Are you looking for ideas for a one-week trip to Belgium ? Thanks to the small size of the country, it's not a crazy idea, since in this time you'll have the opportunity to visit several of its most interesting destinations. So take good note of what's coming up: this 7-day itinerary for Belgium is complete, easy to follow and full of architectural and gastronomic charms. My kingdom for a waffle!
One week itinerary in Belgium
Our route through Belgium begins in Brussels , the country's bustling capital, which combines the historical grandeur of its squares and buildings with a modern scene that is a cocktail of gastronomy, street art and culture.
Next stop is Bruges , with its meandering canals and medieval architecture – a must! Next comes Ghent , which will welcome you with the majesty of its past, while Antwerp will enchant you with its artistic heritage. And to add an original touch to your Belgium itinerary, we suggest you also visit Leuven , home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and bursting with youthful vitality. It must be cool to do Erasmus here 😉
Ready to enjoy a week full of experiences and dreamy corners in this small but interesting country full of surprises? Check out our one-week itinerary through Belgium !
Days 1 and 2
– Brussels –
Your adventure cannot begin anywhere else but Brussels, the capital of the country and the perfect starting point for our trip. The Grand Place will welcome you with its stunning beauty, the rich and appreciated Belgian beer will encourage you to stop at one of its bars, the museums and urban art will seduce you, but not as much as the waffle stands.
Don't worry if Manneken Pis seems tiny to you, there's a big story behind this little statue! And of course, you can't leave without visiting the city's most futuristic monument: the Atomium .
To get to know Brussels you can do it your way, or join one of the free tours of Brussels (we always combine independent visits and guided tours, as we think this is the best option).
Top tip: have dinner at “Le Zinneke” , where you can try one of the most popular local recipes: the plate of mussels with fries , a true Belgian delicacy hehe. In this post you will find other ideas of restaurants where to eat in Brussels .
- 20 things to see and do in Brussels.
- Accommodation in Brussels
Day 3
– Bruges –
Just an hour away by train you'll reach Bruges, unquestionably the prettiest town in Belgium , where you'll feel like you've stepped into a time capsule, Back to the Future style. Its cobbled streets invite you to wander aimlessly, the Markt Square is a hive of locals and tourists, and if you fancy a picturesque experience, don't hesitate to take a boat ride along the canals (this guided tour includes a boat tour) .
Extra point: here you can not only do the typical free tour of Bruges but there is also a foodie version that we love! So now you know, reserve your place for the free gastronomic tour in Bruges .
- 20 things to see in Bruges
- Accommodation in Bruges
Day 4
– Ghent –
Ghent is often forgotten by many travellers, but we always insist: try to make a little room for it in the heart of Flanders . Some things you can't miss in Ghent are the majestic Castle of the Counts of Flanders , the imposing Cathedral of Saint Bavo , home of the famous polyptych " The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb ", the Belfort Tower viewing platform and taking a boat ride to get another perspective of the city.
Getting there from Brussels is also quick and easy: just hop on a train and you'll be there in about 40 minutes.
- Top 10 things to see and do in Ghent
- Accommodation in Ghent
Day 5
– Antwerp –
And we come to one of the jewels of this one-week route in Belgium: Antwerp. Known as the world capital of diamonds and the birthplace of artists such as Rubens , this Belgian city will surprise you with its Renaissance architecture , interesting museums such as the KMSKA Museum or the Rubenshuis and quiet squares where you can have a beer or a hot chocolate.
A good idea to visit the city in a few hours and not miss the main tourist spots is to sign up for this free tour of Antwerp .
- 10 things to see and do in Antwerp
- Accommodation in Antwerp
Day 6
– Leuven –
To conclude our 7-day itinerary through Belgium , we suggest one last stop: Leuven. Our advice is that as soon as you arrive, you join the free tour of Leuven in Spanish , to visit the main tourist sites in the company of an expert local guide and learn more secrets and curiosities of the city (which are quite a few).
This city, known for its university and student atmosphere, hides authentic treasures. This is the case of the historic University Library , or the Grote Markt , the heart of the historic center. And to end the trip on a high note, we suggest a great plan: take a tour of the famous Stella Artois factory , where you will not only learn more about the production of Belgian beer, but you will even be able to taste some of its most delicious varieties. Cheers! More info here .
- Accommodation in Leuven
Day 7
– Return home from Brussels –
We've really had a good time this week, haven't we? We think the itinerary has been very well organised and you've made the most of your time in this small-great country. And now comes the million-dollar question: how to organise the excursions? It depends: you can choose to make daily trips from Brussels or take advantage of the visits to stay overnight in each city . This last option is a bit more tiring because you have to change hotels every day, but it also has a plus and that is that you can visit the destinations both during the day and at night.
If you find that the itinerary is too tight for your travel style, you can remove the Leuven part (you will return and take advantage of the opportunity to visit it along with Dinant and other incredible places to see in Belgium ) and add an extra day to Antwerp or Brussels (as long as your flight leaves early on the last day).
⭐ We give you more information about the best excursions from Brussels .
Now, with your camera full of photos and your memory full of memories, it's time to go back home. Who knows? Maybe the Belgian spirit has taken hold of you and you're planning your next visit before leaving the country! Did you like our one-week itinerary for Belgium ? What would you change?
