One Week in Belgium

Weather in Belgium

One thing we can guarantee about your Belgium tour - good weather is not guaranteed. In fact, Belgium is one of Europe’s rainiest regions, and the dampness in the air can make you feel a lot colder than the actual temperature. Dress in layers, invest in a good raincoat and umbrella and be ready to take mini-breaks in cozy cafes for coffee and a waffle to warm up. Your best bet for good weather for your Belgium guided tour is between May and September - we certainly can’t promise it won’t rain then, but at least it will be warmer than in the winter months.

Safety During a Belgium Tour

While the country is generally considered safe for travelers, you can expect that the petty crime rates are higher in Belgium’s main cities. Serious crime, however, is quite low.

If you are out in the evening during your Belgium guided tour, consider avoiding Schaerbeek, Brussels North, Brussels Center, Molenbeek and Anderlecht in Brussels; the areas around the port and docks in Antwerp; and, in general, Bruges and Ghent. Should you be pickpocketed or robbed, most of the policemen in Belgium speak French, Dutch and English.

Travelers should take note that coronavirus has been confirmed in Belgium, with one case as of February 4th, 2020.

Who Will Enjoy a Belgium Tour?

With its enticing blend of medieval architecture, small lakeside towns, verdant natural areas and thick forests, a Belgium tour will appeal to just about all manner of traveler. Those with a penchant for history particularly enjoy going behind the scenes at centuries-old churches and castles. The architecture in Brussels is intricate and impressive - the Grote Markt is not to be missed for this very reason.

Foodies are also in for a treat on a Belgium tour - if not for the waffles and frites alone. Gourmands find much to love, from the meatballs with sirop de Liège to the scrumptious, stick-to-your-ribs carbonnade à la flamande (or stoofvlees in Flemish). And did you know that Belgium considers itself the “vegetarian capital of the world”? Veggie eaters will find plenty to choose from, particularly in Ghent.

For the storybook European experience, a Belgium guided tour is just the ticket. Ease of train travel, widely spoken English, delicious food, a captivating history, charming towns and a welcoming ambience make it a great choice for a compact, yet comprehensive Europe guided tour.

8 Top Things to Keep in Mind Before Going on a Belgium Tour

1. You can cover a lot of ground. Your Belgium guided tour is likely to focus on the whole country. Its compactness lends itself well to immersive sightseeing and enables you to explore all the main cities and attractions within a one-week Belgium visit
2. Don’t mind the rain. Pack a raincoat and sturdy umbrella for your Belgium guided tour and you’ll be miles more comfortable than those who simply hoped for sun. Soaked? You’ll soon cheer up with a warm, fluffy waffle.
3. English is widely accepted. Practically everyone speaks English, so even though you’ll hear a lot of French, Dutch, German or Flemish during your Belgium tour, most residents are happy to converse with you in English.
4. Belgium is part of the European Union. You will not need to go through customs if entering the country for your Belgium guided tour from another EU country. This also means the local currency in Belgium is the Euro.
5. Beer is more potent here. Excited to sample all of Belgium’s famous beer? Take it easy as you visit bars throughout your Belgium visit - the alcohol content usually falls between 7.5 and 10.5 percent, on the high end for those not accustomed to drinking the local brew. Inside tip: Do not steal a beer glass as a souvenir - it seriously ticks off the bar owners.
6. Tipping? Not so much. Unless you had out-of-this-world service for which you cannot imagine not leaving a tip, it is not mandatory nor expected on guided Belgium tours.
7. Use the facilities in restaurants, museums, etc. Public (free) bathrooms are scarce throughout the country, so during your visit to Belgium, we would suggest always using the facilities at the restaurants, cafes and museums you visit. Even if you do find a public bathroom, there is likely to be a small fee.
8. Time your Belgium tour well. If you’re not a fan of a wet climate, aim for visiting Belgium at the beginning of winter or over the summer.