Belgium
WHERE IS BELGIUM?
Belgium is a country in Western Europe bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, and the North Sea.
With over 11 million residence, Belgium is known for their medieval towns, Renaissance architecture and as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
There are multiple reasons why, but the best time to visit Belgium is between the months of March-May and September-October.
Not only are accommodations cheaper for international travelers, the weather is absolutely perfect and the crowds are low!
WEATHER IN BELGIUM
With four distinct seasons, Belgium is a great place to visit during all times of the year for unique experiences. The average summer temperature is 23 degrees Celsius (73 F) and mean winter temperature is 3 degrees Celsius (37 F).
Winter: November – March
- Average temps of 27 – 31°F (3 -7°C)
- Wet and chilly conditions
- Great time to visit with less tourists and crowds
- Perfect weather for outdoor activities (festivals, skating rinks, carnivals)
Spring: April – June
- Average temps of 55 – 59°F (10 – 15°C)
- Best weather conditions to roam around the country
- Sunny days and chilly nights
- Great time to visit for the best weather
Summer: July – August
- Average temps of 72 – 77°F (20 -25°C)
- Best time to visit the beach and attend popular summer festivals
- Most popular season for tourists
Fall: September – October
- Average temps of 56- 59°F (12 – 15°C)
- Best time to visit if you are looking for a more relaxed trip
- Less crowded in major cities
- Another great season to visit Belgium
WHAT TO EXPECT
Language: Dutch is the most common spoken language throughout the country however, there is a heavy influence of German and French spoken throughout Belgium. English is very common though and most locals will be happy to speak it with you!
Currency: The official currency is Belgium is the Euro. As of January 2021, 1 USD is equivalent to .82 Euro.
Credit Cards and ATMs: You should not have any troubles using a major credit card in Belgium, although you may be asked to show an ID (passport, license). ATMs are also widely available throughout the country and are most commonly found near gas stations, shopping centers, and bus and train stations. Always make sure to have some cash on you though, you never know when you may need it!
Plugs/Outlets: In Belgium, the power plugs are type E. I recommend buying a converter like this to use for your hair products and a adapter like this for everything else.
Safety: Belgium is overall a really safe country with minimal petty crime in major cities. With that, carry as little cash with you when exploring the busy city centers. As always, be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings and be smart!
TRANSPORTATION
The best and most efficient way to travel around Belgiums is by train. The railways in Belgium are run by the National Railway Company of Belgium SNCB/NMBS. Depending on where you are heading and how fast you want to get there, other options include bus, tram, metro, and taxi.
Train: The trains throughout Belgium are amazing! To learn more about timetables, domestic connections, international rail links, and prices check out the SNCB website!
Bus: The bus is one of the most convenient means of travel within the city. The bus routes within Belgium are handled by 3 different companies: De Lijn, TEC, and STIB and they each cover a different region. De Lijn (Flanders network), TEC (Wallonia), STIB (Brussels metropolitan area).
Tram – Metro: For in city travel, the use of the tram and metro is the way to go! You can travel by tram in the cities of Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Charleroi. Unlike the tram, the metro is only available in Brussels. For more information on the Brussels metro click HERE!
Taxi: Taxis in Belgium are mostly run by private companies but they all must follow standard regulations. All companies can fix their own rates that must fall between the max and min set by law. For more information on taxi services click HERE.
More Travel guides HERE!