Belgium Facts
Population: 11.2m
Language: Dutch (Flemish), French, German
Capital: Brussels
Weather: Temperate maritime climate affected by the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Cool summers and moderate winters.
Currency: Euro
Visa Requirements: Visas are not required by other EU residents but a residence permit is needed if staying over 3 months.
Special Visa requirements apply to Non EU nationals. For a good summary of the requirements visit World Travel Guide/Belgium.
Belgium Map
Visiting Belgium
Belgium was known as ‘The Cockpit of Europe’ because it was the scene of many of the major conflicts of Europe including many of the biggest battles of World War I and World War II.
Nowadays it is still at the centre of politics in Europe in that it is the seat of the European Parliament and the administrative centre of many of the departments of the EU.
But Belgium also has a rich history of art and architecture which can be seen in many of its cities including Brussels and Bruges.
The cities of Ghent and Antwerp have many fascinating historical museums and churches which contain some of the finest artworks in Europe.
Many visitors to Belgium like to visit The European Parliament and also the World War memorials at Flanders, Ypres etc.
Click Here for Hotels and Accommodation in Belgium
Food of Belgium
Like most modern European Countries you will find a huge variety of foods and cuisines in Belgium.
If you want a taste of Belgium you should try these:
Waffles like the Liege waffle which is made with buttery brioche dough and pearl sugar which is caramelized.
Boudin Blanc / Witte Pens: A white sausage often served with mashed potato.
French Fries (Chips). All over Belgium, sometimes with fish or various dips.
Waterzooi: A rich fish stew (sometimes with chicken)
Belgian Chocolate is famous worldwide. Over 2,000 choclate producers in Belgium. Shops all over the country.
Click on the images for more views of Belgium:
Cities of Belgium
Brussels Antwerp Ghent Bruges Louvain
Transport in Belgium
International Airports: Brussels Airport, Ostend-Bruges International Airport, Brussels-South Charleroi Airport, Liège Airport, Antwerp International Airport.
Trains: Belgium has an extensive rail network including four high speed lines. most cities in Belgium have rail connections and there are international links to France, Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg.
For routes, timetables and ticket booking go to http://www.belgianrail.be/en/
Trams: There are tram networks in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent.
Roads: There is a comprehensive road network including Motorways, Ring Roads and Secondary Roads.
Driving is on the right (overtaking on the left). Seat belts are compulsory. Mobile phones must be “Hands Free”.
Speed limits vary depending on region but in general are as follows (Check local limits!):
Motorway and dual carriageways: 120 km/h. Open Road: 90 km/h.
Town: 50 km/h (30 km/h near schools, hospitals, churches etc.)
Alcohol limit: 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood (Belgium has strict drink driving laws with severe penalties)
Our top 5 Places to Visit in Belgium
- Grand Place Brussels
- Belfry & Halle in Bruges
- The Battlefields of Flanders
- Grand Place, Antwerp
- Plantin-Moretus Museum
