The Perfect 3 Days in Belgium Itinerary in 2026
Having traveled around this stunning Flemish country myself, I often like to describe it as a small nation that you can cross in just a few hours that will leave you speechless throughout the entire journey. So, if you’re looking for the ultimate 3 days in Belgium itinerary, this guide has got you covered!
From the medieval architecture and fairytale villages to the Flemish artistry and, of course – the chocolate and waffles, it feels like one of the most magical destinations in the world.
You could easily spend a week or more traveling around Belgium, but I understand that you may not have that kind of time to set aside for just one European country. In this post, you’ll find everything you’ll need to know to ensure you have an incredible visit to Belgium.
I’ve gone in depth on the best time to visit, how many days you’ll likely need depending on your travel style, how to get there, how to get around, what visiting Belgium will cost you, and a complete itinerary with maps are included!
I’ve even created my very own Belgium budget calculator to help you assess how much money you’ll need to set aside for your trip. Also, be sure to download your free PDF Belgium itinerary below!
The Perfect 3 Day Belgium Itinerary
So, what can you see in Belgium in 3 days? Glad you asked!
There are endless itineraries you could create based on your preferences, but I really like the itinerary I’ve created below. It’s been designed to please the interests of the majority of travelers and gives you one full day in the capital city.
If you would prefer to simply arrive in Brussels, poke around for a few hours, then be on your way, then that can be a fantastic option, too! Brussels is a cool city to check out, but I agree that you don’t necessarily need a full day there unless you really prefer to take your time in museums and so forth.
Each day has been laid out for you, with all of the best things to do and a full self-guided walking map to get you around.
The itineraries have been customized to be both time and distance-efficient, so if you decide to make changes to the itinerary, I suggest using the maps to ensure you aren’t retracing your steps between sites.
Day 1: Brussels
Brussels is full of old-world architecture and infinite charm! Even if you’re only stopping in for a few hours, the capital of Belgium surely deserves at least a quick visit.
To start off your day, head to Grote Markt. This is the main public square of the city and it’s where you’ll find the majority of restaurants, shops, and outdoor markets taking place.
However, like I always say, do your best to find authentic Belgian souvenirs and food outside of the city center. This will almost always save you money and you’ll usually find more genuine products this way.
We prefer to start off any day in Belgium the right way – with a waffle, of course! You can find them at street carts (the best ones, in our opinion), in restaurants (typically overpriced), and through windows of some shops (it’s a bit of a walk, but if you can get there head to Belgaufra!)
Once you’ve had your fill of coffee and waffles, make your way through Grote Markt. I recommend checking out all of the local shops and stores before purchasing anything – you can usually find the exact same items in stores all over the city, so keep an eye out for cheaper prices elsewhere!
Before leaving Grote Markt, take a couple of minutes to walk by the Manneken Pis. This statue is an icon of Brussels, so even though it isn’t very exciting to see, you might as well get a picture of it before leaving the city center.
Next on the itinerary are the Royal Museums of Fine Arts which includes several different museums: the Magritte Museum, the Oldmasters Museum, and a few others. And if you have time, be sure to stop in to see the stunning Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert!
If there’s a real history buff in your group, make some time for the iconic Brussels City Museum where you’ll find unique galleries and temporary art exhibits from time to time.
↪️ Like I have mentioned before, if you plan on visiting the museums in any major European city, it’s almost always best to visit in the morning or to get in line a little before they open.
Lines begin early, so to save time waiting in line, have your tickets purchased online in advance and be prepared to switch your itinerary around slightly, if necessary.
From the museums, I suggest heading to the Royal Palace of Brussels. The palace is open to visitors in the summers and the gardens are open year-round. Royalty no longer resides in the palace itself, however, it is quite breathtaking and contains centuries of history worth learning about!
After you’ve perused the gardens and long, royal halls of the palace, head over to the Mont des Arts for some exceptional photo opportunities of gardens and medieval architecture. Afterward, make a quick detour to St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral; Belgium’s national church which has hosted royal weddings and grand events!
From here, you have the option of hopping on a quick train ride over to the popular Atomium attraction, joining a beer and chocolate tour (self-guided or with a group), or parting ways with Brussels and moving onto your next destination.
So, to answer your question, “how many days in Brussels is enough?” – one day is plenty in my opinion.
It won’t take you a long time to get between sites since the city is very walkable and there isn’t a great deal to do outside of Grote Markt unless you enjoy spending a good amount of time in the museums or gawking over the architecture.
The map below will show you the most efficient walking route of this itinerary. You will end where you began close to Grote Markt.
Map of 1 Day in Brussels Itinerary
Day 2: Ghent
Ghent is one of the most popular day trips from Brussels you can take owing to its unique division among the Visserijvaart, Leie, and other rivers as well as its breathtaking architecture and lovely cobblestone streets.
It’s also only a mere 48-minute train ride from city center to city center, so there’s no reason not to visit!
To start your day off in Ghent, head to Vrijdagmarkt – one of the main public squares, similar to that of Grote Markt in Brussels. Check out some of the interesting shops and pick up some breakfast before your day full of sightseeing!
From the square, you’re off to Gravensteen; a 10th-century medieval castle that was once home to the Counts of Flanders until the mid 14th century! Be sure to arrive early here, as well, since lines can get long.
Guided tours are a great way to learn about the interesting events that took place here and are on offer throughout the city. If this is something you really want to do, I suggest booking online in advance.
After you’ve spent a couple of hours in the Castle of the Counts, make your way over the St. Michael’s Bridge (a great stopping point for photos!)
Check out the Saint Michael’s Church before spending at least a couple of hours wandering the quays of Graslei and Korenlei. These two quays make up the promenade of Ghent and are where all the action is.
Dozens of lively pubs and colorful restaurants line the waterways where you can hop on a boat tour or simply gaze at the gorgeous view! This area is one of the most beautiful spots in Belgium, so be sure to plan on spending a little extra time here before moving on.
From the opposing quays, cross the St. Michael’s Bridge again and make your way over to the 10th-century Romanesque Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. This medieval cathedral is nearly 90 meters tall and dominates the surrounding region with its intricate, gothic detailing.
Next, enjoy a short over to the Benedictine abbey of Sint-Pietersabdij! This former abbey is now an exciting museum that relays a wealth of knowledge and history to its visitors.
Finally, enjoy a picnic or an evening stroll through Citadelpark before making your way back to the center of Ghent. Here, you’ll find a beautiful park with a lake, monuments, and an array of flora and fauna.
↪️ Check out the map below to get a step-by-step guide on how to follow this ultimate Ghent walking tour!
Map of 1 Day in Ghent Itinerary
Day 3: Bruges
Bruges is a storybook village overflowing with medieval architecture, gothic canals, and ancient history! While walking through this fairytale town, you’ll get the feeling that you’ve been sent back in time to the Medieval Ages.
↪️ If you only have 3 days in Belgium, be sure to include Bruges on your itinerary as it is one of the best places to visit in Belgium!
While you could choose to simply get lost in the giant network of cobblestone streets that make up Bruges (this is what I did on my first visit), I think it might be better to follow this itinerary so you don’t accidentally miss anything.
Jumpstart your day with a round of waffles and chocolate (not healthy, I know, but you’re in Belgium… splurge a little!) on the outskirts of town – try to avoid buying them directly in Markt. Our favorite waffle place was the House of Waffles on Wollestraat!
In Markt, you can choose to head up the stairs of the Belfry Tower of Bruges for an incredible view overlooking the medieval city below. The town hall and historic city center in Bruges are actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so this is something you really shouldn’t skip!
But, to be honest, I suggest leaving it for sunset… that’s when you’ll get the most amazing pictures! Just keep in mind that they close at 8:00PM most nights of the week and are closed on some special occasions.
From here, head over to Burg Square where you’ll find a grand plaza and Bruges’ striking City Hall. Similar to that of the Belfry Tower, it looks its best at sunset so feel free to loop around to this later if you’re hoping for some Instagram-worthy pictures.
Up for a boat tour? Bruges hasn’t been nicknamed the “Venice of the North” for no reason. The city is full of winding canals with boats offering rides to its visitors. I’m not usually one for touristy activities like this, but this was by far one of the best boat tours I’ve ever taken.
It provides you with a completely different perspective of the city and gives you an opportunity to capture photographs and learn historical facts that you would otherwise miss out on.
Whether or not you decide to take my advice and hop on a boat, you’ll likely end up at Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay). This corner is perhaps the most famous in the city owing to its popular design and beautiful arrangement!
Next, if you are someone who enjoys museums then there are serval right nearby. The Groeninge Museum and the Gruuthusemuseum are right around the corner. The Groeninge holds thousands of pieces of beautiful Flemish art, while the Gruuthusemuseum contains works dating back as far as the 15th century in a former palace.
Last, but certainly not least, on our list, it’s time to sample more of Belgium’s finest delicacies. Stop at The Chocolate Line for the most incredible “tree to bar” chocolate in the city before popping into Choco-Story – the city’s one and only chocolate museum where I stood peeking through the windows for a solid hour before choosing my chocolates!
From there, you can also enjoy beer tastings and an entirely interactive experience at the Bruges Beer Experience on Breidelstraat, or you can opt to create your very own bar hopping tour in search of the city’s best brews! Bruges offers some of the best things to do in Belgium in 3 days, so take my advice and don’t skip it.
Bruges is a fantastic city to either follow a custom-designed tour like the one above or just make your way through the streets and stumble upon cool sites as you go. The map below shows the itinerary above, but with a few adjustments.
You’ll notice that we put the Belfry Tower and the Church of Our Lady Bruges at the end of the tour since they’re best viewed around sunset and you can usually experience quicker wait times around then, as well.
↪️ Use it as you please and feel free to make changes! Bruges is a small city, so it won’t be the end of the world if you do end up retracing your steps.
Map of 1 Day in Bruges Itinerary
Travel Tips for Visiting Belgium
Whether you have visited Belgium before or this will be your first trip to Europe, here are a few helpful tips that will help you along your travels:
- Belgium is a part of the European Union and uses the Euro. Most businesses accept all varieties of credit card, but if you plan on making small purchases be prepared with some cash since there is often a minimum credit charge of 5-10 euros.
- Many people who live in Belgium can speak upwards of 3 or 4 languages including Dutch, French, German, and English.
But, you should still attempt to learn at least a few common phrases in Dutch or French to make for easier communication in the event they don’t understand your native language or you have a strong accent. - Be sure to get out of Brussels! While the capital is nice to explore for a day or so, it’s much more commercialized and caters to tourists the most. Instead, make your way into the smaller towns outside of the capital for a more intimate look at what Belgium is really like.
- Also, even if you visit in the summer, there is always a chance of rain, so pack a rain jacket! Owing to Belgium’s location along the English Channel, it can get quite windy and rainy even in the summer months.
- Bikes are welcome! You’ll see most of the locals getting around by bike, so why not join them? It’s efficient, affordable, and fun.
- Additionally, it can get expensive if you aren’t careful. Try not to indulge in too many nice hotels, sit-down restaurants, and souvenirs if you’re trying to stick to a budget.
While it is possible to visit Belgium with a total expense in mind (more on this below), you’ll need to pay attention to your costs along the way. - Lastly, even if you aren’t typically a fan of beer, try at least one type of beer over your 3 days in Belgium. There are dozens of different kinds from red and brown ales to blondes and IPAs.
I’m more of a spirits person myself, but I enjoyed several of the crisp, refreshing blondes in Belgium!
How to Get to Belgium
Depending on where you are coming from, getting to Belgium is relatively simple. Especially if you are traveling from within continental Europe, you can usually complete the entire journey via train!
However, if you are traveling from outside of mainland Europe, then it’s likely that you will need to take a flight to get there. But, before you book any form of transportation, be sure to research pricing for multiple methods ahead of time.
I personally always use Expedia to compare flight costs for different travel dates, car rentals costs, and find accommodations whenever I travel. It’s a great way to find the best travel rates for your dates and compare prices across several different transportation methods at once!
The key to traveling to Belgium is considering options that will provide you with two things: time efficiency and cost efficiency.
If taking the train is going to take you 11 hours versus 3 hours via plane and only save you $50 in expenses… just take the plane! It’ll give you more time for your Belgium itinerary and trust me, you’ll be happy you spent the extra $50 to save 8 hours in airports.
The other option for getting to Belgium is to rent a car. This will typically be the most expensive transportation option, however, it allows you to be 100% on your own schedule.
Just be sure to book a car that you’re comfortable driving (i.e. manuals are far more common than automatics) and that your rental agreement includes unlimited mileage and allows you to cross international borders if you’re coming from out of the country.
How to Get Around Belgium
There are four main means of transportation when it comes to Belgium: walking, biking, driving, and public transportation.
Even if you do decide to rent a car (not typically recommended for various reasons), walking or renting a bike will be the most efficient way of getting around within the villages and cities.
↪️ Almost all cities in Belgium are extremely walkable, so there is no need to have to look for parking everywhere you go.
Both the rural villages and urban cities of Belgium are made up of mainly cobblestone streets, plenty of sidewalks, and many pedestrian-only streets.
↪️ If you want to quicken your sightseeing pace a little bit, renting bikes is an affordable and easy method of doing so!
✔️ Lastly, public transportation is going to be your main method of getting between cities and towns.
While Belgium’s public transportation system isn’t as developed as that of nearby London or Paris, it is still quite effective and provides easy-to-understand routes for new travelers.
✔️ The train can get you between the major cities like Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp in a mere 47 minutes and to further destinations like Bruges or Dinant in as little as 1 hour and 20 minutes.
✔️ There are also plenty of buses that run through the rural villages between these major destinations with stops in exciting towns like Rochefort and Ostend.
So, unless you want to complete a 100% self-guided driving tour during your 3 days in Belgium, I suggest avoiding a rental car and making use of the public transportation on offer!
Where to Stay in Belgium
If you’re hoping to explore Belgium in just a few days, then staying somewhere close to public transportation is essential. I recommend staying in Brussels since it is centrally located and will allow you to take easy day trips.
Ghent and Antwerp also make good options, but I would strongly recommend choosing an accommodation that is close to the local train station so you can get around with ease!
Belgium Itinerary if You Have 3+ Days
If you happen to have more than 3 days in Belgium available for sightseeing, lucky you! There is an entire Belgian world out there with ancient castles, charming squares, and lively pubs waiting for you.
Check out the top 3 places below that you should explore if you have at least 4 or more days in Belgium!
Dinant
Dinant is a stunning cliffside city delicately situated on the banks of the Meuse River. Colorful houses line the boardwalk along with a plethora of riverboats, lush greenery, and endless scenic views in every direction!
A day trip to Dinant from Brussels is extremely popular and easy to do via train. So, if you happen to have more than 3 days in Belgium, be sure to include a day trip to Dinant! With numerous castles and medieval history to explore, this is one day trip for the books.
There’s no more classic way to start off your day than with a trip to the Dinant Citadel. It towers over the banks of the river and can be seen for miles in either direction. The fortress dates back to the 11th century, though some renovations have been done since, and is one of the most historic buildings in the city.
Afterward, spend some time walking along the long boardwalk overlooking the river. You can find some unique souvenirs or scope out a good place to have breakfast with great views.
Next, pop your head into the Maison Adolphe Sax, a museum dedicated to the inventor of the saxophone, Adolph Sax. It’s quite small, but if you enjoy learning about music and its beginnings, this is a great little pit stop to include in your day.
From here, make your way over the Charles de Gaulle Bridge where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the river on both sides as well as an incredible perspective of the city under the mountain!
Stroll over the bridge to the other side where you’ll find the Grotte de Dinant La Merveilleuse – a beautiful underground cave with notable stalactites. On this side of the river, you’ll also find the Maison Leffe (Leffe House); a former monastery dedicated entirely to the history of beer!
After you’ve spent at least a couple of hours along the river, it’ll be time to go and see some castles. Dinant is home to over half a dozen castles as well as several châteaus that are full of fascinating artifacts and history.
Keep in mind that a few of these castles will require additional transportation, so it’s best to go on a guided tour or to plan on renting a car for the day.
Dinant is often recognized for its nearby 15th-century Vêves Castle with six, sky-high towers and dominating hilltop location. On the other side of the Meuse, you’ll find the Castle of Freÿr and its beautiful gardens which are easily one of the most stunning things to see in Belgium.
You can also choose to visit the Walzin Castle, the Castle of Crevecoeur, the Poilvache Castle, and the Annevoie Castle which lies north of the city.
Dinant is known for its magnificent castles and extraordinary history, so if you are able to spend more than 3 days in Belgium, be sure to include it on your itinerary!
↪️ The map below is here to simply show you where everything is. I do not recommend trying to walk everywhere! You’ll end up spending the majority of your day in transit and you won’t get to see most of the castles.
As you can see, the walking time estimate is over 10 hours… don’t do this! Instead, opt for a day tour or make use of public transportation or a car rental to get around.
Map of 1 Day in Dinant Itinerary
Ypres
Located in West Flanders, the small town of Ypres is one of the most significant historical sites in Belgium. Home to the loss of thousands during World War I and numerous tragic battles, the newly renovated town hasn’t forgotten its painful past.
While you can now enjoy modern theme parks, beautiful gardens, and striking cathedrals, the town is also home to cemeteries and memorials commemorating those who lost their lives in one of the largest battles the world has ever seen.
If you or someone you are traveling with is a real history buff who enjoys learning about the nitty-gritty details of the World Wars, then a trip to Ypres during your 3 days in Belgium is a must!
The first historical site to see on this Belgium itinerary is the Menin Gate, or the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing.
It is inscribed with the names of nearly 55,000 lost soldiers from the Ypres Salient during the First World War.
You can attend the Last Post Ceremony for free each night at 8:00PM under the Gate, where buglers will play their instruments, raise the flags, and give a moment of silence in recognition of the fallen soldiers.
This is quite a moving assembly, so be prepared with some tissues if you get emotional with these things (like I do)!
The next historical stop is the In Flanders Fields Museum which is dedicated to the detailed exploration of the First World War in its entirety. Formerly known as the Ypres Salient Memorial Museum, you can check out informational exhibits and interact with numerous collections throughout the museum.
The last stop on this Ypres itinerary is to visit the Cloth Hall. Since the early 14th century, the people of Ypres were involved in one of the most well-known cloth industries in Europe!
During WWI, however, their main warehouse (the Cloth Hall) was destroyed and was later reconstructed over the course of 30 years.
Today, you can roam its halls and explore the expanded In Flanders Field Museum.
↪️ As you can see, the map below shows only a few quick stops within a short distance of each other.
Ypres does not contain as many exciting sites and attractions as other cities in Belgium, however, it does contain some of the most interesting museums in the country.
Take your time here and dive head first into Ypres’ history in the First World War.
Map of 1 Day in Ypres Itinerary
The Ardennes
Located in the southeast Manhay province of Belgium, the Ardennes offer some of the best hiking trails in the country! Many popular towns, villages (such as Dinant), castles, and chateaus can be found in the dense forestry of the Ardennes as well as infinite numbers of hiking trails of all difficulty levels.
But, among the vast mountainous landscapes, there is also a unique flora and fauna found here rarely seen in other parts of Europe.
So, if you’re looking to take some adventurous excursions or go hiking in some of Europe’s most beautiful forests, then include the famous Ardennes on your 3+ days in Belgium!
Since I’ve mentioned several cities and towns you should include on your Belgium itinerary, I thought it would be best to next tell you about the town of Rochehaut.
In Rochehaut, you’ll find numerous hiking trails and vast, scenic landscapes as far as the eye can see. But, one hiking trail that tops our list is the ‘Promenade des Echelles’ – meaning, the “walk of the ladders.”
The challenging hike brings you down to the Semois River before making you climb your way up 4 caged ladders over extremely steep terrain. But, don’t despair. You’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views overlooking Rochehaut and the surrounding lush forests once you reach the top.
It’s commonly referred to as one of the best hikes to do in Belgium, so if you’re in the Ardennes, be sure to check it out!
There are plentiful amounts of hiking trails around the towns of both Rochehaut and Bouillon, but what’s more is the close proximity to nature in which the towns lie.
Spend some time exploring the quaint, fairytale villages (some of which the hiking trails pass right through) and getting to know how the locals actually live in the more rural areas of Belgium!
We have always found that this is the best way to get to know a country – through its people, its rural villages and towns, and, of course – its food.
Belgium Budget Guide & Calculator
It isn’t uncommon for people to assume Belgium will be expensive due to its close proximity to nearby Paris, Luxembourg, and London. But, truth be told, it can actually be quite affordable!
Don’t get me wrong, Belgium does use the euro and traveling there, especially during the peak season summer months, will cost you a pretty penny. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t visit Belgium on a budget!
In fact, the first time I visited Belgium I was in college with zero income and had just my savings from my school work-study and summer jobs… if I was able to visit some of the most expensive places in Belgium on a budget that tight, you certainly can too!
To help you figure out if Belgium is in your budget or not, I’ve provided you with a breakdown of some average costs of accommodation, transportation between cities, visiting attractions, and food.
Transportation
24 Hour Bike Rental: €8-14
Brussels to Ghent Train Ride: €11-14
Single Metro Journey in Brussels: €2.10
Attractions
Belfry Tower of Bruges: €14
Atomium in Brussels: €9.25-16.95
Gravensteen Castle in Ghent: €7-12
Food
Cup of Tea or Coffee: €2-3
Belgian Waffle with One Topping: €3-4
Cheese, Olives, and Crackers Snack: €7-9
Breakfast for One: €3-5
Dinner for Two at a Standard Restaurant: €26-40+
↪️ You can use the calculator to get a basic idea of how much you should budget for your time in Belgium!
Keep in mind that the calculator is calculating based on a “per person” basis, so you’ll need to double the cost of meals and attractions if you will be traveling with a partner or need more than one room.
FAQ
What is the Best Time to Visit Belgium?
The shoulder season months of April through May and September through November are the best time to visit Belgium since most inflated rates have dropped and there are tens of thousands fewer tourists in the country.
You’ve probably heard from friends or fellow travelers that the summer is absolutely amazing in Belgium, and they’re not wrong!
The summer months of June through August bring beautiful flower blossoms, warm weather with a lower likelihood of rain, and there are a plethora of outdoor festivals, events, and live bands that occur through the evenings.
But, what many people don’t know is that the summer months are by far the most expensive time to visit Belgium, as well! In the summers, flights, trains, tours, accommodations, and even food prices skyrocket to account for the increase in tourism.
This is when many of the businesses make the majority of their income for the year, so by visiting during this time, you’ll be succumbed to paying inflated rates practically everywhere you go.
So, I suggest avoiding traveling during the summers, and instead opting to visit Belgium during the spring or fall (also known as the shoulder seasons).
This means you’ll get better rates on flights, accommodations, and tours and you’ll get more opportunities to chat with the locals where you’ll get a more realistic perspective on what the country is actually like. Not to mention you’ll have far shorter wait times at the major attractions.
I personally prefer to only travel during the shoulder seasons when I can, so if you only have 3 days in Belgium, it’s a good idea to do the same.
Is 3 Days Enough to Visit Belgium?
Yes, 3 days in Belgium is enough to see a few major cities and a lot of beautiful sites. However, if you’re looking to really get a good taste of what the country has to offer, I would suggest staying for at least a week.
Belgium is an incredibly diverse and unique country, with a rich history and culture that cannot be found anywhere else. Whether you are interested in historic architecture, tasty cuisine, or lively festivals, there is something for everyone.
My favorite city in Belgium is definitely Bruges, which offers stunning medieval architecture and plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining.
The Grand Place, one of the city’s most popular attractions, is a must-see, with its ornate guild halls and magnificent cathedral.
If you have more time to spend in Belgium than just 3 days, then do it!
Is It Better to Stay in Bruges or Ghent?
In my opinion, Bruges is better to stay in for its medieval architecture and fairytale ambiance.
But, when it comes to choosing a city to stay in Belgium for you, that might change. Both Bruges and Ghent are wonderful cities that offer their own unique experiences, making them both great choices for any traveler.
Bruges tends to be the more popular option among tourists, thanks to its charming medieval architecture and abundance of beautiful canals. But if you’re looking to get a more authentic taste of Belgian culture and history, then Ghent might be the better choice for you.
Is Bruges or Brussels Better?
Bruges is better than Brussels, hands down (in my opinion!) Though, I have heard it go both ways. Brussels’ Grand Place is absolutely breathtaking, particularly in December when it’s decked out in festive holiday decor and amazing Christmas markets.
But, Bruges has a charm and character that Brussels, with its modern cityscape and busy atmosphere, simply cannot match.
With its enchanting canals, medieval bridges, and brick-formed hotels offering old-time keys to enter your room, you truly feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
Don’t get me wrong, Brussels is beautiful and has some really neat shops and plenty of award-winning chocolate stores to explore. But, otherwise, I found it to be overly touristy and not worth much more than a half day of your time.
To get a better comparison between these two most popular cities in Belgium, check out my article on Bruges vs Brussels where you can make the decision for yourself. Better yet, visit both!
Is Belgium Worth Visiting?
Belgium is absolutely worth visiting even if you only have 2 or 3 days! Luckily, if you’re short on time, Belgium is well-connected through its train and bus systems so you’re never far from some amazing places.
In just 2 days in Belgium, you could visit, Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp! Your time in each place would be more limited, of course, but it just goes to show how much you can see and do in Belgium in a short amount of time.
Belgium is covered in natural beauty and charming cities, so whether you’re just passing through or you have an entire month to spare, spending some time in Belgium is always a good idea!
How Many Days Do You Need for Belgium?
You’ll need between 7-10 days in Belgium if you really want to get a good sense of the country, its culture, the cuisine, and see its beautiful sites.
But, before we can say how many days you may need in Belgium, we need to first figure out your travel style (take the quiz). Once you have an idea of how you prefer to travel, we can figure out how much time you’ll need in Belgium.
Even though Belgium is a rather small country and it’s easy to get around, there is SO much to do and see. From taking a canal ride in Bruges to exploring the Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, you could spend months in this magical European country and not do the same two things twice.
That being said, most of us don’t have weeks on end for traveling away from our jobs and normal lives. So, I suggest spending at least 3 days in Belgium to get a good feel for the food, the culture, and the scenery.
This will allow you enough time to see at least two different towns outside of the capital of Brussels, so you’ll get an idea of what both rural and urban places look like.
However, if you’re able to pull off getting more time away from work, then spending one week in Belgium would be preferable! This would allow you to travel to more off-the-beaten-path destinations and spend more time in each location and at each attraction.
If you’re a fan of museums and taking your time while discovering a new place, then spending 3 days in Belgium should be your minimum amount of time there. If you are comfortable moving right along between cities and towns, then 3 or 4 days in Belgium should suffice!
Belgium is a magical destination full of beautiful architecture, charming canals, impressive castles, wonderful people, and incredible cuisine. Whether you’re planning the ultimate Belgian road trip itinerary or simply are popping in for a weekend in Belgium, you’re practically guaranteed to enjoy your time here.
It would be a shame not to visit at least once in your life, so I hope that you find this 3 days Belgium itinerary helpful in planning your future trip!
