Start your Belgian adventure in the captivating capital city of Brussels. Begin your morning with a visit to the iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking architecture. Take a leisurely stroll in the stunning Parc de Bruxelles, located near the Royal Palace.
Grand Place: €0 (free admission), 1-2 hours
Parc de Bruxelles: €0 (free admission), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien. This charming bakery offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and breads. A typical breakfast costs around €10 per person.
For lunch, head to Chez Leon, a renowned restaurant specializing in traditional Belgian cuisine. Indulge in a plate of moules-frites (mussels and fries) or try their famous Belgian waffles. Expect to spend around €15-€20 per person for lunch.
In the evening, enjoy a romantic dinner at Comme Chez Soi. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers an exquisite fine dining experience with a menu influenced by French and Belgian flavors. A dinner at Comme Chez Soi can cost up to €100 or more per person.
Afternoon: Ghent's Medieval Beauty
Head to the enchanting city of Ghent, located just a short train ride away from Brussels. Discover the medieval charm of Ghent by wandering through its narrow cobbled streets and visiting historic landmarks such as the awe-inspiring Saint Bavo's Cathedral and the picturesque Gravensteen Castle.
Saint Bavo's Cathedral: €5 (entrance fee), 1-2 hours
Gravensteen Castle: €10 (entrance fee), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Café Labath: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Labath, known for its cozy atmosphere and wide selection of pastries, bread, and coffee. With an average cost of about €10 per person, you can enjoy a satisfying and affordable meal.
De Superette: For a tasty and filling lunch, head to De Superette, a charming bakery and restaurant that offers a variety of freshly baked bread, sandwiches, salads, and soups. The average cost for a meal here is around €15 per person.
De Graslei: Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at De Graslei, a waterfront restaurant with a stunning view of the medieval buildings along the river. Indulge in their gourmet menu featuring local specialties like Flemish beef stew and seafood. The average cost for a meal at De Graslei is approximately €30 per person.
Evening: Scenic Bruges
End your day in the fairy-tale city of Bruges, famous for its romantic canals and well-preserved medieval architecture. Take a relaxing boat tour along the picturesque canals, and indulge in some delectable Belgian chocolate at one of the charming local chocolate shops.
Boat Tour: €10-€12, 1 hour
Chocolate Shopping: €10-€20 (depending on purchases), 1 hour
Friday November 24, 2023
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Vlissinghe. This cozy café offers a variety of morning favorites, such as freshly baked croissants and hearty omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 12 euros per person.
For lunch, head to De Stove. This charming restaurant serves traditional Belgian dishes with a twist, using locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 18 euros per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at De Karmeliet, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and elegant ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 80 euros per person.
Morning: Antwerp's Artistic Treasures
Start your second day by visiting the vibrant city of Antwerp, known for its thriving art scene. Explore the impressive Antwerp Cathedral, home to masterpieces by renowned painters like Peter Paul Rubens. Wander through the trendy Het Zuid district, filled with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
Antwerp Cathedral: €6 (entrance fee), 1-2 hours
Het Zuid: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Pancake House, a charming restaurant known for its fluffy pancakes and variety of toppings. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try Bistro du Terroir, a cozy eatery that offers a menu featuring traditional Belgian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, enjoy a fine dining experience at The Antwerp Grill, a steakhouse known for its perfectly cooked steaks and elegant atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $50 per person.
Afternoon: Brussels' Charming Neighborhoods
Return to Brussels and spend your afternoon exploring its diverse neighborhoods. Visit the trendy Dansaert district, known for its fashion boutiques and hip cafes. For some cultural immersion, head to the historic Marolles district and browse through the bustling antique markets.
Dansaert: Free, 2-3 hours
Marolles: Free, 2-3 hours
Evening: Brussels by Night
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Brussels by exploring the lively Saint-Géry Square. Enjoy a variety of bars and clubs, or treat yourself to a traditional Belgian dinner at one of the local restaurants. Don't miss the chance to sample a wide range of Belgian beers.
Saint-Géry Square: Free, time varies
Dinner: €20-€30 (average cost), 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, known for its freshly baked bread and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, visit Chez Léon, a classic Belgian restaurant that offers a variety of traditional dishes such as moules-frites. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Comme Chez Soi, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving exquisite French-Belgian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $100 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For hidden gems and local favorites, venture off the beaten path and explore the charming city of Leuven. This university town offers a vibrant atmosphere, historic architecture, and delightful beer cafés. Don't miss the chance to visit the beautifully preserved Leuven Town Hall and indulge in a local beer tasting at one of the traditional breweries.
Prices and time spent are estimated and subject to change. For the best deals on hotels and flights, check out KAYAK.