Belgian Art Tour of Antwerp, Bruges & Brussels - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Brussels, Train to Antwerp, Visit Museum Mayer van den Bergh

Welcome to Belgium! Upon arrival at Brussels airport, you'll catch a 30-minute train to Antwerp, known as the world's diamond capital. Do your first bit of sightseeing as soon as you disembark, starting at Antwerpen-Centraal, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Admire the mix of Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau architectural styles before walking or taking a taxi to your hotel. Check in and freshen up, then enjoy some free time to explore the area on your own.

You can dive right into the city's art scene with a visit to Museum Mayer van den Bergh, housed in a charming neo-Gothic building. The museum was founded in the early 1900s by Henriette Mayer van den Bergh to honor her son Fritz, an avid art collector. Peruse the carefully curated spaces showcasing his vast collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including masterpieces by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, such as the iconic Dulle Griet (Mad Meg), along with a variety of sculptures, tapestries, and decorative arts.

Day 2: Visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum & Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA)

Start your day with a visit to the Plantin-Moretus Museum, the only UNESCO-listed museum in the world. It was once home to the influential Plantin and Moretus families, pioneers of the printing and publishing world in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, you can see the original printing presses, believed to be the oldest in the world, along with antique typefaces, manuscripts, and an extensive library of rare books. If you want to visit another museum next, consider the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA), where you can see artwork spanning seven centuries.

Those who prefer street art can follow the Stripmuren, a route through several neighborhoods where comic-inspired murals and vibrant street art are displayed. Then, end your day with a walking food tour, starting with a visit to a traditional Belgian bakery. Indulge in classics like frieten (fries), chocolate, and waffles slathered in chocolate sauce, strawberries, and whipped cream or powdered sugar. End the tour near one of the city's foodie hotspots so you can continue the culinary journey on you're own if you're not too full already.

Day 3: Transfer to Ghent for a Walking Tour, Continue to Bruges

Say goodbye to Antwerp this morning as you set off on a 1.5-hour transfer to Bruges, known as the "Venice of the North" for its picturesque canals. On the way, you'll stop in Ghent for a walking tour of the city. Follow your guide through the cobbled streets lined with serene canals, bustling markets, traditional houses, and modern street art. Along the way, you'll pass landmarks like Gravensteen, a 12th-century castle that once served as the residence for the counts of Flanders. Look up at the imposing stone walls and towering turrets, hinting at the rich history within, before continuing to St. Bavo's Cathedral.

This massive Gothic church is home to the world-renowned altarpiece, "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb," painted by the Van Eyck brothers. Admire the church from the outside or pay a small fee to discover the interior and iconic altarpiece. If you choose to go inside, admire the sheer scale of the multi-paneled work showcasing intricate details, vibrant colors, and religious symbolism. In addition to the artwork, the cathedral houses several chapels and relics, making it a treasure trove of religious history. Back in the car, complete the drive to your hotel in Bruges to check in.

Day 4: Peruse the Museum Sint-Janshospitaal & Groeningemuseum

Enjoy some free time to explore Bruges on foot or head to the Museum Sint-Janshospitaal, once a functioning hospital founded in the 12th century. Today, it's a museum showcasing the evolution of medical practices and medical care. You'll also encounter artwork, including commissioned pieces by the renowned painter Hans Memling. Be sure to visit the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, which served as a place of worship and solace for patients and caretakers. It's still an active chapel where you can see detailed altarpieces, colorful stained glass, and intricate wooden ceilings adorned with carvings.

Then, head to the Groeningemuseum, renowned for its impressive collection of artwork that spans centuries. As you wander the museum, you'll see works depicting religious themes, portraits, and everyday life in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including masterpieces by master Belgian painters such as Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, Gerard David, and Rogier van der Weyden. After exploring both museums, go for a stroll through the UNESCO-listed historic center, which features a blend of Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings. 

Day 5: Train to Brussels, Private Walking Tour, Visit the Magritte Museum

Choose between a free morning in Bruges to explore more of the city or an early one-hour train back to Brussels. When you arrive, walk or take a taxi to your hotel for check in. Then, join your private guide on a walking tour of the city's landmarks and lesser-known gems, starting at the Brussels Stock Exchange. Admire the towering columns and intricate sculptures adorning the neoclassical building before continuing to the nearby Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, a trio of opulent shopping arcades built in 1847. Then, head to the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, the city's main square.

Go for a leisurely stroll down Stoofstraat, a quaint street known for its picturesque houses and artistic flair, to get to Manneken Pis, a cheeky 17th-century statue of a little boy urinating into the basin below. Depending on when you visit, the statue may be dressed in a costume reflecting current events or celebrations in the city. Your last stop is the Gothic-style St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral, dedicated to the city's patron saints. After the 1.5-hour tour, visit the Magritte Museum to admire over 200 paintings, drawings, and sculptures by one of Belgium's most famous artists, René Magritte.

Day 6: Explore Museums at Your Own Pace

Spend your last full day of the trip exploring some of Brussels' museums at your own pace. You'll be given a Brussels Card, which grants you entry to 49 museums and unlimited access to public transport. If you want to focus on art, start your day at the Art & History Museum within Parc du Cinquantenaire. The museum features an impressive collection spanning various periods and styles, including ancient artifacts, decorative arts, and masterpieces from the Renaissance to the 19th century.

Continue to the Museum of Abstract Art, showcasing a diverse collection of works from artists who have pushed the boundaries of traditional art forms, such as Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, and Jackson Pollock. Then, end your day at the Centre for Fine Arts, where you can enjoy film screenings, exhibitions, concerts, and performances. If there's nothing scheduled during your visit, you can simply marvel at the grand building designed by the renowned Belgian architect Victor Horta. 

Day 7: Depart Brussels

Now that you've spent a week discovering Belgium's diverse art scene in three iconic cities, it's time to head home. If you have time before your flight, explore more of the capital at your own pace. Consider a visit to the Horta Museum to learn more about the architect and the world of Art Nouveau. Then, head to Marché du Midi, an expansive market open every Sunday. Stroll the colorful stalls lined with fresh produce, artisanal cheese, baked goods, and artisanal crafts to find some souvenirs to take home. When it's time, take a train or taxi to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!