Why visit
Belgium is Brussels's EU density, Bruges's fairy-tale canals, Ghent's underrated old town, and the world's deepest beer culture.
Country · Europe
Belgium
culturefoodhistorycity
At a glance
Location
50.8°, 4.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
30,528 km²
11,787 mi²
Country population
11.7 million
384/km²
Subregion
Western Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+32
Languages
German, French, Dutch
Demonym
Belgian
Internet
.be
UN
Member state
ISO code
BE / BEL
Where in the world
50.8° · 4.0°
Belgium
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Did you know
- Belgium has three official languages (Dutch, French, German) and some of the world's most complex federal politics.
- The country holds the world record for the longest time without a government: 541 days in 2010-2011.
- Belgium produces more chocolate per square kilometer than any country in the world, and brews 1,500+ distinct beers.
Bordering Belgium
Traveler notes
- Bruges → Ghent → Antwerp train triangle works in 4 days
- Schengen visa
- Brussels waffles, Liège waffles, frites, and moules. All different dishes
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Brussels, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Signature travel cities in Belgium
Bruges
Bruges is a canal-laced medieval town. Markt square, Belfry tower, horse-drawn carriages, and chocolate shops on every corner. Crowded but worthy.
Ghent
Ghent is Bruges without the crowds. Gravensteen castle, Van Eyck's Mystic Lamb altarpiece, Graslei medieval waterfront, and a younger, student energy.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Belgium
What is the capital of Belgium?
Brussels is the capital of Belgium.
What currency does Belgium use?
Belgium uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Belgium?
The primary languages are German, French and Dutch.
Is Belgium landlocked?
No, Belgium has a coastline.
What countries border Belgium?
Belgium borders France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands.
What is the international calling code for Belgium?
The calling code is +32.
When is the best time to visit Belgium?
May–Sep. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Europe destinations
Montenegro
Montenegro is a destination in Europe with coastlines and warm-water travel at its core. Plan around season, swim conditions, and regional island or coastal routes.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is more than Amsterdam. Rotterdam for modern architecture, Utrecht for canals without crowds, the Hoge Veluwe for nature, and tulip fields April–May.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia is a destination in Europe layered with historical sites and heritage routes. Plan an itinerary around ruins, old quarters, monuments, and museums.
Norway
Norway is fjord travel. Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Lofoten archipelago, Tromsø for northern lights, and midnight sun in Arctic summer.
Poland
Poland covers Kraków's medieval core, Warsaw's rebuilt Old Town, Gdańsk's Baltic harbor, Tatra mountains, and Europe's most affordable major cities.
Portugal
Portugal is Europe's best-value major destination. Lisbon's tilework hills, Porto's wine cellars, the Douro Valley, Alentejo villages, and the Algarve cliffs and beaches.