Exploring the Best of Belgium: Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp
Monday, October 23: Arrival in Brussels
Welcome to Brussels! Start your journey by exploring the historic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the guildhalls and the Brussels Town Hall. In the afternoon, visit the famous Manneken Pis, a small bronze sculpture depicting a little boy urinating. Explore the charming streets of the Marolles district, known for its antique shops. Enjoy a delicious dinner of traditional Belgian cuisine, such as moules-frites (mussels and fries) and end your day with a tasting of the famous Belgian chocolates.
Grand Place: Free, 1-2 hours
Manneken Pis: Free, 30 minutes
Marolles district: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Le Pain Quotidien, a cozy bakery and cafe that serves delicious pastries, breads, and organic dishes. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, try Belga Queen, a trendy brasserie offering a fusion of Belgian and international cuisine. Enjoy their famous steak tartare or their seafood specialties. Average cost for a meal is about €25 per person.
For dinner, visit Chez Leon, a legendary establishment known for its traditional Belgian dishes, especially their mussels cooked in various flavors. Average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Discovering Bruges and Ghent
Leave Brussels in the morning and take a train to the fairytale-like city of Bruges. Explore the well-preserved medieval city center, taking in the picturesque canals and charming cobblestone streets. Visit the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the famous Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. Indulge in some Belgian waffles and visit the Choco-Story museum to learn about the art of chocolate making. In the afternoon, travel to the vibrant city of Ghent, known for its medieval architecture and lively atmosphere. Visit the stunning Saint Bavo's Cathedral and take a boat ride along the canals. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, tasting Ghent's specialty, waterzooi.
Bruges city center: Free, 2-3 hours
Church of Our Lady: €6, 1 hour
Choco-Story museum: €9, 1 hour
Ghent city center: Free, 2-3 hours
Saint Bavo's Cathedral: Free, 30 minutes
Boat ride: €8, 1 hour
Restaurants
Mary's Breakfast Place: A cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfast options, such as fluffy Belgian waffles and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
Lunch Spot: A charming restaurant offering a variety of traditional Belgian dishes, including Flemish beef stew and moules-frites (mussels with fries). Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
Gourmet Dinner: Experience fine dining at La Belle Epoque, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a fusion of Belgian and French cuisine. Enjoy an exquisite tasting menu featuring dishes like pan-seared scallops and braised veal. Average cost for a meal is about €50 per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Exploring Antwerp and Departure
On your last day, take a train to the trendy city of Antwerp. Start your day by visiting the impressive Antwerp Central Station, known as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Explore the charming streets of the historic city center and visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, home to several fascinating artworks, including works by Rubens. Discover the fashion district and the fashion museum, MoMu, to learn about Belgium's influence on the fashion industry. Enjoy some shopping along the Meir, Antwerp's main shopping street. End your trip with a delicious Belgian beer tasting at a local brewery before heading to the airport for your departure.
Antwerp Central Station: Free, 30 minutes
Cathedral of Our Lady: €6, 1-2 hours
Fashion district: Free, 1-2 hours
MoMu: €10, 1 hour
Shopping on Meir: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Belgian beer tasting: €15, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at De Broodsmid, a cozy café known for its freshly baked bread and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For a tasty and quick lunch, check out Balls & Glory, a popular spot for their gourmet meatballs. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Het Pomphuis, a unique restaurant located in a historic pump house serving high-quality seafood and Belgian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about €40 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Atomium in Brussels, an iconic structure representing an iron crystal that offers panoramic views of the city. In Bruges, explore the Beguinage, a tranquil and picturesque collection of historic white houses and gardens. Ghent is known for its street art scene, so keep an eye out for colorful murals while wandering the city. Finally, in Antwerp, visit the vibrant neighborhood of Zurenborg, known for its beautiful Belle Époque architecture and artistic atmosphere.