Belgium : What to eat ? culinary specialties and gastronomy
Belgium : Discover - (entdossierthema):titre
(entdossierthema):chapo_introductifBelgium : Enjoying yourself
Timetable Belgium
For lunch, restaurants are generally open from noon until 2 or 3 pm, with little continuous service during the day except for snacks. Don't hang around in the evening if you don't want to be hungry all night! The restaurants close very early for the French, and no second service! Kitchens open around 6:30 or 7pm and close around 9:30pm, earlier or later but rarely later than 10pm. In the very big cities, you can find kebabs or brasseries open until midnight, but nothing in the small towns.
Budget & Tips Belgium
You can get by for less than €10 in a French fry shop. In restaurants or brasseries, à la carte main courses will generally cost you between €15 and €25, or even more in gourmet restaurants. As for drinks, you'll pay a little more for wine than in France, but you can make up for it with beer.
What costs extra Belgium
No extra charge in Belgium, everything is as in France, prices are inclusive of VAT, and the tip is at the goodwill of the customer.
The local way Belgium
In some establishments, the toilets are under the care of a Madame, or more rarely a Monsieur Pipi, who keeps them clean. Plan to spend at least 50 centimes just in case.
Kids Belgium
Restaurants offer children's menus almost everywhere.
Smokers Belgium
The terraces, unlike in France, are mostly non-smoking. You will have to go further away!
Tourist traps Belgium
In the main squares you will always find tourist-friendly restaurants, as everywhere. It is better to follow the advice of the Petit Futé!
Belgium : Take a break
Timetable Belgium
As much as restaurants close early, bars close late! In Belgium, we rarely close at 2 a.m., but rather until dawn, as long as there's entertainment! Cafés, on the other hand, close around 6 p.m., but the bars take over until very late - there's no state-imposed closing time like in France.
Budget & Tips Belgium
A good beer will still be quite expensive, but there's always a selected beer of the month on special offer. Keep your eyes open!
Age restrictions Belgium
Since January 2019, all alcohol is forbidden to people under the age of 18, with the exception of beer or wine, permitted from the age of 16. There are no age restrictions for entering bars.
Smokers Belgium
Unlike in France, most terraces are non-smoking. You'll have to go further afield!
