Belgium

Belgium was one of the countries I visited a couple of times in my early days of travel, and it has always stayed with me as a lovely destination to explore.

From beautiful historic cities and picturesque canals to grand squares, medieval architecture and, of course, some seriously good chocolate and waffles, Belgium packs a lot into a relatively small country. Cities such as Bruges, Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp each have their own character, making it easy to combine several places in one trip.

It’s also a fantastic base for exploring Europe, with excellent rail connections making it easy to travel onwards to neighbouring countries. Whether you’re looking for a short city break, a multi-city European adventure or somewhere to add to a wider itinerary, Belgium is well worth discovering.

Belgium is a wonderful destination for food lovers, with a culinary tradition that goes far beyond its famous chocolate and waffles. Belgian cuisine is hearty, comforting and regional, with dishes such as moules-frites, carbonnade flamande (Flemish beef stew), waterzooi and crispy Belgian fries featuring on menus across the country.

Of course, Belgian chocolate deserves a special mention. From traditional chocolatiers to beautifully crafted pralines, exploring the country’s chocolate shops is almost an attraction in itself. And don’t forget to try a Belgian waffle — the lighter, crispier Brussels waffle and the richer, sweeter Liège waffle are quite different experiences!

Belgium also has an impressive beer culture, with hundreds of Belgian beers ranging from famous Trappist ales to traditional lambics and fruit beers. Many breweries and historic beer cafés offer the chance to discover the traditions behind them.

Things to see and do

Belgium is packed with attractions despite its relatively small size. Wander the medieval canals and cobbled streets of Bruges, explore the impressive Gravensteen castle in Ghent, admire the magnificent Grand Place in Brussels, or discover Antwerp’s historic centre and famous diamond district.

For something a little different, head into the Ardennes for forests, valleys, castles and outdoor adventures. The historic town of Dinant, dramatically set beside the River Meuse, is another beautiful stop.

With its excellent rail network, Belgium makes it particularly easy to combine several cities in one trip — perfect for a European adventure where you can mix history, culture, food and a little indulgence along the way.