4-Day Itinerary in Belgium: Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels

Day 1: Explore Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Josephine

Start your day with a delicious Belgian breakfast of fresh pastries and coffee at Café Josephine, known for its cozy atmosphere and local vibe.
Café Josephine is centrally located near the Cathedral of Our Lady.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Cathedral of Our Lady

Marvel at the stunning gothic architecture of the Cathedral of Our Lady and view works by Rubens.
The cathedral is just a short 10-minute walk from Café Josephine.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Antwerp Zoo

Experience the historic Antwerp Zoo, home to over 7,000 animals, which is a fun and educational stop for visitors.
The zoo is located within a 15-minute walk from the cathedral.
EUR22, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Frituur No. 1

Indulge in authentic Belgian fries and local snacks at this famous frituur that's a hit among locals.
It’s a 10-minute walk from the zoo.
EUR10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Rubenshuis

Step into the lavish former home of painter Peter Paul Rubens, which now serves as a museum showcasing his art.
A 15-minute walk will take you to Rubenshuis.
EUR10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Walk the Meir Shopping Street

Take an evening stroll along Meir, a vibrant pedestrian street filled with shops and cafes.
The Meir is a 10-minute walk from Rubenshuis.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Jane

Enjoy a fine dining experience at The Jane, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant set in a former chapel.
Make a reservation ahead of time, and it's a quick taxi ride of about 10 minutes.
EUR250, 2 hours
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Day 2: Charming Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at 't Zwart Huis

Savor a hearty breakfast with traditional Belgian waffles and fruits at 't Zwart Huis, in an attractive setting.
It's easily accessible from the train station.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Canal Tour of Bruges

Experience the medieval city from its beautiful canals with a boat tour that highlights the architectural treasures.
Boat tours can be found at various points along the canal; location is a 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Markt Square

Stroll through Markt, the main square filled with shops, historical buildings, and the iconic Belfry Tower.
Only a 5-minute walk from the canals tour endpoint.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at De Garre

Stop by De Garre for an authentic taste of local cheese and beer served in a quaint tavern.
A quick 5-minute walk from the Markt.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Church of Our Lady

Marvel at the Church of Our Lady, which houses a magnificent Michelangelo sculpture – Madonna and Child.
A 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
EUR6, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Groeningemuseum

Delve into Flemish art at the Groeningemuseum, showcasing works from the 14th to the 20th century.
Only a 15-minute walk from the Church.
EUR12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Pigeon

End the day with dinner at Restaurant Pigeon, offering a seasonal menu that showcases local ingredients.
It's a quick 10-minute walk from the museum.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 3: Discover Ghent

Ghent, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day at Le Pain Quotidien with organic bread and pastries, in a communal dining setting.
Le Pain Quotidien is conveniently located near the train station.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Gravensteen Castle

Explore Gravensteen, a medieval castle that offers panoramic views of the city from its ramparts.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Stroll through Patershol District

Wander the picturesque cobblestone streets of the Patershol district, featuring local shops and cafes.
Only a 10-minute walk from the castle.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at 't Klokhuys

Enjoy traditional Belgian dishes at 't Klokhuys, known for its inviting ambiance.
It's a 5-minute walk from the Patershol District.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral

Gaze at the stunning altarpiece of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb in St. Bavo's Cathedral, a masterpiece of art.
Just a 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
EUR4, 1 hour

2:30PM

Walk along the Graslei and Korenlei

Take time to stroll along these picturesque banks of the river, capturing views of the historic buildings.
Only a 10-minute walk from the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Museum of Fine Arts

End your day discovering Belgian art at the Museum of Fine Arts, featuring works from the Flemish Primitives to Modern art.
A short 20-minute walk from the Graslei.
EUR10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Scepter

Relax with dinner at Scepter, which offers an eclectic menu showcasing local cuisine and seasonal dishes.
Take a taxi that takes about 10 minutes from the museum.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Delve into Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Le Pain Quotidien

A second visit to Le Pain Quotidien in Brussels will set your day with a sense of healthful renewal with delicious pastries.
Near the central train station.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Grand Place

Begin your Brussels adventure by wandering through the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, known for its ornate guildhalls and town hall.
Only a 10-minute walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Manneken Pis

Walk to see one of Brussels’ most famous landmarks, the cheeky statue of Manneken Pis.
Just a 10-minute stroll from Grand Place.
Free, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Visit the Royal Palace of Brussels

Explore the Royal Palace and its beautiful gardens, an essential stop for any visitor to the city.
A 15-minute walk from Manneken Pis.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Savor delicious mussels and fries at this iconic eatery known for its seafood specialties.
Only a 10-minute walk from the palace.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Atomium

Take a short metro ride to visit the Atomium, a unique building and museum that symbolizes Brussels.
You can take the metro from Parc Station (15-minute ride).
EUR16, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Magritte Museum

Immerse yourself in the surreal works of Rene Magritte, one of Belgium's most famous artists.
The museum is a short metro ride back to the city center.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Comme Chez Soi

End your journey with a fine dining experience at Comme Chez Soi known for its elegant ambiance and delectable dishes.
Close to the Magritte Museum, it’s a 5-minute walk.
EUR60, 2 hours
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