Holiday homes, airbnb and apartments in Belgium

Though Belgium may be small in size, it plays a crucial role in European life, so don't overlook this diverse kingdom when looking for a short-haul break, which is the epitome of everything you could love about the continent. Begin with the mighty capital city of Brussels, which, thanks to being home to the EU headquarters, is recognised as 'The Capital City of Europe'. If high powered office's and contemporary urban jungles are not always your thing, then opt for a more romantic trip to the quaint city of Bruges, where you can spend your days on the canals, or brushing up on your history in this beautiful Medieval Flemish heart, and that is not forgetting the equally historical Ghent or the fashionable hive of Antwerp. To enjoy a more organic side of Belgium, reserve a cottage in Bredene, where you can hike around this verdant province, or take a trip to the coast of Ostend or De Panne, where you can take a dip in the chilly North Sea… if you dare.

When to visit

The greatest time to plan a visit to Belgium is between April to late June, and September to October, when the climate is pleasant enough to enjoy wandering through the cities and having a day at the beach, but the attractions are not and crowded as they can be during the peak summer months. Shockingly, Belgium reportedly receives more rain than in the UK, so remember your rain mac and umbrella, whatever month you choose to visit.

How to get there

Located between The Netherlands and France, and boarded by The North Sea, Belgium is exceptionally convenient to reach from the UK and can be reached by air, rail, or ferry. It is likely that the quickest way of travelling from many parts of the country is to fly, with direct flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol and Birmingham to Brussels taking approximately one-hour ad 20 minutes, to the capital city. If you are not a fan of flying, then you can still visit Belgium in a relatively quick time, as the Eurostar train from London St Pancras to Brussels-Midi train station takes only 2 hours, meaning you can even visit Brussels in one day. Alternatively, if you are planning on travelling further afield and you want to take your car to Belgium, take the ferry from Hull to Zeebrugge near Bruges, and relax on the overseas crossing which takes around 14 and a half hours.

Belgian food and culture tips

When it comes to food, nowhere does it quite like Belgium, meaning a holiday here is guaranteed to be a treat for your taste-buds. Just mention the name of this delicious country, and chocolate will undoubtedly never be too far away from your thoughts. It can be hard to know where to begin when looking at the vast choice of chocolate available, but if you are staying in Brussels then be sure to hit up Passion Chocolat, which is a standout shrine to the sweet stuff for any chocolate pilgrim. In Bruges, search for The Chocolate Line, which packages up these homemade jewels, which is an excellent idea for gifts for your loved ones, or yourself, of course. There is no better country to reserve a self-catered apartment than in Belgium, where the cuisine doesn't end with the country's most famous export. You won't want a kitchen in the land where fries and waffles can be bought in bulk on the streets. For a lesser-known treat, however, sample 'stoemp', the nations favourite comfort food and is best compared to the Great British favourite, Bubble and Squeak. Wash down all this tasty goodness with a pint of beer, which is another staple in Belgium. There are around 230 active breweries in the country, so wherever you decide to reserve a holiday letting, you are never going to be too far from an authentic beer experience. There is even a Beer Museum in Brussels, which showcases the art of brewing in the capital before you take a drink in a nostalgic cafe atmosphere.

Medieval cities in a timeless country

Up and down Belgium, there are a collection of remarkably well preserved medieval monuments and architecture, meaning you can step back into the past, while still enjoying the comforts of the contemporary day. If you are visiting Belgium to delve into the rich history, look no further than a room in a traditional bed and breakfast in Tournai, the oldest city in the country, which despite a turbulent past, has preserved its century-old landmarks, which are now a monument to the region's rich past. Similarly, renting an authentic townhouse in Kortrijk in the Flemish province of West Flanders, where you can wake up just a short walk from the Broeltowers which has a history dating back to the late 14th century. To condense a historical break and a romantic escape into one beautiful destination, look no further than a romantic apartment rental in Bruges, where you can wake up in a bedroom with a view over one of the many canals which make up this charming haven. Wander through the 'Markt', which is the heart of all things shopping and dining in this architectural utopia, before visiting the Belfry of Bruges and the beautiful Basilica of the Holy Blood. One thing you cannot leave the area without doing, however, is taking a ride along the canals which act as the veins of the city, often referred to as 'The Venice of the North'.

Adventure in Belgium

When looking for a little adventure, Belgium might not be at the top of your hit list, but look beyond the county's most famous city's, and you will find a host of activities which are guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Try your hand at skiing and snowboarding by reserving a chalet in Comines-Warneton, where you can enjoy the fun of real snow in Ice Mountain Adventure Park. If you are less of a winter sports and more of a water sports fan, reserve a property in Mons, where the whole family can make a splash at Dock 79, whose activities include water skiing and wakeboarding along a 720-m long water ski cableway, along with a verdant woodland which is equally brimming with inland adventure. Bordered by the North Sea, Belgium should not be overlooked as a beach destination, as choosing a beach-front holiday villa with a sea view in Ostend will deliver a seaside break like no other. With its Neo-gothic city centre, stunning beach promenade and museums, which can be found onboard some ships, Ostend is the go-to place for a city and beach break in one. For less city on the shore, and more organic seclusion, look for a home in De Panne, where you can bathe in the therapeutic peace of the unspoilt Nature Reserve of Westhoek. Thanks to De Panne's close proximity to the French border, this coastal jewel can easily be reached for a day trip from anywhere in the north of France. If you are staying in a holiday home in Lille then hop onboard a train and reach the beautiful Belgium coast in only two hours.

Brussels, the Capital of Belgium, the Capital of Europe

Nothing showcases Belgium's power in Europe quite like the splendour of Brussels, which captivates all who look upon the Grand Palace market square, The Royal Palace of Brussels, which is the official home to the Belgian royal family and the beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire. With so many attractions, museums and royally approved architecture squeezed into one vibrant destination; it is unsurprising that the European Parliament calls Brussels it's home. Reserve a holiday apartment in Brussels, and visit Espace Léopold, which is a striking complex in the European Parliament building, before hitting the town when the sun goes down, to enjoy the bars along Rue de Flandr, which truly comes alive at night. If you want to visit the fashion capital of Belgium, look no further than a luxury holiday apartment in Antwerp which will offer you a stylish Belgium break like no other.