Belgium Travel Guide and Tourism

• Best Time to Visit: April to September offers mild weather and festival season; December brings magical Christmas markets across Belgian cities.
• Language Diversity: Belgium has three official languages - Dutch (Flanders), French (Wallonia), and German (eastern cantons), but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Top Destinations: Brussels (Grand Place, EU Quarter), Bruges (medieval canals), Ghent (Gravensteen Castle), and Antwerp (fashion and diamonds) each deserve 1-2 days minimum.
• Culinary Essentials: Belgian chocolate, over 1,500 beer varieties, authentic waffles (Liège vs. Brussels style), moules-frites, and speculoos are must-try treats.
• Budget Planning: Expect to spend Rs. 8,000-12,000 per day for mid-range travel from India, including accommodation, meals, transport, and attractions. Belgium packages typically start around Rs. 1,50,000 for 5-7 days.

Belgium experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Understanding each season will help you plan the perfect Belgium vacation.

Belgium is a compact European country. Each region offers something unique, from grand architecture to world-class museums.

From crispy Belgian fries to rich chocolates and Trappist beers, Belgium’s legendary food scene tells a story in every bite.

• Chocolates: Belgium produces some of the world's finest chocolates. The flagship stores of Pierre Marcolini and Neuhaus are regarded as the finest chocolatiers in Belgium.
• Waffles: Belgium actually has two distinct waffle styles, a round or oval-shaped and is served with whipped cream or fruit. Maison Dandoy (Brussels) has specialised in traditional recipes and offers the most authentic experience.
• Beer Tours: Belgium is home to over 1,500 beer varieties. Try Trappist brews at Delirium Café in Brussels or take a brewery tour in Leuven or Bruges for authentic, unglamorized tours of the country.
• Frites & Mussels: Moules-frites is the most beloved dish of Belgium. The dish is served in enormous pots with a side of perfectly golden fries that represent Belgian cuisine at its finest.

Brussels Airport (BRU) is the country’s main international gateway. There are no direct flights from India to Belgium, and the journey requires one or two stops.

Public Transportation Options

• Trains: Belgium’s rail network is the most convenient way of travelling as it connects all the major cities. The Belgian Rail Pass offers unlimited train travel for 10 journeys, ideal for tourists.
• Metro and Trams: Efficient metro systems operate in Brussels, Antwerp and Charleroi. Trams in coastal areas offer scenic rides between seaside towns.
• Buses: Reliable and extensive networks to cover regional travel.
• Uber/Taxi: An expensive option to travel between the major cities.

Luxury Hotels in Belgium (Rs. 31,000+ per night)

• Hotel Amigo, Brussels
• Hotel Dukes’ Palace, Bruges
• Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof, Ghent
• Sapphire House Antwerp
• Manoir de Lébioles, Spa (Ardennes)

Mid-Range Hotels (Rs. 15,500–31,000 per night)

• NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon
• Hotel Academie, Bruges
• 1898 The Post, Ghent
• Hilton Antwerp Old Town
• Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel, Antwerp

Budget Hotels (Rs. 5,200–15,500 per night)

• MEININGER Hotel Brussels City Centre
• St. Christopher’s Inn Hostel, Bruges
• The People Hostel, Brussels
• City Hostel Ghent
• Antwerp Central Youth Hostel

Belgium falls among the 27 European countries of the Schengen Area. So, Indian citizens need a Schengen Tourist Visa to visit Belgium, regardless of the trip duration.

• Application process: Apply through the VFS Global Belgium Visa Application Centre.
• Visa fee: Rs. 8,000-9,000.
• Processing Time: Usually takes 15 calendar days, though delays can occur during the peak summer season.
• Visa Validity: Allows stays up to 90 days within any 180 days.

Required Documents: 

• Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months' validity.
• Schengen visa application form.
• Two recent passport-size photos.
• Round-trip flight reservations.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Travel insurance 
• Last 6 months of bank statements

Belgium is one of the most rewarding travel destinations in Europe. The beautiful and compact-sized country brims with history, art and irresistible cuisine. From romantic canal cruises in Bruges to the architectural grandeur of Brussels, your Belgium trip promises unforgettable memories. Start planning your dream Belgium vacation with Pickyourtrail’s Belgium holiday package and let our experts handle everything for you.