6 Reasons To Visit Belgium That Aren’t Beer
I hate to begin things with an apology but I want my Belgian friends to know that I’m sorry when I say my favourite reason to visit their home country is the beer. I’ve written about this many times before but Belgium is probably my favourite place to drink in the world with a laid back pub culture, massive variation of styles and the adorable way every beer slips into it’s purpose made glass like the soles of Cinderella’s feet.
However, putting the beer aside for a moment, I can off the top of my head think of at least six non-beer reasons to visit Belgium. I write this so that you, and hopefully I, can appreciate this country for more than the glorious outdoor pub it is.
I was unable to do this in Belgium but today is a BEER FREE DAY.
We found some old Tweets and beer is CANCELLED (for today).
The History
Whatever era of history you are interested in, prepare to catch a glimpse of the past wherever you find yourself in Belgium. Castles, turrets and old town walls are reachable by cobbled streets which run wet with the salver of medieval buffs. A European middle-child, Belgium has their name in many a chapter in both world wars as well as Napoleonic wars and countless others before. Museums are dedicated to the broad and bizarre history of this nation with stories so intriguing they cannot all be contained on one single promotional coaster. The architecture alone is a history lesson, which reminds me…
The statue in this pic is of a shapeshifting folk hero who likes to prank drunks and old ladies. That’s definitely something they don’t teach in history class (mostly because it’s not history).
The Towns Are Beautiful
In cities great and small, Belgians are proud and constantly appreciative of their gorgeous, quaint and often dazzling town squares. Take an outside table at a cafe (to drink a juice of course) and you might find your view is of a historic town hall or library, adorned by the conflict-surviving statues of saints, citizens and mythical heroes rendered in stone, bronze and gold. Follow the cobbled paths and you might just come across another historic square with public art dating back to a time where a toothache meant death, girt by bars that might be selling cider, wine or mead or whatever else they drink in Belgium.
No way your town hall is better than the one in Leuven.
The Nature Is Beautiful
Belgians are avid campers and it only takes a small stroll outside of their cities to see why. 100% of the walks in the Belgian countryside include walking through a field, allowing you to feel small in a country that feels as if it could fit on the end of your finger. The Belgian coastline is small but treasured with a beloved past time being cycling your way down in a novel cycle car that locals and tourists alike seem to get around. Green and hilly Wallonia (south/French Belgium) offers an abundance of outdoor activities including rail karting, some tracks of which might lead to a venue where a certain carbonated drink made of wheat and malted barley is sold while others just lead to a stunning vista.
They make a good background for photos and you’re bullying my girlfriend if you don’t agree.
The Variety
While I’m not sure Belgians would appreciate this, their country sort of feels like two countries meeting in the middle; the Dutch in Flanders (north) and the French in Wallonia (south). For the traveller this means they can experience a variety of cultures, cuisine and customs in a small country that is easy to travel around by bus, car and train.
Historic Antwerp, founded by a guy who cut off a giant’s hand (seriously) is one of the most diverse places I’ve ever been
Aside from the French and Dutch influences, Belgian cities are proud melting pots where Middle Eastern, South Asian and Jewish people have openly shared their culture for generations. Not only has this given great variety to the architecture, history and recreational activities it provides amazing variety to one of the most important things of all…
The Food
Europeans maybe laughing as they read this (thanks for the click anyway) but Belgian food is insultingly underrated. Previously maligned as “French food in German portions”, the reason I find Belgian food so agreeable is contained in the above point; the variety.
Sandwich from Pain Leuven and cheeseboard from Malz, also in Leuven.
Late night feeds (the sort you might have after a hard night on lemonade) are a breeze with Turkish and Lebanese Belgians providing some mighty, meaty kebabs as well as their beloved fretes (hot chips/fires) that usually come with a selection of at least 20 sauces. One night in Antwerp I even fucked up and accidently ordered a kebab on a baguette which was weird but made for an experience I’d never get at home.
Yes, this was the clearest photo we got of it.
There’s original rich and beef Flemish stew, moreish bitterballen (crumbed and fried balls of thick, cheesy beef stew!) and muscles served in portions that would bankrupt a family back in Sydney. It’s also a pretty amazing place to get a sandwich with baguettes that are as aggressively fresh as their saucy contents.
The People
As their country has two official languages, most Belgians are fluent in English as to easily communicate with their countrymen, fellow Europeans and, perhaps unintentionally, English only language travellers. Through travelling, I’ve made Belgian friends who I go out of my way to see whenever I’m nearby, just as they do for me. During my recent visit, flags flew constantly in support of Ukraine and Pride month, unsurprising for such an accepting people. They are diverse, humble, friendly, enthusiastic and always ready to recommend something tasty to drink.
Not bothering with the crossed circle on this one, just a nice moment.
Really, the Belgians themselves are the best accompaniment to their famous beverages and in my opinion, the only thing in this list that comes close to being better.
Ah fuck it, they are better. I said it, Belgian people are better than Belgian beer! (Plus without them, we wouldn’t have the beer).
