Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Brussels, settle in, and take a gentle introductory stroll around the iconic Grand Place.
Morning
Arrival & Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU) or Brussels-South Charleroi Airport (CRL). Take a train or shuttle to your central accommodation. Check in, freshen up, and get your bearings.
2-3 hours
$25-50 (airport transfer)
Book airport transfer in advance or use the frequent train service from BRU to Brussels Central.
Lunch
Le Roy d'Espagne
Belgian classics
Mid-range
Afternoon
Grand Place & Manneken Pis
Begin your exploration at the impressive Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the Gothic Town Hall and guildhalls. A short walk away, see the famous (and surprisingly small) Manneken Pis statue. Explore the surrounding Ilot Sacré district.
2-3 hours
Free
Evening
Welcome Dinner & Evening Lights
Enjoy a classic moules-frites dinner at Chez Léon. Return to the Grand Place after dark to see the buildings beautifully illuminated.
Where to Stay Tonight
City Center / Grand Place area (Hotel or boutique B&B)
Well located for walking to major sights and transport hubs on your first day.
For a less crowded view of Manneken Pis, visit early in the morning. Check if he's wearing one of his hundreds of costumes!
Day 1 Budget: $150
Look into Belgium's artistic and political significance, from Magritte to the European Union.
Morning
Magritte Museum
Spend time in the surreal world of René Magritte at this complete museum, part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. It houses the world's largest collection of his enigmatic works.
2-3 hours
$13
Buy tickets online to skip the queue. Consider a combo ticket for the adjacent Old Masters Museum.
Lunch
Place du Luxembourg (across from EU Parliament)
International cafés and brasseries
Mid-range
Afternoon
European Quarter & Atomium
Take the metro to the European Quarter to see the modern EU institutions. Then, continue to Heysel to visit the iconic Atomium, a symbol of Brussels and the 1958 World's Fair. Explore the panoramic views and exhibitions inside its spheres.
3-4 hours
$18 (Atomium entry)
Book Atomium tickets online for a specific time slot, on weekends.
Evening
Dinner in Saint-Géry
Explore the trendy Saint-Géry area, housed in a former covered market, for lively bars and restaurants like Bonsoir Clara.
Where to Stay Tonight
City Center / Grand Place area (Hotel or boutique B&B)
Base for a second night to continue exploring central Brussels.
Visit the free Parlamentarium visitor center of the EU for a fascinating interactive overview of the
European Parliament.
Day 2 Budget: $140
Experience royal grandeur, musical instruments, and the sweet art of Belgian chocolate.
Morning
Walk up to the Mont des Arts for a superb city view. Visit the nearby
Royal Palace (open to the public in summer) or admire its exterior. Then, explore the impressive Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) housed in an Old
England building.
3 hours
$15 (MIM entry)
Check the
Royal Palace's opening dates (usually late July-August).
Lunch
MOK
Healthy, seasonal dishes
Mid-range
Afternoon
Chocolate Workshop & Sablon
Join a hands-on chocolate-making workshop at places like Zaabär or Choco-Story Brussels. Afterwards, stroll through the elegant Sablon square, known for its antique shops and the Gothic Notre-Dame du Sablon church.
3 hours
$50 (workshop)
Book chocolate workshops well in advance, as they are very popular.
Evening
Farewell to Brussels
Have a final Brussels dinner at a traditional estaminet (tavern) like Au Stekerlapatte, known for its lambic beers.
Where to Stay Tonight
City Center / Grand Place area (Hotel or boutique B&B)
Last night in Brussels before an easy morning train to Ghent.
For a free and impressive view, visit the rooftop of the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) café.
Day 3 Budget: $165
Travel to Ghent and be awed by its dramatic medieval skyline along the Graslei and Korenlei.
Morning
Train to Ghent & Check-in
Take a short 30-minute train from Brussels to Ghent-Sint-Pieters station. Store luggage or check into your hotel. Take tram 1 to the historic center.
1.5 hours
$15 (train)
Buy train tickets via the SNCB app or at the station. A 10-journey rail pass ('Multi') can be cost-effective for the whole trip.
Lunch
Soup'R at Groentenmarkt
Fresh soups and sandwiches
Budget
Afternoon
Graslei/Korenlei & Castle of the Counts
Walk along the postcard-perfect Graslei and Korenlei, the old port, lined with historic guildhouses. Then, visit the imposing Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts), a medieval fortress with a grim history and great views from its ramparts.
3 hours
$13 (Gravensteen entry)
Evening
Dinner in Patershol
Explore the charming, cobbled Patershol district, Ghent's oldest neighborhood, filled with intimate restaurants like 't Oud Clooster.
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic Center (near Graslei) (Boutique hotel or B&B)
To be in central the medieval city, perfect for evening strolls.
Climb the Belfry of Ghent for a panoramic view, but go late in the afternoon when the light is best and lines are shorter.
Day 4 Budget: $135
Admire one of the world's most important paintings and discover Ghent's energetic local scene.
Morning
Saint Bavo's Cathedral & The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
Visit Saint Bavo's Cathedral to see the magnificent Ghent Altarpiece (The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) by Van Eyck. This recently restored 15th-century polyptych is a masterpiece of early Netherlandish art.
1.5-2 hours
$13 (including audio guide)
Book a timed ticket online absolutely essential to guarantee entry.
Lunch
De Superette
Artisan pizzas and breads
Mid-range
Afternoon
Street Art Walk & Design Museum
Take a self-guided tour to find Ghent's famous street art, including works by ROA. Alternatively, visit the Design Museum Gent for a contrast between historical and contemporary design.
2-3 hours
$0 (street art) / $12 (Design Museum)
Download the 'Street Art Cities' app for a Ghent map.
Evening
Beer Tasting at 't Dreupelkot
Sample local Ghent beers and the potent Belgian jenever (gin) at this famous pub on the Groentenmarkt.
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic Center (near Graslei) (Boutique hotel or B&B)
Second night to fully enjoy Ghent's atmospheric evenings.
For a unique perspective, take a 40-minute evening boat tour on the canals; the illuminated buildings are magical.
Day 5 Budget: $130
A short train ride to the classic medieval city of
Bruges. Get lost in its cobbled lanes and canals.
Morning
Train to
Bruges & Market Square
Take a 25-minute train from Ghent to
Bruges. Walk or take a bus to your accommodation near the center. Start at the Markt (Market Square), dominated by the towering Belfry and colorful historic buildings.
2 hours
$10 (train)
Lunch
That's Toast!
Gourmet toasted sandwiches
Budget
Afternoon
Canal Boat Tour & Burg Square
See
Bruges from the water on a classic canal boat tour, passing under bridges and by hidden gardens. Afterwards, explore the Burg Square, home to the Gothic Stadhuis (City Hall) and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
3 hours
$14 (boat tour)
Boat tours depart from multiple docks; choose one with a shorter line.
Evening
Evening Stroll & Dinner
The city is quieter in the evening. Have dinner at Bistro Bruut or a cozy pub like 't Brugs Beertje, a temple to Belgian beer.
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic Center (within the ring canal) (Historic hotel or guesthouse)
Being central is key in Bruges to experience the serene early mornings and evenings after day-trippers leave.
Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood to see the venerated relic. Entry is free, but a small fee applies to see the museum and the vial itself.
Day 6 Budget: $140
Explore the peaceful outskirts, climb the Belfry, and look into the city's artistic heritage.
Morning
Windmills & Begijnhof
Walk along the city ramparts (Kruispoort) to see the historic windmills like Sint-Janshuismolen. Continue to the tranquil Begijnhof, a UNESCO-listed courtyard of white-washed houses once home to religious women.
2 hours
Free (small fee for Begijnhof house museum)
Lunch
De Bron
Vegetarian and organic
Mid-range
Afternoon
Groeningemuseum & Belfry Climb
Visit the Groeningemuseum for a superb collection of Flemish Primitive and Renaissance art, including works by Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling. Then, if you're up for it, climb the 366 steps of the Belfry for a sweeping views.
3-4 hours
$26 (combined ticket)
Buy a combined ticket for the Groeningemuseum and other city museums online.
Evening
Chocolate & Last Night in
BrugesIndulge in pralines from master chocolatiers like The Chocolate Line or Dumon. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant with canal views, such as Bistro den Amand.
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic Center (within the ring canal) (Historic hotel or guesthouse)
Final night to soak in the medieval atmosphere.
For the best photo of the Belfry and Markt without crowds, arrive before 9 AM.
Day 7 Budget: $155
Travel to Antwerp, Belgium's fashion-forward second city, and explore its magnificent cathedral and square.
Morning
Train to Antwerp & Cathedral of Our Lady
Take a 1.5-hour train from
Bruges to Antwerp-Central (an architectural marvel itself). Check into your hotel. Head straight to the Cathedral of Our Lady to see four major Rubens masterpieces housed within.
3 hours
$20 (train + $8 cathedral entry)
Lunch
Het Gebaar
Fine Belgian/French (Michelin-starred lunch menu)
Upscale
Afternoon
Grote Markt & MAS Museum
Admire the ornate 16th-century City Hall and guildhouses on the Grote Markt. Then, walk or take a tram to the striking MAS Museum by the river. The building itself is a landmark, and the rooftop has a free 360-degree panorama.
3 hours
$12 (MAS permanent collection)
The MAS rooftop is free and accessible via escalators; no museum ticket needed.
Evening
Dinner in the Historic Center
Dine in one of the many restaurants around the Grote Markt, such as De Rooden Hoed, one of the oldest in Antwerp.
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic Center (near Grote Markt) (Design hotel or apartment)
Central location for exploring Antwerp's main sights on foot.
Visit the cathedral late in the afternoon when the sun streams through the windows, illuminating Rubens' paintings.
Day 8 Budget: $170
Step into the world of Peter Paul Rubens and explore Antwerp's modern fashion district.
Morning
Rubenshuis (Rubens House)
Visit the former home and studio of Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens. The beautifully restored mansion and garden give insight into his life and work, displaying both his art and his personal collection.
2 hours
$10
Lunch
Bread & More
Fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches
Budget
Afternoon
ModeNatie & Fashion District
Explore the 'ModeNatie' complex, home to the Fashion Museum (MoMu) - check exhibition schedules. Stroll through the Nationalestraat and surrounding streets in the 'Zuid' district, lined with avant-garde boutiques from Antwerp's famous Six designers.
2-3 hours
$0 (window shopping) / $12 (MoMu exhibition)
Check MoMu's website as it closes between exhibitions.
Evening
Beer at a Brown Café
Experience a traditional 'brown café' like Kulminator, known for its vast beer list and aged vintages.
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic Center (near Grote Markt) (Design hotel or apartment)
Remain central for another night of exploration.
For a unique diamond experience (without buying), visit the DIVA Diamond Museum or simply window-shop in the Diamond District near Central Station.
Day 9 Budget: $130
A short trip to the lively student city of Leuven, home to one of Europe's oldest universities and the world's largest brewery.
Morning
Train to Leuven & Grote Markt
Take a 40-minute train from Antwerp to Leuven. Walk to the impressive Grote Markt, dominated by the incredibly ornate Gothic Stadhuis (Town Hall). Join a guided tour to see its detailed interior.
2.5 hours
$15 (train + $7 Stadhuis tour)
Book the Stadhuis tour at the tourist office on the square.
Lunch
De Werf
Student-friendly global cuisine
Budget
Afternoon
Stella Artois Brewery Tour
Visit the Brewery Stella Artois for the 'Experience Tour'. Learn about the brewing process of this world-famous pilsner and enjoy a tasting in the historic brewing halls.
2.5 hours
$18
Book the brewery tour online well in advance; slots fill up quickly.
Evening
Oude Markt & Return to Antwerp
Experience the 'longest bar in Europe' at the Oude Markt, a square packed with terraced bars. Have a drink before taking the train back to Antwerp for dinner.
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic Center (near Grote Markt), Antwerp (Design hotel or apartment)
Return to your Antwerp base after the day trip.
Visit the tranquil Groot Begijnhof (Great Beguinage), a UNESCO site of cobbled streets and houses, now used by university students.
Day 10 Budget: $140
Journey to the scenic Meuse River valley and the scenic town of Dinant, birthplace of Adolphe Sax.
Morning
Train to Dinant & Citadel
Take a 2-hour train from Antwerp to Dinant (change in Namur). The dramatic approach along the river is impressive. Check in, then take the cable car or climb the 408 steps to the towering Citadel for military history and spectacular views.
3-4 hours
$30 (train + $13 Citadel)
The combined cable car and Citadel ticket is the best value.
Lunch
Le Temps des Tartines
Savory and sweet tartines (open-faced sandwiches)
Budget
Afternoon
Collegiate Church & Saxophone
Visit the striking Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, with its unique pear-shaped bell tower. Then, explore the Maison de Monsieur Sax, the birthplace of the saxophone's inventor, Adolphe Sax.
1.5 hours
$5 (Sax house)
Evening
Riverside Dinner
Dine at a restaurant with views of the illuminated citadel and church, such as Le Pressoir.
Where to Stay Tonight
Dinant town center (Riverside hotel or guesthouse)
To enjoy the beautiful setting of the Meuse River and be within walking distance of all sights.
For a unique experience, take a 45-minute kayak trip on the Lesse River, which starts just outside Dinant, offering peaceful scenery.
Day 11 Budget: $150
Explore the incredible underground world of the Han Caves and sample authentic Trappist beer.
Morning
Grottoes of Han (Domaine des Grottes de Han)
Take a bus or taxi (or join a tour) to the Domaine des Grottes de Han. The visit includes a vintage tram ride and a guided walk through one of Europe's most spectacular cave systems, culminating in a vast cavern.
3 hours
$25
Check bus schedules from Dinant carefully, or consider renting a car for this day for more flexibility.
Lunch
Café at the Domaine des Grottes de Han
Simple brasserie food
Budget
Afternoon
Trappist Brewery Visit (Rochefort)
Travel to the nearby town of Rochefort. While the Abbaye de Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy brewery itself is not open to visitors, you can taste their world-well-known Trappist beers (Rochefort 6, 8, 10) at local cafés like Café des Fagnes.
2 hours
$15 (for beer tasting)
Ensure you have a designated driver or use taxis if you rented a car.
Evening
Return to Dinant
Return to Dinant for a relaxed dinner, perhaps trying local Ardennes ham or game stew.
Where to Stay Tonight
Dinant town center (Riverside hotel or guesthouse)
Base for exploring the wider Ardennes region.
If you have a car, visit the impressive Castle of Freÿr, a Renaissance masterpiece with magnificent gardens, located a short drive from Dinant.
Day 12 Budget: $160
Travel from the Ardennes to the North Sea coast for a breath of fresh air, beach time, and art.
Morning
Train to the Coast & Check-in
Take a longer train journey (approx. 3 hours with changes) from Dinant to the coast. Choose Knokke-Heist for upscale charm or Ostend for a more historic, crowded vibe. Check into your seaside hotel.
4 hours
$35 (train)
This is a long travel day; pack snacks. Consider a direct train to Ostend for simplicity.
Lunch
De Peerdevisser (Ostend)
Fresh seafood
Mid-range
Afternoon
Beach Walk & Mu.ZEE (Ostend) or Galleries (Knokke)
Walk along the vast sandy beach and iconic pier. In Ostend, visit the excellent Mu.ZEE museum of modern Belgian art. In Knokke, stroll past the famous 'Zoute' area's designer shops and galleries.
2-3 hours
$12 (Mu.ZEE)
Evening
Sunset & Farewell Dinner
Watch the sunset over the North Sea. Enjoy a final seafood feast—try the sole or shrimp croquettes at a restaurant like Bistro Mathilda in Ostend.
Where to Stay Tonight
Ostend seafront or Knokke center (Seafront hotel)
To wake up to the sound of the sea on your final full day.
Rent a classic 'kotter' (covered beach tram) for a unique ride along the coast between towns, if the weather is unpredictable.
Day 13 Budget: $170
A final seaside stroll before returning to Brussels for your departure flight.
Morning
Last Walk & Atlantic Wall Museum (Optional)
Take a final bracing walk on the beach. If time and interest allow, visit the Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum in Ostend, a preserved section of German WWII fortifications.
2 hours
$8 (museum)
Check your flight time carefully to plan the return journey.
Lunch
Quick lunch at a beachside café
Sandwiches or soup
Budget
Afternoon
Travel to Brussels Airport
Take a direct train from Ostend or Knokke to Brussels Airport (BRU). The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours. Check in for your flight home.
3 hours
$25 (train)
Allow plenty of time for the train journey and airport procedures.
Evening
Departure
Flight home.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
If you have an evening flight, consider leaving luggage at Brussels Midi station and making a quick visit to the nearby Art Nouveau gems of the Horta Museum or the Musical Instruments Museum café rooftop for a final view.
Day 14 Budget: $80