Compact, multilingual and superbly connected by rail, Belgium lets you see four distinct cities in a long weekend—or dive deeper over a week. I – Ullrich H. Angersbach – visited Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp, and what stood out was the contrast: EU glass towers giving way to guildhalls, canal reflections, and cafés where chocolate and beer are treated like high art.

US entry (Schengen): US citizens can visit visa-free for short tourism (up to ~90/180). An ETIAS travel authorization is planned for future implementation—check status before departure. Passport should have 6+ months validity beyond your stay.

Arrival & first steps

Fly into Brussels (BRU); trains from the airport reach the city center in under 30 minutes. From Brussels, frequent intercity trains reach Bruges (~1 h), Ghent (~35 min) and Antwerp (~45 min). English is widely spoken; contactless cards work almost everywhere.

Money sense: Prices vary by city and season. Museum passes (e.g., a Brussels Card) bundle transit and entry discounts—worth it if you love galleries.

Brussels: gilded façades & comic panels

• Grand-Place: a theatrical square wrapped in ornate guildhouses; it’s luminous after dark.
• Atomium: post-war futurism with city views.
• Royal Museums of Fine Arts: Bruegel’s imagination and Rubens’ drama under one roof.
• Bande Dessinée (comics): mural trails and a dedicated museum celebrate Tintin and friends.
• Tastes: frites twice-fried, waffles (yeast-raised Liège or lighter Brussels style), mussels in white wine, pralines made like couture.

Bruges: canal-laced quiet

Instead of the clichéd nickname, think of Bruges as a water-drawn tapestry—belfry bells, stepped gables, willow-hung quays.

• Belfry climb: a spiral of stone to a horizon of rooftops.
• Boat tour: glide under low bridges; sunset rides are especially serene.
• Church of Our Lady: Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child in a dim, contemplative space.
• Chocolate ateliers: beyond big names, seek tiny workshops tempering small-batch bars.

Stay a night if you can; evenings belong to the echo of footsteps and bikes.

Ghent: history that still studies

Ghent balances medieval landmarks with student energy.

• Gravensteen: a fortress dropped into the middle of town—turrets, views and a wry audio guide.
• St. Bavo’s Cathedral: the restored Ghent Altarpiece rewards patient looking—reserve a time slot.
• Graslei/Korenlei: guild houses mirrored in still water; come at blue hour.

Antwerp: Rubens, rough harbor, refined fashion

A city of work and polish—container cranes beyond, couture within.

• Cathedral of Our Lady: Rubens’ altarpieces in a soaring Gothic shell.
• Rubenshuis: the painter’s studio-home, equal parts domestic and theatrical.
• Diamonds: trading history and today’s precision craftsmanship in the Diamond District.
• MAS: a stacked panorama of Antwerp’s maritime story; rooftop views are free.
• ModeMuseum (MoMu): Belgian fashion’s sharp angles and wit.

Health, safety & practicalities (US focus)

• Vaccines: No special shots required for Belgium; keep routine immunizations current.
• Water & food: tap water is potable; food standards are high.
• Medical care: excellent; carry travel insurance for out-of-pocket surprises.
• Safety: urban-normal. Watch bags at stations and crowded squares; use hotel safes.
• Power: 230 V, Type C/E plugs—bring an adapter.
• Tipping: service typically included; rounding up small amounts is appreciated, not mandatory.
• When to go: April–June and September–October for clear light and fewer crowds; December for markets and lights.

Conclusion: layers, not checklists

Belgium rewards unhurried looking—stonework at eye level, paintings that open with time, canals that reflect shifting skies. With rail links, museum passes and compact city centers, it’s an easy European win for US travelers who want depth without logistical drama.

Recommended Reading (English)

• Lonely Planet, Belgium & Luxembourg — thorough and practical.
• Rick Steves, Bruges & Brussels — focused cultural touring.
• Jan Morris, Belgium — elegant essays that give the country a voice.

• • • Cambodia
    • Côte d’Azur
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    • Croatian Coast
    • Gdańsk – Malbork – Sopot
    • Greece Journey
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    • Myanmar
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    • Oman
    • Seiser Alm
    • Slovenia
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    • Sweden
    • Tenerife
    • Venice
    • Vietnam
    • Warsaw – Krakow

Disclaimer

This guide reflects my personal experience in Belgium. Schengen rules, ETIAS timing, museum reservation systems and prices evolve—confirm details with official sources before you go.

About the Author – Ullrich H. Angersbach

I, Ullrich H. Angersbach, gravitate to places where old stones meet everyday life—Brussels’ galleries, Bruges’ quiet quays, Ghent’s libraries, Antwerp’s ateliers. I write for travelers who want substance and ease in the same itinerary.

Copyright

© 2025 Ullrich H. Angersbach. All rights reserved. Use or reproduction only with written permission.