Belgıum
BELGIUM
General Information
Attracting attention with its nostalgic cities, architecture and historical places; It is a country that is a member of the European Union.
The capital of the country is Brussels.
There are three official languages: Dutch, French and German.
They use the Euro as their currency.
Turkey is in the local time clock back 1 hour.
Belgium is among the countries that require a visa, you must have made your visa application and received a visa to Belgium before you go.
Location
It is located in Western Europe, on the coast of the North Sea. It borders the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast and France to the south west.
Most Visited Cities
Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Liege, Mons
Climate / Weather
A temperate climate prevails. While the average temperature is 3 degrees in January, it is 18 degrees in June. The winter season is not extremely cold, but it is rainy.
When to Go?
The best time to travel is between May and September.
Country Cuisine / What to Eat What to Drink?
It is similar to French cuisine. They cook more than 200 kinds of potatoes, which are their basic food.
Belgian chocolate is also one of the flavors known worldwide. In addition, Waffle is a dessert from Belgium.
The Western European country, Belgium, is considered to be the center of bureaucracy because it is the center of the European Union (EU) and many international institutions and organizations.
Composed of 3 autonomous regions, namely the Flemish, Walloon and Brussels capital regions, Belgium has a considerable immigrant population with diplomats working in international institutions and organizations. Turks, Algerians, Moroccans and Tunisians are among the largest immigrant groups in the country.
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is the place where many visiting the country take their first steps, but Brugge, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Antwerpen (Antwerp), known for its port, Liege and Leuven are among the most visited cities in the country.
Information About Belgium
Country Official Name: Kingdom of Belgium
Country Location: Western Europe
Capital: Brussels
Neighbors: Belgium is surrounded by France to the south and west, Luxembourg to the southeast, Germany to the east, the Netherlands to the north, and the North Sea to the west.
Ethnicity: 75 percent Belgian, 4.1 percent Italian, 3.7 percent Moroccan, 2.4 percent French, 2 percent Turkish, 2 percent Dutch, 12.8 percent other
Governing Type: Constitutional Monarchy
Area: 30.528 km²
Phone code: +32
Currency: Euro (EUR) €
Population: 11,350,000 (2017)
Official languages: Flemish, French. German is also widely spoken.
Religion: 52.5 percent Christian, 5 percent Muslim, 2.5 percent Jewish, 0.3 percent Buddhist, 41.8 percent other
Alphabet: Latin alphabet
Local Time: GMT + 2 (after one hour from Turkey)
Popular cities: Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Mons, Leuven, Liege
In the Western European country, Belgium, there is a continental climate during the winter months. The winter period is cold throughout the country, with snow and rain. In the country, where the ocean climate is felt in the summer months, the air is dry and rainy in places.
When to go to Belgium?
For those who do not like the cold and rainy weather during the winter months, Belgium can turn into grind. During the quite cold winter months, the air temperature in the country occasionally drops below zero. The spring and autumn periods are the most suitable period for exploration on foot, although there are occasional rains. You can explore the country without sweating or getting cold in this period when the air temperatures are at average values.
Belgian Flag
The official flag of the Kingdom of Belgium consists of three different colors, divided into three equal parts longitudinally. The flag has black on the far left, yellow in the middle and red on the right. The Belgian flag, which became the official flag in 1831, symbolizes the country's resistance to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Bruges: Belfry & Halle
Belgium's most recognizable sight is the beautiful bell tower and Halle, where the main square in Bruges stands. This impressive medieval building has wonderfully preserved its early architectural power. In general, trips to Belgium start from here.
Saint Bavo Cathedral
St Bavo, where Romanesque and Gothic styles are applied, shows the best religious architecture in Belgium. It is Ghent's most outstanding tourist attraction. Although the building, which rises with its remarkable windows, is important in itself, most people come here to see the famous works of art decorating the interior. Don't forget to look at the tombs under the cathedral.
Flanders Battlefield
For many visitors, Belgium's role in the frontline of the First World War, and especially the Flandra Battlefields around Ypres, are among the first reasons for the trip. This place is divided by large cemeteries for the soldiers who died here. You can clearly see the brutal face of war in Flanders.
Gravensteen
This enormous impressive castle was inspired by the sites discovered during the Crusades. Gravensteen is one of Europe's best preserved castle examples. Medieval life exhibition welcomes tourists within strong, thick and high walls. Panoramic views of the city can be enjoyed from the rooftop.
Holy Blood Basilica
If you are going to visit only one church in Bruges, choose the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Besides the blending of Romanesque and late gothic architecture, the sacred relics are also impressive. The name of the church is based on the Second Crusades. It was said that the blood of Jesus was brought to Belgium after the campaigns. That holy blood is preserved here.
Meuse Valley
Located in the south of the country, the Meuse Valley is one of the best places to feel Belgium's lush countryside. Do not delay the opportunity to take a trip to the beautiful scenery flowing along the river. The town of Namur and Dinant offers bike paths and hiking trails for those who want to add some activity to their vacation. There are also castles on the edge of the rocky cliff and historical buildings in the interior.
Great Palace
In the very center of Antwerp is the Grand Palace, identified with the city's architecture. Let's say that the building, whose construction was completed in the 16th century, is very well preserved. Many works / buildings in Belgium have reached the present day with the least loss. In the interior, you can examine the collection of pictures that show Antwerp's past. You will also see beautiful examples of Belgian style around the palace.
Mons
Exploring Mons is a thrill and adventure from start to finish. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the 400-year-old area is covered with typical buildings that preserve the symmetry. Toison d'Or House (1615) and St. George Chapel (1604) is one of the attractions. This place is under protection on the UNESCO list.
St. Peter's Church
It is around the city's main square and the center of Leuven on the Grote Markt. For architecture and history buffs, it is one of the Brabant Gothic examples, with its pointed arched windows and roof brackets. There is also a museum inside the St. Peter's Church. In the museum dedicated to religious art, suggestive works are included. The paintings that portray the scenes in the Bible are hung in various parts of the church. Dirk Bouts’s "The Last Supper" picture must be seen.
Mechelen
Its monuments may not be as famous as Bruges, but Mechelen's old town district has many buildings with a Belgian feel. If you want to leave the main center and make historical discoveries, you can wander the streets of Mechelen.
Waterloo
Waterloo is where Napoleon was defeated in the famous battle. He witnessed one of the turning points in history. A monumental lion statue was made in the place where Napoleon's army was stopped.
Semois Valley
The lush Semois Valley offers a perfect view amid historic landmarks, among Belgium's cities and towns. Walkways in the forest are an alternative for those who want to be alone with nature. Since you will see wild flowers in the spring, we recommend you to come at these times.
Ardennes
Entering the borders of Belgium, Luxembourg and France, the region is known for its dense forests and the steeply sloping valleys where the river flows. Because the Ardennes are on a strategic hill, it has been the place where wars have fought for centuries. Now, things like bicycle tour, canoe trip, nature sports, hunting are done. It is one of the touristic regions that Belgium attaches importance to.
Liege
It is both a cultural and industrial city. Europe's third largest river port is located in Liege. It is connected to Rotterdam, Germany and Antwerpen via Albert Canal. Eglisa St-Barthelemy, Comêdie Centrale de Liege, Coteaux de la Citadelle and Montagne de Bueren are among the places to visit.
Big life in the small city
Although Brussels is a small city, it has exactly 19 municipalities, which means there are many different places to see. St. From the gathering of cultures that have always been famous in Gilles to the Ixelles region, visitors need to know that they should not only be content with the Grand Palace and discover more.
Calculate that weather conditions are not always perfect
Brussels weather is very volatile. While it is a daily sun visor, it can turn into heavy rain for half an hour at a time, but then the sun appears again. Fortunately, even if it rains, there are many places in the city that can help you take that to your advantage. The Musical Instruments Museum, located right next to Mont Des Arts, has a huge place where you can listen to the unique sounds of each musical instrument with headphones. The Royal Military Museum and Autoworld, which are side by side in Cinquantenaire Park, are also worth seeing. In one, ancient soldier uniforms, weapons, vehicles and military ammunition from different periods are exhibited, while the other is the history of motor vehicles.
Enjoy the parks in the lap of lush nature
Brussels is a city that stands out with its lush nature. Among the numerous parks you can visit, especially Sonian Forest is definitely a natural wonder to see. In the southeast corner of Brussels, the heavily wooded and quite large Sonian Forest is a wonderful place where you can enjoy the afternoon sun. Beech trees and oak trees give you nothing but peace.
Bois de la Cambre, Petit Salon Square, Mont Des Arts and Park du Cinquantenaire, which are some of the famous parks of Brussels, are places you can choose to breathe the clean air, watch the flow of local life and spend time in good weather.
Save money to enjoy pleasant shopping in Brussels
You need to know that there is an amazing fashion culture in Brussels. The essence of Belgian fashion can be described as clear, unreal and avant-garde. So, budget for shopping because streets full of amazing shops will be waiting for you!
Explore local markets
When it comes to markets, it offers great options in Brussels. You can try local delicacies or take a tour to discover ancient treasures. Among the open markets, Flagey and Chatelain are the most popular ones. They both range from homemade food to international Thai and Pakistani cuisine. Marche de Tanneurs, which sells organic products, is also a place that can satisfy its enthusiasts. In addition to the food markets, if you are looking for second hand antiques, you can find items at very affordable prices in the Jeu de Belle flea market. When you go to Petit Sablon, where the best antiques of Europe are located, never hesitate to bargain to get a good price.
Seek out the delicious flavors of the city
Beer has a special place in Belgium. Each beer comes in its own special glass and is served in special glasses where it can take the necessary oxygen to reveal its natural aromas. When it comes to food, Belgian flavors are unlimited. Of course, no matter how special the meals are, french fries always come with them. It would be in your best interest to agree with the Belgians that the French Fry belongs to Belgium. When it comes to dessert, Belgium is a true paradise. You can have as high expectations for waffles, macarons or chocolate as you wish, and this is not always very high.
Follow the seasonal festivals
Fun things always happen in the European capital Brussels. Whether it's a music festival, chocolate event or film festival, the city has a very strong cultural event agenda.
Prepare a travel plan in Belgium
Although there are many things to do in the city, the best starting point for daily travel within the country is Brussels. This is where Belgium's small size turns into an advantage, allowing visitors to travel to and from the coastline, the Ardennes or another Belgian city in a single day.
You don't need to know French or Dutch
Almost everyone speaks French in Brussels and in the heart of Belgium. You can often hear Dutch also near the border. However, if you know English, you can easily communicate. Since Brussels is an international city, English is as accepted as the mother tongue, and the people of the country are very kind and understanding towards people who do not speak their own language.
Brussels, where you can visit the European Dream, has many attractions worth seeing from its streets to its museums, as well as being home to important institutions of the European Union. It is definitely a wonderful European city with colorful graffiti, antique shops, boutiques, a variety of beers, dynamic museums and restaurants where you can get to know the new Belgian cuisine or fusion cuisine.