Explore Belgium

Explore Belgiumhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/belgiumExplore Belgiumhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/belgium/belgian-cities-to-exploreBelgium is a country full of cultural delights. Here's what to discover in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Boom.2018-02-20T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/belgium/belgian-cities-to-explorehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#Brussels">Brussels</a></li> <li><a href="#Antwerp">Antwerp</a></li> <li><a href="#Ghent">Ghent</a></li> <li><a href="#Bruges">Bruges</a></li> <li><a href="#Boom">Boom</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="Brussels">1. Brussels</h2> <p>Despite its reputation for being somewhat boring, Brussels is littered with UNESCO World Heritage sites.</p> <p>If you find yourself in the unofficial EU capital, start by visiting The Grand Place. Surrounded by historic private and public buildings, check out the markets and cafes, or visit at night when the square lights up. Every second year in August, to coincide with Assumption Day, the square is covered by a Flower Carpet weaved out of begonias – which makes it a good time to plan your trip, if you're unsure when to go.</p> <p>Birth place of The Smurfs, Tintin and many other comic book characters, you can’t miss a chance to spot them all in Brussel’s street art. Hunt them down while strolling to the Atomium building or the Royal Palace of Belgium. </p> <p>Feeling hungry? No trip to Belgium is complete without indulging in a chocolate tour. Sample your way around the city and satisfy your sweet tooth. </p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/europe/flower-carpet-grand-palace-brussels-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption>The Flower Carpet at Brussels Grand Palace. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Antwerp">2. Antwerp</h2> <p>Smaller than Brussels but seemingly larger in life, Antwerp has got a lot of character. The stylish city has earned the title of Belgium’s fashion capital – just take a stroll down the Meir to find out why. </p> <p>If you can, arrive by train to get an architecturally-striking welcome inside Antwerp Central Station. Dubbed Europe’s most romantic train station, this railroad cathedral is one of the city’s main landmarks. </p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/europe/antwerp-central-station-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption>Antwerp Central Station, Belgium. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <p>Afterwards, make your way to Grote Markt in the heart of Antwerp. Pull up a chair in the main square and relax with a cold, cherry beer while sitting in the shadow of city hall, towering above you. Here, you’ll also find the impressive Christmas Markets and ice-skating rink during winter.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/europe/grote-markt-antwerp-belgium-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption>Cycling around the Grote Markt. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Ghent">3. Ghent</h2> <p>Ghent is largely skipped by tourists (for now), which makes it all the more worthwhile. The main train station, Gent-Sint-Pieters, is easily reached by all nearby European cities, and a short 30-minute ride away from Brussels Central Station – so there are no excuses. </p> <p>Check out the Gravensteen Castle, surrounded by a moat and offering panoramic city views from the rooftop. Next, stroll to one of the most picturesque areas in the city, St Michael’s Bridge, and take a seat by the canal. </p> <p>Let your artistic side fly at the Werregarenstraat – also known as the Graffiti Alley. Showing off some truly artistic murals, visitors and locals are allowed to leave their mark on the city down this alley. So, pick up some spray paint and get creative at Ghent’s unofficial art scene.</p> <p>For a different perspective of the city and a lesson in its history, hop on board a canal cruise, where your captain doubles as your guide. </p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/europe/ghent-canal-belgium-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption>Locals and travelers chilling by the canal in Ghent. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Bruges">4. Bruges</h2> <p>It’s not hard to see why Bruges has become Belgium’s biggest draw-card for travelers. Take a stroll to see colorful houses that look like they’ve been torn straight out of a children’s book. </p> <p>Make your way to Rozenhoedkaai Bridge to see the most photographed spot in Bruges, or head to Belfry Tower for sweeping views of the city. After, stroll along the colorful Market Square or take your pick of one of many street cafes. </p> <p>Brave the chilly temperatures and visit during winter (December–March) to experience some of the best Christmas Markets in Europe.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/europe/rozenhoedkaai-bridge-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption>Historic Centre of Bruges. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="Boom">5. Boom</h2> <p>Located close to Antwerp, this Belgian town made the list for one reason – Tomorrowland festival. In case you weren’t aware, Tomorrowland is THE festival you need to add to your European trip. </p> <p>Known as the largest electronic music festival in the world, this event pairs top DJs with visual art producers to amaze your senses. But you better be quick, tickets are notoriously hard to get your hands on, and often sell out the day they go live. </p>iStock/RossHelen 0811442416 iStock Woman traveling in Gent old town, Belgium

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/europe/belgium/language-difficulties-belgiumDon't get tongue-tied – find out where to speak Dutch, French and German before you go.2023-06-26T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/europe/belgium/language-difficulties-belgiumhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Belgium's linguistic diversity stems from a series of political and cultural conflicts that started many hundreds of years ago, and continues to this day. It's important travelers are aware of the sensitivities that surround language, and how it changes depending on <a href="/explore/europe/belgium/belgian-cities-to-explore">where you're traveling in the country</a>.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#language-regions-in-belgium">Language regions in Belgium</a></li> <li><a href="#double-dutch">Dutch and French, the main languages</a></li> <li><a href="#bi-lingual-signs-around-belgium">Bilingual signs around Belgium</a></li> <li><a href="#belgian-dialects">Belgian dialects</a></li> <li><a href="#political-divide-in-belgium">Political divide in Belgium</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="language-regions-in-belgium">Language regions in Belgium</h2> <p>Belgium is divided into three regions: Flanders in the north, the Brussels-Capital Region in the middle, and Wallonia in the south.</p> <p>To make matters a little more confusing, the Flemish <a href="/explore/guides/dutch-travel-phrasebook">speak Dutch</a> but do not consider themselves Dutch, and the Walloons <a href="/explore/guides/french-travel-phrasebook">speak French</a> but do not consider themselves French. There is also a small region of <a href="/explore/guides/german-travel-phrasebook">German-speaking</a> Belgians on the German border.</p> <figure><img src="https://d2ty3p0lzh1wfl.cloudfront.net/safetyhub_images/Belgium/antwerp.jpg" alt="Antwerp at night" /><figcaption>Antwerp at night. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="double-dutch">Dutch and French, the main languages of Belgium</h2> <p>The primary language in Belgium is Dutch, spoken by approximately 60% of the population. The Flemish dialect is almost identical to the Dutch spoken across the border in the Netherlands, but some differences in vocabulary have led some to refer to the language colloquially as "Flemish".</p> <p>French is the second most common language in Belgium, spoken by almost 40% of the population. Many Flemish people can also speak French as a second language. Like the Dutch spoken in Flanders, Belgian French is mostly similar to the dialect spoken in France, but there are small differences in vocabulary and pronunciation.</p> <p>German, while one of the three official languages, is much less prevalent and spoken by less than 1% of the population.</p> <h2 id="bi-lingual-signs-around-belgium">Bilingual signs around Belgium</h2> <p>As a result of the language split across the country, many road signs and other notices around Belgium are written in both French and Dutch.</p> <p>In Brussels, the main language spoken is French. Like many capital cities, the city is multilingual, perhaps because it is the de facto capital of the European Union, and the high number of foreign officials and diplomats who live there. All public services and signs are in both French and Dutch.</p> <figure><img src="https://d2ty3p0lzh1wfl.cloudfront.net/safetyhub_images/Belgium/spa.jpg" alt="Spa, Belgium" /><figcaption>Spa, Belgium. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="belgian-dialects">Belgian dialects</h2> <p>To really test your language skills, in some parts of the country languages are broken down even further into regional dialects. As you travel around Belgium, you may hear variations such as East Flemish, West Flemish, Walloon (mostly spoken by older people in rural areas), Picard, Low Dietsch, and Luxembourgish. Antwerp also has one of the few Jewish communities worldwide that still speak Yiddish as its dominant language.</p> <h2 id="political-divide-in-belgium">Political divide in Belgium</h2> <p>The language divide is just one part of much greater segregation between the Flanders and Wallonia regions. When you're talking to locals in the north, it is common for them to describe themselves as being "from Flanders" rather than "from Belgium". Indeed, Flanders has its own parliament and government, and several political parties continue to campaign for Flemish independence.</p> <p>As a result, it's wise to be sensitive to these cultural and linguistic differences when talking to locals in Belgium. To be on the safe side, start every conversation in English. Most Belgians are bilingual (many are even trilingual) and speak fluent English.</p> <h2>Language guides</h2> <p>Because not everyone speaks English as fluently as the Belgians – and also because it's good manners to know some of the local lingo – take advantage of our <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/guides#phrasebooks">24 travel phrasebook apps for your iPhone</a>. From <a href="/explore/guides/arabic-travel-phrasebook">Arabic</a> to <a href="/explore/guides/korean-travel-phrasebook">Korean</a>, these apps are packed with essential phrases to know before you go.</p>Getty Images/Dhwee 0