Belgium Self-Drive Tour: A Cultural Journey on Four Wheels
Bathed in gentle golden light, Belgium unfolds like an open storybook, each page filled with a blend of ancient and modern, rural and urban, reality and fairy tales. For me, exploring Belgium on four wheels is more than just a mode of transport; it’s a way to intimately connect with the land.
Belgium, formally known as the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal constitutional monarchy situated in Western Europe. The capital and largest city is Brussels. It is neighbored by the Netherlands to the north, Germany and Luxembourg to the east, France to the south, and the North Sea to the west. The country has a rich geographical and cultural diversity with three official languages—Dutch, French, and German—corresponding to the Flemish, Walloon, and German-speaking communities respectively.
The geography of Belgium is primarily split into two regions: the low-lying Flemish Plains in the north, and the more rugged Walloon Uplands in the south. Belgium has a maritime climate, which is mild and rainy.
With its long history and rich cultural heritage, Belgium is home to medieval cities, ancient cathedrals, and modern art. It's also the birthplace of renowned artists and writers such as Peter Paul Rubens and Georges Simenon.
Self-Drive Route:
Brussels → Ghent [55km] → Bruges [50km] → Wavre [130km] → Antwerp [110km]
Highlights and Recommendations:
✅ Brussels
Heart of Europe and the capital of Belgium
Main attractions: Grand Place, Atomium, Royal Palace
Recommended time: 1-2 days
Accommodation: Hotel Amigo
Cuisine: Belgian beer, chocolates, fries
✅ Ghent
City rich in history and artistic atmosphere
Main attractions: St. Bavo's Cathedral, Gravensteen Castle
Recommended time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent
Cuisine: Belgian waffles
✅ Bruges
Known as the "Venice of the North," a pinnacle of romance
Main attractions: Markt Square, Belfry of Bruges
Recommended time: 1 day
Accommodation: Hotel Dukes' Palace Bruges
Cuisine: Seafood, Belgian stews
✅ Wavre
A quaint town built of stone
Main attractions: Wavre Cathedral, Walibi Belgium Theme Park
Recommended time: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Domaine du Blé
Cuisine: Belgian beer, chicken stew
✅ Antwerp
World's diamond capital, filled with modern flair
Main attractions: Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp Zoo
Recommended time: 1 day
Accommodation: Hotel Julien
Cuisine: Belgian beer, chocolate
Traffic and Regulations:
Speed Limit: 50km/h in urban areas, 90-120km/h on other roads
Traffic Rules: In Belgium, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Belgium may not be the first choice for many travelers, but it's like an undiscovered poem where each line deserves to be savored. Standing in Brussels' Grand Place, I felt as though I could hear the call of history. Wandering through the alleys in Bruges, it seemed like time stood still. In Ghent and Antwerp, I found a junction of vitality and art.
This self-driving journey has been as much about exploring my inner world as the landscapes of Belgium. Along the way, as the scenery changed, I found myself unknowingly reconciling with my own inner world and achieving harmony with the universe. Belgium offered not just a picturesque route but a newfound sense of freedom and peace.
So let's listen to the sound of rolling wheels and discover our inner voice, to find our pure selves in the streets and alleys of Belgium. Thank you, Belgium, this self-drive trip has not only shown me your beauty but also led me to rediscover myself.
On the roads of Belgium, I found not just an external landscape but also an internal tranquility. May you also find your own piece of sky here, a comfort for the soul. Safe travels, and may we never stop journeying.
For those inspired to embark on a similar European adventure, remember to secure a France visa appointment or France Schengen visa appointment through trusted Schengen visa agents to ensure your Schengen visa appointment is trouble-free.
