10-Day Ultimate Belgium Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine, and Scenic Views

Day 1: Explore Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Start your day with a delightful Belgian waffle topped with strawberries and whipped cream at this charming café.
Located in the heart of Brussels.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Grand Place

Marvel at the stunning architecture of Brussels' historic square and perhaps do some people-watching.
A 10-minute walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Enjoy mussels cooked in a variety of ways, a must-try local dish at this popular eatery.
Located just a 5-minute walk from the Grand Place.
EUR20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Brussels Comic Strip Museum

Explore the colorful world of Belgian comic strips and their famous characters.
20-minute walk from lunch.
EUR10, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Atomium

Take a trip to this iconic building for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Take the metro from Beurs to Heysel, approx. 30 minutes.
EUR16, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Vincent

Relish in exquisite traditional Belgian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Return via metro to city center, approximately 30 minutes.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Culture and Canals in Ghent

Ghent, Belgium

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy organic bread and pastries at this lovely communal dining spot.
Located near the train station before departure.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Ghent

Take a train from Brussels to Ghent, enjoying the countryside view.
Train from Brussels Central, approx. 30 minutes.
EUR7, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Explore Gravensteen Castle

Delve into the history of the city by visiting this medieval castle.
A 15-minute walk from the station.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at De Graslei

Savor local delicacies and picturesque canal views at one of the many riverside restaurants.
10-minute walk from castle.
EUR25, 1 hour

1:30 PM

St. Bavo's Cathedral

Visit this stunning cathedral and see the famous altarpiece, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
It’s a 15-minute walk from lunch.
EUR4, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Canal Boat Tour

Take a scenic boat tour to see Ghent from a different perspective.
Board at the nearby docks.
EUR8, 45 minutes

5:00 PM

Dinner at Pub des Halles

Try specialty Flemish dishes paired with local beers at this vibrant pub.
A 20-minute walk from the canals.
EUR28, 2 hours
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Day 3: Picturesque Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a classic continental breakfast before checking out.
At lodging in Ghent.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Bruges

Take a train from Ghent to Bruges, enjoying the scenic views.
Train station is 10 minutes away.
EUR8, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Visit the Market Square (Markt)

Explore the charming square filled with historic buildings and shops.
Located near the train station, approximately 15 minutes by foot.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at 't Zwart Huis

Delight in a freshly prepared traditional Flemish stew at this cozy restaurant.
A 10-minute walk from Markt.
EUR20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Canal Tour

Experience the charm of Bruges by taking a canal tour around the city.
Nearby boarding area for canal boats.
EUR10, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Belfry of Bruges

Climb the belfry for breathtaking views after visiting this historical tower.
Just a 5-minute walk from the canal tour.
EUR12, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Oud Handbogen

Enjoy locally sourced ingredients turned into superb Belgian cuisine.
A 10-minute walk from the belfry.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Vibrant Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at your hotel’s restaurant.
At lodging in Bruges.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Antwerp

Board the train from Bruges to Antwerp, admiring the countryside views.
Train station is 10 minutes from your hotel.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Cathedral of Our Lady

Explore this UNESCO site housing masterpieces by Rubens.
A 15-minute walk from the station.
EUR6, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at De Kleine Duke

Enjoy a delicious lunch with their stuffed baguettes and refreshing drinks.
A 10-minute walk from the cathedral.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Antwerp Zoo

Visit one of the oldest zoos in the world located right by the Central Station.
15-minute walk from lunch.
EUR24, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Diamond District Tour

Discover the famous diamond district in Antwerp and learn about its history.
Only a 10-minute walk from the zoo.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Jane

Dine in this Michelin-star restaurant for a unique gastronomic experience.
A 20-minute taxi ride from the Diamond District.
EUR120, 2 hours
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Day 5: Charming Mechelen

Mechelen, Belgium

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast buffet at your hotel.
At lodging in Antwerp.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Mechelen

Board the train to Mechelen, ready to explore this charming city.
Train station is 10 minutes away.
EUR5, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Visit St. Rumbold's Cathedral

Admire the stunning Gothic architecture and perhaps climb the tower for great views.
Just a short walk from the station.
EUR4, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at De Korenbloem

Enjoy a light lunch featuring fresh local produce and a great selection of beers.
A 10-minute walk from the cathedral.
EUR18, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Kazerne Dossin Museum

Learn about the Holocaust and its impact on Belgium at this poignant museum.
A 15-minute walk from lunch.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Mechelen Toy Museum

Discover the history of toys and enjoy playful exhibits in this delightful museum.
A 5-minute walk from Kazerne Dossin.
EUR6, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Bistro de Korenaar

Taste Belgian classics in a warm ambiance with a local touch.
A 10-minute walk from the toy museum.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Academic Leuven

Leuven, Belgium

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at your hotel before departing.
At lodging in Mechelen.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Leuven

Catch an early train to Leuven, the heart of Belgian student life.
Train station is a short walk away.
EUR5, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Visit University Library

Explore this grand building and climb the tower for enchanting views of the city.
A 10-minute walk from the train station.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Domus Brewery

Enjoy a brewery lunch with traditional Belgian dishes and unique house beers.
Just a 15-minute walk from the library.
EUR22, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit M-Museum Leuven

Discover contemporary art in this trendy museum and its surrounding area.
It's a pleasant 10-minute walk.
EUR6, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Old Market Square

Known as the 'longest bar in the world,' it’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Only a 10-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Bierschuur

Savor traditional Belgian cuisine in this local hotspot.
A 15-minute walk from the Old Market.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Adventure in Dinant

Dinant, Belgium

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a rewarding breakfast at your hotel.
At lodging in Leuven.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Dinant

Board your train toward scenic Dinant, surrounded by stunning cliffs.
Train station is nearby.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Dinant Citadel

Take the cable car to this historic citadel overlooking the Meuse River.
Short walk from the train station.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Leffe Terrace

Enjoy an outdoor lunch featuring Leffe beer and local dishes with a water view.
10-minute walk from the citadel.
EUR20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Collegiate Church of Notre Dame

Visit this grand church with impressive architecture and rich history.
A short walk from your lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Kayak on the Meuse River

For an adventurous afternoon, rent a kayak and paddle along the scenic river.
Kayak rental station a short walk away.
EUR15, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at La Table des Fêtes

Unwind with delicious Belgian specialties at this inviting restaurant.
Return to the city center from the kayak station.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Charming Namur

Namur, Belgium

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at your hotel.
At lodging in Dinant.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Namur

Catch the train to Namur for a day of exploration.
Train station is close by.
EUR5, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Visit the Citadel of Namur

Explore the impressive citadel providing fantastic views of the city.
Short walk from the train station.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Le Pain de Sucre

Grab a casual lunch at one of Namur's prime bistros with local flair.
A 10-minute walk from citadel.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

St. Aubin's Cathedral

Discover the architectural beauty of this historic cathedral.
A short walk from lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Walk in Meuse River Park

Stroll through the serene park along the river, perfect for unwinding.
A short walk from the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant La Caverne

End your day with exquisite local cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Return to the city center.
EUR28, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Historical Ypres

Ypres, Belgium

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast at your hotel.
At lodging in Namur.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Ypres

Catch the train from Namur to Ypres.
Train station is a short walk away.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Menin Gate

Pay your respects at this pivotal memorial dedicated to soldiers lost in World War I.
15-minute walk from the station.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at De Ruyton

Savor local specialties and offers at this restaurant sitting close to historical sites.
A 10-minute walk from Menin Gate.
EUR20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

In Flanders Fields Museum

Dive into the history of the Great War and its impact on the region.
Only a 5-minute walk from the restaurant.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Tyne Cot Cemetery

Be moved by the vast cemetery honoring the fallen soldiers, a short drive away.
Take a taxi or bus, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at 't Klein Stadhuis

End your day with regional dishes in a welcoming, local atmosphere.
Return to Ypres center, approx. 15 minutes.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Final Day in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Belgium at the hotel.
At lodging in Ypres.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel back to Brussels

Make your way back to Brussels for the last day.
Station is nearby.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit the Royal Palace

Tour the stunning royal residence while enjoying the gardens.
Easy walk from Brussels Central.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant de l'Ogenblik

Indulge in delicious Belgian dishes with a contemporary twist.
15-minute walk from the palace.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Magritte Museum

Immerse yourself in the surreal work of René Magritte at this renowned museum.
15-minute walk from the restaurant.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Shopping in Avenue Louise

Take your last chance to shop for souvenirs and Belgian chocolates.
A 10-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Chez Rik

Conclude your stay with an unforgettable dinner featuring exquisite local cuisine.
A short taxi ride or 30-minute walk.
EUR40, 2 hours
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