7-Day Belgian Cities Itinerary: Hasselt & Brussels

Day 1: July 3rd - Arrival in Hasselt & Local Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Hasselt and check into your accommodation. Visit the Japanese Garden, a serene spot perfect for a calm start to your trip.

Afternoon: Explore the Fashion Museum Hasselt and stroll through the charming city center. Stop by Budget Market on Kerkstraat for some inexpensive local shopping.

Evening: Dine at Frituur No. 1, known for traditional Belgian fries with a range of sauces, very affordable (around €5-7).

Day 2: July 4th - Brother's Graduation & Family Time

Morning: Leisurely breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien (€8-12) before heading to the graduation ceremony at your brother’s university venue.

Afternoon: Celebrate at the graduation reception with family, enjoying typical Belgian dishes and drinks.

Evening: Join family for a casual dinner at De Peerdestal, a reasonably priced restaurant serving Flemish specialties (€15-20).

Day 3: July 5th - Travel to Brussels & Party Night

Morning: Take the train from Hasselt to Brussels (~1 hour, €12). Check into budget accommodation near the city center.

Afternoon: Visit the Grand Place and browse Hema and Kruidvat for affordable souvenirs and daily necessities (€5-15).

Evening: Party at Fuse Club, a renowned Brussels nightclub. Entry and drinks approximately €25-40 depending on consumption.

Day 4: July 6th - Brussels Sightseeing & Food

Morning: Tour the Atomium, an iconic Brussels landmark (€16 entrance). Grab quick waffles from street vendors (~€3-5).

Afternoon: Visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts (€12 entrance). Lunch at Chez Léon, famous for mussels and fries (€18-25).

Evening: Relax at Delirium Café sampling Belgian beers (~€10-15).

Day 5: July 7th - Shopping & Parks

Morning: Explore Rue Neuve for budget-friendly shopping including chains like H&M and Primark.

Afternoon: Picnic at Parc de Bruxelles with takeaway from local supermarkets (~€8-12).

Evening: Try Belgian fries at Maison Antoine (€5-7), then enjoy a quiet stroll around Place Sainte-Catherine.

Day 6: July 8th - Cultural Immersion

Morning: Visit Comic Strip Center (€10 entrance) to enjoy Belgium’s comic art heritage.

Afternoon: Take a budget-friendly lunch at Exki, offering healthy fast food (€10-12). Explore Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert for unique shops.

Evening: Attend a local live music event or small concert (cost varies, estimated €10-20).

Day 7: July 9th - Last Day & Departure

Morning: Brunch at JAT’ Café known for good coffee and pastries (€10-15).

Afternoon: Final shopping stops at Les Petits Riens, a popular second-hand store for affordable souvenirs (€5-15).

Evening: Early dinner at Le Cirio, historic café with affordable Belgian classics (€15-20) before heading to the train station or airport.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Japanese Garden: 1.5 hours, Free entry
• Fashion Museum Hasselt: 2 hours, €10
• Budget Market Shopping: 1 hour, €15 (estimated)
• Dinner at Frituur No. 1: 1 hour, €6
• Graduation Ceremony & Reception: 4 hours, Free
• Dinner at De Peerdestal: 2 hours, €18
• Train Hasselt to Brussels: 1 hour, €12
• Grand Place & Shopping: 3 hours, €10
• Party at Fuse Club: 4 hours, €30
• Atomium Visit: 2 hours, €16
• Mussels Lunch Chez Léon: 1.5 hours, €22
• Delirium Café: 2 hours, €12
• Shopping Rue Neuve: 3 hours, €20 (optional)
• Picnic in Parc de Bruxelles: 1.5 hours, €10
• Dinner Maison Antoine: 1 hour, €6
• Comic Strip Center: 2 hours, €10
• Lunch at Exki: 1 hour, €11
• Live Music Event: 3 hours, €15
• Brunch at JAT' Café: 1.5 hours, €13
• Les Petits Riens Shopping: 1.5 hours, €10
• Dinner at Le Cirio: 1.5 hours, €18

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately €320 - €350 (excluding accommodation and personal transport costs)

Tips

If you wish to extend your trip, consider adding a day trip to Antwerp or Ghent to experience more of Belgium's culture and cuisine. For a shorter trip, focus only on Brussels and limit shopping or leisure activities, trimming it to 4-5 days by combining Day 1 and Day 2 activities and skipping later shopping days.