Welcome to Brussels! Start your trip with a stroll through the Grand Place, the city's iconic central square surrounded by historical buildings. Next, visit the Manneken Pis, a small statue of a peeing boy known for its many costumes. Finish the day with classic Belgian cuisine at a local restaurant.
This fairy-tale city is a UNESCO world heritage site renowned for its picturesque canals, cobbled streets, and medieval architecture. Take a boat tour to soak in the city's charm, and sip on a pint of local beer at a canal-side café. Don't miss the Belfry of Bruges, a historic bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city.
Ghent is a vibrant city with a rich history and a lively art scene. On day 3, visit the Gravensteen Castle, a medieval fortress with a moat and torture chamber. Explore the picturesque medieval quarter of Patershol, and try the city's famous local dish: Waterzooi, a creamy stew. On day 4, visit the Saint Bavo Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent altarpiece, and the Ghent Museum of Fine Arts, showcasing a vast collection of artworks ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
The diamond capital of the world, Antwerp's top attraction is the Diamond District, a scenic neighborhood lined with jewelry shops. Visit the Museum Aan de Stroom, which documents the city's history, and climb the Cathedral of Our Lady's bell tower for expansive views of the skyline. Take a stroll along the scenic riverside promenade, and indulge in its famous local dish: Flemish beef stew.
If you're interested in WWI history, Ypres is a must-visit. Begin at the In Flanders Fields Museum, which illuminates the local history of the war. Visit The Cloth Hall, a restored medieval building now home to the museum. Take a tour of the Ypres Salient Battlefield and Cemetery Tour, where you can see the trenches and learn about the events that took place.
Liege is home to unique cultural landmarks and excellent museums. Start with the famous 12th-century fortress on the hill, Citadelle of Liege, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top. Visit the renowned Grand Curtius Museum, featuring more than 7,000 exhibits on archaeology, art, and glasswork. Don't miss out on its local dishes, including Boulets Liegeois and Cramique, and indulge in a glass of the famous Belgian beer.
Located on the River Meuse, this city is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Journey through the river on a boat tour of the city and enjoy the breathtaking views of la Citadelle de Dinant. Visit the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, known for its incavations and saxophone sculptures, and stroll along the Charles de Gaulle bridge to see the saxophone museum. Don't forget to taste Dinant's famous cake-candy Couques de Dinant while you are there.
The capital of Wallonia is a charming city known for its citadel and historical landmarks. Visit the Citadelle of Namur, which served as a fortress for more than 2,000 years. Walk along the Maas, the main river of Wallonia, or view the city atop the Saint-Aubin's Cathedral bell tower, a historic and unique attraction. End the trip by resting at a local restaurant and trying the Boulets sauce lapin while sipping a beer.
Belgium has an excellent transportation system that includes trains, buses, and trams. You can purchase a ticket at the station or on the train/bus (with additional charges). A single ticket costs around €4, but it is less expensive if you buy a day ticket, around €7-8. Taxis are also convenient for short journeys, but it is recommended to use public transport for longer journeys to save money.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Walibi Belgium theme park or De Haan Beach. For a shorter trip, consider removing Ypres and Dinant or plan for a shorter stay in Brussels. Avoid restaurants located in tourist areas to lower costs, and try the local beer at local bars rather than at tourist hotspots.
Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main airport in Belgium, located in the Zaventem area, 12 km northeast of Brussels. It's connected to the city through trains, buses, and taxis. Charleroi Airport (CRL) is another option located 46 km south of Brussels but usually with budget-friendly airlines. Taxis and buses are available at the airport, which takes around 90 minutes to reach Brussels.