A Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Charming Belgium

Belgium offers an opportunity to experience the bygone era with its stunning castles, romantic gardens and awe-inspiring museums. Majestic sights in quaint surroundings to rekindle your romance is what the country promises. Its beauty being beyond compare, it has emerged as a jewel that crowns Europe.

Though the country is known for its historical significance, it is replete with all the pleasures of modern life with its buzzing cafes and vibrant nightlife. A haven for shopaholics, Belgium's streets are filled with shops and vendors selling art collections, antiques and postcards.

Why Visit Belgium

Belgium is a paradise for art, music and sculpture buffs. Its splendid monuments and magnificent architecture never fail to enchant tourists. You can do a host of things in this marvelous country:

• Get acquainted with its regal past at its majestic castles. Did you know, Belgium has more castles per square mile in Belgium than elsewhere in the world!
• If you are a foodie, Belgium is the place to be. Taste of world-renowned Belgian beer at its breweries or relax at its cafes that serve absolute culinary delights. If you have a sweet tooth, do not miss the heavenly chocolates by Belgian chocolatiers.
• Be inspired at its renowned operas, heritage museums, rich art galleries and theatres
• Enjoy its rocking nightlife at its electric nightclubs and music festivals

When to Visit

Belgium is open for tourists throughout the year. The country's four seasons occur during:

• Summer - June to August
• Autumn - September
• Winter - December to February
• Spring - March to May

Peak season is July and August (warmest summer months). However, the best time to visit the country is from May-June or September, when the weather is pleasant and there is fewer crowd too. This is also the best time to catch the numerous festivals and events unique to the country. If you were a winter person, you would be in for a treat; since, in addition to the thrilling winter activities, you can also get great deals on accommodation.

Do carry an umbrella, as it could rain throughout the year.

Schengen Visa for Belgium

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Belgium. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control.

The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa. Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India. Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. Also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

• Getting to Belgium Brussels National Airport, about 11 km from the city center, is the major international airport of Belgium. It is well connected to the important ports of the country. If you are travelling from other European countries, train is your best option, as it is cheap, frequent and fast. You can also choose ferries from other European countries to get to Belgium.
• Getting Around Within Belgium Railways are a popular and affordable mode of travelling within Belgium. The Brussels National Airport is connected to all the major cities of the country. You can choose buses and trams for travelling within a city.

Where to Stay

Hotels catering to different budgets are available throughout Belgium. Renting holiday homes is also a convenient option for long trips.

Belgium is also popular among businesspersons. Diamond merchants from India frequently flock to Antwerp for diamond trade.

Things to Do

• Grand Palace, Brussels At the magnificent Grand Palace, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can experience the lifestyle of the royals. A majestic flower carpet consisting of a million begonias is set up once in two years at the palace. Do not miss it if it is scheduled during the same year you plan to visit Belgium.
• The Botanical Gardens, Brussels Laze around at Belgium's delightful Botanical Gardens in Brussels. Botany enthusiasts tend to get lost in this garden amidst 18,000 varieties of plants and 13 interconnecting glass houses.
• Bastogne War Museum, Bastogne This interactive museum takes you through the causes, events and implications of World War II. It also focuses on Battle of the Bulge, a major German offensive that took place in Belgium, France and Luxembourg from Dec 1944 to Jan 1945. It is a thrilling journey through the life of people during and after the war.
• Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres (Florence) Menin Gate Memorial was built to honor thousands of war martyrs from the UK and Commonwealth forces who lost their lives during World War I. Hearing the 8 pm tribute for the soldiers is a truly moving experience.
• Chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates Indulge in creamy Belgian chocolates at the 2000+ chocolate shops spread throughout Belgium. Pair its creamy cheese with famous Belgian beer to enjoy heaven right on this planet!

Do's & Don'ts in Belgium

Belgium is a safe country with low-crime rates. However, keep these pointers in mind to enjoy a safe stay in Belgium:

• It is not safe to venture out into the Metro access corridors during the night when it is deserted. Drug-related crimes are on a rise in these areas.
• Do remember 112 the emergency helpline number in Europe. 100 is for fire-brigade and medical help while 101 is for police.

Enjoy Belgium and its treasures with a peace of mind of a comprehensive travel insurance.

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