Belgium is a hugely popular tourist destination in Europe. A Western European state, with a population of around 11 million, it is part of the Benelux community (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) and often referred to as the Low Countries. .

Belgium is split into three regions - Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia - and lots of people visit for both business and pleasure. It has lots of beautiful architecture, culture and heritage, as well as a relaxed vibe despite the many important political decisions and business deals that are taking place in cities such as Brussels.

As a fairly small country, Belgium has many cities and is very diverse. Its people speak different languages, including Dutch in Flanders (North), French in Wallonia (South) and German towards the east of the country and this is because of its central location.

Brussels Brussels is the capital of Belgium, as well as the unofficial centre of the European Union. Many people visit Brussels for business trips and it has fast become one of the most multicultural cities in the whole of Europe. As well as business, visitors enjoy the city for its stunning design, historic landmarks and laid-back feel. It is the perfect setting to enjoy a coffee and some chocolate in one of the many cafes and watch the world go by. It is a perfect visitor destination for a long weekend of sightseeing and culture.

Bruges A hugely wealthy city, Bruges is often referred to as the Venice of the north thanks to its many canals and its beauty. Smaller and more intimate than Brussels, Bruges has a romantic air to it (similar to Venice) and is spread around a popular medieval historic centre.

Places to see and Major Landmarks

There are plenty of places to visit in Belgium to tick off the list. Here is a list of some of the popular landmarks in Brussels and Bruges:

• Manneken Pis, Brussels This has a similar status to Paris’ Eiffel Tower and many people flock to it. The Manneken Pis is a bronze statue of a small boy taking a pee (fountain water feature).
• Royal Palace (Palais Royal), Brussels Many visitors enjoy the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Palace and just like cities such as London, Belgium attracts many visitors due to its monarchy. The Royal Palace is the official residence for the Belgian royal family.
• The Belfry Tower (Belfort), Bruges This is a famous medieval tower in the centre of Bruges. There are 366 steps to the top and visitors can climb it and enjoy breath-taking views from the summit.
• Grand Place (Grote Markt), Brussels The medieval market square in Brussels in a thing of beauty and steeped in history. During the evening, there are beautiful light displays which brings its architecture to life. This area has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1998.
• Atomium, Brussels The most popular attraction for tourists, the 102 metre aluminum landmark was designed by André Waterkeyn for the International Exhibition in Brussels in 1958. It has an unusual design and is shaped like an iron atom, and houses a popular restaurant at the top sphere.
• Dijiver Canal, Bruges One of the most beautiful canals in Bruges, the Dijver Canal keeps with the medieval tradition and is a great place to enjoy a boat trip or long walk.

Full of history, politics and culture, Belgium also offers museums including model villages, art and chocolate museums, markets, boutique shops and coffee houses. It is also famous for its beer and chocolate!

Flying In – The Airport

The main airport in Belgium is Brussels Airport, also known as Zaventem. It is actually situated in Flanders, just outside of Brussels (the Flemish region). Last year (2015), it was the 21st busiest European airport with 23 million passengers. The terminal has lots of shops, restaurants and bars, as well as places of worship.

Most of the main and budget airlines fly in and out of this airport and it can be reached by train, bus and private cab or limo.

There are over 40 airports in Belgium – a mixture of military, private and public. Five airports serve the public as passenger flight airports. As well as the main airport (Brussels), the smaller airports are Brussels-South Charleroi Airport, Antwerp International Airport, Ostend-Bruges International Airport and Liège Airport. Some of these are popular for business flights, private and small planes.

Brussels Airport, as the most popular of the airports with tourists, is easily accessible. Taxileader.net, for example, is a private taxi firm offering safe and comfortable travel to and from this airport.

Book your private transfer now!

Taxi Leader.net offers experienced drivers, hassle-free travel and a private service, as well as an easy online 24 hour booking system.

Simply fill out the online booking form with your information and a qualified driver will meet you at the airport with a sign with your name on it. He or she will be aware of your flight details.

The last thing you want to worry about when you arrive in a foreign country, is how to get from A to B. Avoid any of the usual stress and language-barriers that can occur when trying to book a taxi from an airport with TaxiLeader.net, as your pre-booked transfer will be ready and waiting – and visible!

The driver will be able to take you to your chosen destination and you can pay in cash, knowing the exact cost beforehand (and no nasty surprises or added extras on the bill). You can book your taxi for return travel to the airport as well – another tick on the checklist.

What’s more an emergency telephone number will be emailed to you 48 hours before the transfer with a contact to speak directly to your driver should there be any issues. This can be a huge weight off your shoulders.

When you travel, you can be confident that your taxi will be a safe and easy way of getting to and from the airport and is one less thing to thing about when you have a full itinerary of places to see and things to do in Belgium!