|
If you would like to incorporate beer, chocolate, and history into your European vacation, then the shy but opulent country of Belgium is ideal for your destination plans.
While Belgium may seem small compared to its next door neighbors (France to the southwest, Germany to the east, and the Netherlands to the north) it’‘s packed full of surprises.
Not only does Belgium have a beautiful coast (it lies on the North Sea), it has thriving cities full of breathtaking architecture, medieval gardens, and natural settings that will make you think you are dreaming. Brussels, Belgium’‘s capital, is very small but very lovely. It has been said that Brussels is the most un-Belgian city in the world because it is full of ex-pats and eurocrats. Brussels has a nice historic center to explore, particularly Grote Market and Grand Place. Take a walk down the streets and stop in the cafes for some treats and drinks. If you are looking for excitement and you not find it in Brussels, but you will find it in Antwerp, Belgium’‘s most populated city. Baroque churches and cobble streets, museums that employed both van Gogh and Rubens, and jewelry stores galore. Fashion is also very important in Antwerp, so be sure to make room for boutique shopping.
The world’‘s biggest city in the 14th century is Bruges, and it was preserved in its entirety allowing tourists to literally step back in time once they enter. Explore the canals, convents and medieval gardens. The Minnewater (Lovers’‘ Pond) is a must-see, as is the nearby village of Damme. B sure to make this city part of your Belgian vacation, along with Dinant, which is a romantic town in a romantic country. If you are planning a trip to Belgium in the winter, be sure to visit Dinant when it is covered in snow.
Once you have decided Belgium is your vacation destination, you will need to make sure weather will not be a problem, which could be possible depending on when you go. The weather is known to be a bit fickle in the winter especially, so travel from May to September would be ideal. Of course this may mean fighting some crowds in the idyllic towns, except for Brussels which is less crowded in the summer months. Also, if traveling in the summer months there will be more to do, such as festivals and activities. If planning on visiting Belgium in April, be on guard for the unknown as far as weather is concerned. If winter is the only time you can get to Belgium, then prepare for a cold and damp climate, but uncrowded museums, and warm cafes to sip warm beverages in.
The official language in Belgium is Dutch, but in Brussels you will find both French and Dutch. The official currency is the Euro. The unofficial drink is beer- you name it and they probably invented it. Duck into a tavern and try whatever type of beer you are in the mood for, along with the mussels, which are very fresh by the coast. If you try the french fries (friet in Dutch, frites in French) get ready to dip them in mayonnaise. And don’‘t forget the chocolate! Not on the fries, or the mussels, but maybe in the beer, and definitely before and after it.
|