Welcome to our Belgium travel blog, your gateway to exploring one of Europe’s most underrated gems. Often overshadowed by its neighbours, Belgium is a country where medieval history meets modern quirkiness, topped off with some of the best food you’ll ever taste.
While Belgium is a year-round destination, there is one season where it truly outshines the rest: Winter.
If you are planning a trip to Belgium in December, Brussels is the undisputed star of the show. The city’s annual Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d’Hiver) festival transforms the capital into a sprawling 2 kilometre long festive trail.
We spent a long weekend getting lost in the scent of cinnamon and speculoos, and we’ve broken down our adventures into detailed guides to help you plan your own magical trip.
Looking for a festive European getaway that won't break the bank? We found the perfect destination: Brussels at Christmas. This vibrant city transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a magical experience with an incredible value. Get ready for twinkling lights, delicious food, and a Christmas market trail that will leave you spellbound.
Step out of the festive glow in the capital and you'll find a country where history and whimsy live side by side. Belgium is a place where you can wander through narrow, cobblestone alleys that look exactly as they did in the 1400s, then turn a corner to find a three-story-high comic strip mural painted on the side of a modern building. I t’s this mix of old world charm and creative spirit that makes it so unique.
Belgium is home to some of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Bruges is often called the "Venice of the North," but don’t sleep on Ghent, it offers a more local, authentic vibe with equally stunning canal views.
No trip to Belgium is complete without indulging in these four staples:
| Treat | Where to Try It | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Frites | Any local "Frituur" | Always double-fried, always served with mayo. |
| Waffles | Street stalls or cafes | Know the difference! The Brussels Waffle is light and rectangular, while the Liège Waffle is dense, sugary, and oval-shaped. |
| Chocolate | Brugge or Brussels | You haven't truly tasted chocolate until you've had a fresh praline in Brussels. Look for Artisan shops rather than big commercial brands. |
| Beer | Trappist Monasteries | With over 1,500 brands, from Trappist monks' brews to fruity Lambics brewing isn’t just an industry; it’s an art form recognized by UNESCO |
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October) offer the best weather and fewer crowds. However, the Christmas Markets in December are truly magical.
Getting Around: Belgium has one of the best rail networks in the world. You can get from Brussels to almost any major city (Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Namur) in under an hour.
Language: Belgium is trilingual! You’ll hear French in the south (Wallonia) and Brussels, and Dutch (Flemish) in the north (Flanders). English is also very widely spoken in tourist areas.
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