7 Best Travel Books About Belgium

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“Travelling through Belgium is like reading a history book of Europe.”

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A part of Europe’s Low Countries, Belgium is a remarkable country where cultures, customs and languages all blend together. Connected to its continental and global communities both economically and politically, Belgium has been a country that regularly punches above its weight and has influenced the world massively with its array of cultural, culinary and historical exports. Alongside its infamous reputation as being ‘Europe’s battleground’, the country attracted over 9 million tourists in 2019 alone. Check out all the best Belgium books and travel guides here at What We Reading! 

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Rick Steves Belgium: Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp & Ghent – Rick Steves

Rick Steves’ Belgium travel guide is the ultimate resource for tackling the most sought-after destinations: Bruge, Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. Across 746 pages, Steves vividly transports to the heart of the medieval town squats, raucous bell towers and the picturesque cobbled streets that make Belgium a real hidden gem in the travel world.

For capturing memories and stretching every budget to their last penny, Rick Steves’ travel guide is still one of the best Belgium books to take with you on your journey!

The 500 Hidden Secrets Of Antwerp – Derek Blyth

The second entry in his series, The 500 Hidden Secrets of Antwerp is the ultimate travel guide to Belgium’s second city. After taking readers through the length and breadth of Brussels, Derek Blyth once again showcases his intimate and local knowledge of Antwerp.

A practical travel guide, Blyth’s book is the ultimate resource for uncovering the finest restaurants, museums, parks, hotels, art, architecture and locals from across the city. Listed thematically to help readers get what they need from their trip easily, there’s no better book on Antwerp for those looking to experience the city like a local. 

Fodor’s Essential Belgium – Fodor’s Travel

Whether it’s sampling Bruges’ famous chocolate, trialling the Antwerp beer or marvelling at Brussels’ famous architecture, Fodor’s Travel has you covered with their Belgium travel book! With a newly designed layout and stunning colour imagery, Fodor’s Essential Belgium features fresh insights and information from the team’s array of expert writers. Designed to make your trip planning as easy as possible, this is still one of the best Belgium books for unlocking whatever experience you’re looking for from your travels. 

World War I Battlefields: A Travel Guide To The Western Front: Sites, Museums, Memorials – John Ruler

For those looking to talk a walk through the past, World War I Battlefields by John Ruler and Emma Thomson is the perfect travel guide. Lightweight, compact and portable, this book covers all of the major landmarks and battleground areas from the First World War.

Organised into themes and complete with the most up-to-date information for both walking and cycling through this era of history, covering everything from the Battles of Messines and Passchendaele to the 90-km long Remembrance Cycle Trail linking Arras and Amiens. Poignant and informative, it is the only Belgium travel book you need to enhance your historical holiday. 

Belgium – Culture Smart! The Essential Guide To Customs & Culture – Mandy Macdonald

Are you someone who wants to immerse themselves in Belgian culture when trekking across the country? Mandy Macdonald’s Belgium – Culture Smart! provides readers with all the essential information on all the beliefs, customs and attitudes prevalent across the country. The end goal is to equip readers with the knowledge of basic etiquette and common courtesies, avoiding sensitive issues and embarrassing gaffes whilst you’re travelling. Whether it’s business or pleasure, these tips ensure your trip is enhanced and enriched!

Belgium Travel Guide: The Best of Belgium Ultimate Travel Guide Book 2023-2024 – Lewis Anthony

Lewis Anthony’s Belgium Travel Guide is one of the most comprehensive travel guides for those looking to carve out the ultimate trek across the country. From the most famous sights and cities to the hidden gems most don’t know about, this travel guide comes with an incredible array of tips for making the most out of your time in Belgium, offering recommendations on everything from where you should have dinner to what walking guide you should follow around a location.

The book also comes with a remarkable examination into the cultural imprint of each of Belgium’s cities, helping readers unearth where the best points of interest are depending on the nature of their trip. 

A Tall Man In A Low Land: Some Time Among The Belgians – Harry Pearson

Harry Pearson delivers a hilarious travel memoir detailing his experiences living in Belgium over a period of several months, showcasing the hidden gems and quirky traditions that make the country such a unique place to visit. From The Festival of Shrimps, eating jellied pig cheeks to sampling over 600 unique beers brewed in the country, A Tall Man in a Low Land gives the country the spotlight it deserves but has so often been denied.