Is Belgium worth visiting? 5 reasons why this country should be your next trip

Thinking about a short European trip and wondering if Belgium is worth it? Yes – and here’s why. We’ve visited Belgium multiple times across Bruges, Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp, and it keeps pulling us back for the same reasons: beautiful town centres, easy trains, and amazing food & beer.

This post is for city-break travellers who want somewhere compact, good-value and big on culture without the faff. We cover the best cities to focus on (and why), what to expect from the food and beer scene, Belgium’s quirky highlights (hello Atomium and comic-strip murals), and why Belgium is one of the easiest trips from the UK.

If you’re already sold and just want to plan, jump to our Belgium travel guide for routes, costs and practical information on visiting. Otherwise, here are the five reasons we keep going back.

Belgium at a glance

• Best for: 2–4 day city breaks (Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp and more)
• Why go: Walkable old towns, easy trains, brilliant beer & chocolate
• Getting there (UK): Eurostar from London to Brussels
• Good times to visit: Spring and early autumn for lighter crowds and decent weather
• How long to spend: 2–4 days is ideal for a first visit (e.g. Bruges + Ghent or Brussels + Antwerp).
• Quick planner: See our Belgium travel guide for sample routes and costs.

1. You’ll find beautiful, historic cities

Belgium’s cities are like stepping into a storybook. Each one has its own unique character, but all are packed with history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture.

• Bruges – Often called the “Venice of the North,” Bruges is a dreamlike city of canals, cobbled streets, and medieval charm. We loved strolling through the Markt Square or taking a boat tour along the canals.
• Ghent – A hidden gem that combines Bruges’ historic beauty with a lively, youthful atmosphere. It’s home to the stunning St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painting. It’s a great place for a couple of days, or you could visit it in one day.
• Brussels – The capital of Belgium (and Europe) is known for it’s grand architecture, world-class museums, and the spectacular Grand Place, often regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in the world.
• Antwerp – A stylish, creative city known for its fashion, diamonds, and impressive cathedral housing works by the famous painter Rubens. Here’s our Antwerp city guide for neighbourhoods, bars and galleries.

2. You’ll have delicious food and drink

If you love food, Belgium is paradise. The country is famous for its rich culinary traditions, and some of its dishes have gained worldwide fame.

• Chocolate – Belgium produces some of the best chocolate in the world. From luxury chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini to small artisan shops, you’ll never run out of options (and if you’re in Antwerp, Chocolate Nation makes a fun stop).
• Beer – With over 1,500 varieties, Belgian beer is legendary including Trappist beers brewed by monks, fruit-infused lambics, and strong Dubbels and Tripels. Start with the intimate alleyway bars around the Grand Place in our Brussels guide.
• Waffles – The country has two styles: Brussels waffles (light, crisp, and square) and Liege waffles (denser, caramelised, and packed with pearl sugar). Both are delicious.
• Fries – Belgian fries, or frites, are double-fried for extra crispiness and usually served with an array of sauces. You haven’t really had fries until you’ve tried them in Belgium!

3. You’ll find a long and fascinating history

Belgium is packed with history, from medieval times to modern conflicts, making it a fascinating place to explore.

• UNESCO Heritage – Belgium boasts several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the amazing Grand Place in Brussels, the medieval belfries of Flanders, and the historic béguinages.
• World War Remembrance – The battlefields of Ypres, the Passchendaele, and the cemeteries and memorials of World War I are moving, and remembering them is so important.
• Flemish Art – Belgium was home to legendary artists like Jan van Eyck, Peter Paul Rubens, and René Magritte. You’ll find incredible museums showcasing Flemish and surrealist masterpieces.

4. It’s compact and easy to explore

Belgium is a small country with excellent public transport. Trains are frequent, reliable and easy to navigate, so you can reach different corners of the country quickly. Many cities are compact and walkable, so you can see a lot in a short time. Coming from the UK? Here’s why you should take the Eurostar from London to Brussels, plus easy day trips in our guides to Ghent and Bruges.

• Fast train connections – You can travel between major cities like Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp in under an hour.
• Perfect for a short trip – If you’re short on time, Belgium is ideal for a long weekend or a stop on a European tour.
• Great international links – Belgium is well-connected by train to France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK via the Eurostar. You can get from central London to Brussels in 3 hours, and onwards to most other cities in Belgium in another hour.

5. You’ll find quirky and unusual art & things to see

Belgium has a fun and sometimes eccentric side, with a mix of world-famous festivals and quirky attractions.

• Carnival of Binche – A UNESCO-listed festival where costumed performers called “Gilles” throw oranges into the crowd for good luck.
• Tomorrowland – One of the biggest and most famous electronic music festivals in the world, drawing thousands of people each year.
• The Atomium – A futuristic structure in Brussels that’s part museum, part surreal photo opportunity.
• Manneken Pis – The famous little statue of a boy urinating is one of Belgium’s most beloved (and bizarre) symbols.

What are you waiting for? Visit Belgium!

Whether you’re admiring the medieval beauty of Bruges, indulging in world-class chocolate, or exploring the country’s deep history, Belgium is packed with things to do. So, if you haven’t considered Belgium yet – now’s the time to put it on your list!

Ready to plan it?

• Start with our Belgium travel guide for routes, budgets and timing.
• Then pick your city: Brussels, Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp.
• And if you’re UK-based, here’s the Eurostar guide to make it easy.

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