Belgium
Last checked:
- Capital
- Brussels
- Currency
- EUR · Euro
- Languages
- Dutch, French, German
- Plugs
- Type C, E · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Grand-Place / Grote Markt · Brussels
Ornate guild houses and the Gothic town hall around Europe's most famous square.
- Bruges historic centre · Bruges
Canals, medieval Markt square and the Belfry; stay overnight to avoid day-trip crowds.
- Ghent old town and Gravensteen · Ghent
Medieval castle, canalside guild houses and the Ghent Altarpiece in St. Bavo's Cathedral.
- Atomium · Brussels
Giant 1958 Expo model of an iron crystal with views from the top sphere.
- Antwerp Cathedral and Grote Markt · Antwerp
Rubens paintings in the Cathedral of Our Lady, plus the main square and fashion district.
Getting around
Trains
SNCB/NMBS app
Belgian Railways connects all major cities often (Brussels to Bruges or Ghent in about an hour). Weekend and youth discounts are available; buy in the app before boarding.
Public transport
STIB-MIVB
Brussels metro, trams and buses. Tap a contactless bank card at the validator or use a MOBIB card; singles about 2 EUR.
Public transport
De Lijn / TEC
Regional buses and trams in Flanders (De Lijn app) and Wallonia (TEC).
Ride-hailing app
Uber
Available in Brussels and some other cities, with upfront prices.
Ride-hailing app
Bolt
Available in Brussels; often cheaper than taxis.
Taxi
Taxi
Use official licensed taxis. Airport to central Brussels is about 35-40 EUR. Some drivers overcharge unaware visitors; confirm the fare.
Bike share
Villo! / Lime / Dott
Brussels bike share and dockless e-bikes and scooters, paid by app (varies).
Money and cash
Currency: EUR · Euro
Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere; the local debit system is Bancontact, but Visa and Mastercard work in most places. Carry a little cash for small bakeries, frites stands and markets. Public transport in Brussels accepts contactless bank cards.
Tipping
Service is included in Belgian bills, so tipping is not customary but is appreciated. People round up or leave a few euros for good service.
| Restaurants | Round up or leave a few euros (around 5-10% at most) for good service. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Round up or leave small coins. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up (optional). |
| Hotels | Optional: 1-2 EUR per bag or per night. |
| Tours and guides | Free walking tours rely on tips; a few euros for paid tours. |
| Food delivery | Optional: round up. |
Service charge: what’s true
Service and VAT are included in menu prices, so the total on the bill is what you owe. Toilets in cafes and stations sometimes charge 0.50 EUR or more.
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely reported tipping pressure. The common issue is tourist-trap restaurants on Rue des Bouchers in Brussels, where touts lure people in and extras push up the bill: check prices before sitting down.
Useful phrases
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît. / De rekening, alstublieft. The bill, please (French / Dutch).
- Gardez la monnaie. / Laat maar zitten. Keep the change (French / Dutch).
Etiquette
- Language is a sensitive topic: use Dutch greetings in Flanders ('Goedendag') and French in Wallonia ('Bonjour').
- Cities have different names in each language (Mons/Bergen, Liège/Luik, Antwerp/Antwerpen); signs may only show the local one.
- Greet staff when entering shops and restaurants.
- Beer is served in its brand's own glass; sip strong Belgian beers slowly.
- Cover shoulders in churches and keep quiet during services.
- Many shops close on Sundays.
Scams and how to handle them
Rue des Bouchers restaurant traps
Where: Rue des Bouchers / Beenhouwersstraat near the Grand-Place, Brussels
How it works: Touts pull you in with cheap set menus, then drinks, extras and bread push the bill far higher.
How to avoid it: Check the full menu with prices before sitting down; eat a few streets away.
Luggage theft on international trains
Where: Eurostar, TGV and former Thalys (Eurostar Red) trains at Brussels-Midi
How it works: Thieves board just before departure and grab bags from racks as the doors close.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables with you and watch luggage at stops.
Distraction pickpocketing
Where: Gare du Midi, Gare du Nord, Grand-Place, Schuman area, metro
How it works: One person distracts you (asks a question, spills something) while another steals.
How to avoid it: Keep bags zipped and in front; be firm with strangers who crowd you.
Car window smash at traffic lights
Where: Brussels roads and junctions
How it works: Thieves on motorbikes break car windows at lights and grab bags from the seat.
How to avoid it: Keep bags in the boot or footwell, doors locked.
Unlicensed taxis and overcharging
Where: Stations and airport
How it works: Unmarked cars solicit passengers; some licensed drivers overcharge unaware visitors.
How to avoid it: Use official taxis or Uber/Bolt and confirm the price.
Safety
- Theft and pickpocketing are common in crowded areas; watch passports and luggage.
- Brussels hotspots: Gare du Midi/Zuid and Gare du Nord (take care at night), central Brussels, the Schuman EU quarter and public transport at night.
- Drug gang violence (shootings, stabbings) occurs in parts of Brussels and Antwerp; it mostly affects those involved, but avoid areas police have cordoned off.
- Bike and tram lanes are busy in cities; look both ways.
- Pickpockets also work Bruges and Antwerp tourist areas.
How widely English is spoken
Brussels is very English-friendly and most tourism staff speak English well. English is fairly good in Flanders but much less common in Wallonia, where French is needed.
Sources
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.