Belgium is a wonderful travel destination; a small but strategically important country in Northern Europe, Belgium borders France and Luxembourg among other countries. It has a coastline in the North, with sandy dunes, and also incorporates the Flemish lowlands and the rolling hills of the Ardennes in the South and East.

Boring Belgium no more

For many years, Belgium had a reputation as a dull, boring travel destination, but that view certainly does not apply anymore. All across Belgium, travellers can choose from a wide assortment of activities and sights that range from traditional and historic to modern and vibrant.

For instance, many visitors head to the beautiful city of Bruges in the north. In medieval times, Bruges was a busy port and trading city. It is still home to many historic medieval buildings that are well worth viewing, plus an array of vibrant cafes and restaurants where you can indulge your palate in extraordinary cuisine. Bruges also boasts many miles of canals, which visitors can tour and explore by boat. This wonderful and entertaining activity has earned the city the nickname "Venice of the North".

In Brussels, the capital of Belgium, you can visit spectacular and historic sites such as the city square called Grand Place and the famous statues Manneken-Pis and Janneken-Pis. Elsewhere in this historic city, you can drink in the majesty of St Michael and St Gudule's Cathedral or wander among the lush greenery of Mont des Arts Park. Before leaving Brussels, though, be sure to take a side trip about 11 miles south of the city where you will find the site of the Battle of Waterloo. It is a memorable experience to see the location where the famous battle occurred.

Outdoor activities and Belgian traditions

Cycling is practically an obsession in Belgium, so naturally it boasts many miles of cycling tracks along the canals and in and between cities. You can ride with a purpose and cover as many miles as your body can handle, or take a more leisurely pace to enjoy the scenery along the way. Other outdoor activities are plentiful in the hills of the Ardennes area, including mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, caving and sometimes skiing when the snow permits.

No visit to Belgium is complete without sampling two of the nation's most famous products - chocolate and beer. There are over 2,000 chocolate shops in Belgium, a very "sweet" situation for the devoted chocolate lover. The long tradition of brewing beer is a source of great national pride for the Belgian people. The country produces over 400 beers, which means travellers have more than enough samples to enjoy.

Getting there and getting around

Belgium's prime location in Europe means it is a major travel destination that is well served by a large number international air carriers. There are airports in Brussels, Antwerp, and Liege, just to name a few. Another popular way to get to Belgium (and get around the country once you are there) is the excellent rail system. Visitors can travel to Belgium by rail from most major European cities, making it easy to include Belgium as part of the longer European holiday. Within Belgium, there is no shortage of rail lines that can get you wherever you want to go, and once in your final destination you will almost always find good quality public transportation.

Climate and weather

Belgium typically experiences distinct seasons, including warm weather in the spring and summer months as well as cold and snowy weather in the winter. Regardless of the time of year, though, it is not unusual for Belgium to receive quite a bit of precipitation. Travel experts recommend you take along a waterproof outer layer year round, along with layers of warm and windproof clothing that can be used to adjust based on local conditions.

The climate of Belgium is one of its greatest assets, however. Warm summers and average winters, combined with plenty of rainfall and sunshine, mean the land is incredibly lush and rich in appearance. There is no mistaking the beauty of Belgium, regardless of whether you are wearing a raincoat or a light summer shawl.