According to forum posts, for those interested in history and culture, the cities of Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp are must-visits. Bruges is known for its medieval architecture and Christmas markets, while Ghent offers a blend of history with vibrant contemporary culture. Antwerp is praised for its mix of old and new attractions, including beautiful station architecture and shopping opportunities.

Some travelers have highlighted Belgium's natural and scenic sites such as the Ardennes for its hilly landscapes and the caves of Han-sur-Lesse. Coastal towns like Knokke-Heist offer beach experiences, and the forested region around Dinant provides picturesque landscapes.

For a unique experience, several users recommend visiting local breweries, especially in smaller towns like Leuven, known for its vibrant beer culture. Additionally, the Christmas season transforms many cities like Brussels and Bruges into festive destinations with light shows and holiday markets.

According to forum posts, train tickets in Belgium do not require advance purchase as there are no discounts for pre-booking. Travelers can buy tickets on the day of travel, directly from the stations.

Some travelers mentioned that depending on age and the day of travel, there are discount tickets and rail passes available for train travel within Belgium. Specifically, seniors can benefit from a senior rail ticket that allows return trips anywhere in Belgium for a minimal fee.

Forum users have highlighted the flexibility of train tickets in Belgium, noting that tickets can be used for any train on the selected route on the day of travel. This allows for spontaneous travel plans without the need to commit to specific train times.

For international train travel to and from Belgium, travelers recommended using the official Belgian Rail international website to book tickets. This ensures reliable booking using a platform that accepts international credit cards.

Travelers advised against using a car in the cities due to parking challenges and recommended trains as a more convenient option. They suggested using public transport networks extensively to navigate the cities effectively.

According to forum posts, trains are a popular and efficient mode of transport within Belgium. Travelers have called out that cities like Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp are well-connected by train, making it easy to plan day trips. The Belgian train website provides detailed information on ticket types and schedules.

Some travelers suggested using Ghent as a base due to its central location and excellent train connectivity to other major cities. Additionally, it was noted that Brussels offers direct connections to many cities, making it another convenient base for exploring Belgium.

For intercity travel, users have recommended using the train for its efficiency. Within cities, public transport options like trams and buses are mentioned, with specific websites for each region's transport services provided for detailed planning.

According to forum posts, travelers recommend the Pillows Hotel in Gent for a luxurious stay. In Bruges, the Hotel Van Cleef is highly praised for its luxurious and personalized service, beautiful decor, and romantic location by the canal.

For those seeking opulence in Antwerp, the Botanic Sanctuary comes recommended by some travelers. In the Ardennes, the Sanglier des Ardennes in Durbuy offers good accommodation in a quaint setting, though it is noted to be very touristy and requires a car for accessibility.

Several users suggest using cities like Ghent or Brussels as a base to explore other areas due to Belgium's compact size. This approach allows for less frequent hotel changes and simplifies logistics, especially when targeting multiple towns like Bruges, Damme, and Sluis from a single base.

Some travelers recommended Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges as excellent day trip destinations from Brussels. These cities are praised for their cultural offerings, including museums and historical sites.

Other users suggested exploring cities like Namur, Dinant, Leuven, and Mechelen for their rich history and scenic beauty. Ypres and Poperinge were also mentioned for those interested in World War I history.

It was noted that Brussels serves as a convenient base for exploring Belgium due to its central location and the fact that all trains stop at Brussels Midi, Central, and North stations, making it easy to travel to various parts of the country.

According to forum posts, for a flight departing at 7:50 PM, it is suggested to be at Brussels Airport by 4:50 PM. This recommendation accounts for typical pre-flight procedures.

Travelers have noted that arriving at Brussels Airport at 8:00 AM and proceeding to the city center can have you settled around 11:00 AM, factoring in time for baggage collection and transport. This timing suggests that half a day would be required before engaging in any substantial activities.

According to forum posts, some travelers recommend using Ghent as a base for several day trips. One suggested itinerary involves driving from Ghent to Antwerp, including a potential stop in Brussels, which can be reached in about 40 minutes by train from Ghent. Antwerp itself is on the route to Amsterdam, making it a convenient stop before heading to the Netherlands.

Other users have proposed exploring beyond major cities by car. For instance, from Ghent, one could drive to Damme, a picturesque town just 5 km from Bruges, or venture to Ypres to explore cultural and scenic spots like In Flanders Fields. Both locations are relatively close to Ghent and offer a combination of cultural and scenic attractions suitable for a day trip.

For those interested in less touristy destinations, some posts recommend considering the Ardennes for a day trip, although it is farther from Ghent. This area is known for its natural scenery and could provide a different experience compared to city-centric travel.

According to forum posts, travelers can use TEC bus line A from Charleroi-Sud train station to reach Charleroi Airport, with tickets costing 6€ including luggage. The bus operates every hour at 26 minutes past, and the total journey to Brussels Airport takes approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Some travelers mentioned the Flibco shuttle bus as a direct option from Charleroi Airport to Brussels, which can be booked online. Alternatively, a combined bus and train ticket option is available for reaching various destinations like Brussels, Namur, and Hasselt, involving a bus ride to Charleroi train station followed by a train connection.

For travel to other cities such as Bruges and Oostende, forum users recommend either direct Flibco buses or a combination of local bus to Charleroi station followed by a train, with a change required in Brussels Midi station.