UK
Beer, Chocolate & Medieval Charm
From fairy-tale towns and Gothic cathedrals to world-class chocolate and vibrant festivals, Belgium is a compact cultural powerhouse. It’s ideal for UK travellers seeking a short, stylish European escape.
Air Travel
Direct flights from London to Brussels take around 1 hour. Other cities like Antwerp and Liège are easily reached by train or short domestic connections.
Airlines
British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet, and Eurostar offer excellent connectivity. Domestic travel is mostly by rail.
Belgium
Beer, Chocolate & Medieval Charm
Landmark
Travel Season
- March–May: Spring blooms and mild weather
- June–September: Warm and lively, perfect for festivals
- October–December: Cosy markets and fewer crowds
Currency & Money Tips
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Cards widely accepted; cash useful for small purchases
- ATMs are plentiful; contactless payments common
- Tipping is appreciated but not expected (5–10% is standard)
Connectivity
- Free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and public spaces
- Local SIM cards (Proximus, Orange, BASE) available at airports
- High-speed internet is widely available
Getting Around
- Trains are fast and ideal for intercity travel
- Trams and buses in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent
- Walking and cycling are popular in historic towns
- Car hire available but not necessary for city breaks
Time Zone
- Central European Time (CET) – GMT+1
Etiquette & Culture
- Tipping is polite but not mandatory
- Respect quiet zones on public transport
- Greet with “Bonjour” or “Hallo” depending on region
- Multilingual country—French, Dutch, and German spoken
Top Destinations
- Brussels: Capital charm, museums, and chocolate
- Bruges: Canals, cobblestones, and medieval magic
- Ghent: Art, architecture, and student buzz
- Antwerp: Fashion, diamonds, and baroque beauty
- Liège: Riverfront culture and nightlife
fastfood Food & Drink
- Must-try: Belgian waffles, Moules-frites, Stoofvlees (beef stew), Speculoos biscuits
- World-famous beer and chocolate
- Tap water is safe to drink
- Cafés and brasseries offer hearty local fare
personal_bag What to Pack
- Layered clothing for changeable weather
- Smart casual for dining out
- Power adapter (Type C/E plugs)
- Comfortable shoes for cobbled streets
Best Time to Visit
- March–May: Springtime charm and fewer crowds
- June–September: Warm and festive
- December: Christmas markets and cosy vibes
health_and_safety Safety & Health
- Belgium is very safe; watch for pickpockets in busy areas
- Emergency number: 112 (police, ambulance, fire)
- Travel insurance recommended
- No special vaccinations required beyond routine UK jabs
-
Brussels
Book cheap flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham & more UK airports to Brussels. Compare airlines, find direct flights, and discover the best time to travel from the UK to Brussels.