Belgium

Planning ahead? See typical weather for your travel dates.

Belgium has a mild maritime climate with cool winters and moderate summers. Rain is possible year-round, so it suits travel in any season, though May to September sees the most reliable weather. Best time to visit: May to September, when the weather is mildest and most reliable.

Belgium's rail network is dense and efficient, linking Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp in under an hour each. City centers are compact and walkable, with trams supplementing shorter hops.

Reliable 4G/5G coverage nationwide. Free Wi-Fi is standard in hotels, cafes, and most public spaces in the major cities.

Belgium uses the Euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small cafes and market stalls.

Belgium is famous for handmade chocolate, lace, diamonds in Antwerp, and beer. Most shops operate Monday to Saturday with reduced hours or closures on Sundays.

Belgium applies a standard VAT rate of 21% on most goods. Non-EU visitors can claim a refund on purchases over 50 EUR from participating stores, processed at the airport on departure.