Belgium is one of the most industrialized countries in Europe. It shares its borders with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Germany. The capital city, Brussels, is considered as a center of the world economy and diplomacy. It is also the headquarters of the European Union.

• Official Name: Kingdom of Belgium.
• Capital: Brussels.
• Population: 11.6 M in 2021.
• Currency: Euro.
• Official Language: Belgium has three official languages that are Dutch, French, and German.
• Visa Requirements: As it is a part of Schengen, so, anyone can visit it with a valid Schengen visa.
• Best Time to Visit: late Spring(April-May) to early Autumn(September-October) is the best time to visit Belgium.

Belgium is a safe country to live and visit. Although violent crime remains unusual. However, low-level street crime is common. So, muggings, purse snatchings, and pickpocketing occur frequently in tourist areas. Especially the three train stations in Brussels like North Station (Bruxelles-Nord or Brussel-Noord), Central Station (Bruxelles-Central or Brussel-Centraal), and the South Station (Bruxelles-Midi or Brussel-Zuid) need special care. Moreover, thieves often steal carry-ons placed above seats when large crowds of people exit at a train stop. As per a Recent Report, there is an increase in theft from vehicles.

Transportation Systems in Belgium

In fact, public transportation is excellent in most parts of Belgium and is used by much of the population. Furthermore, the Inter-city trains, metro trains, trams, buses, and taxis make moving around the country very easy.

• One of the most convenient ways to get to or get around Belgium is by train. So, you can travel between Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp for a fare from 5€ to 15€. The best site to plan and book is the SNCB website or Euroline. For detailed planning, you can use Seat 61 as a source point.
• Alternatively, budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the country at a cheap rate.
• Finally, by keeping a flexible schedule, one can use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar.

Accommodation

A hostel dormitory bed starts around €15~20 and most hostels come with breakfast. Budget hotels start at around €50 per night for a single room with basic amenities. While Airbnb is popular throughout the country and you can get a shared room for €16 and an entire apartment start around €50.

I stayed in the downtown area at the 2GO4 Quality hostel. Moreover, I booked it by Booking.com. By staying there I can recommend it.

However, the other sites to plan and choose your accommodation are Air BnB, Agoda, and Hostelworld. When you’re looking for a hostel, do your research, read reviews to get a feel for the place. And finally, book at somewhere that suits you

Food and local Dishes

It is sometimes said that Belgian food is served in the quantity of German cuisine but with the quality of French food. Belgium is often called the country of beer, chocolate, fries, and waffles. So, top of the list must-try eateries includes the

• Eat some of the tasty Belgian Chocolate
• Enjoy a Belgian Waffle
• Frites, the Belgian version of French fries.
• Waterzooi, a traditional Belgian seafood stew. Its ingredients are julienne-sliced vegetables, eggs, and a cream-based soup.
• Stoemp, a creamy dish is the superior version of vegetarian mashed potatoes and is considered a staple of Belgium food.