Visiting Belgium for the first time and are not sure where to start with planning your trip? Then this post is for you. In this article, we feature a suggested Belgium itinerary that brings you to the most beautiful places in Belgium in three or four days. Read on!
Our tiny country is squeezed in between the top-tourist destinations like London, Amsterdam, or Paris and is therefore often overlooked. But Belgium has a lot to offer to any type of traveler!
Since I know that many people don’t have a lot of time to explore Belgium deeper, here are my very best recommendations for a short first trip to Belgium.
Even if you are visiting Belgium for just one or two days, you will be able to plan your trip using our tips below. But if you have the time, I recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days in Belgium.
My recommended three day Belgium itinerary includes the capital city Brussels and the most beautiful towns of Flanders – Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges.
If you have four days in Belgium I also strongly recommend visiting one of the historic war sites in Belgium – either Ypres and WWI battlefields or Bastogne and its WWII museums and monuments.
TIP: The distances in Belgium are not big and there are good railway connections between all major towns. Therefore you can base yourself in any city and make day trips from there – that way you don’t have to pack/unpack all the time. But you can, of course, stay in a different town every day as well. Find out!
Good to know: Since most of the main highlights of Belgium are towns, you can visit Belgium in any season.
Recommended Belgium itinerary:
Day 1: Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and a city every tourist has to see at least once. In my opinion, one day is plenty of time in order to see the main highlights of Brussels. If you want to visit museums (Musical Instruments Museum is my favorite and there are so many more) and less centrally located areas you will, of course, need more time.
Here is my suggested itinerary for Brussels in one day:
In the morning, take a walk in the town center and don’t miss the following places:
- Grand Place and the Town Hall. The central square of Brussels is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful town squares in the world. Surrounded by the decorative 17the century guild houses, the impressive City Hall and the Maison du Roi (now the Brussels City Museum) it’s a place not to be missed. My favorite time to go is in the evening when the crowds are smaller and the buildings are nicely lit.
- Manneken Pis. According to one of the legends, the little peeing boy saved the city from the fire and is the ultimate symbol of Brussels. The iconic bronze statue will surprise you with its small size. Depending on the day you visit, you might see him naked or dressed. Manneken Pis has over 1000 costumes for all kinds of different occasions. Here you can read the real story of Manneken-Pis and how he became so popular.
- Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. The 19th-century pedestrian gallery with numerous boutiques and restaurants is not to be missed.
- St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral. Finished at the beginning of the 16th century, the impressive Gothic cathedral took over 300 years to build. It is here that all significant Belgian monarchy’s celebrations take place: coronations, weddings, and state funerals.
- Royal Palace of Brussels. The official palace of the Belgian King in the center of Brussels is used for all kinds of official events and can be visited from the end of July till the beginning of September. The Royal family itself lives in the Castle of Laeken, on the outskirts of Brussels.
- Mont des Arts. This ‘hill of the arts’ is a nice garden overlooking the Sablon area and the City Hall of Brussels.
- Brussels Stock Exchange. Impressive architecture.
In the afternoon take a metro to the Heysel area and visit Atomium. If you have an hour to spare, you may want to visit Mini Europe as well. It’s one of the nicest family-friendly attractions in Brussels. Combination tickets are available for both attractions.
In the evening head back to the city center of Brussels, see the nicely lit Grand Place, and check out the famous dining area – Rue des Bouchers. I don’t advise dining here as the restaurants are real tourist traps, but this street has such a unique atmosphere that no visit to Brussels would be complete without passing by here.
A bit hidden out of sight, the ‘sister’ of the Manneken Pis – Jeanneke Pis can be found in a small alley next to the Rue des Bouchers.
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Brussels
Some practical tips for visiting Brussels:
- Brussels is a good base for exploring Belgium. There are direct train connections to all the major towns.
- Where to eat. Like in many cities, there are many good restaurants in Brussels, but there are real tourist traps as well. One of our favorites for traditional Belgian food in the center of Brussels is ‘t Kelderke located right on Grand Place. Despite its central location, this restaurant managed to maintain high-quality standards for many years. Recently we discovered a really nice Italian restaurant – Spago that I would also recommend.
- Safety. Brussels is a rather safe city, but – as in any other big city – there are some areas to avoid and simple safety tips to follow. For more information, please check our guide – is Brussels safe?
- Where to stay. If you decide to use Brussels as your base for exploring Belgium, I would advise staying close to the Central Station (e.g. Hilton Grand Place) – from there you can easily get to the airport and to the other towns. Here you can read our complete guide to the best places to stay in Brussels and here you can find the top 10 of the most popular hotels in Brussels center.
READ ALSO: Brussels Christmas Market & Brussels Flower Carpet
Day 2: Antwerp
Antwerp is my personal favorite Belgian town. It’s not as big as Brussels, not as touristic as Bruges or Ghent, and therefore has a more authentic feeling. I strongly suggest that you spend the whole day in Antwerp.
Since we live nearby, I have quite a few more detailed blog posts highlighting the best things to do in Antwerp with kids, exploring Antwerp by bike, etc.
Below are my suggestions for the main places you have to see in Antwerp. Below, you can find a link to our more detailed guide to the best things to do in Antwerp, including a suggested city walk with the map.
- Central Station
- Antwerp Zoo
- Rubens House
- Groenplaats
- Cathedral of Our Lady
- Grote Markt
- Steen Castle
- Vleeshuis
- MAS rooftop terrace
- The New Port House
- Starline Museum
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Antwerp & Antwerp Hidden Gems
Some practical tips for visiting Antwerp:
- Antwerp is very well located and has excellent connections to Brussels Airport and Brussels city center (35-40 min), but also to Ghent (50 min) and Bruges (1h30).
- In my view, Antwerp is as good a place to base yourself for exploring Belgium as Brussels. Depending on when you visit, it’s likely that it will be somewhat cheaper to stay in Antwerp than in Brussels. Here you can find accommodation in Antwerp.
Day 3: Ghent and Bruges
While some people choose to spend the whole day in each Ghent and Bruges, you can see the very best these cities have to offer in just half a day as well. So if you are short on time, you can visit Ghent and Bruges on the same day. The train between the two towns only takes 35 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take an organized day trip from Brussels – they will take you to the most beautiful spots of these two must-see Flemish towns.
I suggest that you go to Ghent first (you’ll see why later). The Dampoort Railway Station is the one closest to the old historic town center.
Here are the main places not to be missed in Ghent:
- Gravensteen. The 10th-century castle is worth a short visit.
- Leie river. Take a walk along Graslei and Korenlei and past St Michael’s Bridge. A great way to explore Ghent is by taking a short boat trip.
- Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral. Inside you can opt to visit the famous Ghent Altarpiece, aka the Mystic Lamb painting.
- Belfry and Cloth Hall and St. Nicholas Church are also worth a short visit.
Have lunch in Ghent, then head back to the Dampoort Railway Station and take a train to Bruges.
I always advise visiting Bruges toward the evening because it’s crowded with tourists during the day. Bruges is a fairytale-like place, but it’s difficult to truly appreciate it if you have to squeeze your way through the crowds.
However, only a very small percentage of tourists actually stay in Bruges, so in the evening the city is completely deserted, and you can have the whole place to yourselves.
If you come by train, plan to stay late in the evening and explore the beautiful canals after all the day tourists have left. It’s my very best tip for anyone visiting Bruges for the first time.
Here are the main things to do in Bruges for first-time visitors:
- Lake of Love – Minnewater.
- The old beguinage Ten Wijngaerde.
- Belfort of Bruges – you can climb this medieval tower for beautiful views.
- Market Place – the central town square of Bruges.
- Burg Square is really beautiful too. Take a narrow passageway left from the City Hall towards the Vismarkt (Fish Market), then go right (South) and follow the canals in the direction of the Church of Our Lady.
- A real must-do in Bruges is a boat ride on the canals.
- If you have some time left, you could visit one of the breweries – De Halve Maan Brewery or Bourgogne des Flanders Brewery.
Have dinner in one of the many restaurants in Bruges and head back to the canals. As I said, it’s a very different atmosphere in the evening.
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Bruges
TIP: if you are planning to visit the WWI battlefields (see below), then it’s best to stay in Bruges to avoid driving up and down too much.
Day 4: World War I Battlefields near Ypres
To some people, WWI battlefields are the main reason to visit Belgium. But the majority of tourists never even consider it…
I have to admit that it took us many years to get there (and we live in Belgium), but it was so worth it! There is so much history in those war cemeteries, fields, and trenches!
We now visited Ypres and the WWI battlefields several times, with our kids, and it’s an experience I would recommend to everyone. Below, you can find a link to a detailed guide for your visit.
Here are the main places not to miss when visiting the WWI battlefields:
- Ypres: In Flanders Fields Museum and the Menin Gate
- Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial
- Langemark German War Cemetery
- Yser Tower – IJzertoren Diksmuide
- Trench of Death, Diksmuide
- Essex Farm Cemetery
- Vladslo German War Cemetery
LEARN MORE: Ypres and the WWI Battlefields
Some practical tips for visiting the WWI battlefields:
- You will need a car to get there, or you can join an organized day tour from Bruges.
TIP: If you are interested in the history of the Second World War, you may want to visit Bastogne town in the French-speaking part of Belgium.
LEARN MORE: Bastogne War Museum & Mardasson Memorial
If you only have three or four days in Belgium, then this itinerary is all you need. If you have more time and are looking for ideas on what else to see, check our other blog posts about Belgium for more inspiration.
You could also consider visiting the French-speaking part of Belgium with beautiful places like Namur, Dinant, Durbuy, etc. Luxembourg is also just a 2,5 hours drive from Brussels and there are lots of beautiful places to visit near Luxembourg.
Winter TIP: If you are visiting Belgium in winter, don’t miss our Christmas markets. Here you can find our selection of the best Christmas markets in Belgium.
Summer TIP for families: If you are visiting Belgium with kids, take them to a theme park. Here you can read about our recommended Belgian theme parks.
Belgium FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions that our readers ask about visiting Belgium:
As a minimum, we recommend 3-4 days in Belgium. With 3 days, you can briefly visit the most beautiful cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. If you have 4 days, you can also visit some of the famous Belgian war sites.
Belgium is a year round destination and because most landmarks are located in the cities, you can visit at any time of the year. For the best weather, come between April and September. In summer, Belgium hosts lots of festivals and events. From mid-November until January, you can visit Belgian Christmas markets.
Belgium is a small country and it’s possible to stay in one place and see everything. For that, Brussels is probably the best place to stay. Alternatively, Antwerp or Ghent are also well located for exploring the main cities in Belgium. If you decide to stay in Brussels, we recommend staying close to the Central Station. That way, you can easily make day trips to other destinations in Belgium.
Yes, Belgium is absolutely worth visiting! There is so much history, stunning architecture, and arts. Also Belgian food is worth a trip in itself.
The main highlights of Belgium are its cities. Don’t miss Brussels, the canals of Bruges, Antwerp city center, and charming Ghent. If you are interested in war history, Belgium has some interesting war sites, especially around Ypres and Bastogne.
Belgium has a reputation for being a rainy country. However, in recent years, we often have very long periods with no rain at all. While there is always a chance that it will rain in Belgium, you can also have the most beautiful sunny weather during the entire trip. In principle, the driest months in Belgium are between April and September.
READ ALSO: Fun & Interesting Facts About Belgium
More tips for visiting Benelux:
- Brussels in summer: Brussels Flower Carpet
- Belgium in winter: What It’s Like to Travel in Belgium in Winter & Brussels Christmas Market & Antwerp Christmas Market & Bruges Christmas Market
- Antwerp: Best Things to Do in Antwerp & Hidden Gems of Antwerp
- Amsterdam: Best Things to Do in Amsterdam & 1 Day in Amsterdam & 2 Days in Amsterdam
- Netherlands: Best Day Trips in the Netherlands & Best Tulip Fields in the Netherlands
- Luxembourg: Best Day Trips from Luxembourg
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Debbie
Thursday 3rd of October 2024
Hi I am looking at driving to Belgium from UK for a week. I’d like to visit the coast, Bruges, Ghent, Ypres etc but am unsure where to stay. My husband thought about us staying self catering perhaps in a town on the rail network near a station between Bruges and Ghent then we could park the car for some of the time and use the train to get around where possible. Don’t really want to stay very rural but having a struggle to find apartment/house for two that’s near a station. Am open to other ideas too but am thinking it would be easier to stay in one place for the week and travel around maybe?
Debbie
Thursday 3rd of October 2024
@Jurga, thanks for responding so quickly. I really liked your suggestion of the B&B Hansbeke but unfortunately they have no availability for my dates in early May 25. Can you recommend a website that is good to see the train stops between Bruges and Ghent please? I’m wondering if Oostcamp might be an option?
Jurga
Thursday 3rd of October 2024
Hi Debbie, sure, that's an option if you find accommodation with parking. And you might be able to find somewhat cheaper options than in the main tourist towns. I just quickly looked at the map and found a few places that could fit your criteria. For example, this B&B in Hansbeke, a few minutes walk from the station, or this hotel in Aalter, about 15 minutes walk from the station. However, most self-catering places I found were either much too big for just two people or a bit too far to walk to the station. That said, most train stations in smaller towns usually have pretty spacious parking areas, so you could likely leave your car at the station if taking a train for a day. In that case, you could stay at e.g. a place like Apollonia, with easy parking, close to the highway and not too far from the station so you keep more flexibility. Hope this helps.
Lars
Friday 16th of August 2024
Hi, thanks for you article.
I liked the activies in Brussels, however, the idea to visit Mini Europa is completely ridiculous. No Belgian would ever suggest this place to be a highlight, especially not for a 3-4 day trip.
Kind regards.
Jurga
Friday 16th of August 2024
Well, I'm a Belgian and so is my family, and we have been to Mini-Europe a few times. We also took some international visitors and everyone always enjoyed it. Many overseas tourists love it too, so we like to show our readers different options and let them decide what they like to see and do. Thousands of amazing reviews (e.g. on GYG - also from Belgians and people from neighboring countries) show that many people find it more than worth it. But I'm sure there are plenty of others - like you - who have different opinions (often without ever having set a foot inside ;)). In fact, I personally wouldn't go to the Atomium just for it alone, but in combination with the Mini-Europe, it becomes well worth a detour from the city center. But that's just my opinion. And yes, there are plenty of other great things to do in Brussels, especially for museum enthusiasts.
Joe Hartnett
Saturday 13th of July 2024
Hello Jurga: We are strongly considering visiting Belgium next Spring. It is best to know that we are also 65+ years old. We like to take our time and not rush. Belgium looks very interesting to me. Do you think that 12 days would be too long to visit Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges? Thanks, Joe
Joe
Tuesday 6th of August 2024
@Jurga, Thanks Jurga These smaller towns don't appear in the guide books
Joe
Jurga
Monday 15th of July 2024
Hi Joe, 12 days is a nice amount of time to explore Belgium, but I would venture outside these main cities as well. Spend a few days in Brussels, a few in Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges. Visit the war sites if you are interested, spend some time at the coast (we love a seaside walk between De Haan and Wenduine, for example, or the sand dunes of De Panne, and Oostende is well worth a visit too). If you are visiting during the orchard blossom season, visit the area around Sint-Truiden - Borgloon (don't miss the “Reading between the Lines” See-through Church). Hallerbos near Brussels is worth seeing when the bluebells bloom. If you want to see some nice smaller towns, check out Mechelen, Leuven, Hasselt, Ypres, or Lier in Flanders or Namur, Dinant, Durbuy, Liege, Bastogne, or the Caste of Bouillon in the French-speaking part of Belgium. There is so much to see and you won't have difficulties filling two weeks or even more. Have a great trip!
margaret
Saturday 13th of July 2024
Need your advise. We are planning a trip that starts in Paris and we want see Bastogne, Beigium because our father was in the Battle of the Bulge. We also want to stop in Bayeux and Deauville France. Please let me know how you would plan the travel and if it is doable in 4 - 5 days. Your expertise and advise very welcome. Thank you, margaret
Jurga
Monday 15th of July 2024
Hi Margaret, the best way to visit all these places would be by renting a car. We use this website to find the best deals for car hire. We also recommend using Google Maps to plan your trip, estimate driving times and distances, etc. Just keep in mind that depending on when you travel, traffic can be very busy around the main cities so you need to factor in some extra time for potential traffic jams. I don't know if you have looked at the map already. Bastogne is about 4 hours drive from Paris and in a totally different direction than Bayeux or Deauville (which are both also at least 3 hours drive away). If you have 4-5 days outside of Paris, you could plan a nice little road trip, but if you only have that much time including the city and want to use Paris as your base, then you have to prepare for some very long drives on at least two days. Also, driving in and around Paris can be quite stressful if you aren't used to it, so I would never use the city as your base if renting a car. Hope this helps. Good luck with the planning and have a great trip!
Nicola
Wednesday 26th of June 2024
Hi there, I am taking my son to the Spa Grand Prix in July (staying in Trois -Ponts) and am going to combine it with some sightseeing around Belgium. Having read your fabulous article, we will visit Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges. I am trying to decide the best way to travel, my options are i) to drive from UK to Calais via the shuttle and then do Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels and then to Spa. How easy is it to drive around and park in these towns and cities? ii) Fly to Brussels and a) hire a car or b) take train to the various places and just hire a car to go to Spa iii) Euro star and train to the various places and then hire a car at Brussels to travel to Spa
If I drive, we will leave Spa on Sunday evening and get the shuttle back sometime on Monday, any recommendations are where to stay over / visit on the way back to Calais?
Thanks in advance.
Nicola
Jurga
Thursday 27th of June 2024
Hi Nicola, only you can decide what makes the most sense for you. Overall, you don't need a car to explore the main cities and if you have one, it will likely make things more complex. Some places (like Antwerp) have low-emission zones where not all cars are allowed, in Brussels, there are very strict speed limits, and in most cities, parking is very expensive and not always easy to find. Plus, there are constant traffic jams, all over Flanders and around Brussels. July will be quieter than normal since it's a school holiday, but still. If it were me, I would do as much as possible by train and only rent a car to visit Spa (although even that is possible by public transport, but is a bit less straightforward than places that can easily be reached by train). And yes, Eurostar is usually so much more relaxing than flying, especially if you are coming from London. Otherwise, if you live close to an airport, that could be easier. Once again, see what makes sense for you. And if you drive between Spa and Calais, you could stop at Dinant or Namur for a few hours. But if you are looking for a place closer to Calais, then Lille in France is the nicest option. It's a beautiful city.