Belgium is one of the picturesque countries in the western part of Europe. With its beautiful cities, stunning castles & fortresses, majestic canals, and top-class bars & restaurants, this beautiful country has everything you could want to visit.
Whether you are travelling solo, with a group of friends, or with your family, Belgium is one destination that guarantees you a great time.
If you are seeking adventure, looking for some chill time or want to explore Renaissance architecture, have a love for history, or are a beer lover, Belgium has it all! Not to forget the delicious Belgian chocolate!
In this guide we will share with yu some of our favoutite place to visit in Belgium for the ultimate 3 days in Belgium itinerary.
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Table of Contents
📝 Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
🏩 Book your Hotel stay here
🏩 Or book a Hostel here
🔒 Protect your Trip with Travel Insurance
🎟️ Plan your Activities
✈️ Book your Flight
🚕 Need an Airport Taxi?
🚌 Take a Bus
🚂 Check out the Train options
🚗 Need to Rent a Car?
🚐 Plan a Campervan Roadtrip
☀️ Best Time to Visit Belgium
Being a hub of fun, happiness and tranquility, Belgium is a year-round destination. This beautiful country witnesses a relatively predictable year with the seasons. The summer months in Belgium will see the most sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Spring and Autumn months are a beautiful time to travel through the country however the temperatures will be a bit cooler and there may be more chances of rain. In the winter months you can expect plenty of Christmas markets in Belgium and maybe evn the slight possibility of snow.
📆 How Many Days Are Enough For A Belgium Trip?
Ideally, you will need 7-10 days to explore all the aspects of Belgium and to get a good sense of this country’s history, culture, heritage, and cuisine.
However, that doesn’t mean that 3 days aren’t enough in Belgium as it is a small country, the itinerary will just be fast-paced.
🍫 DAY 1: Brussels
Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and with its old-world charm, the city attracts a huge footfall of tourists throughout the year.
Start your day by visiting the very famous Grote Markt. It is the downtown area of the city, also referred to as the main public square. This is the place where you will find those amazing outdoor cafes, restaurants, shops, and outdoor markets.
This is also the best place to start your hunt to find the best souvenir to take home. And once you are done doing that, savor the delectable food from one of those restaurants. However, to save some money, you can also prefer to eat outside of the main square.
But what we recommend is you begin your Belgium tour with, of course, some delicious Belgian waffles. You can find numerous street carts selling this savory delicacy.
Grot Markt features local shops and stores selling some unique and interesting souvenirs. Be sure to bargain or keep an eye on the cheaper prices elsewhere.
Just close to Grote Markt, there is Mannekin Pis – an iconic statue of a little boy urinating is one of the famous landmarks in Brussels. You can get a glimpse of this statue while walking back from the market.
Your next stop on the itinerary is the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. It is one of the most-visited tourist sites in Belgium, especially for art lovers. It features several different museums, including the Oldmasters Museum, the Magritte Museum, and more. Make sure to stop by and admire the beautiful Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.
Brussels City Museum is another top attraction for history buffs. So, if you are amongst them, a stop at this tourist site is a must. From the museum, the next stop is the Royal Palace of Brussels.
It represents part of the constitutional monarchy of Brussels and serves as the seat of the federal parliament. The palace is open for tourists in the summer season, whereas the gardens are open year-round. Though royalty no longer lives here, but a visit to this stunning palace takes you back to the history of Brussels.
From there, visit Mont des Arts. Now, this is one of the most interesting places to explore Brussels. If you are a big fan of picturesque views, then a visit to this place will be a treat for you as you will get a chance to capture the gorgeous views over the city.
Now, make a quick tour of St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral. It is the most popular pilgrimage site and also Belgium’s national church, where royal weddings and grand events take place. The interior of the cathedral is quite simple yet attractive with its stained glass windows.
The last highlight of your one day in Brussels is the famous Atomium attraction. Take a train and visit this popular monument which was built for temporary use. However, its huge success made it a prominent symbol of the European capital and also a popular tourist site.
It is a huge enlarged model displaying an elementary iron crystal cell, and hence, it can be considered both architecture and sculpture. It was created for Brussels World’s Fair back in 1958. And since then, it has been serving as a unique landmark in Brussels.
Now you have covered all the major tourist sites in Brussels. So, if you have still left with some time, you can do leisure activities on your own or can go grab a beer, have delectable food, or go on a chocolate tour and call off the day. You can also go and rest in your hotel room; the choice is yours!
You can read more about the best things to do in Brussels here.
⛪️ DAY 2: Ghent
Your day 2 of the Belgium itinerary will start early in the morning with a day trip to Ghent from Brussels. Ghent is another famous city in Belgium which has a lot to offer to its tourists. And to know how beautiful the city of Ghent is, you can certainly make out of the fact that it is often touted as the “Venice of Brussels”.
Travelling from Brussels to Ghent is a 48-minute train ride and you will arrive in this beautiful city. And there could not be a better way than to visit Vrijdagmarkt to start off your day in Ghent. It is the main public square, just like the Grote Markt in Brussels. Here, you can have breakfast, but for that, we recommend you first explore some shops and pick the best one according to your taste and preference as there are plenty of options in the part of the city.
Once you’re all energetic after having breakfast for the day sightseeing tour, head to Gravensteen. It is located in near proximity to the public square. Gravensteen is a stunning medieval castle built in the 10th century. In the past, it served as the reigning home of Counts of Flanders until the 14th century.
The reason why this is the first tourist attraction on your day tour is because of the crowd it receives throughout the day. Hence, it is highlight recommended to be in a little hurry to visit this amazing tourist attraction in Ghent. You can also go for guided tours (highly preferred to book in advance) as they are a great way to learn about the history and events that took place here.
St. Michael’s Bridge is the next stopover on your day 2 tour. This is a great spot to showcase your photography skills. From here, you can also capture 360-degree views of the surrounding which is a treat to the eyes. Not just this, the bridge is built over the canal, and hence, you can also capture the sight of boats passing beneath you.
Right behind the bridge, there is an opportunity to indulge in an iconic walking tour of Graselei and Korenlei, which is also your next activity on tour. These are the parallel streets that run along the River Leie.
Both the quays are engirdled by gorgeous medieval buildings with stunning facades. This is also the place where you can find a lot of restaurants and cafes. So, if you want a break, you know how to fuel yourself up.
The next stop is the St. Nicholas Church – one of the oldest sacred sites in Ghent. It has a high sacred significance and features stunning architecture which is a treat to the eyes. The interior of the church is something that captures everyone’s attention. Here at this popular tourist site, you also get the opportunity to capture some great pictures to add to your Belgium tour album.
From there, head to Ghent Belfry which is located right next to the St. Nicholas Church. It is the tallest building in the city, with a height of 91 meters. Climb up to the top of the tower to relish the sweeping views across Ghent. There is also an elevator option to reach the top. So you don’t have to worry about climbing those stairs for an experience of a lifetime.
After that, you can enjoy an evening through Citadelpark before making your way to the hotel in Brussels. It is a gorgeous park with monuments, a lake, and an affluent of flora and fauna.
🏰 DAY 3: Dinant
Dinant is another must-visit destination in Belgium. It is a picture-perfect city situated in the Namur region of Belgium. However, it is crucial to know that this is the French-speaking part of Wallonia.
From Brussels, Dinant is located at a distance of a 2-hour train ride, and the earliest train begins just before 6:00 AM. Don’t worry, you will have a good 6-8 hours of sightseeing tour of Dinant.
And while in this beautiful city, start off your day with some waffles and chocolate. Afterward, go on a walking tour over the Charles de Gaulle Bridge. Built over the Mueuse River, the bridge offers some spectacular views of the river, its banks, and vibrant saxophones.
From there, the next stop is La Citadelle de Dinant, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. An interesting fact about this tourist landmark in Dinant is that it was built in the 11th century as a fortress to protect the city. It is an architectural marvel from the past, and seeing it is indeed a treat to the eyes.
Next on the itinerary is the Collegiate Church of Our Lady – a highly-sacred pilgrimage site in Dinant, which is located on the other side of the bridge. The construction and the history of the church date back to the 10th century and the architecture boasts a stunning Gothic style. Along with that, the interior of the church is another key highlight that features stained glass windows and mosaic windows.
Did you notice when we mentioned Saxophones on Charles de Gaulle Bridge? Well, Dinant is the birthland of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of this powerful musical instrument. And hence, the next stop on your tour is Saxophone Museum.
It once served as the family home of Adolphe Sax and has now been converted into a museum. It displays all the instruments used by the Sax family. Right outside the museum, there is even a large effigy of Adolphe.
Now, for a change, you will be on an amazing experience of the Meuse River Cruise. The city of Dinant and the gorgeous Meuse River can be best explored by a boat cruise. And when you are in Dinant, you cannot afford to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Now, you are almost to the end of your tour as the Castle of Freyr – Renaissance Fortress is your last stop on this tour. Being one of the best-kept treasures of Wallonia, this castle serves as a reminder of French Versailles. It has huge historical importance among tourists, and hence, is a must-visit site.
One of the best things you will get to see at this historical landmark is the furniture that actually traces its history from the times of the Dukes of Beaufort-Spontin. There are also labyrinthine gardens which also attract a lot of eyes. Please note that the castle closes at 5:00 PM. So, be sure you’re early as you also have to catch a train back to Brussels.
If you have extra time on your trip and want to see more Belgium, we really recommend spending at least one day in Bruges.
Before You Leave for Belgium
Before you set off on your way to Belgium, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to Belgium. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Belgium
Getting to this beautiful country is easy and convenient. One of the most popular ways to reach Belgium from surrounding countries is by train. With an extensive network, you can easily travel to Brussels, the capital city, or other major cities like Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. If you prefer flying, Belgium is well-connected to major international airports, including Brussels Airport, which serves as a hub for multiple airlines. Another option is traveling by car, especially if you plan on exploring the countryside or smaller towns. Belgium’s central location in Europe and the Schengen Agreement make it accessible by road from neighboring countries. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, rest assured that a trip to Belgium will reward you with charming cities, picturesque landscapes, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Belgium
Belgium is a country with a temperate climate, so it’s best to pack clothes suitable for both warm and cool weather. Depending on the season, you may need to pack a waterproof jacket (men’s / women’s) and comfortable walking shoes. For the summer months, pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. If you plan on visiting religious sites or formal events, bring modest clothing. Belgium is famous for its chocolate and beer, so you may want to leave some extra space in your luggage for souvenirs or gifts. Additionally, be sure to pack any necessary medication and your travel documents, including your passport and visa if required.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around the Edinburgh, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Belgium
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your 3 day Belgium Itinerary. If you are visiting this incredible country and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was! Let us know in the comments below!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning walk.
If you are planning a Belgium trip soon then check out our other Belgium content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
Read Now:
- The Best Free Things to Do in Bruges
- Day Trip to Ghent From Brussels: Things to Do in Ghent in One Day
- A Complete Guide to Visiting Bruges in Winter – Things to Do in Bruges in Winter
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