Discover Belgium: Brussels, Bruges and Ghent

The gold-trimmed Grand Place ranks among the world's most beautiful squares — a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by opulent guild houses, the Gothic town hall, chocolate boutiques and intricate Art Nouveau architecture. In the evening, the lighting transforms the square into a golden backdrop in the heart of Europe.

Over 1,500 beer varieties, original Trappist beers from centuries-old monasteries and a specially shaped glass for nearly every style — Belgium's beer culture is officially UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrated in countless traditional breweries and cozy pubs.

Belgian pralines and crispy waffles are considered unrivaled worldwide — the historic Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert has lined up Europe's most famous chocolatiers since 1847. Chocolate workshops and tastings are among visitors' favorite experiences.

Bruges, with its medieval canals, cobblestone lanes and romantic bridges, is a UNESCO World Heritage site often called the "Venice of the North." Ghent impresses with the imposing Gravensteen castle and ranks among Europe's liveliest, student-driven old towns.

No. Thanks to the Schengen Agreement, EU citizens and Swiss nationals enter visa-free. A valid national ID card or passport is entirely sufficient — a separate visa is not required for short stays.

By the comfortable IC train: Brussels–Bruges takes about 55 minutes, Brussels–Ghent just 30 minutes. An affordable B-Excursion day pass allows unlimited travel for two people in one day across the whole country.

April to October offers the most pleasant weather for city trips. In August, the famous flower carpet festival takes place on the Grand Place — a colorful spectacle of millions of blooms held every two years.

Mid-range: museum admission usually costs 8 to 15 euros, a restaurant visit 12 to 25 euros per person. Belgian pralines and Trappist beer are surprisingly affordable straight from the producer.