Belgium-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Brussels

  • Arrival: Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU) or Brussels South Station
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or bus to your accommodation ( approx. €30-€50)
  • Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel or hostel in the city center
  • Places to go:
    • Grand Place: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe
    • Manneken Pis: A famous bronze statue of a urinating boy
  • Things to know:
    • Belgium is a predominantly Catholic country, so dress modestly for church visits
    • Try some Belgian waffles or fries at a street food stall
  • Activities: Take a stroll through the historic center and explore the shops and cafes

Day 2: Brussels

  • Places to go:
    • Atomium: A iconic landmark and must-visit for its panoramic views of the city
    • Magritte Museum: Dedicated to the life and work of Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte
  • Things to know:
    • Try some Belgian chocolate at a local shop like Godiva or Neuhaus
    • Visit the European Parliament building (just a short walk from the Grand Place)
  • Activities: Take a guided tour of the city or explore the trendy Saint-Gilles neighborhood

Day 3: Bruges

  • Transportation: Take the train to Bruges ( approx. €20-€30, 1 hour journey)
  • Places to go:
    • Belfry Tower: Climb to the top for stunning views of the city
    • Groeninge Museum: Houses an impressive collection of Flemish art
  • Things to know:
    • Bruges is a small city, so explore on foot or by bike (rentals available)
    • Try some Belgian beer at a local brewery like Halve Maan
  • Activities: Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic center

Day 4: Ghent

  • Transportation: Take the train to Ghent ( approx. €20-€30, 1 hour journey)
  • Places to go:
    • Gravensteen Castle: A medieval castle with impressive architecture
    • St. Bavo’s Cathedral: Houses an impressive collection of Flemish art
  • Things to know:
    • Try some Belgian seafood at a local restaurant like De Karmeliet
    • Visit the Ghent Port (a short walk from the city center)
  • Activities: Take a stroll along the Leie River or explore the historic center

Day 5: Antwerp

  • Transportation: Take the train to Antwerp ( approx. €20-€30, 1 hour journey)
  • Places to go:
    • Cathedral of Our Lady: Houses some of Rubens’ most famous works
    • Museum aan de Stroom: A museum exploring the history and culture of Antwerp
  • Things to know:
    • Try some Belgian diamonds at a local shop like Van der Borght
    • Visit the historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Activities: Take a stroll along the Scheldt River or explore the trendy Eilandje neighborhood

Day 6: Waterloo

  • Transportation: Take the train to Waterloo ( approx. €20-€30, 1 hour journey)
  • Places to go:
    • Waterloo Battlefield: A must-visit for history buffs
    • Napoleon’s Last Headquarters: Explore the site where Napoleon was defeated in 1815
  • Things to know:
    • Try some Belgian snacks at a local café like Le Café des Vrais Amis
    • Visit the Memorial Museum (a short walk from the battlefield)
  • Activities: Take a guided tour of the battlefield or explore the nearby village

Day 7: Return to Brussels

  • Transportation: Take the train back to Brussels ( approx. €20-€30, 1 hour journey)
  • Places to go:
    • Visit any last-minute attractions you missed earlier in the week
    • Do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or gifts
  • Things to know:
    • Try some Belgian cuisine at a local restaurant like Comme Chez Soi
    • Take one last stroll through the historic center

Visa Requirements

No visa is required for tourists from most countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and many European nations. However, check with the Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country to confirm.

Other Useful Information

  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency of Belgium.
  • Language: Dutch, French, and German are spoken in different regions of Belgium. Many people also speak English as a second language.
  • Weather: Belgium has a temperate climate with cool winters and mild summers.
  • Safety: Belgium is generally a safe country to visit, but take normal precautions against petty crime and pickpocketing.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Belgium!