10-Day Belgium Itinerary: Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Leuven

Morning

From Brussels-Central Station, walk five minutes downhill through the historic center to Grand-Place. Give yourself about 45 minutes to take in the guildhalls, Brussels Town Hall, and the ornate Maison du Roi; morning is a good time to see the square before it becomes busiest. From there, continue roughly 300 meters to Manneken Pis, tucked just off Rue de l’Étuve. The statue itself takes only 15–20 minutes, and it is perfectly fine to keep moving if the small corner is crowded. Watch for pickpockets in the densest tourist areas, especially around the square.

Late Morning and Lunch

Return toward Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, entering from Rue du Marché aux Herbes. The glass-roofed arcades are free to walk through and are ideal for a leisurely 45-minute browse, with chocolate shops, jewelers, bookshops, and cafés along Galerie de la Reine and Galerie du Roi. For lunch, settle into Chez Léon in the Îlot Sacré, a few minutes away on foot. It is a tourist-facing institution, but its moules-frites are a fitting first Belgian meal; expect roughly €25–40 per person, and allow extra time if ordering mussels cooked to order.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, walk uphill for about ten minutes to St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral. Set aside 45 minutes to see the soaring Gothic nave, stained glass, and richly decorated chapels; entry to the main church is generally free, while special areas or concerts may require a fee. Check the cathedral’s official schedule before going, as access can be limited during services. You can then return downhill toward Îlot Sacré or Brussels-Central—about 10–15 minutes on foot—or pause at a café along Rue des Bouchers before dinner. Keep the rest of the evening unstructured: Brussels’s center is compact, and the illuminated Grand-Place is worth revisiting after dark.

Morning

Start at Mont des Arts, where the formal gardens open onto one of Brussels’s best city views. Allow about 45 minutes to look toward the lower town and Brussels Town Hall area, then walk uphill through the Royal Quarter to the Magritte Museum—roughly 10 minutes on foot. The museum usually opens at 10:00 AM; reserve a timed ticket if possible, with admission generally around €10–15. Give the surrealist collection about 90 minutes, and use the museum’s audio guide if you want more context on Magritte’s recurring bowler hats, clouds, and concealed faces.

Afternoon

Walk 10–15 minutes south to the Sablon Antiques Quarter, taking your time around Place du Grand Sablon and the nearby gallery-lined streets. Browse the antiques shops and chocolate boutiques rather than trying to cover every doorway; many independent shops close for lunch or keep shorter weekday hours, so the square itself is the reliable focus. From Sablon, continue downhill toward the Marolles, about 15 minutes, for the Place du Jeu de Balle Flea Market. It operates daily, generally from early morning until around 2:00 PM on weekdays, so aim to arrive by early afternoon at the latest. Expect everything from old posters and records to household bric-a-brac—cash and a little patience are useful, and ask before photographing stalls.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Return uphill to the Sablon for a relaxed stop at Maison Dandoy, where Belgian waffles and biscuits pair well with coffee or hot chocolate. Budget roughly €10–20 per person, depending on whether you choose a simple waffle or a more substantial order. Afterward, leave the evening open for a second stroll through the Sablon’s squares and side streets; the walk back toward central Brussels takes about 15–20 minutes, while Gare Centrale is also easily reached on foot or by bus if you prefer not to climb the hill again.

Morning

Take the planned morning train from Brussels-Central and allow roughly an hour before arriving at Bruges station. From there, it is about a 20-minute walk or a short local bus ride toward the center. Begin at Begijnhof, entering through the whitewashed gate into one of Bruges’s quietest corners; allow around 45 minutes to wander among the small houses and enclosed gardens. Keep voices low—the site remains a religious community—and note that opening hours can vary, though it is generally accessible during daylight. Continue north toward Minnewater Park, a pleasant 10-minute walk away, for an unhurried stroll beside the Lake of Love and the surrounding canals. This is a good place to pause with a coffee from a nearby takeaway rather than adding another formal stop.

Afternoon

Walk about 15 minutes through the southern edge of the old town to De Halve Maan Brewery, where the guided tour usually takes about 1½ hours and finishes with a beer tasting. Tours commonly run several times daily, but check the brewery’s current schedule and reserve ahead if possible; expect roughly €16–20, depending on the tour and tasting options. The brewery’s restaurant is convenient for lunch, although saving room for dinner is wise. Afterward, make your way into the center—about 15 minutes on foot—to Rozenhoedkaai for the canal boat tour. Boats typically operate throughout the daytime in summer, weather permitting, and the ride lasts around 40 minutes; budget approximately €15–20. Arrive a little before your preferred departure, as queues can build quickly in August and reservations are not always available.

Evening

For dinner, walk a few minutes from the canal landing to De Vlaamsche Pot, a cozy choice for traditional Flemish cooking such as carbonnade flamande, waterzooi, and Belgian fries. Plan on about €30–45 per person before drinks, and reserve a table if you want to eat at a conventional time. After dinner, take a slow walk through the quieter lanes around the central squares—the façades are especially atmospheric once the day-trippers have left—or return to Rozenhoedkaai for the evening lights. Belgium’s alcohol-service rules and individual opening hours can change, so check the restaurant and boat operator’s current information on the day.

Morning

Start early at Bruges Markt, ideally around 8:30 AM, when the square is still relatively calm and the horse carriages have not yet filled the edges. Since you saw the area yesterday, focus today on details you may have missed: the stepped guildhouse façades, pavement stones, and the lively produce and flower stalls if the Saturday market is operating. Allow about 45 minutes, then go straight into the Belfry of Bruges while the queue is shortest. The 366-step climb takes roughly 1–1½ hours including the narrow stairways and viewing level; tickets are about €15, and entry is capacity-controlled, so arriving early matters. The top rewards you with a close look at the carillon and broad views across the red roofs—there is no lift, and the staircase is steep.

Late Morning and Afternoon

Walk a few minutes south to Burg Square for the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The lower Romanesque chapel and ornate upper chapel usually take around 45 minutes; admission is generally free, though a small donation is welcome. Continue along Wollestraat and the Dijver canal to the Groeninge Museum, a compact but outstanding survey of Flemish art. Give it about 1½ hours for works by Jan van Eyck and later Belgian painters; check the museum’s current Tuesday–Sunday hours and allow roughly €15 for admission. From there, leave the busiest center behind and stroll east toward Boniface Bridge and the Sint-Anna Quarter, crossing quieter canals and lanes around Kantwerkstersplein and Sint-Annakerk. This is a good hour for unhurried wandering—Bruges feels much more residential here, with fewer tour groups and small lace workshops tucked among the houses.

Early Evening

Finish at That’s Toast in Sint-Anna, a relaxed choice for a late brunch or early dinner of creative toast dishes, usually around €15–25 per person. It is popular, so arriving outside the main lunch rush is wise; verify the day’s opening hours before setting out, as independent cafés sometimes vary their schedule. From Boniface Bridge, expect about a 15–20-minute walk, or use a local bus toward Sint-Anna if you would rather save your legs after the belfry climb. Keep the rest of the evening open for a gentle canal-side walk back toward your accommodation—this eastern side of Bruges is especially pleasant as the day-trippers begin to leave.

Morning

Take the planned train from Bruges around 8:30 AM and allow about 30 minutes for the ride to Gent-Sint-Pieters, followed by roughly 15–20 minutes on tram 1 or a taxi into the center. Start at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, ideally around 9:30 AM, before the main square becomes busy. Set aside 1½ hours for the cathedral and the celebrated Ghent Altarpiece; entry to the cathedral is generally free, while the altarpiece viewing area requires a ticket, usually around €12–16. Check the timed-entry arrangements online before leaving, as the viewing experience can sell out in high season.

Walk five minutes to the Belfry of Ghent at Korenmarkt. The lift makes the climb manageable, though the upper levels are reached by stairs, and the panoramic view is worth allowing about an hour. Standard admission is roughly €12–15, with reduced prices for younger visitors; arrive before midday if you want shorter queues. From the belfry, follow Sint-Michielsstraat and the waterfront lanes toward Gravensteen, a pleasant 10-minute walk through the heart of the old city.

Afternoon and Evening

Spend about 1½ hours inside Gravensteen, exploring the remarkably intact medieval rooms, fortifications, and slightly theatrical city-history exhibits. Afterward, slow the pace in Patershol, the former artisans’ quarter just behind the castle. Its narrow cobbled lanes are ideal for an unplanned wander—look around Kraanlei and Geldmunt, where old façades and small restaurants make the neighborhood feel more residential than the main squares. For a late lunch or early dinner, settle at Du Progres on Korenmarkt, about a 10-minute walk away; expect approximately €25–40 per person for Belgian brasserie dishes, and reserve if dining at the conventional evening hour. The central tram stops are nearby for returning to Gent-Sint-Pieters later, but keep the evening open for a relaxed walk along the lit historic streets.

Morning

Begin at STAM Ghent City Museum in Bijloke, arriving around 10:00 AM. From the historic center, walk about 15 minutes west along Blandijnberg and Jozef Kluyskensstraat, or take tram 1 toward Flanders Expo and get off near Bijlokehof. The museum usually opens at 10:00 AM; allow about 1½ hours for its maps, models, and large-scale displays explaining how Ghent grew from a medieval port into a modern city. Admission is generally around €12–15, with reduced fares available, but check the museum’s official site for 2026 pricing and any temporary closures. For a light coffee or pastry beforehand, Café Parti near the museum is convenient, though the museum café is also useful for a short pause.

Afternoon

Walk or cycle south toward Citadelpark, roughly 20 minutes via Bijlokekaai and Coupure Links. Spend about an hour wandering its tree-lined paths, ponds, and quiet corners around the former citadel grounds; it is a good reset after the museum and feels much less urban than the central quays. Continue directly to the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent, on the park’s eastern side, for around two hours. It generally opens at 10:00 AM and admission is commonly about €15, with timed-entry or exhibition supplements possible. The collection ranges from Flemish masters to Belgian and European art, so avoid trying to see every room—choose a few galleries and leave time for the sculpture garden. A practical lunch option nearby is De Kastart, known for inexpensive Ghent-style pasta, or STAM Café if you prefer not to detour.

Late Afternoon and Evening

From the museum, walk about 20 minutes north through the Arts Quarter to Vooruit Arts Centre. Spend 45 minutes seeing this striking former socialist cultural palace and settling into its café, whose broad terrace and lively student atmosphere make it one of the best places in Ghent for an unhurried drink. Check the day’s event schedule before visiting; exhibitions and public areas can vary when performances are being set up. Later, take tram 1 from Gent Zuid toward Flanders Expo, changing or walking as needed for Dok Noord—allow roughly 20–25 minutes. Finish at Dok Brewing Company, a relaxed brewery in a regenerated industrial setting. Flights and individual beers typically make €15–25 per person, and the kitchen or nearby food stalls are useful for a casual dinner; arrive around 6:00 PM for the easiest seating, as the taproom becomes busier later.

Morning

Take the planned morning train from Gent-Sint-Pieters and expect to reach Antwerpen-Centraal shortly after 9:30 AM. Allow about 30 minutes for the station itself: its vast domed hall, marble details, iron-and-glass roof, and multiple levels make it one of Antwerp’s standout landmarks. Before leaving, check the train hall for the quieter upper-level views over the platforms. The station sits directly in the Central Station Quarter, so there is no need for local transport to begin the day.

Walk south for roughly 15 minutes along Pelikaanstraat and De Keyserlei, then turn toward the Theater Quarter and Rubenshuis. The house and studio are currently subject to changing restoration and exhibition arrangements, so confirm the day’s access and opening hours before setting out; when fully open, plan about 1½ hours. Even when some rooms are unavailable, the site’s connection to Peter Paul Rubens and the surrounding streets around Wapper make this a worthwhile stop. Admission is generally in the mid-teens, with reduced prices available, and timed entry may apply.

Afternoon

From Rubenshuis, walk about 15 minutes west through the Wilde Zee shopping lanes toward the Plantin-Moretus Museum. Set aside around 1½ hours for its atmospheric courtyards, historic presses, type cases, and the beautifully preserved rooms of the Plantin and Moretus publishing family. It is usually open Tuesday through Sunday, commonly from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with admission often around €12–15; check the official schedule because occasional restoration work can affect access. Afterward, wander without rushing through the nearby Vrijdagmarkt and small streets of the old center before continuing to Grote Markt, a 10-minute walk away. Spend about 45 minutes admiring the guildhalls, Antwerp City Hall, and the Brabo Fountain—late afternoon light is especially good on the façades.

Evening

Finish with an easy meal at Frites Atelier Antwerp on Korte Gasthuisstraat, a short walk from Grote Markt. Expect roughly €10–20 per person for fries with a more polished selection of sauces and toppings; it is casual enough for a quick dinner, though seating can be limited at busy times. Afterwards, take a slow walk along Suikerrui toward the river for a different view of the historic center, or simply remain around the square as the daytime crowds thin. Keep a little flexibility in the schedule: Antwerp’s old center is compact, and the best moments often come from pausing in a side street rather than adding another attraction.

Morning

Start in Eilandje, Antwerp’s former docklands district, with MAS | Museum aan de Stroom. Aim to arrive around 10:00 AM; the museum is generally open Tuesday–Sunday, though exact hours and exhibitions should be checked before you go. Set aside about two hours: the permanent galleries explain Antwerp’s connections to trade, migration, and the wider world, while the free rooftop boulevard is the real morning highlight, with broad views over the harbor and city. Admission is typically around €10–15, and you can reach the area from Antwerpen-Centraal by tram or bus in roughly 15–20 minutes, or walk in about half an hour.

Walk a few minutes north along the docks to the Red Star Line Museum, usually open Tuesday–Sunday from late morning into the afternoon. Allow 90 minutes for its moving account of the millions of Europeans who departed Antwerp for North America, following the original shipping company’s route through the port. Tickets are generally about €8–10. Afterward, stroll south through the quieter warehouse streets of Eilandje toward the river; this is a good place for a light lunch at a dockside café rather than committing to a long restaurant meal.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue to Het Steen, about 20 minutes on foot along the Scheldt or a short tram ride. Spend around 45 minutes exploring the medieval riverside fortress and its surroundings, then pause on the promenade for one of Antwerp’s best open views across the water. From here, take tram 1 or 24, or use a taxi, toward M HKA in South Antwerp; allow roughly 20–25 minutes. The museum, housed in a converted grain silo, is a good counterpoint to the morning’s historical collections. Plan for about 90 minutes, with admission commonly around €10–15; opening hours can vary by exhibition, so verify them before setting out.

For dinner, continue into Zuid for The Jane, the former military hospital chapel transformed into one of Antwerp’s most theatrical dining rooms. Reserve well ahead—the tasting menu is a long, formal evening and commonly costs about €150–250 per person before drinks. Arrive early to appreciate the architecture and allow several hours for dinner. If you prefer a relaxed finish afterward, walk through the surrounding Leopold de Waelplaats rather than adding another attraction; the neighborhood is particularly atmospheric once the galleries and cafés begin winding down.

Morning

Take the planned SNCB/NMBS train from Antwerpen-Centraal around 8:30 AM, allowing roughly an hour to reach Leuven. From Leuven station, walk about 12 minutes through the pedestrian center to Leuven Town Hall on Grote Markt. Spend around 30 minutes studying its extravagant Gothic façade, especially the carved figures and narrow vertical detailing. Step directly across the square into Saint Peter’s Church, where 45 minutes is enough to appreciate the Brabantine Gothic interior and the church’s art treasures; check the day’s opening arrangements, as services can occasionally limit access.

For lunch, stay central around Muntstraat, Leuven’s atmospheric restaurant lane, then walk five minutes to M Leuven on Vanderkelenstraat. Allow about 1½ hours for its blend of medieval, modern, and contemporary art. The museum generally opens from late morning or 11:00 AM, with admission commonly around €12–15; confirm the current exhibition hours and ticket price before leaving Antwerp, since temporary installations can change the schedule.

Afternoon and Evening

After M Leuven, walk south for roughly 20 minutes toward the Leuven Great Beguinage, passing through quieter residential streets and along the Dijle. Set aside an hour to wander the cobbled lanes, small bridges, brick houses, and enclosed courtyards of this UNESCO-listed former beguinage. It is a living neighborhood rather than a conventional museum, so keep voices low and avoid treating private doorways as photo stops. Return toward the center in about 15 minutes, either along the river or via Naamsestraat, and finish at Oude Markt. Choose a terrace for a Belgian beer, coffee, or an easy dinner; €15–25 per person is realistic for a casual meal, though prices rise on the busiest terraces. The square is lively into the evening because of Leuven’s student population, but the atmosphere is friendlier and less crowded before dinner.

Morning

Take the planned SNCB/NMBS train from Leuven to Brussels-Central around 9:00 AM; the ride is about 25 minutes. If you have luggage, use the station lockers at Brussels-Central or arrange hotel drop-off before continuing. From the station, take Metro line 1 toward Gare de l’Ouest and change at Beekkant for line 6 toward Roi Baudouin, getting off at Heysel. Allow roughly 35–45 minutes door to door. Start at the Atomium, arriving around 10:30 AM, and set aside about two hours for the interiors, exhibitions, escalators, and panoramic top sphere. Timed tickets are advisable in summer; admission is generally around €16–18 for adults, with the final entry time and opening hours best checked online.

Afternoon Exploring

After the Atomium, walk a few minutes across the Heysel complex to Mini-Europe. The outdoor route takes about 90 minutes and is especially enjoyable in good weather, with miniature landmarks, moving trains, and seasonal demonstrations; budget approximately €20–25. Have a quick snack or drink inside the attraction rather than losing time searching for a full restaurant, then walk or take a short bus ride toward Parc de Laeken. Spend about an hour on the quieter paths and lawns around the royal district. This is a good final breather after two major attractions—look for views toward the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, though the greenhouses themselves are only open during their limited annual spring period.

Evening

Return by Metro line 6 from Heysel toward central Brussels and get off at Sainte-Catherine; allow around 30 minutes. Finish at Noordzee Mer du Nord, a famously informal fish counter on Rue Sainte-Catherine, where you can order prawns, calamari, croquettes, or a portion of fresh fish to eat standing outside. Expect roughly €15–25 per person. It is busiest around dinner, and service is casual rather than leisurely, so arrive before 7:00 PM if you want a shorter wait; check the day’s closing time, as it can vary.