Belgium 3 Day Itinerary

Belgium 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Brussels 🇧🇪

  1. Grand’Place (Grote Markt): Start your day at the heart of Brussels, where you’ll find one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The Town Hall and Maison du Roi are must-sees. 🏺
  2. Atomium & Mini-Europe: Visit the iconic Atomium structure, a symbol of the 1958 World Expo, and explore Mini-Europe, an amusement park with miniature models of European landmarks. 🚀
  3. Manneken Pis & Jeanneke Pis: Don’t miss these famous statues! Manneken Pis is a peeing boy statue, while Jeanneke Pis is his female counterpart. 💧
  4. Stroll in the European Quarter (EU District): Discover the headquarters of many European institutions, including the European Parliament and the Commission. 🇪🇺
  5. Try Belgian Waffles & Chocolates: No trip to Belgium is complete without indulging in their famous waffles and chocolates! 🍁🍫

Things to Know:

  • Brussels is a multilingual city: Dutch, French, and German are all spoken. English is also widely spoken.
  • Belgian currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities.
  • Brussels’ time zone is CET (Central European Time) GMT+1.
  • Beer lovers should try local beers like Stella Artois, Leffe, or Delirium Tremens. 🍺

Day 2: Bruges (Brugge) & Ghent 🇧🇪

  1. Bruges: Start the day in Bruges, a city often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” Explore the canals on a boat tour or by foot. 🛥️
  2. The Belfry of Bruges: Climb the 366 steps to the top for stunning views over the city. ☝️
  3. Ghent: Head to Ghent in the afternoon and visit Gravensteen, an authentic medieval castle. 🏯
  4. St. Bavo’s Cathedral: Inside you can admire the famous “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” painting by Hubert and Jan van Eyck. 🎨
  5. Dinner in Ghent: Try local dishes like Waterzooi (chicken or fish stew) or Stoofvlees (beef stew). 🍽️

Things to Know:

  • Both Bruges and Ghent can be reached by train from Brussels within an hour.
  • Belgium is famous for its beer, but each region has its own specialty. In West Flanders (Bruges and Ghent), you’ll find Zot or Stoomwafel beer. 🍻

Day 3: Namur & Dinant 🇧🇪

  1. Namur: Start in Namur, the capital of Wallonia, and explore its citadel. 🏰
  2. Dinant: Head to Dinant, a charming town on the Meuse river. Visit the Notre-Dame Collegiate Church and admire its unique red stone architecture. 🤯
  3. Sambre River Cruise: Take a boat trip from Namur to Givet in France (requires a passport or ID card if you’re an EU citizen; check visa requirements for non-EU citizens). ⛴️
  4. La Roche-en-Ardenne: If time allows, visit La Roche-en-Ardenne and enjoy its natural beauty, including the beautiful Ardennes Forest. 🌲

Things to Know:

  • Namur is approximately 1.5 hours by train from Brussels.
  • The best time for a Sambre River cruise is in summer. Check schedules before your visit. ☀️
  • Keep an eye out for traditional Ardennes specialties like Pâté Liégeois, Moules-frites (mussels with fries), and Speculoos cookies. 🐚🍟🍪