Benelux Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Benelux? Our travel guide covers everything from places to visit and things to do, to food, culture, safety, and logistics.
- Introduction to Benelux
- List of Places to Visit in Benelux
- 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
- 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
- Safety and Health
- 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!
Benelux Image Gallery
![French and Dutch bilingual street signage in Brussels](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Bruxelles-Brussel.jpg/100px-Bruxelles-Brussel.jpg)
![The Dutch Intercity network (local and regional trains not shown)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/Intercitynet_NL_2015.png/100px-Intercitynet_NL_2015.png)
![View of Luxembourg City](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/LuxembourgCityView.jpg/100px-LuxembourgCityView.jpg)
![A Brussels waffle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Waffle_DSC00575.jpg/100px-Waffle_DSC00575.jpg)