How to plan an autumn trip to Belgium

Summer is over, but your travels don’t have to be. Full of beautiful landmarks, amazing food, and tons of things to do, Belgium is an underrated destination in any season. But what do you need to know when planning your holiday in Belgium this autumn? Keep reading for travel tips!

You can also find all of these and more on our map.

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1. What’s the weather like in Belgium during the fall?

On average Belgium is 12 to 15 degrees Celsius (53.6 to 59F) during the fall season. So, it’s mild but not too bad. Expect some rain here and there, so remember to bring an umbrella and coat.

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2. Why go to Belgium in autumn?

Autumn is one of our favourite seasons to visit Belgium as there’s fewer crowds and costs to deal with. It’s less busy in the autumn as most tourists come in the summer. Prices of hotels and transport are usually lower because of that too.

The main reason to come to Belgium in the autumn is because of how pretty it looks. That autumn palette (stunning orange, red, and yellow) makes already pretty places even better!

On top of all that, Belgium has plenty of events in the fall for all to enjoy including the fun beer festival of Brussels and the ending of the Flanders Festival in October.

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3. What should you pack when travelling to Belgium?

The best clothes to bring to Belgium in the autumn are practical ones. Since it’s a bit rainy, bring an umbrella, coat, good walking shoes and a backpack. Other than those essentials, there’s a couple of things you can bring along to help you out:

Tip: Belgium has some beautiful churches. Just keep in mind that dressing conservatively is preferred there.

• Your phone: who needs a bulky travel guide when you can keep Live the World in your pocket? Follow along our map to find fun things to do across Belgium.
• Europlug socket.
• Translator app: English is often spoken in Belgium, but it’s a multilingual country with Dutch and French being the most common. If you’re in the major cities, you won't have an issue but every local appreciates the effort.
• Waterproof phone bag.
• Reusable water bottle.

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4. Events you need to know about!

Belgium has tons of fun events in the autumn from Halloween to the iconic Beer Festival.

Halloween

Belgium does celebrate Halloween albeit on a lower scale than your Anglo-Saxon countries. You’ll find plenty of events throughout the country around Halloween, including Mexican inspired Dia de Muertos, night time castle tours, and Halloween parties.

Brussels Beer Festival

Belgium is a nation of beer lovers! On the first weekend of September, Brussels parties for a whole weekend. Small and big breweries gather in the square with stalls and glasses to fill. Psst.. In Antwerp? Check the “bollekesfestival” which celebrates the local De Konick Beer in mid-September.

Armistice Day

Each year across the country on the 11th of November, Belgium remembers the fallen soldiers of WWI. This event is especially poignant in Ypres, the city of the Menin Gate and many other historical landmarks of the war.

Ostend Film Festival

Head over to the coast in September for entertainment galore. Perhaps not the classic autumn vibe you’d expect, but the Belgian coast in autumn is a bit less touristy and there’s always some gems on at the festival.

Brussels Gallery Weekend

Brussels is always a good destination to pick, but autumn offers up another surprise. Enjoy the city vibes on a contemporary art tour in early September as 40 galleries open their doors for you.

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5. Where are the best places to visit in Belgium in the autumn?

From city trips to hiking in the Ardennes, Belgium has tons of things to do in the fall season. Wherever you go in Belgium this season, you’re sure to find beautiful nature, seasonal food, and local events. But we’ve picked a few of the top destinations for you!

Brussels

The capital of Belgium, Brussels, always has plenty to do and it’s super easy to reach. But we’re not just talking about the city centre. Wander out a little further for hidden gems aplenty. Autumn colours pop out in all the pretty parks throughout the city, plus local markets and events of the season.

The Beer Festival is probably the highlight of autumn in Brussels. Come and try out the great beer! But Halloween has some fun events too throughout the city.

Bruges

Known as one of the most beautiful cities in the country, Bruges is a great pick any time of year. It’s easy enough to get a train from Brussels to Bruges too (about a 50 minute journey), making it a popular spot for day trips in Belgium.

In the autumn, this city’s beauty goes up another notch as the romantic atmosphere is dialed up to 11 thanks to the autumn leaves floating in the canal and the Lake of Love. Tour the city on a canal boat or wander the museums!

If you’re in Belgium to try out the food, you can’t miss Kookeet. This autumn foodie festival features the best chefs in the city, Flanders, and beyond.

Limburg

Check out the beautiful heath landscapes at Mechelse Heath and go biking through the fields to explore the gorgeous purple vegetation that makes you feel like you’re off in far-away lands. There’s also a beautiful heath nature reserve in the neighboring province called the Kalmthout Heath. Limburg is such a beautiful place in the autumn, don’t miss out!

Ardennes

The Ardennes is a region in Belgium full of natural beauty. Whether you want a hiking trip with friends this autumn or a family vacation, the Ardennes has options for you. The Ardennes is the best place in Belgium to enjoy the autumn colours of Belgium, thanks to its many forests, hills and lakes.

The Ardennes has cute towns and villages to visit along the way like Dinant. If you can only visit one city in the Ardennes, make sure you pick Dinant! It’s citadel is stunning on its own, but during the autumn it's nestled into an orange blanket of trees behind its rocks.

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