7-Day Solo Travel Itinerary for Exploring Belgium's Best Cities and Culture

Day 1: Brussels Urban Exploration

Brussels, Belgium on June 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with organic bread and pastries paired with a great cup of coffee in this popular Belgian bakery chain, open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Visit Grand Place

Explore the stunning UNESCO-listed central square of Brussels, known for its ornate guildhalls and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Manneken Pis Statue

See the iconic little bronze statue symbolizing Brussels’ quirky spirit, just a short walk from Grand Place.
Free, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chez Léon

Enjoy classic Belgian dishes like moules-frites in a lively setting near Grand Place. Open from 11:30am to 10pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Discover Belgian and European masterpieces in this well-curated museum open from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR15, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Parc de Bruxelles

Wander the largest urban park in Brussels to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Noordzee Mer du Nord

Sample fresh seafood dishes in this informal and popular street food eatery, open until 9:30pm.
EUR20, 1h
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Day 2: Medieval Ghent

Ghent, Belgium on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Grab fresh pastries and coffee to fuel your day, with locations in Ghent open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Gravensteen Castle

Tour this impressive medieval fortress in the heart of Ghent to learn about the city's history. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR12, 1.5h

11:30am

Stroll Along Graslei and Korenlei

Enjoy picturesque riverside views along these historic quays lined with guild houses.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at De Graslei

Dine on Belgian specialties with river views in a charming restaurant located on Graslei. Open till 10pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral

Admire the Gothic architecture and see the famous Ghent Altarpiece. Open 8:30am-6:00pm.
EUR8, 1h

3:30pm

Boat Tour on the Leie River

Relax with a 40-minute boat tour offering unique views of Ghent’s historic center. Operating hours 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pakhuis

Indulge in hearty Flemish dishes in a rustic warehouse setting. Kitchen open until 9:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Charming Bruges

Bruges, Belgium on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Li O Lait

Enjoy organic coffee and artisan pastries just steps from Bruges’ market square, open from 8:00am.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Belfry of Bruges

Climb 366 steps for panoramic views of Bruges’ medieval city center. Open 9:30am-6pm.
EUR14, 1h

11:00am

Explore Markt Square

Relax while admiring the colorful buildings and local street performances in this lively public square.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Poules Moules

Savor traditional Flemish stew and fresh mussels in this friendly, locally loved restaurant. Open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Boat Ride on Bruges Canals

Experience the fairy-tale atmosphere of Bruges from the water on a relaxing 40-minute canal tour, operating 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 0h40m

3:00pm

Visit Basilica of the Holy Blood

View the sacred relic and exquisite architecture inside this revered basilica. Open 9:30am-5:30pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at De Stove

Enjoy intimate dining with seasonal Belgian cuisine; reservation recommended. Open till 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Artistic Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Normo Coffee

Indulge in excellent artisan coffee and light breakfast options near the city center; opens at 8am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Cathedral of Our Lady

Marvel at the impressive Gothic cathedral and paintings by Rubens. Open 10am-5pm.
EUR8, 1h

11:00am

Rubenshuis Museum

Explore the former home and studio of Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. Open 10am-5pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

12:45pm

Lunch at Frites Atelier

Taste gourmet Belgian fries with creative toppings, perfect for a quick, delicious lunch. Open till 6pm.
EUR12, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Antwerp Zoo

Visit one of the oldest and most beautiful zoos in Europe, open from 9am to 6pm.
EUR25, 2h

5:00pm

Walk along Scheldt River

Enjoy the scenic riverside pathway and views of the city’s historic port area.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Het Pomphuis

Dine in an atmospheric former pumping station serving Belgian seafood and classic dishes. Open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Scholarly Leuven

Leuven, Belgium on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Zondag

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries in this cozy café located near Leuven’s historic center. Open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit University Library and Tower

Tour this iconic library and climb the tower for panoramic views. Open 9am-5pm.
EUR5, 1h

11:00am

Explore Grote Markt

Admire the Gothic town hall and lively market square in Leuven’s city center.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Domus

Enjoy authentic Belgian beer and traditional dishes at this popular brewery-restaurant. Open 11:30am-3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit M-Museum Leuven

Explore contemporary and historical art collections at this central museum. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

5:00pm

Relax at Old Market Square

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the 'longest bar in the world' lined with cafés and bars.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at De Werf

Savor a mix of Belgian and international cuisine in a charming setting. Open till 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Historic Mechelen

Mechelen, Belgium on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Komkommertijd

Start with fresh coffee and homemade cakes at this friendly café, open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

St. Rumbold's Cathedral

Visit the cathedral and climb the tower for exceptional views of Mechelen. Tower open 10am-5pm.
EUR8, 1.5h

11:30am

Explore Beguinage of Mechelen

Wander through this peaceful historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Den Beiaard

Try traditional Flemish dishes in a cozy local restaurant, open 12pm-2pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Toy Museum

Discover a fascinating collection of historic toys, perfect for solo travelers interested in unique museums. Open 10am-5pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

5:00pm

Walk along Dijle River

Relax with a scenic riverside stroll before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at De Garage

Enjoy high-quality Belgian cuisine in a contemporary setting. Open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Return to Brussels

Brussels, Belgium on July 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Maison Dandoy

Enjoy famous Belgian waffles and coffee at this renowned Brussels establishment open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Visit Atomium

Explore this futuristic structure and exhibitions about science and design, open 10am-6pm.
EUR17, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café de la Presse

Light lunch featuring salads and sandwiches near central Brussels; open till 3pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Comic Strip Center

Discover Belgium’s rich comic art heritage including Tintin and The Smurfs. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

4:00pm

Shopping and Souvenirs

Spend your last afternoon browsing chocolate shops and boutiques around Grand Place.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at La Roue d’Or

Relish traditional Belgian cuisine in an Art Deco atmosphere near Grand Place. Open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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