Just_Arrived_HereI'm coming over from Canada in August for a quick 3 day trip.
My goal is to see as much as possible while I'm here.
I'm planning on spending one full day in Antwerp.
I've heard so many different things about the vibe here.
What are the biggest mistakes people make when visiting Belgium?
Accepted answer
newbie_notes2Validation is the big one—you have to stamp your tickets the moment you get on the train or bus. I've seen people get hit with fines over 100€ because they thought they were good to go. Also, don't just treat Brussels as a place to sleep before going somewhere else, and stay away from the tourist traps around the Grand Place where everything is overpriced. People also forget that it's officially bilingual so a little bit of French or Dutch goes a long way 🇳🇱. Also, maybe dress for the rain and try not to be too loud in public spaces—especially the American tourists I've encountered - it's a bit much.
wafflelover882Make sure you check if your train ticket is 1st or 2nd class... I once sat in the wrong carriage and had a very awkward conversation with a grumpy local...
old_guard_vla2Some people find the urban grit and homelessness in Brussels a bit jarring compared to the rest of the country
realist_bxl2Looking forward to hearing your thoughts !
flanders_buildsNever drive in the middle lane on the highway because the locals will lose their minds
JokingNonnieI was driving at about 110 km/h in the slow lane the other day and a guy in a Mercedes was honking at me like I was standing still. Just stay in the right lane or you'll have a bad time
vibe_check_be_proPersonal space is huge here. Don't stand right on top of the person in front of you when waiting in a queue. It makes people very uncomfortable.