Are you looking for a Belgium itinerary that includes the most popular cities?
If yes, I have the perfect itinerary for you.
If this is your first trip to Belgium, I suggest visiting Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp.
These are honestly the best cities to visit in Belgium, each offering a unique experience.
I know most of us don’t have time for long trips, so this Belgium itinerary includes 2 days in each city.
This way, you can explore the highlights easily without feeling rushed.
If you are short on time, you can combine just a few of these, such as the Brussels itinerary with Bruges, and create your own plan for a quick vacation.
Read on to know more about how to make the most of your time in the 4 most beautiful cities in Belgium in one trip!
Belgium Itinerary: 4 Beautiful Cities In Belgium In One Trip
Day 1: Begin Your Belgium Trip with Brussels Itinerary
Of course, you have to start your visit to Belgium with a quick Brussels itinerary for 2 days.
You can start by exploring the famous landmarks here, which are all within walking distance.
Grand Place
Your first stop while traveling to Brussels should be Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.
You will find plenty of ornate guild houses decorated with gold details and intricate carvings around this square.
This is the best place to start your Brussels tour.
Manneken Pis
Next, you can walk from Grand Place to the famous Manneken Pis statue.
It is small, but it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Brussels.
What is fascinating is that the statue is often dressed in different costumes depending on the time of year.
Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert
Don’t forget to explore the beautiful covered shopping galleries that date back to the 19th century.
These are lined with elegant boutiques, cafés, and chocolate shops. Trust me, it is the best place to try authentic Belgian pralines.
Mont des Arts
If you want to enjoy a scenic view in Brussels, Mont des Arts should be your next spot.
The garden area here offers amazing views over the city and is a perfect spot for photos.
Belgian Waffle or Chocolate Stop
Of course, your Brussels itinerary is not complete without a visit to the local Belgian waffle shop or chocolatier.
There are so many options to try that you will never run out of things to do in Brussels.
Check Now: Brussels: Guided Walking Tour
Check Now: Brussels: Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience
Day 2: Explore Museums and Unique Landmarks in Brussels
On your second day in Brussels, I suggest you check some of the museums and unique landmarks.
This city is known for its art, comic culture, and interesting architecture, so today you can focus on that.
Atomium
One of the most unique attractions to visit in Brussels is the Atomium.
This giant steel molecule-like structure was built for the 1958 World Expo and offers the best panoramic views of the city!
So, do go inside the spheres to enjoy the view.
Belgian Comic Strip Center
Did you know that Belgium is famous for comic books?
Yes! And this included characters like Tintin.
So, one of the best things to do in Belgium is head to The Comic Strip Center to learn about the history of Belgian comics.
Trust me, it is a lot of fun even if you’re not a big comic fan.
Royal Palace of Brussels
Finally, you can end your Brussels itinerary with a visit to the Royal Palace.
This is the official palace of the Belgian king, and while the royal family doesn’t live here, it is still used for official events.
Check Now: Brussels Card: 24, 48 or 72 Hour Validity
Check Now: Brussels: Historical Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting
Day 3: Explore The Medieval Center Of Bruges
The next morning, you can check out of Brussels and take a 1-hour train to Bruges to explore this beautiful old town.
Today, I would suggest you stick to the historic center and walk around a bit to cover one of the best cities to visit in Belgium
Markt Square
Start exploring the city with the Markt Square.
It is the main square in Bruges and the heart of the historic city.
Here, you will find plenty of colorful medieval buildings surrounding the square, making it one of the most picturesque spots in Belgium.
Belfry of Bruges
One of the most fun things to do in Bruges, Belgium, is climbing the Belfry tower.
This tower dominates the skyline of Bruges and offers you the most incredible views of the city.
Burg Square
Another fun historic square that you can explore is the Burg Square.
It is just a short walk from Markt and has impressive architecture, including Bruges’ Town Hall.
Canal Boat Ride
Trust me, your visit to Belgium is incomplete without taking a canal boat ride in Bruges.
This is one of the most popular things to do in Bruges, Belgium.
With this boat tour, you explore the city’s waterways and enjoy beautiful views of the historic buildings.
Check Now: Bruges: Guided Tour & Boat Ride with Optional Beer Tasting
Check Now: Bruges: Guided Walking Tour
Day 4: Visit Parks, Churches, and Chocolate Shops in Bruges
On your second day in Bruges, I would suggest exploring quieter corners of the city.
Today, you can explore some of the parks, churches, and chocolate shops that Bruges is famous for.
Minnewater Park
I started my day with the Minnewater Park, also known as the Lake of Love.
It is one of the most peaceful places in Bruges and is quite famous for its swans and romantic scenery.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
Next, you can visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
It is a small but fascinating church that contains a relic believed to hold the blood of Christ.
If you are curious to know about it, do plan a stop here!
Explore Bruges’ Chocolate Shops
And then I would suggest that the rest of the day, you focus on shopping and eating chocolates.
Many travelers find Bruges to be the best place to visit the chocolatiers and try different pralines while exploring the city.
Check Now: Bruges: Choco-Story Museum with Audio Guide and Tastings
Check Now: Belgian Praline Chocolate Workshop
Belgium Itinerary: Essentials Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.
Don’t forget Apple AirTags to track your luggage. (Whether you fly or drive.)
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at pools or spas you happen to visit along the way.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.
Day 5: Discover Medieval Ghent
Today, take a train to reach Ghent and spend your first day exploring the medieval part of one of the best cities in Belgium.
Since most of the attractions are located close together, you can easily explore them on foot.
Gravensteen Castle
First, make a stop at the famous Gravensteen Castle, which is one of the most impressive medieval castles in Belgium.
This stone fortress is located right in the center of the city and dates back to the 12th century.
I really loved walking through the castle halls, learning about medieval life, and exploring the towers.
Plus, the views from the top of the castle are amazing!
Graslei and Korenlei
Next, walk to the two most beautiful streets in Ghent – Graslei and Korenlei.
These are historic streets that run along the canal, and you will find plenty of stunning guild houses here.
Honestly, this is one of the most photographed areas among all the cities in Belgium.
I would advise you to visit it in the evening as well because it looks gorgeous with all the buildings illuminated.
St. Bavo’s Cathedral
Another one of the best places to visit in Belgium is the St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
Inside this important landmark, you’ll find the famous Ghent Altarpiece.
This is a masterpiece of early Flemish art, and visitors from all around the world come to view it.
St. Nicholas’ Church
This is one of the oldest churches in Ghent and has an impressive medieval architecture.
So, walk to the city center to visit St. Nicholas’ Church.
Check Now: Ghent: Guided City Tour with Food Tastings
Check Now: Ghent: 40 Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour
Day 6: Belgium Itinerary: Canals, Culture, and City View of Ghent
On your second day in Ghent, you can explore more of the city’s canals, museums, and viewpoints.
Ghent Canal Cruise
One of the most relaxing things to do in Belgium, especially in Ghent, is to take a canal boat tour and see the city.
These cruises take you through Ghent’s waterways so that you can enjoy the most beautiful views of medieval buildings, bridges, and historic streets.
Belfry of Ghent
Another great spot to explore today in the city would be the Belfry Tower.
It is one of Ghent’s most iconic landmarks and part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage site.
You can climb up this tower to enjoy amazing views across the city’s rooftops.
STAM Ghent City Museum
If you want to learn about how Ghent turned from a medieval trading center into the vibrant city it is today, then don’t skip the STAM Ghent City Museum.
This is the perfect place to learn the history of one of the most interesting cities in Belgium.
Patershol Neighborhood
Finally, you can end your day in Ghent by strolling in the Patershol neighborhood.
It is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Ghent.
Here, the narrow streets are filled with small restaurants, cozy cafes, and several historic houses as well.
You can just walk around and enjoy the local atmosphere here.
Check Now: Belgian Chocolate Walking Tour with Tastings
Check Now: Ghent: Museum of Fine Arts Entry Ticket
Day 7: Belgium Itinerary: Explore Historic Antwerp
Finally, head to the last city on your Belgium tour – Antwerp.
Explore the historic center on day one, which includes beautiful squares, stunning churches, and architecture.
Antwerp Central Station
I honestly found Antwerp Central Station to be one of the most beautiful train stations I have ever seen.
So, regardless of how you arrive in the city, make sure to stop here once to admire the architecture.
The grand interior with its dramatic dome and marble staircases makes it feel more like a palace than a train station, in my opinion.
Cathedral of Our Lady
Next, you should visit the Cathedral of Our Lady.
It is the largest Gothic church in Belgium, which houses several famous paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, who used to live in Antwerp.
Grote Markt
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Antwerp is the Grote Markt.
This historic square is surrounded by ornate guild houses and cafes.
This is one of the best spots to relax and enjoy the city vibe.
Het Steen Castle
End your day in Antwerp by visiting the Het Steen Castle.
It is the oldest building in Antwerp, located along the river.
You can learn a lot about the city’s medieval past in this castle.
Check Now: Antwerp: Historical Walking Tour in the Old City
Check Now: Royal Museum of Fine Arts Entry Ticket
Day 8: Explore Museums, Fashion, and Waterfront Views in Antwerp During your Belgium Itinerary
Apart from history, Antwerp is also famous for its art and fashion.
So, focus on the museums and streets on your second day here.
MAS Museum
One of the best places to visit in Belgium is the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS).
Here, you can learn the history of Antwerp when it was a major port and a trading hub.
That’s not all, though. You can also enjoy the most incredible views of the city skyline from the rooftop terrace here!
Rubens House
Another great place to visit in Antwerp is the Rubens House.
This was the home and studio of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens.
You can see his artwork, period furniture, and the beautiful gardens to learn more about this artist’s life.
Antwerp Fashion District
Did you know that this city is known for its fashion designers?
Yes, in fact, there is a Fashion District here where you can find several designer stores, independent boutiques, and stylish cafes.
Spend an evening shopping here, or simply explore the stores, or have fun. Definitely add this to your Belgium itinerary!
Antwerp Waterfront
Finally, end your visit to Belgium with a relaxing walk along the waterfront.
You can enjoy the views of the river and the city skyline, making it the perfect last stop on your Belgium tour.
Check Now: From Brussels: Full-Day Antwerp and Ghent Guid
Check Now: Antwerp: Food Walking Tour with 5 Tastings
How to Travel Between Cities in Belgium
What I loved about traveling between different cities in Belgium is how easy it is.
Trains are my favorite way to travel around this country as they are fast, reliable, and connect all the major places.
Generally, a train from Brussels to Ghent will take around 30 minutes, while to Antwerp, it takes about 45 minutes.
Bruges is just an hour train ride from Brussels.
Plus, there are several trains throughout the day, so you can easily travel around without needing a car.
Due to the short distances, I found it easy to explore multiple cities in Belgium in a single trip, making it one of the easiest European destinations to travel to.
Belgium Itinerary: Where to Stay in Belgium
Brussels – Hotel Amigo – If you want to stay close to the Grand Palace in Brussels, then Hotel Amigo is the perfect choice.
Featuring elegant rooms with amazing service and is in the historic city center, it is ideal for your Brussels itinerary.
Bruges – Dukes’ Palace Brugge – In Bruges, I would recommend staying in the Dukes’ Palace Bruges, a historic palace turned into a luxury hotel.
It feels like staying in a fairytale castle, and you are right in the heart of Bruges.
Ghent – 1898 The Post – One of the most unique stays in Ghent, 1898 The Post is centrally located and a great option for exploring one of the best cities in Belgium.
Antwerp – Hotel Julien – If you are staying in Antwerp, then I would suggest Hotel Julien.
This minimalist hotel with a rooftop terrace is within walking distance of major attractions and is a good choice for your Belgium itinerary.
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