Guidebook Updates for Belgium

When we learn of important changes to the information in our guidebooks on Belgium, we post them here. (Of course, it's still smart to reconfirm critical transportation and sightseeing details locally.) Armed with a Rick Steves guidebook and these late-breaking updates, you're set for a great trip!

Across Belgium

  • Brussels-based, high-speed Thalys trains have been rebranded as, and are now operated by, Eurostar. (Prices have not changed significantly; see our advice for Belgian train travel.)
  • Per new requirements set by the UK government, all passengers on Eurostar trains to/from the UK must now enter their passport details online before boarding. Once you've bought a ticket, enter your ticket's reference number at Eurostar's Manage Your Booking page to reach the page for entering your passport info. If you don't have a reference number issued by Eurostar, head to the manual check-in desk at the Eurostar terminal. Given the UK's new procedures for border checks, it's especially important to allow plenty of time for check-in (Eurostar recommends that standard-class passengers departing from Brussels Midi/Zuid arrive 90–120 minutes ahead of their departure time; gates close 30 minutes before departure).

Antwerp

  • While the Rubens House is closed for renovations until at least 2030, a multimedia exhibit and the gardens are open (Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00, closed Mon).
  • Billie the dog, the namesake of Billie's Bier Kafétaria, has died. But you might meet George, the new pup.

Bruges

  • The In&Uit ("In and Out") at 't Zand square isn't a tourist information office (as noted in the 5th edition), but it is helpful for performing arts tickets.
  • The shuttle bus that runs from the train station in Bruges to the town center is no longer free. It's €3, not very direct, and runs only every 25 minutes. A better option is bus #1 or #2, which gets you to the center in minutes.
  • The Groeninge Museum has changed its closed day to Monday.

Brussels

For books printed before February 2025, the following may apply:

  • Tap your contactless credit card to pay when boarding a bus, tram, or Métro. Ticket machines are no longer available at most bus and tram stops.
  • The Fin-de-Siècle Museum at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is closed while the museum undergoes renovation (likely until 2027).
  • To avoid lines at the main entrance to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, we recommend booking tickets online in advance and using the entrance to the Magritte Museum. A passageway on the lowest level connects the Magritte to the Old Masters Museum.
  • The Old Masters Museum and the Magritte Museum are now open Tue–Fri 10:00–17:00, Sat–Sun 11:00–18:00.
  • BELvue Museum is open Mon–Fri 9:30–17:00; Sat–Sun and July–Aug 11:00–19:00.
  • At the European Parliament, visitors no longer need to show up on the hour for tours; instead, they can use a one-hour multimedia guide at their own pace.
  • English tours at Town Hall are now offered every afternoon except Tuesdays and Thursdays, and some evenings as well. Tickets are €15.
  • St. Michael and Ste. Gudula Cathedral is now open daily 8:00–18:00.
  • The Museum of Original Figurines is now closed Tue–Thu except during July–Aug.
  • Local guide Roger van Buynder has a new email address: [email protected] and a new website.
  • Private operator European Sleeper now runs overnight trains between Brussels Midi and Berlin (3/week, 11 hours).
  • The privately run train between Brussels Airport and the city center is not covered by rail passes.
  • Bus route #27 has changed and doesn't go to the Royal Museums.
  • The Marc Sleen Museum has closed.
  • The following restaurants have closed: Inzia, Le Greenwich, and Publico.

Ghent