Belgium A multilingual country that punches above its weight
Belgium may be the home of EU bureaucracy but there’s more to this tiny nation than politics. This small country’s medieval centres – take a bow Brussels, Bruges and Ghent – rival any in Europe. Away from the cities, honour the fallen of the First World War at the battlefields around Ypres, a sobering but essential experience. Factor in a thriving food & drink, and festival, scene and you have a European gem that, despite its unfortunate stereotype, is anything but boring.
Where it is
Western Europe
When to go
April to October
Why go there
Medieval towns
Poignant battlefields
Belgian beer
What to see
Brussels
Bruges
Ghent
Relish a cosmopolitan capital
Arguably one of Europe’s most underrated cities, Brussels offers art nouveau architecture, hip boutiques, head-turning brews and a flourishing art scene.
Discover a fairytale town
With its cobbled streets, dreamy canals and gothic architecture, it’s little wonder that pocket-sized Bruges has been a World Heritage site since 2000.
Make a pilgrimage to Ypres
The city of Ypres is the gateway to the First World War battlefields and a visit is highly recommended – not only to understand the war but to remember the fallen.
Admire early medieval buildings
Brussels and Bruges may dominate the headlines but relaxed Ghent is also blessed with beautiful medieval buildings that have been transformed into bars and boutiques.
Travel in Belgium
Belgium’s compact size is an advantage – you’ll can easily crisscross the country, be it by train, car or bike (cycling is a national passion). Wherever you go, chances are you’ll be welcomed with a Belgian beer. Beer is big business but be warned: Belgian beer packs quite the punch. Cosa can create a Belgian itinerary that encompasses one of the country’s cornucopia of beer festivals. They are the perfect place to meet local brewers and taste a diverse range of brews.
Belgium facts
One of Europe’s smaller countries, Belgium only came into existence in 1830, when it became an independent monarchy. Its population is divided into three: in the north are the Dutch-speaking Flemish while in southern Belgium, the Walloons speak French, and in the east is a small German-speaking population. What unites them are the Red Devils (the country’s football team) and moules frites, a national dish of mussels and chips that shouldn’t work but somehow does. Do as the locals do: eat them using an empty mussel shell.
Time zone
UTC +1
Flight time
1 hour from Switzerland
Local currency
Euro
Dialling code
+32
