Holidays to Belgium

Famed for its exquisite chocolate, Belgium is a chocoholic's dream! There are chocolatiers on every street corner, most of which offer tasting tours. You’ll find the usual milk, dark and white varieties available, along with every conceivable variation in between, including alternative flavours like wasabi.

Despite its compact size, Belgium has been a battleground for many brutal conflicts over the centuries. Today, the country is scattered with historical monuments, memorials and museums that tell the stories of warfare and sensitively honour those who lost their lives.

When in Belgium, expect to see street signs, transport information and even adverts written in multiple languages - French and Flemish (Dutch) in Brussels. Although Flemish is the most widely spoken language of Belgium, the country actually has two more official languages: French and German.

From canal cruises and walking tours to museums and zoos, you'll never be bored in Belgium. Celebrated for its chocolates and its beers, it's the perfect place to learn how both are made and enjoy a cheeky sample. There’s a similar element of a ‘child in a sweet shop’ for culture lovers in Belgium too as the streets are decorated in graffiti and there are tons of attractions dedicated to art, music and literature.

One of Belgium's best-kept secrets is its beautiful beaches. Only 50 minutes by train from Brussels, a visit to the Belgian coast is a great way to relax, enjoy the pleasant weather and take a break from the city lifestyle. With Michelin-Star restaurants lining the 65km long stretch of golden sandy beach, a choice of thrilling watersport activities and a convenient tram line which runs the entire length of the coast, a visit to the Belgian coast is a great way to relax.

Famed for having the best cuisine in Europe, there’s much more to Belgium's food and drink scene than just aromatic gueuze, kriek beers, fluffy waffles and rich chocolate. From Michelin-starred restaurants to laid-back cafes and street food vans, the country's gastronomical offering caters for all tastes and budgets. Most dishes are based around meat or fish, with seafood playing an important role in Belgian cuisine thanks to the close proximity of the North Sea.

With so much to see in Belgium and so little time available during a city break, you'll have to be efficient or risk missing out! Thankfully, you'll be able to search for sculptures, specific buildings and murals like the famous Manneken Pis or EU Parliament on foot, explore cities like Bruges from a new perspective on a canal cruise, and get a birds-eye view of the Brussels from the Atomium's highest sphere.