Belgium Travel Guide

– A Complete Journey Through the Heart of Europe

Belgium is one of Europe’s most charming and culturally rich destinations, celebrated for its medieval towns, grand architecture, world-famous chocolates, lace artistry, scenic canals, and UNESCO heritage cities. Strategically located between France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Germany, Belgium offers a versatile travel experience where historical splendour meets modern European sophistication. Whether walking through cobblestone streets of Bruges, experiencing the grandeur of Brussels, exploring the diamond world of Antwerp, or discovering the university city of Leuven, Belgium offers endless fascination for travellers from India.

This detailed travel guide presents a comprehensive overview of Belgium, major attractions, internal distances, transportation networks, visa processes for Indian travellers, route suggestions from Kolkata or Delhi, accommodation options, and the best time to visit this remarkable country.

Overview of Belgium

Belgium is divided into three main regions:

• Flanders (Northern Belgium) – Dutch-speaking region with medieval towns and coastal areas (Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp).
• Wallonia (Southern Belgium) – French-speaking region with castles, hills, and countryside (Namur, Liège, Dinant).
• Brussels Capital Region – Headquarters of the European Union, multilingual, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Belgium’s compact size makes it easy to travel across the country using trains, trams, and buses. Travellers can explore multiple cities in a single trip due to its outstanding connectivity and well-organised transport system.

Major Attractions in Belgium

1. Brussels – Capital of Belgium & the European Union

Brussels combines diplomatic significance with cultural abundance. The city features art nouveau architecture, grand public squares, royal palaces, and museums.

Top Attractions:

• Grand Place – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Atomium – Futuristic national monument
• Manneken Pis
• Royal Palace of Brussels
• Mini-Europe Park
• Magritte Museum

Distances from Brussels:

• Brussels to Bruges – 97 km
• Brussels to Ghent – 56 km
• Brussels to Antwerp – 44 km
• Brussels to Liège – 102 km

2. Bruges – The Venice of the North

Bruges is one of Europe’s most photographed towns. With its canals, preserved medieval buildings, and serene old-world charm, Bruges feels like stepping into another era.

Top Attractions:

• Markt Square
• Belfry Tower of Bruges
• Canal Cruise
• Basilica of the Holy Blood
• Minnewater Lake (Lake of Love)

Distances:

• Bruges to Ghent – 47 km
• Bruges to Brussels – 97 km

3. Ghent – Vibrant Historic City

Ghent blends the youthful energy of a university city with preserved medieval architecture. It is colourful, lively, and filled with riverside cafés.

Top Attractions:

• Gravensteen Castle
• Saint Bavo Cathedral
• Ghent Belfry
• Graslei & Korenlei Canal Area

Distances:

• Ghent to Brussels – 56 km
• Ghent to Antwerp – 61 km

4. Antwerp – The Diamond Capital of the World

Antwerp is vibrant, fashionable, artistic, and historically rich. It is the trading centre for most of the world’s diamonds and a cultural hub.

Top Attractions:

• Cathedral of Our Lady
• Antwerp Zoo
• Diamond District
• Grote Markt (Town Square)
• Red Star Line Museum

Distances:

• Antwerp to Brussels – 44 km
• Antwerp to Ghent – 61 km

5. Liège – A City of Culture and Nightlife

Liège is known for its dynamic lifestyle, historic areas, and riverfront scenery along the Meuse River.

Top Attractions:

• Liège-Guillemins Station (architectural masterpiece)
• Montagne de Bueren (374-step staircase)
• Old Town & Cathedral District

Distances:

• Liège to Brussels – 102 km
• Liège to Antwerp – 118 km

6. Dinant – Fairy-Tale Riverside Town

Set along cliffs and the Meuse River, Dinant is one of Belgium’s most picturesque towns.

Top Attractions:

• Citadel of Dinant
• Notre-Dame Collegiate Church
• Saxophone Museum
• River Cruises

Distances:

• Dinant to Brussels – 114 km
• Dinant to Namur – 32 km

How to Reach Belgium from India

Belgium is served by two major international gateways:

• Brussels Airport (BRU) – Main international hub.
• Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) – Primarily for budget airlines.

From Kolkata

• Kolkata → Delhi → Brussels
• Kolkata → Mumbai → Brussels
• Kolkata → Doha / Dubai → Brussels
• Kolkata → Frankfurt → Brussels

From Delhi

• Delhi → Brussels (1-stop via Frankfurt, Zurich, Paris, Doha, Dubai)
• Delhi → Amsterdam → Brussels (easy train transfer)

Average journey duration: 11–14 hours depending on the transit route.

Belgium Visa Guide for Indian Travellers

Belgium is part of the Schengen Region. Indian citizens must apply for a Short-Term Schengen Tourist Visa (Category C).

Documents Required

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Schengen visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Round-trip flight tickets
• Hotel or accommodation booking
• Travel medical insurance (minimum coverage 30,000 EUR)
• Income tax returns
• Bank statements for the last 6 months
• Professional documents (employment/business proof)
• Detailed travel itinerary

Where to Apply – Belgium Visa Office (VFS Global)

Belgium Visa Application Centre – New Delhi
VFS Global Belgium Visa Centre, International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi

Other centres for visa application: Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh.

Visa Processing Time

• Standard processing: 10–15 working days
• Peak season: Up to 30 days may be required

Transportation System in Belgium

Belgium’s public transport is remarkably efficient, modern, and tourist-friendly. It is one of Europe’s best-connected countries for short-distance travel.

Belgian Railways (SNCB/NMBS)

• Fast inter-city trains
• Regional trains connecting all tourist cities
• Direct trains to Brussels Airport

Trams & Buses

• Extensive tram networks in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent
• Reliable bus services across all towns

International Train Connectivity

• Brussels → Paris (1 hr 22 min via Thalys/TGV)
• Brussels → Amsterdam (2 hrs)
• Brussels → Frankfurt (3 hrs)
• Brussels → London (2 hrs via Eurostar)

Accommodation Options in Belgium

Belgium offers a wide variety of hotels suitable for all types of travellers. No phone numbers are shared as per preference.

Brussels

• Luxury hotels near Grand Place
• Boutique heritage hotels
• Modern business hotels in the EU district

Bruges

• Canal-side heritage hotels
• Romantic boutique inns
• Restored medieval guesthouses

Antwerp

• Fashion district boutique hotels
• Modern urban stays near railway station
• Stylish art-inspired hotels

Ghent

• Riverside hotels with canal views
• Classic European-style guesthouses
• Affordable city-centre stays

Liège & Dinant

• River-view hotels
• Hilltop resort-style properties
• Historic inns and boutique lodges

Best Time to Visit Belgium

1. Spring (April – June)

Best for sightseeing, mild weather, tulip gardens, and outdoor activities.

2. Summer (July – September)

Ideal for canal cruises, festivals, walking tours, and longer daylight.

3. Autumn (October – November)

Beautiful fall colours, fewer crowds, pleasant climate.

4. Winter (December – March)

Best for Christmas markets, festive events, and cultural sightseeing.

Suggested 7-Day Belgium Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Brussels – Explore Grand Place & Royal Palace
Day 2: Atomium – Mini-Europe – Shopping in Rue Neuve
Day 3: Brussels to Bruges – Canal cruise & Belfry climb
Day 4: Bruges to Ghent – Explore castle, cathedrals, and canals
Day 5: Ghent to Antwerp – Diamond District & Old Town
Day 6: Day trip to Dinant or Liège
Day 7: Return to Brussels – Departure

Conclusion

Belgium, with its rich blend of history, architecture, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, offers an immersive European experience for travellers from India. Whether beginning the journey from Kolkata or Delhi, the travel routes are smooth and well connected. With its medieval townships, riverfront cities, world-class museums, multicultural heritage, and modern infrastructure, Belgium is a country that celebrates beauty in every corner. A trip to Belgium is not just a holiday—it is a deep cultural journey through one of Europe’s most charming nations.