Discover the Hidden Gems of Belgium: A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring the Country’s Best Tourist Attractions and Cities

Belgium is a small country located in Western Europe, known for its picturesque cities, delicious chocolate and beer, and rich history. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip to Belgium. To help you make the most of your visit, we've put together a 7-day itinerary that showcases some of the country's most famous attractions, including transportation, lodging, and sightseeing.

Visiting different cities while staying in Brussels is very easy. Brussels is well connected by train to other cities in Belgium, making it easy to plan day trips to nearby destinations. The train system in Belgium is efficient, frequent, and reliable, so you can easily travel to different cities without having to worry about transportation. You can buy a train ticket at the station or online, and the journey time is usually less than an hour. This allows you to make the most of your time in Belgium and explore multiple destinations during your stay in Brussels. Additionally, there are also bus and bike rentals options that you can use to explore nearby cities as well.

Experience the Culture and History of Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a vibrant and bustling city that offers a unique blend of historical and modern attractions. Known for its picturesque Grand Place, delicious chocolate and beer, and famous landmarks such as the Manneken Pis statue and the Atomium, Brussels has something to offer for every type of traveler. Here are some must-see attractions that you can explore on a 2-day in Brussels:

Day 1:

• Arrive in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium and check in to your hotel
• Start your day by taking a walk around the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Here you can admire the impressive architecture of the guildhalls and the Town Hall.
• Visit the iconic 15th century Gothic town hall and several guild houses that are adorned with stunning architecture
• Visit the iconic Manneken Pis statue, a small bronze fountain statue of a little boy peeing.
• Take a stroll through the trendy neighborhoods of Brussels such as Ixelles and Saint-Gilles, known for their trendy shops, cafes, and street art.
• Take the metro to the Atomium, a famous landmark that offers panoramic views of the city.
• Try some traditional Belgian cuisine such as mussels and fries at a local restaurant
• End your day by indulging in some delicious Belgian chocolate and waffles.

Day 2:

• Take the metro to the European Quarter and visit the European Union institutions such as the European Commission and the European Parliament.
• Visit the famous comic strip route, where you can see murals and statues of famous Belgian comic characters such as Tintin and The Smurfs.
• Take a walk in the beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire, where you can admire the triumphal arch, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, and the Autoworld Museum.
• End your day by taking a boat trip on the Brussels-Charleroi Canal and admire the city’s skyline from a different perspective.

By using the metro and walking, it's easy to visit while Staying in Brussels, With so much to see and do, Brussels is a perfect destination for anyone.

Best accommodation in Brussels

Day 3:

Discover the Charm of Brugge: A Perfect Day Trip from Brussels

Brugge (also known as Bruges in English) is a charming and picturesque city located in northwest Belgium. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and charming cobblestone streets. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and architectural significance. Visitors can take a boat tour along the canals, admire the beautiful buildings, and visit the city's many museums and art galleries. Brugge is also famous for its chocolate, beer, and lace, making it a great destination for foodies. Visitors can also explore the many parks and gardens, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or even take a boat ride to the famous Minnewater lake. Brugge is a popular tourist destination and is often referred to as the "Venice of the North".

• Take a day trip to the medieval town of Bruges, known for its picturesque canals and cobblestone streets
• Take a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective and see the famous Belfry of Bruges
• Take a walk along the Minnewater lake, also known as the "Lake of Love"
• End the day with a visit to the Choco-Story Bruges, a chocolate museum where you can learn about the history of chocolate making in Bruges.
• Visit the Markt, the central square of Bruges, known for its medieval architecture and market
• See the famous Belfry of Bruges, a medieval bell tower with a panoramic view of the city
• Walk along the picturesque streets and admire the colorful houses and buildings
• Visit the Groeninge museum, a museum that showcases Flemish art from the Middle Ages to the present day
• Try some Belgian chocolate at a local chocolate shop
• Enjoy a traditional Belgian beer at a local pub or brewery
• Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a church that houses a relic of a cloth said to contain the blood of Jesus
• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride to take in the sights and sounds of the city in a unique way
• End the day with a visit to the Windmills, a group of windmills that are a symbol of the city.

Day 4:

Uncover the Beauty of Ghent: A Day Trip from Brussels

Ghent is a charming and historic city located in the Flemish region of Belgium, making it a perfect day trip destination from Brussels. Known for its picturesque medieval architecture, Ghent is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The city is easily accessible by train and the journey takes around 40 minutes.

Here are some of the main attractions to see while on a day trip to Ghent:

• A boat trip on the Leie River: A relaxing way to see Ghent from a different perspective. You will pass by the medieval buildings, charming houses, and the three towers of Ghent: Saint Nicholas Church, Belfry and Saint Bavo Cathedral.
• Saint Bavo Cathedral: a beautiful Gothic church with a famous altarpiece
• The Belfry: a medieval bell tower with a great view of the city
• Graslei and Korenlei: two charming streets lined with colorful buildings and picturesque views.
• Museum of Fine Arts: a museum with a wide collection of art from various artists
• Design Museum: a museum dedicated to the history and design of the city
• Vrijdagmarkt: a lively market square with food vendors, street performers and more
• Gravensteen: a medieval castle that offers a glimpse into the city's history
• St. Nicholas' Church: a beautiful church with a unique architecture and beautiful stained glass windows
• Patershol: a charming neighborhood with many restaurants and cafes

With so much to see and do, Ghent is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Brussels. While you're there, be sure to sample some of the delicious local cuisine and take in the charming atmosphere of this wonderful city.

Day 5:

Discover the Charm of Antwerpen: A Perfect Day Trip from Brussels

Antwerp is a beautiful city located in the north of Belgium, and it's easy to visit as a day trip from Brussels. It is known for its diamond trade, the historic city center, and its vibrant cultural scene. The city has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, and it's often referred to as the "capital of diamonds." Here are some of the top attractions that you can explore by walking:

• The Old Town: The heart of Antwerp is its charming old town, which is filled with picturesque cobblestone streets, quaint houses, and beautiful churches. This area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and you will find many charming cafés and shops along the way.

• The Cathedral of Our Lady: This impressive Gothic church is one of the most famous landmarks in Antwerp. It has a towering spire and beautiful stained glass windows. The church is home to several masterpieces of Rubens, one of the most famous artist of the city.

• The Rubens House: The former home and studio of the famous artist, Peter Paul Rubens. It's a great place to learn more about the artist and see some of his famous works.

• The Diamond Quarter: Antwerp is famous for its diamond trade, and the Diamond Quarter is the perfect place to learn more about it. You can visit the Diamond Museum, or take a tour of one of the diamond factories.

• The Central Station: Antwerp's Central Station is one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. It's a must-see for architecture enthusiasts, and you can also visit the underground pedestrian tunnels which are home to several shops and restaurants.

• The Meir: The Meir is one of the main shopping streets in Antwerp. It's a great place to find high-end boutiques and department stores, as well as many street vendors selling souvenirs, food, and other items.

• The River Scheldt: The River Scheldt is another must-see attraction in Antwerp. You can take a boat tour of the river, or simply enjoy a walk along the banks.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that you can explore in Antwerp as a day trip from Brussels. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, there is something for everyone in this charming city.

Day 6:

Explore the Beauty of Dinant: A Stunning Day Trip from Brussels

Dinant is a charming town located in the Walloon region of Belgium, known for its picturesque views of the Meuse River and the famous Citadel of Dinant. This beautiful town offers a perfect day trip from Brussels for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature.

Here are some of the attractions you can visit during your day trip to Dinant:

• The Meuse River: Take a stroll along the river and admire the stunning views of the town from the water's edge. You can also take a boat trip to explore the river and its surroundings.
• The Citadel of Dinant: This impressive fortress sits high above the town and offers panoramic views of the Meuse River and the surrounding countryside. It's a great place to learn about the town's history and architecture.
• Notre-Dame de Dinant: This beautiful Gothic-style church is one of the town's most famous landmarks and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
• The Dinant Museum: Learn about the town's history and culture at this fascinating museum, which is housed in a former Dominican monastery.
• The Dinant Cathedral: This striking 14th-century cathedral is a must-see attraction, with its impressive stained-glass windows and impressive architecture.
• The Brasserie de Dinant: For beer lovers, a visit to this local brewery is a must. Try the famous "La Gauloise" beer and learn about the brewing process.

Overall, Dinant is a charming town that offers a perfect day trip from Brussels for those who want to explore the beautiful nature, learn about the history of the place, and enjoy the local food and drink. With its stunning views, rich history and culture, and a variety of things to see and do, Dinant is a great destination for a day trip from Brussels.

Day 7:

Explore the Hidden Gems of Liege: A Day Trip from Brussels

Liege is a charming city located in the eastern part of Belgium, known for its historic architecture and cultural heritage. A day trip to Liege from Brussels is an excellent way to explore the city's rich history and beautiful landscapes. Some of the top attractions to visit while in Liege include:

• The Place Saint-Lambert: This picturesque square is the heart of Liege's Old Town, surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings and the Saint-Lambert Cathedral.

• The Liege Palace: This impressive palace is the official residence of the Prince-Bishop of Liege, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and grandeur.

• The Guillemins Train Station: This stunning modernist train station designed by Santiago Calatrava is a must-see attraction in Liege.

• The Museum of Walloon Life: This museum offers a fascinating look into the history and culture of Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium where Liege is located.

• The Montagne de Bueren: This steep flight of 374 steps is a popular spot for panoramic views of the city.

• The Montagne de Bueren : This steep flight of 374 steps is a popular spot for panoramic views of the city.

• The Parc d'Avroy: This beautiful park is a great spot for a leisurely stroll and offers plenty of green space in the heart of the city.

• The Liege Opera: You can enjoy a performance of opera, ballet or symphonic music

• The La Boverie art museum and park, is an ideal place to take a stroll and admire paintings, sculptures, and photographs by famous artists.

You can easily get to Liege by train from Brussels, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Belgium is a small country with a lot to offer, from picturesque cities to delicious chocolate and beer. This 7-day itinerary offers a glimpse of some of the most famous attractions in Belgium, including transportation, lodging, and sightseeing. From visiting the Grand Place in Brussels, to taking a boat tour in Bruges and visiting the Rubenshuis in Antwerp, this itinerary will give you a taste of the best of Belgium.