7-Day Cultural Immersion Itinerary: Belgium, Paris, & Innsbruck on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with a warm bowl of organic granola and seasonal fruits in a rustic cafe in central Brussels.
Walk from your hotel to Le Pain Quotidien (15 mins).
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Atomium

Marvel at the futuristic architecture of Atomium, a symbol of Brussels that showcases a unique design and offers stunning views.
Take Metro line 6 to Heysel station (30 mins).
EUR16, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Relish delicious Belgian mussels and fries at one of Brussels’ famous restaurants.
Walk back to the city center (30 mins).
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Grand Place

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Grand Place, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Walk for 5 minutes from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Manneken Pis

Check out the iconic statue of Manneken Pis - a symbol of Brussels' irreverent spirit.
A short 10-minute walk from Grand Place.
Free, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Relax in Parc du Cinquantenaire

Take a leisurely stroll or relax in the beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire surrounded by impressive museums.
Take the bus from Manneken Pis to Parc du Cinquantenaire (15 mins).
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Fritland

Enjoy classic Belgian fries with a variety of toppings at this popular spot among locals.
Take a bus back to central Brussels (15 mins).
EUR7, 1 hour
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Day 2: Bruges Adventure

Bruges, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vero Caffe

Delight in a freshly baked croissant and coffee at this charming cafe.
Travel by train from Brussels to Bruges (1h).
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Market Square

Stroll through the picturesque Market Square with its iconic Belfry and colorful houses.
Walk from breakfast to Market Square (10 mins).
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Canal Tour

Experience Bruges from the water on a scenic canal tour that shows off the city's charming architecture.
Join a canal tour starting at the Market Square.
EUR10, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at 't Zwart Huis

Taste local dishes such as Flemish stew in a cozy, historic atmosphere.
Walk from canal tour location (10 mins).
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Admire the beautiful architecture and learn about the relic of the Holy Blood.
Walk back to the Basilica (10 mins).
EUR2, 1 hour

3:00PM

Chocolate Tasting

Join a guided chocolate tasting session to sample some of the finest Belgian chocolates.
Short walk to one of the chocolate workshops (10 mins).
EUR15, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at De Halve Maan

Enjoy traditional Belgian beers and hearty dishes in this family-owned brewery.
Walk to the brewery (20 mins).
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Ghent's Charms

Ghent, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy a filling breakfast with fresh bread and organic spreads before exploring Ghent.
Travel back to Brussels and transfer to Ghent (1 hour).
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Gravensteen Castle

Discover the medieval Gravensteen Castle and its fascinating history.
Walk to the castle (10 mins).
EUR12, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Stroll along the Graslei

Enjoy the picturesque canal-side architecture while walking along the charming Graslei.
Walk from the castle (15 mins).
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Smonkey

Savor a hearty sandwich paired with local Belgian craft beer in a vibrant atmosphere.
Walk to lunch (10 mins).
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visiting St. Bavo's Cathedral

Be awed by the impressive interior of St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the famous Altarpiece.
Short walk to the cathedral (10 mins).
EUR4, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore the Patershol District

Get lost in this historic neighborhood with winding streets and local artisan shops.
Walking tour through Patershol (20 mins).
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at De Graslei

End your day at this canal-side restaurant featuring local dishes in an enchanting setting.
Walk to the restaurant (15 mins).
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Paris Highlights

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Indulge in a traditional French breakfast of croissants and café au lait at this iconic café.
Take a Thalys train from Brussels to Paris (1h 30m).
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Louvre

Explore the world-renowned Louvre Museum and marvel at masterpieces like the Mona Lisa.
Metro ride to Palais Royal (15 mins).
EUR17, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Savor their famous steak-frites with their secret sauce, perfect for lunch after the museum.
Walk to the restaurant (10 mins).
EUR20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens

Wander through the beautiful Luxembourge Gardens, a picturesque escape in the city.
Metro to Luxembourg (20 mins).
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Explore Notre-Dame and appreciate the stunning Gothic architecture and intricate details.
Metro ride to Saint-Michel (20 mins).
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Montmartre

Wander the charming streets of Montmartre and see the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Metro ride to Anvers (15 mins).
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Consulat

Enjoy a classic French meal at this quaint bistro in Montmartre.
Short walk to the restaurant (10 mins).
EUR18, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Further Paris Discovery

Paris, France

8:00AM

Breakfast at Angelina

Treat yourself to a delicious hot chocolate and pastry at this famous tearoom.
Walk to Angelina (20 mins).
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Musée d'Orsay

Discover impressionist masterpieces in this stunning former railway station.
Metro ride to Solférino (10 mins).
EUR16, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at L’As du Fallafel

Grab the best falafel in the Marais district from this popular eatery.
Metro ride to Le Marais (15 mins).
EUR10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Pompidou Centre

Explore modern art and enjoy the bold architecture of this cultural complex.
Short walk from lunch (10 mins).
EUR14, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Stroll through Le Marais

Experience the charming boutiques and vibrant atmosphere of this historic district.
Walking tour through the area (1 hour).
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Le Mary Celeste

Enjoy fresh seasonal dishes and a vibrant cocktail menu in a trendy setting.
Walk to dinner (10 mins).
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Innsbruck's Beauty

Innsbruck, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Innsbruck

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local pastries and coffee to kickstart your day.
Arrive in Innsbruck via overnight bus.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Golden Roof

Admire the famous Golden Roof and take in the surrounding beautiful architecture.
Short walk from your accommodation (10 mins).
Free, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Explore the Hofburg

Discover the former imperial residence with its stunning Baroque architecture.
Walk to Hofburg (15 mins).
EUR8, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Traditionsverein

Dig into authentic Tyrolean food in a cozy local eatery.
Short walk from Hofburg (10 mins).
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Ride the Nordkette cable car

Take an exhilarating journey up the mountain for breathtaking views of Innsbruck.
Take the tram to the Nordkette cable car (20 mins).
EUR30, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Die Wilderin

Savor a delicious dinner featuring locally-sourced ingredients at this renowned restaurant.
Return via tram and walk to dinner (30 mins).
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Innsbruck & Departure

Innsbruck, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mudd Club

Start your final day with a relaxed breakfast and delicious coffee in this hip venue.
Short walk from your accommodation (10 mins).
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum

Immerse yourself in Tyrolean culture and history at this fascinating museum.
Walk to the museum (15 mins).
EUR6, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Stroll through Old Town

Soak in the charming atmosphere of Innsbruck's Old Town with its beautiful architecture.
Walking tour through Old Town (1 hour).
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Café Moustache

Enjoy a delicious sandwich or salad while taking a breather.
Walk to lunch (10 mins).
EUR10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Departure

Take in the final sights of Innsbruck before heading to the bus/train station.
Walk or take the tram to the station (20 mins).
Free, 1 hour
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