5 Days in Belgium - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Explore Brussels & Beyond

Dive deep into Belgium's capital city with this itinerary that takes you to the highlights like Cinquantenaire Park and the Grand-Place with a local guide, on a walking beer tour of the city, and a day trip to the stunning Ardennes region. 

Your trip begins with a guided tour of some of Brussels' hot spots: you'll discover the Royal Greenhouses (Koninklijke Serres van Laken), famous for its stunning Art Nouveau exterior and the extraordinary rare plants within. Then off to Cinquantenaire Park (Jubelpark), home to sculptures, monuments, and beautiful french gardens. Stroll the city for the rest of the day before dinner at a local pub. The next day is for toasting! A walking beer tour takes you around five breweries highlighting the heritage and culture of the favorite Belgian beverage. 

Head to the Ardennes region for a day of history and architecture. You'll stop at the Waterloo Battlefield, take in the brightly colored mansions framed by the striking rock face at River Meuse bank, then stop at the waterfalls, ponds, and fountains of the Annevoie Water Gardens on your way back to Brussels. On your last full day, slow down the pace in the English-style park of Bois de la Cambre, where you can stroll the lovely paths around the lake, rent a water bicycle, or row out to Robinson Island and have a bite to eat. Pack up your chocolate souvenirs; it's time to head home. Au revoir! Learn more

Itinerary #2: Highlights of Flanders: Antwerp, Bruges & Ghent

This laid-back itinerary through Flanders covers the highlights of three noteworthy areas. First, you'll explore the delightful dichotomy that is Antwerp, one of the most historic and modern cities in Europe. Hop on a boat to tour the channels in Ghent, then eat and drink your way through Bruges because what's better than chocolate and beer?

Upon arrival in Brussels, you'll board the 30-minute train and delight in the ride as you arrive to the impressive Antwerpen-Centraal, Antwerp's railway station. Settle into your hotel, then meander the city center, making sure not to miss Grote Markt or Cathedral of Our Lady, which holds many paintings by the Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. Take a walk on the modern side at the contemporary MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) with excellent interactive exhibits. The next day, catch a water bus to Sint Anna river beach for some riverside dining or explore more of the city, stopping at the Antwerp Zoo or window shopping in the diamond district. 

In the morning on Day 3, you'll head to the historic port city of Ghent, where you'll explore the Ghent Belfry at the city center followed by a guided boat tour of the charming canals. Next on your agenda is a day trip to Bruges, where you'll be treated to monuments, sculptures (Michelangelo's sculpture of the Virgin Mary), and churches as you walk the cobbled streets, making sure to sample chocolates and beer along the way. On your last morning, you can say goodbye to Belgium from Ghent University Botanical Gardens before transferring to Brussels for your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Art Tour of Belgium: From Antwerp to Bruges

This five-day itinerary is for the culture vulture who can't get enough museums, architecture, and art. In Antwerp and Bruges, you'll see famous sculptures and hidden gems, Art Nouveau and classical architecture, and even get a taste of the culinary arts in the markets of Ghent.

You'll receive a warm welcome to Belgium arriving at the stunning Antwerpen-Centraal train station. Stretch your legs after a long flight with a walking tour of the Art Nouveau architecture in the Zurenborg neighborhood. Day 2 brings more strolling, discovering comic-style street art and some of the city's stunning murals. After lunch, you'll set off to the 43,000 square feet (4,000 sq m) former grain silo and warehouse that is now The Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen, one of Belgium's foremost contemporary art museums. Don't miss the cafés and galleries of the Het Zuid area.

Storybook Ghent awaits you the next morning, where the compact city center is a monument to the city's medieval power and stunning architecture. Visit Saint Bavo's Cathedral and the Castle of the Counts, as well as markets and castles, sampling local delicacies along the way. Day 4 brings the cobbled streets of Bruges, where you'll view works by masters such as Jan van Eyck and René Magritte as you tour the Groeningemuseum. After the museum, spend some time soaking up the city, sipping on a beer, and nibbling on chocolate before your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Flanders Kayaking, Chocolate & Art

Take a deep dive into the northern region of Belgium in this itinerary  that packs in the art and culture of Flanders. Kayak through Ghent, sample the work of master chocolatiers in Bruges, and visit the Renaissance buildings in Antwerp, making time for the ubiquitous Belgian beers between your travels. 

Explore Brussels on your first day, perhaps strolling the cobbled market square around the Grand-Place, marveling at the architecture, or tasting a waffle at one of the many shops. After a short train ride to Ghent, embark on a kayak trip past medieval castles and under arched stone bridges through the city's canals. You're then off to Bruges, where around every corner of the charming squares, you'll find another marvel: monuments, colorful shops, and restaurants, and if you climb the 366 steps of the 13th-century Belfry of Bruges, a birds-eye view of the entire city.

In the afternoon, participate in the interactive Choco-story, an immersive museum detailing the history of chocolate, learning about the journey from humble bean to scrumptious pralines, and of course, sampling as you learn. Day 4 takes you to Belgium's largest city, Antwerp. The main square in the heart of the city is Grote Markt, where you'll see the impressive Brabo Fountain, magnificent architecture, shops, and cafés. A stop at the Mayer van den Bergh museum, with its impressive art collection, is a must, and make time for a cold brew at one of the outdoor beer gardens. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Culinary Tour of Flanders

Foodies, this itinerary is for you! You'll enjoy not only tasting the sweet, creamy chocolate and the rich hoppy beers but learning about their history and how they are made as you tour through Antwerp and Ghent, with time for sightseeing and culture built in.

Your adventure begins as you pull into the Antwerpen-Centraal train station. Start at the world's largest chocolate museum, Chocolate Nation Antwerp. Find out how Belgium's history made the small country such an eminent producer of the sweet stuff, and save some room for samples at the end. You'll then head to an interactive tour and beer tasting at De Koninck Brewery. Later, learn more about the local cuisine on a guided walking food tour of this harbor city with international influences. One of your stops is a Belgian bakery for frieten (fries), chocolate, and waffles with all of your favorite toppings. 

Next up, Ghent for a historic beer walk beginning at Sint-Jorishof. During your three-hour tour, you'll stop at five breweries and tasting locations, and discover the fascinating relationship that brewing has with the churches, abbeys, and monasteries. Learn more about beer making later in the day at the Brouwbar Microbrewery. Get a taste of the city's captivating history and art, including medieval Gravensteen, Ghent's moated castle, and the Ghent Altarpiece, by Hubert and Jan van Eyck. Finally, set off on a self-guided gastronomic tour of the flavors of Flanders before your departure. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Belgium Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Belgium? Check out these other five-day Belgium itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.