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Exploring Brussels by Rail - 5-Day Itinerary

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Day 1: Historic Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Grand Place

Start your day at the iconic Grand Place, surrounded by stunning architecture and bustling cafes.
Walk from your accommodation or take a short tram ride to Grand Place.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Atomium

Visit the Atomium, a unique building representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
Take a metro from Grand Place to Atomium (25 mins).
€15, 2 hours

2:00PM

Royal Palace of Brussels

Explore the Royal Palace and its beautiful surroundings, soaking in the regal atmosphere.
Walk or take a short bus ride from Atomium to the Royal Palace.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Magritte Museum

Discover the surrealist art of René Magritte at the Magritte Museum.
Take a tram or walk from the Royal Palace to the museum.
€10, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Chez Léon

Indulge in a traditional Belgian meal at Chez Léon, known for its delicious mussels and fries.
Walk from the museum to the restaurant.
€25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Brussels

Day 2: Art and History in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

9:00AM

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Spend the morning exploring the impressive art collections at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.
Walk or take a short tram ride from your accommodation to the museums.
€15, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Amadeo

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Amadeo, known for its Belgian waffles and chocolate treats.
Walk from the museums to the restaurant.
€20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Relax in Parc du Cinquantenaire, a beautiful park with historical monuments and green spaces.
Take a short tram ride or walk to the park.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Chocolate Workshop at Zaabär

Immerse yourself in Belgian chocolate making with a workshop at Zaabär.
Take a tram to the chocolate workshop location.
€30, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Belga Queen

Experience a culinary delight at Belga Queen, known for its innovative Belgian cuisine.
Walk or take a short tram ride to the restaurant.
€50, 2 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Ghent

Ghent, Belgium

8:00AM

Train to Ghent

Take a morning train to Ghent, known for its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
Board a train from Brussels to Ghent (1 hour journey).
€10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Gravensteen Castle

Explore the historic Gravensteen Castle, offering panoramic views of the city.
Take a short walk from the train station to the castle.
€12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Het Moment

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Het Moment, a charming restaurant with Belgian specialties.
Walk from the castle to the restaurant.
€25, 1 hour

2:30PM

St. Bavo's Cathedral

Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral to admire its stunning architecture and renowned artwork.
Walk to the cathedral from the restaurant.
€8, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Canal Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing canal cruise to see Ghent's picturesque waterfront and historic buildings.
Walk to the canal cruise departure point.
€15, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Return to Brussels

Take an evening train back to Brussels, reflecting on the day's explorations in Ghent.
Board a train from Ghent to Brussels (1 hour journey).
€10, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Ghent

Day 4: Discovering Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

9:00AM

Train to Bruges

Embark on a morning train journey to the picturesque city of Bruges, famous for its medieval architecture and canals.
Take a train from Brussels to Bruges (1 hour journey).
€15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Belfry of Bruges

Climb the Belfry of Bruges for panoramic views of the city and its charming surroundings.
Walk from the train station to the Belfry.
€12, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at De Halve Maan

Enjoy a traditional Belgian lunch at De Halve Maan, a brewery with a cosy atmosphere.
Walk from the Belfry to the brewery.
€20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Boat Tour of Canals

Experience the beauty of Bruges from the water with a scenic boat tour along its canals.
Walk to the boat tour starting point.
€10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Choco-Story Museum

Delve into the world of chocolate at the Choco-Story Museum, learning about the history and making of this sweet treat.
Walk to the museum for a sweet experience.
€9, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Brussels

Take an evening train back to Brussels, reminiscing about the enchanting day in Bruges.
Board a train from Bruges to Brussels (1 hour journey).
€15, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Bruges

Day 5: Antwerp Exploration

Antwerp, Belgium

8:00AM

Train to Antwerp

Begin your day with a train journey to Antwerp, a vibrant city known for its fashion and diamonds.
Take a train from Brussels to Antwerp (1 hour journey).
€12, 1 hour

10:00AM

Antwerp Central Station

Admire the stunning architecture of Antwerp Central Station, often referred to as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.
Walk from the train station to explore the station's beauty.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Frites Atelier Antwerpen

Savour delicious Belgian fries at Frites Atelier Antwerpen, a gourmet spot for this classic dish.
Walk to the restaurant for a tasty lunch.
€10, 1 hour

1:30PM

MAS Museum

Explore the MAS Museum, which showcases Antwerp's rich history and culture through its diverse collections.
Walk or take a short tram ride to the museum.
€8, 2 hours

4:00PM

Diamond District

Stroll through Antwerp's Diamond District, a hub of diamond trading and craftsmanship in the city.
Walk to the Diamond District to admire the jewellery craftsmanship.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Het Elfde Gebod

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Het Elfde Gebod, a unique restaurant filled with religious artefacts and a warm atmosphere.
Walk to the restaurant for a memorable dining experience.
€30, 2 hours

8:30PM

Return to Brussels

Conclude your day with a train journey back to Brussels, reflecting on the diverse experiences in Antwerp.
Board a train from Antwerp to Brussels (1 hour journey).
€12, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Antwerp
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More About Brussels

Trip Packing List: Brussels (late February 2026)
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