5 Days Belgium Itinerary
This 5-day itinerary explores the highlights of Belgium, including Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. It balances iconic landmarks with local experiences, ensuring a memorable journey through this charming country.
Duration
5 days
Budget
$600-1000
Best Time
Spring (April-May) offers mild weather, fewer crowds, and blooming flowers, making it ideal for sightseeing
Activities
24
Daily Avg
$160/day
Cities
Brussels (2d), Bruges (1d), Ghent (1d), Antwerp (1d)
Pace
Moderate
Belgium offers a captivating blend of medieval architecture, vibrant culture, and world-renowned cuisine. From historic cities to charming canals, Belgium provides a rich and diverse travel experience within a compact and easily navigable country.
Your itinerary covers 9 of 10 must-have experiences
A Hands-On Chocolate Experience
Day 1: Belgian Chocolate Workshop
A Historic Brewery Tour & Tasting
Day 3: Canal Tour
A UNESCO-listed Grand Market Square
Day 1: Grand Place Exploration
A Medieval Castle Exploration
Day 4: Gravensteen Castle
A World-Class Art Museum (Flemish Masters)
Day 5: MAS Museum
A Poignant WWI Battlefield & Memorial
e.g., In Flanders Fields Museum (Ypres), Tyne Cot Cemetery (Passendale)
A Scenic Canal Boat Cruise
Day 3: Canal Tour
An Authentic Belgian Frites Shack
Day 1: Lunch at Fritland
A Dive into Belgian Comic Art
Day 2: Belgian Comic Strip Center
An Iconic Modern Landmark
Day 2: Atomium Visit
Belgian cuisine is a delightful blend of French finesse and German heartiness. From world-class chocolates and beers to hearty stews and crispy fries, Belgium offers a diverse culinary landscape that will tantalize your taste buds. Be prepared to indulge!
Must-Try Dishes
A classic Belgian dish consisting of mussels cooked in various broths (wine, garlic, cream) served with crispy, double-fried Belgian fries. It's a must-try for seafood lovers.
📍 Seafood restaurants in Brussels, Bruges, or along the coast.
Not just any fries, these are thick-cut, double-fried, and served with a wide array of sauces (mayonnaise, andalouse, samurai). They are often served in a paper cone.
📍 Friteries (fry shops) all over Belgium, especially near train stations and city centers.
Two main types: Brussels waffles (light and crispy, rectangular) and Liège waffles (denser, sweeter, oval with caramelized sugar). Both are delicious with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate, fruit, or simply powdered sugar.
📍 Waffle stands in tourist areas, cafes, and pastry shops.
A hearty beef stew cooked in Belgian beer (usually brown ale), onions, and spices. Served with bread or fries, it's the perfect comfort food.
📍 Traditional Belgian restaurants and brasseries.
Food Neighborhoods
Known for its diverse and trendy restaurants, offering cuisines from around the world.
Known for its hip cafes, fashion boutiques, and innovative restaurants.
Known for its Art Nouveau architecture and a variety of restaurants and bars.
Known for its lively Friday market and the surrounding restaurants serving traditional Flemish cuisine.
Vegetarian options are becoming more readily available in restaurants, especially in larger cities. Vegan options are less common but can be found with some research. Check menus carefully for hidden ingredients like butter or cream. For halal options, look for restaurants specializing in Middle Eastern or Turkish cuisine. If you have allergies, clearly communicate your needs to the waitstaff.
Belgians generally have a relaxed dining style. It is polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill is appreciated for good service. When drinking beer, it's polite to make eye contact when toasting.
Tomorrowland
World's largest electronic dance music festival with spectacular stages.
Note: Tickets sell out in minutes - register for presale
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From your hotel in Saint-Gilles, take tram 81 or 83 to Grand Place.FREE
9:00 AM - Grand Place Exploration
Begin your Belgian adventure at the Grand Place, Brussels' central square. Admire the ornate guildhalls and the City Hall. Free walking tours often start here.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Grand Place to Manneken Pis (approx. 5 minutes). Jeanneke Pis is nearby.FREE
11:00 AM - Manneken Pis & Jeanneke Pis
Visit the iconic Manneken Pis statue and its female counterpart, Jeanneke Pis. These quirky landmarks offer a glimpse into Brussels' playful spirit. Be prepared for crowds!
Book on Klook - 🚶Fritland is a short walk from Manneken Pis.$8
1:00 PM - Lunch at Fritland
Enjoy traditional Belgian fries at Fritland, a popular spot known for its crispy fries and wide selection of sauces. Expect a queue during peak hours.
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- 🚶Chocolate workshops are located near Grand Place; check online for specific locations and directions.$35
3:00 PM - Belgian Chocolate Workshop
Indulge in a chocolate-making workshop and learn the secrets of Belgian chocolate. Several workshops are available near the Grand Place. Book in advance!
Book on Klook
Saint-Gilles
Saint-Gilles is a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of cultures, art nouveau architecture, and a good selection of restaurants and cafes, offering a more local experience.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) offers mild weather, fewer crowds, and blooming flowers, making it ideal for sightseeing. Summer (June-August) is the warmest and most popular season with numerous festivals, but also experiences higher prices and tourist density. Autumn (September-October) brings pleasant temperatures, beautiful fall foliage, and less crowded attractions. Winter (November-March) is cold but charming, featuring festive Christmas markets and a cozy atmosphere, with the fewest tourists.
Summer in Belgium is generally pleasant with warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Rainfall is possible, so packing a light jacket or umbrella is recommended. Temperatures can occasionally reach higher peaks during heatwaves.
Summer is the peak season in Belgium due to warm weather and numerous festivals.
National Day (July 21st) can affect opening hours and transportation schedules.
Getting Around
SNCB/NMBS rail connects all major cities; Brussels has metro
MOBIB card (Brussels)
Belgium is small — most cities are within 1–2 hours by train from Brussels.
Travel
$80-120 (trains between cities)Accommodation
$250-400 (hostels/budget hotels)Food
$200-300Activities
$70-180Utilize Belgium's excellent train system with a 'Rail Pass' (for 10 single trips) or 'Weekend Ticket' for reduced fares if you plan extensive travel between cities.
Opt for delicious, affordable street food like Belgian fries from a 'friterie' with a wide variety of sauces, a popular and budget-friendly lunch option.
Look for 'plat du jour' (dish of the day) or fixed-price lunch menus ('lunch specials') at restaurants, which offer better value than à la carte dinners.
Indulge in a high-quality, artisanal chocolate tasting experience at a renowned chocolatier for an unforgettable sensory journey.
Enjoy a multi-course dinner at a traditional Belgian brasserie, savoring local cuisine paired with carefully selected Belgian beers.
Don't just stick to the popular tourist breweries; seek out smaller, local pubs and 'brown cafes' (in Flanders) to discover unique beers and a more authentic atmosphere, often at better prices.
Explore beyond the most famous cities like Brussels and Bruges; charming cities like Antwerp, Leuven, or Mechelen offer rich history and culture with fewer crowds and often lower costs for accommodation and dining.
- Belgium has three official languages (Dutch, French, German), but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases in Dutch or French is appreciated.
- Tipping is not strictly required but appreciated for good service; rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros in restaurants and cafes is common. For taxis, round up to the nearest euro.
- Belgium's public transport system (trains, trams, buses, metro) is excellent and efficient. Consider purchasing multi-day passes or a 'Rail Pass' for significant savings if you plan extensive travel between cities.
- Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted, especially in larger establishments. However, it's wise to carry some cash for smaller shops, market stalls, or specific local eateries that might be cash-only.
- Always validate your train, tram, or bus ticket before or upon boarding to avoid fines, even if it's a digital ticket.
- Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas, major train stations, and on public transport, as pickpocketing can occur.
- Tap water in Belgium is generally safe to drink, helping you save money and reduce plastic waste. Carry a reusable water bottle.
- Embrace the local culinary culture: try Belgian fries with various sauces, artisanal chocolates, waffles (both Liège and Brussels style), and explore the vast array of Belgian beers.
- 1Layered Clothing: Belgium's weather can be unpredictable, so layers are key for adapting to temperature changes throughout the day.
- 2Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring charming cobblestone streets and extensive city walking.
- 3Waterproof Jacket or Umbrella: Rain showers are common throughout the year, even in summer.
- 4Reusable Water Bottle: For tap water, which is safe to drink, saving money and plastic.
- 5Power Adapter (Type E): Belgium uses Type E sockets (two round pins and a hole for the male earthing pin).
- 6Daypack/Small Backpack: Convenient for daily excursions, carrying essentials, and souvenirs.
- 7Scarf: Versatile for warmth, style, or unexpected chill, even in warmer months.
- 8Reusable Shopping Bag: Many stores charge for plastic bags, so having your own is eco-friendly and practical.
- 9Smart Casual Outfit: For dining in nicer restaurants, visiting cultural events, or evening outings.
- 10Portable Power Bank: To keep your phone and other devices charged, especially when using navigation and cameras frequently.
Accommodation (hotels, B&Bs, apartments)
Book 2-4 months ahead, especially for peak season (summer), holidays, or popular festivals, to secure preferred locations and prices.
International Flights or High-Speed Train Tickets (Eurostar/Thalys)
Book 3-6 months ahead for the best deals, particularly if traveling during peak season or holidays, to avoid price hikes.
Timed Entry for Popular Museums/Attractions
Check official websites 2-4 weeks prior for attractions like the Atomium, Royal Museums of Fine Arts (Brussels), or Groeningemuseum (Bruges) to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
Specialty Tours (e.g., Beer Tastings, Chocolate Workshops)
Book 1-2 months ahead as these small-group tours and popular workshops often sell out quickly.
Train Tickets (Intercity/International)
For longer distances within Belgium or connecting to neighboring countries, booking 1-2 months ahead can offer better prices, particularly for high-speed routes.
Travel Insurance
Purchase as soon as your first major trip component (flights, accommodation) is booked to cover unforeseen circumstances like cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
eSIM or Local Physical SIM Card
Arrange purchase online for an eSIM before departure for immediate connectivity, or plan to buy a local physical SIM upon arrival at the airport or in a city center store.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Proximus stores, newsstands, and some supermarkets at the airport or in major cities.
📍 Orange stores, newsstands, and some supermarkets at the airport or in major cities.
📍 Travel Wifi website (requires advance booking)
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some public areas in major cities. The quality and speed can vary. Look for signs indicating free WiFi or ask the staff for the password. Train stations and airports also offer free WiFi.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing an eSIM before your trip for easy activation upon arrival. Check the data roaming rates with your current mobile provider, but it's usually more expensive than local SIM options. Download offline maps for areas where you may not have reliable internet access. Be mindful of data usage when streaming videos or downloading large files.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + round ground hole
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Service included; rounding up is appreciated
Round up
€1–2 per bag
Service is included. Small tips for good service are a nice gesture.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Belgium is generally a safe country for tourists. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
101
112
112
112 for emergencies
Payments
Cash useful at some friteries and markets
Widely accepted
Common
Cards accepted at most places. Carry some cash for smaller establishments.
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How was this itinerary?
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but more crowded. Winter has Christmas markets and a cozy atmosphere.
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