Waffles, Beer and Chocolate

Belgium is known for medieval squares, chocolate, fries, and some of the world's best beer. You should go if: You like compact cities that are easy to reach by train You care about food, from waffles to Michelin-level dining You want canals, belfries and art without the crowds of Paris or Amsterdam You like beer - Delirium in Brussels is a must Must-visit places: Brussels: The Grand-Place, the Atomium and comic-strip murals Bruges: Canals and cobbled lanes; stay overnight for quiet evenings Ghent: Gravensteen castle and a lively student scene Antwerp: Fashion, diamonds and the Rubens House The Ardennes and Dinant: Forests, caves and river towns Must-try foods: Frites with mayonnaise from a frietkot Moules-frites: Mussels with fries Waffles: Liège (dense, caramelized) and Brussels (light) Carbonnade flamande: Beef stewed in beer Pralines and speculoos biscuits Fun facts: Belgian beer culture is on UNESCO's intangible heritage list. Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. Tintin and the Smurfs both come from Belgium. Logistics Best time: April to October; December for Christmas markets Currency: Euro Getting around: Frequent, inexpensive trains connect the main cities Tipping: Service is included; rounding up is enough Good to know: Language varies by region, so Dutch in Flanders and French in Wallonia Must-learn phrases: Hello: Hallo (Dutch) / Bonjour (French) Please: Alstublieft / S'il vous plaît Thank you: Dank je wel / Merci Goodbye: Tot ziens / Au revoir Cheers!: Proost! / Santé!