5-Day Cultural Immersion Itinerary in Belgium | Explore History, Art, and Cuisine

Day 1: Brussels Exploration

Brussels, Belgium on August 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café des Spores

Start your day with a delicious mushroom omelet and freshly brewed coffee at a charming café in the heart of Brussels.
Walk to the iconic Grand Place, which is only a 10-minute stroll away.
EUR 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Atomium

Explore this striking building and museum that represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
Take the metro to Heysel station (Line 6).
EUR 16, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Indulge in mussels and fries, a classic Belgian dish, at one of Brussels' most famous restaurants.
Return to the city center via metro.
EUR 25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Royal Palace of Brussels

Stroll through the beautiful gardens and take in the grandeur of the official palace of the King and Queen.
A 15-minute walk from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Magritte Museum

Delve into the surrealistic world of René Magritte at this comprehensive art museum.
10-minute walk from the Royal Palace.
EUR 10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Belgian Beer Tasting

Join a guided beer tasting session to sample some of the finest Belgian brews.
Walk to Moeder Lambic (around 20 minutes).
EUR 30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Little Delirium

Savor a traditional lamb stew paired with local beers at this cozy eatery.
Short walk from the beer tasting venue.
EUR 28, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Charming Bruges

Bruges, Belgium on August 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bakery Mignot

Enjoy a fresh croissant and café au lait from a local bakery to fuel up for the day.
Board a train from Brussels to Bruges (about 1 hour).
EUR 8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Canal Tour

Experience the picturesque canals of Bruges on a guided boat tour, seeing stunning architecture from the water.
Start at the Canal dock nearby.
EUR 12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Markt Square

Explore the vibrant heart of Bruges with its lively market and iconic Belfry tower.
Short walk from the canal tour.

12:30PM

Lunch at De Halve Maan Brewery

Dine on local Flemish beef stew and enjoy a brewery tour that includes tasting their famous Brugse Zot.
Easy walk from Markt Square.
EUR 30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Groeningemuseum

Take in the masterpieces of Flemish Primitives and other notable artists at this amazing museum.
A 15-minute stroll to the museum.
EUR 12, 2 hours

4:30PM

Chocolate Tasting at The Chocolate Line

Learn about Belgian chocolate-making and taste various truffles at one of Bruges' premier chocolatiers.
Short walk from the museum.
EUR 20, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at 't Zwart Huis

Relish traditional Flemish dishes and local wines in a charming, rustic setting.
A short walk from the chocolate shop.
EUR 35, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Ghent

Ghent, Belgium on August 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Labath

Enjoy local pastries and strong coffee to kickstart your day in Ghent.
Board a train from Bruges to Ghent (about 30 minutes).
EUR 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Gravensteen Castle

Explore this medieval castle offering incredible views of the city from its ramparts.
Take a short tram ride (Line 1) to the castle.
EUR 12, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei

Wander along these picturesque streets lined with stunning medieval buildings and cute cafes.
Walking distance from the castle.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at De Graslei

Taste delicious Flemish dishes with a view of the water at this delightful restaurant.
Located along the Graslei.
EUR 25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Saint Bavo's Cathedral

Marvel at the stunning architecture and the famous Ghent Altarpiece located inside.
A 20-minute walk from lunch.
EUR 4, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore the Museum of Fine Arts

Discover some impressive works of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century in this large museum.
A tram ride will take you there in about 15 minutes.
EUR 10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pakhuis

Indulge in delightful seafood dishes at this stylish restaurant housed in a former warehouse.
Take a tram back to the city center.
EUR 40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Artistic Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium on August 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Felix Café

Savor a hearty breakfast with fresh juices and pastries at this chic café.
Board a train from Ghent to Antwerp (about 40 minutes).
EUR 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its incredible collection of works by Rubens.
A short walk from the café.
EUR 6, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Antwerp Zoo

Stroll through one of the oldest zoos in the world, home to a variety of fascinating species.
Located next to the train station, accessible by tram.
EUR 25, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at De Groote Witte Arend

Enjoy local beers and hearty Flemish dishes at this historic brasserie.
Tram back to city center.
EUR 30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)

Discover the city's history and culture through engaging exhibits in this striking contemporary building.
A short tram ride will take you there.
EUR 10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Chocolate Tasting at Pierre Marcolini

Experience some of the best artisanal chocolates in the world in this premium chocolatier’s store.
A 15-minute walk from MAS.
EUR 15, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Jane

Indulge in an exquisite dining experience at one of Antwerp's most exclusive restaurants (reservation needed).
Taxi or short walk to the venue.
EUR 150, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historic Leuven

Leuven, Belgium on August 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Domus

Relish an organic breakfast with delicious pancakes and fresh fruit at a local brewpub.
Board a train from Antwerp to Leuven (about 30 minutes).
EUR 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Old Market Square

Admire the bustling atmosphere at this historic square, often referred to as the 'finest square in the world'.
A quick walk from breakfast.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the University Library

Discover this stunning building with its breathtaking tower that symbolizes the resilience of the city.
Walking distance from the square.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at De Werf

Enjoy a trendy atmosphere paired with tasty local dishes and Belgian fries.
A short walk from the library.
EUR 20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit M-Museum Leuven

Engage with contemporary art in this innovative museum, showcasing both local and international artists.
A 10-minute stroll from lunch.
EUR 10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Beer Tasting at Stella Artois Brewery

Participate in a brewery tour where you can sample some of the best brews and learn about the brewing process.
Take a taxi to the brewery (10 minutes).
EUR 20, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Domus Restaurant

Conclude your journey with a delightful meal featuring local specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.
Return to the city center by taxi.
EUR 30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability