Current Local Time in Belgium
Current Weather in Belgium
Country Information
Regions & Major Cities
Belgium is a federal state divided into three regions and three communities.
Top Attractions
Grand Place, Brussels
UNESCO-listed central square with ornate guildhalls and the Town Hall.
Bruges Canals
Medieval city with picturesque canals, earning it the nickname "Venice of the North".
Atomium
Iconic 1958 World's Fair structure with panoramic views of Brussels.
Ghent Altarpiece
Famous 15th-century polyptych by Van Eyck brothers in St. Bavo's Cathedral.
Waterloo Battlefield
Site of Napoleon's final defeat in 1815 with museum and lion monument.
Dinant Citadel
Impressive fortress overlooking the Meuse River and birthplace of Adolphe Sax.
Brief History of Belgium
Ancient Times
Belgian tribes (Belgae) inhabit the area, later conquered by Romans.
Burgundian Netherlands
Belgium becomes part of the wealthy Burgundian state.
Spanish Rule
Comes under Spanish Habsburg control as part of the Netherlands.
Austrian Rule
Austrian Habsburgs gain control after War of Spanish Succession.
Belgian Revolution
Independence from Netherlands after revolution.
Kingdom of Belgium
Leopold I becomes first King of the Belgians.
World War I
Germany invades Belgium; most of the war fought in West Flanders.
World War II
Germany occupies Belgium again; liberation in 1944.
European Capital
Brussels becomes de facto capital of the European Communities.
Federal State
Constitutional reform establishes Belgium as a federal state.
Euro Adoption
Belgium replaces Belgian franc with the euro.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Visa Requirements
Schengen visa rules apply. 90-day visa-free entry for many nationalities.
Currency & Payments
Euro (€). Cards widely accepted. Tipping not expected but appreciated.
Transportation
Excellent rail network. Brussels has metro, trams, buses. Biking popular in cities.
Cultural Etiquette
Greet with handshake. Be punctual. Language sensitivity important (Dutch/French).
Best Times to Visit
Belgian Beer Culture
Over 1,500 beer varieties. Try Trappist beers, lambics, and abbey ales.
Major Festivals
Carnival of Binche (Feb), Flower Carpet (Aug), Christmas markets (Dec).
Belgian Cuisine
Must-try: Waffles, fries, chocolate, mussels, carbonnade flamande, speculoos.
EU Institutions
Visit European Parliament, Commission, and Council in Brussels.
Safety & Laws
Very safe. Emergency number 112. No smoking in restaurants/bars.