Belgium-6-day-itinerary

Belgium Travel Itinerary (6 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Brussels

Places to Go:

  • Grand Place: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful Gothic buildings.
  • Manneken Pis: A famous statue that is a symbol of the city.

Activities:

  • Explore the Grand Place and take a stroll around it.
  • Visit the Manneken Pis.

Things to Know:

  • Belgium has a very efficient public transport system. The metro, trams, and buses are on time.
  • You can purchase tickets for individual journeys or use the tourist-friendly ticketing app “MIVB” (Brussels Public Transport) which includes buses and trams.

Visa Requirements:

  • If you’re a citizen of any country outside the EU, EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), Switzerland, or other visa-free countries (check your specific requirements on the Belgian government’s website), you won’t need an entry visa for tourism.
  • However, if you’re planning to stay longer than three months, you might need a residence permit.

Transportation:

  • The easiest way to get around Brussels is by metro. Use the city’s main stations such as Central or Rogier as starting points.
  • Trams and buses also cover most areas of the city.

Day 2: Explore Brussels

Places to Go:

  • Atomium: An iconic structure built for the 1958 World’s Fair, offering great views over the city from its top sphere.
  • Magritte Museum: Dedicated to the works of René Magritte, one of Belgium’s most famous surrealist painters.

Activities:

  • Visit the Atomium and take in the panoramic view of Brussels.
  • Spend an afternoon exploring the Magritte Museum.

Things to Know:

  • The Atomium is about a 10-minute walk from the Heysel Stadium metro station.
  • Opening hours for museums can vary, so it’s wise to check beforehand.

Day 3: Travel to Bruges

Places to Go:

  • Belfry Tower: Offers great views of the city and its famous Market Square.
  • Church of Our Lady: A beautiful Gothic church housing Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child” sculpture.

Activities:

  • Climb up to the top of the Belfry Tower for a panoramic view of Bruges.
  • Visit the Church of Our Lady and see Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

Transportation:

  • From Brussels, you can take a train or bus to Bruges. The journey is about an hour by train and around 2 hours by bus.
  • Trains run frequently from the Central Station in Brussels to Bruges; it’s easy to check schedules at a ticket counter or online through the SNCB website.

Day 4: Discover Antwerp

Places to Go:

  • Cathedral of Our Lady: A beautiful Gothic cathedral housing some of Rubens’ masterpieces.
  • Grote Markt: The main square of the city, surrounded by historic buildings and filled with street performers.

Activities:

  • Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady and admire the works of Rubens.
  • Spend an afternoon in the Grote Markt, exploring its surroundings and enjoying the atmosphere.

Transportation:

  • From Bruges, you can take a train to Antwerp. The journey is about 45 minutes by train, and trains run regularly throughout the day.
  • Trams also connect all parts of the city.

Day 5: Explore Ghent

Places to Go:

  • St. Bavo’s Cathedral: Houses the famous Ghent Altarpiece (also known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) by Jan and Hubert Van Eyck.
  • Ghent City Hall: A medieval building that houses a museum.

Activities:

  • Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Ghent Altarpiece.
  • Spend an afternoon in the surrounding area, exploring Ghent’s charming streets and canals.

Things to Know:

  • Like other Belgian cities, Ghent has a well-developed public transportation system that includes trams and buses. However, walking is also a pleasure here as many attractions are within walking distance of each other.
  • Be sure to check the opening hours for museums in advance.

Day 6: Return to Brussels

Places to Go:

  • Mini-Europe: A theme park featuring miniature versions of famous landmarks from across Europe.
  • Atomium (again) or visit any place you missed earlier due to time constraints.

Activities:

  • If there’s something specific you wanted to see but didn’t have the chance, now is your opportunity.
  • Spend some quality time in a café enjoying Belgian cuisine and drinks.

Transportation:

  • Head back to Brussels for your departure. If needed, check flight schedules in advance or book them early if possible.