Belgium Tours: Explore Castles, Chocolates & Culture
Belgium Tours, Tickets & Experiences
Discover the best of Belgium — from medieval towns and fairy-tale castles to gourmet chocolate, UNESCO sites, and world-famous beer.
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Introduction
From cobblestone alleyways in Bruges to vibrant street art in Brussels and battlefield history in Flanders, Belgium delivers an enchanting blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Whether you’re sipping beer in a Trappist abbey, biking through Flemish villages, or marveling at Art Nouveau architecture, Belgium offers an unforgettable European adventure packed into a small, traveler-friendly country.
Recommended Experiences
Destination Breakdown
- Brussels: Capital city with the Atomium, Grand Place, Royal Palace, and vibrant nightlife.
- Bruges: A fairytale town with canals, medieval squares, and artisan chocolatiers.
- Ghent: A student city with bold street art, medieval castles, and buzzing food culture.
- Antwerp: Belgium’s fashion capital, known for diamonds, art, and a lively harbor scene.
- Leuven: Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and traditional breweries.
- Flanders Fields: WWI memorials, museums, and guided battlefield tours.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April–June): Tulip blooms, mild weather, fewer crowds.
- Summer (July–August): Peak tourist season, great for festivals like Tomorrowland & Ghent Festival.
- Fall (September–October): Harvest season for beer and wine; gorgeous autumn colors.
- Winter (November–December): Magical Christmas markets in Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent.
Top Things to Do in Belgium
- Take a Bruges City Highlights Bike Tour
- Join a Chocolate-Making Workshop in Brussels
- Go on a Belgian Beer Tasting Tour
- Visit Gravensteen Castle in Ghent
- Explore WWI Battlefields in Flanders
- Discover art on a Magritte Museum Tour
- Ride a scenic train through the Ardennes region
Culture & History
Belgium’s layered heritage includes Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia, and a German-speaking minority, creating a multicultural European hub. Once a Spanish territory and later a battleground of world wars, Belgium boasts Gothic cathedrals, medieval town halls, and sobering memorials. The country played a key role in both world wars, with cities like Ypres symbolizing remembrance.
Beaches & Nature Nearby
- Ostend Beach: Belgium’s premier coastal destination with promenades and seafood.
- Ardennes: Hike through thick forests, kayak down rivers, or spot deer in serene valleys.
- Hoge Kempen National Park: Belgium’s largest national park with hiking and cycling trails.
Viewpoints & Photo Spots
- Atomium (Brussels): Futuristic 360° views of the capital.
- Rozenhoedkaai (Bruges): The most photographed canal view in Belgium.
- Citadel of Dinant: Towering views over the Meuse River valley.
Where to Eat
- Chez Léon (Brussels): Known for classic moules-frites (mussels and fries).
- De Halve Maan Brewery (Bruges): Home-brewed beer with rooftop views.
- The Jane (Antwerp): Michelin-star fine dining in a converted church.
- Fritland (Brussels): Grab authentic Belgian fries with sauces galore.
Transportation Tips
- Main Airports: Brussels Airport (Zaventem), Charleroi for budget flights.
- Train Network: SNCB trains connect all major cities — fast and reliable.
- Brussels Metro: Clean and convenient for urban travel.
- Car Rental: Recommended for countryside/Ardennes trips.
- City Cards: Brussels Card or Bruges City Card for transport and museum access.
- Durbuy: Often dubbed the “smallest city in the world.”
- Doel Ghost Town: An abandoned village filled with street art.
- Hallerbos Forest: Famous for its purple-blue carpet of springtime bluebells.
- Château de Vêves: A lesser-known fairy-tale castle in Namur.
Custom Experiences & Safety Tips
- Book a Private Chocolate & Beer Tour in Brussels for VIP tastings.
- Take a Canal Cruise in Bruges at sunset for romantic views.
- Belgium is generally safe, but stay alert in major city train stations for petty theft.
- English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Nearby Destinations
- France: Paris is 1.5 hours by train from Brussels.
- Netherlands: Amsterdam is 2 hours away by Thalys.
- Luxembourg: A scenic day trip from southern Belgium.
- Germany: Aachen and Cologne make great border-town detours.
Local Events Calendar
- Binche Carnival (February): UNESCO-recognized, famous for the Gilles parade.
- Ommegang Pageant (July): Brussels’ medieval festival in Grand Place.
- Brussels Beer Weekend (September): Celebrate craft and Trappist brews.
Local Etiquette & Cultural Tips
- Greet with a light handshake and a polite “bonjour” or “goeiedag.”
- Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up is appreciated.
- Always separate trash by recycling guidelines — eco-consciousness is key.
Discover Belgium
Belgium is a bite-sized country bursting with character — and flavor. Whether you’re wandering cobbled lanes, sipping monastery brews, or diving into centuries of history, Belgium offers an effortless blend of culture, comfort, and adventure. Ready to explore Belgium like a pro?
