Ghent
Ghent is an old medieval city that has long been overshadowed by Bruges, but nevertheless holds plenty of exciting attractions for visitors and is far less crowded than other Belgian cities.
The city was once the heart of the cloth trade and one of the largest medieval cities in northern Europe. Today, the old centre boasts many historic buildings including St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Castle of the Counts (a turreted castle with a moat and bell tower, which make for great views), the Town Hall and the 15th-century Cloth Hall.
Ghent’s city centre is wholly modern, however, and the city’s large university population mixes with an eclectic blend of expats and artists to give the city a diverse and cosmopolitan air.
Despite being off the beaten track for many tourists, Ghent offers good museums, lively nightlife and excellent restaurants serving the best in Flemish cuisine.
Belgium’s small size ensures that Ghent is less than a 40-minute train ride from major cities such as Bruges and Brussels, and within easy distance of other interesting tourist destinations, such as Courtray and Ostend. A weekend in Ghent is the perfect way to cap an idyllic holiday in Belgium.
Climate for Ghent
Health Notes when travelling to Belgium
All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and it’s recommended that they’re up to date with routine vaccines as well. Medical facilities and care in Belgium are excellent but expensive, so travellers are advised to take out medical insurance. UK citizens should have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Belgium
Most visits to Belgium are trouble-free, but travellers should be wary of street crimes such as mugging and pickpocketing in the cities, particularly in Brussels at major railway stations and on public transport. Brussels is home to a number of international organisations, including EU and NATO, which could become the target of indiscriminate terrorist attacks.
Customs in Belgium
Among young locals, especially Francophones, girls rarely shake hands but kiss other girls and boys. The number of kisses varies depending on the region of Belgium, foreigners often have a hard time determining which side to kiss first and how many kisses to give. It’s best to follow the Belgian’s lead. The law requires everyone to carry some form of official identification at all times; possession of drugs and trafficking in drugs are serious offences.
Duty Free in Belgium
Travellers to Belgium arriving from non-EU countries are allowed to enter the country with the following items without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits over 22 percent in alcohol or 2 litres of dessert wine 22 percent in alcohol and sparkling wine, as well as 4 litres wine and 16 litres of beer; and other goods such as souvenirs to the value of €430. Prohibited items include unpreserved meat products.
Doing Business in Belgium
Belgians are very formal in business and have a keen sense of style. dress should be conservative. Conservative yet stylish suits are recommended for men; women should opt for stylish business suits, or dresses and blouses.
Punctuality is extremely important at meetings, which will begin and end with a quick, light handshake. It is standard practice that all involved exchange business cards, and it is recommended that cards are printed in English, with the other side translated in either French or Dutch, depending on the main language of the region where business is to take place.
Visiting business people should research beforehand whether a business is French or Dutch-speaking. Compromise is very important in Belgian business culture and may be required as a show of friendship. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm.
Communication in Belgium
The international access code for Belgium is +32. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Tipping in Belgium
Service charges are included in bills and tips are only left for exceptional service.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Nationals of non-EU countries are recommended to hold return or onward tickets, sufficient funds and documents for their next destination. It is recommended that passports are valid for six months after departure from any holiday destination.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians must have a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passports should be valid for the period of intended stay in Belgium. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a half-year period.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a valid passport. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond intended period of stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond intended period of stay. A visa is required.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
