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Belgium

Belgium balances historic beauty and modern edge in a way few places do. Gothic cathedrals rise above cobbled squares, while bold architecture and design push cities like Antwerp and Ghent forward. It’s a country where beer is brewed by monks, meals stretch for hours, and every corner seems to hold a piece of Europe’s layered past.

a storefront with a display full of shelves of bottled beers in Ghent, Belgium.

Taste local brews in Ghent, Belgium, on Avalon’s beer-themed river cruise.

Katrina Eglite/Unsplash

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to Belgium.

READ BEFORE YOU GO
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Rare Heavy Snowfall in Western Europe Brings Joy—and Travel Problems
A week’s worth of snowy, icy weather has severely disrupted air travel and public transport at some of Europe’s busiest hubs, including in the Netherlands, France, and Belgium. But some are taking advantage with skis, sleds, and snowmen.
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March 28, 2023 12:08 PM
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RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
Train Travel
12 of Europe’s Most Beautiful Train Stations
With their historical significance and elaborate architecture and design, these handsome buildings are destinations in themselves.
February 12, 2026 10:53 AM
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These European Cities Have Stellar Christmas Markets and Festivals—and Fewer Crowds
Here’s where to get into the holiday spirit across Europe with Christmas markets, skating rinks, and festive food and drink.
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The Best Restaurants in Brussels
Expect to find much more than pommes frites, moules, and Brussels sprouts at the restaurants and bistros of Brussels. Belgian cuisine picks up traditions from the tables of its neighbors, France and Germany, as well as reflecting the cuisines of its international population and the bounty of local farms, ocean, and gardens.
September 12, 2023 02:21 PM
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Belgium’s Best Festivals and Parades
You wouldn’t expect a tiny country like Belgium to have thousands of festivals, every single year. But Belgian’s love an excuse to party and whether that excuse is food, drink, history, nature, music, or the downright quirky, there is a festival here for everyone.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Alison Cornford-Matheson
The Best small museums in Brussels
Perhaps you don’t have all day to spend combing the extensive collections of the major museums. That’s OK, because Brussels has bite-sized cultural attractions, too.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Belgian Royal Spotting in Brussels
Belgium’s Royal Family may not be well-known outside the country, but over the years they have influenced the look of Brussels. You can drive by the Royal Residence and maybe catch a glimpse of the current King and Queen—or peek inside the Royal Place during the summer months. Here are places around Brussels to see the impact of the Belgian Royals.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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The Best Shopping in Brussels
Charming any time of year, Brussels’ arcades and shopping streets offer top designer boutiques, whimsical gifts, or that perfect vintage treasure. Brussels may be known for diamonds, but you can find everything here: designer fashions, trendy vintage clothes, housewares, gifts for gourmets, and so much more.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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The Best Hotels in Brussels
The capital of Belgium has small town charm with big city attractions such as cute cafes, excellent restaurants and distinctive architecture. The eight-room, Fellini-inspired Odette en Ville is an ideal base to explore the well-heeled Châtelain neighborhood. The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel puts you in an art deco–inspired building in the heart of the city. Design lovers will want to book one of the bright rooms of the Pantone Hotel, each themed according to its own color.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Belgium for Foodies: Can’t Miss Places to Eat in Belgium
Belgium may be famous for fries, waffles and chocolates, but there is so much more to this food-lover’s paradise. I’ve spent the past 8 years exploring this country through food and drink and I can’t think of a better way to discover Belgium. Bon appetit!
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Alison Cornford-Matheson
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