Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in Belgium! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to Belgium, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
Belgium Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU or UK national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Belgium for up to 90 days.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Belgium currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
VISA
All non-EU citizens that intend to travel to Belgium need to apply for a VISA. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the EU as a UK resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in Europe.
Read more about it, check your eligibility, and apply for an EHIC here.
Belgium Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Belgium throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels | 1° / 6° | 1° / 7° | 4° / 10° | 6° / 14° | 9° / 18° | 12° / 20° |
| Ostend | 2° / 6° | 2° / 7° | 3° / 9° | 5° / 12° | 9° / 15° | 11° / 18° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels | 14° / 22° | 13° / 22° | 11° / 19° | 8° / 14° | 5° / 9° | 2° / 6° |
| Ostend | 13° / 20° | 13° / 21° | 11° / 18° | 8° / 14° | 5° / 10° | 3° / 7° |
When to visit
The best time to visit Belgium is in the Spring and Autumn, between the months of April and June, and September and October. The weather is warm, there are lots of festivals happening, and it’s not too crowded.
Peak season is the Summer between July and August, where music festivals and other activities are held, and it’s the perfect time to hang out on the beach.
Getting around in Belgium
Children under 12 travel for free.
MoBIB cards cover all public transport in Belgium. You can purchase an anonymous one as a tourist for €5 online, at stations via the red GO vending machine, and at KIOSK and BOOTIK shops. You can then load the card with tickets online or at the vending machine or shops. To validate your card, hold it to the red validator in stations, trams and buses.
- A single ticket costs €2.60 and is valid for one journey up to one hour, on all buses, trams, and metros.
- A one-day ticket costs €8 and is valid for one day of travel, including on the night bus Noctis.
With the Whim app (Android/iOS) you can navigate buses, trains, taxis, the metro and even shared bikes in Belgium. Helpfully, you can buy tickets through the app too.
Trains
All trains in Belgium are operated by SNCB. You can plan your journey and also buy tickets on their website.
You can download the BeTrains app on Android to help you plan your train journey across Belgium.
SNCB International can also take you to European destinations like France, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland and many more.
Buses
Bus routes in Belgium are handled by three separate companies: STIB, TEC, and De Lijn. The STIB buses cover the Brussels area, TEC Wallonia, and De Lijn Flanders.
Buses tend to run from around 04:30 to 00:00, but with lower frequency at the weekends. The Noctis night bus runs from 00:00 to 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
You can use your MoBIB card on buses, or buy a ticket at stations, kiosks, or on the bus itself.
Trams
Antwerp, Brussels, Charleroi, Ghent and Kusttram all operate tram lines, which can be boarded with your MoBIB card or contactless card, or a paper ticket from vending machines or the tram station itself.
Metros
The Metro in Brussels has four standard lines and three premetro lines, similar to tram lines. It covers 59 stations, enabling you to travel comfortably across the city. It runs from around 05:00 to 00:30 on weekdays, and 06:00 to 00:00 on weekends and school holidays.
You can use your MoBIB card on the network, a contactless card, or purchase a paper ticket from a GO vending machine or KIOSK/BOOTIK.
Taxis
Generally taxis in Belgium will be black with a yellow and black checkered pattern on the side. They can be hailed in the street, or found at taxi ranks near popular attractions, stations and ports, and are normally pretty reliable.
A set fare is normally set plus an amount per kilometer traveled. There will be a supplement for night-time travel.
Luggage storage
Brussels’ main train station, Brussels Midi, has luggage lockers in the broad passageway level with platforms 3-6, which is open 24 hours a day and can be paid for with a contactless card.
| Locker Size | Locker Dimensions | Cost for up to 24 hours | Cost per week |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 14x23x60 cm | €4.50 | €25 |
| M | 19x30x60 cm | €6.50 | €35 |
| L | 44x34x60 cm | €9.00 | €45 |
| XL | 58x50x60 cm | €11.00 | €55 |
| XXL | 89x50x60 cm | €13.50 | €65 |
You can also find lockers in Antwerp-Central, Antwerp-Berchem, Mons, Bruges, Blankenberge, Brussels-Central, Brussels-Luxembourg, Brussels-North, Brussels-South, Charleroi, Gent-Dampoort, Gent-Sint-Pieters, Hasselt, Knokke, Kortrijk, Leuven, Liege-Guillemins, Mechelen, Namur, Ostend and Ottignies stations.
There are other luggage storage solutions in Belgium including Bounce, LuggageHero, Nannybag, and Radical Storage, who all offer different locations and pricing options.
Further practical information for travelling in Belgium
What language is mainly spoken in Belgium?
Dutch is the official language of Belgium, while most people also speak French and German to some degree, and around 70% of people speak English.
What is the main currency of Belgium?
The currency of Belgium is the Euro (€).
What is the emergency number in Belgium?
If you need emergency services in Belgium, you can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, the police and other services such as the coastguard.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Belgium?
You will need a Type C or E 2-pin system adapter for plugs in Belgium. Belgium operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Belgium?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Belgium.
Are public toilets free in Belgium?
Generally, public toilets cost between €0.50-€1 to use, so it’s worth carrying around a little pocket change in case you cannot pay by card.
Is there free public wi-fi in Belgium?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in Belgium, including on some public transport. Look for it in places like museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Belgium?
When tipping serving staff, it’s normal to round up the bill 5-15% to a convenient number, for example €27 to €30, but it’s not expected.
What is the drinking age in Belgium?
Depending on the regional requirements and the percentage of alcohol involved, the drinking age in Belgium is either 16 or 18. At age 16, drinks containing less than 1.2% of alcohol are consumable, while you must wait until age 18 to drink spirits.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Belgium?
There isn’t much dangerous wildlife in Belgium, other than the venomous Common Adder, but always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 14/06/2024
Looking to book a hotel in Belgium? Use Booking.com to browse hundreds of hotels in the area you want to stay, using filters like price range, star rating, facilities and much more to find your ideal room. By signing up to their free loyalty program, the more you travel, the more you save, with exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, free room upgrades and more.
Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in West Europe!