Flemish Brabant Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and travel logistics in Flemish Brabant, Belgium. From historic museums to outdoor adventures, this guide has it all.


Introduction to Flemish Brabant

Located in Flanders, Belgium, Flemish Brabant offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and cuisine. This stunning region is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, historic monuments, and delicious dishes. Whether you’re a history buff or a foodie, Flemish Brabant has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Flemish Brabant

Here are some must-visit places in Flemish Brabant:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Grand Place, Brussels: This iconic square is surrounded by magnificent guildhalls and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Hergé Museum, Louvain-la-Neuve: This museum showcases the life and works of Hergé, the creator of the famous Tintin comics.
  • Africa Museum, Tervuren: Explore the art, culture, and history of Africa at this museum.
  • Stella Artois Brewery, Leuven: Take a tour and sample this famous Belgian beer.

Natural Attractions of Flemish Brabant: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Zoniënwoud Forest: This forest covers over 4,000 hectares and offers hiking, biking, and horse-riding trails.
  • Sonian Forest: Another beautiful forest with unique flora and fauna.
  • Kessel-Lo Lake: A beautiful lake perfect for a scenic walk or picnic.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Flemish Brabant

Flemish Brabant has a great number of hiking and biking routes, including:

  • The Hagelandse Valley: Explore the rolling hills and medieval castles.
  • The Dijle Valley: Follow the river and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  • The Zoniënwoud Forest: Discover the flora and fauna of this beautiful forest.

Best Things to Do in Flemish Brabant: Activities and Tours

Here are some fun activities and tours to experience in Flemish Brabant:

  • Hot Air Balloon ride: Soar over the stunning landscapes of Flemish Brabant.
  • Beer tasting tour: Sample the best beers of Flemish Brabant.
  • Chocolate tour: Indulge in the best chocolates of Belgium.

Week-Long Itinerary for Flemish Brabant

Here is an example itinerary for a week in Flemish Brabant:

Day Activity
1 Explore the Grand Place in Brussels and visit the Hergé Museum in Louvain-la-Neuve
2 Take a tour of the African Museum in Tervuren and visit the Stella Artois Brewery in Leuven
3 Hike or bike through the Hagelandse Valley
4 Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Flemish Brabant
5 Visit the Sonian Forest and Kessel-Lo Lake
6 Take a beer tasting tour of Flemish Brabant
7 Indulge in a chocolate tour of Belgium

Food and Drink Scene of Flemish Brabant

Flemish Brabant is famous for its mouth-watering cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stoemp: A local dish made of mashed potatoes and vegetables.
  • Waterzooi: A creamy chicken or fish-based soup.
  • Bierbrood: A beer-based bread.

Local Beverages

  • Belgian beers: The region is famous for its beer, including Stella Artois, Leffe, and Duvel.
  • Lambic beer: A beer made from spontaneous fermentation in Bellegems and Pepingenlager.

Where to Stay in Flemish Brabant: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some great options for accommodation in Flemish Brabant:

  • Pentahotel Leuven: A trendy hotel in the city center of Leuven.
  • Hotel Rastelli Tervuren: A comfortable and modern hotel near the Africa Museum.
  • Jan’s Guesthouse: A cozy and friendly guesthouse in Brussels.

What to Buy in Flemish Brabant: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Lace: Flemish Brabant is famous for its lacework.
  • Cheese: Try the Gouda cheese from the region.
  • Chocolate: Bring home the best chocolates of Belgium.

Local Culture and Customs of Flemish Brabant

Flemish Brabant has a rich cultural heritage. The language spoken in the region is Dutch. The locals are friendly and welcoming. It’s customary to greet people with a handshake.

Best Time to Visit Flemish Brabant

The best time to visit Flemish Brabant is from May to September. The weather is mild, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Flemish Brabant

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beer.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places.
  • Litter in the streets.

Safety and Health

Safety in Flemish Brabant

Flemish Brabant is a safe place to travel. Still, it’s always best to take basic precautions, such as:

  • Keeping an eye on your belongings.
  • Avoiding dark alleys at night.

Health in Flemish Brabant

Belgium has a well-established healthcare system. Visitors should have travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies.

Getting to Flemish Brabant: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some transportation options to get to Flemish Brabant:

Airports Near Flemish Brabant

  • Brussels Airport
  • Charleroi Airport

Bus Stations Near Flemish Brabant

  • Leuven Bus Station
  • Diest Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train: Take a train from Brussels to Leuven.
  • Car rental: Rent a car and explore the region.

How to Get Around in Flemish Brabant

Here are some options to get around in Flemish Brabant:

  • Train: The train system is efficient and covers most areas.
  • Bus: The bus system is an affordable way to travel in the region.
  • Biking/Walking: Explore the beautiful landscapes on foot or bike.

Where to Go Next from Flemish Brabant: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions from Flemish Brabant:

  • Ghent: A charming city with stunning medieval architecture.
  • Bruges: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with romantic canals and historic buildings.
  • Antwerp: A vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Flemish Brabant is a hidden gem in Belgium, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and culinary delights. From historic museums to outdoor adventures, this region has something for everyone. Plan your trip to Flemish Brabant and immerse yourself in the beauty of Belgium.



    Keerbergen
    Kraainem
    Sint-Pieters-Leeuw
    Vilvoorde