10-Day Belgium Exploration: From Brussels to Bruges and Antwerp

Day 1: Arrival in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium on February 28, 2025

8:00 AM

Arrive at Brussels Airport

Touchdown at Brussels Airport, ready to kick off my Belgian adventure.
0, approximately 60 minutes

9:00 AM

Transfer to Hotel

Check-in at my hotel and relax before setting out to explore.
0, around 60 minutes

10:00 AM

Explore the Grand Place

Wander through this stunning UNESCO site with magnificent architecture.
0, about 90 minutes

11:30 AM

Lunch at Restaurant Chez Léon

Savor authentic moules-frites at this popular local eatery.
EUR15, 60 mins

12:30 PM

Visit Manneken Pis

Snap a picture with this charming statue, a quirky symbol of the city.
0, 30 minutes

1:00 PM

Brussels Museums

Dive into art and history at the Magritte Museum or Royal Museums of Fine Arts.
EUR12, 120 minutes

3:00 PM

Waffles at Maison Dandoy

Indulge in a heavenly Belgian waffle as a sweet treat.
EUR8, 30 minutes

3:30 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy a comforting dinner with a focus on organic dishes in a cozy ambiance.
EUR20, 90 minutes

Day 2: Discover Brussels

Brussels, Belgium on March 1, 2025

8:30 AM

Breakfast at Café Capitale

Start the day with fresh coffee and warm croissants in a lively setting.
EUR5, 60 mins

9:30 AM

Visit Atomium

Explore this iconic structure offering breathtaking views of the city.
EUR16, 120 minutes

11:30 AM

Lunch at Pakhuis

Enjoy traditional Belgian cuisine in a restaurant known for its unique ambiance.
EUR18, 60 minutes

12:30 PM

Tour Royal Palace of Brussels

Discover the grandeur of the royal palace with its splendid architecture.
0, 90 minutes

2:00 PM

Chocolate tasting at Neuhaus

Treat myself to a delightful chocolate tasting in this famous shop.
EUR10, 60 minutes

3:00 PM

Dinner at La Roue d'Or

Feast on classic Belgian dishes in a bustling, brisk environment.
EUR25, 90 minutes

Day 3: Transfer to Bruges

Bruges, Belgium on March 2, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at my hotel

Fuel up with a delightful spread to prepare for the day.
0, 60 minutes

9:00 AM

Travel to Bruges

Catch the train to Bruges for a picturesque ride of about one hour.
EUR18, 60 minutes

10:00 AM

Bruges Marktplatz

Explore the vibrant central square adorned with historical buildings.
0, 60 minutes

11:00 AM

Lunch at De Halve Maan Brewery

Indulge in local beer and traditional Flemish stew at this family-owned brewery.
EUR20, 90 minutes

12:30 PM

Canal Tour in Bruges

Experience the city from a unique angle with a charming boat ride.
EUR10, 60 minutes

1:30 PM

Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the famous relic housed within.
0, 60 minutes

2:30 PM

Dinner at 't Zwart Huis

Dine in a cozy atmosphere, savoring local delicacies of Bruges.
EUR30, 120 minutes

Day 4: Full Day in Bruges

Bruges, Belgium on March 3, 2025

8:30 AM

Breakfast at Carpe Diem

Delight in a breakfast featuring local ingredients at this charming café.
EUR8, 60 minutes

9:30 AM

Visit Groeningemuseum

Explore the collection of Flemish masterpieces spanning many centuries.
EUR12, 120 minutes

11:30 AM

Lunch at Bistro De Schilder

Enjoy artisanal sandwiches and the daily special at this quaint spot.
EUR15, 60 minutes

12:30 PM

Visit the Belfry of Bruges

Climb the tower for stunning views over the cityscape.
EUR12, 90 minutes

2:00 PM

Stroll through Minnewater Park

A walk here offers tranquility with picturesque views of the lake.
0, 60 minutes

3:00 PM

Dinner at Restaurant Kasteel Minnewater

Savor classic Flemish cuisine amidst enchanting surroundings.
EUR35, 120 minutes

Day 5: Off to Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium on March 4, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at my hotel

Relish a hearty breakfast to start the trip to Antwerp.
0, 60 minutes

9:00 AM

Travel to Antwerp

Board a train for the 1.5-hour journey through beautiful landscapes.
EUR12, 60 minutes

10:00 AM

Visit Cathedral of Our Lady

Marvel at this breathtaking gothic cathedral featuring Rubens' masterpieces.
EUR6, 90 minutes

11:30 AM

Lunch at De Bomma

Enjoy home-cooked dishes emphasizing the flavors of Flanders.
EUR20, 90 minutes

1:00 PM

Explore Meir Shopping District

Stroll through a vibrant shopping area, filled with various boutiques.
0, 120 minutes

3:00 PM

Visit the Mascotte

Take a photo with the city's unofficial mascot, a little statue that adds charm.
0, 30 minutes

3:30 PM

Dinner at Het Pomphuis

Indulge in exquisite seafood dishes in a beautifully renovated pump house.
EUR35, 120 minutes

Day 6: Unveil Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium on March 5, 2025

8:30 AM

Breakfast at Bar Montalbano

Enjoy fresh pastries and vibrant coffee at this trendy café.
EUR10, 60 minutes

9:30 AM

The Rubens House

Step into the former home of Rubens to see his extraordinary art collection.
EUR10, 120 minutes

11:30 AM

Lunch at The Jane

Experience Michelin-star dining in a stunningly designed restaurant.
EUR70, 120 minutes

1:30 PM

Visit the Antwerp Zoo

Explore this historic zoo with beautiful architecture and a variety of species.
EUR30, 150 minutes

4:00 PM

Dinner at 't Fornuis

Experience a delightful blend of traditional and modern cuisine in the cozy venue.
EUR45, 120 minutes

Day 7: Return to Brussels

Brussels, Belgium on March 6, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at my hotel

Indulge in a delicious breakfast to start my trip back to Brussels.
0, 60 minutes

9:00 AM

Travel back to Brussels

Enjoy the scenic train ride back, lasting about an hour.
EUR18, 60 minutes

10:00 AM

Shopping at Avenue Louise

Browse high-end boutiques and cafés in this upscale shopping area.
0, 120 minutes

12:00 PM

Lunch at Le Pain Quotidien

Relax with organic dishes in a casual yet inviting atmosphere.
EUR20, 90 minutes

1:30 PM

Explore Comic Strip Center

Discover the vibrant history of Belgian comics, a quirky cultural element.
EUR12, 90 minutes

3:00 PM

Enjoy Beer Tasting at Moeder Lambic

Celebrate the end of my travels with a beer tasting featuring local brews.
EUR15, 90 minutes

4:30 PM

Farewell Dinner at Chez Léon

Indulge in exquisite moules-frites at this beloved local restaurant.
EUR25, 120 minutes

Day 8: Leisurely Day in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium on March 7, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at my hotel

Reflect on my journey over a final breakfast in Brussels.
0, 60 minutes

10:00 AM

Last-minute shopping or sightseeing

Use the last hours to shop or revisit favorite spots around the city.
0, 120 minutes

12:00 PM

Quick lunch at a local café

Grab a casual bite at a nearby café before heading to the airport.
EUR15, 60 minutes

1:00 PM

Departure for the airport

Bid farewell to Belgium as I make my way to the airport.
0, 60 minutes

Day 9: Optional Day in Bruges

Bruges, Belgium on March 8, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at my hotel

Enjoy breakfast before traveling back to Bruges.
0, 60 minutes

9:00 AM

Travel back to Bruges

Take the train back for another day of exploration.
EUR18, 60 minutes

10:00 AM

Visit the Frietmuseum

Learn about the history of Belgian fries, complete with tastings.
EUR10, 120 minutes

12:00 PM

Lunch at Frietkot

Savor authentic Belgian fries with delicious dipping sauces.
EUR10, 60 minutes

1:00 PM

Visit Choco-Story

Immerse myself in chocolate-making traditions and enjoy sweet samples.
EUR12, 90 minutes

2:30 PM

Stroll along the canals

Enjoy a peaceful evening walk along Bruges' picturesque canals.
0, 60 minutes

Day 10: Departure Day

Brussels, Belgium on March 9, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at my hotel

A final breakfast before saying goodbye to Belgium.
0, 60 minutes

10:00 AM

Last-minute shopping or sightseeing

Utilize my last hours in Brussels for shopping or visiting favorite sites.
0, 120 minutes

12:00 PM

Quick lunch at a nearby café

Have a light lunch before heading to the airport.
EUR15, 60 minutes

1:00 PM

Departure for the airport

Make my way to the airport, ready for the journey home.
0, 60 minutes

2:00 PM

Flight Departure

Board my flight, bringing back memories from my Belgian journey.
0, 0