The Wise Directory

Belgium Travel Guide

overview:

The Kingdom of Belgium is a country in northwest Europe bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France and is one of the founding and core members of the European Union. Belgium has a population of over 10 million people, in an area of around 30,000 square kilometres (11,700 square miles). Straddling the cultural boundary between Germanic and Romance Europe, Belgium is linguistically divided. It has two main languages: 59% of its population, mainly in the region Flanders, speak Dutch (while Belgians often refer to it as Flemish); French is spoken by 40%. This linguistic diversity often leads to political and cultural conflict and is reflected in Belgium's complex system of government and political history.

Being such a small country (300 km as its maximum distance), you can get anywhere in a couple of hours. Public transportation is fast and comfortable, and not too expensive. Between larger cities, there are frequent train connections, with buses covering smaller distances. A look on the map suggests that Brussels is a good starting point to explore Antwerp, Gent, Brugge and Leuven on day trips. However, each of these four cities are cheaper, safer, cleaner and especially, infinitely more interesting and welcoming to tourists. Most tourists are looking for authentic medieval neighbourhoods make Brugge their base, while those who want a lively student athmosphere go to Leuven (except in summer). Antwerp is popular among those who want to be in a cosmopolitan place, and Gent is tops with those who like a tad more provincialism. Ličge is beautiful, but too close to Germany to be a good base for day trips.