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12-Day Ultimate Belgium Adventure: Exploring Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent

Viewed by 186 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium on February 27, 2025

3:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle in and relax at your hotel. Consider the Pillows City Hotel Brussels for a comfortable start to your journey.
EUR150, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Visit Grand Place

Explore the stunning Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its opulent guildhalls and the iconic Town Hall.
Free, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Chez Léon

Indulge in traditional Belgian moules-frites (mussels and fries) at this renowned restaurant.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Explore Brussels

Brussels, Belgium on February 28, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy a healthy breakfast with organic bread and pastries in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Atomium

Marvel at the iconic Atomium, a unique structure representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
EUR16, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Café des Halles Saint-Géry

Savor a delicious seasonal salad or sandwich in this trendy spot with great ambiance.
EUR15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Magritte Museum

Explore the surreal works of René Magritte and learn about his contribution to art.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Royal Palace of Brussels

Stroll through the gardens and admire the beautiful architecture of Belgium's royal residence.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Belgian Chocolate Tasting at Pierre Marcolini

Delight in a selection of artisanal chocolates from one of Belgium's finest chocolatiers.
EUR20, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Dominican

Enjoy a contemporary take on Flemish cuisine in the elegant setting of a historic building.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 3: Final Day in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium on March 1, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at La fleur en papier doré

Enjoy a classic breakfast in this charming café that has a rich history with local artists.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Tour of the European Parliament

Discover the workings of the EU at the European Parliament's visitor center.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit the Comic Strip Museum

Explore Belgium's famous comic strip history, featuring characters like Tintin.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Le Cirio

Taste the famous 'croquette de crevettes' or shrimp croquettes in this historic brasserie.
EUR20, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Palais des Beaux-Arts

Immerse yourself in fine arts in one of the largest cultural centers in Europe.
EUR12, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Free Walking Tour

Experience Brussels on foot with a local guide who will share stories and legends.
Tip-based, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Ristorante L'Osteria

End your Brussels stay with authentic Italian cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Bruges

Bruges, Belgium on March 2, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Frühstück

Fuel up with a hearty German-style breakfast featuring fresh bread and cold cuts.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Travel to Bruges

Take a scenic train ride to Bruges, known as the Venice of the North.
EUR15, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Hotel Check-in

Check-in at the delightful Hotel Dukes' Palace for a luxurious start to your Bruges experience.
EUR200, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at De Halve Maan Brewery

Taste a traditional Flemish stew while enjoying a brewery tour and tasting of local beers.
EUR25, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Visit the Markt

Explore the lively central square filled with shops, cafes, and the iconic Belfry tower.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Canal Boat Tour

Take a scenic boat tour of Bruges' charming canals for a unique perspective of the city.
EUR12, 30 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner at Bistro de Pompe

Enjoy local dishes with a French twist in a cozy bistro atmosphere.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Explore Bruges

Bruges, Belgium on March 3, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at 't Zwart Huis

Start your day with a traditional Belgian breakfast featuring fresh pastries and coffee.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Groeningemuseum

Explore the extensive art collection featuring Flemish primitives and modern works.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Admire the stunning architecture and the relic of the Holy Blood inside this beautiful basilica.
FREE, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at 't Huiskran

Savor traditional Belgian pancakes or a hearty lunch in this charming café.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Climb the Belfry of Bruges

Ascend the Belfry for panoramic views of the city’s rooftops and canals.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Chocolate Shopping at Chocola'The

Pick up some delicious chocolates to take home from one of Bruges’ best chocolatiers.
EUR20, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at De Kasteelbrewery

Enjoy local brews and hearty Flemish food in a unique brewery setting.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Final Day in Bruges

Bruges, Belgium on March 4, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at De Garre

Indulge in a Belgian breakfast with local specialties and fresh coffee.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Windmill 'Sint-Janshuis'

Explore this charming windmill and learn about its history and function in brewing.
EUR5, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit St. John's Hospital

Discover the medieval history of Bruges in this fascinating museum housed in an old hospital.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bistro Refter

Enjoy delightful bistro fare in the atmospheric surroundings of an old monastery.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Travel to Ghent

Head to Ghent, a vibrant city full of medieval charm and youthful energy.
EUR10, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Hotel Check-in

Check-in at Hotel Pillows Gent for a relaxing evening.
EUR150, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at De Graslei

Dine by the river with fresh fish and local dishes in this picturesque setting.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Explore Ghent

Ghent, Belgium on March 5, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with organic bread and hearty breakfast options in this charming eatery.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Gravensteen Castle

Explore this medieval castle and learn about its role in Ghent's history.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Restaurant Pakhuis

Taste regionally inspired dishes in an industrial-chic setting.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral

Marvel at the breathtaking architecture and the famous altarpiece by Jan van Eyck.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore the Historic City Center

Wander the charming streets of Ghent, filled with medieval architecture and vibrant shops.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant De Graslei

Feast on traditional Flemish dishes with a modern touch while enjoying the riverside view.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Explore Ghent

Ghent, Belgium on March 6, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café de fille

Enjoy a delightful breakfast of local treats and fresh coffee.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Museum of Fine Arts

Discover a stunning collection of paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Visit STAM - Ghent City Museum

Learn about the city’s rich history and evolution through multimedia exhibits.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at De Graslei

Enjoy classic Belgian dishes in a historic setting next to the river.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Design Museum

Explore inspiring design exhibitions in this contemporary space.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Balls & Glory

Try a variety of stuffed meatballs with unique flavors in a casual eatery.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Final Day in Ghent

Ghent, Belgium on March 7, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at DClerk

Delight in a local breakfast favorite with pastries and fresh coffee.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Korenlei

Stroll along this picturesque street lined with historic buildings along the river.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Museum Dr. Guislain

Visit the museum dedicated to the history of psychiatry in unique architectural surroundings.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Het Pakhuis

Enjoy creative local dishes featuring seasonal ingredients in this cool venue.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Free Time for Souvenir Shopping

Take time to explore local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs to remember Ghent.
Varies, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Travel Back to Brussels

Take a train back to Brussels for your last evening in the city.
EUR15, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Hotel Check-in

Check-in at your preferred hotel in Brussels for one more night.
EUR150, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Final Dinner at Restaurant La Roue d'Or

Wrap up your trip with a delicious meal of authentic Belgian cuisine in a cozy setting.
EUR45, 2 hours
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Day 10: Day Trip to Mechelen

Brussels, Belgium on March 8, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Bakery Boulangerie

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and artisan bread at this popular bakery.
EUR8, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Mechelen

Catch a train to Mechelen, a charming city filled with beautiful architecture.
EUR10, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Visit St. Rumbold's Cathedral

Admire the stunning architecture and climb the tower for panoramic views.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at De Ommegang

Enjoy seasonal dishes and great local beers in a vibrant atmosphere.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the city center

Wander around Mechelen's beautiful streets and visit local shops.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Travel Back to Brussels

Return to Brussels for a relaxed evening.
EUR10, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at Brasserie Horta

Dine in a charming brasserie known for its traditional Belgian fare.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Last Day in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium on March 9, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Indulge in a classic breakfast with Belgian waffles and coffee at this iconic café.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Explore a vast collection of art from the old masters to modern works.
EUR15, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Sister Brussels Café

Sample a variety of Belgian beers and casual local dishes in a vibrant setting.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Horta Museum

Discover the art and architecture of Victor Horta, a key figure in the Art Nouveau movement.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Last-Minute Shopping

Use your final hours for any last-minute shopping or visiting spots you may have missed.
Varies, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Chez Léon

Celebrate the end of your journey with a delicious dinner of classic Belgian cuisine.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Departure

Brussels, Belgium on March 10, 2025

8:00 AM

Final Breakfast at Maison Dandoy

Indulge in the famous Brussels waffles at this beloved bakery before your departure.
EUR12, 1 hour
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