So you’re wondering “What is Belgium famous for” ? Well, Belgium is a one-of-a-kind country full of culture, history, and world famous attractions.
From the busy city of Brussels to its beautiful countryside, multiple languages, and amazing food, Belgium has something for everyone whatever your age or persuasion.
As well as its amazing attractions like the Atomium and BOP Christmas Market, Belgium is also home to two of the biggest institutions in the world – The European Union and NATO headquarters.
Of course, Belgian beer and Belgian chocolate are also great reasons why Belgium is famous!
But there’s more to see, especially when visiting Belgium – Here are all the things Belgium is famous for!
25 Things Belgium is Famous For
Brussels
Brussels the capital city of Belgium is known for its politics and attractions. As the unofficial capital of the European Union and home to the European Parliament and European Commission, Brussels is a busy city.
Besides politics Brussels is also famous for its attractions. Mini Europe an amusement park with scale models of some of the most famous landmarks and monuments of Europe.
The Atomium a 1958 landmark and symbol of Brussels is also a must see. Castle of Laeken, Grand Palace, the Grand Palace and the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg are also top sights in the city.
Besides its attractions Brussels is also famous for its Christmas market one of the best in Europe. Brussels is a big city and important and relevant both politically and as a tourist destination.
With its attractions and events it’s no wonder Brussels is one of the most visited cities in Belgium.
Languages – Facts on Belgium
Belgium is one of the most multilingual countries in Europe with three official languages and many dialects spoken across its regions.
Dutch, French, and German are the three official languages of Belgium, each language spoken in different parts of the country.
People speak Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia, and German in the 9 municipalities of the German area. Bilingualism is also a feature of the country with both Dutch and French spoken in the capital.
Belgium’s long linguistic diversity has been the source of many cultural and political conflicts throughout its history. Examples of this complexity can be found in the different names of Belgian cities, like Liege/Luik which are called differently in different regions.
And the Flemish community who speak Dutch don’t consider themselves as Dutch and the Walloon community who speak French don’t consider themselves as French.
Multilingualism in Belgium has been key to its diverse culture and many dialects and its three languages, different dialects, and bilingual capital. Despite its linguistic diversity, the majority of the Flemish population speaks English.
Belgian Chocolate & Pralines
Belgium is famous for its chocolate and pralines, some of the biggest brands in the world are from this small European country.
Godiva, Leonidas, Neuhaus, and Côte d’Or are some of the big Belgian chocolate producers making chocolate and pralines for centuries.
Belgian chocolate is famous for its high-quality ingredients, strict quality control, and precise production methods. It’s widely accepted that Belgium makes the best chocolate in the world.
Belgians are very proud of their chocolate because of its quality, chocolate is a national treasure for the Belgians. Plus, chocolate sauce is a must when eating waffles!
There are over 2000 chocolate shops in Belgium, hence the country is rightly called the chocolate capital of Europe. And it’s considered impolite to give foreign chocolate as a gift to Belgians.
Fresh Fries
Belgian fries are a national dish of Belgium and part of our culture and heritage and despite the name, Belgians invented the French fries.
There is a debate about the origin of the Belgian fry, some say it was introduced by American soldiers during World War I while others claim it was already a popular dish in the region before that.
The traditional way of making Belgian fries is to cut the potatoes to 1 cm and fry them twice. First at 150°C and second at 175°C with a specific oil blend for potatoes.
Belgian fries are served with mayonnaise but you can also use other condiments. I personally love fries with mayonnaise, but you’ll find plenty of choices.
Maison Antoine in Etterbeek and Friterie de la Barrière in Brussels are great spots to try the real Belgian fries! In short, eat fries when in Belgium!
Belgian Beers
Belgian beer culture is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity so it’s big deal. Belgians have a wide range of beers and brands from pale lagers to amber ales, lambic beers, sour ales, strong ales, Flemish red ales and stouts.
There are over 300 breweries in Belgium, 220 confirmed and 1000-1200 unique Belgian beers.
Café Délirium in Brussels has over 1700 varieties of Belgian beer, one of the biggest beer cafés in the city.
Belgian beer is served in special glasses, each glass is specific to each beer and highlights its characteristics.
What else to say? This is the best answer to what is Belgium famous for, so make sure to order different beer glasses when you visit!
Billiard Balls
Billiard balls are part of the game of billiards and Aramith makes most of the balls for the world.
Owned by Saluc, a Belgian company founded in 1923, Aramith is famous for its high quality, produces 80% of all billiard balls in the world.
Table owners go to Aramith for their billiard balls because they offer great value for money and durability. Compared to other manufacturers, Aramith billiard balls last up to 5 times longer, that’s why many go to them.
The EU & NATO
Belgium is the EU’s capital and has been for years.
The 4 main EU institutions are based here: the European Commission, the European Council, the Council of the European Union, and the second seat of the European Parliament.
The European Parliament is an EU institution in the capital that represents the people of Europe. The European Council is an EU institution in Brussels that advises the EU.
The EU presence in Brussels is estimated to be 8% of the regional GDP and 17% of the employment in the city.
So this is a big political center, most of the big EU summits are held in Brussels.
Diamonds
Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world, and it has been for centuries. You guessed it, it’s yet another reason why Belgium is famous.
The diamond trade in Antwerp started in the 15th century when the Port of Antwerp was established and Lodewyk van Berken invented the scarf, the diamond polishing machine.
The diamond district of Antwerp is the diamond hub of the world and employs over 30.000 people. 40% of the industrial diamonds, 50% of the polished diamonds, and 85% of the rough diamonds go through Antwerp.
Antwerp is known for its cost price of diamond quality, especially cut and clarity. And Lodewyk van Berken is the inventor of the scarf that revolutionized diamond polishing.
Comic Books
European comics, especially the Belgian ones, are part of the culture. Comic books and strips have been part of the Belgian culture since the early 20th century, with hundreds of comic series registered.
Tintin and Snowy, the Smurfs, Marsupilami, and Lucky Luke are some of the most popular comic strips. Many more.
The Comics Museum in Brussels is called and it’s a great place to see the work of these famous authors and their comic strips.
The comics from Wallonia and Flanders are very different. Wallonia produces more science fiction comics, Flanders more humor and adventure.
High Divorce Rate
Belgium has one of the highest divorce rates in Western Europe, 70% of marriages end in divorce. That’s much higher than the 50% average in most other Western European countries.
The reasons for the high divorce rate in Belgium are lack of financial support for families, increasing acceptance of divorce in society, and lack of social pressure to stay together.
Also, the cost of divorce in Belgium is low compared to other countries so it’s easier to get a divorce. Couples in Belgium are more independent and less financially dependent on each other so when problems arise in the marriage they are more likely to separate.
Besides the high divorce rate, the number of singles in Belgium is also increasing. This is due to several reasons, a decrease of religious influence, the increasing cost of living, and the lack of commitment among the youth.
So many Belgians choose to stay single, so they can pursue their own goals without having to accommodate a partner.
The Manneken Pis
The most famous tourist attraction in Belgium is the Manneken Pis, the peeing boy statue. This small bronze statue of a little boy peeing has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 and is the symbol of the city of Brussels.
According to the legend, a small boy once saved the capital city from burning down by peeing on the fire and putting it out. This story has been commemorated with multiple statues of a little boy peeing, Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis and Zinneke Pis.
The Manneken Pis statue is located at the crossing of Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat and the pedestrian Rue de l’Étuve/Stoofstraat and is a tourist hotspot.
You can see his clothes, which are changed two to three times a week. The opinions of tourists and foreigners about Manneken Pis are mostly funny and lighthearted.
But many consider it’s not impressive and not worth visiting, it doesn’t have much aesthetic value.
Anyway, it’s a symbol of the small country and Western Europe and still attracts tourists to the city.
Belgium Doesn’t Need A Government
Belgium has the longest period without a government in peacetime, 589 days in 2020.
This was made possible by the complexity of the Belgian political system which has 6 governments, a federal government, and 5 regional governments.
This complexity together with the big differences between the Flemish and Walloon regions made it take an unprecedented time to form a majority in the Chamber of Representatives.
The long period of government formation allowed the country to avoid any new taxes and prevent one party from getting too much power.
Also, 11 political parties got representation in the Chamber of Representatives during the 2010 elections, something that couldn’t have been possible in a shorter time.
Despite a long time without a government, Belgium was able to function and have a relatively stable economy. That’s proof that Belgium can survive without a government for a long time.
Waterloo
Waterloo is a small village in Belgium, 30 minutes from Brussels. This is the place where Napoleon got his biggest defeat and the only European headquarters of MasterCard.
The Battle of Waterloo in 1815 was one of the most important battles of Napoleon’s career and is celebrated every year on the 18th of June on the Mont-Saint-Jean battlefield.
To celebrate this the Wellington Museum has lots of artifacts about the Battle of Waterloo.
This museum is located in the house where the Duke of Wellington lived before and after the battle. ABBA also became famous for their song “Waterloo” which is about Napoleon’s defeat in the Battle of Waterloo.
The annual celebration of the Battle of Waterloo is the battle itself.
Visitors to the village of Waterloo can visit the many attractions in the area, the Wellington Museum and the Memorial Museum on the battlefield of Waterloo.
Great Football
The Belgian national football team is one of the best in the world with players like Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Marouane Fellaini. In the 2018 World Cup, they made it to the semi-finals before losing to France 0-1.
Football is part of the Belgian culture. It brings the Belgians together, they put aside their differences and disputes.
During big football events Belgian flags are hanging in the windows and streets, the country is united and proud. Everyone is wearing the colors of the Belgian flag.
The Body Mass Index (BMI)
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body mass in relation to height. It was invented by Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet, a Belgian mathematician and founder of the field of anthropometry.
The index is calculated by dividing the weight in kg by the height in meters squared. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is healthy, below or above, and is underweight or overweight.
BMI calculators are a useful tool to monitor healthy weight and to diagnose obesity. They can give an estimation of the body fat based on height, weight, and sex.
Anthropometry is the science of measuring human beings. BMI can be used to measure body proportions and is part of anthropometry.
The World Wide Web
Belgium has contributed a lot to the world of technology and even more to the Internet era. Robert Cailliau is a Belgian computer scientist who was part of the team that developed the World Wide Web.
His invention of the hypertext system for documentation was the key to the World Wide Web. Cailliau together with his English colleague Berners-Lee created the hypertext system for documentation and thus the foundation of the World Wide Web.
And Cailliau proposed the first pre-www hypertext for CERN. His book is called ‘How the Web Was Born’.
Without the Belgians, and especially Cailliau, the world would be a very different place. We have become so used to the internet in our daily lives that it’s hard to imagine a world without it.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is an international electronic music festival held every year in the Antwerp province of Belgium.
It’s one of the best electronic music festivals in the world with hundreds of thousands of people attending each year and tickets selling out in minutes.
Famous for its decorations, fireworks, and big names.
Tomorrowland is held at De Schorre in Boom, Belgium, and has expanded to Atlanta, USA (TomorrowWorld), Itu, Brazil and Alpe d’Huez, France (winter edition).
David Guetta, Armin Van Buuren, Afrojack, Carl Cox, and Paris Hilton have performed at Tomorrowland.
Belgian Waffles
Belgian waffles are a breakfast food in Belgium and beyond, light and fluffy. That’s because of the yeast in the batter. Waffles come in two types: Brussels waffles and Liege waffles.
Waffles are light and not sweet, and Liege waffles are dense and indulgent with lots of pearl sugar. That’s a staple in Belgian cuisine!
The difference in texture between the two types of waffles is due to the type of irons used in Belgium which create deeper pockets on the surface of the waffle. This makes Belgian waffles the perfect vehicle for syrup and that’s why they are great for breakfast or dessert.
In a typical Belgian supermarket, you can find over 30 different types of waffles, which is awesome!
Castles
The country boasts a lot of history and culture and one of the many ways to experience this is through the many castles. Belgium has the most castles per square mile in the world with over 3,000 castles.
These beautiful buildings have been around for centuries and have seen some of the biggest battles in Western Europe.
The most famous castles in Belgium are the Bruges City Hall and the Sint-Janshospitaal in Bruges. The former is a Gothic beauty with high towers, the latter an 11th-century hospital. Both are tourist attractions and Christmas markets.
And the medieval city of Ghent has castles too, like the Gravensteen castle. This castle was built in the 12th century and has been a tourist attraction ever since.
From Gothic to ancient fortresses, castles in Belgium are part of the country’s history and culture. They are tourist attractions and a reminder of the past.
The Word ‘Spa’
The word ‘spa’ comes from the Belgian town of Spa which has been famous for its mineral springs since ancient times. The thermal baths in Spa have been a source of relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being for visitors from near and far.
In the 19th century, the spa industry emerged and many resorts popped up all over the world and offered spa treatments to their guests.
The word ‘spa’ became associated with these resorts and now we use it to refer to any place that offers spa services.
From Belgium, the word ‘spa’ has become a place of relaxation and healing and a generic term for luxury resorts that offer spa treatments.
Surrealism Art
What is Belgium famous for, you ask? Surrealism art.
Surrealism is an art movement that emerged after the war in Europe in the early 20th century, and it created famous painters.
The movement was founded by French writer André Breton who wanted to explore the unconscious and challenge the norms of traditional art and literature. Techniques like automatic writing and dream analysis were used to create art that expressed the subconscious.
Belgium was one of the hotspots of the surrealist movement, Brussels and Hainaut, a province in Belgium, were two of the hubs.
One of the most famous surrealists in Belgium was René Magritte, a Belgian surrealist artist known for his clever and witty work. Magritte’s work was about reality, identity and the human brain and is one of the most famous surrealist of all time.
Speculoos
Speculoos is a traditional spiced shortbread cookie from Belgium. The cookie is famous for its caramelized and gingerbread-like taste and is often shaped like windmills.
First created in the 1800s this beloved treat is now enjoyed all over Europe, especially during holidays and special occasions. Lotus Biscoff is the most famous speculoos brand. It’s made in Belgium.
Speculoos has become a global phenomenon with many people loving its sweet spiced taste. In Belgium, speculoos is typically served as a treat with coffee or tea, elsewhere it’s used to make sandwiches, milkshakes, and even ice cream.
It’s spread to other countries and Americans use it as an ingredient for holiday recipes like speculoos cheesecake. Others have also fallen in love with the cookie, the Dutch and French love it for its taste.
The popularity of speculoos is a testament to the rich culture of Belgium and one of the most famous things Belgium is famous for.
Famous Singers & Actors
Belgium has produced many famous singers and actors that went global. From Audrey Hepburn to Jean-Claude Van Damme, we have the biggest stars in the business.
Audrey Hepburn born in Brussels is one of the most famous actresses in film history, she was in Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and My Fair Lady.
Jean-Claude Van Damme is a martial arts and action movie star who was in Bloodsport, Universal Soldier, and Timecop. Other singers and actors from Belgium are Stromae, Jacques Brel, and Matthias Schoenaerts.
Belgium also has many world-class footballers, Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Thibaut Courtois. All of them have played for the biggest teams.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are big in Belgium, they originated in Rome and were widely cultivated in 16th-century Belgium. The spread of Brussels sprouts was not limited to Belgium but to other parts of northern Europe.
In the 17th century, French settlers brought Brussels sprouts to Louisiana.
Today, Brussels sprouts are sold all around the world, recognized and loved. Brussels sprouts are now available in many parts of the world and still growing in popularity.
From Rome to Belgium and to the rest of the world Brussels sprouts are an international vegetable.
Longest Tram Line In The World
The longest tram in the world is the Belgian Coast Tram, 68 km (42 miles) long along the Belgian coast.
This tram is famous worldwide and goes from De Panne in the west to Knokke-Heist in the east. Tourists and locals can enjoy the seaside villages, the views, and the old-world charm of the Belgian coast during their tram ride.
The Belgian Coast Tram is very popular among tourists as it has views of the North Sea and the towns along the route. And it has a special feature, it can be split in two so you can have a more tailored and relaxed journey.
For instance, one part to visit the villages and the other to go to the next beach town. Very handy for tourists and locals.
Lace
Belgium has a long tradition of lace since 12th century when it was introduced by the Flemish weavers. Lace has been part of the Belgian economy since then and most of the production is done in Bruges and Brussels.
Today lace is still a big industry in Belgium and the Belgian lace makers are famous worldwide.
In Bruges and Brussels you can find many lace shops and markets in the city where you can find a wide range of lace products.
From lace dresses, lace tablecloths, lace curtains to lace handkerchiefs and lace doilies you will find everything in Bruges and Brussels.
And many workshops where you can learn to make lace and take a piece of Belgian culture and craftsmanship home with you.
More Belgium Guides
- Belgium Travel Guides
- Belgium itinerary for a great trip
- AMAZING Attractions in Belgium
- Great Tourist Spots in Bruges, Belgium
- Bruges Boat Tour On the Canals – Ultimate Travel Guide
Summary – What is Belgium Known For
Visit Belgium and discover a country with many faces, many cultures, many languages, and many historical sites.
From its many beers and Belgian chocolates to its famous landmarks like Manneken Pis, Belgium is an international party and sightseeing hotspot.
The country is also the birthplace of the World Wide Web, which changed the way we communicate and collaborate, and still surprises visitors today with its castles, art, waffles, and speculoos cookies.
