Belgium

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The French-speaking and Flemish-speaking regions of Belgium each have their own official tourism boards: the Office de Promotion du Tourisme de WallonieetBruxelles (OPT) and ToerismeVlaanderen respectively. However, responsibility for Brussels is shared between the two. Each board publishes numerous brochures for the specific and general attractions on offer throughout Belgium’s tourist offices. The offices can usually be found around the main squares in every large village, town or city. In addition, both boards have comprehensive websites with all the information tourist need during their visit.

If you like shopping, all large towns and cities have several department stores and international chains in Belgium’s well-established retail sector. Regular shopping hours are 10:00 – 18:00 Monday to Saturday, but many smaller stores open late on Monday and/or close earlier on Saturday. Department stores and supermarkets typically have extended hours on Friday nights while popular and tourist stores are generally open every day until early evening. Large cities, particularly Brussels, have a big selection of stores ranging from specialist and high end stores to secondhand clothing. The Belgian flair for design is reflected in everything and is one of the most noticeable features of Belgium. Of course, Belgian chocolate and beer are also well-known.

The flat terrain of Belgium combined with an excellent public transport system makes Belgium perfect for walking and cycling. Naturally, these are both favourites with many visitors to the country. In addition, many other sports facilities are available from golf to gymnasia, horseriding and swimming pools. Korfbal is a popular sport in the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium and the Netherlands; it is one of the more distinctive activities on offer. It combines netball, basketball and volleyball, and is played in teams with a high basket. Other similar sporting activities include canal ice skating, which is obviously dependant on cold weather but is popular in the Flemish-speaking areas, while canoeing, kayaking and mountaineering are favourites in the Ardennes.

     Belgium also has some fantastic beaches on its western coast although the North Sea is rather murky and the weather is generally unreliable. However, there are still many developed seaside resorts with nicer and more peaceful coastlines among the wild dunes and beaches of De Haan.

     In national sports, football leads the way with the two leading divisions of the country’s national league comprising 34 teams, which have loyal and dedicated followings. Most notable among these teams are RSC Anderlecht of Brussels, Club Brugge and Standard Liège. The season runs from the start of August to May but breaks over Christmas.