How many days are enough for Belgium?

You need at least 3-4 days for a quick city break (Brussels/Bruges/Ghent) but 7-10 days is ideal for exploring key highlights at a comfortable pace, while two weeks allows for a deeper dive, including the Ardennes or smaller towns, given Belgium's compact size and excellent transport. A week lets you experience major cities like Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp, plus some countryside or historical sites like Flanders Fields, says Rick Steves.

How many days do I need to visit Belgium?

Belgium is a relatively small country, so one week is a comfortable amount of time to see most of the highlights. You won't be too rushed, but you can still maximize your stay. This seven-day itinerary will take you on a journey through some of the country's most iconic cities, including Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges.

What is the 30% rule in Belgium?

Belgium's "30% tax ruling" refers to a special tax regime for expatriates and inpatriates, allowing employers to reimburse certain recurring relocation costs tax-free, generally up to 30% of gross remuneration, capped at €90,000 annually, plus other specific costs like school fees, replacing older schemes for many. This regime aims to attract international talent, exempting these allowances from tax and social security, with conditions like minimum salary thresholds (€75k for non-researchers) and a 5-year duration (extendable).

Is 4 days in Belgium enough?

Spending four days in Belgium, you can easily explore Brussels for two days and take two day trips to Ghent and Bruges. If you have additional time, head over to the capital for diamonds: Antwerp. I dare you not to fall in love with Belgium.

How many days in Brussels is enough?

You can see Brussels' main sights in 1-2 days, but 3 days is ideal for a comfortable pace and exploring deeper, including potential day trips to other Belgian cities like Ghent or Antwerp. A longer stay (4+ days) allows for more museums, leisurely exploration, or side trips, but 2-3 days covers the core landmarks like the Grand Place, Atomium, and Belgian chocolate/beer. 

7 Things To Know Before Visiting Belgium

What is the best month to go to Belgium?

Summer: June to August

Summer is peak tourist season in Belgium, offering the warmest weather and a lively atmosphere. It's the best time to visit Belgium if you want to experience outdoor cafés, bustling markets and a packed calendar of festivals.

What is the prettiest town in Belgium?

❣️Bruges is the most beautiful city in Belgium. When you come to Bruges, you will be attracted by its long history. There are many ancient buildings and charming streets here.

Is it better to stay in Bruges or Brussels?

GENERAL CONCLUSION: If you have but one day, head to Bruges. The city is smaller and easier to navigate in a day. Brussels has more to offer tourists but requires at least two days to properly delve into the city and get a feel for its beauty.

Where to go in Belgium for the first time?

What to see in Belgium

• The Grand-Place in Brussels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Brussels' central plaza, the Grand-Place is an exceptional example of Belgian architecture and history. ...
• Manneken Pis. ...
• Minnewater Lake. ...
• The Flemish béguinages in Bruges.

Is Brussels a walkable city?

Brussels is an extremely walkable city, with a mostly pedestrianised centre. It's also very bike-friendly, with Villo!

How much cash can you bring into Belgium?

Any person entering or leaving the European Union with 10,000 euros or more in cash, must submit a declaration. That also applies when you are carrying cash money from or for any other person or legal person (e.g. the company for which you are working).

Can UK citizens live in Belgium after Brexit?

Since Brexit, UK nationals no longer have automatic rights to live and work in Belgium, so you'll need a residence visa to stay longer than 90 days.

What changes in Belgium on 1 July 2025?

Among these labor law reforms, it had been announced that — since 1 July 2025 — employers are no longer required to pay the regular employer social security contributions on the portion of an employee's salary that exceeds a quarterly threshold.

Is 5 days in Belgium too much?

You could easily spend two weeks here and still not have seen everything, but for a solid introductory visit, you can get a very nice overview of Belgium in as little as 5 days.

Can you do a day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels?

Enjoy a day trip to Luxembourg on a guided tour from Brussels, and travel through the scenic Belgian Ardennes. Later, stroll through the picturesque town of Dinant.

Is Belgium expensive to visit?

Our experience: Belgium is not cheap, but honest

Anyone looking for the cheapest vacation probably won't have Belgium at the top of their list. And that's perfectly fine. Because Belgium doesn't want to be a mass market, but a place for people who value peace, style, and quality.

Is it okay to speak English in Belgium?

Yes, you can absolutely speak English in Belgium, especially in cities and tourist areas, as many Belgians, particularly younger generations and those in Flanders, have high English proficiency; you'll find it easy to get by, though learning a few basic phrases in French or Dutch helps with integration, especially outside major hubs. 

What is the best city to stay in Belgium for 3 days?

THREE DAYS IN BELGIUM | If you have but three days to explore the city I would focus on Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp. This will give you a good first feel of what Belgium has to offer. FOUR DAYS IN BELGIUM | With four days you have enough time to explore Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp at a leisurely pace.

Which is the prettiest city in Belgium?

Bruges. Bruges steals the hearts of all who visit. The capital of West Flanders, the city is most famous for its string of romantic canals, cobbled streets and medieval architecture.

Why is Bruges called the dead city?

Bruges is called the "Dead City" primarily because of Georges Rodenbach's influential 1892 novel Bruges-la-Morte (Bruges-the-Dead), which portrayed the decaying, melancholic city as a perfect setting for a widower's obsessive grief, making it a symbol of death and lost glory for Symbolist artists and a morbid tourist attraction for romantics seeking atmosphere, even as the city's importance declined historically due to its silting Zwin channel.
 

Is Bruges a day trip from Brussels?

Bruges is about an hour by train from Brussels, making it a great day trip destination.

What is the nicest beach town in Belgium?

1. De Panne. De Panne is Belgium's westernmost seaside town and is known for its wide beach. Here you can get a breath of fresh air, sail on the beach or enjoy a quiet day in the sun.

What are the top 4 cities in Belgium?

In 2022, the five largest cities or municipalities in Belgium in terms of population were Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi, and Liège.