Planning a trip to Europe and wondering what is Belgium famous for?
Belgium is a relatively small country in Western Europe. Despite its small size, there are many things that Belgium is famous for.
From the Belgian people and their culture to the food they eat and the landmarks they have, Belgium has something to offer everyone. If you are planning on traveling to Belgium, here are some famous things in Belgium to check out.
What Food Is Belgium Famous For?
Belgium is famous for many things, but one of the things it is famous for is its food. Belgian cuisine has something for everyone, whether you like sweet or savory dishes.
Some of the most popular Belgian dishes include Belgian waffles, Belgian chocolate, and french fries. If you are planning on visiting Belgium, here are some famous Belgian food to try.
Belgian Waffles
Belgian waffles are a type of waffle that is made with a yeast-based batter. The batter is poured into a waffle iron and cooked until it is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. That texture combination is what makes it so yummy. Belgian waffles goes well with whipped cream, fruit, or chocolate sauce.
Belgian Chocolates
Chocolates in Belgium are some of the best in the world. In Belgium, there are over 2000 chocolatiers, so you can imagine how good the chocolate is. Belgian chocolate is made with high-quality cocoa beans and has a rich flavor.
Some of Belgium’s most famous chocolate brands include Godiva, Leonidas, and Cote d’Or. Belgian chocolate is often made with a higher cocoa content than other types of chocolate and is known for its rich flavor.
Belgian chocolate is world-renowned and has been produced in the country since the early 1800s. When you are in Belgium, these famous Belgian chocolates are not to miss!
Belgian French Fries
French fries are another popular dish in Belgium. They are usually served with a dipping sauce such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or curry. French fries originated in Belgium and you can find them all over the country. If you are looking for a quick snack while you are exploring Belgium, be sure to try some of their famous french fries.
Moules-Frites
Moules-Frites is a popular Belgian dish that consists of mussels and french fries, particularly if you are by the sea. The mussels are cooked in a white wine sauce and served with french fries. This dish is usually the main course, but you can also have it as an appetizer.
Speculoos
Speculoos is a type of cookie that is made with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. These cookies are often served with coffee or tea. Speculoos originated in Belgium and you can find them all over the country. If you are looking for a sweet treat while you are in Belgium, try a Speculoo!
Waterzooi
Waterzooi is a type of stew that is made with fish or chicken. It usually also contains vegetables and potatoes. Waterzooi has its origins in the city of Ghent and is one of the most popular dishes in Belgium. This stew makes for a filling and hearty meal.
History, Culture, And Traditions Belgium Is Known For
Belgian Beer Drinking Culture
Belgium is famous for its beer culture. Belgium has over 1200 different kinds of beer, which is more than any other country in the world. The diversity of Belgian beer comes from the different brewing traditions that have been passed down through the generations. Belgian beers are actually served in their own unique glasses, depending on the type of beer! When you are in Belgium, be sure to visit a bar and try some of the local beers!
Tomorrowland Festival
Tomorrowland is a world-famous electronic dance music festival that takes place in the town of Boom, Belgium. The festival attracts people from all over the world and features some of the biggest names in the EDM industry. If you are a fan of electronic dance music, then Tomorrowland is a must-visit!
Battle of Waterloo (Napoleon’s Defeat)
The Battle of Waterloo was a battle that took place in present-day Belgium. This battle is significant because it marked the end of Napoleon’s reign. The Battle of Waterloo is one of the most famous battles in history and is definitely something that Belgium is known for.
The Smurfs
The Smurfs actually come from Belgium. They began as a Belgian comic book series in the 1950s. If you don’t already know, the Smurfs are these small blue creatures that live in the forest. The comics were originally written in French, but have been translated into many different languages. The Smurfs are now featured in cartoon series, movies, and even video games!
The Adventures of Tin Tin
Tin Tin is another Belgian comic book character that is known all over the world. Tin Tin is a young reporter who goes on adventures with his dog, Snowy. This childhood favorite is created by Georges Remi. Similar to the Smurfs, Tin Tin has also been featured in cartoon series, movies, and video games.
Capital of the European Union
As the headquarters of the European Union, Belgium is considered the default capital of the European Union. The various institutions of the European Union are based in Brussels, making it an important political center.
Additionally, as the seat of the European Council and Council of Ministers, as well as a number of other institutions, Brussels plays a significant role in EU decision-making. Belgium is also home to NATO headquarters, which adds to its political importance.
With all of these political institutions, it’s no surprise that Belgium is sometimes referred to as the “Capital of Europe.” While this may be an oversimplification, there’s no doubt that Brussels plays a significant role in European politics.
Three Official Languages
That said, it is also interesting that Belgium has three official languages: French, Dutch, and German. This is due to the fact that Belgium is a bilingual country.
In the northern part of Belgium, people speak Dutch. In the southern part of Belgium, people speak French. And in the eastern part of Belgium, people speak German.
Due to its location, Belgium has been greatly influenced by its neighbors. This is evident in the language, culture, and even the food. If you are ever in Belgium, be sure to try out some of the local cuisines!
READ MORE: 30 INTERESTING AND FUN FACTS OF BELGIUM
Sports And Other Things Belgium Is Famous For
Football (Soccer)
Football (or soccer) is by far the most popular sport in Belgium. The Belgian national football team has qualified for several FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships. It is certainly a strong opponent that other teams respect. Some of Belgium’s most famous footballers include Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku.
Cycling
Belgium is also known for being a cycling country. Every year, the Tour de France passes through Belgium. Additionally, there are many famous Belgian cyclists, such as Eddy Merckx and Tom Boonen. Cycling is a popular sport in Belgium and many people can be seen cycling on the roads.
Quality Billiard Balls
Billiard ball production is a thriving industry in Belgium with several companies exporting their products all over the world. Belgian billiard balls are known for their high quality and precision, making them a popular choice for almost 80% of professional players.
Belgium is home to the Union Internationale de Billard, the world governing body for cue sports. It is also where the game of snooker was invented, in 1875 by British Army officers stationed in Ootmarsum. The first Belgian National Championship was held in 1901 and today Belgium boasts over 25,000 registered players.
While billiards and snooker may not be as widely played like other sports, the country’s passion for cue sports is undeniable.
Diamond Production
Belgium is the world’s leading exporter of polished diamonds and home to many diamond companies. The first recorded sale of a diamond in Belgium took place in 1456. Today, more than 90% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through Antwerp for cutting and polishing.
The city of Antwerp even has a Diamond Museum, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. If you’re interested in learning more about diamonds and diamond production, a visit to Antwerp is a must.
Belgian Blue Bull
The Belgian Blue Bull is a breed of domestic cattle known for its large muscular build. The bulls are usually blue-grey in color, but can also be black or white.
Belgian Blue bulls are large animals, weighing up to 1800 kg (4000 lb). They are used for both meat and dairy production. Belgian Blues are known for their leaner meat and higher milk yield than other cattle breeds.
The breed is also popular for its use in crossbreeding programs. Belgian Blue cattle have been used to create several new breeds.
Cities And Travel Destinations Belgium Is Famous For
Brussels
The capital city of Belgium is Brussels. The city is known for its art, culture, food, and architecture. Brussels is also the headquarters of several international organizations, such as NATO and the European Union.
There is no shortage of things to do in Brussels. The city is home to many art museums, including the Musée d’Art Moderne and the Musée Magritte. There are also several theaters, including the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie and the Théâtre National.
Bruges
Bruges is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Europe. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bruges is known for its canals, which earned it the nickname “The Venice of the North.”
The city is also home to the world’s first two-mile-long, underground beer pipeline, that transports beer from the De Halve Maan brewery to the bottling facility.
Antwerp
Antwerp is the second-largest city in Belgium and is known for its fashion, diamond industry, and port. The city is also home to the Antwerp Zoo, the oldest zoo in Belgium. Antwerp is a popular travel destination for many reasons. The city has a lot to offer visitors, including interesting architecture, great restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene.
Ghent
Ghent is a city in Belgium that is known for its medieval architecture and canals. The city is also home to several universities, including Ghent University, which is one of the oldest and largest universities in Belgium. It is both a cultural city and university town at the same time. If you are interested in history and architecture, Ghent is worth a visit!
Famous People In Belgium
Stromae
Stromae is a Belgian singer and songwriter who has achieved international success. He is known for his eclectic mix of musical styles, which draws on electronic, hip-hop, pop, and classical music.
His singles have been streamed over 500 million times online, and he has sold out concerts around the world. In addition to his music career, Stromae is also an accomplished painter and graphic designer.
He has won numerous awards, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Belgian Act and the European Border Breakers Award.
Justine Henin
Justine Henin is a retired Belgian tennis player. She was one of the best tennis players in the world and won seven Grand Slam singles titles. Henin also won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games.
She retired from tennis in 2011 but made a brief comeback in 2013. She is now a coach and works with young Belgian tennis players.
Kim Clijsters
Kim Clijsters is a former professional tennis player from Belgium. She is a four-time Grand Slam singles champion and a three-time champion at the WTA Tour Championships. Clijsters is also a former world No. 1.
She retired from tennis in 2007, but made a successful comeback in 2009, winning the US Open. Clijsters then retired again in 2012 but returned to tennis in 2020.
Eddy Merckx
Eddy Merckx is a Belgian former professional road and track bicycle racer who is considered to be one of the greatest cyclists of all time. He won the Tour de France five times and holds the record for the most stage wins.
Merckx was also a successful track cyclist, winning the world championship in 1967. He retired from racing in 1978.
Architecture And Landmarks Belgium Is Famous For
The Manneken Pis
The Manneken Pis is a small statue of a boy peeing. It is located in the center of Brussels and has become one of the most iconic landmarks in Belgium. The statue actually has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. There are even stories about the Manneken Pis saving the city from fire!
The Atomium
The Atomium is a landmark in Brussels that was built for the 1958 World’s Fair. It is a giant steel structure that resembles an atom. The Atomium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Belgium and is definitely worth a visit!
Flanders Fields
Flanders Fields is a WWI battlefield in Belgium. The battlefield is famous for the poem “In Flanders Fields”, which was written by Canadian soldier John McCrae. Every year on Remembrance Day, people from all over the world come to Flanders Fields to pay their respects to the soldiers who lost their lives in WWI.
The Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert
The Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert is a series of covered arcades in Brussels. It is one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world. The arcades were built in the 19th century and are home to many shops and restaurants. They are a popular tourist destination and a great place to do some shopping!
READ MORE: 20 BEAUTIFUL BELGIAN CASTLES IN BELGIUM NOT TO MISS
Many More Things Belgium Is Known And Famous For
There are so many things Belgium is known and famous for, from its delicious chocolate to its world-renowned beer. But there is much more to discover in this fascinating country.
The architecture is stunning, the history is rich, and the culture is unique. Traveling to Belgium is a truly enriching experience and you are sure to discover more famous things about Belgium on your trip.
