5-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Belgium

Day 1: Brussels Highlights

Brussels, Belgium on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy a fresh, organic breakfast with Belgian pastries and coffee in this cozy bakery chain, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Grand Place Visit

Explore the stunning central square of Brussels, famous for its ornate guildhalls and lively atmosphere.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Manneken Pis Statue

See the iconic and quirky small bronze statue, a symbol of Brussels’ playful spirit.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Chez Léon

Savor traditional Belgian moules-frites (mussels and fries) at this popular, historic restaurant near Grand Place.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Discover Flemish and Belgian masterpieces including works by Rubens and Magritte; open 10am-5pm with an entry fee.
EUR12, 2h

4:00pm

Comic Strip Museum

Visit this museum dedicated to Belgium’s rich comic history including Tintin and Smurfs; open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Roue d’Or

Dine on classic Belgian dishes in an art deco setting close to the Grand Place; perfect for a relaxed meal.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Medieval Bruges

Bruges, Belgium on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Li O Lait

Start your day with fresh waffles and coffee at this delightful café near the market square, open from 7am.
EUR12, 45m

9:00am

Belfry of Bruges

Climb the 366 steps of this medieval bell tower for panoramic views over Bruges; open 9:30am-6pm.
EUR14, 1h

10:30am

Canal Boat Tour

Enjoy a relaxing 30-minute boat ride through Bruges’ picturesque canals; boats operate between 10am and 6pm.
EUR12, 40m

12:00pm

Lunch at De Halve Maan Brewery

Taste fresh brewed Belgian beer along with hearty regional dishes in this historic brewery and restaurant.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Groeningemuseum

View early Flemish and Renaissance art masterpieces, open from 9:30am to 5pm, closing on Mondays.
EUR14, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk around Minnewater Lake

Stroll around this tranquil ‘Lake of Love’ park, a beautiful spot for photos and relaxation.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Den Dyver

Dine on exquisite Belgian cuisine paired with local beers in a charming canalside setting.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Ghent

Ghent, Belgium on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien Ghent

Enjoy artisanal breads and organic coffee in this popular bakery, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Gravensteen Castle

Explore this well-preserved medieval castle with exhibits on Ghent’s history; open 10am-6pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

11:30am

Saint Bavo’s Cathedral

Visit the Gothic cathedral housing the famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.
EUR8, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Het Pakhuis

Try modern Belgian cuisine with a view of the old port; perfect spot for a relaxed meal.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Boat Tour on the Leie River

Take a scenic boat trip on the canals and rivers of Ghent, available until sunset.
EUR10, 1h

4:00pm

Visit the Patershol District

Wander the quaint cobbled streets of this medieval neighborhood filled with cafes and galleries.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at De Graslei

Enjoy Belgian specialties overlooking the beautiful Graslei historic quay, lively by night.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Vibrant Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Normo Coffee

Get specialty coffee and pastries at one of Antwerp’s top-rated cafes, open from 8am.
EUR12, 45m

9:00am

Cathedral of Our Lady

Marvel at this magnificent Gothic cathedral, home to several Rubens masterpieces; open 10am-5pm.
EUR6, 1h

10:30am

Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)

Explore Antwerp’s history and port in this modern museum with rooftop views; open 10am-5pm.
EUR10, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Frites Atelier

Taste gourmet Belgian fries topped with inventive sauces at this hip spot in Antwerp.
EUR15, 45m

2:30pm

Walk in the Antwerp Zoo

Visit one of Europe’s oldest zoos with a range of exotic animals; open 9am-6pm.
EUR24, 2h

5:00pm

Shopping in the Meir District

Browse designer boutiques and flagship stores in Antwerp’s premier shopping street.
Free to browse, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant The Jane

Experience premium Michelin-starred dining in a striking chapel setting; reservations required.
EUR150, 2h
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Day 5: Academic Leuven

Leuven, Belgium on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Zoff

Enjoy a lively café atmosphere with good coffee and light bites, open from 7:30am.
EUR12, 45m

9:30am

Visit the University Library and Tower

Tour the beautifully reconstructed library and climb the tower for city views; open 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.
EUR4, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll in Ladeuzeplein

Relax in the main square with modern art installations and lively cafes around it.
Free, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Domus

Savor Belgian cuisine in a spacious brewery restaurant famous for its selection of local craft beers.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the M-Museum Leuven

Explore contemporary art exhibitions in a modern building; open 11am-5pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Coffee and Dessert at Bar Nine

End your trip with artisanal desserts and specialty coffee in an elegant setting, open until 6pm.
EUR12, 45m
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