Belgium Travelers Recommend

Belgian chocolate and Belgian beer are just part of the fun on a trip to Brussels. Explore the capital city by bike, see the home of the European Parliament, and get a bird’s-eye view from Atomium. Here are a few ways to spend three days in Brussels, including options for day trips. 

Day 1: Brussels Basics

Get to know Brussels with an introductory tour on your first day in town. Get your bearings via bike tour, a sightseeing tour that takes in highlights such as the European Parliament, or a hop-on hop-off bus tour that allows you to explore independently. See major city landmarks including St. Michael’s Cathedral and the humorous statue known as Manneken Pis. Maximize your time in Brussels by booking a skip-the-line ticket to the Atomium, a popular attraction from the 1957 World’s Fair with views over the city. Visitors looking to personalize their exploration could opt for a private sightseeing your, which might include a stop at the dome of the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart. 

Day 2: Food and Beer Culture

Discover the flavors of Brussels with a day spent tasting the city’s famous food and drink. There’s a lot to learn. Some daytime walking tours include tastings of Belgian chocolates at top chocolate boutiques in the city, and tours may include a hands-on chocolate-making workshop. Another famous dish from Brussels is waffles, and it’s possible to taste and learn how to make Belgian waffles on a tour. To taste multiple foods on a single tour, choose one that mixes food and beer. By night, opt for an evening walking tour that focuses on the foods and atmosphere of Brussels after dark.

Day 3: Beyond City Borders

Explore beyond Brussels with a convenient planned day trip. Travel to other cities in Belgium with a trip to the historic cities of Ghent and Bruges or focus on one city and spend a day strolling through the streets of Antwerp. Choose between small-group tours for a more personal experience or private tours that allows you to customize the itinerary. History buffs can set out on a World War I-focused day trip to the Battlefields of Flanders. Outside of the Belgian border, several day trips are available, including an adventure to Amsterdam or Luxembourg. Get an introduction to the history and culture of another country with a quick day trip. 

With its UNESCO World Heritage–listed historic center, winding canals, and striking medieval buildings, Bruges is storybook Belgium at its most charming. Discover the West Flanders capital on an easy day trip from the national capital. Here are some convenient options for Bruges tours from Brussels. 

Highlights

• See Bruges landmarks such as the Church of Our Lady, the Beguinage (Begijnhof), the Lake of Love (Minnewater), and Bruges City Hall.

• Set sail on a scenic boat tour and admire the historic bridges, flower gardens, and almshouses (godshuizen) along Bruges’ canals.

• Stroll the cobbled streets of Bruges on a guided walking tour, then enjoy free time to shop for souvenirs or enjoy lunch at a local café.

• If you have more time, combine a day tour to Bruges and Ghent with half-day city tours of Antwerp and Brussels.

• Enjoy a more personalized experience by choosing a small-group or private tour.

Things to Know

• Bruges is located about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northwest of Brussels, about 90 minutes by road.

• Day tours from Brussels typically last between nine and 10.5 hours, and are often combined with a visit to Ghent.

• Be sure to bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and water and snacks for the journey.

• Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Brussels.

One of Belgium's most popular tourist attractions, the medieval city of Bruges is compact enough that even travelers without a lot of time can cover a lot of ground. Here's how to make the most of one day in Bruges. 

Morning: Medieval Bruges

Spend this morning familiarizing yourself with Bruges, beginning in its medieval town center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start in the Markt, the main square that’s home to landmarks such as the Belfort belfry and the Provinciaal Hof. From here, head over to Burg Square with its Gothic City Hall (Stadhuis) and the 12th-century Basilica of the Holy Blood. Then make your way over to the Beguinage, one of the city's most popular attractions, which served as an abode for Beguines, Christian laypeople who lived semimonastically from the 13th through 16th century. Today this beautiful white complex houses a fascinating history museum and a number of traditional crafts workshops.

Afternoon: Beer and Chocolate

Head back towards the city center for lunch (if the weather is nice, there are plenty of terraces to dine on at the Markt). Just make sure to save some room for an afternoon of beer and chocolate, which, along with fries and waffles, are Belgium’s best-known culinary treats. Start with a visit to Choco-Story, the city's chocolate museum, where you can learn about the history of chocolate making and sample plenty of sweet delights; you can even sign up to learn how to make chocolate yourself. From here, head over to the Bruges Beer Experience, an interactive beer museum with its own 16-tap bar.

Night: Dinner and Drinks

Though Bruges is a quieter town and not particularly known for its nightlife, there are plenty of lovely restaurants serving up hearty Flemish and international fare as well as pubs galore. Your best option is to grab dinner and then head out to one of the many brasseries and bars to sip popular Belgian brews such as tripels, lambics, and dubbels. Finish your time in Bruge with a stroll through the old city, which looks particularly enchanting when it’s softly illuminated at night.

With many of World War I’s violent battles being fought around Ypres, the Flanders region of north Belgium is home to some of Europe’s most important historic sites of the Great War. Among the 185 WWI military cemeteries, here are a number of the most important battle sites in Flanders.

First Battle of Ypres

The First Battle of Ypres raged from October 19 to November 22, 1914, on the Ypres Salient, and saw Allied forces locked in combat with German soldiers along the Western Front—from Arras in France to Nieuport on the Belgian shores. During the battle, both sides struggled to beat the other to reach the coastline north of their rivals, and the fight spilled over into the Battle of the Yser.

Battle of Passchendaele

Also known as the Third Battle of Ypres, the Battle of Passchendaele spanned from July to November 1917. During the fight, Allied soldiers clashed with German Empire forces over control of the high ground to the south and east of the Belgian city of Ypres. Passchendaele itself lies on a ridge just to the east of Ypres—ground that had proved pivotal in the German 4th Army’s rail supply chain.

Battle of Messines

From early to mid-June 1917, General Sir Herbert Plumer of the British Second Army led his forces in what was to become known as the Battle of Messines. The goal was to forge German generals to move soldiers from Arras and Aigne to Flanders Fields, and in doing so, relieve beleaguered French forces on the Aisne front.

Battle of Lys

The Battle of Lys—otherwise recorded as the Lys Offensive or the Fourth Battle of Ypres—took place from April 7 to April 29, 1918. German forces orchestrated the battle with the aim of pushing back British forces to the shoreline and capturing Ypres once and for all.

Ghent and Bruges are two of Belgium’s most picturesque cities. Their UNESCO World Heritage–listed monuments, scenic canals, and well-preserved medieval buildings can be visited in tandem in a single, wonderful day. Here’s how to maximize your time in Ghent and Bruges on a full-day tour from Brussels. 

Highlights

• Marvel at Ghent landmarks including the Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts), St. Nicholas’ Church, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral with its legendary “Mystic Lamb” altar painting.

• Admire top Bruges sights such as the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Beguinage (Begijnhof), Bruges City Hall, and the Lake of Love (Minnewater).

• Take in the highlights on a guided walking tour, then enjoy free time to shop for souvenirs or sightsee independently.

• If you have time to spare, combine a day tour to Bruges and Ghent with half-day Antwerp and Brussels city tours.

• Enjoy a more personalized experience by choosing a small-group or private tour.

Things to Know

• Ghent is located about 35 miles (57 kilometers) northwest of Brussels, about one hour by road.

• Bruges lies 32 miles (51 kilometers) northwest of Ghent, about 45 minutes by road.

• Day tours from Brussels typically last between nine and 10.5 hours.

• Be sure to bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and water and snacks for the journey.

• Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Brussels.

While it’s common for visitors to only spend a day—or even just a few hours—in Bruges, it’s worth basing yourself in the city for a little longer if possible. With three days in Bruges, you’ll have enough time to get a feel for the city’s sights and flavors and still have plenty of time to get out of town to learn about the surrounding region’s World War I history. Here’s how.

Day 1: Historic Highlights

Spend your first day hitting up Bruges’ major sites, starting with its star attraction: the medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of Gothic Flemish buildings. At the heart of the old city, set amongst numerous canals and cobblestoned lanes, are two main squares: the Markt, home to the neo-Gothic Provincial Palace, and Burg Square, with its Gothic City Hall (Stadhuis) completed in 1420 as well as the 12th-century Basilica of the Holy Blood. Then make your way toward the Church of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk), even just to take a quick photo of its 400-foot (122-meter) spire, the tallest structure in the city. From here, it’s a quick walk to the Beguinage, originally built to house Beguines (semimonastic laypeople); today it features a history museum and crafts workshops. Finish your day off at the Lake of Love (Minnewater), a verdant lakeside park popular with couples on romantic strolls.

Day 2: Beer, Chocolate, and Art

Spend your second day exploring two of Belgium's most celebrated exports: chocolate and beer. Join a small-group tour focusing on one or both to see the highlights with a guide, or head out on your own to visit Choco-Story, where you can learn about the chocolate manufacture process, taste locally crafted chocolates, and sign up for a workshop to learn how to make chocolate yourself. From here, make your way over to the Lace Center (Kantcentrum) to learn all about the traditional craft of lace-making and even see a live demonstration. Afterward, choose one of the city’s popular beer-themed attractions: the Bruges Beer Experience, an interactive and family-friendly museum with its own 16-tap bar, or the Halve Maan Brewery, a working brewery dating back to the 16th century that offers regular tours. Alternatively, if you're more into art than beer, the Groeningemuseum is among the finest art museums in the country, with an exceptional collection of pieces from the likes of Jan van Eyck and Hieronymus Bosch.

Day 3: The Fields of Flanders

Travelers with an interest in World War I history will be familiar with the Battle of Flanders, five battles that took place in the area from 1914 to 1918. Monuments and memorials are spread across the region, particularly in Mesen and Ypres. Some of the former battlefields have been transformed into natural areas with interpretive signs detailing the events that took place in the area; the Ypres Salient is particularly worth visiting. Those wanting to deepen their understanding of the sites may opt to hire a private local guide or join a small-group battlefields tour from Bruges.

While many people only spend a few hours or a day in Bruges, two days will give you the chance to properly get a feel for the charming old city and its numerous historic and cultural attractions. Here’s how to make the most of your time.

Day 1: Historic Bruges

**Morning:**Spend your first morning in Bruges in the heart of the medieval city center. Begin with the main square (Markt), which houses numerous cafés and attractions such as the Belfort (belfry) and the Provinciaal Hof. A 2-minute walk away, Burg Square is also worth visiting, even just to gawk at the Gothic City Hall (Stadhuis).

**Afternoon:**After lunch, head over to the Lake of Love (Minnewater), with its romance-inspiring gardens and waterways and elegant resident swans. From here, it's a quick jaunt south to the Beguinage, a medieval complex with traditional whitewashed Flemish architecture, a few craft workshops, and a history museum focused on the semimonastic Beguines of medieval Flanders.

**Night:**As night falls, head back to the Markt area for dinner, where you’ll find plenty of charming restaurants and pubs to choose from. If the weather is nice, try to nab a spot on a brasserie terrace for some top-notch people watching, or take an evening stroll through the narrow medieval streets of the old city.

Day 2: Made in Belgium

**Morning:**Spend your second day learning about Belgian products, notably lace, chocolate, and beer. Start with a morning visit to Choco-Story, a chocolate museum with displays about the history and manufacture of chocolate. Tastings are part of the experience, and optional workshops are available for those who want to deepen their knowledge.

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, head over to the Lace Center (Kantcentrum), housed in the former Apostline Sisters' lace school. Here you can learn all about lace-making and even see live demonstrations. Next, make your way to the Bruges Beer Experience, which offers an educational, interactive glimpse into the history and manufacture of beer.

**Night:**After the Beer Experience, you can stick around for a beer or two or head back to town for dinner. Beyond bars and restaurants, Bruges doesn’t have much in terms of nightlife, though the city does have a handful of nightclubs along with special evening events, particularly in the summer months. Any time of year, an evening stroll through the illuminated medieval center is a lovely way to top off your time in Bruges.

Renowned for waffles and beer, mussels and chocolate, hearty stews and speculoos, Belgium as a whole—and Brussels in particular—is an ideal destination for food lovers, beer experts, and all-around gourmands. Here are the dishes, drinks, and other culinary delights to discover on your next trip to the Belgian capital.

Must-Try Dishes and Brews

Belgium produces some of the world’s most storied brews, from centuries-old Trappist ales to funky lambics fermented with wild yeast. Beer geeks covet rare bottles of Westvleteren 12 and Cantillon’s fruit-infused lambics, while more ubiquitous brews like Orval and Chimay Tripel remain ever-popular staples. Though Belgian beer is strongly guided by tradition, a new generation of craft breweries like Brussels Beer Project and Brasserie de la Senne are beginning to transform the scene.

If beer is taken seriously, then Belgian food is, too. The city is peppered with elegant chocolate shops, each of which makes more delicious and refined truffles than the last—an extensive chocolate tasting is an essential Brussels experience. Waffles may be a common street food snack, but given that they often come topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or speculoos spread, they can be quite decadent.

Visiting in the winter? Settle in with a hearty stew like carbonnade flamande or waterzooi. And be sure to sample mussels and fries, or moules-frites as it’s known locally— this is widely considered Belgium’s national dish.

Must-Do Experiences

• Head out on a beer tour to a craft brewery, or visit traditional brewers like Cantillon Brewery and 3 Fonteinen.

• Sample truffles and pralines during a Belgian chocolate tour, or attend a cooking class to learn how to make chocolate from scratch.

• Enjoy gourmet Belgian food at one of the city’s elegant brasseries, and order a seafood platter complete with gray shrimp, a local favorite.

• Master the art of Belgian waffles during a hands-on cooking class, or go on a walking tour of the city's top street food purveyors.

• Go for a beer tasting in one of the city’s popular beer bars, like the Delirium Café, whose menu boasts more than 2,000 brews.

The Flanders region of Belgium, as well as neighboring northern France, saw extensive fighting during World War I, and both are now home to memorials, cemeteries, battlefields, and related sites. Here are your options for touring World War I battlefields from Brussels.

Highlights

• Pay your respects to fallen soldiers at the Tyne Cot Cemetery in Belgium.

• Cross the border into France on a full-day tour of sites from the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest in military history.

• Attend the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Flanders, where five battles took place including the Battle of Passchendaele.

• Visit the Messines Ridge (New Zealand) Memorial, dedicated to missing soldiers from New Zealand.

The capital city of Belgium is home of the European Parliament and a destination for food and drink. Its buildings are alive with history, and its streets filled with museums, statues, and plenty of things to see and do. Here are a few ways to spend 48 hours in Brussels. 

Day 1: Sights and Sweets

**Morning:**Maximize time in Brussels with an introductory morning tour. Options range from private sightseeing tours with your own guide to small-group walking tours that typically include top landmarks such as the European Parliament. Visitors who want to go at their own pace opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour. 

**Afternoon:**Belgium is known for its sweets, from creamy chocolate to thick waffles. Set out on a food tour to get to know the sweet side of Brussels. Chocolate tasting tours typically include samples from several chocolate boutiques, and some food tours include a hands-on element, such as a waffle-making workshop.

**Night:**Meet fellow hungry travelers on an evening food-focused walking tour. Such small-group tours generally focus on the traditional food and drink found in Brussels and may showcase the city’s vibrant nightlife. 

Day 2: Bikes and Beer

**Morning:**See the city on two wheels via a bike tour. Such tours tend to visit popular landmarks such as Manneken Pis, and may also go off-the-beaten path to catch a glimpse of local life in Brussels not seen on all overview tours. Small-group tours allow you to ask your guide about where to go and what to see after the tour. 

**Afternoon:**Get a taste for authentic Belgian beer with a brew-focused afternoon tour. Some beer-tasting tours may involve more elaborate itineraries, such as a treasure hunt, some stick to beer, and others may combine beer with other Belgian delicacies such as mussels or chocolate. 

**Night:**Join a local guide for an after-dark stroll on a Brussels walking tour. If you choose a  private tour, your guide will customize your tour to your interests and tastes. Learn about the city’s food and culture from your guide. 

Each of Flanders’ cities is worthy of an individual trip, but with only a few days to spare, it’s still possible to cram in the main highlights. Here are some ideas for how to spend 3 days in Flanders. 

Day 1: Brussels & Antwerp

Start the day in the Belgian capital (and de facto capital of the European Union), Brussels, where you’ll have time to stroll the historic Grand Place overlooked by the imposing Gothic Town Hall and check off key sights like the Triumphal Arch, the Belgian Parliament and St Michael’s Cathedral. With just half a day, you’ll barely scratch the surface of the cosmopolitan capital before it’s on to fashion-forward Antwerp, Belgium’s second largest city. Ardent fashionistas will want to make a beeline for the Mode Museum, but don’t miss out on the views from the MAS Museum; the Rubenshaus, the former studio of Antwerp’s most famous artist; and the Cathedral of Our Lady, home to four Rubens masterpieces.

Day 2: Ghent & Bruges

The show-stopping towns of Ghent and Bruges showcase Belgium at its most undeniably picturesque and their flower-lined medieval squares and towering cathedrals could be lifted straight from a postcard. Check off highlights like the St Bavo Cathedral, St Nicolas Church and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders in Ghent, then journey to Bruges for a scenic boat cruise along the canal ways and a tour of the famous Beguinage.

Day 3: Ypres & Flanders’ Fields

The fields of red poppies that sprung up along one of the most notorious Salients of WWI made the battlefields of Flanders famous around the world, and you can’t visit Flanders without paying your respects to the fallen soldiers at one of the poignant memorials. Visit the world’s largest German and Commonwealth war cemeteries, Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Cemetery and Vladso German Cemetery; walk along the remains of the western front at the ‘Trenches of Death’; fill in the gaps in your knowledge at the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres; then catch the 8pm Last Post ceremony. 

Flanders—the Dutch-speaking region of northern Belgium—is a hub of striking medieval architecture, as well as beautifully preserved cities and romantic waterways. Here are the essential medieval landmarks to seek out in the Flemish cities of Bruges, Ghent, and Ypres.

Bruges

The streets and canals of Bruges, a bustling commercial center during the medieval era, still follow the plan that was laid out in the Middle Ages. Surviving gates and ramparts hint at the fortification wall that used to ring the city. Within its historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval Market Square (Markt) has been used as a marketplace since the 10th century. Spot the 12th-century belfry, easily distinguished by its soaring tower, and one of the city’s last remaining timber-fronted houses at 7 Genthof. The Burg, another of Bruges’ busy squares, is home to the Basilica of the Holy Blood (Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed), which dates to the 12th century and features an elaborately sculpted facade.

Ghent

The original wooden structure of St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal), one of Ghent’s medieval highlights, has since been replaced and modernized, but venture inside to view the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (also known as the Ghent Altarpiece), a 15th-century masterpiece by brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck. Begun in the 13th century, St. Nicholas’ Church (Sint-Niklaaskerk) is one of the city’s oldest and most recognizable structures. The UNESCO-listed Ghent Belfry, which soars to 299 feet (91 meters), is the loftiest in Belgium. Other medieval highlights include the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen) and the Graslei, the city’s historical port.

Ypres

Ypres was also a busy commercial city in the medieval era, particularly renowned for its textiles. The enormous Cloth Hall (Lakenhalle) was built in the 13th century and painstakingly restored after the ravages of World War I. Other reconstructed medieval landmarks can be found across the city, from the Het Steen medieval stone house to the centuries-old Butcher’s House.

Discover the sights and tastes of Brussels in one action-packed day. With a little planning, you can visit the Belgian capital’s top landmarks, learn how to make Belgian chocolate, and walk the streets at with a guide in under 24 hours. Here are a few ways to spend one day in Brussels. 

Morning: Sights, Bikes, and City Mysteries

Kick off a day in Brussels with an introductory city tour to get your bearings. Choices include a sightseeing tour by bus, a Brussels bike tour, and a walking tour with a specific focus, such as the mysteries and legends of Brussels. Visitors interested in covering ground quickly and at their own pace should opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Alternatively, focus on one one specific sight such as the Atomium, and prebook skip-the-line tickets for easy entry into this Belgian landmark known for its views. 

Afternoon: Belgian Chocolate and Beer

Get a taste for authentic Belgian chocolate or Belgian beer during an afternoon food-focused tour. Learn how chocolate is made and taste samples from some of Brussels’ most exclusive chocolate boutiques on a chocolate walking tour, nibbling on truffles, pralines, and more. Some chocolate tours include a hands-on workshop. Or do a Belgian beer walking tour, which typically includes samples of different kinds of Belgian beer. Follow a guide to several bars and taverns for a taste and learn about how Belgian beer is made along the way. 

Night: Brussels through a Local Lens

Connect with a local for a night out in Brussels during a private guided tour. Such tours typically shape the itinerary to your interests and involve an evening exploring restaurants, cafes, and taverns. A small group food tour allows you to wander the Belgian capital in search of the best waffles and other traditional foods. Learn about local culture from your guide.

Two days in Antwerp allow you to go beyond the historic center and important museums to explore the neighborhoods responsible for the city’s cosmopolitan reputation, such as trendy Zuid, home of cutting-edge galleries and chic boutiques. Here’s how to get the most out of two days in Belgium’s second-largest city.

Day 1: Artistic Antwerp

**Morning:**Rise early, jump aboard a hop-on hop-off bus, and head straight to the Rubens House (Rubenshuis) to enter the world of Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp’s most illustrious son. Explore opulently furnished rooms filled with antique furniture and Rubens masterpieces before heading over to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

**Afternoon:**Tick off more sights in less time on a bike tour. Options for exploring the cycle-friendly city are plentiful: Visit the De Koninck city brewery for beer tasting or the district of Burie, famous for its Belgian chocolate. Another option is to combine a bike tour of the historic center with a cruise on the River Scheldt. 

**Night:**Spend the evening getting acquainted with Belgium’s culinary scene, which is most famous for its beer, waffles, and chocolate. Stray from the beaten path and discover local haunts on a beer-tasting tour, or get the inside scoop on the best Antwerp eateries during a food tour that also focuses on the city’s history. 

Day 2: Get Out of the Old Town

**Morning:**Dedicate your second day in Antwerp to exploring districts outside of the historic center. Zoom along the banks of the River Scheldt on a Segway tour that reveals both top attractions and hidden gems and includes stops at Green Square (Groenplaats) and the Diamond District, considered the diamond capital of the world. 

**Afternoon:**Take a few hours to explore Zuid, a former industrial district that now proves Antwerp is Belgium’s capital of cool. Indulge a love of modern art at FOMU photography museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp, where you’ll also find an art-house cinema and rooftop restaurant, before relaxing in a quirky café. 

**Night:**Once the sun has set, head to the bustling Grand Market Place (Grote Markt), which comes alive at night. Admire illuminated buildings such as the Cathedral of Our Lady and the ornate Antwerp Town Hall before enjoying Belgian delicacies such as french fries and craft beer at one of the restaurants surrounding the square. 

As the capital of the Flemish-speaking Oost-Vlaanderen (East Flanders) province in northern Belgium, Ghent is an important inland port and a buzzing university city. It’s also a medieval masterpiece, right up there with its neighbor Bruges for its spectacular Flemish Gothic architecture. 

Day One: Explore the City

Take a day to enjoy the buzzing streets of Ghent; discover the medieval splendors of Graslei and Korenlei; see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb in the landmark St Bavo’s Cathedral; and climb to the top of the Belfry for views across the city rooftops. Come evening, head north of the River Leie to fashionable Patershol for a gourmet supper.

Day Two: Remember the Dead

Pay your respects to the fallen of World War I with a tour of the battlefields of Flanders; walk in the trenches that marked the Western Front, see the countless rows of tombstones at Tyne Cot Cemetery and journey to Ypres, around which much of the fiercest fighting raged. Remember the dead at the sobering In Flanders Fields Museum, grab supper in Ypres’ main square and attend the heart-rending Last Post Ceremony, held in the Menin Gate Memorial at 8pm nightly. 

Day Three: Art and Design

Kick-start a day of culture in the superb Design Museum Ghent, then hop on a tram for the 10-minute journey south to Citadelpark for its brace of top-rate art museums (Flemish and contemporary). Pop into STAM, Ghent’s newest – and most entertaining – museum, to learn all about the city’s long journey from medieval to modern, and round off the evening at one of the many open-air restaurants along the quaysides of Graslei and Korenlei.  

Close enough to reach by road from Brussels in fewer than three hours and small enough to explore on foot, by bike, or by canal boat, Amsterdam makes a perfect day trip from Belgium. Here’s how to best enjoy Amsterdam on a day away from the Belgian capital.

Highlights

• Take a walking tour along the tree-lined canals to top sights such as Dam Square and the 17th-century Royal Palace of Amsterdam, and gain insight into centuries of European history.

• Indulge in a little retail therapy among the high-end stores along the Nine Streets, experience the downtown vibes of the Red Light District, and stop for beer and a snack of bitterballen (fried meatballs) at a traditional Dutch café.

• Cruise along the Canal Ring on a sightseeing boat tour and admire the grand canal-side mansions along the way.

• Visit top Amsterdam cultural attractions such as the Hermitage Amsterdam, the Stedelijk Museum, or the Van Gogh Museum.

• Hop on a bike and spin over the cobbled streets to farther-flung spots like the vibrant Jordaan district, the National Maritime Museum, or the pretty 19th-century Vondelpark.

• Delve into a world of floral scents and colors on a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens.

Things to Know

• Amsterdam lies 129 miles (208 kilometers) north of Brussels, a 2.5- to 3-hour drive.

• Day tours to Amsterdam from Brussels typically include a guide, pickup and drop-off at your Amsterdam accommodation, and transportation.

• Amsterdam is a very walking- and cycling-friendly city, with plenty to see and do on foot and by bike. As such, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Landlocked Luxembourg may be among Europe’s smallest nations, but it packs a big punch with its attractive UNESCO-listed capital, vineyard-covered countryside, and medieval villages. Just a short drive from the Belgian capital, Luxembourg makes for an easy day trip. Here’s what you can expect on Luxembourg day trips from Brussels.  

Group Tours

Group tours to Luxembourg from Brussels offer a great-value, hassle-free way to travel between two European countries—Belgium and Luxembourg—in just one day. After a morning departure from Brussels and a trip through the Ardennes into Luxembourg, most group tours head for the capital, Luxembourg City. Once here, things typically kick off with a guided sightseeing tour of the old town to landmarks such as the Palace of the Grand Dukes (Palais Grand-Ducal) and Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale de Notre-Dame), followed by free time to explore. Some group tours make stops at other Belgian towns, such as Dinant, to break up the return journey.

Private Tours

A good option for families, couples, or groups of friends, private tours to Luxembourg offer a more flexible and personalized experience. Many private tours incorporate guided city tours that can be tailored to fit the group’s interests, as well as including free time for independent exploration. Depending on your personal interests, you might want to make an additional stop, such as in the town of Bastogne, seminal in World War II’s Battle of the Bulge.

Things to Know

• Luxembourg City is around 140 miles (225 kilometers) from Brussels. Driving takes just over two hours, while train journeys between the two cities usually take around three hours. 

• Full-day tours from Brussels to Luxembourg normally last about 11 hours. 

• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk during your trip; Luxembourg City’s streets are hilly and cobbled. 

• Most day tours include pickup—and sometimes drop-off—from centrally located Brussels hotels as well as free time for lunch. 

Three days in Antwerp gives you ample time to enjoy the city’s highlights and still take in another European city. Whether you want to focus on Antwerp’s art scene or cross the border to Amsterdam, here’s how to make the most of three days in Belgium’s second city. 

Day 1: History and Heritage of Antwerp

Devote day one to orienting yourself in the historic center of Antwerp, which is characterized by grand, baroque buildings and centered around Grand Market Square (Grote Markt). Jump aboard a hop-on hop-off bus for an overview of top Antwerp attractions, which include the Rubens House (Rubenshuis) and the De Koninck Brewery. An Antwerp City Card grants you free entry to both and includes unlimited use of public transport. Then, head to the Diamond District, home to one of the world’s largest diamond showrooms. 

In the afternoon, go farther afield on a bike tour and indulge your sweet tooth with some of Belgium’s famous chocolate. Evenings in Antwerp are made for relaxing with Belgian beer and crispy french fries, which are typically covered in mayonnaise and ketchup. Get the inside scoop on Antwerp’s best eateries during an evening food tour. 

Day 2: Crossing the Borders of Europe

Belgium is nestled between France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, making it an ideal launchpad for exploring the rest of Europe. You can opt to take the train independently or use a private transfer service, which comes with the freedom to customize your sightseeing itinerary. Choose to explore the Amsterdam Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the windmills of Zaanse Schans on a day trip to the Netherlands, or tour more of Belgium during a visit to the administrative capital of Brussels and the medieval town of Bruges, hailed as one of the prettiest places in Europe. Trips to Brussels take around half a day, making them the ideal choice for visitors with limited time. 

Day 3: The Capital of Cool

Spend your final day exploring the neighborhoods that contribute to Antwerp’s reputation as the capital of cool. A great way to do this is on a Segway tour, which provides safe and speedy travel between dispersed sights. Zoom along the banks of the Scheldt River, stopping to photograph the ultramodern Courts of Law, and end in the trendy neighborhood of Zuid, home to some of Antwerp’s most prestigious art museums; enjoy 50% off admission with an Antwerp City Card. Dedicate an hour to exploring the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp, where you’ll also find a rooftop restaurant and an art-house cinema. Toast your final evening in Antwerp with a pint of Belgian beer on a beer tour, which provides local insight into some of the city’s best nightlife venues. 

Antwerp’s small size and close proximity to several European countries make it easy to explore in just a day. Whether you want to wander the historic Old Town, browse jewelry shops for dazzling diamonds, or indulge in Belgian chocolate and beer, here’s how to get the most out of 24 hours in Belgium’s capital of cool. 

Morning: City Sightseeing

Orient yourself in the historic center of the city on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which gives you the freedom to disembark at attractions of your choice. Jump off at Grand Market Place (Grote Markt van Antwerpen), a triangular-shaped marketplace surrounded by grand, 16th-century buildings. Head inside the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal), home to two famous paintings by Flemish baroque master Peter Paul Rubens. Pose for a photograph beside the Brabo Fountain, which represents the legend of Antwerp’s conception, and admire the candy-striped facade of Butcher’s Hall (Vleeshuis), a former meat market turned music history museum.

Afternoon: Be Dazzled by Diamonds

Begin by admiring the interior and exterior of Central Station, a transit hub so grand that it’s nicknamed the Railway Cathedral by locals. From here, board the dedicated diamond bus and spend the afternoon exploring Antwerp’s Diamond District, through which 84% of the world’s uncut diamonds pass every year. Soak up the multicultural atmosphere created by Indian, Lebanese, Russian, and Chinese gem dealers, and take a guided tour of Diamondland, the largest diamond showroom in Antwerp. Guided tours offer a glimpse into the workshop, where you’ll see craftspeople polishing gems and creating diamond jewelry.   

Night: Make a Toast to Belgian Beer

No visit to Belgium would be complete without sampling some of the country’s world-famous beer. Kick-start your evening in Antwerp on a beer-tasting tour led by a local, during which you’ll visit several bars and taste distinctive beer types. You can also add a stop at the De Koninck Brewery to the start of your tour to get the inside scoop on how Belgian beers are brewed and manufactured. For dinner, be sure to sample local classics such as crispy french fries smothered in mayonnaise and fluffy waffles drizzled with Belgian chocolate. 

The northern Belgian port city of Antwerp may not be as well known as Brussels or Ghent, but it has plenty to charm visitors, including an attractive historical center, a flourishing fashion scene, and a reputation as Europe’s diamond powerhouse. Here’s what you need to know about Antwerp tours from Brussels. 

Highlights

• Explore the cobbled streets of Antwerp’s atmospheric city center.

• View local landmarks, such as the fountain-dotted Grand Place (Grote Markt) square, Butcher’s Hall (Vleeshuis), and the neo-Gothic Antwerp central station (Antwerpen-Centraal).

• Watch ships docking at the huge industrial port complex. 

• Follow the trail of Peter Paul Rubens at his former home and studio, Rubenshuis, and see works by the Flemish baroque master at the Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame and Museum Plantin-Moretus.

• Explore the 10-story MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) museum and gallery, whose 500,000-strong collection of art and objects focuses on topics relating to Antwerp. 

• Visit a diamond factory, view the dazzling stones first-hand, and learn about all the facets of the city’s diamond industry. 

Things to Know

• Antwerp is located 31 miles (50 kilometers) north of Brussels. Driving from Brussels takes just 45 minutes. 

• Choose between half-day and full-day Antwerp tours from Brussels. Some organized day trips combine city tours of Brussels with a trip to Antwerp. 

• Tours to Antwerp can also be combined with guided tours of Ghent and Bruges.

• Wear comfortable, cushioned shoes as some streets in Antwerp’s historical center are cobbled. 

Some of the fiercest fighting of World War I took place in the trenches of Flanders, Belgium. With other WWI sites such as Passchendaele and Tyne Cot Cemetery nearby, Ghent is an ideal base from which to explore the region. Here are some key WWI landmarks to visit from Ghent.

Highlights

• Visit Gravenstafel, Passchendaele, and Ypres; stop at the Messines (New Zealand) Ridge Memorial; and see where soldiers served on the Western Front in Belgium during the Great War.

• Take a battlefield tour of the Trench of Death at Diksmuide and gain insight into the horrors of trench warfare.

• Stand in honor of the fallen soldiers of the Ypres Salient during the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres.

• Pay your respects at the war graves of Passchendaele, Polygon Wood, or Tyne Cot.

• Discover open craters and reinforced bunkers on the preserved battlefield of Hill 60.

Brussels might not have fashion credentials to rival Paris and Milan, but its historic shopping arcades and lively neighborhoods still hold plenty for shoppers to get excited about. Whether you want designer gear, unique souvenirs, or Belgium’s most delicious chocolates, here’s where to shop in Brussels. 

Rue Neuve

Running south from Place Charles Rogier to Place de la Monnaie, a short stroll from the Grand Place, Rue Neuve is Brussels’ busiest shopping boulevard. The pedestrianized street is home to all the usual high street suspects including H&M, Mango, and Diesel, as well as large department stores such as Galeria Inno and the City2 shopping mall. 

Avenue Louise and Rue Antoine Dansaert

For more upmarket shopping, Avenue Louise and Rue Antoine Dansaert are the best spots for a walking tour. The former is the Belgian version of Paris’ Champs-Elysees, a grand boulevard lining with designer stores and lavish hotels, while Rue Antoine Dansaert offers elegant fashion boutiques, bistros, and hip bars where you can sample Belgian beer. 

Sablon

Just south of the Grand Place, the atmospheric Sablon (Zavel) neighborhood is full of chic boutiques, unique restaurants, and antique shops. The central Place du Grand Sablon hosts a popular antiques market each weekend, the official TinTin shop sells fun souvenirs for fans of the Belgian comics, and the area is also home to some of the city’s best chocolatiers and chocolate shops. 

Maasmechelen Village

Located close to Maastricht and the border of the Netherlands, Maasmechelen Village is Belgium’s most popular discounted shopping outlet mall. The village has more than 100 designer stores full of world-renowned names, including Escada, Timberland, Levi’s, Superdry, and UGG Australia, plus Belgian chocolatiers Neuhaus and Leonidas, and offers savings of up to 60 percent on retail prices. Visit on an independent shopping tour from Brussels and enjoy a hassle-free day with round-trip transportation included. 

With some 130 breweries making more than 600 styles of beer, diminutive Belgium has become a beer heavyweight. The Flanders region has been brewing specialty beers in Belgium since the Middle Ages. Here are the best bets for beer enthusiasts to explore the brewing scene.

Must-Try Brews

Flemish brewing traditions differ from those in the French-speaking south of Belgium. The region, particularly Bruges, has a long tradition of gruit ales —beers made with herbs and spices to stall oxidation instead of hops. While lambics might be Belgium’s most famous sour beers, it’s Flanders red and Flanders brown ales that are indigenous to this northern region. Many of Belgium’s most famous and historic breweries can be found in Flanders; sample Hoegaarden, Brugse Zot, Stella Artois, and Leffe right from the source. Belgium is home to six of the world’s 11 Trappist breweries, so don’t leave without sampling some Trappist beer made by monks.

Must-Do Experiences

• Sample from a wide selection of Belgian beers at a local beer café in Brussels or Antwerp.

• Educate your taste buds with a tasting tour through Ghent with a local beer connoisseur.

• Explore Belgium’s beer-making heritage and beer culture at the interactive Bruges Beer Experience.

• Tour a brewery where some of the country’s most famous beers are produced.