Belgium is a stunning nation with charming medieval cities, many grand castles, and a world-class culinary tradition. Belgium is a great place to visit, although it sometimes needs to be addressed in favor of more well-known European sites. Here is a complete list of all the information you need to plan a successful vacation to Belgium.

Hold Off on The Car Rental.

You can drive across Belgium in a few hours, and the country's highways are well-lit at night. Car-sharing applications like Poppy and Cambio have made it convenient to borrow a car on short notice.

There Is More to Belgium Than Just the Capital City Of Brussels.

Brussels, the country's capital, is geographically distinct from neighboring regions Flanders and Wallonia. You'll hear many French spoken, but many people speak Flemish. Travel outside of Brussels if you have the luxury of time. Recycle like a Belgian

Travel Outside Of Brussels If You Have The Luxury Of Time. Recycle Like A Belgian

You should recycle like a Belgian since that is how seriously they take it there. The country's recycling rate for domestic packaging is the highest in all of Europe at an impressive 94.9%. Always be conscious of your impact on the environment wherever you visit, but in Belgium, recycling and cutting down on waste is essential.

Tipping Is Not Expected In Belgium.

Since most service workers in Belgium are already given a livable wage, tipping is optional and not a common practice. To add insult to injury, a gratuity of 10% to 15% is already included in the bill at most eateries. After your dinner, you can leave a few Euros on the table if the service is excellent, and you wish to show your appreciation.

Let's Light Up If You'd Like (But Be Smart About It)

Cannabis use for leisure is legal in Belgium for anyone above 18. As long as no "public annoyance" is generated, possessing up to 3 grams of cannabis is no longer illegal. In contrast to its northern neighbor, Belgium is not as tolerant of marijuana use as the Netherlands, so if you want to light up, do so in private.

Greeting By Extending Your Hand

In Belgium, how do you shake someone's hand? You can't generalize because of context. Those in Brussels are more likely to offer a handshake, while those in French-speaking Wallonia are more likely to provide a cheek kiss. We advise extending a hand to test the waters and play it safe in today's Covid-aware world.

You May Relax and Be Yourself Around Here.

Belgium's long-held progressive beliefs and dynamic nightlife make it a favorite destination for LGBTIQ+ visitors, and the country became the second in the world to allow same-sex marriage in 2003. Even smaller cities like Bruges and Ghent are getting in on the action. At the same time, Brussels has traditionally been the epicenter (the city's La Demence event attracts partygoers from all over the world 12 times a year).

Have Fun but Be Wary Of Minor Crimes.

There is no cause for concern in most Belgian cities due to low crime rates. Pickpocketing and bag snatching in busy places provide the greatest threat to most tourists. The number of terrorist incidents in Belgium has increased in recent years, so visitors, especially to the capital city of Brussels, where several international organizations have their headquarters, should be cautious.

Indulge In A Belgian Beer Slowly.

Belgian beer is well-known for both its high quality and potency. However, the standard alcohol content of a beer is at about 4.5%, and several Belgian beers clock in at 8% or more. Popular beers like Duvel Belgian Golden Ale and Chimay clock in at an astounding 8.5% and 9% ABV, respectively.

In addition, while the nightlife in Belgium is in full flow, many pubs don't even have a last call! That way, you can take time selecting from more than a thousand regional and national brews. Try to only sample them some at a single sitting, though.

Bring A Raincoat.

Rain is always a possibility, so plan accordingly. Even though heavy rain is relatively uncommon during the summer, you should still bring a lightweight rain jacket like this one to keep you dry. If you need ideas for what to do on a wet day in Brussels, look at our handy guide.

Need To Be Proficient in Dutch, German, Or French? That's Just OK!

Learning the language is not required, but it's a terrific chance to practice what you already know. The English proficiency of many Belgians is high, and many more can speak three or more languages. Conversations should be easy to have in most places.

Remember To Bring Along Some Comfortable, Athletic Clothing To Make The Most Of The Bike Opportunities.

Bike travel is highly encouraged in Belgium. Bicycle transportation is popular among city dwellers since it is both efficient and environmentally friendly. To blend in with the locals, you can rent bicycles, especially in the Flemish region, where the number of bikes exceeds the number of people.