easiest way to travel to belgium

20+ Belgium Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: July 6, 2023

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With a reputation upheld by the wonders of excellent beer, fine chocolates, world-class waffles, and most importantly: the invention of fries, Belgium is one of those countries that you (and your taste buds) can adore easily from afar.

But for the lucky ones who have a chance to see Belgium for real – there’s are many, many things you need to know.

While it’s easy to imagine Belgium as a whimsical comic strip of treats and delights, the reality can catch first time visitors off-guard, with many cultural quirks and easy tourist mistakes that can jade even the most optimistic of travellers.

Truthfully, it took me a while to fall for Belgium. With Brussels as my only point of reference on my first ever backpacking trip, I found myself caught in enough common traps that I wasn’t sure I’d ever visit again.

But now, a decade (and six visits later), I can safely say Belgium is an amazing country to visit…. you just need to be prepared.

So, in this post I’ll be sharing all THE must-know Belgium travel tips to ensure you love it on your first try. And first fry. I hope you find these Belgium tips useful!

Save this list of Belgium Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Understand Belgium’s two main regions

First thing’s first, it’s important that you understand one of the more unique features of Belgium: the clear divide between its two main areas: Flanders in the North and Wallonia in the South – each with their own language.

Flanders is the Flemish speaking part of Belgium, so this is where they speak Flemish, or the local variation of Dutch… and Wallonia is the French-speaking part of Belgium, with the exception of a tiny part which speaks German.

So, while the official languages of Belgium are Flemish, French, and German, you’ll find that it’s more that different regions have different predominant languages, and not that everybody speaks all three all the time.

Brussels, the capital, is kind of the exception to this – it is officially considered bilingual so French and Flemish are both spoken, although from personal experience people definitely speak more French there.

Why is this important to know as a traveller? Well, you’ll encounter each of these official languages depending on where in Belgium you visit, so be sure to research for your destination so you know which language to say hello and thank you in… although English is also very widely spoken.

2. Beware that most places have a different name in French and in Flemish

Given these different languages, one of the most important things you need to know as a visitor is that destinations in Belgium will have different names in French and Flemish.

This can get especially confusing when you’re at train or bus stations, because both names be used, plus the names themselves are sometimes different to the English names that we know.

Take Antwerp for instance – we know it as Antwerp in English, but in Flemish it’s Antwerpen, and in French it’s Anvers.

Similarly, Leuven in French is Louvain, Ypres in Flemish is Ieper, and my personal favourite, de Haan is Le Coq.

Now most of the time the names are similar enough that you can logic your way through the situation, but in stressful scenarios like breathlessly running for a train, this additional hurdle can mean the difference of catching your train, or missing it as you stress and cry.

So, remember to learn the names of all your destinations in both Flemish and French. Here is a helpful table for some of Belgium’s more visited cities:

NOTE: This Belgium language tip also applies to train stations, so for example Bruxelles-Midi is actually the same station as Brussel-Zuid.

3. Don’t spend all your time in Brussels

One of the most fatal mistakes that first time visitors make in Belgium is they only visit Brussels.

Allow me to indulge in some aggressive through-the-screen shoulder shaking. Do not. I repeat… do not. Limit your Belgium trip to just Brussels.

Brussels is a big city with common ‘big city’ issues to match, from pickpockets and crowds to not-so-desirable areas. While it has a lot of unique museums and attractions to offer those who dig deeper, many first timers (myself included) will find it pretty boring to visit for more than a day or two.

So, I’d recommend adding smaller Belgian cities to your itinerary so that you’re better able appreciate the country’s charm: Bruges , Ghent and Antwerp are all great picks for 2-3 days, while Dinant and Leuven are great one day wonders.

Of course, there’s also plenty of natural beauty in Belgium like around the Ardennes that flies under most tourist radars.

All that to say, if there’s one single Belgium tip that stays with you from this post, let it be that there is MUCH more to see in Belgium than Brussels!

4. That said, if you do go to Brussels, do it properly

Brussels is often named among the most disappointing cities in Europe, and while I did agree with this claim once upon a time, I now find it kind of unfair.

The issue with Brussels (in my opinion) is that most visitors flock to the wrong places. Manneken Pis for instance is often billed as THE must-see attraction of the city, but in reality it’s a tiny little statue that takes less than 5 minutes to see.

Instead, where Brussels shines is the many, many unique museums and quieter neighbourhoods more removed from the tourist centre.

I do have a full article with Brussels tips if you want more pointers, so be sure to give that a read and see other mistakes to avoid.

5. Plan your trip for shoulder or off-season

Now in terms of when to visit Belgium, I would recommend going in shoulder season or even off-season, just because a lot of the best places to visit are cities, which are usually enjoyable no matter the weather.

Summer season can get really busy with both international and domestic travellers, so for the least crowded experience, I would avoid the peak summer months from July to August.

Plus, your chocolate won’t melt as quickly, so there’s that too.

6. Plan your trip for quirky Belgian Festivals

If you’re really struggling to decide when to visit Belgium, I’d recommend looking into festivals and folk events to attend.

One of the most amazing things about Belgium is that it has a ton of unique cultural folk celebrations you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

There’s this one TikTok account I’m obsessed with called @LunaDiscoversBelgium with tons of videos showcasing these, but some of my favourites include:

• Giant omelette day in Malmedy : Every year on August 15, they literally make a giant omelette out of 10,000 eggs and dish it up for the public so everyone can have a piece.
• St Niklaas Peace Festival: Every year in the first weekend of September, they release hot air balloons in all sorts of unique shapes from the city centre.
• Aalst Carnival : An annual three day event in February where they go all out with crazy floats and costumes.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning the Brussels Flower Carpet which takes place every 2 years and covers the main square in a giant carpet made out of flowers. How magical.

7. Take advantage of Belgium’s many train discounts

I’m a huge advocate for travelling around Belgium by train over renting a car for a few different reasons – first off, Belgium is incredibly well connected by train, and second, train travel here is astoundingly affordable, largely thanks to a number of enticing discounts.

Here are some to look out for:

Youth Ticket (Formerly Go Pass 1) : A ticket for those under the age of 26 that allows you to buy a single train ticket for €7.10 to any destination in the country. This is way cheaper than paying full-price!

Standard Multi (Rail Pass): Gives you 10 trips to use over the course of a year for €96, and these trips can be transferred to other people in your party, so this can be an easy way to save money if you’re travelling in a group. Also available as the Youth Multi (for those under 26) which is even cheaper.

Weekend Ticket: If you plan your day trips or side trips for a weekend, you can actually save 50% off your fare with a weekend ticket, which is valid for return trips that leave after 7pm on Fridays and return before Sunday.

Discovery Tickets: Give you 50% off your return train ticket, so long as you’re using it to visit an attraction that’s on their list. Similarly, you can use Bravo Tickets which give you 50% off if you’re going to one of the concerts or festivals on their list.

8. Take note of Belgium’s most beautiful train stations

Besides the amazing deals, another reason to take the train is simply that some train stations in Belgium are obscenely good looking.

Antwerp station for instance is considered one of the most stunning train stations in the world (can confirm), and Liège also has a cool station that was featured as Xandar in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie.

9. Beware that cities have multiple train stations

Of course, don’t be fooled by the great deals and beautiful aesthetics – the Belgian train system can have its confusing moments too.

For instance, big cities often have multiple train stations, and if you’re not careful, you might get them mixed up (like I sadly have!) and miss your train.

Brussels for instance has three stations: Nord/Noord, Centrale/Centraal and Midi/Zuid, all of which are alternatively known by their French and Flemish names.

Similarly, Antwerp has a Central Station and a South station.

So remember, there’s often multiple stations, and you should research which ones are actually the closest to where you need to go.

10. Remember: They’re Belgian Fries, Not French Fries

Alright, now let’s move onto some very important Belgium food and drink tips.

We’ll start with one that may save your life, because Belgians take this one seriously. So repeat after me: always always remember that when it comes to fries (AKA Frites), never call them French fries because they are, in fact…… *dramatic pause* Belgian.

The legend goes that it was actually American soldiers during WWI that mistakenly named them French fries, because they didn’t realize they were in Belgium and not France. We’ve gotten a lot more geographically savvy since then, so don’t make that mistake!

PS: The defining characteristic of these Belgian fries is they’re deep fried twice in animal fat. As such, vegans and vegetarians should know that traditional Belgian fries are not actually vegetarian, although there will almost always be a place where you can find a veggie-friendly option, so be sure to look that up in advance.

PPS: Getting sauce with your fries is non-negotiable. Mayonnaise is a common sauce but most places will have more adventurous options as well, although I’d advise against just getting ketchup because that’s boring.

11. DIY your own chocolate tour around Belgium

Now another important Belgium tip? Shovel as much chocolate into your mouth as you possibly can.

Belgian chocolate has a tasty reputation worldwide, and when you’re lucky enough to be this close to choco-magic, you have to take advantage.

Now, the cool thing about Belgian chocolate shops is you don’t necessarily need to buy a whole box of chocolates – you can literally just get one or two pieces so this is a super fun way to sample chocolate from a bunch of chocolatiers without committing to a box.

NOTE: While going to different cities, be sure to also look for unique chocolate products in each place. Often chocolatiers will do fun chocolates that pay homage to their city in some way, like in Antwerp where there’s chocolate diamonds because of their diamond industry, along with severed chocolate hands based on a popular local legend.

12. Know the difference between waffle types

Next up – waffles! Of course I would dedicate a whole section of Belgium travel tips to waffles. I’m only human.

Now, while I know that waffles seem like an impossible thing to mess up, there are a few important must-knows to ensure you have the BEST possible waffles of your life during your Belgium trip.

So, here’s what you need to know: in Belgium, there are two main kinds of waffles:

• Brussels style waffle: Rectangular, fluffier waffles usually served with toppings like whipped cream and fruit
• Liège style waffle: Round, denser waffles studded with caramelized sugar, best consumed on their own

This is an important distinction because often you’ll come across touristy places that entice you with colourful displays of waffles, including Liège waffles topped with tons of fruit, which is a big waste in my opinion because they’re so good on their own.

So, if you see a place that sells them like that (usually to attract tourist eyeballs), you can deduce it’s probably not the most authentic.

Another red flag is when they have signs like this:

13. Learn the basics of Belgian beer

True story: I used to hate beer until I tried it in Belgium. Beers in this country are unreal, but there’s a few things you should know to enjoy them properly.

First – beware that some Belgian beers can be really strong. Stronger than you’re used to. Indulge accordingly.

Second, know they take their beers so seriously, they’re often served in their own special glass, which I love.

Next, know that Belgian beers are diverse and complex. Unlike Germany where they have a purity law that restricts what ingredients can go in beer, Belgians are always down to experiment, so there’s truly a type of beer for everyone, which is what makes beer tasting in Belgium so much fun. That said, if you haven’t found one you like yet, don’t give up!

Lastly, I would advise prioritizing beers you’ve never heard of. While it’s tempting to go for the big name Belgian beers you already know (e.g. Stella Artois or Leffe) during your trip, the most exciting thing about being in Belgium is you have access to all these unique beers you don’t have back home… so be sure to experiment a bit!

14. Give regional Belgian dishes a try

And of course, while Belgium is well known around the world for its signature snack foods and beer, we need to give a shoutout to other Belgian dishes as well.

Belgian food done right is comforting, hearty, and irritatingly delicious.

Here are a few of my favourites dishes:

• Vol au vent: A creamy meat stew served in a crispy pastry
• Carbonnade Flamande: A rich beef stew made with beer
• Moules-frites: Mussels with fries, another popular (and self-explanatory) treat consisting of shell-on mussels served in a tasty broth, alongside crispy fries. Plus if you play your cards right you can say you had mussels in Brussels!
• Boulets à la Liégeoise: Juicy meatballs in a sweet/savoury sauce, served with a hearty helping of Belgian fries.

15. Carry coins for the bathroom

Another important Belgium travel tip involves public toilets.

Public bathrooms in Belgium are quite rare to be honest, and they usually require a small payment of 50 cents to a euro.

According to this one very angry Reddit thread , you sometimes even need to pay for the toilets at movie theatres (?!??!)

… So, all that said, be sure to have some coins on you so you don’t get caught out.

16. Be sure to also have at least a 1 euro coin too for museum lockers

I noticed in Brussels especially, a lot of the museums there were really strict about me bringing a regular school-sized backpack in, and said I had to leave it in a locker.

Most of these lockers require a one euro deposit that you get back, so just make sure you have that coin on you.

17. Look out for museum free days

One of the best ways to save money in Belgium is by scoping out free days in advance for major museums.

In Brussels for example there’s a lot museums free on the first Wednesday and first Sunday each month.

Antwerp has a similar thing for the last Wednesday of the month.

Liège also has some free museums on the first Sunday.

So if you’re looking to save some money, be sure to look into whether your destinations have these deals.

18. Save money on attractions by purchasing attraction cards or city passes

And if you can’t time your visit to coincide with free museum days, another great way to save big on attractions in Belgium is by purchasing attraction cards that give you access to multiple attractions for one set price.

Now, these are usually only worth it if you plan to visit a LOT of paid attractions, but I do think in museum-heavy cities like Brussels, it’s almost always worth it if you plan to see a lot.

I’ve personally used the Brussels card before and found it to be excellent value. If you’re big into museums like I am, then definitely look into it.

19. Be wary of Google Maps opening hours

Now ahh, for one of the more frustrating quirks from my Belgium travels.

It may just be bad luck, but on most of my trips in Belgium, I’ve encountered inaccurate hours listed on Google Maps and pretty much once a trip I would show up somewhere just to find it unexpectedly closed.

So, be sure to check on official websites whenever possible rather than just relying on Google Maps for hours.

20. Beware of bikes & bike lanes

Much like in the neighbouring Netherlands, Belgians travel a lot by bike.

This therefore means many bike lanes, and (if you’re a clumsy, inattentive tourist like me) many opportunities to get run over by an angry Belgian on a bike.

So, while you’re walking, just take note of your surroundings and make sure you’re not accidentally walking in a bike lane. It happens way more often than you think.

21. Pack a rain/windproof jacket

Belgian weather is notoriously moody, so no matter when you visit, I would advise packing a light rain jacket with a hood, just to ensure you have something in case the weather unexpectedly turns (which it often does).

22. Prepare for Belgian humour

Lastly, I have to say that Belgians have a quirky and unique sense of humour. The fact that a tiny statue of a peeing child is their #1 tourist attraction is a testament to that. As are the accompanying statues of a peeing dog and girl, as well as the country’s giant intestine shaped hotel.

All that to say, come to Belgium for the beer, the waffles and the fries, but stay for the weird quirky stories and jokes.

The amount of times I’ve come across obscure lore while researching Belgian attractions is numerous, and it always makes visiting places a lot more fun.

Here are a few of my favourites:

• This infamous turf war involving nose-shaped candies in Ghent
• The many, many times that the Mannekin Pis in Brussels has been kidnapped then returned
• This brutal tale behind Antwerp’s name (which in Dutch, originates from the phrase ‘Throwing hands’)
• This Ghent bar that takes one of your shoes as a deposit for their most coveted glasses because they kept getting stolen

I hope this list of Belgium Travel Tips was helpful!

Quite frankly, if you made it this far, you deserve some kind of medal! This was a VERY long list of tips for Belgium, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

2 thoughts on “20+ Belgium Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go”

Your review and tips about Belgium were written too late for me. I travelled there June 16 to 21 this year(2023). I enjoyed reading what you wrote.

Interesting insights into Belgium! I never knew that two different languages are used in this country. I am surprised to know that we have to pay to use public toilets in theatres.

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The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Belgium Itinerary

Last Updated on February 13, 2024

by Lizzie Fitzgerald

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Besides Brussels , Bruges and Ghent , it can be hard to know just what to include as part a 5 to 7 days in Belgium itinerary. Often said to be where the north and south of the continent meet, the ‘Heart of Europe’ is incredibly diverse with so many different sides.

As it is quite a small country, Belgium is usually very quick and convenient to get around. This means you can see and experience a lot in just a short space of time when you visit Belgium. Everywhere you go, you’ll find hidden gems, gorgeous architecture and some great food to fuel all your exciting adventures!

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Belgium?

Most tourists unfortunately only spend a couple of days in Brussels or Bruges before heading onto either Paris , London or Amsterdam . This obviously isn’t enough time to get a good feel for the country’s complex communities, their different languages, landscapes and identities.

5 days in Belgium is a great start as you can already fit in its vibrant capital and several of the major Flemish cities. As the distances and times involved aren’t too long, you won’t feel rushed despite seeing so many new places.

If you have 7 days in Belgium, that’s even better as you can also explore the country’s coastline and more of its bustling cities. This is a good amount of time to be able to get a really good feel for Belgium without feeling too rushed.

Getting To & Around Belgium

Due to its location at the crossroads of Western Europe , Belgium is very well connected to the neighbouring countries around it. The small nation’s efficient public transport system also makes travelling very easy and affordable.

One of the main places visitors arrive from abroad is Brussels Airport. Also known as Zaventem, it lies on the outskirts of the capital with flights departing to Africa, Asia and the USA all the time.

Located just outside of Charleroi in Wallonia is ‘Brussels South’; the country’s main cheap flight hub. Cunningly named to entice tourists, it is actually about an hour’s bus or taxi ride from BXL. You can organise airport transfers here.

Otherwise, most travellers arrive in Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges and Ghent by bus or train at one of their numerous stations. There are connections to these stations from neighbouring countries such as Lille in France, Amsterdam in the Netherlands or Luxembourg . You can view schedules here .

As the major Flemish cities lie roughly along the same line and are quite compact cities, taking the train and walking are the best ways to get around both Flanders and Brussels.

You definitely don’t need a car for your one week in Belgium as all of the stops are well-connected by the extensive public transit network.

If you have more than 7 days, you may find a hire car necessary to visit some of the smaller villages and forests in Wallonia. There is more information in the “Have More Time” section below.

5 to 7-Day Belgium Itinerary

This itinerary covers some of the country’s must-see sights in its three main regions of Brussels and Flanders. Whether you have 5 days or a full week, you’re going to see much more than most visitors do.

Day 1 – Brussels

After arriving in Brussels, most people head straight to the Grand Place to see the spectacular square and all its grand guild houses. One of the capital’s most iconic attractions, it lies right next to Manneken Pis – the city’s famous statue of a small peeing boy. You can also  organise a walking tour to learn more about the city when you arrive.

Afterwards, you can stroll about cute neighbourhoods like Les Marolles or the chic Sablon. Both are home to interesting antique shops and some amazing old churches. Expensive chocolatiers such as Pierre Marcolini and Neuhaus can also be found here.

Not all too far away is the impressive Royal Palace of Brussels and several top-class museums focusing on music, Magritte and the fine arts. After taking some pics or perusing their extensive collections, head to Mont des Arts for one of the best views over Brussels.

Back down next to the Grand Place is the world-famous Delirium which has over 2,000 different beers for you to try. The busy bar is also conveniently located near happening nightlife spots like Saint-Gery and Place Sainte-Catherine.

On the way back to your hotel or hostel, grab a packet of andalouse sauce-coated frites and eat them in the Grand Place gloriously illuminated at night – a quintessential Brussels experience.

Where to Stay in Brussels

Motel One Brussels -This centrally-located hotel is perfect for mid-range travellers to Brussels. There are a range of rooms to choose from, an excellent location for exploring the Belgian capital, a great buffet breakfast on offer each morning and an on-site bar to enjoy.

Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre – This is an excellent hotel for luxury visitors looking for a plush stay while visiting Brussels. They have a range of modern and comfortable rooms on offer, a fabulous breakfast available and plenty of amenities to ensure you have an amazing stay.

Appart’City Confort – Those who’d like to have their own flat while basing themselves in the Belgian capital will love this aparthotel. Offering a range of different apartments, they combine the comfort and amenities of a hotel with the convenience of a furnished flat.

MEININGER Bruxelles City Center – This hostel is a good option for those looking to save a bit of cash when visiting Brussels. Offering both dorms and private rooms, they have a great location and good self-catering facilities, as well.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Brussels hotels!

Day 2 – Brussels

On the second day, take the time to dig a bit deeper in Brussels and enjoy more of the sites of this vibrant and diverse European city.

Spend your morning exploring the Atomium which lies a bit north of the city centre. This structure was built for the 1958 World’s Fair and it is a top attraction when visiting the Belgian capital. It takes about 40 minutes to reach her via metro from the city centre, so make sure to factor that into your daily plans. You can pre-book tickets here.

In the afternoon, spend some time strolling through the lovely Parc du Cinquantenaire and enjoy the vibes in this central green space. And then, as the day is beginning to draw to a close, spend some time exploring the diverse European Quarter where there are a number of interesting sites to see.

You also could take some time to enjoy some of the city’s vibrant street art and just simply enjoy the vibes of this bustling capital.

Day 3 – Ghent

Located very close to Brussels along the same train line as the town of Bruges further afield is the absolutely gorgeous Ghent. Although it is often overlooked in favour of Bruges, its small but scenic centre is certainly a must-visit if you have five days in Belgium.

Dominating its historic heart are three centuries-old towers that make for some fantastic photos and viewing from St. Michael’s Bridge.

Aside from entering St. Nicholas’ Church and seeing all its artworks, you can venture up to the top of the Belfry of Ghent and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Both offer phenomenal panoramas of the city below and other towers beside them.

Strolling along the Graslei and Korenlei quays next to its winding canals is also lovely, especially when all their old buildings are majestically lit up at night. Here you can sit on their steps or at a cafe’s patio for a drink and take relaxing boat trips along the river.

After checking out the gigantic Gravensteen Castle nearby, make your way to the Dulle Griet for more strong Belgian beers in a traditional setting. You can also organise a bike tour to learn more about the city.

As Ghent is a larger, livelier university city, you could always stay a night here if you fancy experiencing more of its vibrant ambience or alternatively head back to Brussels or onwards to Bruges.

Day 4 – Bruges

If you have 5 days in which to explore Belgium, then you’re definitely going to visit the beautiful city of Bruges at some point. Very walkable, the fairytale Flemish town lies only an hour’s train journey northwest of Brussels. The historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is absolutely charming.

Once you arrive, just slowly meander your way to the tall spire you see rising in the distance. One of its main landmarks, the Belfry of Bruges towers 83 metres in height and boasts sublime views from up high. You can also organise a walking tour and canal cruise of the historic centre to learn more about the history of the city.

At the foot of the thirteenth-century bell tower is the Grote Markt. Lined by attractive townhouses and lively restaurants, the ‘Venice of the North’s’ main square is always packed with people. The nearby Basilica of the Holy Blood in Burg Square also rightfully attracts lots of attention.

Of course, you can’t miss the Gothic Church of Our Lady and the imposing and beautiful town hall in Beuge, as well.

Other than visiting the Groenige Museum, most visitors spend their time ambling about its pretty cobbled streets and picture-perfect canals.

As Bruges empties at night, it is nice to stay if you want to see the atmospheric city in a different light. You can also take a dark side of Bruges tour in the evening.

Where to Stay in Bruges

Hotel Fevery – If you’re travelling on a mid-range budget, then this 3-star hotel located in city centre is a great choice. Situated in the heart of Bruges, they have a range of lovely rooms on offer and plenty of amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.

Boutique Hotel Die Swaene – This luxury hotel is a great choice for those who’d like a sophisticated and opulent stay while visiting beautiful Bruges. There are a number of fantastic rooms to choose from along with plenty of great amenities. They also have an unbeatable location for exploring the city.

Snuffel Hostel – Those travelling solo or on a tight budget (or looking for a great social atmosphere) will love this central hostel. There are a number of both dorm beds and private rooms to choose from, they have a fantastic location for exploring the best of Bruges and great common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bruges hotels!

Day 5 – Bruges

Though Bruges is a relatively small town, it can be worth spending more than a day here to really get a good feel for this lovely little city. There is a surprising amount to do in Bruges so it’s an excellent place to spend your final day in Belgium (if you only have five days to spare).

You have the option of either spending this day seeing some of the sites in Bruges that you didn’t before or you could opt to go on a day trip – the town of Ostend on the coast is a great option.

The latter choice is a good idea for those who only are planning a 5-day itinerary as it allows you to see more of the country in your limited time. If you’re spending 7 days, then spending this entire day in Bruges is the best choice for you.

If you opt to stay in Bruges, then you can spend your day doing activities such as visiting the Choco-Story Museum or the Frietmuseum or even wandering around trying to source the best Belgian waffle in the city (not a bad task, if you ask me!).

Or, if you fancy something with a bit more punch, then consider heading out on a beer tour to sample some famous Belgian beers! If you’re not a beer drinker, then  this food tour with a local is a good alternative.

Day 6 – Ostend & Belgium’s Coast

Travellers with a bit more time may want to visit the coast which is where Belgians go to relax, unwind and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. As Ostend, its largest city, is located not far from Bruges, you can always combine the two rather than take a ninety-minute train from Brussels.

Rather ugly to look at, its wall of huge high-rises overlooks a long, wide beach that stretches the entirety of the country’s coastline. Aside from lounging on its sands in summer, you can walk or cycle along its broad boardwalk before stopping off for some superb seafood.

Ostend’s bustling centre is also packed with plenty of local shops, several museums and the stupendous St. Peter and St. Paul Church which dates to 1907. If you fancy your luck, there is a large casino that also puts on some top-class shows and entertainment acts.

A wonderful way to actually see all the country’s North Sea coastline is to hop on the Kusstram. Stretching 67 kilometres in total, it is remarkably the longest tram line in all the world. Along the way, you can always get off and explore the beautiful dunes around Bredene or enjoy some fine dining at the chic seaside resort of Knokke.

At the end of the day, you can take the train to Antwerp to give you a full day to explore there or either stay in Ostend or Bruges if you want to spend longer in the area.

Where to Stay in Antwerp

Citybox Antwerp – This 3-star hotel in the centre of Antwerp is perfect for those looking for a mid-range place to stay in this Belgian city. They have a great, central location along with several twin, double and family rooms on offer.

Hotel Rubens-Grote Markt – Luxury travellers will love this sophisticated hotel located in the centre of Antwerp. There’s a fab breakfast each morning, several clean and modern rooms available, a lovely terrace and private parking.

Yust Antwerp – If you’re looking for a social and budget-friendly place to stay in Antwerp, you’re sure to love this highly-rated hostel. Offering plenty of dorms and private options, there is also an on-site bar and cafe for guests to enjoy.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Antwerp hotels!

Day 7 – Antwerp

Yet another popular place in Flanders that most people head to is the bustling port city of Antwerp. The undisputed diamond capital of the world, Belgium’s second-largest metropolis has loads of trendy bars, shops and restaurants for you to try out. You can book a walking tour to learn more about the city.

As with Bruges and Ghent, its historic main square is presided over by an enormous Gothic-style spire that towers over 120 metres in total. The tallest church in the Low Countries, the Cathedral of Our Lady displays some exquisite architecture while elaborate altars, artworks and effigies lie within.

If you want to delve more into the country’s rich artistic heritage then the nearby Rubenshuis is the best place to go. The former home and workshop of Peter Paul Rubens contains numerous paintings by the renowned Flemish master.

Also worth a visit is the Red Star Line Museum which presents another side of the city’s history. It instead looks at the lives of the shipping company’s two million or so passengers who passed through Antwerp on their way to the USA.

As it is known for its pounding nightclubs like Ampere and cool, classic bars such as Den Engel, Antwerp certainly has a lot to do once night falls. If you want to wake up early to catch a plane, however, it’s probably easier to head back to Brussels by train.

Have More Time?

If you have even more time left to explore the country (woohoo!), then there are countless other cool towns, cities and historic sites you can add to your Belgium itinerary.

While most travellers tend to stick to Flanders and Brussels, Wallonia also has some awesome cities to stop by. The most popular are Namur, its scenic capital, and Liege, its largest city, which boasts an absolutely incredible modern train station.

The WWI battlefields and cemeteries at Ypres are also interesting to check out as is Waterloo – the site of Napoleon’s final defeat in 1815.

Another option is to take a beautiful tram ride to Tervuren from Brussels and visit the fascinating Royal Museum for Central Africa. After seeing the lush, green park and woods outside, you can then head to the nearby Leuven – a lively university town home to lots of lovely architecture.

While the French-speaking region does have some interesting cities such as Namur, Liege and Mons, you can also visit small towns in the Ardennes like Dinant and Durbuy. As they are harder to reach by public transport, it’s best to rent a car so you can make the most of your time in Belgium.

From Brussels, it is only an hour’s drive to Dinant which lies along the banks of the Meuse River backed by dramatic rocky cliffs. Its stunning setting, soaring church and the colourful houses of its old town all make for some fabulous photos and viewing.

What a way to spend one week in Belgium or even longer! There is so much to see and do in this beautiful country that a week may well not seem long enough.

Are you planning to a trip to Belgium? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Bruges or Ghent: Which Belgian City to Visit?

Amsterdam vs Brussels: Which City to Visit?

One Day in Ghent Itinerary: A Day Trip from Brussels

About Lizzie Fitzgerald

Lizzie is a writer for The World Was Here First. She loves travelling and discovering new places but also often finds herself returning to her favourite destinations. She has a particular affinity for Greece where she has visited countless islands and destinations on the mainland.

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Belgium Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Belgium may be small (it’s one of the smallest countries in Europe) but when it comes to things to see and do it punches well above its weight.

The country boasts over 1,000 breweries and Belgian brewers were some of the first in the world to perfect the beer-brewing process. And the country’s chocolate rivals that of Switzerland , offering decadent sweets that will have you gaining a few pounds during your visit.

On top of that, the country’s mouth-watering frites will make you look at French fries differently for the rest of your life.

And if you’re a history buff, Belgium has countless sites to keep you busy during your visit, including the famous grounds of the Battle of Waterloo, a bloody conflict in 1815 that shaped the face of modern Europe.

More often than not, Belgium gets glossed over by travelers who spend a day in Brussels, Bruges, and maybe a trip to Ghent before they travel onward. However, if you look deeper, you’ll see this country has plenty of medieval towns, historical sites, and parks worth sticking around for.

This travel guide to Belgium will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this incredible country.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Belgium

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in belgium.

1. See Brussels

Brussels is the administrative center of the European Union — and an awesome city to visit. See the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts for its paintings, the magnificent Grand Place and historic Town Hall, sample amazing beer, and more. Spend a few days soaking it all in. It’s worth it!

2. Eat and drink

Though it’s a small country, Belgium has a few culinary aces up its sleeve. Waffles, chocolate, and frites shops dot every street. Beer is produced in massive quantities (there are over 1,000 breweries here, with the most famous being Delirium Cafe in Brussels, which made the Guinness Book of World Records for its selection of over 2,000 beers). Forget the health food, Belgium is a place to indulge in tasty food and hearty brews. If you want to dive even deeper, take a food tour. Discover Belgium has a variety of different food tours offered in all the major cities across the country.

3. Admire Bruges

Bruges is a city not to be missed. It’s one of the most stunning examples of medieval towns left in Europe. BE sure to check out the 14th-century town hall, the Belfry Tower, the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, its market squares, and canals. While touristy, it’s one of the best medieval towns in Europe and worth seeing up close (at least for a day).

4. Tour Ghent

Ghent is often overlooked compared with other cities in the country, but this university town is charming. To visit the city at its liveliest, come in July when the largest cultural outdoors festival in Europe — known as “Gentse Feesten” — takes place, boasting food, music, and live street entertainment. Just make sure to book your accommodation early!

5. Explore Flanders Field

Flanders was the site of half a million deaths during World War I (over 1 million people were either killed, injured, or went missing here). There are numerous military cemeteries and ‘Missing Memorials’ commemorating those of all nationalities who fell in battle (soldiers from 50 different countries fought here over the course of the war). It was also the site of the first use of poison gas in a major conflict on the Western Front. At the museum in Ypres, visitors can learn about the harsh realities of what it was like to be a soldier in the trenches. Admission is 10-13 EUR depending on which ticket option you choose.

Other Things to See and Do in Belgium

1. visit the castles.

There are more castles per square mile in Belgium than anywhere else in the world. With over 3,000 to explore, it can be hard to know where to start. The Castle of Bouillon in the Ardennes is one of the most historic as it was built in the 11th century. Other must-sees are Beersel, which was built in the 14th century and is one of the best-preserved in the country; Gravensteen, built in the 12th century and centerpiece of the 1913 World’s Fair in Ghent; the 16th-century Gaasbeek, with its lavish rooms and art collection; and 15th-century Freÿr, which is often described as a smaller Versailles.

2. Visit Waterloo

The Battle of Waterloo took place in 1815 and brought a decisive end to the Napoleonic Wars. The battle lasted a full day and involved some 200,000 combatants — tens of thousands of whom died. At the site of the famous battle, there is a memorial in the form of a statue of a lion (looking towards France) on a hill, with 226 stairs, called La Butte du Lion (Lion’s Knoll), which represents the Allied victory. There’s also a nearby visitor center where you can watch films that explain the battle and what it meant for world history (admission is 17 EUR). While here, you can also visit the Wellington Museum (admission is 5.50 EUR). It’s located in the building where Wellington spent the night before the battle and houses maps, an overview of the battle, artifacts, and more. For 23 EUR, you can get the Pass 1815, which includes admission to the Wellington Museum, Battle of Waterloo 1815 Memorial, and Napoleon’s Last Headquarters.

3. Explore Ardennes Forest

Ardennes Forest covers an area of over 11,000 square kilometers and is the place to go skiing and hiking. The area is also famous for wild game like boar and venison, smoked ham, paté, and the world-renowned Trappist beers (beer brewed by Trappist monks). Some popular hiking trails are the Vieilles-Forges Lake Loop (easy, 11 kilometers), The Hautes-Rivières-La Semoy (moderate, 13 kilometers), and Crêtes de la Meuse (hard, 14 kilometers). There are also several multi-day hikes here as well.

4. Visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Built in the 12th century, the Cathedral of Our Lady in Tournai is one of the most striking examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral has five towers reaching heights of 83 meters (272 feet), magnificent stained-glass windows. as well as paintings by Rubens and Jacob Jordaens.

5. See Manneken Pis & Jeanneke Pis

These two iconic sculptures can be found in Brussels and are considered by many as a ‘must see’ (there is always a group of people admiring them and taking photos). They are simple, nude male and female children’s figures that are peeing water into a fountain. The male is often dressed up in costumes (and the costumes are saved so you can view previous ones from years past). They are pretty odd tourist attractions but worth a quick photo.

6. Explore the Antwerp Zoo

Located in the center of Antwerp, this zoo is a full afternoon attraction. Open since 1843, it’s one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world (part of the 1920 Olympics was hosted here). There are several exhibits and unusual garden features to be seen, including some unique animal sculptures. Some of the wildlife here includes sloths, lizards, penguins, elephants, zebras, lions, primates, and more! It’s a great place to take the kids. Admission is 27.50 EUR in the winter and 32.50 EUR the rest of the year.

7. Sample the catch of the day

Ostend Fish Market Visserskaai is an open-air market where the Ostend fishing fleet sells their daily catch (Ostend is just 45 minutes from Ghent, located on the coast). If you’re a fan of seafood, this is an awesome place to check out to eat and take in the local flavor of life on the North Sea. There are numerous restaurants along the seafront and you are guaranteed to get a fresh meal.

8. Wander Parc du Cinquantenaire

Also known as Jubelpark, this park and museum complex opened in 1880 and covers over 74 acres. Located on the southeast side of Brussels, it’s home to the Army Museum, the AutoWorld Museum, an art museum, gardens, and more. It’s a nice place to come in the summer to relax and admire the views after you’ve done some museum hopping.

9. See the Basilique de Koekelberg

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels is one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the world. In addition to its amazing architecture and impressive art deco, it offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding area. Completed in 1970, the church is very close to the center of town and is free to see (just dress respectfully as it is a place of worship). Admission to climb the tower is 8 EUR.

10. Explore Antwerp

The country’s second-largest city, Antwerp offers an extraordinary variety of local food and beer for visitors to enjoy. For those interested in art, the Royal Fine Arts Museum houses the world’s best collection of the Flemish Masters’ works, including the largest group of Rubens masterpieces in existence. You can also see Brabo Fountain (a fountain with a weird sculpture of a man throwing his severed arm), the Art Nouveau Little Boat building, and the Whisperer statue (it’s a statue that lets you leave a message that someone else can listen to if they input the right code).

11. See the windmills

Belgium has a long history of using windmills, which were used for cutting wood, pumping water, and grinding grain. There are a number of historic windmills from the 18th-20th century still standing throughout the country, some of which you can visit too. Most are located near Bruges.

12. Visit the European Parliament

Founded in 1952, the EU parliament in Brussels is where all 705 members (from 27 countries) meet to debate the future of the EU. You can watch a parliamentary session in the debating chamber (known as the Hemicycle) or tour the building (with an audio guide) when parliament isn’t in session. Space is limited so book in advance (it’s free). On Mondays at 11am and 3pm, there are in-depth guided tours offered in both English and French.

  For more information on specific cities in Belgium, check out these guides:

• Brussels Travel Guide
• Bruges Travel Guide

Belgium Travel Costs

Accommodation – For a dorm bed in a hostel, prices range from 25-35 EUR per night for dorms with 4-6 beds. Larger dorms with 10 or more beds cost around 18-25 EUR. Private rooms cost between 70-150 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some hostels include self-catering facilities. Only a few include free breakfast.

Camping is available around the country for those traveling with a tent. Expect to pay around 13-17 EUR per night for a basic plot without electricity.

Budget hotels start between 75-150 EUR for a basic double room. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and a coffee/tea maker.

Airbnb is popular throughout the country and you can get a private room for as little as 50-60 EUR per night if you book early. An entire apartment costs between closer to 150-200 EUR. Expect prices to double if you don’t book early, however.

Food – Belgian cuisine has been strongly influenced by its European neighbors over the centuries, specifically France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Food here is hearty with chocolate, waffles, fries, and beer being the most famous cultural staples. Steak and fries, mussels (often with fries), smoked ham, stew, and sausages are just some of the common dishes you’ll find here. Portions are large and filling too (the saying goes that Belgian food takes the portions of German cuisine but adds the quality and delicacy of French cuisine).

Light meals at cafes (like a sandwich, soups, salads, or crepes) cost around 7-12 EUR. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 9 EUR for a combo meal. For cheap and delicious sandwiches under 6 EUR, check out the nationwide chain Panos Takeaway snacks, like a cone of fries at one of the ubiquitous frite shops, cost 3-4 EUR.

At a casual restaurant serving traditional cuisine, expect to pay 15-22 EUR for a main dish. If you want to splash out, a three-course meal with a drink starts at 40-60 EUR. Chinese food costs around 10-14 EUR for a dish while pizza is around 8-10 EUR.

Beer or a glass of wine are both around 4-5 EUR, a cocktail is 9-12 EUR, and a latte/cappuccino is 3-4 EUR. Bottled water is 2 EUR.

If you want to cook your meals, there are some great markets throughout the country. Expect to pay around 60-70 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Belgium Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Belgium, expect to spend around 60 EUR per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, taking public transportation and walking everywhere, limiting your drinking, and doing most free activities like free walking tours and visiting the markets.

On a mid-range budget of about 150 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, enjoy a few drinks, eat out for some meals, take the occasional taxi to get around, rent a bike, and do more paid activities like visiting museums, taking a canal cruise, and visiting castles.

On a “luxury” budget of 270 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, take more taxis, and do whatever activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Belgium Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Belgium is not a cheap country to visit. Accommodation is expensive and food and drinks can really add up. While it will never be the cheapest country in the world, there are a few ways to cut costs. Here are my tips on how to save money in Belgium:

• Drink beer – This country has so many breweries (the most per capita in the world!) that beer is the cheapest form of alcohol. A beer will set you back just a few euros so if you’re going to drink, stick to beer.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to share and share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to save money and have a more local experience.
• Eat cheap – If you’re going to eat out, stick to things like sandwiches, kebabs, and frites. These meals cost between 5-7 EUR and are your cheapest options (unless you cook your own meals).
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the country for cheap. It isn’t glamorous, but for tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!
• Go on a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and to avoid missing any must-see stops. You can find them in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Get a city tourist card – Local tourism offices have a tourist card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. Available in cities like Brussels and Bruges, this card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money if you’re planning to see and do a lot and you can choose between 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour passes.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe and affordable. It’s usually faster than the bus — and much more interesting!
• Have an ISIC Card – To save up to 50% on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Belgium

Belgium has plenty of fun, social, and affordable hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Sleep Well (Brussels)
• Brussels 2Go4 Quality Hostel Grand Place (Brussels)
• easyHotel Brussels (Brussels)
• Meininger Brussels City Center (Brussels)
• Snuffel Backpackers Hostel (Bruges)
• St. Christopher’s Inn Bauhaus Hostel (Bruges)
• Lybeer Travellers’ Hostel (Bruges)
• Boomerang Hostel (Antwerp)
• Yust Antwerp (Antwerp)
• Ecohostel Andromeda (Ghent)
• KaBa Hostel (Ghent)

How to Get Around Belgium

Public transportation – Belgium’s cities and towns have excellent public transportation. Brussels has the only metro system in the country but there are trams in all major cities. Public buses also run everywhere. Tickets cost between 2.50-3 EUR.

Most cities have transportation passes too. Brussels has a STIB-MIVB pass that provides unlimited rides for 24 hours for just 7.50 EUR. In Antwerp, you can purchase a day pass for 7 EUR. Multi-day options are also available.

Taxis – Taxis are generally quite expensive, and seeing as how you can get around on foot or by public transit, they’re not recommended. Fares start at 3 EUR but they can also start as high as 8.50 EUR in some places (like Ghent). Each kilometer starts costs between 2-2.50 EUR, depending on the city. Skip them if you can!

Train – Travel around the country by train isn’t that expensive as the country is relatively small. Brussels to Bruges via train costs about 10 EUR for the one-hour trip. Brussels to Antwerp via train costs about 6 EUR for the 45-minute ride.

You can track schedules and fares on the SNCB website. To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option if you’re doing some country hopping. For more information, here’s a detailed breakdown of how Eurail passes work and can save you money.

But if you’re staying within Belgium, the SNCB also has some great value passes:

• Rail Pass Ten – This pass gives you 10 one-way trips anywhere in the country if you’re over 26 years old. The 2nd-class pass is 86 EUR, and it’s 131 EUR for the first-class pass. It’s valid for one year, and if you don’t use the whole thing, you can hand it off to someone else.
• Go Pass 10 – This is the same as the Rail Pass but for people under 26 years old. It costs 55 EUR.
• Go Unlimited – For people under 26 years old, you can get a week of unlimited travel during school holidays for 18 EUR, or a month of unlimited travel in July or August for 29 EUR.

Bus – Intercity bus tickets are often under 10 EUR for most journeys. Getting to and from most of the major airports is easy, with buses and trains readily available. Expect to pay 10 EUR (usually less) for a one-way ticket.

There are a few major bus companies servicing Belgium, including:

I recommend Flixbus for the cheapest rates and most comfortable buses. You can get from Brussels to Antwerp for as little as 4 EUR, or Brussels to Bruges for 6 EUR. Research the schedule ahead of time, however, as buses tend to not run every day. You may also need to use a service like STIB-MIVB if you’re venturing off the tourist trail.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Belgium is very safe, though not very common. HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info and tips for Belgium.

When to Go to Belgium

The peak travel season in Belgium is from July to August, when tourism traffic is at its highest (especially in coastal areas). It’s always warm and pleasant, with temperatures rarely going above 22°C (72°F). Rainfall increases slightly during the summer months, so bring some rain gear just in case. Expect crowds and higher prices during this period.

Personally, I think May-June and September-October are the best times to visit. In the spring, the entire countryside blossoms. Temperatures are pleasant, around 14-18°C (57-64°F), and there are fewer crowds. The same goes for autumn when the fall colors in the countryside become a photographer’s dream. Fall temperatures range from 5-19°C (41-66°F). You’ll get a lot of sunshine and better prices everywhere. Just bring a sweater and rain jacket.

The low season is during the winter, from November to March. The average daily temperature is 3°C (38°F) but it can go a lot lower than that as well. It can be very cold during these months but Belgium doesn’t get very much snow. Bruges and Ghent are particularly beautiful during this time of year and you can’t beat a mug of hot Belgian chocolate at a Christmas market!

How to Stay Safe in Belgium

Belgium is a safe place to travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even if you’re a solo female traveler. Violent crime here is very rare, though petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas so always keep your valuables secure and out of reach.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams here are rare, but watch out for random people offering you stuff as this often is done to distract you while someone else swipes your belongings. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Belgium Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Belgium Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Belgium and continue planning your trip:

The Best Things to Do and See in Brussels

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Belgium Travel Guide – everything you need to know to plan your trip

Planning a trip to Belgium? Wonderful! Belgium, the land of chocolate, fries, and beer. Of Art Nouveau and the Flemish Primitives. That tiny country where the administrative center of the EU is located. My home country.

When people tell me they've been to Belgium, they've usually just been to Brussels and/or Bruges. Those are great places for sure but limiting yourself to these two cities would do the country injustice. There are castles in Belgium to be explored, trails to be walked, memorials to go silent for.

Let me show you some of the best places to visit in Belgium, some insider tips and give you all the information you need to plan your own Belgium vacation in this Belgium Travel Guide.

Belgium travel guide: quick facts

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Size: it's a small country at 30.528 km² or 11,787 sq mi

People living there: more than 11 million

Capital: Brussels

Governmental structure: federal constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system

National day: July 21

Time zone: Central European Time / UTC+1 / GMT+1

Currency: euro (EUR)

Power voltage and socket type(s): 230V, plug types E and C. If these plug types don't match your devices, make sure to bring a universal adapter to be able to charge them

Official religion(s)/Freedom of religion: Freedom of religion. 60% of the population is Roman Catholic, followed by atheist and agnostic citizens, other Christians, and Muslims.

Official language(s) and general knowledge of English: Dutch, French and German are the three official languages. English is widely spoken.

Drives on this side: right

International driver's licence accepted? yes

Phone code: +32

Vaccinations needed? none mandatory.

Can you drink the tap water? yes, so make sure to bring your refillable water bottle

Want to know more interesting facts about Belgium? I have a whole post full of them .

Belgian provinces and the capital of Brussels

Belgium consists of 10 provinces and the district capital of Brussels. Before I tell you a bit more about each of them, watch the video below to try and understand the country's complicated political and language structure.

It's a bit crazy, I know. Luckily, if you're just visiting Belgium, you don't need to worry about any of this too much. What is good to know, is what you can find in each of the provinces and Brussels.

Brussels is its high art, medieval architecture, chocolate, and history, but it's just as much its many local markets, bars with live music and people meeting up in parks for a picnic when the sun comes out. Of course, at the end of the year there are the Christmas markets.

Discover more of Brussels:

• Why you should visit the Brussels Christmas market
• 15 typical Belgian dishes to try in Brussels
• Visiting the European Parliament and House of European History
• Where to stay in Brussels
• Interesting facts about Brussels that will make you want to go

If you prefer a smaller city for a day trip, Mechelen is a good option and if you want to get moving, all you need to do is follow one of the province's many walking or cycling routes.

Discover more of Antwerp:

• Visiting former concentration camp Breendonk Fort
• Where to have coffee, breakfast, and brunch in Mechelen
• Things to do in Antwerp
• Marvelous museums in Antwerp
• Where to have coffee in Antwerp
• Visiting the Antwerp Christmas market

Outside of Ghent, East Flanders is great for those who like to walk and bike. There are plenty of well-signed routes of varying lengths, oftentimes put together according to a theme. If you're feeling a bit lazy, going on a riverboat tour is another option.

Discover more of East Flanders:

• Visiting the Light Festival in Ghent
• Capturing Ghent's graffiti scene
• Inside the belfry of Ghent
• Visiting the Gravensteen Castle in Ghent
• An afternoon boat trip on the river Scheldt

4. West Flanders

The coast isn't just popular for its beaches. There are quite a few war memorial sites, from both World Wars, and the city of Ostend is home to several art galleries and museums. Whether you want to walk, bike, eat, shop, or brush up on your history, West Flanders has something for you.

Discover more of West Flanders:

• 7 hip hotspots in historical Bruges
• “In Bruges” movie locations you can visit
• Bruge Travel Guide
• Best things to do in Ostend

Limburg is home to the only national park of Belgium, the Hoge Kempen National Park, and counts several other natural areas that are great for hiking and walking.

It's also a great place for those interested in industrial heritage. They can visit C-mine , a former mining complex turned into a cultural, entertainment, and small business center.

Discover more of Limburg:

• A weekend in Limburg
• Outlet shopping at Maasmechelen Village
• A weekend in Beringen

Museums for every possible interest keep you busy on a rainy day in between stops at local breweries, vineyards, and other producers.

Discover more of Flemish Brabant:

• A walk in Tervuren park
• The breathtaking bluebells of the Hallerbos

Aside from that, Brabant Wallon is also home to many parks and other outdoor recreational areas, the Hergé Museum – dedicated to the inventor of the comic character Tintin – and a collection of small museums mostly focusing on local life and history.

Discover more of Brabant Wallon:

• Visiting the Abbey of Villers-la-Ville

While the province is named after its capital city, Dinant is much better known. Small in size, its dominated by its citadel perched high upon a cliff overlooking the river Meuse.  

The provincial capital of Mons was European Capital of Culture in 2015 and perfect for a day trip or a weekend away while Pairi Daiza is one of the most popular animal parks in Belgium.  

The capital city of Liège puts up the biggest Christmas market of the country and will easily keep you busy for a weekend while the town of Spa gave its name to spa centers around the world and is the perfect place to unwind.

Discover more of Liège province:

• How to spend 3 unique days in Liège province

Make sure to check out the abbey of Orval, the castle of Bouillon, the smallest city in the world Durbuy, and the historically important Bastogne.  

Want even more inspiration? Check out these fun things to do in Belgium .  

How to travel to Belgium

Travelers from the United States and the rest of the world can generally visit Belgium for three months without a visa on the condition that their passports are valid up until six months after their stay.  

How to get to Belgium

The most budget-friendly way to travel to Belgium is by bus from one of the other European countries. Flixbus is known for its great long-distance bus service and equally pleasant prices.

For more options, have a look at Omio . This platform automatically gives you the best route between two places and allows you to immediately book a ticket as well.  

If you're coming from the UK, you can also travel on the Eurostar from London to Brussels. It's usually a bit faster than flying as you don't need to be at the train station as early as you need to be at the airport and the Eurostar drops you off right in the center of Brussels. Check Omio for timetables and prices

If you're coming from France, Germany, or the Netherlands, the highspeed train Thalys is another fast way of getting to Belgium. It's a bit pricier than a regular train but does offer more comfort and is faster too. Look here for Thalys tickets  

Brussels Charleroi is the airport they optimistically call Brussels South but it's at least an hour's drive from the capital. This is where mostly cheaper airlines arrive.

Antwerp and Ostend airport are two smaller airports which also welcome international flights but you'll be most likely to fly to one of the other two.

For flights to Belgium, check Skyscanner . It gives a good overview of your options and their prices and also allows you to set flight alerts so you can track when those prices go up or down.  

How to travel around Belgium

The NMBS/SNCB trains provide the best option to move between cities and buses from De Lijn (in Flanders), the MIVB (in Brussels) and TEC (in Wallonia) will easily take you to smaller destinations.

Belgium is a small country and the highways are often congested. Renting a car isn’t recommended unless you plan on staying in a small village with hard access to public transport or unless you're planning to road trip and then especially in the south of the country where there's still more nature. If you're interested in getting a rental car for your trip to Belgium, check out AutoEurope .

Taxis are an option, but not really if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. A 15-minute drive can easily cost you €30.  

What to pack for Belgium

Winters can get a bit chilly, but it doesn’t often freeze during the day and it usually doesn’t snow for more than a week or two a year in total.

Just make sure to always pack an umbrella, whatever time of the year you decide to come.  

• a reusable water bottle
• good walking sandals
• light clothing
• a rain jacket
• a warm wind and waterproof coat
• comfortable and warm shoes
• a merino woolen baselayer
• merino woolen socks
• a warm scarf

I created an extensive packing list for Belgium in fall which you can find here .  

Both for fall and spring in Belgium, it's important to pack layers. Some days can still/already be sunny and warm while others will be grey, wet, and cold. You probably won't need a super warm winter coat but it is best to bring something warm and waterproof that you can easily stow away, like this jacket .  

Summer is also festival time in Belgium with multiple festivals big and small taking place just about every weekend. Read more about summer trips to Belgium and some of the best Belgian music festivals .

Winter is the time of the Christmas markets and while not as known for them as Germany, for example, Belgium does have quite a few good ones. I've written more about Christmas markets in Belgium here.

Autumn is a bit of a more quiet time around the country but in spring, everyone is getting excited about the upcoming summer and there are several spring-related things to do, like visiting the purple flower forest , the flower show Floralia , or the rose garden Coloma.  

If you'd like to learn how to make some of these dishes yourself, check out this post with Belgian recipes .  

When traveling somewhere, it's always good to know whether there will be a special holiday during your stay. That's why I've compiled a detailed list of holidays in Belgium which I update annually. It includes not only public holidays but also school holidays and other dates to take into account when planning your trip.  

If you speak French but not English and you're visiting the Flemish side of Belgium, you can always ask whomever you're talking to if it's okay to speak French because you're visiting and don't speak Dutch or English, if you want to be absolutely sure not to offend anyone.

When it comes to socializing, there’s quite the difference between the northern and the southern part of the country. When I worked at the Belga Press Agency, my French speaking colleagues would give each other a kiss when arriving at the office, while my Flemish colleagues would shake hands. That about says it all.

Of course, this is a generalization, but I think you could say that the people from the south are a bit warmer and more open than the people from the northern part of Belgium. We all have cliques and groups we belong to and for an outsider, it’s not always easy to become part of such a group.

If you want to meet Belgians, I’d say the best approach is to just walk up to them because the chances of us walking up to a stranger are rather slim (again, generalizing here).  

Whenever I need to book a hotel somewhere, I always check Booking. com. I love that the site has so many filters you can use to easily get a list of just the places that fit your criteria. So if you're looking for the best places to stay in Belgium, I highly recommend you do it there .  

No matter how well you plan your trip to Belgium, there's always something that can happen that's beyond your control. Your luggage can get lost, you can get sick or you can drop and break that new camera. In all of these cases, good travel insurance has you covered.

I've had ongoing travel insurance ever since I started traveling by myself to make sure I'm covered for every trip I go on but if you travel just a few times a year, you can get insurance for each trip separately.

Don't have travel insurance yet? Check out SafetyWing. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. On top of that, they were the first travel insurance to cover COVID, and when I got COVID, they reimbursed all of my expenses without making a fuss. Their customer support team is great and I can personally recommend them.  

As for the rest of Belgium, you just need to mind your belongings in busy areas but the risks of getting pickpocketed are rather low outside of the big cities. The only other thing that could be dangerous over here is getting into a car. We're not the calmest drivers in the world and traffic can get a bit tense.

There are ATMs, usually from multiple banks, in every town and city. Just make sure to check the fees your bank charges for withdrawing money abroad beforehand so you know whether it's better to take out a big amount at once or not.  

Traveling to Belgium from outside the EU and want to stay connected so you can share photos, call loved ones over WiFi and easily use apps like Google Maps? Then check out Solis Wifi mobile WiFi .

Skyroam offers both day passes and monthly subscriptions providing you with 4G throughout your trips. I've been using their daily passes not just when I travel outside the EU (no roaming charges for me in the EU) but also as a backup for when I think I'll go over my phone's data plan.

Tipping isn't mandatory in Belgium but as in many places, it is appreciated. All taxes and service are included in the bill and people working in the service industry make a living wage so it's common to just round up the bill at places like cafes or small eateries and to add whatever you think is suitable at restaurants.

For more specific guidelines, check out this section on tipping on your Belgium trip .  

In the Middle Ages, Belgium was divided into smaller semi-independent regions such as counties and principalities which were under foreign rule, first by the French, then the Austrians, and then the Spanish. It knew a very brief period of independence in the 14th century after it defeated the French army following a rebellion.

After big European turmoils in the 17th century, Belgium became Austrian again at the beginning of the 18th century until the French annexed the country in 1795. Belgium stayed French until Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo in 1815 and it was merged together with the Netherlands.

The differences between the two were too big, though, and in 1830 a Belgian rebellion broke out that would lead to the official independence of the country in January 1831.

During the reign of the first king, Leopold I, Belgium continued the industrialization process that had started in the 19th century. The country knew a dark period with the rule of Leopold II, who made part of Africa, later known as Belgian Congo, his personal property and committed atrocities against the natives who he exploited mostly for harvesting rubber.

The Belgian Congo became state property in 1908, a year before Leopold II died and would remain a colony until 1960.

Later in the 20th century, Belgium suffered a great deal both during World War I and World War II when it was occupied by the Germans twice. It managed to recover quite well and became one of the founding members of the European Union and of NATO.  

And that's it! I hope this guide to Belgium has given you an idea of what to do in Belgium and will help you plan your own trip here.  

Find below the important posts about Belgium.

Dates of Holidays in Belgium 2024 [Annually updated]

Namur Travel Guide: 15 Best Attractions to visit in Namur!

Mons Travel Guide: 15 Best things to do in Mons, History, Attractions

Dinant Travel Guide: 17 Attractions to visit in Dinant, History, Hotels & Restaurants

15 Fun things to do in Ypres: A Visitor's Travel Guide

16 Best things to do in Ninove: Travel Guide, History, Attractions, Transportation & Markets

15 Amazing Things to do in Kortrijk: Travel Guide: History, Attractions, Transportation & Markets

15 Top Things to do in Tournai: Travel Guide, History, Attractions, Facts and Transportation

Ghent Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

15 Best restaurants in Brussels: Where to eat in Brussels?

19 Best Hotels to stay in Brussels – Neighbourhoods, Luxury, Hostels, Family and Airport Hotels

20 Fun Christmas Markets in Belgium to visit in 2023 – 2024

Mechelen Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Charleroi Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Mons Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Namur Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Ostend Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

17 Best Bars in Brussels and their signature Drinks

Dinant Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Louvain-la-Neuve Christmas Market 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Liege Christmas Market 2023-2024:🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

10 Best Brussels Museums, Art Galleries and Exhibitions

20 Best things to do in Ardennes: My 4 day itinerary

29 Interesting Facts about Brussels

Brussels Travel Guide: 18 Best Things to Do, History, Facts and Hotels

Brussels Christmas Markets 2023-2024: 🎅 Dates, Location, Attractions

Visiting Hallerbos: The Blue Forest of Belgium

Visiting the Villers Abbey: Location, History and Guide!

C-mine Genk: Mining site turned to Cultural center

Fort Breendonk: Concentration camp turned National Memorial

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Belgium Itinerary: The Best Places in 3, 4 or 5 Days (2024)

Belgium might not be the first place you would think of travelling to, but in fact, there are many good reasons to visit this country . With its medieval cities, enchanting castles and local delicacies, Belgium has a lot to offer. This Belgium itinerary is ideal for first-timers who want to see the country’s highlights .

As I am from Belgium and lived here for most of my life, I have come to know this little country quite well.

To see the best of what it has to offer, you will need a minimum of 3 days in Belgium . To get to know it better and get a real taste of what this country is all about, 4 to 5 days would be perfect.

So, depending on how much time you have in the country, here’s the perfect Belgium itinerary for 3, 4 or 5 days.

Belgium Itinerary for 3, 4 or 5 Days

The first 3 days of this itinerary will bring you to some of Belgium’s most beautiful places . However, if you have 4 or 5 days in this country, the next days will take you to some of the country’s most famous castles too.

Of course, you can easily switch things up according to your interests if you don’t have 5 days in Belgium.

Let’s dive into this itinerary!

Day 1: Brussels

This itinerary for Belgium starts in Brussels, the bustling capital. Brussels is a lively city that is worth visiting and one that cannot miss on your trip to the country.

This city is famous for being the unofficial capital of the EU and the self-proclaimed “comic book capital of the world” and there are quite some things to see here.

To see the city’s highlights, one day in Brussels will be enough. However, you will need more than one day if you want to visit some of Brussels’ museums and areas outside of the city centre too.

Tip: Brussels is a good place to base yourself when you’re visiting Belgium . It is located in the middle of the country, which makes it easy to access any region from here (Brussels is super small, so nothing is far away).

Brussels’ highlights

• Grand Place: The Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage site with some pretty amazing architecture. This is Brussels’ main square and it is often featured on lists featuring the most beautiful squares in Europe .
• Manneken Pis: This famous statue of a peeing little boy is one of Brussels’ most famous landmarks . It is not far from the Grand Place and if you’re lucky, Manneken Pis will be wearing one of his 900 costumes.
• Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert: Built in 1847, this is Europe’s oldest shopping arcade. Apart from beautiful architecture, you will find plenty of luxury shops here.
• Mont des Arts: If you like beautiful views, you will love the Mont des Arts (“Mount of the Arts” in French), which is home to one of the most famous parks in Brussels. If you climb up this mount’s stairs, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the city.
• Saint Michael and Gudula Cathedral: It is in this cathedral that royal weddings, funerals and coronations take place. The Brussels Cathedral’s interior is quite sober and it has beautiful stained glass windows.
• Saint Catherine Church & La Tour Noire: French for the black tower, la Tour Noire is located right next to the beautiful Saint Catherine Church. This tower is part of the 13th-century city walls.
• Atomium: This giant molecule is a pretty unique landmark. It was built for the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958. As it is not located in the centre of the city, you will need to take the metro to get there.
• Beer tour: If you would like to taste some delicious Belgian beer, it is good to know that there are plenty of b eer tours in Brussels . You will learn more about this brew too if you decide to join one of these tours.

Fun fact: It rains for an average of 200 days in Brussels. Although it rarely rains all day, you will find the best indoor activities in Brussels in this post just in case.

Day 2: Bruges

Today, we’re heading to Bruges, one of the most charming medieval towns in Europe . Beautiful Bruges is located in the North of the country and visiting this city is one of the best things to do in Belgium , which is why it can’t miss from any itinerary for this country!

Note that if you’re using public transportation, it’s good to know that the train station in Bruges isn’t in the city centre. So you will need to take the bus to get there unless, of course, you want to walk.

Tip: If you would like to see Ghent too, it’s good to know that it’s possible to visit Ghent and Bruges in one day as these cities are just a 25-minute train ride apart. It will give you less time in Bruges, though.

Bruges’ highlights

Bruges’ cobblestoned streets, medieval buildings and picturesque canals make it one of the prettiest and most romantic destinations in the country .

You will find the best places to visit in Bruges in one day below:

• Grote Markt: This square has been used as a market square since the 10th century. It is surrounded by beautiful guild houses, and this is the perfect place to start exploring Bruges.
• Belfry of Bruges: This medieval bell tower is located on Market Square, and it can be visited. If you decide to climb its 366 steps, you will be rewarded with a stunning view over Bruges.
• Basilica of the Holy Blood: The interior of this Roman Catholic basilica, located on Burg Square, is truly stunning! It was originally built in the 12th century and houses the relic of the Holy Blood .
• Rosary Quay: Head to the “Rozenhoedkaai” for a beautiful view of the canals with Bruges’ historical buildings as a backdrop. This is one of the most photographed sites in Bruges!
• Bonifacius Bridge and Church of Our Lady: The Bonifacius Bridge, with the Church of Our Lady right next to it, is a truly enchanting area and also one of my favourites in Bruges. It is said that you will experience eternal love if you kiss your loved one on this bridge. If you decide to enter the Church of Our Lady, you will be able to admire the famous  Madonna and Child  sculpture by  Michelangelo .
• Beguinage: This former beguinage is one of the most peaceful parts of the city. It was once home to the beguines but the Nuns of the Order of St. Benedict now inhabit the place.

All in all, there are plenty of good reasons to visit Bruges , this is definitely one of Belgium’s most beautiful cities!

>> Check out my post featuring the best canal view hotels in Bruges if you would like to stay here for a night.

Day 3: Dinant and castles

On day 3 of this itinerary for Belgium, it is time to head to Wallonia , the French-speaking part of Belgium. Here, Dinant, the city of the saxophone, Walzin Castle and the Castle of Vêves are well worth visiting.

You can reach the city of Dinant by train from both Bruges and Brussels. However, if you’re coming from Bruges, the train ride will take approximately 3 hours whereas the ride takes a little less than 2 hours from Brussels.

Note that you can’t reach the castles surrounding Dinant by public transportation . The easiest option would be to rent a car for a day. If this is not an option, it is possible to take a taxi (a 15-minute ride) from Dinant.

Dinant’s highlights

Dinant is most famous for being the place where Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, was born. This is a charming city with some interesting things to see and do.

This city is quite small, so half a day here should be just enough. Here are some of the best places to visit in Dinant :

• Citadelle de Dinant: Standing high on the Dinant rock, the Citadel of Dinant is the place to go for a beautiful view of the city. There is a history and weapon museum inside that will teach you more about the history of Dinant.
• Notre Dame de Dinant: Notre Dame de Dinant is an eye-catching 13th-century cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows. Make sure not to miss it during a visit to this town.
• Saxophone Bridge: This bridge crosses the River Meuse. It is decorated with 28 colourful saxophones, each representing one of the countries of the European Union.
• Rocher Bayard: If you’re entering Dinant by car, Rocher Bayard is this city’s first famous landmark that you will encounter. This 35 m (114.8 ft) high rock formation is split in two, and the road goes right through both parts.

Vêves Castle

The medieval Vêves Castle looks as if it is coming straight out of a fairytale, which is probably the reason why it is often called Sleeping Beauty’s Castle . It towers above the village of Celles, and both its interior and exterior are stunning.

The ground on which Vêves Castle was built has a rich history that dates back to the time of Pépin de Herstal (685), a Frankish statesman and military leader. The current castle, however, was built in the 15th century.

If you would like to stay the night in an enchanting castle, it’s good to know that there are plenty of castle hotels in Belgium . Some of them are near Dinant.

Walzin Castle

Contrary to Vêves Castle, Walzin Castle can’t be visited on the inside because it is privately owned. Its stunning location, however, perched high on top of a rock, makes it one of the most beautiful castles in Belgium .

Vêves Castle was built during the 11th century and later destroyed. The castle has undergone multiple restorations since, and today, only the original watchtowers remain.

Tip: As Vêves Castle and Walzin Castle are pretty close to each other, it is possible to hike from one castle to another. This hike is 15 km (9,3 mi) long, and it will take you through the beautiful Nature Park of Furfooz. In my opinion, this is one of the best hikes in Belgium .

Day 4: Antwerp

If you have 4 days or more on your Belgium itinerary, it is time to head to Antwerp today. This Flemish city is a 40-minute train ride from Brussels or a 2.5-hour ride from Dinant.

Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world . This is a beautiful city with many interesting sights and it has an interesting legend too.

The Legend of Antwerp According to the legend, the name Antwerp comes from “hand werpen”, which means “to throw a hand” in Dutch. The story goes that a long time ago, the mythical Roman soldier Brabo killed a giant that demanded a toll on people who wanted to enter the city. If people refused to pay, the giant would cut off their hands and throw them in the River Scheldt. Brabo then decided to fight the giant by cutting off his hand and throwing it into the river.

You will find a statue of Brabo throwing away the hand of the giant on the Grote Markt.

Antwerp’s highlights

• Central Train Station: This station is often featured in lists of the most beautiful train stations in the world and it’s one of Belgium’s most famous landmarks . This is the first place that you will see if you’re visiting Antwerp by train. If not, make sure to head there and check out the station’s impressive main hall. You won’t be disappointed!
• Diamond District: Antwerp’s famous diamond district is located right next to the train station. This is the part of the city where diamonds are traded and where you will find plenty of jewellery shops.
• Grote Markt: The Grote Markt is the main square of Antwerp, and it is stunning! Beautiful guild houses surround this square, and you will also find a fountain of Brabo here.
• Cathedral of Our Lady: The 123-m (402.5 ft) high Cathedral of Our Lady is the tallest Gothic building in the low countries. It houses an impressive art collection that includes works of Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens .
• Vlaeykensgang: This picturesque alleyway dates back to the 16th century and this used to be a very poor area. Today, however, antique shops and art galleries dominate this area.
• MAS Museum: The MAS Museum houses many interesting exhibitions, and even if you don’t feel like visiting a museum, this is a must-see location. The modern red building in which the museum is housed has a rooftop terrace that is free to access. You will have some of the best views of Antwerp from here.
• Rubenshuis: This museum is located in the building where the famous painter Rubens’ home and workshop were. You will find a collection of his work inside and you will get to see where he painted many of his paintings.

Read m y one day in Antwerp itinerary to find out how to spend a perfect day in this city.

 ❗The Rubenshuis is currently closed due to renovation works. It will reopen in 2026.

>> Check out my post featuring the best hotels in Antwerp if you would like to stay here for a night.

Day 5: Bouillon

On the last day of the 5-day itinerary for Belgium, it is time to head to Bouillon. This is a beautiful destination in the Walloon Semois Valley of Belgian Luxembourg

If renting a car is not an option, you will have to take the train to Libramont and TEC bus number 8 to get there.

Libramont is a 2-hour train ride from Brussels and a 3-hour ride from Antwerp. The bus ride from Libramont to Bouillon takes another hour.

Castle of Bouillon

The Castle of Bouillon towers high above the city. Its history dates back almost a thousand years, and it was once owned by Godfrey of Bouillon – one of the leaders of the First Crusade.

You can visit the castle’s chambers and dungeons while learning about its history. While you’re there, you will also get to enjoy the wonderful view over Bouillon and its surroundings.

Hiking in the Semois Valley

After visiting the Castle of Bouillon, one of the best activities in the neighbourhood is to go for a hike. The Semois Valley is a stunning region that includes the Tombeau du Geant , which is argued to be the most beautiful view in Belgium.

It is good to know that there are many hikes around Bouillon . Some start from the city itself but to get to the starting point of some others, you will need a car.

Whichever hike you choose, you will be rewarded with some amazing landscapes!

Belgium Itinerary Map and Schedule

• Day 1: Arrive in Brussels and visit Belgium’s capital
• Day 2: Take a day trip to the medieval city of Bruges (and Ghent if you want to make an extra stop)
• Day 3: Visit Dinant, Vêves Castle and Walzin Castle in the Walloon Region of Belgium
• Day 4 (optional): Spend a day in Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world
• Day 5 (optional): Go to Bouillon, visit the castle and hike in the Semois Valley

It is good to know that Belgium is a small country and that the distances are short . Therefore, you can easily base yourself in Brussels and take day trips from here during your visit to Belgium.

How to Get to Brussels

Brussels is most likely the place where you will start your Belgian trip. The country’s capital is a well-connected city that can easily be reached by air , train or bus .

Zaventem Airport is 15 km (9.5 mi) from Brussels’ city centre and, from here, you can take a taxi, train or bus to get to the centre.

It’s also possible to head straight from Brussels Airport to Bruges and switch things up a little.

How to Get Around Belgium

Most parts of this itinerary can be done using public transportation , and all the cities that are mentioned are easily accessible by train.

Keep in mind, though, that you will have to walk a bit (or take the tram or bus) to get to the centre of the city from the station of Bruges (and Ghent if you decide to visit this city too).

If you want to visit the Castles of Vêves , the Castle of Walzin and the Semois Valley , however, you will either have to take a taxi or rent a car, which brings me to my next point.

The most flexible way to follow this Belgium itinerary is by renting a car . However, finding a parking spot in cities can be quite challenging and expensive unless you park your car further away from the city centre.

My recommendation: Visit Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp by train. Then, rent a car to visit Bouillon and Dinant. This way, you won’t need to stress about finding a cheap parking spot in the bigger cities, and you will be able to easily visit the castles and go for hikes.

If you want to rent a car in Belgium , I recommend using Discover Cars . This website checks various companies to make sure you get the best rates.

Best Time to Visit Belgium

The best time to visit Belgium is during April , May , June , September and October . At this time of the year, the weather will be pleasant and it is not peak season (this is in July and August).

If you don’t mind the peak season, July and August are good months to visit Belgium too, but hotels might be more expensive at this time of the year. July and August are school holidays in Belgium, and it tends to be more crowded during these months.

This being said, Belgium can be visited all year round. It will be colder and there will be more rain during the winter months ( December to March ), though.

Tips for Visiting Belgium

• If you’re getting around with public transport , use Omnio to check train schedules and book your tickets online.
• Belgium is a small country and the distances between places are short. So, you could easily base yourself in Brussels , which is in the middle of the country, and take day trips from here.
• Make sure to try some delicious Belgian chocolates , fries and beer while you’re in Belgium – they’re the best!
• There are many other beautiful places in Belgium, it all depends on your interests. I have a lot of content about this country so check out some of my other posts about Belgium to make sure that you won’t miss something you might like!

Belgium Itinerary FAQs

How many days are needed in belgium.

Belgium is a small country but there are some nice places to see. I recommend staying here for a minimum of 3 to 4 full days. This way, you will be able to see the country’s highlights and get an idea of what this country is all about.

Are 3 days enough in Belgium?

Three days are enough to see Belgium’s highlights. You can visit Brussels, Ghent, Bruges and Dinant in 3 days. If you have more time, however, you can head to Antwerp and the Semois Valley as well.

What should you not miss in Belgium?

Some of the places that you cannot miss on a visit to Belgium are Brussels, Bruges and Ghent. If you have more time, however, there are many other great things to do in Belgium.

Belgium Itinerary: Final Thoughts

And voila – this was my recommended itinerary for 3, 4 or 5 days in Belgium. I hope that you found exactly what you were looking for and that you will enjoy your trip to my home country! Belgium might indeed be small, but it does have a lot to offer.

If you have more time to spare in this country, I would recommend checking out my post with the best day trips from Brussels too. I spent a lot of time exploring Belgium during the pandemic and discovered some interesting places here!

Read more about Belgium:

• Backpacking Belgium: A Local’s Guide
• Benelux Itinerary: The Highlights in 10 Days (+ Map)
• The Best Hikes in Belgium
• The Most Beautiful Places in Belgium
• Reasons to Visit Belgium: Why it’s Worth Visiting
• Best Theme Parks in Belgium
• Souvenirs From Belgium That Don’t Suck
• Best Day Trips from Brussels: Ultimate Guide
• What is Belgium Famous For? The Most Surprising Facts

Belgium Travel Planning Guide

🛫 Find the cheapest flights to Belgium on  Skyscanner . 🏨 Find the best accommodation via  Booking  or  Hostelworld . 🚃 Use Omnio to book public transportation in Belgium. 🚗 Rent a car with  Discover Cars   to get the best rates. 💰 Get travel insurance via  Visitors Coverage , one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies. 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa  to visit Belgium

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Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Waffles is also good choice. BTW I’m really happy to say it was an interesting post to read. I learned new information from your article, you are doing a great job. Continue

Waffles are delicious! And so is chocolate :p Thank you for your lovely message, I appreciate it! 🙂

Do you offer private tours? We will have 4-5 days and want to do Brussels, Ghent snd Bruges by private car. We were thinking 2 days Brussels, one day Ghent and two days Bruges.

Hi Shanea, nice to hear you’re planning a trip to Belgium! 🙂 I don’t offer private tours, so I can’t help you with that, unfortunately. Best of luck!

Get back to me as soon as possible we need an itinerary for visitors coming over her soon .

Came across your blog whilst planning my upcoming trip next month. This is going to sound like a silly question but if im staying in brussles and using public transport such as trains if i was to go to bruges and ghent. If i got a return ticket from brussels to bruges can i stop off on the way and walk round ghent or do i have to get tickets from station to station. Thanks in advance.

Hi Melisa, it’s not a silly question, it’s a good one actually! As long as you’re using your ticket on the same day, you can get off the train in Ghent and then continue to Bruges with a ticket from Brussels to Bruges. 🙂

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Belgium Itinerary: How to See the Best of Belgium in 3 or 4 Days

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 27, 2023

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
• 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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Joan Williams

Saturday 27th of April 2024

I saved your article for years (due to Covid). We were finally in Belgium this past week. I found your suggestions extremely helpful. We had dinner at Spago and it was very good. We toured Brussels and went to Bruges and Ghent in one day. We skipped Antwerp and went to Leuven instead. A local we met on the train suggested it. The people are very friendly and helpful. Thanks for a very helpful article.

Monday 29th of April 2024

Glad to hear that you enjoyed the trip, Joan, but it's a pity you missed Antwerp. Next time ;).

Priyank Malhotra

Friday 25th of August 2023

Hi, we are planning to come in end of February next year to Belgium for 3 days, can you advise if it rains a lot in February so that we can pack our clothes accordingly, we will be traveling with our 2 years old kid. And is it advisable to travel in February. Loved your blog but didn't see lot of festival and activities in February. Also in the cities, from one place to another do you advise to walk or use public transport. Planning to stay in Brussels and doing day trips to Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, hoping that won't be too tiring with the kid. Thank you!

Hi Priyank, if there is one thing you can't predict is the weather in Belgium (in any season). February is usually quite cold and rainy (can snow too), but we have had some amazing warm weather in February too. You really never know, but you can check the weather forecast a few days before you travel and you'll get a better idea of what to expect. As for whether it's advisable to travel to Belgium in February, it all depends on your expectations and what you want to see and do. February is the Carnival season, so there will be a lot going on. Google "Aalst Carnival" for example, and there are many other places where you can see carnival celebrations. Do some research and see if anything interests you. Most city centers are walkable, but there are lots of cobblestones. We also have good public transport if you need to cover bigger distances (trams, metros, buses, etc.). For intercity travel, take a train. With a child that age, be sure to pack a stroller (ideally with big wheels and a rain cover)! Also, you may want to plan some time visiting museums. Keep in mind that the days are rather short at that time of the year, so it gets dark early (around 6pm depending on when exactly you travel). You may also want to read this article to get a better idea of what it's like to visit Belgium in winter.

Diane Falconer

Friday 10th of March 2023

Can you suggest how we can create an itinerary that takes us from the Dinant/Durbuy area to Bruges/Ghent and on to the Netherlands (Delft, Hoorn, Giethoorn, Amsterdam)? How long should we plan on for Belgian portion? And the Dutch? We are driving. No children.

Hi Diane, unfortunately, I really have no time to help our readers with individual itinerary suggestions. There are just too many options and everything depends on your interests and the time that you have. You can spend just a few hours in most of these places, or a few days in each. You can find quite a few detailed guides for Belgian and Dutch destinations on our blog. So try to figure out what you really want to see, how much time you want to spend, and how you will travel/where you'll stay and park your car in the cities (or just outside), and then it will be easier to make an itinerary. Good luck!

Tess Lawler

Thursday 8th of December 2022

We've scheduled an upcoming Viking cruise which will end in Antwerp on 04/04/23 and I was considering your comments & like the itinerary on the 4-day Belgium tour. Maybe stay in Antwerp 2 nights; Bruges 1 night & 1 night Brussels and travel by train to see Ghent & battlefields?? Need to get to Brussels airport for exit. Any thoughts/suggestions for hotels, etc??

Monday 12th of December 2022

Hi Tess, sure, all this is doable if you want to change hotels and move around. You could also easily stay at any of these towns and visit others by train without having to take all your luggage with you. Trains go from early morning until late at night. If you want to visit the WWI battlefields, it's a bit difficult without a car, so it's best to take a tour. The best ones run from Bruges and start in the morning at the station, so it could indeed be somewhat easier if you are in Bruges already that day. Also, on your last day, depending on the flight time, you may want to stay closer to the airport or closer to the train station with a direct train to the airport. It's no big deal if your flight is later in the day, but if it's in the morning, be sure to check the train schedules so that you can easily get there on time. As for hotels, we have some suggestions under each city guide (Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges). For Brussels, we also have this guide to the best areas to stay. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Lori Maccarone

Monday 5th of December 2022

Hello! We are flying into AMS (Netherlands). Can we easily book and catch a train ticket to Brussels from the airport? If so, where? I plan to get a hotel in central station as you recommend. Should we buy a train pass so we can travel throughout Belgium over the three days on your suggested itinerary or should we just buy single ticket train rides as needed?

Hi Lori, if you don't mind taking the regular (=slower) train, then yes, you can just get the tickets on the spot and take the next train. If you prefer the faster one, book your tickets on the Thalys website in advance. I find that it's often not worth the price difference to go for the faster one (and you keep flexibility because the regular trains don't have assigned seating so it doesn't matter which one you take). But if you are in a hurry, Thalys can be worth it. In Belgium, you can just get your train tickets on the day itself or buy them on the website or via the app of Belgian Railways. Normally yes, we just get single or return tickets, but they also have all kinds of passes, seasonal tickets, passes for young people, etc. See the 'Tickets & Railcards' section on their website for more info (for some reason, I can't link directly to it). Here is a link to the ticket options for young people under 26. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

How to travel to Belgium

Bordered by Germany , France , the Netherlands and Luxembourg, Belgium is well connected with its neighboring countries and wider Europe . It's a small and compact country and getting around once you're there is easy thanks to a great public transport system. The rest of Europe is on your doorstep, with affordable flights and great interrail and bus travel options if you have more time to spare or are looking for a greener way to travel .

Flying is the easiest and most time-efficient way to travel to Belgium. The most popular option is to fly to the capital city, Brussels which has good rail and bus links with the rest of the country.  Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is the country’s main international airport with flights to over 220 European and international destinations. Another option is to fly into Brussels  South Airport in Charleroi – roughly 31 miles outside of Brussels – which connects Belgium with 190 destinations.

Here are the average flight times to Brussels from several major cities in Europe:

• London to Brussels - 1 hour 10 mins 
• Paris to Brussels - 1 hour
• Barcelona to Brussels - 2 hours 10 mins 
• Dublin to Brussels - 1 hour 40 mins 
• Copenhagen - 1 hour 30 mins 
• Munich - 1 hour 20 mins 
• Rome - 2 hours 10 mins

Taking the Eurostar is a great way to see two fabulous cities in one trip: lively London and beautiful Belgium. Setting off from London St Pancras International Station, it takes just two hours to get from London to Brussels via the channel tunnel. Three ticket options are available to suit your budget: Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier – Standard ticket fares can be as cheap as GBP 29 if you book in advance or snag a last-minute deal.

Purchasing an 'Any Belgian Station' ticket also includes a local train fare to Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent in case you want to kick off your trip from these cities. Simply hop off when you arrive at Brussels-Midi/Zuid and transfer to a local train on another platform (there will be signs showing you where to go, or you can ask a staff member for directions). All Eurostar tickets are now flexible, meaning you can change your booking details up to seven days before departure with no exchange fee – simply pay the difference in fare.

You can also drive your car on the Eurostar Le Shuttle from the Folkstone Terminal in the UK , which is a much faster way to get to Belgium than on the ferry.

If you’re traveling from the UK, you can take a ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkerque with P&O Ferries or DFDS Seaways . You can travel as a foot passenger or in a car. Once you arrive at one of these ports, it’s fairly easy to drive to Wallonia in southern Belgium via the   E40   motorway through northern France.

If you're traveling as a foot passenger you can also take a train to Brussels from Calais and Dunkerque with SNCF Connect on the high-speed train (also known as the TGV). It costs around EUR 40 for a single ticket and the journey takes two hours. Travelling on the TGV is comfortable and efficient and you'll also get to enjoy the pretty French countryside along the way.

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UK travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding how to get to Belgium. There are flights to Brussels from London and a string of regional airports; Eurostar trains direct from London to Brussels; ferries from Rosyth and Hull to Zeebrugge, near Bruges, and from Ramsgate to Ostend; Eurotunnel services from Folkestone to Calais, a short drive from the Belgian coast; and frequent international buses from London to Brussels and Antwerp. Buses are usually the least expensive means of transportation, but the train is faster and often not that much more expensive, and there are all sorts of great deals on flights too.

Flights from the UK and Ireland

By train from the uk, driving from the uk, by ferry from the uk, by train from continental europe, by bus from the uk, travel ideas for belgium, created by local experts.

8 days  / from 2834 USD

The best of the Netherlands and Belgium

This trip will bring you the best of two countries: the Netherlands and Belgium. From the quaint streets, canals and windmills of Holland to beer and Belgium chocolate tasting in three beautiful Belgium cities. This trip has it all.

9 days  / from 3052 USD

Experience the Liberation Route in BeNeLux

Explore the path of the World War II Liberation Route through Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Visit important landmarks and museums on the way with this self drive itinerary, with enough time to explore cities such as Brussels and Rotterdam on the way.

10 days  / from 5668 USD

Taste of Three - Belgium, France and Switzerland

Start your journey in Belgium and explore Brussels, Ghent and Bruges. A high-speed train will then take you to Strasbourg, from where you'll discover the Alsace. Proceed to Basel as your base, from where you'll see plenty of Switzerland: Zermatt, Matterhorn, Mount Pilatus and much more.

For travellers arriving from North America, the main decision is whether to fly direct to Brussels – though the options are limited – or via another European city, probably London. Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans have to fly via another city – there are no nonstop flights.

From the UK , Belgium’s major airport – Brussels – is readily reached from London and a large number of regional airports. There’s also Brussels-Charleroi airport, whose name is somewhat deceptive – it’s actually on the edge of Charleroi, about 50km south of the capital. Luxembourg City airport, the third choice, is just a short bus ride from Luxembourg City. Airlines flying from the UK to Belgium include British Airways, bmi, Brussels Airlines, easyJet, Flybe, Lufthansa, KLM and Ryanair. Flying times are insignificant: no more than 1.5hr from London or regional airports to Brussels.

Flying from Ireland , there’s much less choice, but Ryanair charges very reasonable rates for flights from Dublin to Brussels-Charleroi, while Aer Lingus links Dublin with Brussels airport, and Scandinavian Airlines flies from Dublin to Brussels.

Whichever route and carrier you choose, it’s hard to say precisely what you’ll pay at any given time – there are just too many variables. That said, flying to Brussels from the UK with one of the low-cost airlines, a reasonable average fare would be about £100 return (including taxes), though you can pay as little as £50 and as much as £400.

From the US and Canada

From the US , you can fly direct to Brussels from New York City (American, Delta or Continental from Newark), Philadelphia (US Airways), Atlanta (Delta), Washington (United) and Chicago (American), but you’ll often find cheaper deals if you’re prepared to stop once, either in the US or mainland Europe. Return fares to Brussels from New York can be found for as little as $800, but $1200–1500 is a more normal fare. From Chicago , fares can cost as little as $1000, but $1500 is more the average. There are no direct flights from the West Coast , but plenty of carriers will get you to Brussels with one stop, for as little as $1200 return.

From Canada , Air Canada flies nonstop to London Heathrow, with onward connections to Brussels. From Toronto to Brussels, return fares range from Can$700 to Can$2000, and about twenty percent more (Can$850–2400) from Vancouver .

From Australia and New Zealand

There are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Brussels. Most itineraries will involve two changes, one in the Far East – Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur – and then another in the gateway city of the airline you’re flying with (most commonly Paris, Amsterdam or London). You can get tickets to Brussels from Sydney or Melbourne for Aus$1500–2000 if you shop around, and from Auckland for slightly more.

From South Africa

There are no direct flights from South Africa to Belgium, but KLM does offer direct flights to Amsterdam, a short train ride away from Belgium, from both Cape Town and Johannesburg. Alternatively, South African Airways flies direct to London, Munich and Frankfurt, from where it’s a short hop onto Belgium and Luxembourg. Return fares with KLM from both cities direct to Amsterdam cost ZAR9000–10000.

Eurostar trains running through the Channel Tunnel put Belgium within easy striking distance of London’s St Pancras plus two stations in Kent – Ashford and Ebbsfleet. Indeed, considering the time it takes to check into any of London’s airports, Eurostar is often faster than a flight – if, that is, you live in or near London. Eurostar operates around ten services a day from London St Pancras to Bruxelles-Midi, and the journey time is a very competitive two hours. Fares are largely defined by ticket flexibility, with the least flexible returns costing around £150, the most flexible, whose times and dates can be changed at will, working out at about £400. However, advance booking – at least three weeks ahead – halves the cost of the cheapest return ticket, and Eurostar also offers myriad special deals and discounts. Eurostar tickets from London to Brussels are also common rated for Belgium as a whole, which means, for example, that you can travel on to and return from Bruges via Brussels at no extra cost; this common rating system may come to an end if and when other train companies start using the Channel Tunnel.

If you’re visiting Belgium as part of a longer European trip, it may be worth considering a pan-European rail pass . There are lots to choose from and Rail Europe ( w www.raileurope.com ), the umbrella company for all national and international passes, operates a comprehensive website detailing all the options with prices. Note in particular that some passes have to be bought before leaving home, others can only be bought in specific countries. For train travel within Belgium and Luxembourg.

To reach Belgium by car or motorbike , you can either take one of the car ferries mentioned below or use Eurotunnel ’s shuttle train through the Channel Tunnel. Note that Eurotunnel only carries cars (including occupants) and motorbikes, not foot passengers. From the Eurotunnel exit in Calais, it’s just 50km or so to De Panne, on the Belgian coast, 120km to Bruges and 200km to Brussels.

There are up to four Eurotunnel shuttle trains per hour (only one per hour midnight–6am), taking 35 minutes (45min for some night departure times); you must check in at Folkestone at least thirty minutes before departure. It’s possible to turn up and buy your ticket at the toll booths (exit the M20 at junction 11a), though advance booking is advisable and usually much less expensive. Fares , which are levied on the vehicle (not the number of passengers), depend on the time of year, time of day and length of stay; it’s usually cheaper to travel between 10pm and 6am, and advance booking attracts substantial discounts. Book well ahead, and a week-long return ticket in June will cost £100–140 without any flexibility, £200 with flexibility.

Three operators currently run car ferries from the UK direct to two ports in Belgium. They are Transeuropa , whose vessels link Ramsgate with Ostend (4hr); P&O from Hull to Zeebrugge (13hr); and Norfolkline from Rosyth to Zeebrugge (20hr). Zeebrugge is a few kilometres from Bruges. Tariffs vary enormously, depending on when you leave, how long you stay, what size your vehicle is and how many passengers are in it; on the two longer routes, there is also the cost of a cabin to consider. As a sample fare, Transeuropa Ferries charges about £50 to transport a car and four passengers from Ramsgate to Ostend – and the return costs about the same, though special deals can lower the price even further. On the two longer routes, booking ahead is strongly recommended – indeed it’s essential in summer.

Belgium has borders with France, Germany and the Netherlands. A veritable raft of rail lines runs into Belgium from its neighbours. Ordinary trains link many cities and towns and there are also the express trains of Thalys , a combined project of the Belgian, Dutch, French and German railways. The hub of the Thalys network is Brussels, from where there are trains to – among many destinations – Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Paris and Cologne.

Given the low cost of budget-airline airfares, travelling by long-distance bus from the UK to Belgium may not seem too attractive a proposition, but it is still likely to be the cheapest way of getting there. Eurolines , part of National Express, has four daily departures from London’s Victoria coach station to Antwerp and Brussels, with a journey time of around eight hours to both destinations. Return tickets cost £40–60, and there are small discounts for travellers under 25 and over 60. There are also less frequent Eurolines buses to several other Belgian cities, including Ghent.

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A week in Belgium: Your perfect Belgian itinerary for the best of Belgium

February 25, 2019 by Karen Turner 6 Comments

Living in the Netherlands makes it so easy to visit Belgium. I’ve visited Belgium countless times. Although Belgium is fairly small, many people skip some of my personal favorite highlights of Belgium as they speed through Antwerp and Brussels. This is a Belgian itinerary based on one of my favorite road trips through Belgium with my parents-in-law showing them the best of Belgium with a week!

This Belgian itinerary by train includes seeing Brussels, Antwerpen, Gent, Bruges, Namur, and Durbuy. This one week itinerary in belgium is fully possibly without a car. Belgium is an easy place to travel as people readily speak English in addition to Flemish or French depending on where you are traveling. (Belgium uses the euro and you can easily pay by card most places.)

You might want to book your train to/from Belgium, but booking the trains within Belgium ahead isn’t worthwhile. Similarly, it’s not worth using your Interrail/Eurorail pass for local trains within Belgium although I’d recommend booking ahead for the Thalys.

The Belgian trains are easy to navigate. The Belgian trains require minimal planning beyond looking up the train times and buying a ticket for your destination. Train tickets between cities are considerably cheaper (5-20 euros for intra-Belgium travel one-way) than other European countries although I urge you to carefully look up the train station that makes the most sense for you. The train station names for the city centers aren’t as obvious as some other countries.

• 1 One day in Antwerpen
• 2 One day in Ghent
• 3 One day in Bruges
• 4 One day (or two) in Brussels
• 5 Note on Wallonia
• 8 Let me know what you thought of this itinerary for a week in Belgium!

One day in Antwerpen

I love Antwerpen. This Belgian city often overlooked by people who rush through Belgium, however it’s packed with history and charm. Compared to Brussels, hotels tend to be more affordable. I almost always stay at Catherina at Friday apartment, a budget-friendly apartment that is a stone’s throw from the Plantin Moretus House right in the city center. It’s hard to beat the price and the location, especially if you’re a couple.

Antwerpen has some world-class museums, especially the Plantin Moretus House , which is one of the first commercial printing houses in the world as well as a beautifully preserved residence. If you’re a lover of literature as well as history, you will love visiting this museum, which is rarely crowded.

You can not miss the grand Grote Markt, Antwerp’s main square that is full of beautiful buildings that were once used as guildhalls. It’s easy to spend at least an hour exploring the square as well as the nearby historic Cathedral.

Be sure to end your night in Antwerpen at an authentic Belgian bar. Needless to say, Antwerp is heaven for beer lovers and you will find many great beer bars to try the local beers.

On your second day, you might want to leave immediately for another city or take a day trip. If you’re willing to take things a bit slower, consider leaving the city center to explore the hipper neighborhood near MAS (which has a great free viewpoint over the city) gives you a very different flavor of this city. This area is full of cute shops and cafes, perfect for experiencing a more modern side to Antwerp.

You can click for my one day guide to Antwerp , which includes restaurant and beer recommendations.

One day in Ghent

Note: It might be more logical (or easier) to stay overnight in Antwerp with taking day trips to Ghent and Bruges if you’re not keen on moving your bags. I’d check the prices of accommodation, but the Belgian trains are easy enough to navigate that a day trip to Ghent should be easy enough!

Ghent is one of the great student cities of Belgium. Many people who get annoyed with the crowds in Brussels often prefer Gent (Ghent)’s quiet beauty. This city might be Belgium’s most beautiful medieval city, replete with gorgeous medieval buildings, stunning canals, and a bonafide stone castle.

If you only have a day in Ghent, be sure to visit Gravensteen , Ghent’s grand medieval castle that dates back to 1180. It’s truly a castle straight out of a movie and some parts of the castle have a fascinating history. It’s easy to spend at least two hours here exploring the high and low parts of the castle.

Beyond the castle, you’ll want to explore the picturesque Patershol with its many crooked medieval alleys to discover some of the best food in Belgium as well as numerous small boutiques. For something truly unique, head to Confiserie Temmerman for sweets. You can also enjoy street art in other parts of Ghent!

After a great meal, consider sitting out along the canals on a lovely day to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere in the city along with the rest of the city. You won’t be alone in soaking up the atmosphere and many bring drinks with them.

If you want to stay overnight in Gent, consider booking early as there aren’t that many hotels in the city center for Ghent. I recommend staying at Hotel Onderbergen , an affordable and cozy boutique hotel walking distance from the river.

You can click for my guide to Ghent , which includes restaurant and beer recommendations.

One day in Bruges

Bruges is often mentioned as the must-visit destination in Belgium for many people who ask me for travel advice. There’s no doubt that Bruges is beautiful, however it is a popular tourist destination in Belgium. It’s certainly worth seeing although the crowds in the city center can be a bit overwhelming for some, especially in peak season.

If you’re in Bruges, consider taking a relaxing canal cruise along the canals as well as heading to the De Halve Maan brewery to sample Bruges’ most famous brewery! The countless tiny streets are a delight to explore on foot, which make Bruges a great day trip from most Belgian cities.

It’s easy to take a day trip here from most Belgian cities, especially Ghent. I’d definitely recommend staying overnight to enjoy Bruges without the crowds. Around 5 pm, all the crowds and day trippers leave and you can enjoy the picturesque canals as the sunsets without selfie sticks. I recommend staying at a reasonable and beautiful boutique hotel Hotel Het Gheestelic Hof , which is in the heart of Bruges’ medieval city center. Hotels go quickly in Bruges, so book ahead!

One day (or two) in Brussels

Brussels is often the city that people love or hate. I have mixed feelings about Brussels after spending almost a month living in Brussels. Brussels certainly has some charms, but it’s also a bit gritty and not for everyone. I think that Brussels, especially once you leave the city center, has a unique charm to it, but you’ll need to see it for yourself to see if Brussels is for you.

If you have only a day, you’ll be pretty rushed, but two days is perfect in my opinion. (It’s possible to head to the nearby Villers Abbey by train or car if you’re looking or a change from the city.)

If you’re a chocolate lover, you will need to stop off in Brussels as it’s the premier destination for chocolatiers. You can follow my self-guided chocolate tour of the best chocolatiers in Brussels here ! You can also try the famous Brussels-style waffle here.

Beyond the chocolate, I recommend finding the major sights (e.g. Manneken Pis and Grand Place ) before relaxing at some of Brussel’s cozy beer cafes. Outside of the city centre, you’ll find some beautiful covered passages as well as weekend markets, if you love looking for antiques or local food. You can click for my weekend guide to Brussels.

I’ve stayed in quite a few places around Brussels during various trips. I really liked the affordable yet basic Hotel Neufchatel to experience a quieter side of Brussels although you’ll certainly find more places to stay in Brussels here .

Note on Wallonia

Belgium is divided into regions: Wallonia and Flanders. Flanders is where Flemish is spoken and Wallonia is where French is spoken. Both regions are actually quite different in terms of their architecture, landscapes, and cities. Many people travel through Brussels without ever seeing Wallonia, which is a shame as Wallonia is often a highlight of my own Belgian itineraries!

If you’ll be traveling in Wallonia without a car, I’d recommend heading to Namur for at least a day from Brussels! There’s a direct train connection from Brussels. From here, you can take the train towards Durbuy , which is one of the most beautiful towns in Belgium , or Dinant. These are both picturesque towns in Belgium, perfect for a taste of Wallonia. Mons is in a different direction, but beautiful none-the-less.

Namur is the capital of Wallonia. This stunning city with an epic fortress is a dreamy destination for those seeking something a bit different in Belgium. Down the picturesque cobblestoned streets, you’ll find adorable little cafes and bookshops.

Of course, you’ll need to climb the citadel above the city. Many don’t realize that you can also go below to explore the vast underground network of tunnels underneath this old city. Beyond this, you can rent a bike to bike along the picturesque Meuse to nearby castles. Similarly, you can also taste abbey beers produced nearby at the Maredsous Abbey at Namur’s many cozy cafes.

Accommodation in Namur is pretty affordable on a whole, so what might get you a basic room in Brussels can get you a cozy room at a 4* boutique hotel in Namur. The Golden Snail has a great location next to the Citadel.

I love Durbuy! This city, which claims to be the smallest city in Europe, is full of absolutely stunning alleyways. It’s straight out of a fairytale in terms of its stunning topiary garden (with a view of the castle), its cobblestone streets, and its picturesque buildings covered in ivy.

It’s just a great place to wander around aimlessly for hours on end. Stay the night in a surprisingly reasonable little chateau in the middle of the city to fulfill your dreams of becoming a princess. Needless to say, you’ll be wondering why everyone is stuck in Brussels. You can click for my guide to Durbuy!

Let me know what you thought of this itinerary for a week in Belgium!

• A weekend in Brussels
• One day in Antwerp
• A guide to Durbuy
• A self-guided chocolate tour in Brussels
• Mons/Bergen: A day trip from Brussels
• Beautiful towns in Wallonia to explore

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

December 23, 2019 at 4:35 am

So thrilled to find your blog! Your we are unexpectedly going to spend twelve days in Belgium next month, and this seems the perfect planning guide for our trip. (DISCLOSURE: Your aunt Jill is my dearest friend.)

July 14, 2020 at 3:15 pm

Hi Karen, loved coming across your blogs whilst planning an impromptu trip to Belgium in a few weeks time. With Covid-19 putting a halt on holiday plans earlier in the year, we wanted something closer to home and will be bringing our car with us from the UK (Manchester). Your blogs gave us so much information with a good mix of the obvious tourist attractions as well as the more quirky ideas that are our preference. We’re planning a week – Brugge (2 days), Antwerp, Durbuy, Namur and Gent, with Dunkirk either side on our way to/from the ferry port. Already booked La Balade des gnomes for one night close to Durbuy. Now looking for the rest of our accommodations. Thanks for the inspiration! Love Vivienne & G

July 20, 2020 at 4:00 pm

I’m so glad to hear that! I just did a big Belgium trip myself, so please shoot me a message if I can help at all. I’ll be updating these blogs + adding new content on Belgium as I have more time this summer/fall. 🙂

May 19, 2021 at 2:25 pm

Hi Karen, Nice blog but it looks like you haven’t discovered all the highlights of Liège yet. That is the 3rd or 4th city of Belgium and certainly the largest of Wallonia. It also has a very specific historical background that sets it apart as it was ruled by the Prince Bishops whose Palace you can still visit nowadays. There are a number of other very pleasant neighborhoods along the river Meuse or around the pathway between the new architectural train station and the park an d museum Boverie. I hope you’ll get to visit that nice city and draw attention to it for your readers.

May 19, 2021 at 7:01 pm

Thanks! I have been to Liege actually, but indeed, I need to spend more time to get to know it. I love Wallonia and looking forward to visiting more once the corona situation is improved 🙂

December 8, 2021 at 5:50 am

Wonderful post! I and my wife were recently discussing Christmas markets and other attractions in Belgium. A few days later, we came across your blog which nudged us to apply for a Visa for Belgium. The one-week itinerary looks like the perfect guide that can help us experience the best of Belgium. We will be taking most of your tips to make our entire Belgium getaway exciting and memorable.

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Best of Belgium in One Week: The Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

As a neighboring country to Germany, where I now live , Belgium is super accessible to me. I take full advantage of this proximity, because I absolutely adore Belgium. I think it is one of my favorite countries in all of Europe. Why you might ask? Because it is charming, delicious, and full of the best things – all in humble, underrated, and relatively unvisited packaging. From its bustling cities to its quaint towns, Belgium has a rich and proud cultural heritage just waiting for you to explore!

I really believe that Belgium has something to offer everyone. I was so confident in this belief that I took my in-laws to Belgium on their first ever trip to Europe in 2022.

I’ve visited Belgium several times since moving to Germany in 2019, discovering new and wonderful things each time. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a beer snob, or simply someone looking for a laid-back getaway, Belgium is the perfect destination.

In this blog post, I'll be showcasing my favorite Belgian cities and places to help you visit the best of Belgium in just one week. From sampling the country's famous chocolate to visiting its world-class museums, this itinerary is packed full of exciting experiences.

What You'll Find In This Post

How to Spend 7 Perfect Days in Belgium

Overview of this Itinerary

I have designed the itinerary for first-time travelers to visit the highlights of Belgium in just one week. Belgium is a relatively small country, so one week is a comfortable amount of time to see most of the highlights. You won’t be too rushed, but you can still maximize your stay.

This seven-day itinerary will take you on a journey through some of the country's most iconic cities, including Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. I’ll also share a few hidden gems and off-the-beaten path places to help you fall in love with Belgium. You can see a map of the various locations below. You can prettily easily traverse all of Belgium in a few hours, so moving around is quick and easy.

I have set up this itinerary to be train-friendly. There is an extensive and reliable rail network connecting the whole country, which is run by the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS or SNCB for short). On my first trip to Belgium, we only used the trains and it was really simple. I definitely recommend this means of transportation, especially because of my goals to reduce carbon-emissions while traveling . You can buy individual tickets for the different legs, or a multi-route pass which includes a fixed number of rides. 

Alternatively, you can rent a car and explore Belgium on a road trip. This itinerary will also work with a car, and I have used this approach before. It gives you lots more freedom to be spontaneous and see smaller towns. But, it is much more expensive (gas is really pricey) and parking can be a challenge, especially in the old cities and city centers. The road conditions are excellent though and weather isn’t a super big concern, so you can feel confident doing a roadtrip in Belgium.

Day 1: Brussels

Because Brussels is both the capital of Belgium and the European Union, most 1 week trips to Belgium will begin in Brussels. Thankfully, Brussels is a vibrant and multicultural city, and just the perfect introduction to Belgium. You’ll get a sample of beautiful architecture, delicious food, fascinating attractions and of course wonderful beer.

Pop into one of the amazing chocolatiers around Brussels to try some of the best truffles and pralines you’ve ever had in your life. There are lots of nice places to grab a Belgian waffle or frites around this area too.

One of the must-see attractions in Brussels is the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. On my first trip to Brussels, it happened to be on a national holiday, so the Grand Place was completely illuminated in a lights and visual show – such a cool first experience! Regardless of when you go, the square is surrounded by impressive guildhalls and the Gothic town hall.

Around the corner from the Grand Palace you can see one of the iconic attractions of Brussels – Manneken Pis . This small bronze statue of a boy urinating into a fountain has become a symbol of the city. Brussels is also home to several museums, including the Magritte Museum , which houses the largest collection of works by the famous Belgian surrealist artist, René Magritte. In addition, Brussels is a great city for art lovers, with many galleries and street art throughout the city. 

Brussels is also famous for its beer, so doing a DIY bar crawl in the evening is a great idea. Start with À la Bécasse , a hole-in-the-wall spot covered in wood paneling and specializing in Lambics and other varieties of Belgian beer. Head next to Au Bon Vieux Temps , which is one of the oldest bars in Brussels. Dating back to 1695, this bar is tucked away in an alley so you might miss it on your first pass by. End at my personal favorite, Moeder Lambic Fontainas . With a large patio out front and an exceptional Lambic selection, this bar is usually full of cool locals.

Day 2: Antwerp

For an excellent contrast to Brussels, head next to Antwerp, Belgium’s historic port city. Antwerp remains relatively unvisited by the tourist masses and I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed my time in Antwerp .

For more detailed suggestions about what to see and do in Antwerp, check out my separate post highlighting the best that the city has to offer. 

Easily accessible on a one hour train ride, you’ll be dropped off in what might be Europe’s most beautiful train station. Antwerp Central Station is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture, with a towering glass roofed atrium, gilded details, multi-colored marble and massive clock. It feels like walking onto a set from a 1920s romantic movie.

From the train station, meander your way through the old city and to the redeveloped harbor area. The best part of the Old City is definitely the charming streets. Narrow alleys and picturesque squares are lined with quaint shops and cafes. My favorite narrow street is Vlaeykensgang Alley which has secret restaurants, perfect for lunch! Looking out over the waters of Willemdok, the hallmark of the harbor area is the Museum aan de Stroom (also shortened to MAS). With 7 floors of different exhibitions and galleries, MAS is another architectural marvel with red brick and glass sides. Plus it has a free panoramic view all the way at the top! 

Day 3 & 4: Bruges

Bruges is known throughout the world for its medieval buildings, romantic vibes, and winding canals. In fact, the entire historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! While many tourists simply breeze through Bruges on a day trip from Brussels or Ghent, I believe it is worth at least an overnight if not two.

Because Bruges has so many cool things to see, I can’t include it all in this blog post. If you are looking for the perfect two day itinerary in Bruges, check out my separate post which includes all of my recommendations for an epic 48 hour visit in this gorgeous city.

One of the most charming and picturesque parts of Bruges is its canals. It is easy to enjoy the canals from land, especially on foot or by bike. They wrap around the whole city, and each one seems more picturesque than the last. You can also get out on the ware with a canal boat tour on one of the various companies offering chartered canal rides. Personally, my favorite way to get around in Bruges is by bike. It is safe and easy, and the compact city center means you’ll never be biking far before hitting your next cool attraction. 

As the sun starts to go down, you’ll notice that the vibe in Bruges changes. It is a cool feeling to experience, although I find myself struggling to describe it. Just trust me, it’s worth experiencing. I would recommend making your way towards Rosary Quay around sunset time. Sitting at a bend in the canals, Rosary has a beautiful view over central Bruges. It is really nicely lit at night for epic night photography shots. 

Day 5: Ghent

I was convinced to go to Ghent by a friend (who is dating a Belgian) because she said it was even more beautiful than Bruges. After visiting Ghent a couple of times, I totally agree and 100% recommend it. This Flemish-speaking city is often neglected in favor of more touristy places. As such, I am convinced Ghent is the most underrated city in Belgium! I would recommend at least 24 hours in Ghent to really soak in all the history, culture, and relaxed vibes of this gothic city. 

Ghent is a perfect combination of storybook streets, romantic canals, bohemian flair and cosmopolitan amenities. A few of the important highlights to appreciate in the old town are the three medieval towers of Ghent. Clustered together in the center of town, you’ll want to have a look at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral , Saint Nicholas’ Church and the Belfry Tower . The best viewpoint to see all three towers at once is from the Sint-Michielsbrug arched stone bridge. It is especially nice around sunset when the lively student population clusters around the river.

Located in the heart of the Flanders, Ghent is also a surprisingly foodie city in Belgium . Ranging from casual pubs to high-end fine dining, you can really feel the pride Ghent residents take in their restaurant scene. You will find comforting Flemish specialties like rich fish stews and cured meats. Additionally, foodies can discover exciting global cuisine, veggie forward menus, and the freshest seafood you could want in Ghent.

Day 6: Dinant & Durbuy

So far, this 1 week Belgium itinerary has been mostly large cities. Why not get off-the-beaten-path and explore some of the charming small towns in Belgium? I recommend Dinant and Durbuy, two charming towns located in the Ardennes region in southern Belgium. One day in Dinant and Durbuy is the perfect amount of time to experience the charming atmosphere and rich history of these towns, and to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Belgian Ardennes. 

Starting with Dinant, this small town is located on the banks of the Meuse River. Dinant has a strong musical culture with a famous musical instrument museum, and it hosts musical events throughout the year. One of the must-see sights in Dinant is the citadel, a fortified castle that sits high on a cliff overlooking the town. Visitors can take a cable car to the top to enjoy the panoramic views. Another popular attraction in Dinant is the Notre-Dame de Dinant cathedral, which is a beautiful gothic church that dates back to the 13th century.

After exploring Dinant, take a short drive or train ride to Durbuy. Dubuy is known as "the smallest city in the world" and it is well-worth a visit. It's a medieval village that will transport you back in time. More popular than Dinant, you are likely to run into at least a few tourists here. Thankfully, travelers don’t take away from Durbuy’s charm. From the cobblestone streets and old houses, to small shops and the castle in the middle of town, it is a very picturesque place. You can take a walk around and enjoy the atmosphere, or have a good meal in one of the local restaurants.

Of the destinations in this itinerary, these are the hardest to reach via train. The ride takes about 1 hour, but there are only regional (ie, slow) trains available. Although it is still possible to arrive by rail, driving is a more simple and efficient solution to visiting these small towns. The drive will take about 1 hour as well. With a little extra consideration, I promise these small towns will be worth it. The combination of cultural sights and natural beauty makes Dinant and Durbuy an ideal destination for visitors of all ages, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Day 7: Return to Brussels

As your wonderful week in Belgium comes to an end, it is time to return to Brussels to catch your flight back home. If you have a little extra time to spare, a notable attraction to visit in Brussels is the Atomium. It is located on the north side of the city, and it is a little bit out of the way. But, this unique structure was built for the 1958 World's Fair and has gained popularity recently thanks to Instagram. There is a park surrounding the structure, and you can also go inside for incredible panoramic views of the city.

What to Eat & Drink in Belgium

Sitting at the crossroads of many different European influences, such as France and Germany, Belgium’s cuisine pulls some of the best techniques and ingredients from its neighbors, synthesizing it into something entirely unique. Ranging from hearty stews to delicate pastries, Belgium is renowned for its delicious cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include moules-frites (mussels and fries), carbonade flamande (beef stew), and waffles. I found Ghent was an especially foodie city , but I think you’ll find great things all over.

Make sure that you leave room for chocolate, because wow – Belgium has some of the best chocolate in the world . 

Belgium is also famous for its diverse range of beer. The country is home to over 200 types of beer, with brands like Leffe, Chimay, and Duvel among the most popular. For the ultimate beer experience, my former bar-tender (and proud beer snob) husband Sam helped write the ultimate guide to Belgian beer . It breaks down everything you need to know about the different styles and where to find the best beer bars and breweries in Belgium.

Where to Stay in Belgium

I would recommend changing hotels once or twice in this itinerary. You could use a central city like Brussels as a home base for a few days, exploring nearby spots as day trips. Then, you could switch to another city, such as Ghent or Bruges, for the remaining few nights.

Lots of the cities in Belgium have a love for design, so you can expect some stylish boutique hotels. This is my favorite form of accommodation, and that is reflected in my hotel recommendations. My favorite place to stay in Bruges is the thoughtfully restored Hotel de’Orangerie . The hotel is built inside a 15th-century convent and has a very opulent and antique aesthetic. They have an afternoon tea on the canal which is simply delightful. 

With an unparalleled location on Ghent’s main square and newly renovated interior, 1898 The Post is an obvious choice for accommodation in Ghent. This 19th-century, neo-Gothic post office building has been converted to a 38-room hotel with plush accommodations and unique design. We loved our comfortable stay in a lofted room with a private balcony overlooking Saint Nicholas' Church! 

Finally, I can recommend the August in the southern part of Antwerp. It absolutely nails the chic modernist vibe inside of refurbished Augustinian convent. With 44 individually styled rooms, the details at August are impeccable. The bar and restaurant inside are absolute showstoppers from a design perspective, and the food is pretty darn good too!

What did you think about this post? Do you have any questions? Comment below and I can help!

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What is the best way to travel around belgium

Trains! The major cities in Belgium are all connected by a robust train system. Because Belgium is small, the distances and travel times aren’t super long either.

Thank you for the info. Do you have a hotel rec for Bussels? Greqt info. Heading there in may and f 2024.

I like the itinerary, but am confused about where to spend the nights? Can you clarify please?

Sure! I think there are a couple of ways you could do it. If you were really ambitious, you could change hotels in each city, following the order in the post. Or if you prefer to have more of a “home base” I think you could reorganize this a bit, and have a few nights in Brussels & a few nights in Bruges (visiting the other cities as day trips from there). I hope that helps!

Hi! Great post, thanks! I am going 1 week with a 6 and an 8 YO. Was thinking on staying in the same hotel as it is hard to pack and change everything with kids. Would it be easy to visit Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp one day each? Is any of the cities cheaper than brussels to stay? would a car be useful or is it too hard to park in the cities? Thanks!

Sounds like an awesome trip! Yes, you could definitely do each of those cities as a day trip, especially if you chose a central jumping off point. Ghent actually might be perfect, since it is in between Bruges and Antwerp, and you can easily get there from Brussels via train. While a car would be useful with kids, parking is definitely a challenge. Plus a big expense. I think you could do the majority of this itinerary via trains.

it’s an amazing blog. You have explained very well about these places. Very helpful for travellers and tourists. keep sharing. We Driveller offer limousine services Belgium to anywhere in Europe.

Thanks so helpful- I ‘ve got a week in Brussels while my wife works so I’m gonna be out and about during the day on my own for 7 days with a Brussels hotel as our campsite. I will sleep in brussels every night and travel around by train etc. no car- open to suggestions , thanks for this!

That sounds lovely! This itinerary is definitely do-able without a car, using only the train. Belgium is very connected and Brussels is a great central location to use as a jumping off point.

This is all very enticing!

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Find cheap flights to Belgium from $237

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Good to know

Faqs - booking belgium flights, are there any nonstop flights to belgium.

Yes, there are quite a few nonstop flights from the US to Belgium. Most are operated by Brussels Airlines, United Airlines, or Delta Airlines. If you’re in the Midwest US, then consider flying from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). For those in the east, consider flying from John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport (ERW), or Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Which airport should I fly to if I want to visit Boverie Park?

Boverie Park is a famous attraction located in Liege. The easiest way to access is to book a flight that lands at Liège Airport (LGG). This landmark sits about 7.8 miles (12.5 km) from the airport and can be easily reached via buses in around 15 minutes. Picnic spots, strolling lanes, and green spaces await.

Where should I fly to if I want to visit Antwerp?

If you want to visit the city of Antwerp in the Flanders region of Belgium, then you may consider flying from the US to Brussels Airport. From the airport, you may catch a direct train or bus to the Antwerp-Central Station. Although it’s true that Antwerp has its own airport, it’s a small airport that mostly caters to a few business destinations in Europe.

Which Belgian airport should I fly into if I want to transit to the eastern part of Belgium?

The cities that lie in the eastern part of Belgium include Eupen, Herstal, and Rochefort. Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) is the regional airport that serves Eupen and the neighboring regions. Alternatively, you can consider arriving via Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), before connecting to Eupen by train or bus.

I want to visit Bruges. Where should I fly to?

If you want to visit the city of Bruges – and, in particular the historic center which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – then first take an international flight from the US to Brussels Airport. From the airport, you may catch a train to Brussels Central Station and then hop on a direct train to Bruges.

Which Belgium Airport is closest to the Fortress of Gravensteen?

Those traveling to Belgium to The Fortress of Gravensteen should remember that it’s located in Ghent. To this end, plan to book flights that land at Brussels National Airport (BRU), which sits about 42 miles (67 km) from Ghent. The establishment is one of the unique examples of the European medieval art of fortification.

If I want to visit Mons, where should I fly to?

If you want to visit the Belgian city of Mons – which was the 2015 European Capital of Culture – then you must first take a flight from the US (most likely from the Midwest or east) to Brussels Airport. From the airport, take a train to Brussels Central Station, and from there to Mons Station.

Are there hotels near major airports in Belgium?

You do not have to worry if you are scheduled to arrive late in Belgium from the U.S. as all the international airports in the country are located close to several idyllic hotels. Usually, these accommodation options provide free transportation to and from the airport, making it easy for those with many bags to move around.

How long is the flight to Belgium?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Belgium takes 13h 07m, covering a distance of 4586 miles. The most popular route is New York - Brussels with an average flight time of 7h 15m.

What is the cheapest flight to Belgium?

The cheapest ticket to Belgium from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $448 one-way, and $308 round-trip. The most popular route is New York John F Kennedy Intl to Brussels Bruxelles-National and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $451.

Which airlines fly to Belgium?

Brussels Airlines, United Airlines & Lufthansa fly the most frequently from the United States to Belgium. The most popular route is from New York to Brussels, and United Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Virgin Atlantic fly this route the most.

What are the most popular destinations in Belgium?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Brussels (100% of total searches to Belgium). The next most popular destinations are Antwerp (0.3%) and Liège (0.0%).

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Belgium

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Belgium flight deals.
• The most common airport for international flights from the United States to Belgium is the Brussels Airport (BRU), located a few miles outside Brussels. From there, you may catch trains and buses to other domestic locations or flights to international destinations.
• Belgium has a wide range of tourist attractions, and your port of arrival is likely to depend on where you want to visit. With five international airports located in Brussels (BRU), Antwerp (ANR), Bruges (OST), Charleroi (CRL), and Liege (LGG), you can easily and conveniently connect to any other destination in Belgium. Those keen on exploring popular museums should land at Antwerp International Airport (ANR), in Antwerp.
• Brussels Airlines, the national carrier of Belgium, uses Brussels Airport as a hub. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair also use this airport.
• Suppose you are planning to explore the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul to delve into the religious heritage of Belgium. In that case, consider booking a flight that lands at Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST), located in Bruges. The magnificent architecture of this restored establishment is sure to offer lasting memories.
• If you’re having trouble finding a direct flight from the US to Brussels Airport, you may consider flying to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) because there is regular train service between the Schiphol Airport and Brussels.
• The peak tourism months in Belgium are in July and August when visitors troop to various destinations to enjoy the warm summer weather. To this end, expect airfares and hotel prices to rise dramatically. If you are on a tight budget, consider visiting during the low-season months of November to March.
• Although Belgium has five international airports – Liege Airport (LGG), Antwerp Airport (ANR), Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST), Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), and Brussels Airport – only Brussels Airport has regular flights to the US.
• The popular route for flights from the U.S. to Belgium is New York via John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), to Brussels with Brussels Airport as the arrival port. United Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Lufthansa fly the most frequently from the United States to Belgium.
• If you plan on doing some hiking in Belgium, consider flying to Brussels Airport and then taking a train to the Ardennes region in southern Belgium.
• For a better travel experience, it might be best if you booked flights on airlines that make one-stop layovers at their hubs. For instance, Icelandair passes through Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Air Canada makes a stopover at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), and United Airlines has a layover at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
• For those who’re traveling with young kids and renting a car in Belgium, the car companies have a variety of car seats that can be rented for a fee. If using taxis, it’s best to call ahead and request a car seat.
• US citizens traveling to Belgium don’t need a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days. All you need is a valid passport with two blank pages and validity for three months after leaving the Schengen zone.

Top 5 airlines flying to Belgium

The Flight crew didn’t serve us until about 1.5 hours into the flight because of turbulence but after it ended it was fine to move around. They served us water only and snacks and then NEVER, NOT ONE TIME came through to collect trash until right before landing about 1.5 hours later. There was absolutely no need for that. They crew was just standing around talking and visiting with each other and really never tried to see if we might want something besides water or even try to come pick up trash. This is VERY unusual for a Delta flight but it was not what I would have expected for a 4 hour flight.

The 1st class male crew member was very pleasant - the short female with round glasses , maybe in 50’s had no personality- never spoke when delivering my food, drink, & never smiled the whole trip! In fact looked annoyed when the boarding proses was happening- I would never hire this woman - unfriendly . Have never dealt with a crew member like her-

5-hour delay due to storms in Tanoa and airspace restricted by Miami traffic controllers.

A regional sized plane was used for a cross country flight with no overhead bin space. I had to "pink check" my laptop and my medications. I was NOT pleased!!!!

Absolutely nothing flight was cancelled and delayed for 2 days. Barely a heads up I want a full refund

The plane from SNA wouldn’t start after 5 tries. The team gave me an option of flying direct from LAX and giving me a Lyft ride there! Perfect!

Best airline! Always friendly and welcoming. Skyclub was great and loved the fast free wifi on board. I also love that you can pre-order your meal on the app!

Atlanta boarding crew at gate were filled with arrogance and were disrespectful. In flight crew showed indifference to the needs of passengers. This is about the flight from ATL to BDL.

The plane was FREEZING SEATS UNCOMFORTABLE Otherwise smooth Thank you

Boarding was chaotic. I didn’t finish dinner because I went to bed early. Breakfast omelet was overcooked and tasteless but croissant was better than usual. Plane was dirty—crumbs in every seam and lavatory was poorly maintained (paint peeling, etc.) and toilet paper had not been refreshed before takeoff. No cubby for storage in first and seat was narrow.

Standard flight experience, but there is only power at the seat to row 20 on the aircraft, on my initial check in it did not say that was the case

Not a fan of the diagonal partially enclosed business class seats or how they have to be converted to beds manually by crew. I prefer more isolation and user control for switching to lie flat.

No lounge access with “United First” ticket. False alarm about late flight, jeopardizing connection. Wrong meal. Loose power socket would not hold plug, could not charge device. In-flight access to text messaging did not work. Toilet seat on plane would not stay up.

We ended up with seats in the very back. So they did not recline. Have no idea why, we reserved and checked in very early. The isles were very narrow and the seats had very little leg room. But they did give us water, and a snack.

Energetic crew - flight full of swiftied going to Taylor's opening show in Paris! Long lines for bathroom made out kind of suck though

Check in etc was very good. As for on the plane, it was like flying in a freezer. It was so cold, i have flown for years and never been so cold on a plane. Staff on board said its always cold when flying which is a load of rubbish. They wouldnt put any heating on and now i have the flu because of this .

I’ve had a couple flights this week on United that were delayed by an hour or more

Flight was delayed 2.5 hours - a big deal on an overnight when you plan to sleep.

I feel like they have upgraded the app since I last flew United and I found it to be super helpful. I had stopped flying United unless absolutely necessary and my experience on this trip indicates they have been working hard to improve their services.

Surprisingly easy! I was hesitant to try this, but the cost swayed me. I actually felt like I had less stress than all the taxiing and possible delays that occur with short regional flights where you spend less time in the air than getting to and from the plane..

I fly to the USA every 6wks on Ave and 99% of the time I fly Aer Lingus. If I fly BA I’m always disappointed. My only criticism is the food. I’m vegan and over the last year it’s got slightly better these last couple of flights but on the whole it’s not good! Salad and fruit salad for breakfast and that’s also the starter and desert for the lunch/dinner and the main is usually rice with fried veg 😳the pasta is pretty good though. That’s been the last 2 meals…. Everything else is fantastic.

The flight was half full and I presume that the next few days are even less busy not sure why they are still charging a premium to change a flight.

Are Longus was fine. I booked thru Kayak and was unable to get my business class seat early. Sat next to galley. Crew forgot to wake me for breakfast.

I loved how they arrange boarding (starting with people seated in back and moving to the front). Flight crew was very polite and welcoming. Seating was ok, I felt like there was enough leg space however it is noticeable when the passenger in front of you sets their seat back.

Nice to be on a flight that wasn't fully booked so there were only two of us in the three seat row.

The only problem was there are games on the entertaiment system. The guy behind me played poker the entire time and poking the back of my seat. I hope they remove these.

Great travel. Wonderful experience. Hope to do it again in the near future. God willing

Aer Lingus doesn't have plug ins for devices at each seat. They also did not give me a dairy free meal as requested and confirmed by staff. It was as if I had not requested anything. Otherwise, they were great!

The transatlantic flight was wonderful. The regional reminded me of jet blue. Crazy and packed. Not enough overhead space and tough on elderly.

All OK. Food, best bring your own. Even a BigMac will be better.

Second time I took this flight, and they lost my luggage both times. Waiting for my suitcase now, last time it took two days to get it back.

Everything could be better. The plain was in Orlando for 3 hours prior to boarding. After boarding all the passengers they found out that plane has a mechanical problem. After an hour the problem was solved, the pilot comes on and states, (We have to go back to the gate and take on more fuel!) Are you kidding me???? Who they have for pilots, Boy scouts?? I barely made my connecting flight to Vienna, but my suitcase did not. I'm still waiting for it, in Gyor, Hungary. Am I having fun yet?? Other passenger were in the same binned. I travelled all over the world both for business and pleasure with all types of airlines. By far of all the carriers I travelled with, Discover is the worst. I'm contemplating to bight the bullet and go back to the US with a different carrier. For International flights, the seats are made for little people. The person in front of me had his seat reclined the whole way, I felt like he was sitting in my lap. For closing, I would not let my dog travel with Discover, yet alone recommend it to an other person. Does it sound like I'm frustrated, Think about having to travel back to the US with them. I'm sure I'll not hear back from you, because nobody wants to hear about bad news, but with all the hype Discover puts out there about their services, nothing could be further from the truth. Joseph A. Nagy

Only problem we experienced was not anything to do with Lufthansa. When changing planes in Frankfurt we spent over an hour on passport control line. Lufthansa did a marvelous job on everything from keeping me informed via texts, to terrific cabin crew.

Bordón could be bettet if the company say before boarding the order of the different groups.

Checked in is easy and it was a smooth flight from LAX to Munich

There is no recline on flight from DFW to FRA. Middle eastern airways provide better recline option for the same class. FRA to Bangalore has better recline option. I bid 100$ for premium economy, my request was declined. But staff handled it without issues.

The Lufthansa part was wonderful. The short connection flight was not.

German crew were very kind. Food was okay but can be better, especially bread was not good, Garbage collection was very poor.

Awful Terrible staff poor communication Flight delayed for an hour with no apology or explanation and no help re missing connecting flight. Resulted in a 7 hour layover at Munich waiting for another connecting flight. Only 15 euros refreshment voucher given. Will not fly Lufthansa again

Both flights were late for what appeared to be the airline’s not having the planes ready. Arrived over 6 hours late.

- OK plane. Basic accommodations. OK food. The digital window shade wasn't working.

- OK plane. Basic accommodations. OK food. The digital window shade wasn't working. - Expect to be woken up more than an hour before landing when they start dinging the bell and making announcements and turning on all cabin lights to serve a snack. I would prefer they remain quiet and only serve people who want to wake up.

Better food and more space in the seats. Also when doing the web check in both times I was going in to your site the minute you open it and there is not really many seats to choose only to buy!!!

It was ok, not as good as it used to be. The Heathrow connection was a disaster - complete anarchy, unknowledgable and skimpy assistance and signage. Gate crew at next flight was great, held the flight while my wife struggled through security.

It was great! The seats were comfortable, and they fed me during the transatlantic flight, something which I have been missing out on for the past 3 years as I travel to and from school.

This flight was cancelled at the last minute. We were rebooked on another flight but a day later. We lost a day of our vacation and paid for a night in a hotel we couldn’t use. The flights we were rebooked on (both American) messed up our seating on both flights-we didn’t get the seats we had paid for. All in all, a terrible experience.

Lost our bags in Heathrow, We didn’t receive bags in Mallorca for 3 days, out of a 7 day cycling vacation. Really inconvenient and disappointing!

We missed the flight to Barcelona because the flight from Baltimore was delayed. We flew on Vueling VW6653. Our luggage didn’t arrive. Please help us get our luggage. We are staying at Hotel Gran Via in Barcelona

The seats were tiny, being of a fairly petite build, I don’t usually expect to feel crammed and cramped in a seat, but I definitely was on this flight. I couldn’t even bend over to get anything out from under the seat in front and getting up to go to the bathroom at night with the seat backs reclined was nearly impossible. I had to do gymnastics to get over and out. For an airline that does long flights overnight, it’s kind of ridiculous.

Not connecting flights. Missed my flight from Dublin to Liverpool because I arrived at Dublin one hour too late. For this mistake, they offered me a flight from Dublin to Manchester. Thats great and all, but I waste time and money to commute to Liverpool. Be sure to check the time of your connecting flights, because they sure don’t when they sell it to you

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Transport tips to get around Brussels easily

Aug 30, 2021 • 7 min read

View of Brussels old town, Belgium

Not too big, not too small, Brussels is juuust right for leisurely exploring. Getting around Belgium ’s capital is easy by foot or by wheel and there’s no shortage of sustainable public transport in this historic, foodie city.

The city's multilingual signage and complex ticketing systems can be confusing, but once tickets are in hand, getting around Brussels is as easy as navigating any other European capital. Here are some tips to help you on your merry way.

Understanding the Brussels transport system

Just as Belgium is culturally divided into French-speaking Wallonia and Dutch-speaking Flanders, public transport in Brussels is run in multiple languages by multiple companies who have only a love for acronyms in common. Getting a handle on who does what is the key to understanding public transport in the Belgian capital.

Brussels’ excellent integrated bus-tram-metro system is operated by the transport company STIB/MIVB (made up of French STIB and Dutch MIVB), and its tickets are valid for all trams and the Metro, but not for all city buses. Most downtown buses are run by STIB-MVIB, with signs in French, but buses to the city’s outskirts may be run by Flemish company De Lijn (white and yellow buses) or Wallonian company TEC (yellow and red buses), with their own ticketing systems.

Belgian train company SNCB-NMBS , has a similar split identify; SNCB is French, NMBS is Dutch. Which name you see will depend on where you are, and the language you’re reading in. Just remember that they’re the same thing, and they don’t accept STIB/MVIB tickets. Head spinning from all the acronyms and divisions? Welcome to Belgium!

Whatever the company or language, services run from about 6am to midnight and connect every corner of the city. Maps showing routes and connections in English, French, Dutch and other languages can be downloaded or viewed on the STIB/MVIB website and the websites of other operators.

Transport Passes

Luckily, you can now save yourself a headache on public transport with the BRUPASS . Introduced in 2021, this combined ticket can be used on any form of transport within Brussels, including STIB/MVIB buses, trams and the metro, De Lijn and TEC suburban buses and SNCB/NMBS commuter trains.

BRUPASSes are loaded onto a plastic MOBIB card, which you scan when getting on and off public transportation. The MOBIB card itself is €5, so it only works out cheaper if you’ll be in Brussels for a few days. To use the pass on SNCB-NMBS trains, validate your MOBIB card on the ticket vending machines by selecting 'Validation Brupass' before boarding.

Sold at kiosks and ticket offices in major train and metro stations, BRUPASSES are available for single trips and blocks of 10 trips, or as season tickets; the 10-trip BRUPASS is the most economical option. You'll need the slightly more expensive BRUPASS XL version for day trips outlying stops on the SNCB-NMBS train network.

No matter what you do in Brussels, take the tram at least once. Powered by renewable energy, trams in Brussels are the most scenic and sustainable transport option, and you'll get great views of the city as you trundle around the cobbled streets. This is also the best way (next to walking) for getting a sense of how the city fits together.

Trams are easy to find, too. STIB-MIVB operates 147km (92mi) of tram lines throughout the capital, and tram stops are identified by signs and shelters beside the tracks. Purchase tickets from the driver at the front, then pay attention! Trams don’t automatically stop at each stop, so when nearing your destination, press the button by your seat and the tram will halt and let you off.

Local’s tip for taking the tram: Taking a short hop sans ticket might seem tempting, especially when late or after a few tripels, but don’t cave in to that temptation. Unsympathetic police patrol tram stations, and fines for traveling without a ticket are €100+. Save yourself a fine and just buy a ticket.

Run by STIB/MVIB, the metro is the fastest way to get around Brussels. Signage is clear even if you don’t speak French, trains are frequent and (mostly) on time, and there are no traffic jams… though you might have to fight your way onto the platform during rush hour. As an extra perk, Brussels’ metro runs on renewable energy.

All stations have STIB/MVIB ticketing kiosks. Buy a paper ticket or charge up your reusable MOBIB card, then scan your ticket or tap your card to open the gates. If you want to bypass tickets completely, contactless payment was recently introduced on the Brussels metro. Just tap your credit card or mobile phone (with Google Pay or Apple Pay) on the red scanners by the gates. However, you can only use one card per passenger.

Several companies operate buses in Brussels: STIB/MVIB runs most buses downtown, while De Lijn and TEC cover the suburbs. Frustratingly, their tickets aren’t interchangeable, so choose the right ticket for your journey. Tickets can be purchased from drivers for all three companies; De Lijn also sells e-tickets on their app and website, and TEC has its own app for e-tickets. Validate e-tickets in the app right before boarding, then show the confirmation to the driver.

Belgium is a bicycle-loving country, and pedal enthusiasts fill Brussels' bike lanes. Cyclists have to stop at lights–and should, for safety reasons–but since bikes can easily bypass queues of traffic, cycling is still a fast way to travel around the city. If you come to Brussels on the Eurostar , folding bikes can be carried (in a bag) even if you can't secure a space for a full-sized bike.

If you'd rather arrange wheels on arrival, some hotels offer complimentary bicycles, and many have spaces to charge electric bikes. For rentals, local bicycle sharing platforms such as Billy Bike, Villo! and Blue Bike make it easy to rent by the hour. Download the company’s app, link your card to an account, then you’ll be ready to roll.

Depending on which Brussels neighborhood you’re staying in, you might not need to use overland trains at all. Trains are only really necessary to head to the airport or take day trips from Brussels. If you do need the train, head to one of the three main stations: Gare du Nord (north), Bruxelles Centrale (central), and Bruxelles Midi (south); most intercity trains through Brussels stop at all three.

Train tickets are sold at ticketing terminals and offices in stations, or via the Belgian train system’s website or app. Note that trains in Belgium have first and second class compartments, indicated by numbers by the doors. To be fancy in first class you need a pricey first class ticket.

Local’s tip for taking the train: Belgium trains are often delayed… sometimes for more than an hour. If timing is vital, leave early so your plans won’t be ruined by delays.

Cars are the most difficult way to get around Brussels. Petrol prices and parking fees are steep, road signage is excessive and illogical, and Belgian drivers are notoriously unconcerned with rules. If you want to get around Brussels by car, more sustainable solutions are Taxi Verts or ride sharing apps like Heetch or Uber (which was technically banned in Brussels as of 2021 but is still used). If you have a European driver’s license, you can rent a car in Brussels by the hour with car-sharing apps Poppy and Cambio.

Accessible transportation in Brussels

Widespread accessible transportation in Brussels isn’t a thing... yet. Some stations are only accessible by steps, elevators don’t always work, and travelers must book ahead to receive assistance on trains. You can however book accessible taxis through Taxi Verts. Until the issues are resolved, handy.brussels is a handy city guide for disabled travelers. It lists accessible stations in Brussels by transport type and provides contact information for booking assistance in advance.

You may also like: 5 best neighborhoods to get a feel for Brussels Brussels’ best city parks with a Belgian twist The 10 best day trips from Brussels

This article was first published Aug 27, 2021 and updated Aug 30, 2021.

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How To Travel From London To Belgium: A Comprehensive Guide

• Last updated May 09, 2024
• Difficulty Intemediate

• Category Travel

Are you planning a trip from London to Belgium and wondering about the best way to travel? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. From transportation options to visa requirements, we have got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the process of traveling from London to Belgium.

What You'll Learn

Transport options for traveling from london to belgium, suggested itineraries for traveling from london to belgium, tips for finding the best deals on travel from london to belgium, important information and considerations when traveling from london to belgium.

Are you planning a trip from London to Belgium? Whether it's for business or leisure, there are several transportation options available to you. Here, we will discuss the different ways you can travel from London to Belgium, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

By Eurostar

One of the most convenient ways to travel from London to Belgium is by Eurostar. Eurostar operates direct high-speed train services from London St Pancras International to Brussels Midi/Zuid station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, and trains run several times a day. With comfortable seating, onboard food and drink services, and free Wi-Fi, Eurostar provides a hassle-free travel experience. From Brussels, you can easily connect to other cities in Belgium using the excellent Belgian rail network.

If you prefer a more scenic journey, you can travel from London to Belgium by ferry. Several ferry operators, such as P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways, offer daily crossings from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk. The duration of the journey varies depending on the operator and sea conditions, but it typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Once you arrive in Calais or Dunkirk, you can drive or take a train to reach your final destination in Belgium.

Flying is the quickest option for traveling from London to Belgium, particularly if you need to reach a distant city. Several airlines, including British Airways, Ryanair, and Brussels Airlines, operate flights between London and various airports in Belgium. The flight duration is around 1 hour, making it a convenient choice for those with limited time. However, keep in mind that you would need to factor in additional time for airport security checks and travel to and from the airports.

For budget-conscious travelers, taking a coach from London to Belgium is a cost-effective option. Several coach companies, such as Eurolines and FlixBus, operate services between London and various cities in Belgium. The journey duration can be longer compared to other modes of transport, ranging from 6 to 10 hours, depending on your destination. However, coaches offer comfortable seating and often have onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets.

If you prefer the flexibility of driving, you can also travel from London to Belgium by car. The journey involves taking the Eurotunnel or a ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk. The drive from Calais or Dunkirk to Belgium takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on your destination. Remember to familiarize yourself with the local driving laws and ensure you have the necessary documents, such as a valid driving license and vehicle insurance, before embarking on your road trip.

When planning your trip from London to Belgium, consider the various transport options available to you. Whether you choose to travel by Eurostar, ferry, plane, coach, or car, each option has its own advantages and may suit different travelers. Evaluate factors such as cost, travel time, comfort, and convenience to select the option that best meets your needs. Safe travels!

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If you're planning a trip from London to Belgium, you have several options for traveling between these two destinations. You can choose to travel by train, by ferry, or by plane. Each option has its advantages, so depending on your preferences and budget, you can select the most suitable one for your trip. Here are some suggested itineraries to help you plan your journey:

• Start your journey at London St. Pancras International Station, where the Eurostar train departs for Brussels. Eurostar is a high-speed train service that offers a comfortable and efficient way to travel between the two cities.
• The journey from London to Brussels takes approximately 2 hours, making it a convenient choice for travelers looking to save time.
• Once in Brussels, you can explore the city's famous landmarks such as the Grand Place, Atomium, and the Manneken Pis. Don't forget to indulge in some tasty Belgian chocolates and waffles!
• From Brussels, you can easily travel to other cities in Belgium such as Bruges, Ghent, or Antwerp using the excellent Belgian rail network.

By Ferry and Train:

• If you prefer a more scenic route, you can take a ferry from London to Ostend, Belgium. Several ferry companies operate this route, offering a comfortable crossing with amenities on board.
• Once in Ostend, you can take a train to reach your desired destination in Belgium. The train journey from Ostend to Brussels takes around one hour.
• This itinerary allows you to combine the excitement of a ferry ride with the convenience of train travel, and it is a great option if you want to explore the coastal areas of Belgium before heading inland.
• Flying from London to Belgium is another quick and convenient option. Several major airlines operate regular flights between London and Brussels, as well as other cities in Belgium.
• The flight from London to Brussels takes around one hour, making it the fastest way to travel between the two cities.
• Once in Belgium, you can easily reach your desired destination by taking a train or a local flight, depending on your itinerary.

When planning your trip, make sure to consider factors such as travel time, cost, and convenience. For example, if you want to save time and enjoy a comfortable journey, the Eurostar train is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more leisurely trip and want to experience the beauty of the sea, taking a ferry might be the way to go.

No matter which option you choose, traveling from London to Belgium is relatively straightforward, and both countries offer incredible cultural and historical attractions worth exploring. So, pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready for an exciting trip from London to Belgium!

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Are you planning a trip from London to Belgium? Finding the best deals on travel can sometimes be a challenging task. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can easily find affordable options for your journey. Whether you prefer to travel by train, bus, or plane, here are some useful tips for finding the best deals on travel from London to Belgium:

• Book in Advance: One of the easiest ways to secure the best deals is to book your tickets in advance. Most transportation companies offer discounted fares for early bookings. By planning ahead and reserving your tickets a few weeks or months in advance, you not only save money but also increase the chances of getting a seat on your preferred date and time.
• Compare Prices: Don't settle for the first offer you come across. Take the time to compare prices from different transportation providers. Use online search engines, travel websites, or dedicated comparison websites to find the best deals available. Make sure to consider factors such as travel time, comfort, and additional services provided when comparing prices.
• Be Flexible with Dates and Times: Being flexible with your travel dates and times can help you find cheaper options. If your schedule allows, consider traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays instead of weekends. By avoiding peak travel times, you can often find better deals and avoid overcrowded transportation.
• Use Budget Airlines: If you prefer to travel by air, consider using budget airlines. These airlines often offer cheaper fares compared to larger carriers. Keep in mind that budget airlines may have more restrictions in terms of baggage allowance and onboard services. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before booking.
• Consider Alternative Airports: Instead of flying directly from London to Belgium, consider using alternative airports. Sometimes, flying to a nearby airport and then taking a train or bus to your final destination can be more cost-effective. Check for flights to Brussels, Charleroi, or Antwerp to explore additional options.
• Look for Package Deals: Another way to save money on travel from London to Belgium is by looking for package deals. Some travel agencies offer discounted packages that combine transportation and accommodation. These deals can be a great way to save money and have a hassle-free travel experience.
• Sign up for Travel Alerts: Stay informed about the latest deals and promotions by signing up for travel alerts from airlines, train operators, and travel websites. By receiving regular updates, you can get notified about special offers and discounts, giving you the opportunity to grab the best deals when they become available.
• Utilize Loyalty Programs: If you travel frequently, consider joining loyalty programs offered by transportation companies. These programs often provide exclusive discounts, rewards, and special offers to frequent travelers. Accumulating points through these programs can help you save money on future trips.

Finding the best deals on travel from London to Belgium doesn't have to be a daunting task. With these tips in mind, you can navigate through various options and secure the most affordable and convenient travel arrangements for your journey. Happy travels!

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Traveling from London to Belgium can be an exciting and memorable experience. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer trip, there are a few important things to consider to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

First and foremost, you need to decide on the mode of transportation. There are several options available, including trains, buses, and flights. Each mode has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your preferences and budget.

If you prefer a more convenient and time-efficient option, taking a flight is your best bet. Several airlines offer direct flights from London to various cities in Belgium, including Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. Depending on the airline and the dates of travel, you can find reasonably priced tickets. It's advisable to book your flight in advance to secure the best deals.

Trains are another popular and convenient mode of transportation when traveling from London to Belgium. Eurostar, the high-speed train service, offers direct trains from London St Pancras International to Brussels Midi/Zuid station. The journey duration is approximately two hours, making it a quick and efficient option. Eurostar also offers connecting trains to other Belgian cities if you want to explore beyond Brussels.

If you prefer a more budget-friendly option or want more flexibility in your travel schedule, taking a bus might be a good choice. Several companies offer bus services from London to various Belgian cities, with multiple departures throughout the day. The journey duration can be longer compared to trains or flights, but it's a comfortable and affordable option for budget travelers.

Once you've decided on the mode of transportation, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. First, ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport or identity card. Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Belgium, so make sure to check the visa requirements well in advance.

If you're traveling by train or bus, it's important to arrive at the station early to allow enough time for check-in and security procedures. For flights, it's recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time to complete the check-in and security procedures.

When planning your itinerary, consider the time difference between London and Belgium. Belgium is an hour ahead of London, so remember to adjust your clocks accordingly. This will help you plan your activities and appointments correctly.

It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local transportation options in Belgium. Public transportation, such as trains, trams, and buses, are efficient and well-connected. However, if you prefer a more independent mode of transportation, consider renting a car. Belgium has an extensive road network, and driving around the country can be a great way to explore its charming cities and picturesque countryside.

Lastly, make sure to research and plan your accommodations in advance. Belgium offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose the accommodation that suits your needs best.

Traveling from London to Belgium can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By considering these important factors and making the necessary preparations, you can ensure a smooth and memorable journey. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities of Belgium.

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Frequently asked questions.

There are several ways to travel from London to Belgium. The most common options are by train, by ferry, or by plane.

The duration of the journey from London to Belgium depends on the mode of transportation you choose. By train, it takes approximately 2-3 hours to reach Brussels, the capital of Belgium. By ferry, it takes around 2-3 hours to cross the English Channel. By plane, the flight time varies but is usually less than 1 hour.

The cost of traveling from London to Belgium also varies depending on the mode of transportation and the time of booking. Train tickets can range from £50 to £100, ferry tickets can range from £30 to £80, and flight tickets can range from £50 to £150 or more. Prices may also vary depending on whether you choose economy or business class.

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How to go from Zeebrugge to Bruges city center

The journey from Zeebrugge to Bruges can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how you choose to travel. The easiest way is to use shuttle bus services, but you also have other choices like taking a tram and train or joining a guided tour.

Shuttle Bus (Most Recommended)

Using a Round-Trip Shuttle Service between Zeebrugge and Bruges is the easiest and most cost-effective way to get, from the Bruges city centre. It takes approximately 30 minutes between Zeebrugge and Bruges.

Shuttles run every 30 minutes between 8:30 a.m. and 12 a.m. , so you can also take the shuttle back when you return to Zeebrugge.

Train (Direct)

Kusttram and Train

To get to Bruges using public transportation, you can also go to another coastal city called Blankenberge, using the Coastal Tram ( Kusttram , or KT in Dutch) . It is a tram line connecting towns along the Belgian coast and offers a scenic route and is a popular choice for both tourists and locals. From Blankenberge, you can take a train to Bruges station.

The whole trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and it costs around 10 euros per person, depending on passengers age, seasonal discounts, etc.

• Tram: From Zeebrugge, you can take the coastal tram (Kusttram, KT in Dutch) From: Zeebrugge Stationswijk To: Blankenberge Train Station Direction: Knokke-Oostende-De Panne
• Train: At Blankenberge Train Station, take a train to Bruges (Brugge) Train Station. Trains are frequent and the journey takes around 15-20 minutes.
• Walking: From Bruges Train Station, Walk to reach the city center of Bruges.

If you have some extra time and are interested in exploring Blankenberge, a picturesque coastal resort city, we recommend considering this option.

It’s important to note, though, that this route is longer and might not be suitable if you’re in a hurry. Another point to keep in mind is that walking from Bruges train station to the Bruges city center takes around 20-30 minutes.

Public Transportation in Belgium >>

Private Transfer Services

f you prefer a more relaxed journey at your own pace, we recommend considering private transfer services between Zeebrugge and Bruges. While they are pricier compared to other transportation, they offer added exclusivity, including the option of transporting you directly to your hotel in Bruges. Additionally, certain services even provide private guided tours of Bruges as part of the package.

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How To Travel Amsterdam to Brussels (2024)

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and a principal European political centre – located around 200km from Amsterdam.

Travel between Amsterdam and Brussels is possible by high speed and standard rail, airline flights and coaches.

As Belgium and the Netherlands are members of the Schengen Zone agreement you do not normally need to go through a passport control check when travelling between Amsterdam and Brussels.

Amsterdam-Brussels by Train (recommended)

Travelling by train between Amsterdam and Brussels is certainly the best option in terms of time and convenience and gets you into the heart of both city centres. It can be easily booked using via the NS International site (euros) or the Trainline site here (multi-currencies) with prices starting at €25 one-way.

There are currently 3 choices of trains available:

• Eurostar (formerly Thalys), the high-speed train service between Amsterdam and Paris (from €29)
• Intercity Brussels , the Intercity service between Amsterdam and Brussels (from €25)

1. Amsterdam-Brussels by Eurostar (formerly Thalys)

The high speed Eurostar service runs from Amsterdam Central station to Paris Gare du Nord via Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Central, Antwerp Central and Brussels Zuid/Midi .

Eurostar normally runs up to 15x daily and the Amsterdam-Brussels journey takes 1 hour 50 minutes .

There are 3 classes of travel on Eurostar: Standard, Comfort and Premium.

Standard has 2nd class seating (2-2 configuration) with free WiFi. Food/drink can be purchased at the bar carriage. Standard tickets are refundable and exchangeable up to 7 days before travel; thereafter there are no refunds, but changes are possible for a €15 fee plus the price difference.

Comfort has 1st class seating (2-1 configuration), free WiFi and food/drink can be purchased at the bar. Comfort tickets are also refundable and exchangeable up to 7 days before travel; thereafter there are no refunds, but changes are possible for a €15 fee plus the price difference.

Premium is a proper first class product with 1st class seating (2-1 configuration), free WiFi (with more data), complimentary food/drink served at your seat and and free access to an international press app. Premium tickets are fully refundable up to 1 hour before travel; changes are possible right up to departure time with any price difference applying.

Premium ticket holders can access the Eurostar lounges in Brussels as well as the NS International lounges at Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport or Rotterdam..

All Eurostar seats have individual electric power outlets.

Eurostar permits 2 pieces of luggage (max 75 x 53 x 30cm, no weight limit) plus 1 item of hand luggage. There are overhead luggage racks and special racks at each end of the carriage for larger items.

Eurostar tickets are on sale up to 4 months out and are booked like an airline seat – with a specific seat reservation. Your ticket will have a carriage and seat number.

To secure the cheapest fares you should book as early as possible. Standard fares cost €29-€89, Comfort fares cost €52-€103 and Premium fares range from €106-€129.

TIP: The last Eurostar of the day out of Amsterdam (departing around 2015 or 2115) can often have cheaper availability even at the last minute. Conversely, the first Eurostar out of Brussels towards Amsterdam (departing around 0650 on weekdays) tends to still have the cheaper tariffs.

• Fastest journey time
• Includes seat reservation
• Lowest Standard fares are good value
• Catering available
• More expensive than Intercity
• Popular – so tickets can sell out

Book your Eurostar ticket with NS International here Book your Eurostar ticket with Trainline here

2. Amsterdam-Brussels by Intercity Brussels

The Intercity Brussels is an Intercity train service which normally runs up to 16x daily between Amsterdam and Brussels Zuid/Midi. It is jointly operated by NS Dutch Railways and Belgian Rail.

Although this train does run along the high speed track, it is not a high speed train service and makes more stops than the Eurostar.

The stops are at Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam, Breda, Noorderkempen (Belgium), Antwerp Central, Antwerp Berchem, Mechelen, Brussels Airport , Brussels North and Brussels Central .

Allow about 2 hour 50 minutes to make the Amsterdam-Brussels journey on the Intercity Brussels.

There are no seat reservations so passengers can simply board and sit in any free seat in their class. Seating is 2nd class (2-2 configuration) and 1st class (2-1 configuration). Some 1st class carriages can also have a couple of small 6 person (3-3) compartments.

Luggage racks can accommodate small and medium size bags. In 1st class there are larger luggage racks at the end of the carriage.

Standard distance-based prices are in effect for travel using intercity trains although cheaper online “early bird” fares are also available if booking at least 3 days in advance.

The standard full-flex (2024) fare for Amsterdam-Brussels one-way costs €56.50 (2nd class) or €91.50 (1st class). These are valid on any Intercity Brussels service on-the-day and are freely changeable up to the departure day.

Early bird one-way fares start at €25 (2nd class) and €41 (1st class) and are valid for a specific train only. Tickets can be changed for a €5 fee.

Holders of Dutch Railways NS discount cards and free NS travel cards receive a fare reduction off the full-flex fare for the Netherlands segment of travel.

Intercity Brussels tickets are on sale from 180 days out.

TIP: The Intercity Brussels is a popular service and gets very busy at peak times. Boarding and finding a seat can sometimes be a bit of a scrum. Consider buying a 1st class ticket for a smoother boarding experience; or take the train at an earlier or later time in the day.

• Cheaper than Eurostar
• ‘Walk-up’ full-flex fare always available
• No guaranteed seat reservation – can get busy
• No catering on board

Book Intercity Brussels tickets with NS International here Book Intercity Brussels tickets with Trainline here

Amsterdam-Brussels Flights

It is possible to fly between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Brussels Zaventem (BRU) airport. The scheduled flight time is around 45 minutes – although by the time you take into account travel to/from the airport and waiting for your flight – you are much better off taking the train.

Dutch airline KLM (Skyteam) currently has up to 4x daily flights from Schiphol to Brussels – using either Boeing 737s or “Cityhopper” branded Embraer 175/190 jets. Return airfares start at around €200 – note KLM charges for checked luggage but you do get a complimentary drink and snack onboard.

The reality is this flight route is mainly aimed at transfer passengers on longer-haul routes.

There are train stations at Schiphol and Brussels airports which can get you to the centre of town in 15-20 minutes. The Brussels airport train to central Brussels runs up to 4x hourly. Buy Brussels airport train return tickets in advance here

Amsterdam-Brussels by Coach

The coach is the cheapest travel option between Amsterdam and Brussels with a journey time of around 3 hours

Flixbus is a German coach company that offers services between Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Brussels Noord. It currently operates a multiple daily service with fares starting at around €9 one-way. Book your Flixbus ticket here

BlaBlaCar bus normally operates a 3-8x daily Amsterdam-Brussels coach service. Fares start at €9 one-way. Coach stops are at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station and Brussels Zuid/Midi station. Book your BlaBlaCar bus tickets via Omio here

For more on travel to Belgium see Amsterdam-Antwerp travel options and Amsterdam to Bruges or Ghent

Amsterdam Resources

Looking for a convenient hotel near Amsterdam Central station? Check out the stylish Kimpton-De Witt which is a short walk from the station. For those on a budget the Ibis Amsterdam Centre is literally on top of the western edge of the station platforms.

The I Amsterdam City Card (1-5 days) offers free entry and discounts to numerous Amsterdam museums and attractions. It also includes a free public transport pass, a canal cruise and bike rental as well. You can order your I Amsterdam City Card online here

Brussels Resources

Are you looking for a hotel in Brussels? Book here with Booking.com

The Brussels Pass includes access to the Atomium, the hop-on/off Tootbus Brussels and a city guide app.

This article was originally published in 2010 and has continuously been updated. Last update 30 January 2024 .

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

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15 BEST Souvenirs from Belgium to Buy on Your Trip

B elgium is an easy country to visit for a few days when traveling to nearby nations like France or the Netherlands. But with dynamic cities, like Brussels and Antwerp, and charming villages like Bruges and Dinant, Belgium is well worth more than just a few days. As you travel around the country, exploring cobblestone streets and lively plazas, you’ll likely find no shortage of unique souvenirs from Belgium that you’ll want to take home. 

This guide to the best things to buy in Belgium includes 15 fun souvenirs that will forever remind you of the country’s historic cities, interesting landmarks, and delicious cuisine. 

What to buy in Belgium | 15 Best Belgian Souvenirs

If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful western European country and you want to make sure to bring home the best gifts from Belgium, we have compiled a list of the top Belgian souvenirs and most popular things to buy that will ensure your memories linger longer after you return home.

Want to savor the memories of your time in Belgium? Bringing home a box (or lots of boxes) of Belgian chocolates will transport you right back to the heart of Europe’s chocolate capital. 

Belgian chocolate isn’t merely a sweet treat; it’s a culinary masterpiece that Belgium is known for . From smooth, velvety textures, to crunchy fillings, each small truffle is as unique as it is delicious. 

From the quaint cobblestone streets of Bruges to the bustling boulevards of Brussels, Belgian chocolatiers have perfected the chocolate making process.

You can take chocolate making classes in Bruges or Brussels and even visit the Choco-Story Museum to learn about how chocolate practically became synonymous with the small country. 

Whether you simply want to bring home a Belgian souvenir that will satisfy your sweet tooth or you’re looking for the perfect gift from Belgium, Belgian chocolate will be a delicious reminder of your trip. 

Beer and Matching Glass

In Belgium, beer isn’t just a beverage; it’s a revered tradition and one of the best souvenirs from Belgium you can bring home. 

From Trappist ales to fruity lambics, Belgian beer comes in a diverse variety of styles and flavors. Each Belgian beer is served in its own unique glass. The shape of each specialized glass is designed to enhance the aroma, flavor, and overall drinking experience.

Whether it’s the elegant tulip glass for strong ales or the iconic chalice for abbey beers, the glassware elevates the enjoyment and adds a level of sophistication to drinking a cold brew, making a Belgian beer and matching glassware the perfect gift from Belgium to bring home and share among friends.

Prepackaged Waffles

In Belgium, waffles aren’t just a breakfast food, these traditional delights are eaten as dessert or an afternoon snack, as well. 

Stopping for waffles will no doubt be one of your favorite things to do while you are in Belgium. They make for a great afternoon pick-me-up during a busy day trip to Bruges or Ghent.

A stop for waffles is the perfect way to break up the day when out sightseeing.  However, you can also buy pre-packaged versions of this Belgian treat to take home with you. 

Each neatly packaged waffle will remind you of the beautiful Belgian culture with every bite. The perfect for on-the-go indulgence, Belgian waffles also make for a thoughtful souvenir that will satisfy your hunger and your wanderlust. 

As you wander through the streets of basically any Belgium city, you’ll find plenty of shops selling these iconic treats already pre-packaged for you to bring home.

We collect magnets from every new place we visit, so naturally our list of the best souvenirs from Belgium has to include a magnet.  

You can buy a magnet that has gabled houses on it, iconic landmarks, or Belgium’s recognizable flag.

Whether you choose to display your magnet on your refrigerator or a magnet board next to the magnets from all the other countries you have visited, stop into a souvenir store in any city, town, or village and buy a Belgium magnet to bring home.

If you’re looking for luxurious souvenirs from Belgium, head to Antwerp to do a little jewelry shopping. 

Known as the “Diamond Capital of the World”, Antwerp’s diamonds aren’t just prized gems; they’re renowned for their exceptional quality and exquisite beauty. 

With a long legacy of diamond trading and cutting expertise, Belgium’s historic diamond district in Antwerp is home to prestigious jewelry houses that meticulously craft each diamond ensuring that every stone radiates brilliance and elegance. 

While they are definitely pricey Belgian souvenirs, diamond jewelry makes for a timeless gift that can be passed down to future generations as family heirlooms. 

Manneken Pis trinket

Manneken Pis is not only an iconic landmark in Belgium, it is also one of the most famous statues in Europe . 

The 2-foot tall statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors alike, embodying the quirky spirit of the country’s capital city. 

The little bronze statue is located only a block or two away from Grand Place, making it an easy and must-visit addition to your itinerary – even if you only have one or two days in Brussels .  

The statue has become somewhat of a mascot for Brussels, so it is no wonder that people are drawn to Manneken Pis souvenirs as mementos of their time in Belgium. 

From miniature replicas to whimsical trinkets, these Belgian souvenirs are a lighthearted reminder of the unique character of Brussels. Whether displayed on a shelf or gifted to loved ones, Manneken Pis souvenirs serve as whimsical keepsakes.

Bottle of Jenever

If you are a fan of spirits, a bottle of Jenever is a great Belgian souvenir to bring back home. Much like Poland is known for its Vodka, Belgians are proud of their jenever. 

Often referred to as the predecessor to gin, Jenever is a spirit flavored with juniper berries. You can use it in a mixed drink or drink it over ice. But if you are an alcohol connoisseur or simply enjoy a stiff drink every once in a while, a bottle of jenever is a great addition to your liquor cabinet.

Christmas Ornament

A popular keepsake for many travelers, a Christmas ornament is a great way to reflect year after year on your previous trips as you put up your holiday decorations. 

Because of the famed Christmas markets that make places like Bruges popular holiday destinations, you’ll find an assortment of ornaments in most souvenir shops in Belgium.

Whether you’re solely exploring Belgium or you’re passing through as part of a Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg itinerary , be sure to stop in a Belgium souvenir shop and pick up an ornament for your Christmas tree.  

SHOP FOR BELGIUM CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

Speculoos Biscuits

Belgian speculoos biscuits are another irresistible treat often enjoyed during festive occasions. 

Traditionally made and eaten during the Christmas season, these spiced gingerbread cookies are popular treats at the incredible Christmas markets found throughout Belgium. These markets are just one of the reasons cities like Brussels and Bruges are among the best places to visit in Europe during Christmas . 

With their aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, and a crispy texture, speculoos biscuits are best when paired with a cup of coffee but can be savored on their own, as well. 

BUY SPECULOOS ONLINE

Lace is a popular souvenir from Belgium and one we personally stumbled upon unknowingly. Walk through the streets of Brussels or Bruges, and you’ll likely come across one of two dainty shops selling delicate, handmade lace crafts. 

The intricate patterns and delicate texture of Belgian lace reflect centuries of artisanal tradition.  As a Belgian souvenir, lace offers more than just a piece of fabric; it is a piece of art celebrating a historic craft. 

Whether adorning garments, home decor, or keepsake items, Belgian lace is a popular choice for travelers seeking a piece of the country’s heritage.

SHOP FOR JEWELRY SET IN BELGIAN LACE 

Smurf Plush or Figurine

The Smurfs may bring back 1980s nostalgia, but these cute, blue comic characters are still widely popular in Belgium. Why? Because the Smurfs were created by Belgian artist Peyo and are globally recognized with a whimsical appeal that transcends generations. 

While they originated from Belgian comic books the Smurfs were later popularized through television and film adaptations.

With Belgium being the birthplace of the Smurfs, taking home an adorable plush or figurine of your favorite Smurf is a great way for children to connect to the country and its place in pop culture. 

Belgium is credited with the invention of the French Fries, called Pommes Frites in Belgium. And while you can top off your frites with a variety of things including ketchup or mayonnaise, Andalouse sauce is among the most popular Belgian condiments. 

The condiment originated in Belgium and is used as a dip or topping on various foods – not just fries, but burgers, sandwiches, and grilled meats. 

Andalouse sauce is made from mayonnaise, tomato paste, peppers, onions, and various spices, giving it a slightly tangy and spicy flavor profile. It’s similar to a spicy mayonnaise with a hint of tomato flavor.

After trying this spicy sauce, you’ll want to bring some home to introduce your friends to a new way of eating fries! 

While the Netherlands may be better known for its cheese, in Belgium, cheese lovers are in for a treat, as well. Because Belgium is sandwiched between several cheese countries, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands, cheese is a popular snack or appetizer.

Among the standout varieties, one cheese you’ll love is the Belgian Westmalle Trappist cheese , which is still produced in an abbey to this day. There are several varieties of this cheese, so consider buying all of them to take home and savor. 

Other popular cheeses to bring home as Belgian souvenirs include Herve and Berloumi.

ALSO READ: THE BEST SOUVENIRS TO BUY IN THE NETHERLANDS AND THE BEST GERMAN SOUVENIRS

Another high-end souvenir from Belgium, crystal and crystalware make for a beautiful addition to your home. 

A popular Belgian brand, Val Saint Lambert, has been making crystal glassware since the early 1800s. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, a crystal vase, stemware, or sculpted bowl will add an elegant touch and a talking point to any dinner party you host at home. 

SHOP FOR VAL SAINT LAMBERT CRYSTAL ON ETSY

Miniature Atomium

The Atomium is one of the best places to visit in Brussels. This recognizable structure isn’t just a peculiar piece of public art, it is a building you can actually go inside.

Because of its discernable shape, shop owners and independent sellers have made a career out of creating miniature Atomium trinkets, prints, and other souvenirs showcasing this Belgium landmark.

Originally built for  the 1958 World Fair, the Atomium is to Brussels what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris or the Space Needle is to Seattle .

SHOP FOR ATOMIUM SOUVENIRS ON ETSY

Conclusion | Where to find souvenirs from Belgium

You don’t have to look far from the main tourist streets in any of Belgium’s cities or towns to find most of these Belgian keepsakes. We found plenty of small shops selling everything from inexpensive magnets and trinkets to boutique vendors specializing in beautiful lace or crystal.

If you have already returned from your trip and missed out on some of these unique souvenirs from Belgium, we have linked to a few places online that sell them, but keep in mind, not all of these souvenirs can be purchased online. That’s part of the beauty of travel… find those special items that can only be purchased there.

And while these souvenirs from Belgium will definitely have you looking back fondly on your trip – the memories you make – taking chocolate making classes, wandering along picturesque canals, and exploring quiet villages will be what you cherish most from your travels.   

Do you have a question or comment about any of these Belgian souvenirs and gifts to buy in Belgium? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts on these Belgium souvenir ideas in the comments below.

Like it? Pin this list of souvenirs from Belgium to save it for later!

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• Book a RENTAL CAR
• Purchase TRAVEL INSURANCE
• Book guided tours or excursions at GET YOUR GUIDE or VIATOR
• Book TRAIN TRAVEL IN EUROPE
• Book BUS TICKETS IN EUROPE
• Book a FERRY IN EUROPE
• Book a DESTINATION PHOTOGRAPHER
• Buy TRAVEL GEAR on Amazon
• Buy a PRIORITY PASS MEMBERSHIP for airport lounge access