A hidden gem of Western Europe, Belgium is a place full of uniqueness. More than just its love of beers, waffles, and chocolate, Belgium will also amaze you with its rich history and cultural attractions. When planning your trip to this country, we recommend you consider these things to make the most of your experience:
1. Make Time for Both North and South
Albeit small, Belgium is quite diverse. The country is mainly divided into two regions: Flanders on the north side and Wallonia on the south. Most people speak Flemish (Dutch with Flanders) dialect in Flanders and French in Wallonia. Both are Belgium’s official languages.
Flanders has a more rural atmosphere with plenty of historic architecture, modern entertainment, and beer culture. On the other hand, Wallonia has more of a natural vibe with scenic adventure, outdoor activities, and cuisine. Your trip to Belgium will be incomplete before you explore both areas.
2. Plan Your Trip Around Cultural Festivals
Dozens of cultural festivals in Belgium are worth attending. The themes are varied from flowers, chocolate, beers, and even some quirky ones such as omelettes and hot air balloons.
Modern festivals such as music and animation are also worth attending. Do a little research about the festivals you feel interested in the most, and plan your trip around the date to get the best experience.
3. Know the Places in Three Languages
While most locals use Flemish or French, Belgium officially has another language: German. Interestingly, each place in the country has its name in these three different languages. Knowing where to go in one language is not enough because you might find it written or spoken in another language. Can you believe that Mons and Bergen are the same city? On top of that, some cities may have multiple stations, thus adding more challenging names to memorize.
4. Do Not Order “French” Fries – It’s Belgian Frites!
The classic French Fries dish that is popular all over the world is not from France. It originated in Belgium. The misconception is due to American soldiers who ate this dish during World War II. They thought they were in France, while they were actually in Belgium. Ordering French Fries will annoy locals. Instead, you must refer to it as Belgian Frites.
5. Get Your Waffles Right
In the US, people call it Belgian Waffles. But in Belgium, 30 types of waffles are mainly categorized as Brussels Waffles or Liege Waffles. The Brussels type is rectangular and fluffier, which is best to serve with fruits and whipped cream. Meanwhile, the Liege one is round, dense, and studded with caramelized sugars. This one is best to eat on its own.
When looking for a place to buy your waffles from, avoid waffle sellers that offer various toppings or multilingual menus because those are just touristy waffles, not authentic ones. Authentic waffles are best eaten on their own or with simple classic toppings. Superficial toppings will overpower the taste of the waffle itself.
6. Seek for Unique Chocolatiers
There is no chocolate adventure like the one you can experience in Belgium. There are so many legendary chocolatiers, and each has its unique characteristics. Most chocolatiers allow people to buy individual pieces of chocolate instead of a boxed package, thus allowing you to visit multiple chocolate stores and taste as many variations as possible. Remember to buy some to bring home and gift it to your friends and family.
7. Notice the Beer Culture
The beer culture in Belgium is so rich that UNESCO recognizes it as an intangible cultural heritage. Once arrive in the country, you might notice so many pubs and breweries everywhere. Beer variations are also abundant in this country. Tourism attractions on Belgian beer culture may include beer historical tours, festivals, tasting, and even brewing courses.
Bonus Tips: MySecondLine Can Give You A Much Cheaper Belgium Mobile Number
MySecondLine gives you a cheaper alternative to get a Belgium mobile number. This virtual phone system is easy and quick to use. After downloading the app and generating a phone number of your choice, the only thing left to do is verify your number with an ID and address. No need to buy an expensive physical SIM card. No worry about ridiculous roaming fees to use your Belgium mobile number as much as you want every month.