Belgium

Public Holidays in Belgium 2026 and 2027: Full Dates

Belgium has 10 legal public holidays plus separate community holidays that only close government offices. Here are the exact 2026 and 2027 dates for both, plus school breaks and the replacement-day rule for weekend holidays.

Namur Travel Guide: 15 Best Attractions to visit in Namur!

Namur is the capital of Belgium's Wallonia region, strategically situated at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers. This location has made Namur an important military and trade center since Roman times when it was fortified as a citadel. Over the centuries, Namur's citadel and position along key waterways brought both prosperity and conflict as it was contested by European powers.

Mons Travel Guide: 15 Best things to do in Mons, History, Attractions

Mons is a historic city located in the Wallonia region of Belgium, about 45 miles southwest of Brussels. As the capital of the province of Hainaut, Mons has been an important center of commerce, politics and military conflicts throughout its long history. The area around Mons was first settled during Roman times. In the Middle Ages, Mons emerged as a prosperous trading city and was fortified with impressive city walls and gates. Much of the medieval architecture in the city center remains intact today, including the magnificent Grand Place square surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the towering belfry.

Dinant Travel Guide: 17 Attractions to visit in Dinant, History, Hotels & Restaurants

Dinant is a picturesque town situated along Belgium’s Meuse River. Nestled between steep cliff walls in a sharp bend of the river, this medieval town looks…

15 Fun things to do in Ypres: A Visitor’s Travel Guide

Ypres stands as a living testament to a history steeped in valour, resilience and regeneration. Once a bustling hub of the cloth industry, Ypres witnessed significant turmoil during the Great Wars, only to rise again, showcasing an undying spirit that resonates with every visitor who graces its streets. As one embarks upon a journey to explore this remarkable city, a kaleidoscope of experiences awaits.

16 Best things to do in Ninove: Travel Guide, History, Attractions, Transportation & Markets

Ninove is a city and municipality in the Flemish province of East Flanders in Belgium. It is pronounced as Ninive in French, Nienove in German and Ninova in Italian. Ninove means "new pasture" and has a history dating back to the 9th century. Ninove is located on the river Dender and is part of the Denderstreek, a region known for its agricultural and industrial activities.

15 Amazing Things to do in Kortrijk: Travel Guide: History, Attractions, Transportation & Markets

Kortrijk is a city and municipality in the Flemish province of West Flanders, Belgium. In French and English, it is sometimes called Courtrai or Courtray. In Latin, it was known as Cortoriacum or Cortoracum. In West Flemish, a regional dialect of Dutch, it is called Kortryk or Kortrik. Kortrijk has a long and rich history that dates back to Roman times when it was a settlement near the river Leie and two Roman roads.

Things to Do in Tournai, Belgium: UNESCO Cathedral and Belfry

Tournai holds two UNESCO sites 200 m apart: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Belgium's oldest belfry, which reopened on 14 July 2026. The cathedral opens afternoons only at weekends, and the belfry admits individuals only from 1pm.

Ghent Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates & What to Expect

The Ghent Christmas market runs from Thursday 3 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, with more than 150 chalets from Sint-Baafsplein to the Korenmarkt. Entry is free, and the city no longer closes it on 31 December.

15 Best restaurants in Brussels: Where to eat in Brussels?

Brussels is home to several top-notch restaurants that offer exceptional dining experiences. The Lobster House is an establishment known for its exquisite seafood dishes, particularly its delicious lobsters prepared in various styles. Le Bistro-Porte de Hal provides a cozy setting and serves a diverse range of Belgian and international cuisine. The Blue stands out for its Mediterranean-inspired menu, featuring flavors from the region. Comme Chez Soi is a celebrated fine-dining restaurant offering a fusion of French and Belgian gastronomy.

19 Best Hotels to stay in Brussels – Neighbourhoods, Luxury, Hostels, Family and Airport Hotels

Brussels offers a range of excellent hotels that cater to different budgets and preferences. Brussels has several high-end hotels that provide top-notch amenities and impeccable service for those looking for a luxurious stay. These hotels offer elegantly designed rooms or suites, spa facilities, fine dining restaurants, and convenient locations in the heart of the city. Guests can expect a comfortable and indulgent experience, with services tailored to meet their every need, while travelers on a tighter budget can find a variety of affordable hotels and budget-friendly accommodations in Brussels.

20 Christmas Markets in Belgium 2026-2027: Dates & Locations

Yes, Belgium has Christmas markets in nearly every city and town. This guide covers all 20 markets for the 2026-2027 season, with dates confirmed directly from each city's own tourism office.

Trier Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates & Location

The Trier Christmas Market runs from 20 November to 22 December 2026 on the Hauptmarkt and Domfreihof, next to Trier Cathedral. See confirmed dates, hours and what to expect.

Mechelen Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates & Location

The Mechelen Christmas Market fills the pedestrian streets around Grote Markt and Vismarkt with wooden chalets, mulled wine and an ice rink. Mechelen had not published exact 2026 dates as of 5 September 2026, but entry stays free.

Charleroi Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates and Location

The Charleroi Christmas Market runs on Place de la Digue and Place Verte, not Place Charles II, with wooden chalets, a paid ice rink and a champagne-and-oyster bar for winter 2026.

Mons Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates, Location and Hours

Mons Cœur en Neige spreads across three squares in central Mons: the Grand-Place, the Marché aux Herbes and Place Léopold, with wooden chalets, a free shuttle train and an ice rink for winter 2026.

Düsseldorf Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates & Location

Düsseldorf's Christmas markets run from 19 November to 30 December 2026 across seven sites in the Altstadt and along the Königsallee. See confirmed dates, market locations, food and how to get there.

Namur Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates & Location

The Namur Christmas market runs 28 November to 31 December 2026 across Place d'Armes, Place de l'Ange and Place du Théâtre, free to enter, with a skating rink open until 4 January 2027.

Ostend Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates & Location

Ostend's Christmas market moves to Wapenplein and Sint-Petrus-en-Paulusplein for 2026-2027 under new organiser Polar Bear Company. Exact dates were unpublished as of 5 September 2026, but entry stays free.

Nuremberg Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates and Location

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt runs 27 November to 24 December 2026 on Hauptmarkt Square, with around 168 stalls plus two satellite markets on Rathausplatz and Hans-Sachs-Platz.

17 Best Bars in Brussels and their signature Drinks

Brussels offers a diverse selection of bars that cater to different tastes and preferences. Belgian beer is a must-try drink in Brussels, available in various styles…

Dinant Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates & Location

Dinant's Christmas season, Dinant Lumière, runs several free neighbourhood markets from late November to early January rather than one single market; exact 2026 dates weren't published at the time of writing.

Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates and Hours

Louvain-la-Neige, the Christmas market of Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, runs from 27 November to 20 December 2026 on the Grand-Place and Place de l'Université, with up to 180 exhibitors in 85 chalets.

Liège Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates & Location

The Village de Noël de Liège runs 28 November to 30 December 2026 on Place du Marché and Place Saint-Lambert, with free entry every day and a Christmas ice rink open into January.

10 Best Brussels Museums, Art Galleries and Exhibitions

Brussels is a treasure trove of museums that offer diverse and enriching experiences for visitors. These museums showcase a range of subjects, from art and history…

20 Best things to do in Ardennes: My 4 day itinerary

My 4-day gastronomic journey in the Belgian Ardennes was an experience filled with discovery and indulgence. Day 1 began at The Owl Distillery. Though not a…

27 Interesting Facts About Brussels, Fact-Checked

Brussels has 27 facts worth knowing, from a bilingual region of 1.25 million people to a Manneken Pis that is a replica, a palace bigger than St Peter's, and a car-free Sunday every September.

Brussels Travel Guide: 18 Best Things to Do, History, Facts and Hotels

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is an intriguing destination with much to offer. Brussels is pronounced as “bruh-suhls” or “bruh-suhlz” in English. The city is also known by its French name, “Bruxelles” (pronounced “bruh-kel”), and its Dutch name, “Brussel” (pronounced “bruh-suhl”). It is home to the iconic Atomium, a unique structure with futuristic spheres that offer panoramic views of Brussels. The Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic square surrounded by ornate buildings, including the Gothic-style Brussels City Hall. The Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue of a urinating boy, is a quirky symbol of Brussels and a popular tourist attraction. The Royal Palace of Brussels, although not the residence of the king, is an impressive neoclassical building that can be visited during the summer months, and the Belgian Comic Strip Center showcases the country's rich comic book heritage, including the adventures of Tintin and the Smurfs.

Brussels Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates & Location

The Brussels Christmas Market (Winter Wonders) runs from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 across six squares in the city centre, and entry is free.

Visiting Hallerbos: The Blue Forest of Belgium

Hallerbos, known as the Blue Forest or Bluebell Forest, is a 552-hectare protected forest located south of Brussels, Belgium. It is composed of beech, oak, and…

Villers Abbey Belgium: Tickets, Opening Hours and History

Villers Abbey is a Cistercian ruin 30 km south of Brussels, founded in 1146 and abandoned in 1796. Adult entry is EUR 10 in 2026, it opens daily all year except four dates, and last admission is an hour before closing.

Beringen Belgium: Explore be-Mine and Blueberries

Beringen is a small city of 44,000 inhabitants located in the Belgian province of Limburg. It is 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Dutch border and…

C-mine Genk: Former Coal Mine, Tickets and What to See

C-mine is the former Winterslag colliery in Genk, now a culture and design site that is free to walk into. C-mine expeditie, the 1.5 km underground route, costs €14 for adults and is closed on Mondays.

Fort Breendonk: Belgium’s SS Prison Camp and Memorial

Fort Breendonk near Willebroek was the SS-Auffanglager the Nazis ran from 1940 to 1944, where 3,590 people were imprisoned and 303 died. It is a national memorial today, open daily with last entry at 3.30pm.

Waterloo Battlefield: A Travelers Guide, 200+ years after the Battle

The Waterloo Battlefield is located 15 kilometers (9 miles) south of Brussels in Belgium and covers an area of 5 square kilometers (2 square miles). It…

Meise Botanic Garden, Brussels: Tickets, Hours and What to See

Meise Botanic Garden is Belgium's national botanic garden, 92 hectares north of Brussels rather than the Botanique in the city centre. An adult ticket costs €15, and bus R50 from Brussels-North stops at the gate in 35 minutes.

Hergé Museum: Visiting the Tintin Museum in Belgium

The Herge Museum, the Tintin museum, sits at Rue du Labrador 26 in Louvain-la-Neuve, 30 km from Brussels. Allow two hours, download the free audio guide app before you go, and note that entry is free on the first Sunday of the month.

Guylian Chocolate: History, Products, Facts and Tours

Guylian is the Belgian chocolate brand behind the marbled seashell pralines, made in Sint-Niklaas since 1958 and sold in more than 100 countries. Here is its history, its products, where to buy it in Belgium and what changed when Lotte bought it.

Chocolate in Brussels: Workshops, Tours and Chocolatiers

Brussels offers three ways into its chocolate: a hands-on workshop, a guided tasting walk, or a shop crawl of your own. Here are the workshops that still run, the chocolatiers worth the queue and what a tour is really like.

Coloma Rose Garden: Hours, Free Entry and Bloom Season

Coloma Rose Garden is free to enter and open all year, Tuesday to Sunday, with more than 3,000 rose varieties in a castle park near Brussels. The roses flower from June to October, and the commune names the end of June as peak bloom.

Tervuren park: Location, History, Attractions and Review!

Tervuren Park is a public park located on the outskirts of Brussels in the town of Tervuren, Belgium. The main attractions of Tervuren Park include the…

Fort Liefkenshoek Beveren: Free Entry, Hours and Parking

Fort Liefkenshoek is a 16th-century star fort on the Scheldt at Kallo, and entry, the experience centre and the escape room are all free. It opens Wednesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 5pm, closes Monday and Tuesday, and parking on site costs nothing.

15 Top Attractions to visit in Charleroi: Museums, Activities and Travel Guide

Charleroi is a city located in the southern part of Belgium, in the province of Hainaut. Situated on the banks of the River Sambre, Charleroi was…

Gaasbeek Castle: Tickets, Opening Hours and What to See

Gaasbeek Castle opens from 1 April to 15 November, closed Mondays, with the castle 10am to 6pm and last entry at 5pm. Adults pay 12 euros for the castle, 7 for the Museum Garden and 15 for both. The 50-hectare park is free all year.

21 Amazing things to do in Liege: Museums, History and Travel Guide

Liege, a capital city in the Wallonia region of Belgium, is located alongside the Meuse River, in Belgium. Liege has grown to become a hub with…

Liège Province: a 3-Day Itinerary of Unusual Things to Do

Three days in Liege province: the Leroux Tower above Trois-Ponts, the Pierre Noufy witches' rock, Europe's longest underground boat ride at Remouchamps, Belgium's highest point in the High Fens, and Val Saint-Lambert in its bicentenary year.

23 Best things to do in Ostend: Sights, Museums and Travel Guide

Ostend is a coastal city located in the province of West Flanders in Belgium, along the North Sea. Ostend started as a small fishing village in…

10 Cafés in Mechelen for breakfast, brunch or drinks!

Mechelen is a historic city located in the center of Flanders, one of the three regions in Belgium. It lies about halfway between the major port…

22 Best Things to do in Mechelen, Belgium in a weekend!

It might not be as famous as some other Belgian cities, but there are plenty of things to do in Mechelen! This article lists the sights and activities I think you shouldn't miss when visiting the city, based on my own experience. Check it out!

Ghent Travel Guide: History, Attractions, Transportation & Markets

Ghent, often overshadowed by its more famous Belgian counterparts like Brussels and Brugge, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, culture and…

23 Best Restaurants and Bars in Ghent to Eat and Drink

Ghent is a historic city located in the Flanders region of Belgium. With origins dating back to the 10th century, Ghent grew to become one of…

15 Best Hotels in Ghent and the Best Neighbourhoods

Ghent is a historic city that traces its origins to Celtic and Roman settlements in the early centuries AD. Ghent, strategically located at the confluence of…

Ghent Light Festival 2024: Dates, Route and How to Visit

Ghent Light Festival is a free light art festival happening every three years in Ghent, Belgium. It runs for five nights and features light installations by…

Graffiti in Ghent: Streets, Murals, Neighborhoods and Artists

Ghent is a creative city and street art is part of the city's look. Some of the coolest graffiti in Ghent can be found at the Werregarenstraatje and the Tweebruggenstraat. Check it out!

The Belfry of Ghent: Explore the famous 3 Ghent towers

The Belfry of Ghent is one of the three famous towers of the city. Climb up the stairs and learn about the history of the building on the different floor. There you can also meet the dragon who protected the tower and the famous Bell Ronald.

Gravensteen Castle in Ghent: An extended Traveler’s Guide

Gravensteen Castle in Ghent costs €15 for an adult, includes a choice of two audio guides in that price, and opens daily 10am to 6pm with last admission at 4.40pm. Allow an hour to an hour and a half.

20 Best Things to do in Ghent – Museums, Attractions and Festivals

Ghent is a historic city located in the Flanders region of Belgium. Ghent’s origin dates back to the 10th century, but then grew to become one…

7 Best Leuven Shopping Streets and Markets

Leuven is a historic university city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. With its Gothic architecture, vibrant student population, and lively culinary scene, Leuven offers…

Leuven Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates & Location

The Leuven Christmas Market opens on 3 December 2026 and closes on 20 December 2026 on Ladeuzeplein and Herbert Hooverplein, and entry is free.

Beguinages in Leuven: Discover the Grand and Small Beguinage

Leuven doesn't have one, but two beguinages. The Small Beguinage is only a street and two alleys big, while the Grand Beguinage of Leuven is a large UNESCO site and a great place to go for a quiet stroll. It's pretty photogenetic too. Have a look!

20 Best Things to do in Leuven: Attractions, Museums and Festivals

Leuven is a historic university town located about 30 km east of Brussels in Belgium’s Flemish Brabant province. Some of Leuven’s top attractions highlighted in the…

Park Abbey Leuven: Tickets, Opening Hours and What to See

Park Abbey is a Norbertine abbey founded in 1129 south of Leuven and the most completely preserved abbey complex in Belgium. Walking the 42-hectare site is free; the buildings are seen on a guided tour, in English on Fridays and at weekends.

Kruidtuin Botanical Garden Leuven: Does is worth a visit?

The Botanical Garden of Leuven, Belgium is the oldest botanical garden in the country, founded by the Catholic University of Leuven in 1735. It's a lovely place to go for a walk or read a book on one of the benches. Have a look.

Bruges Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates & Location

Bruges' Christmas market opens 20 November 2026 and runs to 3 January 2027 on the Markt and Simon Stevinplein, with free entry, an ice rink and two new winter shows.

13 Best Hotels in Bruges and Cool Neightbourhoods

Bruges, a medieval city in Belgium that exudes charm and history. Its well-preserved medieval architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Site status make it a must-visit destination.…

Bruges Travel Guide: History, Attractions, Hotels and Restaurants

Bruges is in northwest Belgium, in the province of West Flanders. It’s near major cities like Brussels and Amsterdam and is 64 kilometers inland from the…

27 Best Things to do in Bruges

Bruges is a medieval city in northern Belgium’s Flanders region. Bruges is full of picturesque canals, cobbled streets and that that is why it is called…

12 Best Restaurants and Bars to Eat and Drink in Bruges

The 12 best restaurants and 7 best bars in Bruges, all re-checked and still trading, from a two-star seafront kitchen to a €25 canal-side lunch. Includes opening days, prices and why Bruges stops serving dinner earlier than you expect.

11 Best Cafés in Bruges for Coffee, Tea and Breakfast!

Bruges is a picturesque medieval town located in the Flemish region of Belgium. With its well-preserved historic architecture, winding canals and cobblestone streets, Bruges is often…

Antwerp Travel Guide: What to See, Eat and Where to Stay

Antwerp is Belgium's second city and its port, and two days covers it: the Gothic cathedral, the Plantin-Moretus printing house, the MAS, KMSKA and the diamond district. Here is what to see, eat, book and how to get there.

14 Best Hotels in Antwerp and Best Neighbourhoods to Stay

Antwerp is a historic port city known as a global diamond trading and fashion hub. Antwerp provides places to stay, from luxurious 5-star properties to budget…

17 Best Restaurants in Antwerp to eat like a local

Antwerp is a historic port city in northern Belgium along the Scheldt River. Today, as Belgium's second largest city, Antwerp is an important seaport and centre of diamond trading. With over 500,000 residents, Antwerp boasts a multicultural energy and youthful creative spirit. Antwerp has developed a vibrant and eclectic dining scene reflecting its history and diversity. Belgian cuisine originated by blending French culinary influences with heartier Germanic fare using local ingredients. Signature dishes like moules frites, waffles, chocolate and beer define Belgium's food culture. The restaurants in Antwerp showcase an incredible diversity of cuisines and dining experiences that blend traditional Belgian fare with global influences.

14 Top Antwerp Museums: History, Photo & Art Galleries

Antwerp is known as Belgium’s “capital of diamonds”. It is located just 15 kilometers south of the Dutch border, on the banks of the River Scheldt.…

Antwerp Christmas Market 2026-2027: Dates & Location

Antwerp's Christmas market opens Friday 4 December 2026 and runs to Sunday 3 January 2027 on five squares, Grote Markt to Operaplein, with free entry and published daily hours.

14 Best Cafés and Bars in Antwerp

The city of Antwerp in Belgium is known as a hip place. So it won't surprise that there are tons of cool coffee bars where you can get re-energized, take a break, read a book or grab some cake. The list below consists of the Antwerp coffee bars I've already been to. Whenever I visit a new one, I'll add it here, so make sure to check back!