Belgium is a small and often overlooked European country located between France and the Netherlands. Many of the countless castles which dot Belgium's landscape date from medieval times when Lower Lotharingia was one of Europe's wealthiest regions. Today, Belgium's three distinct areas are French-speaking Wallonia, Dutch-speaking Flanders, and the centrally located national capital of Brussels. Brussels can be reached directly from Bangkok by air. It takes 12 hours to travel the 9,256 km between these two national capitals.
Don’t MissThe months between June and August bring the warmest weather and sunniest days, while snow and fog are commonplace during the December to February winter season. July and August are the busiest tourist months. May, June, and September are considered good times to visit Belgium as the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. Belgium's longest cultural festival, Festival van Vlaanderen, starts in April and lasts until October.
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the Magritte Museum are just two of the over 80 art galleries and museums in Brussels. The Parc du Cinquantenaire is a sprawling green space in the middle of the Brussels museum district. Other noteworthy Brussels landmarks include the Royal Palace, the Atomium, and the Manneken Pis statue. Antwerp's Museum of Archaeology and Maritime History is located in Hetsteen Castle, one of the most famous landmarks in Belgium's second biggest city. Over 20 more museums can be found in the beautiful city of Bruges, a World Heritage site.
Restaurants and BarsWaffles, chocolate, and beer are some of the rich and delicious foods associated with Belgium. Belgian restaurants are not always cheap, but French fries served with meat and sauces at friteries or frituur, traditional restaurants serving Belgian fast food, are one of Belgium's cheapest snacks. French fries are also a frequent side dish with meals. Antwerp’s Centraal Station, Grote Markt, Groenplaats, and Stadswaag as well as Place Saint Gery in Brussels are among Belgium's liveliest places to party and sample some of the country's over 400 craft beers.
ActivitiesCycling is one of Belgium's most popular, practical, and environmentally friendly means of transportation. Brussels cycling tours take about four hours, while Belgium's biggest adventure park, Adventure Valley, is the best place to enjoy more daring pursuits like kayaking, ziplining, and even cave exploring.
ShoppingAntiques lovers may enjoy the Place du Grand Sablon weekend market in Brussels or Antwerp's 600-year-old Vrijdagmarkt. Chocolate shops offering a mouth-watering range of chocolate items can be found in nearly every Belgian community.