Belgium

Belgium might be compact, but it packs in a lot: medieval cities, world‑class art, and easy day trips. Most travellers start in Brussels, then branch out to Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Allow at least 3–4 days for a first visit; a week gives you time for quieter spots like Leuven or Dinant.

Weather can shift quickly. Spring and autumn are mild but changeable, so pack layers and a light rain jacket. Winter is chilly yet cozy, with Christmas markets in Brussels and Bruges. Summer brings festivals like Tomorrowland and crowded canal-side terraces.

Use Hello’s trip planning tools to map out city hops by train and save reservation details in one place. Belgium’s rail network makes it easy to sleep in one base (say Brussels or Ghent) and day‑trip to nearby towns. Aim to group attractions by neighborhood to minimize backtracking.

For timing, many museums close one day a week (often Monday), and restaurants may shut on Sundays in smaller towns. Book popular restaurants and brewery tours ahead. With a bit of planning and Hello keeping your itinerary tidy, you can move smoothly between cobbled streets, art museums, and canal cruises without feeling rushed.

Belgium is one of Europe’s easiest countries to navigate. The train network connects almost every city and many towns, with frequent services between Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, and Liège. Buy tickets at station machines or counters; consider weekend deals and off‑peak fares if your schedule is flexible.

In cities, walking is often the best way to explore historic centers, especially in Bruges and Ghent where distances are short and streets are scenic. Brussels and Antwerp have extensive tram and metro systems; you can buy single rides or day passes at kiosks.

Taxis and ride‑hailing exist but can be expensive for short hops. If you’re renting a car to visit countryside or Ardennes villages, note that parking in city centers can be limited and pricey.

Stay connected on the move with a Hello eSIM activated before you land so you can check real‑time train schedules, tram routes, and walking directions without worrying about roaming charges. Save tickets and passes inside Hello’s trip planning section, and note public transport costs in the budget tracking feature to keep an eye on how much you’re spending on travel each day.

Belgium’s food scene is far more than chocolate and fries, though you should absolutely try frites with sauces like andalouse from a local frituur. In Brussels, hunt down gaufres de Liège (dense, caramelized waffles) near the Grand Place, and sample moules-frites in coastal towns or classic brasseries.

Chocolate lovers can visit artisan shops in Brussels’ Sablon district or Bruges; many offer tasting boxes from about €8–15 (roughly US$9–16). Beer fans shouldn’t miss Trappist and abbey breweries; in cities, head to bars like those around Ghent’s Patershol or Antwerp’s old town for curated local selections.

To keep meals affordable, look for lunch menus or daily specials, and explore neighborhood bistros away from main squares. Use Hello’s budget tracking to log what you spend on food and drinks in euros and see how indulgent those extra waffle stops are becoming.

Sharing portions of cheese, charcuterie, or big pots of mussels is common and wallet‑friendly. When you split the bill with travel companions, let Hello’s expense splitting feature do the math so you can focus on tasting your way through Belgium’s rich culinary traditions.

Belgium uses the euro (€), and cards are widely accepted, though small bakeries or market stalls may still prefer cash. ATMs are easy to find in cities; withdrawal fees vary, so check with your bank. Typical costs: a coffee around €3–4 (US$3–4.50), a casual restaurant meal €18–25 (US$19–27), and a museum ticket €10–15 (US$11–16).

Tipping is modest; service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving a small extra amount for excellent service is appreciated. Tap water is safe to drink, yet restaurants often serve bottled water by default—ask specifically for tap water if you prefer.

For smooth travel days, stay online without hunting for physical SIM cards. Install a Hello eSIM before you fly, then activate on arrival to get data for maps, restaurant bookings, and translation apps without roaming surprises. Use Hello’s budget tracking to monitor daily spending in euros and a rough equivalent in your home currency so you don’t overshoot.

Keep important documents, hotel addresses, and emergency numbers stored in your Hello trip planning section, and note down operating hours or ticket numbers there too. With money, connectivity, and details organized, you can focus on enjoying Belgium’s museums, riverside walks, and café terraces.