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Travel and Tourism in Belgium
Travel alerts, currency, climate, transit, health, and safety information for visitors to Belgium.
Practical Information
Travel alert status, currency, climate, and transit details.
- Travel Alert Status
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
- Time Difference
- UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
- Currency
- 0.9214
- Climate
- Belgium's climate is characterized by moderate temperatures, prevailing westerly winds, cloudy skies, regular rainfall, and a little snow. The weather is variable. Summer temperatures average 60°F (16°C). Rare annual extremes are l0°F (-12°C) and 90°F (33°C).
- Language(s) Spoken
- Belgium has two official languages: Flemish, which is a form of Dutch, and French. Flemish is spoken in the northern region known as Flanders. French is spoken in the southern region known as Wallonia. As a result of having two languages, many cities have two or three names, and some Belgians cannot speak with other Belgians. The language is also reflected in the media, which offers both French and Flemish versions of TV, news, and radio. Many Belgians speak more than one language and are therefore sought after as employees for international companies.
- Ethnic Groups
- Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
- National Holiday
- Belgian National Day (ascension to the throne of King LEOPOLD I), 21 July (1831)
- Geographic Coordinates
- 50 50 N, 4 00 E
- Location
- Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands
- Airports
- 42
Destinations
Regions and cities, top sights, national parks, UNESCO sites, and festivals for visitors.
Major Cities and Regions
Belgium's urban landscape is one of the most richly varied in Europe, a collection of cities that range from bustling modern capitals to perfectly preserved medieval treasures, each with a distinct character and cultural identity that rewards extended exploration. The country's cities are compact enough to explore on foot or by bicycle, yet dense enough in history, architecture, gastronomy, and cultural life to sustain days of discovery. Understanding the major cities and regions of Belgium provides the essential framework for planning any visit to the country.
Brussels, or Bruxelles in French and Brussel in Dutch, is Belgium's capital and largest city with a metropolitan population of approximately two million, and it is one of the most genuinely complex and fascinating cities in Europe. At its heart lies the Grand Place, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful public squares in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site enclosed by the guildhalls of medieval merchant corporations and dominated by the soaring Gothic Town Hall.
Health and Safety
Medical facilities, vaccinations, disease risk, and sanitation conditions.
High-quality medical facilities are widely available in Belgium. The large university hospitals can handle almost every medical problem. Hospitals may not necessarily have staff members who are fluent in English. The Embassy's Consular Section maintains a list of English-speaking doctors. Equivalents for most, but not all, U.S. medications are available through local pharmacies with a prescription from a Belgian physician. Travelers to Belgium are encouraged to bring a sufficient supply of prescription medications for the duration of their stay.