Thinking About Belgium Holidays? Your Travel Plan Starts Here

Why Visit Belgium in 2025 and How to Get There

Belgium offers a seamless blend of art, history, architecture, and culinary excellence. From the cobbled canals of Bruges to the Art Nouveau quarters of Brussels and the cultural energy of Ghent, every city offers a unique flavor. In 2025, new cultural exhibitions, improved train connections, and a resurgence of boutique hotels make Belgium even more attractive for UK visitors.

Getting to Belgium from the UK is fast and flexible. Eurostar offers direct high-speed train services from London St Pancras to Brussels in just over two hours. Flights are also available from cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh to Brussels Airport. Ferries and self-drive options via Dover to Calais or Dunkirk remain popular for longer trips that include Belgium as part of a multi-country itinerary.

Many Belgium vacation packages from the UK include hotel, rail or air transport, and guided excursions—ideal for relaxed planning.

What to Do with 3 Days in Belgium

A three-day holiday is ideal for exploring Brussels or Bruges, with time for a half-day trip or two.

Start in Brussels with a visit to the Grand Place, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. Explore the Magritte Museum, taste chocolates at Pierre Marcolini, and have lunch in the historic Galeries Royales. In the afternoon, walk past the Royal Palace and visit the Atomium for panoramic views.

Spend your second day on a train trip to Bruges—less than an hour away. Discover medieval buildings, take a canal boat tour, and visit the Belfry Tower. Try local specialties like moules-frites and Flemish stew.

On your final day, return to Brussels and explore the Sablon antiques district or take a tram to the Art Nouveau neighbourhood of Ixelles before your departure.

Three-day Belgium vacation packages often include accommodation in central Brussels, train transfers to Bruges, and entry to key museums.

How to Spend 7 Days in Belgium

A one-week itinerary lets you explore multiple cities at a relaxed pace. Begin with two nights in Brussels to cover highlights like the Grand Place, EU Quarter, and local markets. Then travel to Ghent for two nights—walk along the Graslei, visit Gravensteen Castle, and explore the vibrant university atmosphere.

From Ghent, continue to Bruges for two nights. Discover its romantic canals, windmills, and lace museums. End with one night in Antwerp, where fashion, diamonds, and Rubens’ legacy await.

Belgium’s compact geography and frequent trains make this route efficient and enjoyable. Each leg of the journey is under an hour. Seven-day Belgium vacation packages may include rail passes, guided city tours, and museum entry, offering both value and convenience.

All Inclusive and Senior Friendly Packages

Belgium is highly walkable, culturally rich, and well-suited to senior travellers and those preferring a structured experience. All inclusive holidays often cover city stays in Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges with hotel, daily breakfast, train tickets, and selected day tours.

Senior-friendly Belgium vacation packages cater to slower-paced travel. These typically include coach transfers, skip-the-line entry, centrally located hotels with elevators, and optional add-ons like chocolate-making classes or canal cruises.

Recommended providers include Titan Travel for escorted cultural holidays, Saga Holidays for over-55s packages, and Great Rail Journeys for train-based itineraries between historic towns. These options remove the stress of self-navigation while still offering plenty of free time.

How to Get Around and Where to Stay

Belgium has one of Europe’s most efficient public transport systems. Trains between major cities like Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, and Ghent run frequently and reliably. Day tickets or Belgium Rail Passes are available at most stations and are valid for unlimited travel on selected days.

Within cities, trams and buses are easy to use. Ride apps like Bolt and taxis are also available but less commonly used due to excellent public options.

Accommodation is abundant across all price ranges. Brussels offers modern hotels in the EU district, while Bruges and Ghent are known for cosy, canal-side guesthouses. Antwerp features upscale design hotels and boutique stays near the fashion quarter. Book early for spring and summer travel, as festivals and public holidays can fill hotels quickly.

Booking platforms like Jet2holidays and Expedia offer Belgium vacation packages from the UK with hotel and transport. Trailfinders and Great Rail Journeys specialise in curated cultural trips across multiple cities.

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Do I need a visa to visit Belgium from the UK?

No. UK citizens can stay up to 90 days in Belgium and other Schengen countries without a visa.

What’s the best time to travel to Belgium?

April to June and September to early November offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. December is also popular for Christmas markets.

Is Belgium good for solo or senior travellers?

Yes. Belgium is one of Europe’s safest, most accessible destinations with excellent public transport, walkable cities, and well-maintained public spaces.

Is the Eurostar better than flying?

For many, yes. It’s faster city-centre to city-centre, avoids airport security delays, and offers scenic countryside views.

Do they speak English in Belgium?

Yes. Most Belgians in tourist-facing roles speak English fluently, especially in urban areas.

What currency is used?

Belgium uses the Euro (EUR).

Can I drink the tap water?

Yes. Tap water is safe and high-quality across Belgium.

Are there senior discounts on trains or attractions?

Yes. Seniors (usually 65+) can get discounted rail fares, especially on weekends, and reduced entry at many museums and sites.

Is Belgium good for food lovers?

Absolutely. Belgium is famous for its beer, chocolate, waffles, mussels, and high-quality cuisine. Try local brasseries or Michelin-recommended spots.

What should I pack?

Layers are useful in spring and autumn. Comfortable shoes are essential for cobbled streets. Bring an umbrella—showers can occur year-round.

Final Thoughts

Belgium offers one of the most well-rounded holiday experiences in Europe. Compact, culturally rich, and easily accessible from the UK, it’s perfect for both quick getaways and week-long journeys. Whether you’re booking a three-day city break, a seven-day rail loop, or a relaxed, senior-friendly itinerary, Belgium delivers history, flavour, and style in equal measure. With thoughtful planning and the right travel package, your 2025 Belgian holiday can be both effortless and unforgettable.