Belgium Travel Guide
Marcus Chen· City Break Editor
Updated September 20, 2026 · 6 min read
Belgium is Europe's compact concentration: Brussels' Grand-Place, Bruges' canal-ringed medieval core, Ghent's three towers, Antwerp's diamonds and fashion, and the beer culture that UNESCO lists as heritage — all within an hour's train ride.
The classic route: Brussels (2) → Bruges (2) with Ghent as the day trip → Antwerp (1).
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Brussels covers the Grand-Place, the Horta houses and the EU quarter. Bruges is the medieval canal postcard. Ghent is Bruges' livelier student sibling. Antwerp adds the diamonds, the fashion and the station's dome.
- Classic: Brussels 2 → Bruges 2 (+ Ghent).
- Beer: Brussels 2 → Namur's abbeys 1 → Antwerp 1.
- Fashion: Antwerp 2 → Brussels 1.
The Beer Pilgrimage
Trappist ales (Westmalle, Rochefort), lambic's spontaneous fermentation at Cantillon, and the proper glassware for each style. The Belgian beer culture is UNESCO-listed — take it seriously, drink slowly.
Brussels & Bruges
The capital and the canals.
Day 1 · Brussels — Grand-Place
The gilded square, the frites, the beer.
Day 2 · Brussels — Horta & comics
The art nouveau and the murals.
Day 3 · Train to Bruges
The canals, the belfry, the chocolate.
Day 4 · Ghent day trip
The towers, the Altarpiece, the students.
Day 5 · Antwerp or farewell
The diamonds, the station, BRU.
Practical planning info
Money
- Brussels ~€140/day, Bruges ~€130 — the frites keep dinners honest.
- Rail: Brussels–Bruges in 1h for €15.
When
- May–September is the terrace season.
- December's Grand-Place light show and markets are spectacular.
Frequently asked questions
Bruges or Ghent?
Both — Bruges is the postcard, Ghent is the living version. A day trip connects them in 25 minutes.
Is Belgium expensive?
Mid-priced: €130–140/day, with frites, waffles and beer keeping meals cheap.
How many days for Belgium?
Five does Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp.
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