Start off your trip with an exploration of the Belgian capital. Visit the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a hub of Brussels’ social and cultural activity. Marvel at the Manneken Pis, a landmark bronze sculpture depicting a little boy peeing, which embodies the city's sense of humour. Take a tour of the Atomium, a unique feat of engineering with nine interconnected spheres that offer panoramic views of the city.
Antwerp is renowned for its lively cultural scene and stunning architecture. Admire the baroque style of the St. Charles Borromeo Church. Visit the Rubenshuis, the former home and studio of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Our Lady, an impressive Gothic church with stunning stained glass windows, which took 169 years to construct.
Ghent is a city of art, history, and culture. Admire the gothic architecture of the St Bavo’s Cathedral, which houses the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece, a 15th-century masterpiece. Take a stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei, picturesque quays that used to be the commercial centre of the city. Explore the Gravensteen Castle, a medieval fortress that houses a torture museum.
Bruges is a charming medieval city known for its canals, cobbled streets, and beautiful architecture. Take a walk around the Minnewater Park, enjoying the swans and the peaceful atmosphere. Don’t miss the stunning view from the Belfry Tower, the most famous tower in Bruges, dating back to 1240. Discover the fascinating collections of the Groeningemuseum, an art museum spanning from the Renaissance to contemporary art.
In Leuven, you’ll be surrounded by stunning gothic architecture and a vibrant student atmosphere. Visit the St. Peter's Church, a magnificent Gothic church with a 170-foot high nave. Explore the Groot Begijnhof, one of the largest beguinages in Flanders, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relax in the Keizersberg Abbey, a serene Benedictine abbey that offers panoramic views of the city.
Visit Waterloo, a small city in Wallonia, where Napoleon was defeated in 1815. Explore the Butte du Lion, a 141-foot monumental lion statue on a hill, which commemorates the battle. Take a tour of the Waterloo Battlefield, which has been preserved in its historical form and offers an immersive experience of the battle. Don’t miss the Wellington Museum, which showcases the lives and experiences of soldiers during the Napoleonic era.
Belgium has an extensive public transportation network, consisting of buses, trams, and trains. A day ticket for De Lijn, the bus and tram company, costs €7.5 and can be used for multiple rides. A train journey from Brussels to Antwerp costs around €8, and from Antwerp to Ghent costs around €11. Trains run every half hour, making it easy and convenient for travellers to explore the country. Taxis are also widely available, but they can be expensive.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the charming city of Mechelen, where you can explore the Mechelen Beguinage, the Toy Museum and the gorgeous St. Rumbold's Cathedral. If you have less time, you may want to skip Leuven and allocate more time to other destinations. Remember to try the famous Belgian waffles, fries, and beers!
Belgium has two major airports - Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). Brussels Airport is the largest and most important airport, located 7 miles northeast of Brussels city centre, with a travel time of 30 minutes. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is located 30 miles south of Brussels city centre, with a travel time of 40 minutes. The airports are well-connected to the city centres by public transportation.