Belgium may be a small country, but it offers an incredibly rich travel experience. From medieval towns and romantic canals to modern cities full of art, fashion, and food, Belgium packs a lot into a compact space. For international tourists, especially first-time Europe travelers, Belgium is easy to explore, well connected, and full of charm.
If you’re planning a European holiday or applying for a Schengen visa from the UAE, this Belgium travel guide will help you discover the best cities to visit in Belgium, how to plan your trip, and what to expect along the way.
Why Belgium Is Perfect for Tourists and First-Time Europe Travelers
Belgium is often overlooked in favor of larger European countries, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
-
Short travel distances between cities
-
Excellent train connections
-
Rich history and architecture
-
World-famous food (waffles, chocolate, fries, beer)
-
A mix of French, Dutch, and German cultural influences
You can easily visit multiple Belgium tourist cities in one trip, making it ideal for a short Europe itinerary or as part of a longer Schengen journey.
Brussels – The Capital City Experience
Brussels is the heart of Belgium and a great starting point for most visitors.
Why Visit Brussels
Brussels combines history, politics, art, and food in one lively city. It’s also home to many European Union institutions, giving it an international feel.
Top Attractions
-
Grand Place (one of Europe’s most beautiful squares)
-
Atomium
-
Royal Palace of Brussels
-
Manneken Pis
-
Museums Quarter
Food & Culture
Brussels is famous for:
-
Belgian waffles
-
Chocolate shops on almost every street
-
Local beers and cozy cafés
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Bruges – The Fairytale Medieval City
Bruges feels like stepping into a storybook.
What Makes Bruges Special
Often called the “Venice of the North,” Bruges is known for:
-
Quiet canals
-
Cobblestone streets
-
Perfectly preserved medieval buildings
Best Experiences
-
Canal boat rides
-
Walking through the historic old town
-
Visiting Belfry of Bruges
-
Evening strolls with soft lighting
Who Should Visit
-
Couples on romantic trips
-
Honeymooners
-
Photographers and slow travelers
Bruges is one of the best cities to visit in Belgium for romance and atmosphere.
Ghent – History Meets Modern Vibes
Ghent is one of Belgium’s most underrated cities.
Why Ghent Is Worth Visiting
Ghent blends medieval charm with youthful energy thanks to its large student population.
Highlights
-
Gravensteen Castle
-
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
-
Historic canals
-
Lively nightlife and music scene
Travel Style
Perfect for travelers who enjoy:
-
Culture and history
-
Nightlife and cafés
-
Less touristy experiences
Ghent offers a more relaxed and local feel compared to Brussels or Bruges.
Antwerp – Fashion, Diamonds & Art
Antwerp is Belgium’s most stylish city.
What Antwerp Is Known For
-
One of the world’s largest diamond districts
-
Fashion and design scene
-
Historic port city
Must-See Attractions
-
Cathedral of Our Lady
-
Antwerp Central Station
-
Fashion District
-
MAS Museum
Best For
-
Shopping lovers
-
Art and museum fans
-
Urban travelers
Antwerp adds a modern, creative side to your Belgium trip itinerary.
Other Beautiful Cities to Visit in Belgium
Leuven
-
Historic university town
-
Beautiful old squares
-
Lively student atmosphere
Dinant
-
Dramatic riverside setting
-
Famous saxophone heritage
-
Great for short scenic visits
Mechelen
-
Between Brussels and Antwerp
-
Quiet, charming streets
-
Ideal for relaxed sightseeing
These smaller cities are perfect if you want to explore Belgium beyond the main tourist hubs.
Best Belgium Cities to Visit by Travel Style
Romantic Trips
-
Bruges
-
Dinant
-
Ghent
Family-Friendly Cities
-
Brussels
-
Antwerp
-
Ghent
Budget-Friendly Travel
-
Ghent
-
Leuven
-
Mechelen
Belgium offers something for every type of traveler, even on a limited budget.
Travel Tips for Visiting Belgium
Best Time to Visit Belgium
-
Spring (April–June): mild weather, flowers, festivals
-
Autumn (September–October): fewer tourists, pleasant temperatures
Transportation Between Cities
-
Trains are fast, clean, and reliable
-
Most cities are 30–60 minutes apart
-
No car needed for city-to-city travel
Food & Local Culture Tips
-
Try local fries from street stalls
-
Sample different Belgian beers
-
Respect local languages (French & Dutch regions)
Visa Information for Tourists Visiting Belgium
Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, so most travelers need a Belgium Schengen visa.
Belgium Schengen Visa Overview
-
Allows travel to Belgium and other Schengen countries
-
Short-stay visa (up to 90 days)
Processing Timelines
-
Usually 15–30 working days
-
Can take longer during peak travel seasons
Why UAE Travelers Should Apply Early
-
Embassy appointment availability
-
Document verification
-
Travel season demand
👉 Working with a professional visa agency like Global Sky Visa helps avoid delays and mistakes.
Why Use a Professional Visa Agency for Belgium Travel
Applying for a Schengen visa can be confusing, especially for first-time travelers.
Benefits of Expert Visa Support
-
Correct visa category selection
-
Error-free documentation
-
Appointment guidance
-
Higher approval success rate
Global Sky Visa supports UAE residents with complete Schengen visa assistance, from document preparation to final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many days are enough to visit Belgium?
5–7 days are ideal to cover Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp.
Do tourists need a visa to visit Belgium?
Yes, most non-EU travelers need a Schengen visa to visit Belgium.
What is the best city to visit first in Belgium?
Brussels is the best starting point due to international connectivity.
Is Belgium expensive for tourists?
It can be mid-range, but budget options are widely available.
Can Belgium be combined with other countries?
Yes, Belgium is perfect to combine with France, Netherlands, or Germany.
Is Belgium suitable for first-time Europe travelers?
Absolutely. It’s compact, safe, and easy to navigate.
Is English widely spoken in Belgium?
Yes, English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
Belgium Travel Checklist
✔ Passport valid for at least 6 months
✔ Schengen visa approved
✔ Train travel plans
✔ Hotel bookings
✔ Travel insurance
✔ Weather-appropriate clothing
Schengen Visa Eligibility Checklist (For UAE Residents)
✔ UAE residence visa validity
✔ Bank statements
✔ Employment or business documents
✔ Travel itinerary
✔ Invitation or hotel confirmation
Conclusion: Explore Belgium Beyond One City
Belgium may be small, but it delivers big on culture, beauty, and travel experiences. From the elegance of Brussels and the romance of Bruges to the creativity of Antwerp and the charm of Ghent, every city offers something unique.
Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a longer European journey, Belgium deserves a place on your travel list.
Plan Your Belgium Trip with Global Sky Visa
Make your Belgium and Europe travel smooth and stress-free with Global Sky Visa.
We help with:
-
Belgium Schengen visa processing
-
Complete documentation support
-
Appointment scheduling
-
Expert travel guidance for UAE residents
✈️ Contact Global Sky Visa today and take the first step toward discovering Belgium with confidence.