Belgium is often seen as a ‘stopover’ country. We, however, know it’s worth a much longer stay!
On a One Week Belgium Itinerary, you can experience charming Medieval towns with picturesque canals, Belgian cuisine and international eats, and ancient artwork alongside engaging street murals.
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In our 1 Week Belgium Trip Plan, we feature the top attractions and hidden gems. 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 the country.
After (way too) many years, we finally returned. Basing ourselves in Ghent for an entire month, we routed our way across Belgium, visiting buzzing cities and soaking up the spectacular sights!
Belgium Trip Summary
Our outlined 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 an excursion to Antwerp to see how the once-thriving port city has reinvented itself, 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 your attention.
Organize Your Itinerary
As you begin planning, staying organized is key. Use our Printable Travel Planner to track all the details of your Belgium vacation!
Belgium Itinerary 7 Days
Alright, let’s get to it, shall we? 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!
Day 1: The Best of Brussels
Once you arrive 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.
Now wind your way down cobbled lanes, popping into chocolate shops and churches. Notice the street art caricatures (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 towards 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 spot that serves Moules Frites (Mussels with fries), which is the national dish of Belgium. Alternatively, head for the modern Wolf Food Market that features local specialties and international fare.
Sightseeing Tip for Day 1
Our Brussels Travel Guide features more spots and a detailed map so you can plan your own route. However, it can be overwhelming after just arriving in a new country. This highly-rated guided walking tour makes it easy!
Day 2: Beyond Brussels Old Town
On the second day of your 7 days in Belgium, see some contemporary sights and explore the cool districts of Brussels.
Start at the landmark Atomium. The shiny, bulbous building was designed for the 1958 World’s Fair. Now it 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.
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 late afternoon, set off to discover one (or more) of Brussels lesser-visited districts. Marollen is Bohemian and flush with vintage shops. Meanwhile, Matonge features ethnic shops and African restaurants.
Choose to dine in one of these neighborhoods 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 and efficient public transit network. 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
Today you’ll embark on an excursion to Antwerp. Our One Day Itinerary features everything you need to see along with a useful map!
Arriving by train from Brussels, start 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, it is practically mandatory to indulge in the 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 actually houses an incredible number of masterpiece paintings. Then, twirl around Grote Market Square to take in the scene.
After roaming streets that date to the Middle Ages, emerge 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).
Now relax with a pre-dinner beverage at one of Antwerp’s unique establishments. Sip a cocktail inside the saint-statue adorned Elfde Gebod, sample 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.
Trip Planning Option
Rather than taking a day trip, you could opt to stay overnight and continue on to Ghent the following day. Our recommended hotel for Antwerp is the NH Collection, which is right next to the train station.
Day 4: Discover Ghent
Take a morning train to Ghent, drop your bags at your hotel (recommended: Yalo Urban Boutique), 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, including the 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.
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. They are best discovered by just letting your senses guide you!
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 fellow tourists and a local guide on a Foodie Walk!
Day 5: Ghent Hidden Gems
Spend today seeing some of the lesser-visited spots. Start the morning in the 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 prominent religious sights – 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, antique shops and Sint-Jacobskerk, which is our favorite church in the city.
Now 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!
For dinner, dine at Belgian restaurant ‘t Vosken, where you should order the Ghent original: Waterzooi Stew.
Planning Tip
Several Ghent sights are only open for limited hours on weekends. If your trip occurs on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, we recommend making time for the glamorous Hotel d’Hane-Steenhuyse Museum and the ancient St. Bavo’s Abbey.
Day 6: Charming Bruges
Get another early start and hop on a Bruges-bound train in the morning. Stow your luggage at the hotel (recommended: Rose Red) and immerse yourself in the best Bruges Things To Do!
Start in the heart of town at Grote Markt Square under the gaze of the rising Belfry. Meander the 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 that postcard view of Bruges. Then board a scenic cruise on the canals for a different vantage point along with entertaining commentary.
In the afternoon, visit two of the city’s best churches: The Church of Our Lady, which houses a Michelangelo sculpture (ticket required), and the Cathedral of St. Salvator, which dates to the 11th century.
Next, walk through the picturesque grounds of 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 you through the brewing process and finishes with a fresh taste of the product!
Put that 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.
Be sure to pack your patience. Also, take an after dinner stroll 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 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, set off on foot to see more 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 side 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 Bruges, but most of the canals have walking paths, too. If sightseeing on two wheels isn’t your style, walk the Ring (or at least part of it).
7 Day Belgium Itinerary Map
Use this link to Google for an interactive version of our Belgium Map below.
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 to Belgium
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 rail. High-speed trains call frequently at the Brussels-Midi/Zuid station.
What To Pack for your Belgium Itinerary
Our final advice is all about what you will want to bring to Belgium. Find more hacks on our Packing So grab our FREE Checklist and let’s get you on that European Vacation!
Durable Shoes
With long days of sightseeing and cobbled lanes to navigate, comfortable shoes are a must! I prefer these 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 wheelie-bags a hassle. Consider using a travel backpack – instead of a suitcase for your trip.
Versatile Day Pack
Don’t forget a zippered bag that will deter pickpockets. We travel with these small backpacks, but have several other suggestions in our article about 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 additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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We have literally spent years exploring Europe. Our detailed guides and trusted advice can help you plan a wonderful vacation!
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