Belgium holidays: Waffles, castles and culture await

Flights from the UK to Belgium

Getting to Belgium from the UK is easy. With direct flights from London to Brussels, you can be sipping Belgian beer in under 1.5 hours. Major airlines like British Airways, Ryanair and easyJet offer daily flights, so whether you're after a budget-friendly fare or a comfy ride, there's an option for you.

There are also plenty of flights from other UK cities, including Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham. While Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main hub, you can also fly into Charleroi (CRL), which is perfect for budget travellers.

Cities to visit in Belgium

Belgium is one of the top destinations in Europe for city breaks. Here are some of the top cities to visit in Belgium.

Brussels

This city is a delicious mix of history, politics and waffles. As the home of the stunning Grand Place, Manneken Pis and the Atomium, this city is full of surprises. Foodies will love Belgian chocolate, fries and beer, while culture lovers can explore the Magritte Museum and European Parliament. Don't leave without devouring a warm, sugary waffle.

Antwerp

Known as the diamond capital of the world, it's also home to Rubens' masterpieces, a stunning cathedral and a hip fashion scene. Stroll through the trendy Meir shopping street, grab a craft beer at a riverside cafe and visit the MAS Museum.

Fun things to do in Belgium

Devour waffles and chocolates

Belgium is heaven for sweet tooths. Grab a freshly made waffle or visit a chocolate shop in Brussels to taste pralines crafted by master chocolatiers. Do you want the ultimate experience? Take a chocolate-making workshop tour and become a cocoa connoisseur.

Cruise the canals of Bruges

Bruges is Belgium's fairytale city, and there's no better way to see it than by gliding through its canals. Hop on a boat tour, soak in the medieval charm and marvel at the views. After your cruise, get the best hot chocolate in one of the many cosy cafes.

FAQs about Belgium holidays

Q: Is Belgium cheap or expensive?

A: Your holiday in Belgium can be expensive or budget-friendly, depending on your preferences. Big cities like Brussels and Bruges have fancy hotels and Michelin-star restaurants, but you can also find affordable street waffles, budget hotels and cheap public transport. If you want to save on your holiday, visit in the off-season, eat like a local and sip beer at a cosy pub.

Q: What should you know before travelling to Belgium?

A: Before heading to Belgium, know this: chocolate, waffles and beer are a way of life. The country has three official languages, so some regions speak French, Dutch and German. Public transport is efficient, and cycling is also a great way to explore most cities.

Q: Do I need a visa to go to Belgium from the UK?

A: Travellers from the UK do not need a visa for short trips to Belgium. You can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period for business, visiting friends and holidays. However, make sure your passport is valid for at least three months after your departure date.

Q: What currency is in Belgium?

A: Belgium uses the euro. If you are visiting from the UK, you'll need to swap your pounds for euros. You can exchange money in ATMs in Belgium for decent rates, especially if you are withdrawing a considerable amount. Credit and debit cards are used in Belgium, but it's always handy to have some cash for market stalls and small cafes.