BELGIUM TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 20+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Belgium + What NOT to Do!

Planning to visit Belgium for the first time? In this video, I'm sharing all my best Belgium travel tips for new visitors, from important must-knows for your Belgium trip to common mistakes that tourists make in Belgium. Don't miss this video if you're planning your own trip to Belgium!
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Travelling to Belgium for the first time? In need of Belgium travel advice that caters to a newbie? This Belgium travel guide is packed with must-knows before you visit Belgium as a tourist, with a rundown of common tourist mistakes in Belgium as well as answers to common questions like Belgium culture shocks, Belgium culture and etiquette tips, where to go in Belgium, places to visit in Belgium, and more so you can have the Belgium trip of your dreams. Whether you're looking for general Belgium tips or tips for Belgium hidden gems, be sure to watch this video!

[@HappytoWander]

Hey everyone! I hope you enjoy this week's video all about Belgium :) As usual, feel free to add additional tips in the comments, and check out the written version here for more info: happytowander.com/belgium-travel-tips/

[@gsit927]

Do you need to purchase train tickets in advance to get the discounts you mentioned (student, discovery, etc)?

[@Ilsethomas]

@@gsit927 yes and you can buy them at the computer machines or at the counter.

[@msibocharity4300]

Get for me a volunteer job so that I get a chance to visit.

[@nurailidepaepe2783]

as a belgian: flemish isn't a language! it's just dutch spoken in belgium. did irk me a little bit while watching this video hearing you say flemish over and over again haha, would be similar to saying 'american' instead of english

[@Michael-xh3jc]

As a Belgian I have to say what you say is correct. You know a lot about my country

[@HappytoWander]

Ah thanks so much for the kind words!

[@o0L4nc3r0o]

Just to let you tourists know: I'm a Belgian myself, and we also think that it's super ridiculous that you have to pay everywhere just to go to the restroom. About that cinema, they're probably talking about the bigger ones here called "Kinepolis". That's also true. You pay a lot of money on your ticket, then you pay too much on drinks/snacks, only to find out that you also have to pay EVERY time you want to use the restroom. So don't worry, even us Belgians think that it's very stupid. :)

[@tichaelias823]

I'm planning a trip to Belgium, maybe you can be of help. You're contact address please.

[@Robbedem]

If you can hold, go again later. Often they aren't manned all the time.

[@FinnieMc]

Just a little additional info: Brussels actually has 35 train stations/stops but North, Central and Midi are the main ones. The next largest ones are Luxemburg and Schuman (which are the stops for the European quarter) but the drop-off is quite large.

[@RpgamesBe]

As someone who lives in Belgium, I have to say this is a great video! Well done on the research and the tips!

[@AnnaNudist]

Thanks for nice review, will go to belgium next week. Hope can enjoy there all day.

[@epp]

You literally make the best travel videos!

[@HappytoWander]

Omg stopppp! You just made my day 🥰 thank you so much!

[@nomadicMondo]

Amazing guide. I was agonizing on where to go after Germany, and this made it an easy choice. So awesome that you covered such a wide range. 🥰

[@HappytoWander]

Ahh awesome. Hope you enjoy Belgium! 🥰

[@schmerer1]

We are going to Belgium in 90 days for a week and we found this video so interesting and informative. The best we have found on KZbin. Also found that Belgium tourist site you showed in your screen shots that will help us plan. Thanks for this

[@tejassmeshram]

I can't believe this video has so many less likes. This is by far the most researched video on this topic than any other I have seen from different channels.

[@RoadTripTravel]

Great video, helpful stuff. I visited Belgium back in 2019 and produced a video on many of the places you mentioned.

[@Maaaryl0u]

As a Belgian, I don’t often watch videos about Belgium, I must say you’ve summed it up very well. Thanks for your video 🇧🇪 🍟

[@lindseyleichthammer5329]

This was super helpful, thank you!

[@HappytoWander]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@irenelucas5240]

Very informative! It is amazing how you remember all the details. 👌❤🙂

[@HappytoWander]

Thanks Irene!!! I only came back from Belgium recently so all the info is still fresh haha :)

[@outdoortravel58]

Informative and enjoyable video. Thank you for talking about my country. 👍 Greetings from the Belgian Ardennes 😊

[@HappytoWander]

Thanks so much for watching! 🥰

[@lostinadmiration]

Fantastic! I went ti Brugges and really loved it, especially the food. Also, amazing how often you post with such high quality content!

[@HappytoWander]

YES Belgian food is so underrated!!! And ah that’s so kind of you to say 🥹 thank you!!

[@majy1735]

@@HappytoWander That's totally right: Belgium is a hidden foodies' paradise. It's so unfair that most foreigners reduce the country to beer and sweet treats! Most Belgians are actually gourmets, just as much as the Italians or the French - but this is simply unknown abroad. And most Belgians are also very knowledgeable about wine: private individuals as well as restaurants often have impressive wine menus. Would you consider dedicating a video report specifically to Belgian cuisine? It would be a great idea.

[@techjey]

As a Belgian, here is some more for you checkout -> Durbuy aswell the german speakin part in the east again very very different from the rest wort a visit tooo love to see people goin where i am commin from :D

[@HappytoWander]

Ahh I really wanted to visit Durbuy on a recent trip but ran out of time!! Thank you for the tip - will definitely have to check those areas out next time 🥰

[@reynarivera5355]

Thanks so much! I am looking forward to going to Belgium next summer with my bestie to research my novel set in Belgium.

[@HappytoWander]

Oh wow that sounds like such a cool trip!!! Hope the video is helpful for all your planning 🫶

[@timmelis4872]

Very nice video. One other tip: Some cities have rental bikes like VELO in Antwerp for which you can buy a day pass. A lot of docking stations are available. It will help you to explorer the cities much faster and go to more stunning locations without walking a lot....

[@LadyShotFromATree]

That's a very well documented video, and this comes from a true Belgian dude :) Glad to hear someone not focussing on Antwerp and Brugges only ! Glad you enjoyed our weird sense of humour too. I would just have added a word about the citadels in Wallonia (Namur, Dinant, Huy) that are truly stunning (also, cycling from one to another along the Meuse river is a must do I'd say) and about our graphic novel culture (bandes dessinées), although I know from experience with my British and American friends that it's not appealing to anyone not Belgian or French.

[@karentjeuuuh]

The best way in my opinion to get to see the best side of the cities is by talking to locals. Ive had a couple ask me in antwerp where to go for good food i ended up showing them around a little and i am still friends with them (online ofcourse) 7 years later

[@philippegilson]

Hello ! You can be proud of you. Your description is accurate. Phil, Belgium, Liège. Peace.

[@user-jl8wg2eh3f]

French in french fries is not capitalIzed as it refers to the cut, not the country of France.

[@Daves_Cave]

cool video well done

[@drewmartin3689]

Just found your channel and love these types of videos! Do you think you'd ever make a video about travel tips for Scotland?

[@HappytoWander]

Yes, definitely!!! I’ll be spending a month there in August so a Scotland is a sure thing :) are you headed there anytime soon?

[@drewmartin3689]

@@HappytoWander oh nice that'll be awesome! No I'm not but it's definitely at the top of my list to get to one day

[@henrikvl1704]

Well nice summary... think it is pretty accurate. Of course there is more ... but this is a great intro.

[@morgandeclercque4608]

I went to Belgium in 1997. While I enjoyed Brugge, my main purpose was to visit the towns where my Grandfather was born, Staden. Had a wonderful time and even had coffee with the Mayor, who looked up the records of my family

[@robertpayne9009]

Thanks!

[@HappytoWander]

Glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks so much 🫶

[@jadabkachari100]

Very nice 👍

[@cverde1234]

As a belgian, your perspective was interesting I even learned a thing or two

[@mrb2643]

Thanks for the heads up on the chips being fried in fat, important for Veg, Vegans n Halal

[@jdstt900]

My tip for visitors of Belgium: travel on to the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg. It's a small country to the South-east of Belgium with a very nice capital city, also called Luxemburg (Luxembourg in French). Or why not visit Maastricht in the Netherlands; at the east border of Belgium, eventyally in combination to Aachen in Germany, only 30 miles away from Maastricht. Did you know that the grave of Charles the Great lies in the Dom (church) of Aachen?

[@wfhalsey1]

Im in the minority, it seems, in that i appreciate that you speak quickly and clearly. This video could easily be too long, but you made it easy to hang it for a quick watch.

[@jfrancobelge]

"The main attractions are the cities". That's your opinion, and some Flemish cities in particular are indeed beautiful, but it's a pity to visit Belgium for its cities only. For nature lovers the Ardenne region in Eastern/Southern Belgium offers plenty of nature, large forests and walking paths in a very hilly, semi-mountaneous landscape. And for those interested in history that's where the Battle of the Bulge took place in 1944-45. In the same region Ostbelgien (German speaking Belgium along the German border) is also worth a detour, different vibes.

[@_adeptusxiao.]

She mentioned that it was her opinion :)

[@skyvioletstrawberry]

Like Liege?

[@jfrancobelge]

​@@skyvioletstrawberry There are indeed a few interesting cities to see in Wallonia (French-speaking Belgium) as well: Liège, Namur, Tournai...

[@bradcallahan3546]

What cringe lord city did you come from to post something this stupid?

[@rv3427]

In all honesty, if you live in a big country like Germany or the US there's so much more nature back home. I love the Ardennes and it has it's own vibe, but let the tourists go to the cities and we Belgians can enjoy the Ardennes for ourselves :')

[@heidivanbrabant830]

chicon gratin, or in flemisch witloof hamrolletjes whit just mashed patatoes, is dilicious. but most eaten in winterseason!

[@micheledouglas3172]

Hello! I like the information you share, but could you slow down a bit? Some names are hard to understand when spoken so fast - particularly for someone whose never been and is researching for first time visit. Also a slower/more relaxed pace makes it easier to take notes. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@Walmaree]

The main thing I see is "paper cone with fries 😀" but what you would notice is if you leave the main part of belgium, you will usually get them in a paper / plastic container.

[@Ladydot42]

We're taking the Eurostar to the Midi station and staying the night before heading to Amsterdam. I was looking to stay close to the Midi station, but would you recommend we go more to central Brussels instead?

[@twiggytaison]

Im from belgium i can also give some tips when i visit in my own country my tips to visiting are Brussels Antwerp. Natureparks. And the Ardennes. The food are realy great u have fries yes there belgium we have two waffles Brussels wafels and Liukse wafles there both difrent but very delicious if ur visithing in Brussels there is a choclade museam u can get unlimeted choclade and its delicious only if u like chocolade hope u read this and take this as some advice

[@claudiaroque4657]

Thanks for the tips!! Speaking of transportation... what is the best (and cheap 😉) way to travel from Charleroi airport to the city center?

[@gerryvdk1]

Do you mean the centre of Charleroi or Brussels? Charleroi Airport is so close to the city center that you can almost do it by foot, which may not be adviseable if you have luggage, but there are plenty of buses as well. If you want to go anywhere else in Belgium, which I would do - there's a reason why Charleroi never gets mentioned as a go to when visiting Belgium -, I would recommend taking the train (but first the bus to the train station).

[@yuichiizucake5730]

TEC BUS + NMBS Train

[@ctmybones]

Thank you so much for some great information. We have planned to go to Belgium and Brugge but not I will stay one less day in Belgium and stay on day in Ghent and then two days in Brugge. We will be doing this in December so I will also get to see some Christmas markets and lovely decorations. Could you please tell me which train station I should take to go to Ghent and Brugge from Brussels? We so appreciate you !

[@Gekkotome]

im not sure about brugge because i've never been there myself, but the central station of gent is Gent-St-Pieters

[@FARINALIFESTYLE]

Nice thanks for sharing 🎶✅🇬🇧💐💐👍🎊🎊❤️🥰🥰🥰✅✅🎶

[@HappytoWander]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@LouisJanssens-dj5yv]

J'aime mon pays

[@outdoortravel58]

Hello! I really like watching good videos about my country. And even more to shoot myself, although I’m a novice author, my channel is not even a year old. I'm very interested in watching and learning how other authors do it. Thank you for the interesting video. ❤

[@kimberlytadeo8651]

If I’m interested in visiting Brussels, bruge, Ghent, and Antwerp, how many days do you think I need

[@tijsdewit7288]

quick heads op from an antwerp native: the antwerp hand chocolates (you showed them in your clip as wel) are way more common than diamond shaped chocolates (which honestly I wouldn't even call common). Not sure where you got that info about the diamond chocolates but ye nah to my experience not that true.

[@francinejaninesarmiento1797]

Your travel tips are so relatable and useful! Speaking of which, have you had a chance to explore the new V4 of the Bento Bag from Nomad Lane? It's designed to streamline your packing process and maximize space, which aligns perfectly with your expert advice.

[@HappytoWander]

Thank you!! No I haven’t tried that one yet!

[@majy1735]

How can you claim that "Brussels has three train stations"?! It has no less than 44 of them. The Midi/Zuid, Central/Centraal and Nord/Noord are just the three main ones. Other than that, thanks for this great, well-thought, informative report.

[@Toorek100]

But for the clear, you include metro stations as a train stations or not? Because metro is just in a city, not outside

[@oliverortiz77]

Can you pay with credit card WC or lockers?

[@wfhalsey1]

Tip for those wanting her to slow down her speech: you can adjust the video speed!

[@LobsterLover530]

What about train discounts for the elderly???

[@RobelGirma-lw9ee]

nice spot in europe.

[@cisseilegems2323]

Belgium has three official languages. Dutch is spoken by 60% of the population, French 39%, and German 1%

[@oledilep]

pretty much all accurate as a belgian, you have some tempo of speech i must say.

[@kirkmack1992]

What is that town 17 seconds looks amazing as

[@flitsertheo]

Dinant. Where the inventor of the saxophone was born.

[@kirkmack1992]

@@flitsertheo thank you so much

[@Ketofit62]

Try chaffles

[@mandygriffin5241]

Paying to use the toilets… called ‘Euronating’😅😅😅

[@pinkhairblackman8141]

5:32 wrong station

[@kathleenharris6124]

Nice to see, but please please slow down talking you’re on speed with your speaking

[@Landphoo]

Seem you ’re in a hurry…try to talk/speak slowly.

[@samueldesire5883]

🇧🇪⌚

[@AriannaAyers]

My son and I hate everything. We’re difficult to please, high strung, and picky people. We LIKE your videos, because they are well - edited, have good audio quality, and provide useful, and practical information that we don’t get elsewhere. I’ve travelled 34 countries over the last 25 years, and I’m surprised how much I don’t routinely know. A++❤

[@christymodic1285]

Nice video but it was such a struggle to watch while you're speaking so fast!!!!!!! Please slow down. I missed half the information from the words going by too fast.

[@pankajbakshi3937]

Haryana no have rules for man

[@josephcorcoran2658]

I could not understand a word she said she talked to fast

[@amakko1]

Why do you speak at the speed of light?

[@muhammet5770]

I think it would be better if you could speak a bit slower. Thanks Warm regards

[@fly-sv6oq]

Speak little bit slowly so that everytime of audience can understand.

[@pierrelalonde3705]

Nice but you speak too fast!

[@kembocapelsii]

nice guide , but you speak to fast

[@karelmeijer2330]

Meneke Pis gibt es auch es Frauke piss

[@kimadelaide6619]

Most of the time talking too fast to follow easily on top of loads of info However super useful your videos (after rewatching time after time of course) 8:) All good

[@dennisengelen2517]

to be honest, I think every country 'sucks' to visit if you're not in a tourist area or around the 'hidden gems' or pitoresque rural villages but just in areas where people just ive their lives.Also in cities, take Amsterdam for example, which is oh so praised by tourists. I did a 45 minute walk from central station to my hotel and went to the suburbs outside of the tourist areas aswell and there were more than enough of your fair share of ugly grey streets with trash and weeds growing everywhere.

[@MarieCindy]

With the money in restrooms, you pay for the service. It will be clean in those, so there is a reason for it. ;)

[@richvarela9636]

another country in europe lacking fesh water ... pay for a public restroom .... in italy same thing... bad civil engineering... and why are you talking so fast in your video? you have great info but it seems like your rushed... i hope to be visiting this year 2024... always wanted to visit there.

[@guntermangelinckx5433]

One piece of advice from a Belgian: don't be a tourist...

[@evasquez964]

Can you please slow down? You talk so fast it’s hard to understand you.

[@jimwinter3181]

You talk too fast !!

[@johnvijlbrief896]

You talk must to fast....

[@dannywest7587]

Save your money and stay away,there are no mistakes to make in a good visit,vlanders is the good place,any french parts stink.