if you're exploring the Ardennes region, rural Wallonia, or want to visit smaller towns beyond the main cities.

Getting There from Ireland

Belgium is an easy European option from Ireland, with direct air links to the Brussels area available on many schedules. From Brussels Airport there are rail connections into the city and onward around Belgium. Check current airline and rail timetables for your travel dates.

Virtually explore Belgian cities before your trip

Want to get a feel for what these cities are really like before you book your trip? Our partnership with Drive From Home lets you virtually explore four major Belgian cities from your own home. It's a brilliant way to see the streets, architecture and atmosphere — and help plan your real journey.

Note: Drive From Home experiences are available here for Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp and Liège.

Book Belgium experiences with GetYourGuide

From Grand Place walking tours to Belgian beer tastings, Bruges day trips and Ghent food experiences — browse activities here:

Disclosure: If you book through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Belgium FAQ

Belgium packing essentials — what we'd bring

Belgium's weather can be changeable — pack layers. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as all six cities are very walkable. Whether summer warmth or winter cold, good preparation keeps you comfortable while you explore.