Whilst it’s not a beach holiday in the sun, there is an abundance of culture, food and more that you can enjoy each day and treasure forever.
If you're looking to get away from the stresses of life, Belgium is just the place for you. With plenty of beautiful countryside, tasty food and rich history, it's easy to see why so many people love this country. But before you make your next vacation plans, here are 8 things that every traveler needs to know before they visit.
1. The basics of brussels airport
It may be that you are due to arrive by plane, arriving at Brussels airport. This is a big and busy location so it's worth reading up on it before you come. Here are some interesting facts about it:
- It's the largest airport in Belgium
- The airport was built in 1941 and it's been renovated extensively since then
- The airport is open from 04:30 am to 00:30 am (local time)
- It has two terminals – Terminal A and Terminal B
- There are plenty of shops and restaurants at the airport, as well as a few banks and currency exchange facilities
If you’re traveling through Brussels Airport, make sure you allow enough time for check-in, security screening and boarding – and don’t forget to pack your passport! If you're traveling with hand luggage only, you can go through a specific security checkpoint known as 'Fast Track'. Make sure you check the airport website before traveling for up-to-date information on which terminal your flight arrives in and any other relevant advice.
2. Taxi transfer rules
Belgium taxi transfers can be a very efficient and economical way to get around, and they are available in most of the cities and airports. The taxi drivers are required by law to use their meter while driving passengers from one destination to another unless there has been an agreement on price previously reached between the two parties.
The taxi fares vary depending on where you want to go, what time of the day or night it is and whether it's a bank holiday. The internet is a great way of booking everything in advance and getting the best deals. If you need taxi transfers to Brussels airport you can learn about the maximum number of passengers allowed including baggage. These websites provide phone and email contact details, plus travel information regarding trips to other places including Dusseldorf, Antwerp, Bruges and Ostende.
3. The latest covid legislation
UNWTO calls against blanket travel restrictions, and before you travel, make sure you are up to date regarding the latest requirements and restrictions. Think about things like PCR tests, vaccinations and vaccination certificates (paper or online) and quarantine requirements.
Bring plenty of face masks with you and wear one when required in public. Don't forget to wash your hands regularly and to self-distance in accordance with the current requirements.
Photo by Christian Lue on Unsplash
4. The three official languages
The official languages of Belgium are Dutch (spoken by 60% of the population), French (20%), and German (10%). This makes Belgium a trilingual country where all three official languages co-exist without any problems.
Most inhabitants speak Flemish (Dutch) or Walloon (French), and the third language (German) has no native speakers. There's little need to worry because you can expect almost everyone in Brussels to converse with ease in English.
5. The food
Some examples of the cuisine you may encounter include:
- Frites – Thinly-cut fried potatoes, often served with a variety of dipping sauces
- Waffles – A square or round shape made from leavened dough and cooked between two plates patterned with deep indentations. This gives the waffle its characteristic grid-like appearance. The most common type of waffle is the Brussels Waffle, named for the city where it was first popularized.
- Belgian chocolate – It's some of the best in the world, so it's no wonder that Belgium is home to some of the top chocolatiers. Some favorites include Pierre Marcolini, Godiva, and Neuhaus.
- In terms of restaurants you may want to visit, check out:
- Le Pain Quotidien – A chain of cafes that serve simple, healthy fare like salads, soups, sandwiches, and pastries.
- De Vlaamsche Pot – A traditional Belgian restaurant serving Flemish specialties like waterzooi (a type of stew), stoofvlees (a beef and beer stew), and carbonade flamande (a slow-cooked beef dish).
6. The drink
There are various drink options in Belgium, and some of the popular choices include beer (its national drink), wine, and coffee. You can also find low-alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers. The Belgians drink a lot of high-quality chocolate milk. If you're looking to try some authentic Belgian beer, consider stopping at one of the many bars that serve them or visit a local brewery while you're there. Even if you don't like dark beers, it's still recommended to try more than just Stella Artois (which is considered "the" Belgian beer – brewed by InBev headquartered in Leuven, Flanders).
Another drink you might want to try is a Jenever. It's an alcoholic beverage made from juniper berries and it can be enjoyed either straight or mixed with tonic water, lemonade, or sparkling wine. You can find it served in most bars and restaurants throughout Belgium. Lambic beers are spontaneously fermented which gives them a unique taste – you won't find this type of beer elsewhere.
7. The culture
Belgium is a culturally rich country with a diverse history. Some of the things you'll see and experience in Belgium include:
- Cathedrals – The most famous is Notre Dame Cathedral in Brussels.
- Castles – There are over 3000 castles in Belgium, many of which are open to visitors.
- Museums – With art ranging from medieval to contemporary, Belgium has something for everyone.
- Clothing – Belgians are known for their fashion sense, so be sure to pack some nice clothes if you plan on doing any sightseeing!
8. The key places to visit
Some key examples in Belgium include:
- European Commission
- European Parliament
- NATO HQ
- Atomium Building
- Grand Place Square in Brussels
Hopefully, this article has whet your appetite for some more research and made you more convinced than ever that you want to visit. Whilst it's not a beach holiday in the sun, there is an abundance of culture, food and more that you can enjoy each day and treasure forever.
Main photo by Alex Vasey on Unsplash
