Belgium Itinerary: A 7-Day Journey Through Historic Cities and Artistic Heritage
This 7-day itinerary guides you through Belgium's most captivating cities, starting in Brussels, venturing to Mechelen, Ghent, and Bruges, and concluding in Antwerp, all connected by convenient train travel.
- 1Brussels
- 2Ghent
- 3Bruges
- 4Antwerp
Day 1: Arrive in Brussels
Begin your Belgian adventure in Brussels, settling into the vibrant capital and exploring its iconic central square. You'll arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU), with easy train connections to Brussels-Midi station.
Highlights
- Wander through the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, admiring the Gothic town hall and guildhalls.
- Stroll through the opulent 19th-century Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a beautiful shopping arcade.
- Enjoy panoramic city views, especially at sunset, from the popular hilltop viewpoint of Mont des Arts.
Day 2: Immerse in Brussels' Art and History
Dedicate a full day to Brussels' rich artistic and cultural offerings, from fine art to the city's unique comic heritage.
Highlights
- Explore the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, home to Old Masters, Magritte, and modern collections.
- Visit the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the surrealist René Magritte, showcasing his major works.
- Discover the impressive St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, Belgium’s national church with Gothic and Baroque elements.
Day 3: Day Trip to Historic Mechelen
Take a train journey to Mechelen, a charming city known for its historic center and impressive cathedral. Trains from Brussels to Mechelen run frequently, with tickets starting from €4.
Highlights
- For planning, the earliest outbound departure is 00:01 and the latest return departure is 23:56.
- Ascend St. Rumbold's Tower for sweeping city views and a close look at the bells.
- Explore the Grote Markt, Mechelen’s central square, surrounded by monumental buildings.
Day 4: Travel to Ghent and Explore its Medieval Charm
Journey by train from Brussels to Ghent, a city renowned for its medieval core and picturesque canals. Train tickets start from €7 for the approximately 33-minute ride.
Highlights
- Visit Gravensteen, a medieval moated castle in the city center, offering insights into Ghent's history.
- Stroll along the historic Graslei, a signature postcard scene with guild houses and river views.
- Admire the elegant Korenlei, offering classic canal panoramas and beautiful evening views.
Day 5: Journey to Romantic Bruges
Continue your journey by train from Ghent to the enchanting city of Bruges, known for its romantic canals and well-preserved architecture. Train tickets start from €5 for the approximately 35-minute trip.
Highlights
- Begin at the Markt, Bruges’ grand central square, framed by historic guild houses.
- Capture postcard-perfect views of gabled houses and passing boats from Rozenhoedkaai, Bruges’ most famous canal-side viewpoint.
- Experience the serene beauty of Minnewater, an elegant square on a canal known for its white swans.
Day 6: Relocate to Vibrant Antwerp
Travel by train from Bruges to Antwerp, a city celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and artistic heritage. Train tickets start from €12 for the approximately 1 hour 25 minute journey.
Highlights
- Explore Antwerp’s Grote Markt, the grand central square lined with ornate guild houses and the City Hall.
- Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, a Gothic masterpiece housing works by Rubens and a soaring tower.
- Discover Het Steen, a medieval riverside fortress offering atmospheric views of the Scheldt river.
Day 7: Depart from Antwerp
Enjoy a final morning in Antwerp before your departure. Your journey concludes from Antwerpen-Centraal railway station, a major hub for national and international trains.
Highlights
- Visit the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), a landmark museum on the river with panoramic rooftop views.
- Wander through Antwerp's historic Old Town, with its narrow lanes, old houses, and intimate squares.
- Stroll along Meir, an elegant shopping avenue known for its grand architecture and luxury boutiques.
