Beautiful and bold Belgium
Book flights to Belgium and find yourself in winding streets lined with awe-inspiring architecture, stopping off to refuel with delicacies such as sugar-dusted waffles, artisan chocolates and moules-frites.
Brussels is a fine place to start, with the incredible 17th-century Grand Place and Hergé Museum to discover.
But why stop there? The beauty of Bruges is unparalleled, its romantic canal surrounded by charming cobbled streets, ornate buildings and bustling markets.
Ghent is one of Belgium’s oldest cities and best-kept secrets. Medieval and classical architecture is contrasted by quirky, modern bars and restaurants.
Further north you’ll find the cultural powerhouse of Antwerp, home to vast collections of contemporary art and a magnificent 16th-century cathedral.
Fly to Belgium with Etihad Airways and start discovering this wonderful destination for yourself.
Flying to Belgium with Etihad
Brussels (BRU)
Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main airport in Belgium, located around seven miles (12 kilometres) from the city centre. Transfers from Brussels Airport are easy – there are plenty of trains every hour from early morning to late at night, heading to Brussels Central Station, or pre-book one with Etihad.
Reasons to visit Belgium
Visit historic cities
Belgium has a rich past. Brussels is home to an array of striking buildings such as the King’s House and the ornate guilds that line the sensational Grand Place. Walk through history in the nearby town of Waterloo and see the battlefield where Napoleon was famously defeated.
Immerse yourself in the turbulent history of Ghent’s Gravensteen – or Castle of the Counts – which housed the rulers of Flanders until 1353. The streets of Bruges are bursting with history, while Antwerp has proudly retained its medieval roots through its remarkable architecture.
Enjoy fantastic food
Belgium is renowned for its chocolate, and walking tours are available in most major cities to take you through the history of its renowned chocolatiers. There’s so much more to local cuisine than just cocoa-based treats though.
To get a real taste of life in Belgium, hit the streets. Vendors pride themselves on their street food, with mayonnaise-doused frites and freshly baked waffles tempting passers-by. If you’re feeling more adventurous, seek out caricoles – boiled sea snails in a vegetable broth, a real Belgian delicacy.
See incredible art in Antwerp
Antwerp has a rich art scene – visit the Fotomuseum Antwerp to see world-class photography or explore Belgium’s fashion history at the ModeMuseum.
If you want to see sculptures in the open air, the Middelheim Museum is a 30-acre outdoor art and sculpture park. There’s a permanent collection spanning more than 100 years of visual art. You’ll also find temporary exhibitions, which have previously featured the likes of Richard Deacon, Jef Geys and Thomas Schütte.
Flying to Belgium: FAQs
Which is the best city to visit in Belgium?
The obvious choice is Belgium’s capital – Brussels – a bustling city with a proud multicultural heritage, but Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent also have plenty to offer.
Do they speak English in Belgium?
English is the second language of Belgium – around a third of residents speak English and in major cities such as Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp you’ll find many English speakers too.
What do they eat in Belgium?
Belgium is famous for its sweet treats but there’s also a rich seafood cuisine, with mussels, shrimp croquettes and eels on the menu. For a quick, traditional meal, grab a cone of frites with mayonnaise.