Belgium has a reputation for being boring. Just to set the record straight…it’s not!
For such a small country, it packs a massive punch. Belgium has breathtakingly beautiful cities, world class art, mouthwatering food, artisan beer and… chocolate. It’s also home to the increasingly cool hub of Antwerp. The bottom line is it’s an amazing base for a European Gap Year and certainly somewhere to include on your travels.
Here’s our pros and cons of a gap year in Belgium:
Pros:
The country is full of UNESCO sites – from cobbled medieval towns to canal side castles.
Bruges and Ghent are two of the most beautiful cities in Europe (and the world).
Belgium has excellent travel connections to rest of Europe – Paris is only 1 hour 20 mins away and London 2 hours.
Belgium has the best beer in the world. Many of the artisan beers are still brewed in Trappist monasteries. There are over 1500 varieties.
Belgium has an international atmosphere which makes it easy to feel at home, although this can be a draw back if you want to get out of your comfort zone.
English is widely spoken.
The Belgians make some of the best chocolate, waffles and frites (chips) in the world.
The uber hip city of Antwerp has a growing community of digital nomads and an increasingly active cool cafe scene.
Cons:
The Summer weather in Belgium is unpredictable and it rains frequently. Therefore, if beaches and a tan feature on your gap year list, it may not be for you.
The international feel can be a bonus, but if you want to immerse yourself in a different culture, Belgium won’t tick your box.
It’s expensive to live and eat in Belgium.
The landscape is mostly flat and not as spectacular as its neighbouring countries.