Belgium Travel Insights

Start your trip with three nights in Bruges where you'll have free time to explore

Luxury Tour of Belgium: Bruges, Spa & Brussels - 10 Days

Spend 10 luxurious days exploring Belgium, starting in Bruges, where you'll stay at a 5-star hotel in a ducal palace. While there, take a day trip to Damme by riverboat and learn how to make pralines before transferring to a manor house in Spa. Next, visit the Castle of Reinhardstein and unwind at the wellness-themed Thermes de Spa. Your last stop is the capital, Brussels, which you'll discover on a private tour and beer walk. You'll also have plenty of free time to sightsee and relax at your opulent boutique hotel.

Enjoy free time to explore Ghent's picturesque canals and colorful buildings

Short Luxury Tour of Belgium: Antwerp & Ghent - 7 Days

Spend one week exploring Belgium in style, starting in Antwerp, where you'll stay in a 5-star hotel set in a former monastery. Indulge in local delights like Belgian waffles on a culinary tour before transferring to Ghent to check into a luxury boutique hotel in a restored post office. Go on a canal cruise, visit the medieval fortress of Gravensteen, learn how to make traditional pralines during a day trip to Bruges, and visit two castles—Kasteel van Poeke and Kasteel van Ooidon—to complete this luxurious adventure.

Choose between several riverside restaurants in Dinant and order local dishes

Culinary Tour of Belgium: Antwerp, Ghent, Chimay, Dinant & Brussels - 10 Days

Eat and drink your way across Belgium on this 10-day culinary journey, starting in Antwerp with a private food tour and introduction to the local brewery scene. Continue to Ghent for historic architecture, local treats, and a scenic canal tour. Then, enjoy an exclusive tour of a Trappist brewery in Chimay before heading to Dinant, where you'll experience its charming riverside and saxophone-themed sites. End in Brussels with a guided beer walk, museum hopping, and waffle-making workshop.

Kick off your trip with three nights in romantic Bruges (photo courtesy of Hotel Dukes' Palace)

Luxury Tour of Belgium & Luxembourg: Bruges, Brussels, Spa & Urspelt - 14 Days

Enjoy a two-week luxurious journey through Belgium and Luxembourg, starting at the 5-star Hotel Dukes' Palace in Bruges. Here, you'll take a day trip to Damme before continuing to Brussels for a private tour of the capital. Next, transfer to the town of Spa to discover the thermal springs and the 14th-century Castle of Reinhardstein. Your last stop is Urspelt, where you'll stay in a renovated 18th-century castle. Spend the rest of your trip relaxing at the hotel and exploring the nearby town of Clervaux.

Use your Brussels Card to explore the best cultural attractions

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

Spend a week discovering Belgium's best art museums and cultural attractions in three cities. Start in Antwerp, where you'll arrive at the city's ornate train station and visit some of its best museums, like the Museum Mayer van den Bergh and Plantin-Moretus. From here, continue to Ghent to see a world-renowned altarpiece, followed by two nights in medieval Bruges. Your final stop is Brussels, where you'll have a full day to explore the sprawling city and take your pick between dozens of museums.

Explore Bruges' winding canals and medieval landmarks with a boat tour

Discover Belgium: Antwerp, Bruges & Brussels - 10 Days

Culture, gastronomy, and history await on this 10-day highlights tour through Belgium. Begin in hip Antwerp to sample the city's best waffles on a food tour, then continue to fairy-tale Bruges to explore its medieval center. Take a steamer boat through quintessential Belgian countryside to the charming hamlet of Damme, and drop by Ghent to discover its cathedrals and castles. Your trip ends in Brussels, with a spin around the capital's museums and free time to sip some famous Belgian beers.

Discover the historic Graslei area and bell tower as you cross the Leie river

10 Days in Belgium - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Belgium, you can cover this small country's leading historical sites and must-sees with time to hop over to neighboring Luxembourg or the Netherlands. Consider which perspective you want to see from gazing up at medieval castles from a kayak, wandering through a monastery to sample traditional beer, or museum-hopping to soak up the works of the Dutch Masters.

Rozenhoedkaai and Dijver river canal, Bruges' most popular photo hot spot

2 Weeks in Belgium - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Each of these two-week tours in Belgium is perfect for travelers looking to visit two countries in one trip. Opt for an inspiring art tour from Amsterdam to Brussels, or choose an intrepid cycling tour through Haarlem, Haastrecht, and Oudenaarde. Focus on the culinary side of Holland and Belgium with time in Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Ghent. Swap a week in the Netherlands for three days in Luxembourg on a history-focused tour of the country's most prestigious castles.

1 Week in Belgium - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Spend seven days in Belgium on a fast-paced highlights tour of Antwerp, Dinant, and Brussels. Tour each city's best architecture and cultural spots and sample local Belgian beer. Add Ghent to your itinerary, or opt for a more chocolate-focused tour by visiting Chocolate Village and Chocolate Nation. Swap the capital city for a history-inspired itinerary centering around the castles of Ghent, Chimay, and Dinant, and tour the many museums, cathedrals, and castles.

The historic city center of Antwerp at dusk

5 Days in Belgium - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With five days in Belgium, you can delve into a region like that of Flanders. Explore Brussels with a day in the Ardennes, or discover Flanders, Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent. For art lovers, there's an itinerary through the same areas, but visiting more galleries, castles, street art, and museums along the way. Then there's an active itinerary that includes a day in Brussels, a home base in Ghent, with day trips to Antwerp and Bruges, and a culinary tour through the north featuring Belgium's best: beer, chocolate, and waffles.

Ooidonk Castle in East Flanders, Belgium

Castles of Belgium & Luxembourg - 14 Days

Travel back in time on this expansive two-week cross-country adventure to discover some of the most impressive castles, fortresses, and palaces of Belgium and Luxembourg. Explore picturesque local villages and major cities, stopping for Belgian chocolates at a chocolate museum in Antwerp, Trappist beer brewed by monks in Chimay, and scenic lunches in historic town centers. Along the way, appreciate the awe-inspiring natural landscapes that beautifully frame these castles.

Culinary Tour of the Netherlands & Belgium - 14 Days

Spend two weeks savoring the authentic delicacies of the Netherlands and Belgium. This part-guided food and drink tour is split over six cities, starting with Amsterdam, The Hague, Leiden, and Rotterdam, then continuing through Antwerp and Ghent—with day trips to other culinary hotspots in between. From an ancient cheese market in Gouda to a chocolate workshop in Bruges, fresh food markets to colonial-era cuisine, this varied tour is packed with local flavor.

Taste the best of Belgium's chocolate and beer

Belgium Culinary Highlights: Ghent, Antwerp & Brussels - 7 Days

A tour for all foodies—but especially lovers of chocolate and beer—this semi-guided itinerary celebrates the produce of Belgium's northern powerhouses: Ghent, Antwerp, and Brussels. Through visiting breweries and chocolate experiences over seven days, you'll delve into the history, making of, and tasting of those most delectable exports. You'll also be given free time, with plenty of local tips, to explore the food scenes for yourself in these three cool and atmospheric cities.

Enjoy art tours throughout the Netherlands and Belgium and see masterful works like The Night Watch in the Rijksmuseum

Art Tour of the Netherlands & Belgium: Amsterdam to Brussels - 14 Days

Take a deep dive into the art worlds of the Netherlands and Belgium on this two-week adventure, from the Old Masters to the surrealism of René Magritte to contemporary art, film, and literature. Compare centuries-old architecture with modern street art on different walking tours with art historians and local experts. Discover how art has shaped these two countries' history, culture, and society, from their major cities to their rural towns, and how it continues to do so today.

Cycle the Netherlands & Belgium - 14 Days

Discover food, art, and history as you cycle through the Dutch and Belgian countryside. Start in Amsterdam to tour the city's most prominent sites. Bike past tulip fields to Haarlem and Leiden, then take a cheese break in Gouda and revel in its charm. Pedal past windmills in Kinderdijk before exploring the wildlife of Biesbosch National Park. Head into Belgium to see the beautiful cities of Antwerp and Ghent, and get your fill of Belgian chocolate and beer as you roll toward a big finish in Bruges.

Twilight over the majestic 10th-century Gravensteen Castle

Castles of Belgium: Ghent, Chimay & Dinant - 7 Days

Uncover Belgium's rich and varied history on this culture-filled seven-day itinerary. Start in vibrant Ghent, a Flemish city woven with canals, medieval architecture, and famous artworks. In Chimay, you'll find a moated castle and a 19th-century abbey and working brewery, the birthplace of the world-famous Trappist beers. Step back in time and visit the trio of historic castles that surround the ancient citadel of Dinant with their fairy-tale turrets and manicured mazes.

Belgian Beer Tour: Ghent, Antwerp, Houffalize, Chimay & Brussels - 10 Days

Discover the significance of beer to Belgium's history, culture, and culinary legacy on this 10-day adventure across the country. Tour city breweries, urban taphouses, microbreweries, and travel to an abbey where monks have brewed beer for centuries. Learn about Belgium's brewing traditions on historical city walks, private tours, and full-day excursions while sampling a wide range of local brews, from "witbiers" (a Belgian-style wheat ale), to "dubbels" (strong dark beers) as you go.

Highlights of Belgium & the Netherlands - 10 Days

Join this 10-day adventure to discover three fascinating cities in both the Netherlands and Belgium: starting with Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam, then crossing the border to Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent. Zipping by train between them, you'll set off on a series of guided and self-guided bicycle and walking tours. Encounters range from windmills and cheese north of Amsterdam to chocolate and beer in Bruges, and you're guaranteed a healthy helping of art, history, and architecture along the way.

Castles of Belgium: Antwerp, Ghent, Chimay, Dinant & Brussels - 10 Days

Discover Belgium's rich and tumultuous history through the ages on this deep-dive 10-day tour of the country's most significant and spectacular landmarks. Wind your way from Antwerp to Brussels as you visit medieval fortresses with moats, drawbridges, and dungeons, sample beer and cheese at a historic Trappist monastery, and step forward in time to explore richly decorated châteaux with opulent furniture, art, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

The Best of Benelux: the Netherlands, Belgium & Luxembourg- 10 Days

Wander among the canals of three countries in 10 days on this well-rounded journey through northern Europe. Start in Amsterdam, where you'll discover its hidden beauty as you visit museums and parks. Head south to Brussels, the capital of Europe, and get your fill of chocolate, beer, and art. Explore the charming village of Dinant with its caves and massive citadel. Finish your trip in the small but delightful Luxembourg and revel in its quaint atmosphere.

Outdoor Adventure in Belgium: Antwerp, Ghent, Dinant & Brussels - 10 Days

This active Belgian itinerary is chock-full of adventure among the most scenic spots in the country. Hop on a bike and discover the streets of Antwerp, go kayaking along the canals of Ghent, and visit Bruges to let your heart melt over the infinite choices of chocolate. Marvel at the stunning landscapes of Dinant as you zip line through the surrounding forests, and finish up your trip in Brussels sampling local beers and museum hopping.

Belgian waffles are an obligatory part of a Flanders food tour

Culinary Tour of Flanders - 5 Days

Hoppy beer, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, fluffy Belgian waffles loaded with toppings. These are just some of the must-try treats you'll encounter on this five-day culinary tour of the Belgian region of Flanders. Centered around the heritage cities of Antwerp and Ghent, this tour, through a combination of guided and self-guided experiences, explores how the region's history is inextricably linked to beer-brewing and food.

Highlights of Flanders: Antwerp , Bruges & Ghent - 5 Days

Explore three of the most important cities in Flanders, the Flemish region of northern Belgium, on this relaxed five-day itinerary. Discover the dynamism of historic and modern Antwerp, tour the charming canals of medieval Ghent by boat, and step into the storybook city of Bruges for a taste of Belgian chocolate and beer.

The charming town of Dinant viewed from the water

Highlights of Belgium: Antwerp, Dinant & Brussels - 7 Days

Spend a week discovering the rich flavors, natural wonders, and engaging art museums of Belgium. Start in Antwerp, and immerse yourself in the history of chocolate and beer as you explore medieval streets and Renaissance buildings. Admire the stalagmites and stalactites in Dinant's beautiful cave of La Merveilleuse, then museum hop through some of the finest art collections in Europe in the capital of Brussels.

Art Tour of Belgium: From Antwerp to Bruges - 5 Days

Delve into the rich artistic history of the Flanders region of Belgium in this culture-packed five-day itinerary. Discover everything from Art Nouveau architecture to comic-style street art in Antwerp, mull over the conspiracy theories of a famous stolen painting in Ghent, and marvel at the Flemish masters at art galleries and museums in Bruges. All along the way, stop for Belgian chocolates and beer, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of these charming cities.

Explore Brussels & Beyond - 5 Days

Get to know Brussels like a local on this guided five-day private tour. After taking in the key sights of Belgium's capital, you'll delve into its diverse beer scene and later row to a chalet on an island in the Bois de la Cambre park. Halfway through the itinerary, your guide will whisk you off on an exciting road trip, stopping at the Waterloo Battlefield and its museum, the citadel of Dimant for sweeping views over the River Meuse, and the tranquil water gardens of Namur.

Flanders Kayaking, Chocolate & Art - 5 Days

It's amazing what you can fit into five days in Flanders. This whirl around northern Belgium's compact Flemish region hops between four elegant cities—Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp. While there's plenty of time for sitting in squares and drinking Belgian beer or sampling handcrafted chocolates, you also get a taste of action and culture during this self-guided trip. In Ghent, you'll board a kayak to weave your way around the canals, while in Antwerp, you'll visit the Mayer van den Bergh art museum.

Best of Belgium: Antwerp, Ghent & Brussels - 7 Days

Discover Belgium's rich pan-European cultural heritage in a seven-day tour of the best of the Flanders region. Marvel at Flemish Renaissance architecture in Antwerp and cycle the fairy tale city of Ghent. Stroll through the Castle of Laeken gardens or paddle in the Bois de la Cambre. Visit chocolatiers amid the cobbled streets of Bruges and sample local Belgian beers with centuries-old brewing traditions in Brussels. Don't forget to leave room in your suitcase for those Belgian truffles.

Celebrate the festive season at a Belgian Christmas market

Belgium in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December is winter in Belgium, but the country doesn't get as cold as some other Northern European countries, so you can still enjoy a city break in generally comfortable conditions. With Christmas markets set up around the country throughout the month (and sometimes as early as November), visitors can enjoy shopping, food and drink, fairground rides, and pretty decorations. Learn more about travel to Belgium in December.

Tour historic Bruges in November and visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Belgium in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is late fall in Belgium, and although the weather can be wet, it's an excellent time to head to one of Belgium's attractive cities. Retreat to a fine museum, gallery, church, or restaurant when the weather turns damp, and take a stroll past medieval and Renaissance architecture when you want to get out of doors. Read on for more information on visiting Belgium in November.

Waterfall in a canyon in the High Fens, Ardennes

Belgium in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is fall in Belgium, with cool but not very cold temperatures and few tourists around. It's a great time of year to enjoy the colors of nature, especially the forests of the hilly Ardennes region. The autumn colors provide a beautiful backdrop to the small country's hundreds of castles, from Renaissance palaces to turreted fairy-tale-like castles. Read on to learn more about traveling to Belgium in October.

See the fall colors in the Ardennes in September

Belgium in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

September in Belgium is the beginning of fall, but the weather remains warm and pleasant, and the summer crowds have dispersed. It's a great time to visit if you want to explore the beautiful historic cities without the masses—and at a lower price. The autumnal colors also start to spread across Belgium at this time, with the hilly, forested Ardennes region particularly colorful early in the season. Find out more about traveling to Belgium in September.

Take a dip in the North Sea and stroll the iconic Palace Pier at Blankenberge

Belgium in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August is midsummer in Belgium and the peak season for travel. Belgians head to the North Sea coast—join them at the beaches and on hiking and biking trails. Check out fascinating Ghent, cool off in the sea at Blankenberge, or kayak into the lush forests of the Ardennes. Find out more about traveling to Belgium in August below.

Cool off at De Panne on the North Sea coast

Belgium in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

July is midsummer in Belgium, and the fine weather draws larger crowds (and higher costs). Visitors love Belgium's historic cities in July, and the capital, Brussels, which hosts a UNESCO-listed festival dating to the 14th century. To escape from the heat of the cities, head to the North Sea coast for swimming, cycling, walking—and land sailing. Read on for more information.

Skyline of Ghent's landmarks seen from St. Michael's Bridge at sunrise

Belgium in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

June is the start of summer in Belgium, but it's still the shoulder season before the summer rush. That makes it ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the good weather and summer concerts and festivals without the high prices or oppressive crowds. Explore the medieval and modern culture in Ghent, see an enormous reenacted battle in Waterloo, and enjoy some live music. Here's what you can see and do in Belgium in June.

Belgium in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

May is spring in Belgium and a great time to come to enjoy good weather, smaller crowds, and more affordable prices. Spring flowers add color to the cities and countryside, and a 13th-century procession in beautiful Bruges provides a good reason to visit this Flemish city in May. Find out more about what to see and do in Belgium this month.

Famous cobbled street, Muur van Geraardsbergen, takes part in one-day road cycling race, Tour de Flanders, annually

Belgium in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

April is spring in Belgium and a great time to head outdoors in search of colorful flowers (you won't have to go far). Admire the carpets of bluebells at Hallerbos forest or make the most of the annual opening to the public of the royal family's private greenhouses at Laeken. There's a lot to see and do in Belgium in April.

The Gilles arrive on Grand Place for the Binche Carnival in March

Belgium in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

March is the start of spring in Belgium, and although temperatures can still be quite cold, excitement for the end of winter is in the air. A major reason to visit Belgium this month is to attend a traditional Lent parade, such as the centuries-old Carnival of Binche in French-speaking Wallonia. Flower lovers are also in luck, with the first spring blossoms appearing. Here's where to go and what to do in Belgium in March.

Belgium in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

February in Belgium is the low season. But it's a great time to visit if you want to explore the cultural attractions without the crowds of summer. Plus, it's prime time for winter sports such as ice skating and cross-country skiing. Whether you're visiting the art galleries of Brussels or medieval carnival parties in Binche, it's easy to forget that it's midwinter. Find out more about traveling to Belgium in February.

See the Brabo Fountain and Stadhuis in Antwerp's Grote Markt in January

Belgium in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Though January is midwinter in Belgium, it's a great time to visit if you want to enjoy the arts and culture of the northern European country without the crowds—or the high prices. Brussels is brimming with excellent art galleries, while the historic port city of Antwerp is a must-visit for foodies. Still want to get outside and do something active? Look for ice-skating opportunities in the cities and countryside. Learn more about traveling to Belgium in January.

The sun sets on Grand Place of Belgium's capital, Brussels

How Many Days to Spend in Belgium

With five days in Belgium, travelers can focus on a city's highlights, like Brussels, and incorporate the surrounding countryside. Seven days is ideal for exploring additional historical sites and using the capital as a jumping-off point for nearby Ghent and Bruges. If you have 10 days, you can partake in outdoor activities like hiking or opt to cross the border to visit the Netherlands.

The Cinquantenaire Arch in Brussels, Belgium

Best Time of Year to Visit Belgium

While there's no wrong time for waffles, beer, chocolate, and castles, Belgium's four distinct seasons offer four very different experiences. Fall and spring are the best times to visit, with pleasant weather, fewer people, and more affordable rates. Summer is warm and welcoming, with festivals and crowds. And if it's cold enough, winter can bring ice skating over frozen lakes and canals and cross-country skiing.

Discover the Best of Flanders - 5 Days

Discover Flanders' charm on this five-day journey around northern Belgium. You'll start by visiting Antwerp, a port city known for its Renaissance buildings and quaint historic center. Sample Belgian waffles and other regional delicacies on a food tour before continuing to Ghent. With picturesque canals, lively squares dominated by cathedrals and churches, and a medieval castle, you'll see the sights on a guided cycling tour, stopping to try locally brewed Belgian beers along the way.

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