Benelux Travel Guide (Europe)

Introduction to Benelux
List of Places to Visit in Benelux
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Benelux: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Benelux
Best Things to Do in Benelux: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Benelux
Food and Drink Scene of Benelux
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Benelux: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Benelux: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Benelux
Best Time to Visit Benelux
Do’s and Don’ts of Benelux
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Benelux
- Health in Benelux
Getting to Benelux: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Benelux
Where to Go Next from Benelux: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Benelux

Located in Western Europe, Benelux is a union of three small yet powerful countries - Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Each country in Benelux has its unique charm, landmarks and cultural aspects. These countries are well-connected with each other, making it easy for travelers to explore the entire region in a single trip.

List of Places to Visit in Benelux

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Benelux boasts of having some of the world’s best cultural attractions. The cultural landmarks and museums in Benelux preserve the region’s history and its cultural legacy. Here are some of the must-visit cultural attractions in Benelux:

The Atomium in Brussels, Belgium
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels, Belgium
The Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Castle of Vianden in Luxembourg
The Bock Casemates in Luxembourg
The National Museum of History and Art in Luxembourg

Natural Attractions of Benelux: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Benelux is not just about its culture and history but also has some of the breathtaking natural attractions. The region has some of the world’s best national parks, pristine beaches, and picturesque landscapes. Here are some of the best natural attractions in Benelux:

Ardennes National Park in Belgium
Hoge Veluwe National Park in the Netherlands
Zwin Nature Park in Belgium
Dunes of Texel National Park in the Netherlands
The Waterfalls of the Gorges du Mullerthal in Luxembourg

Hiking/Biking Routes of Benelux

Benelux has an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that allow travelers to explore the region’s natural beauty. Some of the best hiking trails in Benelux include:

GR 5 hiking trail in the Ardennes National Park, Belgium,
La Roche-en-Ardenne in Luxembourg,
Hoge Veluwe National Park in the Netherlands.
The Ravel trail in Luxembourg.

Best Things to Do in Benelux: Activities and Tours

Benelux offers an array of exciting activities and tours for travelers to explore the region’s attractions and cultural offerings. Here are some of the best things to do in Benelux:

A beer-tasting tour in Brussels, Belgium
Visiting the famous tulip fields in the Netherlands
A bike tour of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting the medieval village of Durbuy in Luxembourg
A boat tour of the Ardennes region in Belgium

Week-Long Itinerary for Benelux

A week’s trip to Benelux can comprise of the following itinerary:

Day 1 - Brussels, Belgium
Day 2 - Ghent and Bruges, Belgium
Day 3 - Rotterdam, Netherlands
Day 4 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 5 - The Hague, Netherlands
Day 6 - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Day 7 - Vianden Castle, Luxembourg

Food and Drink Scene of Benelux

Must-Try Dishes

Benelux is renowned for its gastronomic scene, and there is something for all kinds of palates. Here are some of the must-try dishes in Benelux:

Belgian fries with mayonnaise and traditional sauces
Dutch Stroopwafels
Flemish vegetable stew, Stoofvlees
Belgian Waffles
Luxembourgish Plaettekuch

Local Beverages

Benelux is famous for its beer, with each country having its unique brews. Here are some popular local drinks in Benelux:

Belgian beers like Chimay, Duvel and Leffe
Dutch liquors such as Ketel One and Jenever
Schum wine from Luxembourg
Belgian and Dutch chocolates

Where to Stay in Benelux: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Benelux has a variety of accommodation options, catering to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Benelux:

Brussels, Belgium - Sofitel Brussels Le Louise
Amsterdam, Netherlands - Sir Albert Hotel Amsterdam
Rotterdam, Netherlands - The Student Hotel Rotterdam
Luxemburg City, Luxembourg - Le Royal Hotels & Resorts - Luxembourg
Ghent, Belgium - NH Gent Belfort

What to Buy in Benelux: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Benelux offers an array of souvenirs and local products that are perfect to bring back home. Here are some items to buy in Benelux:

Belgian and Dutch chocolates
Poffertjes, a traditional Dutch sweet pancake
Belgian lace
Dutch mini wooden shoes

Local Culture and Customs of Benelux

Benelux is a blend of three different cultures, and each country has its customs and cultural practices. Here are some cultural customs and traditions in Benelux:

Dutch culture celebrates Sinterklaas as a winter festival every year.
Belgians celebrate Carnival for three days before the Christian season of Lent which involves colorful parades
Luxembourgers take pride in their wine-making skill and celebrate the grape harvest festival every year.

Best Time to Visit Benelux

The best time to visit Benelux is during the summer months of June through August when the weather is mild, and the region’s parks, gardens, and outdoor attractions are in full bloom. However, shoulder seasons like spring and autumn are also a good time to visit the region when there is less crowd, and hotel prices are lower.

Do’s and Don’ts of Benelux

Do:

Try local foods and beverages
Visit the museums and cultural landmarks in the region
Respect the local culture and customs
Use public transportation when traveling
Tipping is common practice in the region; however, it is not always expected.

Don’t:

Do not litter in public places
Do not talk too loudly or behave rudely in public
Do not take photographs of people without their permission

Safety and Health

Safety in Benelux

Benelux is a safe region to travel, with low crime rates. However, travelers should take standard safety precautions like keeping an eye on their belongings and avoiding neighborhoods with a high crime rate.

Health in Benelux

Benelux has excellent healthcare facilities. However, travelers should have medical insurance that covers the region before traveling. The regions’ tap water is safe to drink.

Getting to Benelux: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Benelux

Brussels Airport in Belgium, Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands and Luxembourg International Airport in Luxembourg are the main airports that connect Benelux to the rest of the world.

Bus Stations Near Benelux

Eurolines and Flixbus operate regular bus services to various destinations in Benelux.

Other Options

Train services are a quick and comfortable way to travel within Benelux and other European destinations.

How to Get Around in Benelux

The most convenient mode of transportation within Benelux is by train. Buses are also a good option to cover some of the lesser-known villages and towns in the region.

Where to Go Next from Benelux: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions from Benelux:

Paris, France
Cologne, Germany
Bratislava, Slovakia
Zurich, Switzerland

Conclusion

A trip to Benelux is a journey through history, culture, and natural beauty. The region offers something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for solo travelers, couples, and families. Follow this guide, and you are sure to have the trip of a lifetime in Benelux!