Belgium’s historic market squares, canal cities, art and distinctive regional cultures draw travelers from around the world. Brussels Grand-Place offers a striking landmark image, while waffles, moules-frites and local frites make the destination irresistible for food lovers.

Key Facts

Travel Info

Capital: Brussels

Location: Western Europe with a North Sea coast

Climate: Temperate maritime, with rain possible throughout the year

Main airport: Brussels Airport (BRU)

Attractions: Grand-Place, historic Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp

Cultural Info

Greetings: Bonjour, Hallo or Guten Tag, depending on language and region

Official languages: Dutch, French and German

National football team: The Red Devils

Sports: Football, cycling and tennis

Notable athletes: Eddy Merckx, Kevin De Bruyne and Justine Henin

Cultural highlights: Art, comics, festivals and diverse Flemish, Walloon and Brussels traditions

Economic Info

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Economy: Services, trade, logistics, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing

Exports: Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery and other goods

Population and GDP per capita: Use the latest dated figures at World Bank Belgium; figures and rankings change.

Iconic Grub

Top Grub: Belgian Waffles: Brussels waffles tend to be light and rectangular; Liege waffles are denser with caramelized pearl sugar

Try This Grub: Moules-Frites: Mussels cooked with aromatics or broth and served alongside fries

More to taste: Frites, pralines, speculoos and carbonnade flamande

Popular beverages: Coffee, hot chocolate and regional beverages

Where to Grub

Explore local markets and family-run restaurants for dishes described above. Ask for regional specialties, check current hours and menus, and never mistake a researched recommendation for a firsthand review.

Sports and Culture

The Red Devils draw football fans across Belgium, while spring cycling races show how deeply racing is rooted in the country’s public life.

GrubPassport Cultural Discovery

Belgian residents have opinions about the best frites and waffle shops, with differences between Brussels and Liege waffle traditions giving visitors a delicious conversation starter.

The GrubPassport Question: Grand-Place at night, a Belgian waffle or a cycling classic?

Photograph credits: Brussels Grand-Place: Paolo Margari (Unsplash). Belgian waffle: Prashanthns (CC BY-SA 3.0); moules-frites: Bloguer (CC BY-SA 4.0), Wikimedia Commons.

Further research: UNESCO | Visit Brussels cuisine. World Bank statistics.

Research-based guide, not firsthand travel reporting. Verify travel details and dated figures before publishing. Photos used under their source license terms.