Belgium is a small country in Western Europe. It borders France to the southwest, Luxemburg to the southeast, Germany to the east and the Netherlands to the north. The North Sea is on its northwestern side.
Despite its small size, it has a dense population of nearly 11 million inhabitants. The country blends cultures from Germany and Latin Europe. It has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German.
The official currency is Euro. Currency exchange is available in banks, post offices, airports, some train stations and exchange offices near tourist sites. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Also, ATMs are multiple. They offer attractive exchange rates too.
Taxis are plentiful, they have meters and the final price already includes tips. Also, all major car hire companies are present in the country. You can choose a self-drive or a car with a driver. Roads are in good condition. Cars drive on the right side of the road here.
In Belgium, they use electric sockets of types C and F, as everywhere in Europe. The standard voltage is 230V.
Tourism is a significant sector of the Belgian economy. The accessibility from almost everywhere in Europe makes the country an attractive tourist destination. Two-thirds of visitors come from nearby countries, such as France, the Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, and also from Spain and Italy. All the others come from all around the world.
What it lacks in territorial breadth, it makes up for in both the richness of its cultural and artistic treasures. Many artistic movements hail from Belgium. Its influence is seen in both Europe’s art and culture.
The heritage of paintings and architecture is exceptionally rich. The examples of the Mosan art, the Renaissance, and the Baroque paintings, as well as Romanesque, Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture, are the milestones of the Belgian history of arts. During the 19th and the 20th centuries, many Belgian artists emerged as expressionists, surrealists, and impressionists.
Belgian architectures Victor Horta and Henry van de Velde are acknowledged as the initiators of the Art Nouveau style in architecture.
Belgium also produced many famous musicians, composers, singers, and bands. In 1846 the Belgian Adolphe Sax invented the saxophone. The country is also famous for its literature and comics. The Adventure of Tintin by Hergé is the best known Franco-Belgian comics.
Before visiting, brace your taste buds for the broad selection of food and drink available throughout the country. Chocolates, waffles, mussels, and beer – you name it, Belgium has it. It boasts over 800 types of local beer. It also produces over 220,000 tons of chocolates per year!
If you’re looking for truly indulgent travel, this country is the place for you!
July 18, 2016 12:00 am Leave your thoughts
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