In Belgium, as a waiter, you let people finish their drinks and food. You don't interrupt while they are eating and having a talk. If you need a waiter, raise your hand and they will be right with you. I would say it's pretty similar all over Europe.

@MissMoontree

2 жыл бұрын

It really is about taking the time to enjoy the good things in life.

@basilvanderelst128

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I can understand it looks like they re lazy though. I'd honestly find it pretty frustrating if a waiter/waitress came every 5minutes to ask if everything s fine and stuff haha

@ronnyvanturnhout1419

2 жыл бұрын

True, first a drink, while drinking that, order food and wine/drinks, when finished, order a coffee or... That's how it works here ☺️

@astriddierickx2579

2 жыл бұрын

True. We actually get a bit annoyed by the overly friendly American waitresses calling you "sweetheart" and interrupting the conversation and the meal.

@zerodivided3676

2 жыл бұрын

Indeed. I'm Dutch and it's mostly the same here. Overly (often fake) friendly (let's call it overattentive) waiters are actually frowned upon here. That doesn't mean they're not polite or respectful, it's just that you typically have to wave them over if you want something. So this 'unattentive waiter shock' is really only a shock for countries where waiters rely heavily on tips (or you know...just the US :D )

As a Belgian I always wonder why every tourist is so obsessed with 'Manneken Pis', when it is disappointing. We do have something impressive in Brussels worth seeing: the Atomium! It is a building that can only be compared to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it is very unique and it even impresses Belgians who've seen it hundreds of times...

@gwenwalravens8030

2 жыл бұрын

It is a tourist trap close to the Grote Markt. So while you are there, why not visit it. Just don't buy anything. xD The Atomium is great. The problem is that there isn't much else in the neighborhood. The national football stadium is nearby... but other than that?

@wimpie133

2 жыл бұрын

@@gwenwalravens8030 You actually have two nice parks and the Royal Palace of Laken nearby the Atomium. So certainly worth a visit!

@celt130

Жыл бұрын

As a "Brusseleir" Manneken Pis is not only a statue, it is what it represents in the Brussels culture. "When a capital city chooses such a symbol to display to the rest of the world, they must either have a strange cultural heritage or a great sense of humour, or both. For Brussels citizens and all previous generations who have lived in Brussels, Manneken Pis is a symbol of Zwanze. Zwanze is a word in Brusseleir (the dialect of Brussels) that expresses not only humour but also a way of life. It is the art of telling funny stories, that are not entirely true, slightly exaggerated, where one makes fun of themselves and its audience at the same time. The popular folklore stories surrounding Manneken Pis (a little boy turned to stone by a witch, a Duke’s son saving the city from fire) are exactly that - Brussels tales or Zwanze."

@flybeep1661

Жыл бұрын

Atomium is WAAAY overrated. Tourist trap indeed. Grote MArkt in Brussels is gorgious.

@flitsertheo

7 ай бұрын

@@gwenwalravens8030 Mini Europa (European miniature buildings) next to Atomium ?

The service part is so funny, when I go to the US as a Belgian I always feel like, "For the love of god can you leave me alone and let me enjoy my meal without you constantly interrupting, your fake smile is just for tips anyway". And when I go home I'm always: "Jeez, can I have some service please, and a smile wouldn't kill you, even though you don't work for tips"

"Frietsaus" is something they sell in Holland. In Belgium, mayonaise is mayonaise.

@ucheosajie1313

2 жыл бұрын

Frietsaus is also sold in belgium it's different from mayonaise

@wasp586

2 жыл бұрын

@@ucheosajie1313 so is pindasaus. Nobody buys it though.

@ucheosajie1313

2 жыл бұрын

@@wasp586 True haha, does joppiesaus equal frietsaus though?

@wasp586

2 жыл бұрын

@@ucheosajie1313 definitely NOT in Belgium! Other countries are free to put whatever on their 'fries' ;-)

@wouterolyslagers8248

2 жыл бұрын

In Belgium we say 'zoete mayonaise' to frietsaus.

We Belgians want the waiters to come when we need them. tip for tourists, raise your hand/make eye contact with the waiter if you want service.

@TheSpikehere

Жыл бұрын

I agree, a little nod of the head or eye contact has always worked for me.

@Blueberryminty

Жыл бұрын

it's the magic little gestures that some tourists miss and make them wonder why the other tables are being served and theirs isn't :) .

@ctmybones

10 ай бұрын

Thank you.

@Brad_Pittstop

7 ай бұрын

Good tip. In Belgium they think it's rude to call the waiter. You never hear a Belgian yell: 'Ober' or 'kelner'. While the Dutch have no problem with that. They are much more agressive, but not in a bad way.

Love your take on Belguim. I’m born and raised in Brugge and i would say, if you want to save some money don’t eat on the squares but find a place in the side streets. Prices wil drop up to 30%. And service wise i would like to ad that the difference between belgian and american service is that we would consider it rude or unprofessional from the staff if they would be at your table every 2 minutes to bring another water or clear one plate. So “unattentive” would be the feeling but is defenatively not the case. Feel free and enjoy Belguim!

@mariogansbeke

2 жыл бұрын

Ghent, same here as in Bruges, avoid the tourist attraction places to eat. There are a lot of nice restaurants and 'brasseries' where you can eat cheaper which doesn't mean less good or with mediocre products, sometimes even better. Food and health controls are very strict here. I don't like the pushy attitude of American (or other) waiters. Most of our waiters/waitresses are friendly, polite and respectful to the customers... if you treat them friendly, polite and respectful. Isn't that normal? Most of them work on tips too on top of a low salary.

@berwoutsarend5398

2 жыл бұрын

Boereeuh

@mikegaming3826

Жыл бұрын

well he forgot TONGEREN the oldest city in belgium born and raised

@frankv.2124

Жыл бұрын

@@mariogansbeke yes, but the tips are not mandatory like in many other countries.

@yaowsers77

9 ай бұрын

Do you have any recommendations for a great place for mussels and fries?

We as Belgians eat our fries with mayonnaise and NOT with frietsaus. Frietsaus is a sauce from the Netherlands with lower oil content and added sugar. It's crap.

@madamnicknack

2 жыл бұрын

As a Dutchie I confirm that. 😉

I'm from Belgium. Ordering food and drinks at the same time is primarily done for example when you are having a waffle or a crepe with your coffee or tea in the afternoon, or maybe when you're having a quick lunch. When you're having a more elaborate lunch or dinner, you usually order your drink first, and while you're having your drink, you order your food. One thing that is also worth mentioning is that prices already include the tax, known as V.,A.T. That's 12 % on food and 21 % on drinks. Tipping here is not the same as in North America. Eventhough service charge is included, It is appreciated if you leave something for the staff if you've had nice food and good service. I always tip 2-3 € per person cash.

Had the privilege of being stationed at NATO (Brussels) and lived in Belgium for 4 years. Absolutely loved living there. The history, people, food, sites, and of course the beer. Definitely cherishing those memories!

@bramvantongerloo933

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you from Belgium for your service.

@Porrohman72

2 жыл бұрын

@@bramvantongerloo933 Thank you! We so miss it over there. Loved the festivals.

@Brad_Pittstop

7 ай бұрын

@Porrohman72 Sometimes it's funny meeting tourists, especially Americans. I am from Antwerp and when I go to one of my favorite pubs in Antwerp (Quinten Matsijs) and meet American tourists. They are baffled that the pub has been open since 1565! That is more than 200 years before the declaration of independence. We sure have a rich history. Will you ever visit Belgium again you think?

@Porrohman72

7 ай бұрын

@@Brad_Pittstop Heck yeah! Loved Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, Brussels etc! Wife made Flemish Stew the other night. Miss those fries and all the different sauces. Oh, the memories of living over there. Went to Rock Werchter as well. I freaking love those old pubs. I think about all the people who passed through there for centuries.

That's incredible that you posted this video right now cause I'm visiting Gent (or Gand) for the first time and It's by far my favorite trip ever! And everything you said it's true: the public transportation brings you everywhere and both the Beer and Chocolate is amazing! Also wherever you turn around there's a building or a monument to see. Also everyone to me has been super nice and kind when I point out I'm a tourist and I don't speak dutch

@loicortegat2940

2 жыл бұрын

Hey, as belgian, also living in Ghent, I hope you are having a wonderful time here. Much love!

Flemish Belgian here. I'd also make a recommendation for the history buffs among the Americans here to check out the Mardasson WWII memorial in Bastogne in South-East Belgium, commemorating the soldiers who served in the battle of the bulge. It's a big monument with pillars and a platform on top with every US state written on it and a few poems in in English honoring the fallen. If you look at it from top down view it's shaped like a star and is meant to pay tribute to all the American soldiers who gave their life to save Belgium from further falling into German clutches. The Belgian Ardens aside from history are also a great and healthy place to do outdoor activities such as walks in the patches of pine forest, go kayaking downstream with the family or friends or a bike trip (if you have the strength to do it since a lot of the Ardens are rolling hills and low mountain passes), and obviously go see both open-air and quaint little museums with remnants from battle of the bulge. The ardens isn't the most exciting location compared to other patches of largely untouched natural locales but it certainly is a very healthy place to live considering the relatively scarce population and abundance of pine forests along tall hills, and natural water currents. They are very small compared to American national park and/or nature reserves but the are nonetheless great locales to walk through. Probably the only place in Belgium where you can get truly back in touch with nature. Back in the day when the original Lord of The rings trilogy was popular, we always jokingly referred to the Ardens as "our own little spot of Tolkien's Middle Earth". because whenever we went on one of these long walks there we'd imagine ourselves being on that Journey right after the hobbits leave the Shire. Also for anyone not in the know about the food: you may have accidentally heard Mark say "Chocolate moose(s)" but what he actually said is "Chocolate mousse". 'mousse' is French for 'foam', so what he actually is referring to is chocolate foam which is a dessert made of separating yolks from eggs and beating the egg white so it becomes a slightly stiff, fluffy and foamy substance, and then they usually add chocolate and sugar to it. secondly, food is typically expensive when you go to a classy restaurant. however if you go to a fry shack for example you're more likely to pay fast food prices similar to what you'd pay at a Macdonalds except the fries will taste great. also Mayonaise just isn't the same here the way it is in USA. mayo really DO go well with fries here and that's what most people tend to default to. then there's also this fun invention in fry shacks for people who can't decide whether they want mayo or ketchup and it's called "frite special" which is a pack of fries with BOTH ketchup and mayo on top, usually served with some diced onion sprinkled on top of the sauce and it's delicious. Nowadays they also tend to shake some barbeque spices on the fries with it and it's a taste experience worth trying. and last but not least, the Belgian special beers here, especially the strong ones, are meant to be enjoyed, so take your merry time and don't chug it all down in an instant. That's something you do at parties with cheap pilsners. Don't order one or more Duvels, with the intent of you're chugging these bad boys down in one go because YOU WILL FIND OUT THE HARD WAY like Mark said.

@ctmybones

10 ай бұрын

Thank you.

5:40 Frietsaus is a Dutch crime against the taste buds. Eat mayo with your fries like a Belgian would do!

@madamnicknack

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, as a Dutchie I confirm. Belgian mayo with lemon. 😄

@annickvandenbroek8936

2 жыл бұрын

😅😅😅 it is!

@joriskemper5392

Жыл бұрын

@@madamnicknack I still prefer egg based mayo though.

@madamnicknack

Жыл бұрын

@@joriskemper5392 Every mayonaise is with eggs, the Belgian also. 😉

@LiquidDIO

Ай бұрын

Nee, frietjes met special sause, alsteblieft! Misschien joppie, of stoofvlees. Dankjewel!

As a Dutch guy, I never got the hate on Brussels. It's a great city, I love it.

I'm from Belgium, flanders and thank you for the nice things you said about our culture! Have a nice stay and enjoy the beer ;)

About the service: we want our visit to a restaurant to be cosy and non-interrupted. You can order all at once or just ask if the waiter can come back in a few minutes. Ordering drinks first and ordering the rest later won't be a problem. Most restaurants make a lot of money from drinks. Dishes that are main dishes will ALWAYS be delivered together. Appetizers can be brought out with 2 phases if someone ordered 2 (for example a cold one and a hot one which wasn't uncommon before the multiple price hikes). Going to the restaurant can take multiple hours. If you are in a hurry, just say so.

I'm from Belgium, the south, Wallonia, but work in Leuven, and it makes me really proud to see your video. I think Belgium is a wonderful country. I have to slightly disagree on what you say about Brusseks though, even though I understand why you are saying it. Brussels in not like Paris or New York because it's not obviously as impressive as those cities, but it has a lot of hidden secrets. I think I agree with what you say on how you can appreciate the city if you don't compare it to those places. In that way you can really understand it, with its small secrets such as art nouveau or nice bars, or even the mix of cultures. Brussels, like Belgium in general, is a place where you have to be open and willing to discover it in order to fully understand and appreciate it since Belgium is often in the shadow of its neighboring countries.

@istoppedcaring6209

2 жыл бұрын

I am from Flanders and I must say I also dislike Brussels, it is just not that nice of a city, het grote plein is nice but most of the city is really not that nice, it just feels like another medium big city but twice as dangerous, and in the back of my mind are the terrible issues with employment.... I am guessing it is fun for tourists though but it is not for me

@ThePatchUniverse

2 жыл бұрын

@@istoppedcaring6209 Well, I understand what you are saying. I'm defending Brussels because I don't agree with the way he presents it and I think there are nice things to discover in the city, but it's not my favorite place either. I think Leuven for example is much nicer.

@slome815

2 жыл бұрын

​@@istoppedcaring6209 Dangerous? I'm also from flanders, and most people that think Brussels is dangerous are those they don't go there regularly. I used to commute to Brussels (kuregem), and I rather like the city. It has great pubs, a lively and nice center, and the best sounding concert hall in the country (the AB). And for tourists there are a lot of good things to see. The army and aircraft museum, the art history museum, and auto world in the jubelpark are top notch. You also have the comic museum, the horta house, africa museum, musical instrument museum, and much, much more. Also, it's the only place in the world where geuze, lambic and faro are brewed, that on it's own is enough to make me like the city. It's by no means the nicest city in belgium, but it's still a shame so many flemish people, living less then an hour away, never get to know the Brussels because of some unrational fear and dislike for it. It's also really the only city with a good rail connection to almost anywhere else in belgium, and it's metro system will get you to most places within the city, though it's no where near as good as in Paris or London.

@wanneske1969

2 жыл бұрын

@@slome815 I live in Antwerp and I used to think Brussels was dangerous and dirty as well, but then I met a German ex pat lady that showed me nice spots in Brussels. Off course there are a lot of great concert venues (AB, Bota, Bozar ...), museums but also huge parks. It's best to avoid Grote Markt and surroundings as eating or drinking there is very expensive.

@gramophonebelgium5790

2 жыл бұрын

@@istoppedcaring6209 You dislike Brussels because you didn't experience or visited it properly. Ah yes the Grand Place and the city center and you saw Brussels. Not. Just like saying Antwerp is grey and boring because of the industrial port. Makes no sense to me.

Very interesting video. As I am Belgian, to see how a stranger sees Belgium is always special. Thanks for the good advertising of our great country. If I had a piece of advice to give to tourists is definitely to pay a visit to the Flemish cities like Brugge, Gent, Antwerpen, Leuven and of course Brussels. And there are small walloon cities that might be very interesting as well like Durbuy, Spa, Dinant or Rochefort. The Ardennes in the South, the Fagnes in the East or the Polders near the coast are also worth paying a visit. As you said, a lot of stuffs are easy to acces with the public transportation and a lot of cities are accessible directly from the Brussels airport. Also, try our specialties. Not only mussels and fries but there plenty of meals you can only find in Belgium. And of course Belgian beers and chocolates are the best in the world 😂😂😂

@allwhatilove914

2 жыл бұрын

Very nice but Brussels is not a flemish city even thou it's in the flemish area. But I guess you know that.

@ctmybones

10 ай бұрын

Thank you for your advice.

I was born and raised in Antwerp!!!!!! Best place ever, now I live in the US and miss it everyday!!!

“The people change how they act”…polite way of putting it

Spent several weeks in Gent on a work project years ago. Great place, super nice people, and got a killer beer education from the proprietor of the tavern on the market square. Went there every day, sat outside and people watched, and he would bring me beers that he recommended. Learned that Westmalle Tripel was best consumed in small quantities (or else…). To this day my two favorite beers are Westmalle dubbel and Saison DuPont. I also have yet to eat better mussels in America.

So glad to hear positive comments of my home country! I go there every few years to visit my extended family, and look forward to my next visit.❤

2:47 Aah leuven, my favorite little town. 2x more fun when you realize you can just walk into 50% of the buildings since theyre owned by the university. there are so many parks, collections and oddities hidden that you only really get to experience if you know about em.

Brussels is belgium's New York, as an outskirt belgian (limburg) I've been to New York and the mentality of the people there really reminded me of Brussels

Love this! Makes me love my home country even more!

Actually, Brussels has this "New York" thing to it (maybe the NY of the 1980's :o ). It's IN belgium, but it's not LIKE belgium, just like visiting NY is not visiting USA. I live in Brussels, and whenever we decide to visit some other place in Belgium, it always feels kinda "foreign" precisely because Brussels is unlike the rest of the country.

@DobuDobuDobuDot

2 жыл бұрын

Well, I live in Gent, worked in Brussels (Anderlecht), been to New York and Brussels is anything but New York imo. I think the actual city of Brussels is quite small, most roads, except the R-roads are rather narrow, roads are not structured at all like the checkerboard in New York and Brussels has a few high buildings but nothing close to what is found in New York. Brussels is more of an ancient medieval city in origin while New York is much much younger. Maybe the arrogant mentality is a bit similar. 😆 New York is alive 24/7, whole year round, Brussels dies off after 22h, except for a few venues.

@timpauwels3734

Жыл бұрын

Most capital cities are quite different to their respective countries

@wouterfaes2309

Жыл бұрын

So you mean it feels like a shitshow ?

@DJSamsonofficial

Жыл бұрын

I kind of despise Brussels, unfortunately I have to drive around Brussels 2-3 days a week :D But mostly because of the lack of effort people have when talking Flemish to them. Also I always notice a lot of road works signs that haven't been taken down in years. They just leave them there, useless.

I love Brugge!! One of my favorite places I've ever been. 🖤💛❤

@woltersworld

2 жыл бұрын

It is gorgeous

@michelleken.

2 жыл бұрын

As a Belgian, I'm charmed, so thank you very much! But you got the order of the hearts wrong 😅 For Belgium, it should be 🖤💛❤ because the one you did is for Germany. lol

@tamararussell-czwartacky7105

2 жыл бұрын

@@michelleken. of course! 🙈 Thank you. 😂

@michelleken.

2 жыл бұрын

@@tamararussell-czwartacky7105 NP 😜

great video! looks like a wonderful place to experience 💜

I was only able to spend a few days in Belgium, but it's the most beautiful place I've ever been and the best food and beer I've ever had

@Brad_Pittstop

7 ай бұрын

Cool, and where are you from if I may ask?

@dividebyher0

7 ай бұрын

@@Brad_PittstopKentucky, USA

Thanks for your vidéos man! You remind me how great my country is 🇧🇪❤️🇧🇪

What a coincidence!! I’m actually flying to Brussels later today and this video couldn’t have come in a such a better time.

@loicortegat2940

2 жыл бұрын

Hey, as a belgian, hope you will have a wondeful time here! Much love!

Might have to give belgium a go. thanks for the info Mark.

Nice video! : ) Thank you very much fro promoting my country so well!

The Ardennes are also another world in Belgium. It's the south region of Belgium and is known for it's large forests, mountains and people that never saw a city before in some places. The places there to visit are: Dinant/Durbuy/La Roche/ Han sur Lesse and Coo.

@Robbedem

2 жыл бұрын

Spa isn't bad either. ;)

@gerarduspoppel2831

2 жыл бұрын

You forgot Spa

@crazyyoutubeuser2444

Жыл бұрын

Definitely bouillon

@rouquindunord8420

7 ай бұрын

Ardennes south of Brussels... mountains... did you ever visit Belgium?

@timheye7863

7 ай бұрын

@@rouquindunord8420 Visit? I live there. For 36 years now. Why?

25 € is the standard price for muscles with French fries (which are actually Belgian), no matter if you eat them in the center of Brussels or in a small village

@annickvandenbroek8936

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, when you even ask the french themselves, they admit fries are belgian not french

Great video. I’ve visited all the places you mention and have loved them all. Belgium is a fantastic country with a great ‘feel’ in all the towns. I particularly love Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges and Brussels (in no particular order!) and don’t forget the wonderful festivals that carry on throughout the year. One other place not mentioned is Ostend, a lovely costal resort.

@Brad_Pittstop

7 ай бұрын

Ostend is absolutely amazing. I am Belgian (from Antwerp) and I drive to Ostend regularly just to relax, and for the nice seafood. And in 2.5 hours you're in Paris. And if you want to visit France but don't want to drive that far. There is always Paris Plage (Le Touquet), a beautiful little town in the north of France.

Hey! Belgian person here😃. Thanks for making this video, very much appreciated!😘

When I visited Miami with my buddy, as Belgians, the waitresses were so attentive, he actually thought they were hitting on them. as mentioned: we like our service to come when we need it, we might actually feel it's harassing for them to be at our table every 2 minutes

Belgium represent! Great video my man!!

- Belgium does have a lot nice towns with historic centres. Brussels is an amazing city if you know where to look. It has a rich history along with tons of different architectural styles (Gothic (revival), Neo-Renaissance, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau (Horta), Art Deco) worth looking into. Brussels is hated by many Belgians because of it reputation of being dirty, busy and unsafe compared to the other cities in Belgium, but it's fine if you compare it to other major cities. I'd say, avoid the tourist traps and eat in places with good scores on tripadvisor. Other cities worth visiting are Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Mechelen, Leuven, Ypres, Lier, Hasselt, Liège, Namur, Dinant, Kortrijk. Even smaller towns such as Sint-Niklaas, Veurne, Dendermonde, Bazel, etc can be really nice and may have really good food. (Everyone speaks English anywhere except maybe for older people and some parts of Wallonia so you shouldn't be scared to go). - Beer is indeed a big thing, try them. In general there is a lot of good food to get in Belgium. Tourist restaurants often have bad food and service. A favorite fast food (and pride) in Belgium are definitely fries. You can find a lot of fry shacks anywhere in Belgium that sell (maybe the best) fries and other fried snacks. - Waiters in Belgium usually only come 5 minutes after you've seated and thought about you want to drink. Then when the bring the drinks they ask you if you're ready to order. After this it is usually up to you to let the waiters know you need something. Just try to get the waiters' attention by raising your hand to them. Tips aren't necessarily custom, but can be given if you thought they were friendly or the food was good. - Belgians like to enjoy their food and enjoy this food with the company they are with. This is why people often take an apperitive before their food and often stay in the restaurant for some time after they've eaten. Waiters also often wait for everyone at the table to be finished eating before cleaning up the dishes. - Belgium has really good train connections to cities inside of Belgium and out. Only 2-3 hours from Paris, London, Amsterdam. Lille and Rheims, Cologne and Aachen and Rotterdam, Maastricht, the Hague and Utrecht are also really closeby. - Belgium (espially Flanders) is a very densily populated country and thus does not have a lot of green space anymore apart from farmland and the occasional forest patch. If you are interested in nature, go to Wallonia, in the Ardennes. This is a really nice area to go hiking. The Sonian forest is also quite nice and close to Brussels. Although the farmlands can be quite pitoresque, I would recommend driving through France (farmlands), the Netherlands (flat farmlands and creeks) and Germany (forests) for this. Remember that each country has a unique culture and can have a completely different feel. Farmlands in The Netherlands is nothing like that of France or the UK. - for shopping got to Antwerp, Medieval city centre: Bruges and Ghent, student living/parties: Leuven, Ghent, Brussels (a lot of university students return home during the weekends so often events are planned during weekdays), world war 1 history: West-Flanders (Ypres, Nieuwpoort), churches and palaces are scattered around the entirety of Belgium. - weather in Belgium is unpredictable but is often cloudy and grey outside of the summer. Summers can be really nice or really disappointing, winters lately are rarely much below 0°C, except for in the south. - the people of Belgium are mostly reserved and perhaps a bit inhospitable to strangers, although all kinds of people exist and this may also be changing a bit with the younger generation. - although Belgium is small, the people in it very often feel like they have a different identity, depending what region they come from. There are many different provinces that each have their own distinct dialects, sometimes unrecognisable from common Dutch or French (and the people are often proud of it). To generalize a bit, there are many stereotypes: people from West-Flanders are home-minded, people from Antwerp are loud, expressive, sociable but a bit stuck up, people from the region of Leuven are a bit trashy, people from Wallonia are said to be more laid back compared to people from Flanders. - driving in Belgium may be quite hectic depending to what you're used to. It is a central hub of Europe and for that reason the highways are often very busy and packed with trucks especially around and between Brussels and Antwerp. Otherwise, driving in Belgium is easy. There is an abundance of street signs and people are (mostly) courteous on the roads. - in general, Belgium can be quite expensive. As everything is very closeby, I'd suggedt renting a car and sleep in B&Bs possibly outside the major cities. - Belgium has very good ties with other (especially Western) nations and a friendly rivalry with the Dutch. - due to the events of the last couple of decades the influx of migrants has made Belgium more diverse compared to 30 years ago. - I would agree that cities in Belgium may become a bit underwhelming after you have visited Paris or London, but there is still a lot to see and a big cultural difference. Belgium has a long past and had many important roles throughout European history. Starting from the Gaul tribes to medieval states to a unified Netherlands to a puppet state of Spain and Austria to an independent nation that acted as a buffer zone between many great nations. Even now it often called the center of Europe as the seat of the European Union and the NATO are located here.

And Brussels is absolutely the place for lovers of Art Nouveau and Tiffany.

I'm a Belgian myself and love the different view tourists have haha

Very informative video. Thank u.

As a Belgian I can tell you that the place where you go determines the price. Get outside the cities or if that isn't possible get away from the squares or shopping streets. I'm from Antwerp and there are some real cheap stuff here compared to like the states.

Glad you had such a great time here. I live in Brugge myself

I am from germanspeaking part of Beglium, as you said there are lot of cute small cities to visit. I love the belgian seaside here the most :)

Loved Brugge, want to travel again. Someday!

You have to check out Knokke- Heist as well on the Sea and Dutch border!

Most shocking about this video: talking about Liège while showing pictures of Leuven 😆

My Mum's favourite. She loved Bruges. 🌸🌻🙂🌷☀️🌺

I spent a school year there as a foreign exchange student in Spa in the late 60's and now I return annually to visit and it is a blast. The people are warm and inviting.

Love your take on Belgium, nice to see that people enjoy it there :) Although i might have added an other thing to the manneke pis shock. His wife Jeanneke pis is less known but also hidden over there. I always take my friends there and they always mention they had no clue about her, whats always fun :)

yes, I want to go back. more to see in Belgium ! thanks we barely scratched the service when we were there

@woltersworld

2 жыл бұрын

It's worth going back. Ghent is a definite go to

@loicortegat2940

2 жыл бұрын

@@woltersworld Im happy you are loving my city. Much love!

@istoppedcaring6209

2 жыл бұрын

thank you for liking it, we like to complain about our country, politically it is a mess but esthetically and in terms of the people it is amazing

If you're in Bruges, by all means visit the Lace Center (Kantcentrum) a historically important industry. The hand weaving technique (tatting) is truly something to see. There's a vintage lace shop across the street that can make for a memorable souvenir.

At some places in Belgium you can also order a tray for tasting various beers, I got one with 16 varieties in small glasses once.

Hello from Belgium ! 🇧🇪

I love to take international friends to the female counterpart of Manneken Pis, her name is Jeanneke Pis. Also located in Brussels, but not so crowded. 100% agree with not just visiting Brussels!

@eddavanleemputten9232

Жыл бұрын

Don’t forget Zenneken Pis, the dog… a few streets away from Manneken Pis.

It’s so fun to see this, I live around Bruges and I go to school in the centre. Seeing this makes me appreciatie even more that I have to ride my bike in the centre everyday. I litteraly pass almost every road you’re filming this video

@madamnicknack

2 жыл бұрын

So am I and I'm just the northern close by neighbor (Zeeuws-Vlaanderen). I love to have Brugge, Gent and Antwerpen at my doorstep. 😊

I’m glad you enjoyed Belgium 🇧🇪 😊👍

Awesome video

Thanks for your support from Belgium :)

Damn as a Belgian this video cant be more real! Good Stuff!

I really loved visiting Gent, Antwerp and Bruges. I would not recommand Brussels because I didn't feel safe there. I didn't really felt like I was in Belgium anymore.

@quintiax

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. I live in Ghent and even for me Brussels just feels... off. I don't feel comfortable walking there and the public transit just has an entire different approach that feels alien.

@berpke1234

2 жыл бұрын

Plus the rest of Belgium has plenty to see and do so Brussels isn't a necessity to see at all

@meneertim9905

2 жыл бұрын

I disagree. Brussels has a lot of nice quarters.

@felixvergro

2 жыл бұрын

@@quintiax gent is gwn een dorp, logisch da brussel anders voelt

@ronnyvanturnhout1419

2 жыл бұрын

True, I live and work in Antwerp and every time I have to go to Brussels (which is not that often) I feel like I am going abroad. Then when getting off the train back in Antwerp when I return, I always feel 'home' again. Our capital is a pretty important city, with the European parliament, NATO headquarters,... But it's hasn't got the Belgian feeling you will get 15 miles out of Brussels.

Antwerp train station is AMAZING. Do see it in person

Love belgium & your videos

I lived on the coast in Den Haan for a couple of years in the mid 80s. Loved the country and people and I hope to go back for a visit some day.

@LiquidDIO

Ай бұрын

De Haan is a gorgeous town. I stayed there for a week in the vacatiehuis park, and it was beautiful.

Tournai is also a small Belgium city that deserves a visit

@woltersworld

2 жыл бұрын

Noted! Thank you!

@obsidian501

2 жыл бұрын

@@woltersworld tongeren, hasselt are among the oldest little cities in existence and very beautifull :) you know julius caesar and stuff :p also the music scene and venues is crazy in belgium!

Thx !!!

Hey, I am a belgian student in Ghent. Happy to see a lot fo ppl are liking our country. If there are any question you would like to be aswered, do not hesitate to comment here below. Much love and stay safe everyone

Great to hear tourist talks about my country. Beer, fries and chocolate... But there is more. Come to Belgium, we will be happy to see you

Nice to hear such great comments! You might also want to add Lier and Mechelen to the list and also maybe mention that Brussels is (quite correctly) not like the rest of Belgium but that's also because it also hosts the European parliament, NATO global headquarters, the royal palace, Swift (banking) global headquarters... It's pretty much a fortress half the year, but one of the politically most important cities in the world because of that. You might also be interested in very rare gems like Tongerlo. In the abbey there is a true replica of the last supper, which was partly painted by Da Vinci himself, experts say.

To visit: Oostende, Brugge, Antwerpen, Bussel, Kortrijk, Ieper, Namur, Liege, Grottes de Han, Dinant, Bastogne.

I loved Belgium when I was there in 2000. When in Brussels, check out the Gulden Boot - it's been a bar for over 700 years! In Antwerp, check out the Corsendonk Cafe. Across the street is a maritime museum that was once a castle burned down by the Vikings!

thankyou for explaining the languages they speak with a map, something I was wandering about for a while

@baertbellemans7500

2 жыл бұрын

Generally speaking it's Dutch in Flanders and French in Brussels and Wallonia. German, you won't hear that anywhere except in the uttermost Eastern part. But that's not a region where foreign tourists go.

we belgians like it when the waiters leave us alone when we eat. A tip for tourists who come to Belgium: it is best not to go to Brussels. There are much nicer and clean cities in Belgium. Bruges, Ghent, Leuven, Lier, Liège and in the Ardennes you also have many beautiful small towns 🤗

@quentindescotte6037

2 жыл бұрын

Mons (Bergen), Celles, Mechelen. Avoid Brussels. When I went to the US, I really wanted the waiters to leave me alone hahaha

@constantlam7683

2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree. Maybe Skip liege aswel. It’s a shithole too. Same for charleroi. Antwerp isn’t worth the visit IMO

@DaiBei

2 жыл бұрын

@@constantlam7683 Then probably you were not at the right places in Antwerp. There are a lot of beautiful squares, streets and buildings like the Rubens House.

@wanneske1969

2 жыл бұрын

@@constantlam7683 I wouldn't say Brussels is dangerous, I'd say it's too touristic. Antwerp is great, nice park, musea, you can take a boat and go on a tour in the port of Antwerp. In Wallony it's best to visit the nature reserves and not the cities.

@constantlam7683

2 жыл бұрын

@@DaiBei there are definitely beautiful places in Antwerp, but what I meant is that I personally would always put Ghent over Antwerp

Lots of dialects too. Belgium has a lot of histiorie Enjoy the Belgian food XXX

Much love from Belgium 🇧🇪

@woltersworld

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

9:07 Hahahaha That's totally true. I'm from Belgium and when I went to Brussels I thought it was hilarious to see and hear all those tourists being disappointed when they saw Manneken Pis for the first time. I heard someone even say "This is it?! This is it?!". I mean even I thought it was a little smaller than expected when I saw it for the first time, but I wasn't really disappointed 'cause I knew roughly what to expect.

@woltersworld

2 жыл бұрын

You can really watch people's faces full with disappointment 😞

@fredericdewael8378

2 жыл бұрын

@@woltersworld because people thinks big is better and do not know what manneke pis is about. Do you expect a statue of 5 meter to remember a boy ?

@istoppedcaring6209

2 жыл бұрын

@@woltersworld well to be fair, isn't the paradox worth it in a way, i mean why is it considdered such a landmark whilst there are more impressive monuments litterally all around that city allone.

@Blueberryminty

Жыл бұрын

@@woltersworld it's mostly because it's misunderstood, although the disappointment is a little fitting as it is about "taking a pis with someone" or in flemish dialect "zwanzen", it's about enjoying the nonsensical things in life and the harmless little mischief in life. Nothing better then a peeing little careless boy to represent this. it's a cultural symbol, so it's more about what it represents then about the actual statue. it's not the only statue either, at least in geraardsbergen they have one, and in gent there is a very little one. sadly many belgians also have lost the meaning behind it and are equally bewildered about why it's a heritage symbol. like all culture, our belgian culture is changing too. but i still like this little boy for what it stands for. its a bit folklore that is starting to be forgotten.

I live and was born in Belgium, dont worry if you have something to ask to the waiters they immediatly come to you. It may be different in the Flanders cause i actually live in Wallonia or even Brussels can be different from the two others regions

I visited in 1988, Brussels is impressive but Brugge and Louven to me look like storybook places. I definitely want to see those again.

@woltersworld

2 жыл бұрын

They do

@ronnyvanturnhout1419

2 жыл бұрын

You should definitely also visit Lier if you like those fairytale towns. It's just 15km south of Antwerp. Mechelen is also worthwhile since it was Burgundy's capital in The Netherlands. Again, just 15km south of Lier and 25 north of Brussels.

@thatrandomguyontheinternet2477

2 жыл бұрын

I don’t mean to be rude but didn’t you mean Leuven

@robinmangala3536

Жыл бұрын

@@ronnyvanturnhout1419 Lier? Lol. Ghent, Namen, Bruges, Antwerpen, Brussels & Durbuy are worth the visit. Rest isn’t.

@ronnyvanturnhout1419

Жыл бұрын

@@robinmangala3536 Yes of course, those too... I live in Antwerp so why wouldn't I promote it? But if you like Durbuy, which is the smallest 'city' in Belgium, then Lier is also charming... And also La Roche en Ardennes with its castle. And Bouillon with it's fortress. And Dinant too with its citadel. Right?

I live in Belgium and when I heard clocks I wasn't sure if it was the video or a real clock.

Great how you introduce our country! It’s all true 😉

One more thing the small kids are really welcome in Belgium. Don’t need a kid menus, they give you a plate and you can from your plate if your kid has a small appetite!!

I live in Belgium, Brussels my name is Belgian. and I love eating waffles,French fries, and my Dad loves drinking beer. 100% go visit belgium. And some people hates belgium for no reason. Go visit belgium. 🇧🇪😇

Love. These. Videos.

@woltersworld

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Have you ever been at maasmechelen, Dilsen-Stokkem or Maaseik? Small towns at the Maas river. Very beautifull to take a walk at the National Park or at the river

You have beautiful parks, very good restaurants and fun little shopping districts around "Gare du nord" in Brussels and never felt unsafe there. If any of the stations is known for having an "unsafe" area (which I don't agree with, but to each their own ofcourse) is the South-station.

@quirijnv6793

2 жыл бұрын

Nord has "Beautiful parks" lol

I think it is funny that you talk about going to Brugge as it is amazing. For me living in Vlissingen near Brugge. It js the most normal thing in the world to go placed like brugge and Antwerpen

Vol-au-vent with fries and Duvel is the food of the Gods. Eat that when you're here

I am from Belgium and I have been to the USA. Service in restaurants is not 'worse' than in the US because we don't work with tips, it's just culture. I had the feeling that everyone in the USA was a little TOO friendly. Almost not genuine anymore. They are acting like they are your friends while you know them for 30 seconds. Like they give a shit about how your day was.. In Belgian we are friendly in another way. It's cultural difference. In Russia for example, they are only friendly to you when they know you. Otherwise you won't even receive a smile. It has nothing to do with money.

Came back from Belgium last night. I cant say i felt safe in Brussel. Gent and Brygge was really nice. So pretty and clean too. If i am going back i will go there.

I realy like the fibe of this video, it shows how much fun you have in Belgium. If you havent been to Brugge defiantly a tip!

Come to belgium , Go to a " frituur " order fries , mexicano , curryworst , and many other snacks etc , and try the differente sauces , mamout sauce , samourai sauce , etc etc , believe me ;) its god tier !

Good video. I think you covered it well. One thing that I would add, that shocks people, is that amid so many beautiful cities and towns, Belgium also boasts the "ugliest city in Europe/The World", depending on who is rating it. Some tour companies promote this feature of the city. Charleroi is an old mining and steel city, and definitely has a rust and black tint. But I love that city and it's people. I lived there for 5 months in the 1980s. I love the city song, Pays de Charleroi, that is played on the bell tower. The words roughly translated to English, say, "Land of Charleroi, the most beautiful corner of the earth. Land of Charleroi, it's you that I prefer!" A travelling university choir group from the US did a show there while I was there. As a finale they called the mayor up on to the stage and sang the city song to him in French. He broke down in tears, as did much of the audience. I also lived in Namur for 3 months and spent a fair amount of time in Brussels and Liege. (pronounced Lee-ej, btw, not Leej 😉) Belgian waffles (les gauffres in French) are very different than American waffles, particularly the Liegeoise variety. The main difference is that they use yeast in the dough. Many people think that they should be eaten with chocolate, cream, or fruit on them, which are all great, but I personally loved them plain and cold, or heated with butter on them. The Bruxelleoise variety are closer to the US ones, so if you get those, make sure to also get the Liegeoise variety. Don't miss out on the variety of fry sauces! My favorite were Andelouse and Samurai, but there are plenty of other great ones to try. Belgian chocolate is among the best in the world. Brands to look for are Cote D'Or, Leonidas, and Godiva.

@didiervandendaele4036

2 жыл бұрын

Hello ! As a Belgian , you have mistaken Gaufres de Liège and Gaufres de Bruxelles in French. Gaufres de Liège are eaten hot and can have "cannelle" flavour. We usually didn't add fruits or chocolaté or sauce on them. Gaufres de Bruxelles are full of white sugar, crème fraîche, chocolate sauce, ice cream , fruits etc. You´re welcome in my country !

@istoppedcaring6209

2 жыл бұрын

well to be fair, charleroi has ugly places but there are some cities that are actually way worse, there is a city in Russia that is more nightmare factory than city

@animatorofanimation128

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the compliments from a Carolos!! Albeit I did grow up in the country-side near Charleroi, but still visited the city regularly. I understand why people think it is a very ugly city but it is my home and the Walloon countryside near it is one of my favorite places to be. Too bad the politics are screwed in Belgium so it's not likely for the city to improve...

@clairemichelet4303

2 жыл бұрын

Don't forget Neuhaus when mentioning the different chocolate brands, I personally think they're the best and they invented pralines

It's actually worthwhile to research restaurants Belgians go to and get out of your way (just a bit) from the tourist places to dine at one of those places. We love our restaurants and we have a lot of really good ones that serve all kind of delicious food from around the world. Same with bars and cafes. The MoederLambic in Brussels for example, has some really good beers that you won't find everywhere. Anyway, very cute video on our country, thanks :)

@deusjevoke

Жыл бұрын

I agree, most of those tourist restaurants are actually an insult to the real good and much cheaper bistro's and restaurants out there in the streets a bit further from the squares, that are actually proud to serve you decent local food and specialties with their own twist! Stoofvlees is so much better on the terrace of a bistro where old local ladies sit with their cake and coffee, than squeezed on a town square between other tourists. In thos smaller businesses will try to convince you to take proper mustard sauce with your mussels and a good fresh local beer, they will not try to sell you frietsaus (that is kids food and an insult to good food) ;) But that is the rule all over the world...

I live in Antwerpen and it's probably not a nice thing to say but I think Bruges is quite boring and you have seen everything there in 1 day or less. It mainly attracts older tourists. It's close to the coast which might be an advantage. Leuven and Ghent are trendy student cities. Although not a lot of people know, Mechelen has a lot to offer and is close to Brussels. In Wallony you get very beautiful landscapes and nature

Loved your take! As a Belgian I thought I'd share some hidden gems; so for towns/cities to visit that you didn't mention I'd say: Lier, Mechelen, De Haan (at the sea), Neufchateau (walloon, nature), Dinant (hometown of Albert Sax and Leffe brewery), Rochefort, Ciney, ... Other tips I'd give you is if you're vegan to check out the restaurants in Antwerp, Leuven and Gent where there is a really nice vegan scene and also a lot cheaper. Talking about prices I'd also say that for seafoos you're alway going to pay a lot, but you definitely can find a great dinner for 10-15 euros in more underground/artsy places... :P Lastly if you're into fashion, vintage shopping, interior design, etc you'll get around fine in Belgium, especially Antwerp. Also for nature, sports, hiking, kajaking,... There are plenty of really cool hidden gems especially in the Walloon region.

@ruben2589

2 жыл бұрын

Zeg eens uw favoriete vegan spot in gent

@reinm7553

2 жыл бұрын

@@ruben2589 Hi! A spot I love to go is Le Botaniste in Gent :) also Knol&Kool is good

👍love it!

@woltersworld

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

As a belgian citizen, welcome!, and happy that you liked it here :)

I still remember buying des frites in those paper cones and the condiment used was mayo.

I was in Eupen and Liege. Beautiful!

@mynuttyme

2 жыл бұрын

You liked it in Liège? Ouch...