5 tourist mistakes to avoid when traveling to Belgium

Belgium is a diverse and wonderful country, and like any other nation, there are certain cultural mistakes you should try to avoid as a tourist.

Knowing them in advance will make your trip even better, writes News Bytes.

Don't talk about the Congo or Leopold II

This is a very sensitive part of Belgium's colonial history, and it is still fresh in people's minds.

Many Belgians know about the atrocities committed during the reign of King Leopold II and the impact of colonialism on the Congolese people.

Bringing up this topic may be uncomfortable for some Belgians. Do not mention it unless you are ready for a heated debate.

Do not underestimate the percentage of alcohol in Belgian beer

Belgium is famous for its beer culture with a wide range of beers, each with its own unique flavor and alcohol content.

One of the common mistakes visitors make is underestimating the alcohol content. Belgian beer has a higher alcohol content, around 12%, than the average beer.

Don't be offended by the Belgian sense of humor

Belgians have a unique sense of humor that can be sarcastic, ironic, and self-deprecating.

They often use humor to break the ice and build rapport with others, and they may use self-deprecating humor to demonstrate humility and downplay their accomplishments.

You should be aware of this humor and not be offended. They don't mean anything by it, it's just the way it is.

Don't expect too much from Manneken Pis

The Peeing Boy is a small bronze sculpture of a naked little boy urinating into a fountain in the center of Brussels.

It is one of the most famous landmarks in Belgium and a popular tourist attraction.

You should appreciate the Peeing Boy for what it is - an amazing and unique cultural monument - but don't expect too much from it in terms of size or grandeur.

Linguistic diversity

Don't assume that all Belgians speak the same language

Belgium is a multilingual country with three official languages: Dutch, French and German.

Although many Belgians are fluent in several languages, it is important to avoid assuming that all Belgians speak the same language.

Most locals speak Dutch, followed by French and only a few percent speak German.

It is always polite to ask what language they speak before assuming.

As TravelWise reported earlier, travelers told us about the most interesting intercity rail routes in Europe for 2024.