Belgium

Belgian food is wonderfully regional, generous, and made for lingering over. In Brussels, try moules-frites—mussels with crisp fries—then seek out a traditional café for carbonnade flamande, a rich beef stew cooked with Belgian beer. In Wallonia, look for boulets liégeois, meatballs served with a sweet-tangy sauce; in Flanders, waterzooi offers a gentler bowl of chicken or fish in a creamy broth.

Chocolate deserves its own itinerary. Brussels is famous for pralines, while Bruges and Antwerp are packed with independent chocolatiers. Sample a few pieces rather than buying the first box you see, and check whether the shop makes its chocolates on-site. Belgian waffles also come in distinct styles: the Brussels waffle is light and rectangular, while the Liège waffle is denser, caramelised, and studded with pearl sugar.

Beer culture is equally diverse, from Trappist ales to tart lambics. Order carefully—some beers are stronger than they taste—and ask for a tasting flight. If travelling with friends, Hello’s expense-splitting feature can make shared tastings and restaurant bills painless.

Belgium is compact and easy to explore by train. Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven, Namur, and Liège are connected by frequent SNCB services, making multi-city travel practical without a car. Buy tickets from the SNCB app, website, station machines, or ticket offices before boarding; domestic tickets are tied to the route and do not provide unlimited travel. SNCB says tickets generally follow the shortest rail route between your chosen stations, so check the journey details if you plan to stop along the way.

Brussels has an extensive metro, tram, and bus network, while Bruges and Ghent are especially pleasant on foot or by bicycle. Central stations can sit a comfortable walk from historic districts: Bruges station is outside the old centre, and Antwerp-Central is itself worth admiring before you continue into the city.

For a relaxed itinerary, base yourself in Brussels and take day trips, or spend two nights in Ghent to enjoy its illuminated canals after day-trippers leave. Hello’s trip-planning tools can keep train times, reservations, and walking routes together, while a Hello eSIM helps you stay connected without roaming charges when activated before arrival.

Belgium rewards travellers who slow down between major sights. In Brussels, begin at the Grand-Place, then wander toward the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and Mont des Arts. Allow time for the comic-strip murals scattered around the centre, and visit the Magritte Museum if surrealism appeals to you. The city’s neighbourhoods shift quickly: Sablon suits antiques and chocolate, Saint-Gilles brings Art Nouveau architecture, and Dansaert is lively for design and dining.

Bruges is the classic postcard experience, with canals, stepped-gable houses, and an atmospheric medieval core. Arrive early for quieter streets, climb the Belfry if the weather is clear, and take a canal cruise for a different perspective. Ghent feels younger and more lived-in, combining the Gravensteen castle with busy squares, waterside warehouses, and an excellent evening scene. Antwerp offers fashion, diamonds, grand architecture, and the striking Port House; Liège brings a hillier, more local energy and a chance to try its famous syrup waffles.

Belgium has three official languages—Dutch, French, and German—though English is widely useful in tourist areas. A simple “dank u” or “merci” is always appreciated.

Belgium uses the euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, but carrying a small amount of cash is sensible for market stalls, older cafés, public toilets, or small purchases. Keep an eye on service charges and check the bill before paying; rounding up for good service is customary rather than mandatory. Prices rise in central squares and during major festivals, so compare nearby cafés before choosing a table.

Pack layers and comfortable waterproof shoes. Weather can change quickly, and cobblestones become slippery after rain. Museums and popular attractions may require timed reservations, especially in Brussels and Bruges during summer weekends. Book accommodation near a station if you are planning several day trips, but avoid staying directly beside nightlife venues if you value quiet mornings.

Belgium’s regional identity matters when planning: Flanders is predominantly Dutch-speaking, Wallonia is predominantly French-speaking, and Brussels is officially bilingual. Hello’s budget-tracking feature can record spending in euros across transport, food, and admissions, making it easier to see where the trip is actually going. Download essential reservations and directions before leaving Wi-Fi, then activate Hello eSIM before landing for reliable navigation and messaging.