Belgium

Belgium offers unique experiences in every season:

• April–June (Spring): Best for mild weather, blooming flowers, and fewer tourists.
• July–August (Summer): Ideal for festivals, long daylight hours, and outdoor dining.
• September–November (Fall): Great for autumn colors, beer festivals, and fewer crowds.
• December–February (Winter): Perfect for Christmas markets, festive lights, and cozy cafés.

• Brussels: The capital city, home to the Grand Place, Atomium, and European Parliament.
• Bruges: A fairytale town with canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture.
• Ghent: A lively city known for its castle, canals, and vibrant nightlife.
• Antwerp: A stylish city famous for diamonds, fashion, and baroque art.
• Battlefields of Flanders: A historical site honoring World War I history.
• Waterloo: The site of Napoleon’s final defeat in 1815.
• Dinant: A scenic riverside town known for its cliffside citadel and saxophone heritage.
• Leuven: A university town with stunning Gothic buildings and lively beer culture.
• Mechelen: A hidden gem with a rich history and beautiful architecture.
• Ardennes: A region of rolling hills, castles, and outdoor adventures.
• Atomium: An iconic structure offering panoramic views of Brussels.
• Gravensteen Castle: A medieval fortress in the heart of Ghent.

• Belgian Waffles: Light and crispy, served with powdered sugar or topped with chocolate and fruit.
• Moules-Frites: Mussels cooked in white wine, served with crispy fries.
• Belgian Fries: Thick-cut fries served with a variety of dipping sauces.
• Chocolate: World-renowned Belgian chocolate from famous chocolatiers like Neuhaus, Godiva, and Leonidas.
• Speculoos: A spiced shortcrust biscuit, often served with coffee.
• Carbonnade Flamande: A rich Flemish beef stew made with beer.
• Stoofvlees: A hearty beef and onion stew, typically served with fries.
• Waterzooi: A creamy fish or chicken stew originating from Ghent.
• Grey Shrimp Croquettes: A crispy snack filled with tiny North Sea shrimp.
• Trappist Beer: World-famous Belgian beers brewed by monks in monasteries.

• Flights: Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU), the main international gateway.
• Trains: The Belgian rail system is excellent for traveling between major cities.
• Trams & Buses: Public transportation is efficient in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent.
• Bicycles: Many cities, including Bruges and Ghent, are bike-friendly.
• Car Rentals: Recommended for exploring the Ardennes and rural areas.
• Walking: Most historic centers are pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

• For EU travelers: No visa required.
• For U.S. travelers: No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
• For international travelers: Check Belgium’s visa requirements based on your nationality.
• Schengen Visa: Required for travelers from certain countries.

• Currency: Euro (EUR).
• Credit cards: Widely accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard.
• ATMs: Available throughout the country with fair exchange rates.
• Cash: Useful for small cafés, markets, and tipping.

• Dutch, French, and German are the official languages, depending on the region.
• English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and major cities.
• Most signs, menus, and tourist information are available in English.

• Belgium is a multilingual country, so be mindful of the language spoken in different regions.
• Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service.
• Public transport etiquette: Let passengers exit before boarding and keep noise levels low.
• Belgians value punctuality—arriving late to meetings or reservations is considered rude.
• Respect cycling lanes—biking is a common mode of transport in Belgium.
• Restaurant service is slower than in North America—enjoy the relaxed dining experience.

• Restaurants: 5–10% tip is appreciated but not required.
• Bars: Rounding up the bill is common.
• Hotels: €1–2 per bag for bellhops, €1–2 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: Not required, but rounding up is polite.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: €5–10 per person for excellent service.

• For peak travel season (May–September): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels and flights.
• For winter travel (Christmas markets): Book at least 3–6 months ahead.
• For Michelin-starred restaurants: Make reservations several weeks in advance.
• For train tickets: Book early for the best prices on intercity routes.

• No COVID-19 test is required for entry, but check for updates before traveling.
• Public transport runs smoothly, but cities can have traffic congestion.
• Shops and businesses may close early (especially on Sundays).

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com