Ultimate 3-Day Brussels Itinerary: Explore the Heart of Belgium

Day 1: Historic Discoveries

Brussels, Belgium

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Metropole

Start your day with a lavish breakfast at Café Metropole, a charming venue known for its rich pastries and strong coffee.
Walking distance from your hotel in the city center.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Grand Place

Explore the stunning Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by opulent guildhalls and the Town Hall.
A short 10-minute walk from Café Metropole.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Manneken Pis Statue

Don’t miss the famous Manneken Pis statue, just a stone’s throw away, embodying Brussels' quirky charm.
5-minute walk from Grand Place.
Free, 30 minutes

12:45PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Indulge in a delicious plate of mussels and fries at Chez Léon, renowned for its delectable seafood.
Located a 10-minute walk from Manneken Pis.
EUR25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Atomium Museum

After lunch, visit the Atomium, an architectural marvel that offers breathtaking views of the city.
Take Metro line 6 from Gare de Bruxelles to Heysel (30 minutes).
EUR16, 2 hours

4:30PM

Royal Palace of Brussels

Stroll through the Royal Park and admire the Royal Palace’s grand facade.
Metro back to Parc station (30 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Le Pain Quotidien

Savor a delightful organic meal at Le Pain Quotidien, known for its wholesome dishes made with local ingredients.
A 15-minute walk from Royal Palace.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll through Sablon

Wind down with a leisurely stroll through the Sablon district, famous for its antique shops and chocolate stores.
10-minute walk from Le Pain Quotidien.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Enchanting Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Olive Tree

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at The Olive Tree, famed for its fresh pastries and breakfast bowls.
Train from Brussels to Bruges, around 1 hour.
EUR20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Belfry of Bruges

Climb the Belfry for stunning views of Bruges' medieval skyline.
Walking distance from the café (10 minutes).
EUR12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Canals of Bruges

Enjoy a scenic canal boat tour to soak in the breathtaking scenery from the water.
Board the boat ride near the main square (5 minutes).
EUR10, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at De Halve Maan Brewery

Savor local beer and a light meal at De Halve Maan, famous for its unique beers and delicious Belgian fare.
Short walk from the canal tour ending point (10 minutes).
EUR25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Market Square

Explore the vibrant Market Square with its beautiful buildings and lively atmosphere.
5-minute walk from De Halve Maan.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Musea Brugge

Discover art and history at Musea Brugge, comprising multiple museums spread throughout the city.
Head to the closest museum by walking (10 minutes).
EUR12, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Chocolate Tasting at ChocolaTerra

Experience the sweet side of Bruges with a chocolate tasting session at the renowned ChocolaTerra.
Walking distance from Musea Brugge (10 minutes).
EUR15, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Bistro Refter

End your Bruges day with a cozy dinner at Bistro Refter, offering seasonal Belgian dishes.
Just a short walk from ChocolaTerra (10 minutes).
EUR30, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Evening Stroll through the Historic Centre

Take an evening stroll through Bruges' beautifully lit canals and cobblestone streets.
Explore on foot near the bistro.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Ghent

Ghent, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pain de Sucre

Begin your day in Ghent with fresh pastries and coffee at Pain de Sucre, a renowned bakery.
Train from Bruges to Ghent, just 30 minutes.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Gravensteen Castle

Explore the medieval Gravensteen Castle, where you'll step back in time and learn about the history of Ghent.
Walking distance from the bakery (15 minutes).
EUR12, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

St. Bavo's Cathedral

Visit the stunning St. Bavo's Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece.
Take a short walk (20 minutes) through the city center.
EUR4, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Café Discreet

Enjoy a light lunch at Café Discreet, offering a cozy atmosphere and local dishes near the cathedral.
5-minute walk from the cathedral.
EUR20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Museum of Fine Arts

Explore the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses a diverse collection of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Take tram 1 or 4 from the cathedral (15 minutes).
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Post Plaza

Walk over to the Post Plaza, a charming square perfect for a coffee break and watching the world go by.
Tram back to the city center (15 minutes).
EUR5, 1 hour

4:30PM

Dinner at De Graslei

Enjoy your final dinner at De Graslei, a picturesque restaurant along the canal, serving fresh seafood and Flemish cuisine.
Short walk from Post Plaza (10 minutes).
EUR35, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Evening Walk along the Gravensteen

Conclude your adventure with an evening walk along the mighty Gravensteen and enjoy the beautiful views.
A short 5-minute stroll.
Free, 1 hour
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