Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 55 travelers

Exploring Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent

Monday, September 18: Brussels

Start your trip in the heart of Belgium, Brussels. In the morning, visit the iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings. Don't miss the opportunity to try some mouthwatering Belgian chocolates at one of the many chocolatiers in the area. For lunch, head to a local brasserie and indulge in some delicious Belgian cuisine, such as moules-frites (mussels and fries) or carbonnade flamande (beef stewed in beer).

  • Grand Place: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Chocolatiers in Brussels: €10-€20 for a box of chocolates, 30 minutes
  • Local Brasserie: €15-€25 per person, 1-2 hours

In the afternoon, take a stroll through the charming streets of the Marolles neighborhood and explore the famous flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle. For history buffs, a visit to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a must, where you can admire works by renowned artists like Bruegel and Magritte. In the evening, head to Delirium Café, known for its extensive beer menu boasting over 2,000 different varieties.

  • Marolles neighborhood: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Place du Jeu de Balle flea market: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: €8-€15, 2-3 hours
  • Delirium Café: €5-€10 per beer, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, September 19: Bruges

On day two, make your way to the enchanting city of Bruges. In the morning, take a leisurely boat ride along the picturesque canals and admire the charming medieval architecture. Don't forget to sample some of the famous Belgian waffles from a local street vendor. For a unique experience, visit the Frietmuseum, a museum dedicated to the history of fries, and learn about the origins of this beloved Belgian snack.

  • Canal boat ride: €8-€12, 1 hour
  • Belgian waffles: €2-€5, 30 minutes
  • Frietmuseum: €7-€10, 1-2 hours

In the afternoon, explore the historic center of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the iconic medieval bell tower, Belfry of Bruges, for panoramic views of the city. Take a stroll through the charming streets and visit the Church of Our Lady, home to Michelangelo's Madonna and Child sculpture. For chocolate lovers, a visit to the Choco-Story Museum is a must, where you can learn about the history and production of chocolate.

  • Belfry of Bruges: €10-€12, 1-2 hours
  • Church of Our Lady: €6-€8, 1-2 hours
  • Choco-Story Museum: €8-€12, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, September 20: Ghent

On the final day, head to the vibrant city of Ghent. In the morning, visit the iconic Saint Bavo's Cathedral and marvel at the famous altarpiece, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, painted by the Van Eyck brothers. Take a boat tour on the River Leie and enjoy the picturesque views of the city's medieval buildings and bridges.

  • Saint Bavo's Cathedral: €6-€8, 1-2 hours
  • River Leie boat tour: €7-€10, 1 hour

In the afternoon, explore the lively Patershol neighborhood, known for its charming alleyways and cozy restaurants. Indulge in some traditional Flemish cuisine, such as waterzooi (a creamy chicken or fish stew) or stoofvlees (beer-braised beef). Don't miss the opportunity to try a glass of jenever, a traditional Belgian gin, at a local distillery. In the evening, take a walk along the illuminated Graslei and Korenlei, two picturesque quays lined with stunning historic buildings.

  • Patershol neighborhood: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Local restaurant: €20-€30 per person, 1-2 hours
  • Jenever tasting: €5-€10 per glass, 30 minutes
  • Graslei and Korenlei: Free, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For those looking to venture off the beaten path, consider visiting the Atomium in Brussels, an iconic structure representing an iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times. Another hidden gem is the Beguinage in Bruges, a serene and picturesque courtyard housing a community of Benedictine nuns. In Ghent, the graffiti street Werregarenstraat is a must-visit for street art enthusiasts, featuring colorful and ever-changing murals.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version