Belgium

Country · Europe, Western Europe

Belgium is a country in Western Europe, bordering France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It covers about 31,000 square kilometers and has a population of about 12 million people. The capital is Brussels, which serves as a central hub for visitors exploring the nation's 34 listed sights.

Highlights

Belgium contains 34 notable sights, ranging from historic city centers to specific landmarks. In Brussels, visitors find the Grand-Place, the Royal Palace, the Atomium, the Church of Our Lady of Laeken, and the Cinquantenaire, alongside sculptures like Manneken Pis and Jeanneke Pis. The city of Bruges features the Belfry of Bruges and the Church of Our Lady, while the city of Ghent is home to the Gravensteen castle. Antwerp is known for its cathedral and diamond district. Other significant sites across the country include the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Menin Gate in Ypres, the Lion's Mound, the NATO headquarters, and the fortress of Fort Ében-Émael. The list also includes the Hôtel Tassel and the animal park Pairi Daiza.

Food and drink

Belgian cuisine includes a variety of local specialties. Savory dishes include Flemish stew, Waterzooi, Sauerbraten, and moules-frites, often served with French fries. Local cheeses like Limburger are common. Beverage traditions feature Lambic and Kriek lambic beers, as well as the Black Russian cocktail. Sweets include chocolate pralines and ruby chocolate.

When to go

The weather in Brussels is mild, with the warmest temperatures occurring between June and August, when daily highs reach 20 °C to 22 °C. These months are suitable for outdoor travel, though rain occurs on about 11 to 13 days each month. Spring and autumn are cooler, with high temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 18 °C. Winters are cold, with highs of 6 °C to 7 °C and lows near 1 °C to 2 °C. Rainfall is relatively consistent throughout the year, appearing on 11 to 15 days per month regardless of the season.

Practical notes

The official currency is the euro. The country uses three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Travelers should note that driving occurs on the right side of the road. Electrical outlets use plug types C and E with a voltage of 230 V. The time zone is UTC+01:00.

Key facts

Capital	Brussels
Population	11,941,781 (2025)
Area	30,688 km²
Currency	euro (EUR)
Official languages	Dutch, French, German
Calling code	+32
Driving side	Right
Power plugs	Type C, E · 230 V
Time zones	UTC+01:00
Internet domain	.be