Are you planning on visiting Belgium soon? Start your journey with a good dose of Belgium travel inspiration! This list brings together novels, series, and movies set in Belgium that place the stunningly small European country at the heart of their stories. From Bruges to Brussels, encompassing beer and chocolate, not to mention a few linguistic clichés… it’s all here.
Happy exploring!
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Movies Set
or Filmed in
Belgium
and
Brussels
In Bruges — one of the best films set in Belgium
A Golden Globe winner, this film follows two British hitmen who hide out in Bruges after a botched job. Entirely shot in the medieval city, it features iconic spots like the Belfry, Minnewater Bridge, Koningin Astridpark, the Church of Jerusalem, and the magnificent canals. The Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce Hotel, where the protagonists stay, is also a key filming location.
Dikkenek
This cult Belgian comedy is filled with colorful characters and an offbeat atmosphere that will make you want to explore the local culture. Filmed in Brussels, Antwerp, and Namur, it’s one of the best Belgian films to help you get used to the accent before you go.
The Danish Girl — a must-see movie filmed in Belgium
As she embarks on her journey of transformation, Lili Elbe finds refuge in Brussels. The city becomes the stage for her first steps toward freedom. We see her at iconic cafes like La Mort Subite and Le Falstaff, and on walks through the Royal Park. While primarily set in Denmark and France, Brussels serves as a significant backdrop for her journey of self-discovery.
The Nun’s Story
This 1959 movie stars Audrey Hepburn as Gabrielle, a young Belgian woman who becomes Sister Luke. Set partly in Bruges, the film follows her challenging journey as a nun, from her struggles with strict religious life to her missionary work in the Belgian Congo. It’s a poignant exploration of faith, duty, and personal sacrifice.
The Child
The films of brothers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, often shot in Belgium, explore poignant social realities. In The Child, Bruno, a young man without direction, sells his newborn baby. Faced with the mother’s despair, he tries to get him back, sinking into a spiral of debt and criminality.
Nothing to Declare
In this zany comedy by Dany Boon, three Parisian friends find themselves trapped in an absurd spiral following an administrative error. Stuck in Belgium without luggage and with a blocked credit card, they must find a way to reach Marrakech in less than 48 hours.
The Expatriate
A former CIA agent tries to reconnect with his daughter by accepting a job in Brussels. His new employer quickly causes them trouble, forcing the two to flee. The plot mainly takes place in Antwerp, Belgium.
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Belgium
Music
Jacques Brel 67
The album Jacques Brel 67 (also known simply as Brel) is perhaps the work that best captures the artist’s deep attachment to his home country. It features “Le Plat Pays,” an emblematic song in which Brel offers a melancholic and poetic description of Belgium, its low skies, canals, and iconic north wind. Other tracks, such as “Mon père disait” and “Fils de…,” further illustrate his unique perspective on his origins and the rich tapestry of Belgian family and cultural heritage.
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Books
and Novels
Set in
Belgium
and
Brussels
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
In this novel, the Organisation de l’armée secrète (OAS) hires a foreign hitman to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle. A master of disguise, the Jackal meticulously prepares his plan, and travels to Brussels to obtain false papers.
Tintin by Hergé
Through a series of comic books, we follow the adventures of the famous Belgian reporter and his sidekicks, who travel the world. Some albums like The Castafiore Emerald or The Calculus Affair are set in Belgium, and the city of Brussels is full of Tintin references, from murals to the Hergé Museum in Louvain-la-Neuve.
Blake and Mortimer by Edgar P. Jacobs
This comic book series follows two gentleman detectives on their adventures. Many albums are set in Brussels, notably The Yellow “M” (L’Affaire du Collier), where we explore the streets and monuments of the capital.
Hidden Belgium
Hidden Belgium by Derek Blyth is an alternative guide for exploring the country differently. It reveals over 300 unexpected places and curiosities, often off the beaten path, for an authentic immersion. It is a personal ode to what the author calls “the strangest country in the world,” inviting a unique discovery of its hidden treasures.
The Belgian Beer Book
This whopping 700+ page book is your ultimate, detailed guide. It’s packed with vibrant photos and fascinating stories, covering everything from brewing secrets and tasting notes for over 100 beers to food pairings and guides to the best beer cafés and breweries. Written by experts, it is a delightful, comprehensive deep dive into Belgium’s legendary beer culture. Cheers!
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Documentaries
About
Belgium
20+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Belgium + What NOT to Do!
Ready for Belgium? This video is your hilarious heads-up! It’s packed with essential tips, like ditching the term “French fries” and embracing quirky statues. You’ll learn the difference between Brussels and Liège waffles and discover why trains are your best friends. It’s an entertaining guide that goes beyond Brussels to help you prepare for a whole lot of unexpected fun with Belgium’s famous beer and chocolate.
Apocalypse: World War I
This French documentary series uses colorized and restored archival images to tell the story of the conflict. Episode 4, “Rage,” specifically addresses the brutal fighting in Flanders, highlighting the Battle of Passchendaele and the horror of trench warfare.
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TV Series
Set In
Belgium
and
Brussels
High Tides (Knokke Off)
This Belgian Netflix drama follows a group of wealthy young adults spending their summer in the chic coastal town of Knokke. Their seemingly carefree lives unravel with the arrival of newcomers, revealing hidden secrets, family pressures, and complex relationships. Expect lavish parties, betrayals, and a dramatic dive into Belgian high society.
Rough Diamonds
This gripping Netflix series plunges into Antwerp’s Hasidic Jewish diamond district. When a prodigal son returns after his brother’s suicide, he uncovers family debt and and delves into the cutthroat, complex world of the diamond trade. It’s a tense, detailed exploration of tradition, loyalty, and survival amidst crime and secrets.
Professor T
The original Belgian series is a captivating crime drama set in Antwerp. It follows Jasper Teerlinck, a brilliant but obsessively meticulous criminology professor, who applies his unique, often eccentric, methods to help the police solve complex cases. The show delves into his troubled past, offering a quirky yet sharp look at Belgian police work.
