Why do people visit Belgium???

Question

Why do people go to Belgium to visit? What is there that brings people in?

Answer 1

My guess?

People like folklore and age-old architecture ~ including estates and castles ~ of which you find a lot in Belgium. So they go to Belgium to get a taste of nostalgia, an island mentality in the middle of the continent and people who either speak english or at least try their very best.

It's either that or Ireland, but seeing the current economy fall in Belgium, it's probably cheaper to visit Belgium instead. Although I hear that Hungary, Poland and some other Eastern European countries have lovely old castles as well...

Right, seriously now. I live in Antwerp and I love this city (yes, it's officially a city since it has a cathedral towering over the city council house and dominating the skyline.) I could name you a few things which make this city so appealing:

- (as I mentioned before) Old buildings. Loads of them. All over the place. Most of them dating back from the 1400's. ~ I live in one myself, which apparently dates back from the 1500's.

- little alleyways that connect the entire city. Most of them still in their original state. They show you exactly how Antwerp would have been in the late midieval period. (In Belgium, people have this strange habit of recycling even buildings and landmarks. They don't demolish things; they renovate, refurbish and then reuse. That's why there are still so many old buildings and streets left. A lot of them are official monuments and are protected by the state from ever being demolished.)

- The people are relaxed, laid back and care more about being happy than they do about money or other material influences. It has to be said, the younger generation and people in certain occupations which influence them to spend spend spend, do care about money and material posessions, but the majority of the population who have simple daytime jobs, don't.

- Everything is on a smaller scale. It makes people feel more involved with everything. (compared to a big city like New York where you'll quickly feel like just another number...). Living in Antwerp also makes you realise what a small world it is that we all live in.

- Arts and culture in abundancy. A lot of painters, poets and writers came from Belgium (Antwerp or otherwise). Antwerp especially, is proud of it's cultural heritage. Then again, it's proud of any kind of heritage.

- Folklore. Although Belgium is probably starting to sound more like a continental version of Ireland (minus the rolling hills), all of what I mentioned so far, is true. Even the folklore part. There's no leprechauns or fearies here, but all the more witch tales and ghost stories... and, well... faeries. And talking animals. For some reason, people catch on to those ideas easily.

- The place never ceases to amaze. You find something new every day that makes you realise how little you really knew this city. The city's street map is like a maze, with one-way streets and hidden alleyways, always taking you somewhere other than you expected to end up. You find new places every day and nothing is ever the same. It could take a lifetime to get to know the city inside and out. So you never get tired of the place.

- Antwerp is like a black hole. No matter how many times you leave, once you've been there once, it always pulls you back. You'll know what I mean when you visit.

(You will find that a description of Antwerp fits nearly every Belgian city, or any of the bigger towns, except for the place being a black hole. Only Antwerp seems to have that trait.)

Answer 2

Belgium is very rich and diverse in its cuisine, achitecture, culture, arts and even in mentality between its 2 main  "ethnic" groups but one thing unites them all : their love for life, good food, good company and fun.

Here are, in a nutshell,  some of the reasons why foreigners like to visit  and appreciate this tiny country :

Thousands of beautiful things to see and visit;

Sociable people, helpful people, open and interested in foreigners and in their culture;

You'll always find somebody who speaks your language and who is ready to help you out;

old cities & castles;

Yummy chocolate, pralines;

Yummy food which doesn't have to be expensive (like in France e.g.) too be appreciated and tasty;

Beautiful old towns, beautiful but expensive lace (the real one) and Val St Lambert crystal;

In the North : the seaside, the white sandy beaches, WW1 & WW2 memorial sites;

In the South : hills and forests;

In between, the capital area of Brussels with lots of activities, clubs, restaurants, musea, different types of architecture, parcs, etc.....

Belgians are very hard working people but they take time to live. They really REALLY love their leisure time, love to have fun and meet new people;

The North, The South & Brussels :  all 3 regions have different types of foods and beers, different natural scenery;

Most big towns have an old city center, a nice main square with lots of activity as people gather to meet in cafés, brasseries and restaurants;

Foreigners also realize that, being in Belgium, this whole attitude about separatism of the 2 main groups ( the flemish = Dutch speakers and the Wallons =French speakers) is just a political issue & ploy and that,  in reality and in general -of course you'll always have some exceptions -,  the 2 peoples enjoy each other's company;

The Belgian's good taste in decorating their homes (which, aside from having fun and living to the fullest,  is their foremost activity as a matter of fact), attractive shops, interesting street life e.g. artists, singers, musicians, mimes, parades, etc....

Belgium - especially Brussels and surroundings -  is also very cosmopolitan because of all the Eurocrats so you'll find all types of cuisine represented that you can sample from if you so wish.

In short : a foreigner or a Belgian will never have a dull moment in Belgium as there is always something to be seen or to discover.

One big advantage : the small size of the country enables you to visit it from North to South and from West to East.

One big drawback : its weather but then..... who cares if it rains, as long as you are with people you like and having fun.

"Work hard but enjoy life to the fullest" is our motto.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Because it's a beautiful country with a rich history and lots of things to see...

Answer 4

It's a beautiful country, rich in history.  The people are outstandingly friendly.  The food is excellent.  And yes, chocolate.  And Belgian beer (best in the world).  Waffles, of course.  But it's the people who make Belgium what it is.  I was there a couple of years ago and definitely want to go back.

Answer 5

Chocolate? Haha.

For the experience, most likely. I've never been there, but it seems like a nice place :)

Lots of culture, and such.

Answer 6

After you have spent a few relaxing days in Brugge, ask the question again. The city is small, still and peacefull. The place I stayed is wonderful, the food and proprietor wonderful. The views from the tower top splendid. The beer(s) delicious. Chocolate that puts to shame anything in the US. Rolling hills and windmills. Ahhhhhhhhhhh. When can I go back?

Answer 7

lots of things?beautiful country and food, beer,Family,sightseeing where are you from and have you been?why do you ask?http://www.abelgiumattraction.com/ and that is only one web site?

Answer 8

no clue...dont even know why they visit germany...everything there looks thesame..gray tall buildings...nothing exciting looks like a creepy place..unlike italy greece and france

Answer 9

It is very nice in Belgium. They are famous for their lace, chocolates and beer, which is good and strong. If you like Paris, you will like Brussels.

Answer 10

Brugge and Ghent are beautiful towns, and Antwerp and Brussels are nice cities.  I liked Belgium and think it is kind of underrated and frequently overlooked.  It's also got the two parts, Flemish and French speaking, which mix like oil and water.  but somehow they make it.  Maybe if Belgium had it's own ONE language people would understand its character and culture better, but I think it's a great place to visit and I had some good WIT beer and steamed mussels.

Answer 11

I was going to say something crass like 'the ferry sails into Zeebrugge' and then you drive for 1 hour and you're in The Netherlands!

But actually, last year we had a great family holiday in Centreparcs. A week in a VIP villa in Belgium was cheaper than a week in a standard villa in Cumbria. And that was including the overnight ferry.

So I will be going back, probably.