Ultimate 6-Day Belgium Itinerary: Explore Stunning Cities and Delicacies

Day 1: Brussels Highlights

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Maison Dandoy

Start your journey with a delicious breakfast of Belgian waffles and coffee at Maison Dandoy, a historic café known for their fantastic pastry.
Located in the city center, accessible via tram.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Grand Place

Take a short walk to the stunning Grand Place, the central square of Brussels, known for its opulent guildhalls.
Just a 10-minute walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Manneken Pis

Stroll to one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the quirky Manneken Pis statue, capturing the heart of Belgian humor.
A 5-minute walk from Grand Place.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Indulge in classic Belgian dishes like mussels and fries at Chez Léon, a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike.
10-minute walk from Manneken Pis.
EUR20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Royal Palace of Brussels

Head over to the Royal Palace for a tour of the beautiful architecture and opulent interiors.
15-minute walk from restaurant.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Magritte Museum

Seek out the surrealist works of René Magritte at the dedicated museum, full of unique and thought-provoking pieces.
A short 10-minute walk from the Palace.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Les Brigittines

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Les Brigittines, where traditional Belgian dishes will cap your first day perfectly.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 2: Charming Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café 't Brugsch Hof

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast at this quaint café known for their fresh pastries and coffee.
Travel by train from Brussels to Bruges (1-hour ride).
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Canals of Bruges Tour

Experience the beauty of Bruges from the water on a delightful canal boat tour, highlighting the city's picturesque surroundings.
Boat tours depart near the Markt square.
EUR10, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Explore Markt Square

Wander around the Markt where you can see the Belfry of Bruges and indulge in shopping for local crafts.
An easy walk from the canals.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at De Halve Maan Brewery

Enjoy a local brew and traditional Flemish stew at the brewery restaurant for a true taste of Bruges.
10-minute walk from Markt.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Marvel at the architecture of this basilica and the relic it houses—believed to contain the blood of Christ.
Only a 5-minute walk from the brewery.
EUR5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Chocolate Tasting Tour

Join a local chocolatier for an engaging chocolate tasting tour and learn about the art of Belgian chocolate making.
Various chocolatiers in the city center.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at De Karmeliet

Take your taste buds on a journey at one of Bruges’ Michelin-starred restaurants, known for its fine dining and local flavors.
A quick 10-minute walk from the chocolate tour.
EUR65, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historical Ghent

Ghent, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pain de Genius

Savor delicious breakfast pastries with coffee at this local favorite bread shop as you prepare for a day of exploration.
Train from Bruges to Ghent (30 minutes ride).
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

St. Bavo's Cathedral

Visit the historic cathedral renowned for the famous painting 'The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' by Jan van Eyck.
A 15-minute tram ride from the café.
EUR4, 1 hour

11:00AM

Gravensteen Castle

Explore the medieval castle that offers stunning views of the city and an insight into Ghent's rich history.
10-minute walk from the cathedral.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at De Graslei

Enjoy a picturesque riverside lunch at De Graslei, where you can sample traditional fish dishes.
Walk along the river from the castle.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Museum of Fine Arts

Dive into a diverse collection of art, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, at one of Ghent's key museums.
15-minute tram ride from the restaurant.
EUR10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Take a Boat Ride on the Leie River

Unwind on a scenic boat ride through Ghent, enjoying the canals and cityscape from a unique perspective.
Boat rentals available near the museum.
EUR8, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant De Graslei

Cap off your day with a delightful dinner, immersing yourself in the local flavors under the beautiful evening sky.
Return to your lunch spot for dinner.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Artistic Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Internazionale

Enjoy an artisanal breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee at this trendy café, starting your adventure in Antwerp.
Train from Ghent to Antwerp (30 minutes ride).
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cathedral of Our Lady

Marvel at this stunning cathedral, housing masterpieces by Rubens and other renowned artists.
Short 10-minute walk from the café.
EUR6, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Antwerp Zoo

Visit one of the oldest zoos in the world located right in the city center, filled with diverse animal exhibits.
An easy walk from the cathedral.
EUR22, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Het Pomphuis

Dine at the unique restaurant housed in a former pump station, offering delicious seafood and local specialties.
A short tram ride from the zoo.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)

Discover Antwerp’s history and culture through engaging exhibits in a striking modern building with panoramic views.
15-minute walk from the restaurant.
EUR12, 2 hours

4:30PM

Wander in the Meir Shopping District

Take some time to explore the bustling shopping district, filled with local brands and international retailers.
A 20-minute walk from MAS.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Jane

Experience culinary excellence at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant The Jane, well-known for its innovative dishes.
15-minute walk from Meir.
EUR150, 3 hours
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Day 5: Scholarly Leuven

Leuven, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Capital

Begin your day with breakfast at this cozy spot, enjoyed by students and locals alike for its laid-back vibe.
Train from Antwerp to Leuven (30 minutes ride).
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Old Market Square

Explore the vibrant ‘longest bar in the world’ at Old Market Square, filled with numerous bars and eateries.
A 10-minute walk from The Capital.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

St. Peter's Church

A short walk will lead you to marvel at this Gothic church, known for its impressive architecture and artwork.
5 minutes walk from the square.
EUR4, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Domus Brewery

Enjoy dishes made from their own brews in this charming brewery-restaurant that tells the story of Leuven’s brewing history.
15-minute walk from the church.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Tour University Library & Bell Tower

Embark on a guided tour of this historic library that boasts stunning architecture and assess stunning views from the bell tower.
A short walk from the brewery.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit M-Museum Leuven

Delve into contemporary art and engage with vibrant exhibitions that challenge your perspective.
About 10 minutes walk from the library.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Coffee at Coffeelabs

Relax at Coffeelabs while enjoying a specialty coffee and a sweet treat for a cozy afternoon experience.
5-minute walk from the museum.
EUR10, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Serafina

End your day with Italian-inspired cuisine for dinner, bringing a multicultural flair to Leuven’s dining scene.
15-minute walk from the café.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Historic Mechelen

Mechelen, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Taverne de Walvis

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at this local tavern, offering hearty meals and excellent coffee.
Train from Leuven to Mechelen (20 minutes ride).
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the St. Rumbold's Cathedral

Admire the stunning Gothic architecture and climb the tower for breathtaking views of the city.
10-minute walk from the café.
EUR8, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Mechelen's Historic Center

Wander through the charming streets of Mechelen and explore its historic architecture, including the old city hall.
Easy stroll from the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at De Korenbloem

Enjoy a delicious seasonal lunch with local produce at a quaint restaurant located in the city center.
5-minute walk from the city center.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Technopolis

Interact with science and technology at this engaging, hands-on museum, perfect for science enthusiasts.
A short tram ride from the restaurant.
EUR15, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Kruidtuin

Stroll through the city’s botanical gardens, a true oasis of flora and tranquility.
Easy tram ride or walk from Technopolis.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Bistro Cito

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Bistro Cito, known for its tasty local dishes and warm atmosphere, perfect for your farewell meal.
A short 10-minute walk from Kruidtuin.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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