A Perfect 1 Week Belgium Itinerary

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Belgium is often seen as a ‘stopover’ country. Travelers may catch a glimpse of one Belgium destination while making their way between Paris and Amsterdam. We, however, know the country is worth a longer stay. On a One Week Belgium Trip, visitors can experience charming Medieval towns with picturesque canals, Belgian cuisine and international eats, ancient artwork alongside engaging street murals.

In our 1 Week Belgium Itinerary, we feature the top attractions and hidden gems at the country’s best locations. Peppered with our personal travel tips, the outlined itinerary makes planning a trip to Belgium an absolute breeze!

Belgium Itinerary: How To Plan a Trip

Our first trip to Belgium was in 2012; a quick 3-day adventure in the enchanting city of Bruges. We swooned over the town and wondered about the rest of Belgium. After (too) many years, we finally returned to the country. Basing ourselves in Ghent for an entire month, we routed our way across Belgium, visiting buzzing cities and soaking up the spectacular sights.

Best Cities to Visit in Belgium

The best places to visit in Belgium are the dazzling cities with preserved Medieval squares and twisting cobblestone lanes. In our 1-Week Belgium Travel Itinerary, we visit Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges.

Brussels

Serving as the capital of Belgium and the European Union, Brussels entertains visitors with an array of attractions. While the heart of the city retains an historic vibe, there are contemporary sights, vast green spaces, intriguing districts and quirky statues to discover. Use our list of What To Do in Brussels for specific details.

Antwerp

Less-visited and often overlooked, Antwerp is a fascinating place to see in Belgium. The urban city feels modern, but still bears traces of its powerful past when the strategic location hosted a thriving port. Use our Antwerp Guide for complete sightseeing info.

Ghent

Still a bit of an underrated Belgium destination, Ghent has a little bit of everything. From a stellar historic center to landmark churches to Belgium’s best-preserved castle. Plus, of course, there are chocolates, waffles and Belgian beers and fries, aplenty! Our Travel Guide for Ghent showcases all the prime attractions and hidden gems.

Bruges

Straight from the pages of a fairytale, Bruges is stunningly gorgeous and typically teeming with fellow tourists. The city boasts elegant squares, curving canals and romantic corners – and a hefty number of fun bars. Use our Bruges Travel Guide for sightseeing specifics.

Where Else To Go

Belgium is squashed between The Netherlands, Germany and France – with the UK right across the English Channel. Those Planning a European Vacation longer than a week could easily add nearby destinations to their Belgium trip plan.

How Many Days in Belgium

One of the first aspects of planning an itinerary for Belgium is determining how many days to spend. While those who are short on time could check off the highlights rather quickly, we believe a 7-day Belgium vacation is ideal. It’s just enough time to see the top sights and sample the local fare without feeling rushed.

What Type of Itinerary

There are two main ways to plan a trip to Belgium. Hop from city to city over the course of a week, or use one place as a base, making day trips to nearby destinations.

Belgium is a small country – and it’s well-connected by rail. The short distances and ample train routes makes it possible to discover the best of Belgium via day trips.

However, our One Week Belgium Itinerary is designed as a multi-city trip. We think staying overnight in different destinations allows visitors a better opportunity to fully experience each place. The magic of Bruges shines brightly before the day trippers arrive, Ghent’s riverside is full of revelry as the sun sets and Brussels sights are magnificent after dark.

Belgium Trip Summary

Our outlined day-by-day trip plan features the best of Belgium in 7 days. The vacation begins with 2 Days in Brussels, exploring the most significant sights. On the third day, take a full day trip to Antwerp to see how the once-thriving port city has reinvented itself into a shopping mecca, while still preserving a flourish of the past.

On day 4, relocate to Ghent for 2 nights to experience the wonderful gems of this surprising destination. End your trip with 2 days in Bruges, where age-old architecture and a copious amount of beer dens compete for travelers’ attention.

Organize Your Itinerary

As you begin planning your trip, staying organized is key. Use our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the details of your Belgium vacation!

BELGIUM ITINERARY 7 DAYS

Our day-by-day itinerary illustrates the best way to spend a week in Belgium. In addition to what to see and do, we also offer honest advice regarding how to get there, where to stay and what to pack.

Save, Pin or Bookmark this Belgium Travel Guide to plan your itinerary!

Day 1: The Best of Brussels

Once you arrive in Brussels and get situated in your hotel (recommended: 9Hotel Central), waste no time getting acquainted with the city. On the first day of your 1 Week in Belgium Itinerary, see the time-honored sights in Brussels Old Town.

Get your first taste of a classic treat and pick up a Belgian waffle to-go, then enter the opulent Grand Place. Surrounded in sumptuous architecture, it ranks as one of the most beautiful squares in the world.

Wind your way down cobbled lanes, popping into chocolate shops and churches (both of which are plentiful in Brussels). Notice the cartoon street art (numerous cartoonists hail from Belgium, like the creator of Tintin and The Smurfs) and find the quirky Manneken Pis fountain.

Next, make your way into the sensational Sablon District, where the Gothic church and gorgeous garden are the centerpieces. Eat a traditional lunch at Pistolet Original, then take in the sweeping view from Place Poelaert.

Continue to the Upper Town, where Place Royal is encircled by the city’s top museums and the Brussels Royal Palace opens onto an 18th century park.

Circling back toward the Lower Town, step inside the Brussels Cathedral and walk the length of the Royal Gallery of St. Hubert shopping arcade.

Ease into the evening at Delirium Village, where they proudly serve more than 2000 beers from 8 different bars. For dinner, choose a restaurant that serves Moules Frites (Mussels with fries), which is the national dish of Belgium. Alternatively, feast at the modern Wolf Food Market that features local specialties and international fare.

Sightseeing Tip for Day 1

Our Brussels Travel Guide features a map of attractions that makes it simple to plan your route. However, sightseeing can be overwhelming after just arriving in a new country. Some may prefer joining this highly-rated and very affordable guided walking tour to get their first glimpse of Belgium.

Day 2: Beyond Brussels Old Town

On the second day of your 7 days in Belgium, see the city’s contemporary sights and explore the cool districts.

Start the day at the landmark Atomium. The shiny, bulbous building was designed for the 1958 World’s Fair, but now houses a fascinating science museum that is fun for visitors of all ages. Next door, Mini Europe is an enthralling exhibit that depicts Europe’s most renowned cities in miniature form. It’s best to buy tickets to Atomium and Mini Europe in advance.

Spend the afternoon at Parc du Cinquantenaire (which hosts interesting museums and a stunning monument) or in the adjacent European Quarter (which boasts free museums detailing the history of the EU).

By the late afternoon, set off on foot to discover one (or more!) of Brussels lesser-visited districts. Marollen is Bohemian and flush with vintage shops. Meanwhile, the Matonge Neighborhood features ethnic shops and African restaurants.

Choose to dine in one of the neighborhoods outside of the Old Town or sit down to a bowl of divine Flemish Stew at Nuetnigenough. End your evening sampling a few Belgian brews at Poechenellekelder Beer Hall.

Advice for Getting Around

Brussels has a robust public transit network that can be used to get to the sights outside of the city center. Alternatively, the Hop On Hop Off Bus makes it straightforward and simple, plus the audio commentary is quite informative!

Day 3: Day Trip to Antwerp

On Day 3 of your Belgium Tour Itinerary, embark on an excursion to Antwerp. With one day, visitors can explore the city on foot, taking in the most magnificent sights. Our One Day in Antwerp travel guide features everything you need to see along with a useful map!

Arriving by train from Brussels, start the day by admiring the exquisite architecture of Antwerp Central Station. Then stroll through the sparkling Diamond District and up Antwerp’s main shopping street, Meir. Along the way, step inside the posh Stadsfeestzaal and watch Belgian chocolatiers at work at The Chocolate Line.

Round out the morning by wandering the car-free De Wilde Zee shopping district or visiting the Rubenhuis Museum to see the artwork of Antwerp’s own Sir Peter Paul Rubens. For lunch, indulge in a savory meal of Belgian fries topped with Flemish Stew at Frites Atelier.

In the afternoon, waltz through the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Visit the cathedral, which is more of a museum, and houses an incredible number of masterpiece paintings. Then, twirl around Grote Market Square to take in the breathtaking scene.

After exploring the tangle of streets that date to the Middle Ages, emerge from the Old Town onto the riverside. Explore the Het Steen Fortress, then walk north to the Old Port. Take the many, many escalators to the rooftop of the MAS Museum (and see a few of the free exhibits on the way up).

Finished with your full day of sightseeing, relax with a pre-dinner beverage at one of Antwerp’s unique establishments. Sip a drink inside the saint-statue adorned Elfde Gebod, sample locally produced craft beer at Station 1280 or have a glass of wine at the cozy Luddites Bookshop.

Enjoy a meal of French cuisine at De Reddende Engle – where they serve delicious multi-course meals at affordable prices. Then, return to the train station for the ride back to Brussels.

Trip Planning Option

Rather than taking a day trip, you could opt to stay overnight in Antwerp – then continue on to Ghent the following day. Our recommended hotel for Antwerp is the NH Collection, which is conveniently situated right next to the train station.

Day 4: Discover Ghent

Take a morning train from Brussels to Ghent, drop your bags at your hotel (recommended: Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel), then set off to get a look at the landmark sights.

Start at the Ghent Cathedral, which is filled with outstanding artwork. The church is free to enter, but there is a fee to see the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece by brothers Hubert and Jan Van Eyck.

From there, see more of the city’s best attractions: Belfry Tower, St. Nicholas Church and St. Michael’s Church. Pause on the St. Michael’s Bridge to savor the exceptional scene of rising spires and ancient guild houses before descending onto Korenlei Quay along the riverside.

Continue north to the impressive Gravensteen Castle and take the tour to learn the history of the Counts of Flanders. A ticket is required, but the price is inclusive of an incredibly entertaining audio guide.

After the castle tour, wander two of the oldest districts in Ghent: Prinsenhof and Patershol. As the day winds down, make your way back to the riverside to enjoy an early evening beverage. There are ample cafes with patio seating – or grab supplies from the store and join the locals on the river’s edge!

For dinner, take a break from Belgian food and dine at one of the international restaurants on Oudburg Street in Patershol. Uncle Babe’s Burgers gets our vote! Alternatively, eat at one of the other popular establishments, like Balls and Glory (known for their gigantic stuffed meatballs) or Amadeus (Belgium’s oddly famous all-you-can-eat rib house).

Travel Tip for Day 4

While our guide of Things To Do in Ghent is great for independent travelers, another fun way to get to known the city is with a local guide on a Foodie Walk. Instead of planning your own route, join the lunchtime excursion to learn the history of Ghent, while simultaneously getting a taste of the regional cuisine!

Day 5: Ghent Gems

Spend today seeing some of the lesser-visited spots. Start the morning in the southern Zuid District, which is full of culture and college students.

Trek through Citadel Park and then make your way into the small but remarkable Plantentuin Botanical Garden. Afterwards, visit one of the museums – MSK European Art, SMAK Contemporary Art or GUM Science Museum – that are located nearby (tickets required at all three).

Midday, seek out two historic religious sights – the Saint Peter’s Abbey (which was founded in the 7th century) and the Begijnhof Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Hoyen (a 13th century commune for pious women).

In the afternoon, partake in a decadent Belgium chocolate treat. Order a photo-worthy chocolaty beverage at In Choc or join a guided tasting at Chocolate Ambassade.

Once that sweet tooth is satisfied, head to the vast Vrijdagmarkt – one of the oldest squares in Ghent. Explore the historic streets and pop into antique shops as you make your way to Sint-Jacobskerk, which ranks as our favorite church in the city.

Stop into Dulle Griet, where they offer more than 300 beers on their menu, but are best known for the quirky ritual of requiring a shoe deposit for their giant glassware. Dine at Belgian restaurant ‘t Vosken, where you should order the Ghent original: Waterzooi Stew.

Trip Planning Tip

Several Ghent sights and markets are only open on weekends. If your trip occurs on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, we recommend re-routing your sightseeing to include the glamorous Hotel d’Hane-Steenhuyse Museum and the ancient St. Bavo’s Abbey. As a bonus, both of these hidden gems are free things to do!

Day 6: Charming Bruges

Get another early start to your Belgium Itinerary One Week trip plan and hop on a Bruges-bound train in the morning. Stow your luggage at the hotel (recommended: Hotel Rose Red) and immerse yourself in the magic of Bruges. Our list of Bruges Things To Do provides all the specific details.

Start your exploration in the heart of town at Grote Markt Square under the gaze of the rising Belfry. Meander through the historic lanes to De Burg Square, which is home to the striking City Hall and the must-see Basilica of the Holy Blood.

Make your way to Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) for the postcard view of Bruges. Then board a scenic boat cruise along the canals for a different vantage point of town along with entertaining commentary.

In the afternoon, visit two of the city’s best churches: The Church of Our Lady, which houses a Michaelangelo sculpture (ticket required to see it), and the Cathedral of St. Salvator, which dates to the 11th century.

Next, walk through the picturesque grounds of the historic Saint John’s Hospital. Then continue along quaint lanes to the enclosed Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde community and stroll alongside the romantic Minnewater Lake.

Now it’s time to join a brewery tour at De Halve Maan. The incredibly popular (and very humorous!) tour takes visitors through the brewing process and history of the long-standing brewery.

Put your fresh knowledge to the test and wet your whistle at a few of the fantastic Beer Bars in Bruges. In the evening, dine at the traditional Belgian restaurant Delice Brugge (try the cheese croquettes!).

Tourist Tip

Bruges is an extremely popular day trip destination, which means there will be crowded squares and congested lanes all throughout the day. Those staying overnight, however, can experience the city without the masses. Take an after dinner stroll or get up early to experience Bruges in relative solitude.

Day 7: More of Beautiful Bruges

Make like a local on your last day in Belgium and rent a bicycle to see more of the splendid city. Pedal north along the Langerei Canal to where it meets the Ring Path. Ride south to complete the entire loop, passing four windmills and the four remaining historic city gates.

Energetic travelers can set their sights on the village of Damme and use the Damse Vaart-Zuid cycling path to reach the settlement.

After returning the bike in the early afternoon, set off on foot to see more of the neighborhoods on the north side of the Old Town. Take a tour at the Frietmuseum (the only museum in the world dedicated to the humble fry), see Jan van Eyckplein Square and walk along the pretty Gouden-Handrei Lane.

Continue sightseeing in Sint-Anna Quarter. Start at the church and then explore the quiet streets. Eventually, make your way to Vlissinghe. Ranking as the oldest pub in Bruges, the classic beer hall atmosphere is spot on. In fact, the bar snacks are so good, we suggest making a dinner out of the Belgian-style tapas!

Alternate Itinerary Suggestion

Riding a bicycle is a great way to see the Bruges, but the canals and Ring have walking paths, too. If sightseeing on two wheels isn’t your style, walk the Ring (or at least part of it!).

MAP: Belgium 7-Day Itinerary Destinations

Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Belgium Map below.

Top Travel Tips for Visiting Belgium in a Week

Now that you are well on the way to planning your Belgium trip, we have some practical information to share with you.

How To Get There

Belgium can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. The best way to travel to Belgium, of course, will depend on your point of origin.

For overseas travelers, the ideal option is to fly into Brussels International (BRU). The airport is well-connected to Brussels City Center – as well as regional destinations – by train. Use our tips for Finding Cheap Flights to get a great deal on your airfare.

Those already in Europe may find it more convenient to travel by train to Belgium. The speedy, international trains call on Brussels frequently, utilizing the Brussels-Midi/Zuid station.

Where To Stay

When traveling through Belgium to multiple destinations in one week’s time, we suggest staying in hotels as opposed to Airbnb apartments. If they can’t accommodate an early check in – you should be able to at least store your luggage.

We’ve picked a specific property for each city, but if our suggestions are fully booked or not your preference, read our money-saving Tips for Booking Hotels to find your perfect place to stay.

Brussels: 9Hotel Central
Antwerp: NH Collection Hotel
Ghent: Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel
Bruges: Hotel Rose Red

What To Pack

Our final advice is all about what you will want to pack for Belgium. Find more hacks on our Packing Tips page, but for now grab your FREE Packing Checklist!

Durable Shoes

With long days of sightseeing and cobbled lanes to navigate, comfortable shoes are a must! I prefer to wear lightweight trainers – but we have reviewed loads of styles in our article, Best Travel Shoes.

Travel Camera

Belgium is unbelievably beautiful! Upgrade to a real camera for high quality photos. We use a DSLR Canon Rebel, which ranks as one of the top affordable travel cameras.

The Right Luggage

The uneven pavement and cobblestone streets can make wheeled luggage a hassle in Belgium. Consider using a travel backpack – instead of a suitcase for your trip.

Versatile Day Pack

Don’t forget a zippered travel day bag (that will deter pickpockets) for your long days of sightseeing. We go with these small backpacks, but have several other suggestions in our reviews of the Top Day Packs for Europe.

Start planning your trip to Belgium! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

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