Belgium: Beauty Nestled Between France, Germany and the Netherlands.
Discover Belgium: Europe's Sweetest Country
With Easter just around the corner, we decided to dedicate some time to acknowledge one of Europe's sweetest countries, and no, we don't just mean because of its small size!
If you're looking forward to tucking into some Easter eggs this weekend, you'll certainly be intrigued by the fact that Belgium produces a whopping 220,000 tonnes of chocolate per year! But that's not all that this wonderful country has to offer. From canal-side cities to beautiful beers, almighty Christmas markets, and coastal treasures, you'll certainly not be bored in Belgium. Dig into our blog and see why Belgium should not be overlooked when planning your next visit to Europe. Food glorious food!
Belgian Delicacies
Belgium is renowned for its famous variety of delicious delicacies, from the obvious traditional chocolates to deep-fried frites. While in Belgium, be sure to indulge in some tasty treats:
Chocolates: Belgium is celebrated for its chocolate, with over 2000 chocolatiers in the country. It is home to famous brands such as Côte d'Or and Belvas, and Brussels airport is the largest chocolate selling point in the world. The delicacy has been associated with the country since the 17th century. As you saunter the streets in Belgium, ensure you pay a visit to a traditional chocolate shop for a taste sensation you'll never forget!
Belgian Waffles: There are two types of Belgian waffles, the Brussels and the Liege. The Brussels waffle is rectangular, crispy on the outside, and light and airy on the inside, traditionally served topped with whipped cream and strawberries. The Liege waffle is more oval-shaped, softer, doughier, more flavorful, and sweeter, often served without toppings. We'd definitely recommend trying both types while in Belgium!
Frites: Although the French claim to have invented french fries, the delicious delicacy can actually be traced back to Belgium. It is rumored that the potato-based delights inherited the name "french fries" during WW1 when American soldiers, thinking they were in France, called them french fries instead of fried potatoes. If you've had a few too many Belgian beers or need something to keep you going as you explore the many wonderful streets of Belgian cities, frites are certainly the way to go!
Amazing Belgian Cities
Belgium is also home to some pretty amazing cities:
Antwerp: Known as one of Belgium's 'coolest' cities, Antwerp has become increasingly popular with tourists. Home to Europe's second-largest port and regarded as the world's diamond capital, Antwerp boasts a lively shopping scene, classic architecture, and a host of trendy cafes and coffee shops.
Ghent: Possibly Belgium's most underrated city, Ghent is a hidden gem. Small and cozy, the University City is full of spectacular sights, marvellous museums, and pretty canal-side architecture. It's walkable, and the city's cobbled streets are super easy to get around.
Ostend: Known as the 'Queen of Belgium's seaside resorts', Ostend features five and a half miles of sandy beaches, a fantastic promenade lined with shops, bars, and restaurants serving spectacular seafood, and many museums that must be explored.
Bruges: The golden child of Belgian tourism, Bruges is a truly beautiful city and has been popular with tourists for many years. With so much to see, from the Belfry to the Beer Wall, Basilica of Holy Blood to pretty canals, and with an all-round amazing atmosphere, it's no surprise that Bruges is so popular.
Belgian Beer & Spirits
With over 180 breweries in the country producing over a thousand different types of beer, Belgium is a haven for those with a taste for the beverage. There's something for everyone, with a great diversity of flavors from sweet to fruity, to bitter or spicy. Almost every beer is served in its own unique glass, which is said to bring out the exclusive flavors and tastes of the different beers, making drinking Belgian beer an experience as well as a taste sensation.
Trappist Beers: Possibly the most popular types of beers produced in Belgium, there are only eleven brewers in the world that can claim this prized label, six of which are located in Belgium. To be able to claim to be a Trappist beer, the beer must be produced by Trappist monks in a Trappist monastery. Some favorites include Orval, Westvleteren 12, and Westmalle Dubbel.
Genever: Pronounced 'Juh-nee-ver', Genever is a flavored spirit, often referred to as the 'grandfather of gin', as it is a juniper-flavored drink. It has been Belgium's traditional spirit for over 500 years.
Christmas Markets
Finally, how could we forget the festive markets? From November through to the New Year, the cities of Belgium are transformed into fairy tale marketplaces. Pretty lights, festive decorations, Christmas trees, and even ice rinks line the streets, as visitors flock from near and far to do their Christmas shopping.
While Bruges, Lille, and Ypres host some amazingly magical markets, Brussels Christmas market is a show stopper. With over 200 market stalls spanning from the Grand Place, the capital city is brought to life with twinkling lights, wonderful aromas, and gorgeous garlands. A Ferris wheel allows you to see the markets from above, and a huge ice rink provides fun for all the family.
So, as you can see, Belgium is certainly not boring. Head over to our website and take a look at the tours we have on offer to Belgium, one of Europe's sweetest countries.
