Belgium

Published on by Liz & Kris Veck

Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent

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Day 1-4: Brussels (4 Nights)

Day 1: Arrival & Grand Place

  • Arrive in Brussels and check into a centrally located hotel.
  • Stroll around Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and surrounding streets.
  • Relaxed dinner at Chez Léon (classic Belgian food).
  • Drinks at A La Mort Subite (historic beer café).

Day 2: Museums & Parks

  • Visit Royal Museums of Fine Arts (Magritte Museum included).
  • Lunch at Noordzee Mer du Nord (casual seafood).
  • Stroll through Mont des Arts and Parc de Bruxelles.
  • Optional: Visit the Royal Palace or Sablon district (chocolate shops).
  • Dinner at La Roue d’Or (Belgian brasserie).

Day 3: Atomium & Beer Experience

  • Morning visit to Atomium & Mini-Europe.
  • Lunch at a café near the Atomium.
  • Afternoon beer tasting at Cantillon Brewery (slow-paced lambic beer experience).
  • Early dinner at Nüetnigenough (beer-focused cuisine).

Day 4: Leisure & Transfer to Antwerp

  • Free morning to explore local markets or have a relaxed brunch.
  • Afternoon train to Antwerp (~45 min).
  • Check into a hotel in Antwerp’s historic center.
  • Easy dinner at De Groote Witte Arend.

Day 5-8: Antwerp (4 Nights)

Day 5: Old Town & Cathedral

  • Visit Cathedral of Our Lady & Grote Markt.
  • Lunch at Den Engel (local favorite).
  • Relaxing afternoon wandering the historic center.
  • Dinner at The Jane (Michelin-starred, book in advance).

Day 6: Museum & Port Area

  • Visit Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) for Antwerp’s history & great rooftop views.
  • Lunch at Café Storm (next to MAS).
  • Leisurely afternoon walk along the river.
  • Dinner at Bourla (classic brasserie).

Day 7: Fashion & Shopping

  • Visit the ModeMuseum (MoMu) and explore Antwerp’s designer district.
  • Relaxed lunch at a terrace café.
  • Optional: Visit Rubens House.
  • Evening drinks at Den Uilenspiegel.

Day 8: Leisure & Transfer to Ghent

  • Free morning in Antwerp.
  • Afternoon train to Ghent (~1 hour).
  • Check into a hotel near the Graslei.
  • Relaxed dinner at De Graslei.

Day 9-12: Ghent (4 Nights)

Day 9: Historic Ghent

  • Visit Gravensteen Castle & Patershol district.
  • Lunch at De Rechters (near Saint Bavo’s Cathedral).
  • Visit Saint Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
  • Drinks at ’t Dreupelkot (jenever bar).

Day 10: Leisure & Canals

  • Morning stroll through the Vrijdagmarkt and local shops.
  • Lunch at Pakhuis.
  • Afternoon canal boat tour.
  • Relaxed dinner at De Abt.

Day 11: Museums & Brewery Visit

  • Visit SMAK (modern art museum) or STAM (Ghent’s city museum).
  • Lunch at Balls & Glory (famous meatballs).
  • Afternoon beer tasting at Gruut Brewery.
  • Evening at leisure with light dinner options.

Day 12: Transfer to Bruges & Relaxation

  • Easy morning in Ghent.
  • Afternoon train to Bruges (~30 min).
  • Check into a hotel near Markt Square.
  • Dinner at De Stove.

Day 13-16: Bruges (4 Nights)

Day 13: Exploring Bruges

  • Visit Belfry of Bruges (optional climb).
  • Walk through the Begijnhof & Minnewater Park.
  • Lunch at Cambrinus.
  • Afternoon free for chocolate shops & quiet canal walks.
  • Dinner at Den Dyver.

Day 14: Day Trip to the Coast (Optional)

  • Morning visit to Ostend for a seafood lunch.
  • Relaxing beach walk or visit to the James Ensor Museum.
  • Return to Bruges for the evening.
  • Light dinner & drinks at Le Trappiste.

Day 15: Leisure Day in Bruges

  • Optional museum visit (Groeningemuseum).
  • Chocolate tasting at Choco-Story.
  • Afternoon beer at De Halve Maan Brewery.
  • Final dinner at Bistro Bruut.

Day 16: Departure

Return to Brussels for flights home.

Final morning walk in Bruges.

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