Belgium may be small, but it’s packed with charm, history and unique experiences. From the medieval streets of Bruges to Europe’s political heart of Brussels, Belgium also has plenty of hidden gems. And it’s getting more popular: in 2023, Belgium had a record 44 million tourist overnight stays. I have lived in Belgium for the last ten years and I’ve explored this lovely little country in depth. Here are my recommendations to build your perfect itinerary for Belgium. Read on and I’ll give you the best options for whether you enjoy ancient cities, relaxing spas, nature retreats or cool coastal escapes.
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How to plan your perfect itinerary for Belgium
Whether you’re indulging in waffles and chocolates, discovering ancient castles, hiking in the Ardennes or enjoying the legendary beer scene, visiting Belgium is an adventure filled with surprises.
Compact and easy to navigate, this country is perfect to explore, whether you have 3 days in Belgium or even a week.
You’ve probably heard of Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and even Ghent, but this small country has a lot more to offer, depending on your interests:
Ancient cities
Belgium holds the record for the most castles per square kilometre. It’s home to around 3,000 castles, built in a variety of styles. This means it’s the ideal destination if you’re a fan of ancient cities with impressive architecture and many stories to tell.
Sensational spas
The word ‘spa’ actually comes from the town of Spa in Belgium. Since the 16th century, European nobility visited to bathe in its restorative mineral waters. In 2021, Spa became a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, so it’s the place to be if you want to relax.
Escapes into nature
Nature fans will enjoy Belgium’s many leafy trails for hiking, cycling or horse-riding and rivers for kayaking. In the heart of the beautiful Ardennes countryside, you can also find romantic Durbuy, the ‘smallest city in the world‘ and cute cabins in the middle of the forest.
Cool coastal towns
If you like the seaside, check out Belgium’s coastal towns on the North Sea. They may not have the warm waves of the Mediterranean but the soft sand, beach clubs and local seafood may well win you over. Legendary US Motown singer Marvin Gaye liked it so much he lived here for 18 months.
Read on to discover the best itinerary for Belgium to suit your interests and how much time you have here. First, we’ll start with Belgium’s capital Brussels.
Quirky Brussels – 1 day in Brussels itinerary
Tourists usually associate Belgium with its famous beer, chocolate, waffles and moules-frites. However, from eye-popping architecture to world-famous Surrealist art, its capital city of Brussels has plenty more to offer. Beyond the political workings of its European Union institutions, you’ll find a place that doesn’t always take itself so seriously.
See the Atomium building, shaped like a giant atom
Brussels is home to one of the world’s craziest pieces of architecture, The Atomium. It is designed to look like nine iron atoms in a unit cell magnified 165 billion times. In 2013, CNN quite rightly named it Europe’s most bizarre building. In the evenings, the whole building lights up beautifully and it occasionally hosts large dance parties and firework displays. This unique piece of architecture is one of Brussels’ most popular attractions.
Avoid the queues by booking your admission ticket to The Atomium in advance.
Discover Belgium’s famous surrealist artist
Born in 1898, René Magritte was a world famous Belgian Surrealist artist, known for his paintings depicting everyday people and objects in a surprising and thought-provoking way. Magritte’s pioneering work preceded pop art, minimalist and conceptual art and it is still displayed in major galleries and museums around the world today. The Magritte Museum in Brussels is dedicated to the life and works of this quirky artist.
Buy the Brussels Card for all-in-one admission to the Magritte Museum and 40 more Brussels museums.
Find the city’s ‘peeing’ statues
Brussels’s most famous statue is the Mannekin Pis, which in Dutch means ‘Little Pisser’. As the name suggests, this bronze sculpture depicts a small naked boy urinating into a water fountain. For such an iconic statue, it is smaller than you might expect, standing at just 61 centimetres tall.
If a statue of a boy peeing isn’t unusual enough, there are more statues of characters relieving themselves in the centre of Brussels, which are less likely to be surrounded by tourists. Find out where they are here.
Discover the Mannekin Pis and more top Brussels tourist attractions on this popular guided bus tour.
Where to stay in Brussels
There are many fantastic places to stay in Brussels, from boutique hotels to stylish B&Bs and sociable hostels. The best area to stay is near Grand Place in the centre.
A popular hostel in Brussels is the Sleep Well Youth Hostel in the city centre. This eco-friendly hostel has mixed and female-only dorms as well as private rooms.
If you’re looking for a hotel, check out the fabulous Motel One Brussels. This boutique-style accommodation is a short walk from the centre and has free WiFi.
For a well-priced and stylish B&B option, try the B&B DRUUM, close to the lively Sainte Catherine area of Brussels. Set in a 19th century mansion, each room has been designed by artists to create truly unique living spaces.
Browse and book more fantastic hotel and hostel options in Brussels, here or explore the map below:
Beautiful Bruges – 1 day in Bruges
Bruges was once a thriving port city. During the Golden Age of Bruges, from the 12th century to the 15th century, international merchants would arrive by canal here to trade everything from spices to wool.
In the Victorian era, Bruges became one of the world’s first tourist destinations. It attracted wealthy visitors to explore its grand medieval architecture and impressive towers.
The historic centre of Bruges is only around 1.5 miles (2.5 km) in diameter and only takes around 45 minutes to explore on foot. This means you can take your time on your one day in Bruges itinerary. That said, it’s worth researching in advance, so you can plan which attractions you’d like to see.
Discover all the attractions of Bruges on this top-rated one-day guided tour from Brussels.
Climb Bruges’s famous Belfry Tower
Built in 1240, the Belfry of Bruges is the medieval tower that dominates the Grote Markt. Previously the city’s observation deck and treasury, the belfry still serves as a clock tower, complete with 47 bells.
Film fans may recognise it, as it featured heavily in the popular 2008 movie In Bruges, starring Colin Farrell.
Immerse yourself in the magical Historium Bruges
One of Bruges’ best tourist attractions is Historium Bruges in the central Grote Markt. This attraction uses the latest immersive and virtual reality technology to transport you to the time of city’s Golden Age. I highly recommend a visit to this museum as it really brings the story of Bruges to life.
Avoid the queues and book your ticket to Historium Bruges in advance.
Explore the canals by boat
The canal network and bridges that run through Bruges are particularly pretty. From March to mid-November, depending on the weather, there are Bruges canal boat trips available for tourists.
As night falls, Bruges lights up, casting a magical warm glow across the medieval houses and canals. It’s so romantic and well worth staying until the evening to experience.
Stay for dinner and enjoy a special themed medieval banquet and show in Bruges.
Where to stay in Bruges
Here are some options for hotels in Bruges, depending on your budget:
- The Hotel de Orangerie is a wonderful boutique venue set in a renovated 15th-century convent on a canal.
- An interesting mid-priced option is the Hotel De Barge, a hotel that used to be one of the barges that sailed the city’s canals. It continues the boat theme with nautical-style rooms and it also has a restaurant.
- A good cheap and cheerful hotel is the Ibis Budget Brugge Centrum Station, conveniently located next to Bruges train station.
- Backpackers may want to check out the excellent Snuffel Hostel, which has modern dorms and private rooms with free breakfast.
Find out the latest availability and prices of accommodation in Bruges here or explore the map below.
Gorgeous Ghent – 1 day in Ghent
According to Lonely Planet, the historic Belgian city of Ghent is Europe’s best-kept secret. There are plenty of things to see and do here. Like Bruges, you can book a canal boat tours for a unique perspective on the city and its stories. Here are more things to do on your one day Ghent itinerary:
Go inside Ghent’s historic castle
Ghent’s fortified Gravensteen castle, known as the Castle of the Counts, is one of the best places to visit in Ghent and an ideal first stop on your Ghent day trip. Here, you can get to know Ghent’s history and see impressive views over the city.
Inside the castle, you will find exhibitions showcasing historic suits of armour, weapons and even gory medieval torture devices.
Book a customised walking tour of Ghent with a local guide who will show you the city’s best kept secrets.
Discover the thrilling story of Ghent’s most famous artwork
In Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral that dominates the city’s skyline at 89 metres tall. Dating back to 942, it is named after Bavo, the patron saint of Ghent.
The cathedral is home to a large, multi-panelled religious artwork called the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painted by the Van Eyck brothers in 15th century. It was commissioned by the Mayor of Ghent specifically for Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.
One of the most important artworks in European history, the painting is revered for its detailed naturalism and realism, which was revolutionary for its time. For this reason, it was exhibited at the Louvre in Paris. Over the years, art collectors across Europe, including Adolf Hitler, seized this painting several times for their own collections. Fortunately for Belgium, it’s now back in its true home for Ghent visitors to admire.
Read more in my full review of Ghent here.
Where to stay in Ghent
Spending a day in Ghent is easy as it’s compact and walkable. If you are staying overnight, try and stay in the historic centre for maximum convenience.
One of Ghent’s best-loved hotels by travellers is the Ganda Rooms & Suites. This 18th century style townhouse on a quiet street in the city centre has elegant decor and a terrace bar with views of St Bavo’s Cathedral.
Right in the heart of all the top places to see in Ghent is the recently renovated Hostel Uppelink, located in one of the city’s oldest buildings but full of all the modern fixtures and fittings you could need.
For all the best places to stay in Ghent, check out the great selection here.
Ancient cities
Dinant – for dramatic views and musical heritage
Perched 100 metres above the Meuse River is the Citadel of Dinant. Skip the 408 steps and opt for the cable car to the top for stunning views.
Dinant is the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone. He also invented the saxotromba, saxhorn and saxtuba (I’m sensing a theme). You can visit his house here.
Rent a yacht and cruise the River Meuse in style—no license needed.
Namur – for relaxed riverside vibes
As the capital of Wallonia, Namur’s larger Citadel offers views over two rivers and hidden tunnels to explore. Its riverside cafes and walks add to the laid-back charm.
Overlooking the city is a giant golden tortoise, ‘Searching for Utopia,’ by Jan Fabre. The snail is also Namur’s symbol, representing its slow pace of life.
Stay at The Royal Snail, Namur’s first boutique design hotel.
Durbuy – for quaint charm and outdoor activities
Tucked away in the Ardennes, Durbuy is a medieval gem with cobbled streets, artisanal shops and a fairy-tale castle. Enjoy hiking, horse riding and kayaking nearby.
Durbuy proudly holds the title of the smallest city in the world, a status it has kept since medieval times.
Dine at Gastropub Gaspard for gourmet meals with impeccable wine pairings.
Bouillon – for medieval history and hiking
Bouillon Castle was once home to Godfrey of Bouillon, leader of the First Crusade. Hikers will love Bouillon’s trail to the Tombeau du Géant viewpoint.
Legend says the Tombeau du Géant (‘Giant’s Tomb’) is the resting place of a giant warrior, which the iconic hill is said to resemble.
Stay at the riverside Hotel de la Poste, which once hosted Napoleon III.
Nature and wellness escapes
Spa – for spa treatments and trails
Spa is the world’s original wellness town. In fact, the word ‘spa’ comes from this Roman town. It’s also home to Spa mineral water.
Unwind at the famous Thermes de Spa thermal baths or explore the peaceful forested trails. Formula 1 fans can see the famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
Stay at Le Villa Des Fleurs, a fabulous 19th-century mansion.
Hoge Kempen National Park – for panoramic views
Hoge Kempen National Park is Belgium’s only national park, with 57 sq km of stunning landscapes. The Connecterra Terhills area has some of the best views.
It’s home to over 6,000 species of plants and animals, making it one of Belgium’s most biodiverse areas.
Stay at Terhills Hotel and indulge at the nearby Maasmechelen shopping village.
Hautes-Fagnes (High Fens) – for nature and hiking
The Hautes-Fagnes is a vast nature reserve with peaceful hiking trails through wetlands, forests and open landscapes. It’s a perfect escape into nature’s quiet beauty.
The Signal de Botrange, Belgium’s highest point at 694 metres, has a small stone tower so visitors can reach the dizzying height of 700 metres above sea level!
Stay at Domaine des Hautes Fagnes, a 4-star hotel with a spa and pool.
Orval – For monastic history and Trappist beer
Orval is famous for its peaceful abbey, founded in 1132, and its Trappist brewery, where monks have produced Orval beer and cheese for centuries—both of which are definitely worth tasting!
Legend says a noblewoman dropped her wedding ring into a spring, and when a fish returned it, she delightedly named the site Val d’Or (Valley of Gold), inspiring the name Orval.
Stay at Le Florentin, a boutique hotel near Orval offering fine dining.
Coastal getaways
Ostend – for coastal culture
Ostend offers sandy beaches, stylish beach clubs and fresh seafood. Cultural highlights include its annual dance music festival and Hollywood-style walk of fame.
Marvin Gaye spent time in Ostend in the early 1980s, where he found peace and inspiration to write his hit song Sexual Healing. The music video was also filmed here.
Stay at the elegant Andromeda Hotel, a beachfront hotel with luxurious sea-view rooms, a pool and a spa.
Middelkerke – for tranquility and Belgian comics
Middelkerke is a tranquil coastal town, perfect for long beach walks.
Along the seafront, you’ll find statues of Belgium’s comic book heroes, including The Smurfs (yes, they’re Belgian!).
Stay at the Villa Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel near the beach.
The best ways to get to Belgium
Belgium’s central location in Europe makes it highly accessible by various modes of transport. Whether you’re arriving from a neighbouring country or further afield, here are the best ways to come on your backpacking Belgium trip.
If you’re exploring Europe by car, Belgium is easily accessible. The country is surrounded by France, Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, making cross-border travel seamless.
The country has several international airports, with Brussels Airport being the largest, while others in Charleroi and Antwerp are great for budget airlines and regional flights.
Belgium is part of Europe’s extensive high-speed rail network, making it an excellent destination for train travel from Paris, London, Amsterdam or Cologne – all of which are less than 3 hours away.
Budget-friendly bus services like FlixBus and BlaBlaBus operate routes to Belgian cities from across Europe.
For those travelling from the UK, ferries to Calais or Dunkirk in France provide a scenic option. From there, it’s just a short drive or train ride into Belgium.
Final thoughts on the best itinerary for Belgium
Belgium brings a perfect mix of ancient cities, natural beauty and coastal escapes, all within a compact and easy-to-navigate country.
From the medieval streets of Bruges and Ghent to the scenic Ardennes and the charm of the North Sea coast, Belgium has something for every traveller.
Its affordable public transport and welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for backpackers seeking history, culture and outdoor adventures.
So pack your bags and get ready to uncover the treasures of this underrated European gem. Your itinerary for Belgium will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for its blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy—without the crowds.
Next up, check out the ultimate guide to backpacking Portugal.