15 Best Things To Do In Belgium In Summer
Belgium is often seen as a winter destination, but that’s because most people don’t talk about all the fun things to do in Belgium in summer.
I lived in Belgium while studying, and visited the country several times during the summer months and I must say – it is a tough call deciding between winter and summer in Belgium!
Sure, Belgian Christmas Markets are some of the best in Europe, but summer weather really makes Belgium shine! As long as it’s not raining, you can’t escape unpredictable Belgian weather.
So, the short answer is yes, you should totally visit Belgium in the summer!
Let’s find the best things to do in Belgium this summer!
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1. Wander The Cobblestone Streets Of Bruges
Bruges might look like a Christmas fairytale in the winter, but it is absolutely beautiful in the summer too!
As the city sees fewer tourists during the summer, you’ll get to explore the city in a much calmer atmosphere.
Still, don’t think you’ll be alone – Bruges is a very popular tourist destination year-round and a must-stop on every Belgium itinerary.
I love strolling the cobblestone streets and finding picturesque corners away from the crowds. Bruges can feel like a labyrinth as you never know what you’ll find at the end of the street.
Some of my favorite spots in the city are the Beguinage, De Burg Square, and Duvelorium Bar with a view of the Grote Markt.
2. Cycle Around The City Like A Local
While I love walking, cycling is the main way to get around Belgian towns.
You don’t need to own a bike to get around Belgium like a local – every larger city has a bike-share system in place.
These are usually very affordable and easy to use, as there are many bike stations throughout the city.
You can also join guided bike tours in many Belgian cities, and they are a perfect option if you take a day trip to Antwerp, Bruges, or Ghent!
🚲 Brussels: Highlights and Hidden Gems Bike Tour
🚲 Bruges: City Highlights Bike Tour
🚲 Ghent: Guided Urban Bike Tour
🚲 Antwerp: Guided City Tour by Bicycle
3. Take A Coastal Tram From Knokke To De Panne
Did you know that Belgium has the longest tram lines in the world?
Belgian Coastal Tram runs along 67 kilometers, from Knokke to De Panne, making it the world’s longest tram line!
This tram line is not only long, but it is one of the most scenic tram rides you can take.
The coastal tram goes along the coastline, so you get to enjoy the majestic views of the ocean and the charming coastal towns.
Take the tram in Knokke and make your way to the south. The best part is that you can get off the tram along the way and go for a swim or sightseeing!
Trams depart every 10-20 minutes, so you can easily catch the next one and continue your journey.
4. Take A Dip In The Northern Sea
There’s nothing better than going for a swim on a hot summer day!
While Belgium is certainly not at the top of the list for the best beach destinations in Europe, you can’t deny that Belgium also has a beach.
And yes, you can swim on the beaches in Belgium!
Sure, the Northern Sea is not the Mediterranean, but it is not as cold as you might expect either.
I was a bit skeptical the first time I went swimming in Belgium, but summer always means going to the beach for me – as you may know, I grew up on the beaches of Pula.
A beach trip is one of the easiest day trips from Brussels by train.
Knokke felt like an actual beach town, with seafront restaurants and everything!
The main beach was filled with sun beds and people soaking up the sun, but the beach is large so there were many areas where you could be completely alone!
5. Go River Kayaking
If swimming in the North Sea doesn’t sound too appealing, kayaking is another way to stay cool during the summer in Belgium.
Belgium has many rivers, so there are many places where you can go kayaking.
The most popular places are around Dinant, Durbuy, and the Semois Valley.
Kayak La Vanne in the Semois Valley is the most popular kayak tour in Belgium. The reservation is online, so you can organize everything in advance.
You can pick the distance you want to kayak, so you spend 1 to 4 hours on the river.
6. Kayak The River In Ghent
If you’re visiting Belgium without a car, and you don’t have time to figure out trains and buses around the country, you can also kayak on the river in Ghent!
While most people take a boat along the canals in Ghent, kayaking takes it to another level.
A friend of mine worked for Ghent University, and they got to use the kayaks for free. It is really a popular activity and one of the coolest things to do in Ghent.
You don’t need to own a kayak to do it, though, as you can also rent one and discover Ghent from a different perspective!
7. Go On A Beer-Tasting Tour
Belgium is a country of beer, and the best way to discover unique local beer is on a guided beer tour!
If you’re a true fan of beer, you can opt for a fancy guided beer tour with snack pairings.
Alternatively, pub crawls in Brussels are a fantastic way to discover the best bars and try local beers along the way.
The atmosphere at these events is always lively, and you get to meet lots of people, making it perfect for solo travelers too!
Pub crawls and beer tastings are one of the reasons why Belgium is one of the best countries to backpack in Europe!
8. Have A Drink On The River Banks In Ghent
Belgium is quite a rainy country, so locals love to hang out outside during warm summer nights.
I love the laid-back atmosphere and locals gathering for a drink and Apéro style picnic on the river banks in Ghent.
Belgium is an expensive country, so you can have a “do-it-yourself” beer tasting with beers from a supermarket – just be careful, Belgian beers have a high percentage of alcohol!
9. Go To A Music Festival
If you’re a music festival fan, you know that Belgium is one of the best festival destinations in Europe.
Belgium is home to several world-famous festivals, including the iconic Tomorrowland.
While you can’t spontaneously go to Tomorrowland – the tickets sell out months in advance, there are many other summer festivals in Belgium to consider!
All these festivals make Belgium one of the best summer party destinations in Europe!
10. Watch The International Bathtub Regatta In Dinant
I don’t understand why some people say Belgium is boring, as I think it’s one of the coolest small countries.
There’s always something going on, with many completely random events too!
For example, did you know you can watch (and participate) in a bathtub regatta in Dinant?
This unique event takes place every year on the 15th of August, and you get to see some quite impressive handmade vessels.
The event attracts more than 20,000 people each year who gather to watch the race from the river banks, so it is certainly worth adding to your itinerary!
11. Go Hiking In Wallonia
Belgium is a great summer destination in Europe if you like hiking and outdoor activities.
While you can find nature throughout the country, the southern Wallonia region is the place to go for the most impressive landscapes.
Some of the best hiking spots in the country are:
- The Baraque Michel in the High Fens region
- Valley of Hoëgne hike
- Vêves Castle to Walzin Castle hike
- Rocher du Hat Hike
You will need to rent a car for most of these hikes, as they are not easily accessible by public transportation.
12. Grab A Drink In The Longest Bar In Europe
Leuven is one of my favorite towns in Belgium, and not just because I used to study there!
It is still kind of a hidden gem with tourists, but it is worth it to take a quick train from Brussels to Leuven.
The city is best known for its world-class university and the longest bar in Europe – I guess these two things go together!
I spent many evenings in Oude Markt, and I must disappoint you by saying it’s not one bar but several.
However, they are all lined along the square with tables and chairs together, making it seem like it’s one place.
The best time to visit is in June when the exam season finishes and students all gather for the last nights out before going away for the summer.
Similarly, it is equally lively in September as everybody comes back to the city.
13. Have A Picnic In One Of Many Parks
Having a picnic in one of the numerous parks and river banks in Belgium is one of the best things to do if you’re backpacking in Belgium on a budget.
As you might already know, Belgium can be expensive – especially for eating out!
So, why not skip the restaurants and save money by having a picnic in a park?
Head to a supermarket, Albert Hijn is my favorite, and grab everything you need for a casual meal outside.
Also, summer is the season for fresh fruits and veggies, so you can browse farmers’ markets too!
14. See Brussels Flower Carpet
Brussels Flower Carpet is one of the most unique events in Belgium, but you might have to plan your trip around it.
It is a week-long event that takes place every two years (it’s happening in 2024!) in mid to late August.
The Grand Palace of Brussels is covered with a flower bed arranged in the design of a carpet – a majestic carpet if you ask me!
Honestly, it is quite impressive how they manage to make flowers look so fluffy and carpet-like.
It is free to see the carpet from the ground level, but you’ll have to get a ticket to see it from the City Hall.
15. Watch The Sunset From Place Poelaert
Sunsets in Belgium in summer are quite late, so you’ll have time to head to Place Poelaert to watch the sunset after a day of sightseeing.
Place Poelaert is my favorite viewpoint in Brussels, as you can see the rooftops of Old Town and even the Atomium in the distance on a clear day!
The spot has become a popular place to gather at sunset, with people even grabbing drinks and snacks.
For an even better view, you can take a ride on the ” Grande Roue “Brussels Eye. It is a bit pricey, though, about 10€ per person, and the ride lasts about 10 minutes.
There’s also a free elevator right next to the viewpoint that takes you right back to the city center, so you can easily add this activity to your Brussels itinerary.
Is Summer A Good Time To Visit Belgium?
Yes, summer is a great time to visit Belgium.
Long summer days and warm weather make for a perfect atmosphere to explore the cobblestone streets and charming canals of Belgian medieval towns.
Belgium is lively during the summer months with many festivals and events taking place in the cities and the countryside.
You should still pack an umbrella when packing for summer in Belgium, as the weather is unpredictable, and you might get caught in a couple of summer showers.
Belgium Weather in Summer
Summer weather in Belgium is unpredictable, and it can be nice one week and then rainy the other.
I can tell you how wonderful the weather is with long, warm days, but you’ll have to check the weather forecast before your trip.
Kind of like the weather in the U,K really!
The last time I was in Belgium in late June, I was wearing shorts one day and a trenchcoat the other!
It wasn’t particularly cold, but it was rainy and cloudy, so I felt like I wanted to bundle up.
That being said, I also went to the beach in the north of Belgium during particularly hot weekends!
I prefer temperatures under 30 ℃ for sightseeing, but over 20 ℃ so it’s comfortable to sit outside and enjoy a drink – that’s exactly what you can expect most of the time.
Summary: Summer in Belgium
As you can see, Belgium comes alive in the summertime.
There is something to do throughout the country, from unique events like the Bathtub Regatta and Brussels Flower Carpet to fun festivals like Tomorrowland.
Warm weather and long days make Belgium a fantastic summer destination for sightseeing, and you can even go to the beach on particularly hot summer days!
Now that you know what to do in Belgium in summer, where are you going first?
Here are the top reasons to visit Ghent on your trip to Belgium!
