Belgium

Belgium combines historic cities, a sandy North Sea coast and wooded hills in the heart of Europe. Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels form its regions, while Dutch, French and German are official languages. Brussels brings together European institutions, the Grand-Place, the Atomium, Art Nouveau architecture and comic art.

Bruges and Ghent offer canals and historic streets, Antwerp combines painting with fashion, and Leuven adds university heritage. Namur and Dinant overlook the Meuse, while Bouillon's castle and the forests and caves of the Ardennes invite exploration. The High Fens offer moorland walks in the east. Ostend and De Haan bring beaches, dunes and seaside culture to the coast. Memorials around Ypres recall the First World War, and Waterloo tells the story of Napoleon's final defeat. Show more

Chocolate, waffles, fries, mussels and varied brewing traditions are part of everyday food culture. Trains connect the main cities, while rural outings can require buses, bicycles or a car. Cycle routes connect villages, canals and agricultural landscapes in Flanders, while Wallonia's former railway paths and riverside trails reveal another side of the countryside. Local markets, small museums and workshops add everyday perspectives beyond the principal monuments.

Beer traditions, regional cheeses and bakery specialities differ between towns and linguistic regions. Short distances make nearby excursions practical without a constant change of accommodation. Cities work in every season, while coastal outings, woodland walks and cycling depend more on wind, rain and daylight. Combining one or two cities with their surroundings gives the different regions room to show their character.

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