Driving in Belgium: Road Rules & Tips for Tourists

• Driver’s License: EU licenses are valid. Non-EU travelers can use their national license for up to 6 months; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
• Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Seat belts are mandatory. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas like Brussels, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
• Road Conditions: Roads are well-maintained, but cobblestone streets in cities like Bruges can be tricky. Watch for cyclists, especially in Flanders.
• Tolls: Most roads are toll-free, except for the Liefkenshoek Tunnel near Antwerp (€6 for cars).
• Parking: In Brussels, parking is regulated in the city center—use paid parking zones or apps like 4411. Blue zones require a parking disc for free short-term parking.
• Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Roadside assistance is widely available through services like VAB.
• Useful Resource: For more on driving rules, visit the Belgian Mobility Portal.

Currency in Belgium: Using the Euro for Your Trip

• Euro: Belgium uses the Euro (€). Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros; notes in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.
• Currency Exchange: Exchange money at banks or licensed exchange offices in Brussels for better rates. Avoid airport exchanges due to high fees.
• Payment Methods: Cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases. Contactless payments are common, but carry some cash for small vendors at markets like those in Bruges.
• ATMs: ATMs are plentiful—look for banks like KBC, ING, or Belfius. Check withdrawal fees with your bank.

Legal Guide to Belgium: Laws Travelers Should Know

• Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal and can lead to fines or jail time. Public drinking is generally tolerated but can result in fines if it leads to disorderly behavior.
• Cultural Sensitivities: Belgians value politeness—always greet with a “hello” (bonjour in Wallonia, hallo in Flanders). Dress respectfully when visiting churches like the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels. More in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
• Photography Restrictions: Photography is generally allowed, but avoid taking pictures inside some museums like the Magritte Museum unless permitted.
• Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are fine but should be discreet. Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on some outdoor terraces.
• Customs Rules: You can bring up to 1 liter of spirits, 4 liters of wine, and 200 cigarettes duty-free if arriving from outside the EU. Declare cash over €10,000 upon entry.
• Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for emergencies. For non-urgent issues, contact the local police at 101.

Travel Safety in Belgium: Staying Safe on Your Trip

• Crime in Belgium: Belgium is safe, but petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in Brussels’ tourist areas like the Grand Place—keep your belongings secure.
• Road Safety: Roads are busy in Brussels—watch for trams and cyclists. Pedestrian zones in cities like Ghent can be confusing for drivers.
• Health Risks: No major health risks. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere. Seasonal allergies can be an issue in spring due to pollen.
• Natural Hazards: Flooding can occur in low-lying areas during heavy rain, especially in Flanders. Winters are mild but can be slippery due to rain or light snow.
• Medical Facilities: Brussels has excellent hospitals like UZ Brussel. Pharmacies are common—look for signs saying “Apotheek” in Flanders or “Pharmacie” in Wallonia.
• Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies. Tourist police in Brussels can assist with minor issues—find them in busy areas like Rue Neuve.
• Public Transport Safety: Trains and trams are safe but can be crowded during rush hours. Keep your ticket for inspections on trains like those operated by SNCB/NMBS.

Culture & Etiquette in Belgium: What to Know

• Greetings: A handshake is standard—say “hallo” in Flanders or “bonjour” in Wallonia. Kissing on the cheek (once in Flanders, three times in Wallonia) is common among friends.
• Dining Customs: At restaurants, wait to be seated. Tipping is not mandatory as service is included, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. Splitting the bill is common among friends.
• Religious Sites: Dress modestly at churches like the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges—cover shoulders and knees. Silence is expected during services.
• Festivals: Tomorrowland in Boom (July) is a world-famous EDM festival. The Flower Carpet in Brussels (every two years in August) transforms the Grand Place with vibrant blooms.
• Language Tips: Dutch, French, and German are official languages. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but knowing basic greetings in Dutch or French can be appreciated.
• Tipping: Service is included in bills, but rounding up or adding a 5% tip is a nice gesture in cities like Antwerp.

Local Cuisine in Belgium: Must-Try Dishes & Drinks

• Belgian Waffles: Freshly made, often topped with whipped cream, strawberries, or chocolate—best enjoyed in Brussels.
• Moules-Frites: Mussels cooked in white wine or beer, served with crispy fries, a coastal favorite in places like Ostend.
• Carbonnade Flamande: A hearty beef stew cooked with beer, typically served with fries or bread, popular in Flanders.
• Belgian Chocolate: World-renowned, try pralines from chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini in Brussels.
• Trappist Beer: Unique beers brewed by monks, such as Westvleteren or Chimay, best sipped in a traditional café.
• Where to Eat: In Brussels, Chez Léon near the Grand Place is famous for moules-frites—book ahead. In Bruges, De Garre serves Trappist beers in a historic setting. Both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in Belgium: Must-Visit Places

• Grand Place (Brussels): A stunning square surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the Town Hall, a UNESCO site. Search for a guided tour on Tiqets.
• Bruges Canals: A fairytale-like city with medieval canals, perfect for boat tours. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Atomium (Brussels): A futuristic structure from the 1958 Expo, offering panoramic views and exhibits. Search for tickets on Tiqets.
• Gravensteen Castle (Ghent): A 12th-century castle with a museum showcasing medieval history. Search for visits on Tiqets.
• Flanders Fields (Ypres): A WWI memorial site with museums and preserved trenches, a somber historical experience. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady: A Gothic masterpiece housing Rubens’ paintings, located in the vibrant city center. Search for activities on Tiqets.
• Dining Spots: In Brussels, Chez Léon near the Grand Place offers authentic moules-frites in a lively atmosphere—reservations recommended. In Bruges, De Garre, a hidden gem in a narrow alley, serves Trappist beers paired with cheese in a cozy, historic setting.

Flights to Belgium: Travel Options

Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is the main gateway, with flights from major cities like London, Paris, and New York. A train from the airport to central Brussels takes 20 minutes. Charleroi Airport serves budget airlines, with shuttles to Brussels (1 hour).

Create Your Packing List for Belgium