7 Things To Know Before Visiting Belgium

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares personal insights and travel tips for visiting Belgium. They highlight the ease of day trips from Brussels, the importance of understanding the local train network, and the overlooked charm of Belgian cities like Ghent. The speaker also offers advice on Belgian chocolates, recommends the unique comic book route in Brussels, and explains the contrasting atmospheres of cities like Brussels and Bruges. Additionally, they note that things close early in Belgium, especially on Sundays, and encourage travelers to spend more time exploring the country than they initially think.

Takeaways

• 😀 Treat Brussels as your base for day trips, as nearby cities like Bruges are easily accessible in under an hour.
• 🚉 Brussels Midi is the main train station, not Brussels Central, so make sure to head to the right one when traveling.
• ⏳ Belgium is often underestimated; it has a lot to offer, and more time should be spent exploring places like Ghent and Bruges.
• 🍫 Mary’s is the best chocolate shop in Belgium, while Pure Marcoloni falls short, especially with its strict purchasing requirements.
• 🍫 Bruges’ Old Hot Chocolate House offers a unique and delicious experience, with hot chocolate served in chocolate balls.
• 🏙️ Cities like Brussels and Bruges have distinct vibes: Brussels is modern and artistic, while Bruges feels like a fairytale.
• 🌆 Don’t expect to get a true feel of Belgium by visiting just one or two cities—each city has its own culture and charm.
• 📚 Brussels has a Comic Book Route with murals and comic stores scattered across the city, perfect for fans of the genre.
• ⏰ Many places in Belgium close early, especially on Sundays, so plan your sightseeing and meals for earlier in the day.
• 🛑 Belgium isn’t known for its late-night scene, so if you’re looking for nighttime entertainment, you’ll be limited in places like Bruges and Brussels.

Q & A

What is the first thing the speaker wishes they knew before visiting Belgium?

The speaker wishes they knew how easy it is to do day trips in Belgium. Instead of moving between different cities and carrying bags, they could have treated Brussels as a home base and done day trips to nearby places like Bruges.

How does the train network in Brussels differ from other European cities?

In many European cities, there's typically one main train station, but in Brussels, the main station is Brussels Midi, not Brussels Central. This can cause confusion for travelers who expect to catch trains from Brussels Central.

What was the speaker's experience with Belgium's train stations?

The speaker found that Brussels Central is not the main train station for many day trips, such as to Bruges. Brussels Midi is the bigger and more important station, and travelers should know this to avoid unnecessary walking and confusion.

What is the speaker’s opinion on spending time in Belgium?

The speaker feels that Belgium is often overlooked by tourists, but it has a lot to offer. They suggest spending more time in Belgium, particularly exploring cities like Ghent, which is frequently overshadowed by Bruges and Brussels.

Which Belgian chocolate brands did the speaker recommend?

The speaker highly recommends Mary’s Chocolate as the best, while they were not impressed with Pure Marcoloni, which required purchasing at least eight pieces of chocolate. For hot chocolate lovers, they suggest visiting the Old Hot Chocolate House in Bruges for unique flavors.

What makes the Old Hot Chocolate House in Bruges special?

The Old Hot Chocolate House offers an exceptional hot chocolate experience, including unique flavors like mango-jalapeno. The hot chocolate is served in the form of a chocolate ball, which is dropped into hot milk, making it a fun and delicious experience.

How do the cities of Brussels and Bruges differ in terms of atmosphere?

Brussels is modern, artistic, and cosmopolitan, while Bruges has a more historic, fairy-tale feel with beautiful canals and charming medieval architecture. Despite being only an hour apart, the atmosphere in each city is completely different.

Why is it important to visit multiple cities in Belgium rather than just one or two?

Belgium is home to cities with very different cultures and atmospheres. The speaker advises exploring multiple cities to fully experience the country, as each one offers something unique. For example, Ghent is often overlooked, but it's a great place to visit.

What is the comic book route in Brussels?

The comic book route in Brussels is a series of murals scattered throughout the city, showcasing artwork from famous comic books. Additionally, Brussels has numerous comic book stores and figurines, making it a great destination for comic book enthusiasts.

What should travelers know about late-night options in Belgium?

Belgium, especially Brussels and Bruges, has limited late-night options. Most shops and restaurants close early, particularly on Sundays, so travelers should plan their activities earlier in the day to make the most of their time.