Travel Guides

Belgium

Car hire Belgium

Americans heading to Europe must visit Belgium, if only for the stunning Medieval buildings, the quaint streets and the arguably the tastiest chocolate in the world. The small country has direct flights from the US and car hire is popular thanks to the excellent transport links to other parts of the country and to other countries in the EU. With a pleasant coastline and beautiful, rolling hills in the center, car rental is a good choice. To make your dollars stretch further, compare car hire before you leave to find the best prices.

Flights from the US are available non-stop to Brussels and Antwerp, although if you’re heading from the west coast, a layover at JFK or in Washington might be required.

Tourists’ favorites

As the whole country has a length of only 180 miles, anywhere is easily reached via a few hours of driving. From heavy metal music festivals, carnivals, beer tours and cycling events, there is something in Belgium to suit every need. Shopping is one of the favorites for Americans visiting Belgium, as there are many top jewelry stores, designer fashion outlets and of course, the silky Belgian chocolate shops.

With French-influenced food, there are excellent restaurants and expect the majority of the menu to have meatballs or seafood. Beer is a favorite in Belgium, similar to the way that you expect to drink wine in France, and there are many to try out.

Best time to go

The winters are cold, wet, windy and sometimes snow-laden, but the summers are warm and mild. Brussels is beautiful in the snowy months, as the cobbled streets and Victorian street lights give a fantasy-world feel.

Dinant is the place to go for sports in the summer and the winter, with canoeing, rock-climbing and skiing being possible. Ghent, Brussels and Bruges are lovely in the warmer months to sit outside at a café and enjoy the views of city life.