12 GREAT REASONS to Visit Belgium: The best things to do each month of the year

Issued by: Dorine Reinstein

After the long lazy beach days, parties and excitement that come with the festive period, January can feel like the gloomiest month of the year. With most South Africans by now back at their work desks and kids back to school, 2023 can start to feel a bit daunting. The best way to beat the January blues? Book your next trip.

According to CCO of Air Belgium Emmanuel Menu, Belgium is just the place to be for South Africans looking for holiday inspiration a destination to visit of the time of year. Each season offers its own advantages for travellers. Enjoying Belgium is not weather dependant. No matter

Here are some monthly highlights to get some ideas on what activities to do in Belgium all year round. Get your planner out, as it might be time to begin organising your trip!

January – Tap your toes to jazz in Brussels

In Brussels, jazz lovers will be in their element during January. On various stages around the city, jazz fans can experience a range of talent from Belgium and Europe. Between Djangofolllies (the blues festival dedicated to Belgian guitarist Django Reinhardt), the classic Flagey’s Brussels Jazz Festival and the River Jazz Festival, there are nearly three weeks packed with cool beats to heat the winter evenings.

February – Infuse your days with art

Although it’s the low season, visiting Belgium in February has its perks. Not only will you escape the crowds of tourists that flock to the country in summer, you can also enjoy the many museums in the country. Explore the Antoine Wiertz Museum, the Constantin Meunier Museum, the Oldmasters Museum, the Magritte Museum, the Fin-de-Siècle Museum and the Modern Museum. Exhibitions on offer to art lovers in February 2023 include Picasso & Abstraction, featuring 140 incredible works by the world’s most famous cubist.

March – Celebrate the end of winter Wallonia style

The month of March is a special time in Wallonia, when citizens gather to celebrate and say goodbye to winter. For centuries, it has been a tradition to drive away the winter spirits with huge bonfires that light up the sky - none more spectacular than the Bouge fire over the Mosane Valley in Namur. The majestic flames serve as a beacon for thousands of people who gather each year to participate in this ancient, culturally rich ceremony.

April – Take a canal tour in Bruges

For an unforgettable trip to Bruges, timing your visit for the driest month of the year is recommended. One of the most beautiful features Bruges has to offer is its canals. A halfhour cruise along these waterways will give you magnificent views and a rich understanding of the city’s history. Five landing points provide access to start your journey, allowing you to witness Bruges’ magical charm from a different perspective.

May - Experience a mediaeval parade

Looking for a taste of life in Europe in the High Middle Ages? On Ascension Day, forty days after Easter, Bruges hosts the Procession of the Holy Blood. Drawing in between 30,000 and 45,000 visitors each year, the pageant dates back to the thirteenth century. An incredible array of 1,700 performers sing and dance through elaborate processions transporting you back centuries.

June – Get ready for the music festival season

Summertime in Beligum means festivals of all kinds! The most popular is certainly Tomorrowland. Every year the music event comes to Boom and brings with it some of the biggest names in electronic music. Vibrant stage sets make this festival extra special - so don’t forget to buy your tickets early before they sell out in July! Other music events not to be missed include the Rock Werchter Festival and the Fête de la Musique. The Rock Werchter Festival is known for its big stars, while the Fête de la Musique takes place in Brussels and is completely free to the public.

July - Join petrol heads at the Belgian Grand Prix

There was speculation that the Belgian Grand Prix would be cancelled and replaced with a race in South Africa. It has since been confirmed that Formula 1 will (sadly for SA) return to SpaFrancorchamps in 2023. Watching on TV can never replicate that sense of atmosphere! Instead join the 350,000 spectators that are expected to watch Max Verstappen compete in the three-day event at this race track.

August – Relax in a seaside village

When August comes, many flock to the North Sea - 68 km of Belgian coastline offer much to discover. Koksijde can be an interesting escape from the sun-hungry beachgoers. Take a boat ride along the coast or admire the architecture of this small town. The Paul Delvaux Museum (in honour of the Belgian surrealist)