Belgium is one of Europe’s underrated gems. Each time I visit, I make new discoveries and find reasons to return, and I’m not done yet.
Its towns and cities, stuffed with medieval buildings, soaring bell towers and meandering canals, tell of its rich history. And thanks to its efficient trains and compact size, you can cover a lot of ground in seven days.
After several visits, I’ve worked out the ideal way to spend one week in Belgium. This train-friendly itinerary takes you through seven cities and towns, from picture-perfect Bruges to overlooked gems like Leuven and Hasselt.
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One Week in Belgium at a Glance
- Day 1: Ghent (your first base)
- Day 2: Antwerp (day trip from Ghent – 1hr)
- Day 3: Bruges (day trip from Ghent – 30min)
- Day 4: Brussels (move to your second base)
- Day 5: Leuven (day trip from Brussels – 25min)
- Day 6: Hasselt (day trip from Brussels – 80min)
- Day 7: Mechelen (day trip from Brussels – 30min)
If you find it helpful to map things out, here’s one showing the stops on this Belgium itinerary.
THE STRATEGY: Base yourself in Ghent for 3-4 nights, then move to Brussels for the remainder. This two-base approach means less packing and unpacking, maximising your time. All train journeys are under 90 minutes, most under an hour.
SHORT ON TIME? With five days in Belgium, stay in just one base. I’d choose Ghent and visit Brussels, Bruges, Leuven and Antwerp as day trips.
Why This 7-Day Belgium Itinerary Works
Belgium’s excellent rail network connects its cities with frequent trains. Every destination in this itinerary is within walking distance of the train station (Ghent’s is a bit of a stretch, but there’s a frequent tram).
Brussels makes the most logical base thanks to its central location and transport connections. But for a week, I recommend splitting your time between Ghent and Brussels. Ghent is smaller and has more character and better value accommodation, whilst still connecting easily to everywhere you’ll want to visit.
Want a slower pace? Drop Antwerp, Mechelen or Hasselt from the list. This is designed as a fairly brisk week, so cutting one or two destinations gives you more breathing room.
DAY 1: Ghent
Getting There: Ghent-Sint-Pieters station is a 30-minute walk from the centre, but tram line 1 runs every 10 minutes.
Ghent is right at the top of my Belgium list. Unlike tourist-swamped Bruges, it feels more real, but still has gorgeous medieval architecture and canals. The student population keeps the bars lively, and a growing brewery scene adds to the excellent beer selection.
What to Do
The Mystic Lamb: Jan van Eyck’s restored masterpiece, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, is in St Bavo’s Cathedral. Recently restored to its original luminous glory, this 15th-century altarpiece lives up to the hype.
St Michael’s Bridge: The best viewpoint in Ghent. Stand here for the classic shot of the Graslei and Korenlei, two rows of medieval guild houses reflecting in the water.
Climb the Belfry: UNESCO-listed and unmissable. Climb to the top for rooftop views across the city centre.
Canal Boat Tour: A relaxing 50-minute glide through Ghent’s waterways whilst learning about the city’s history. Book here.
Castle of the Counts: Het Gravensteen’s forbidding walls and turrets hide a surprisingly interesting interior and more fabulous city views.
Beer Tour: This excellent tour was my favourite Ghent experience. Our guide Liselot introduced us to five types of Belgian beer across three bars, sharing both knowledge and enthusiasm in equal measure. It’s a brilliant way to understand Belgium’s beer culture whilst meeting other travellers.
TIP: The CityCard Gent can save money depending on what you plan to visit. Do the maths before buying.
DAY 2: Antwerp
Train Time: 1 hour from Ghent
Modern and medieval Antwerp somehow work in perfect harmony. Hipster coffee shops sit alongside 16th-century churches, vintage boutiques share streets with diamond dealers, and cutting-edge architecture frames historic guild halls.
What to Do
Cathedral of Our Lady: One of Belgium’s finest Gothic churches houses four early Rubens paintings. The soaring interior alone justifies the visit.
Grote Markt: The central square showcases restored medieval guildhalls and the impressive Stadhuis. Perfect for people-watching over a Belgian beer.
Museum Plantin-Moretus: This UNESCO-listed museum occupies a 16th-century printer’s mansion and houses the world’s two oldest surviving printing presses, plus more Rubens works.
Rubenshuis: The former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens now displays his work alongside pieces by his contemporaries, including Anthony van Dyck.
DAY 3: Bruges
Train Time: 30 minutes from Ghent
Yes, Bruges draws crowds. Yes, it’s touristy. But there’s a reason this canal-laced medieval city tops every Belgium must-see list.
The tangle of cobbled lanes and waterways creates one of Western Europe’s most beautiful cityscapes.
Visit anyway. Just try to visit early or late in the day to dodge the worst crowds.
What to Do
Chocolate Tour: With over 70 chocolate shops, Bruges is paradise for chocolate lovers. Take a DIY chocolate tour, hitting the best shops, then learn the history at the Choco-Story museum.
Climb the Belfry: The climb up the narrow staircase for panoramic views over the UNESCO-listed city centre.
Basilica of the Holy Blood: See the phial supposedly holding drops of Jesus’s blood, one of medieval Europe’s holiest relics.
Canal Cruise: Take in the city’s highlights from the water on a relaxing boat tour.
Rozenhoedkaai: The most photographed spot in Bruges, where the Groenerei and Dijver canals meet. Come at golden hour for the best light.
DAY 4: Brussels
Train Time: 35 minutes from Ghent
Brussels divides opinion. I find it lively and interesting rather than lovable.
But the Grand Place is jaw-dropping, it has some of the best Art Nouveau architecture to be found anywhere, and the food scene delivers. Most importantly, Brussels’ central location and excellent train connections make day trips a breeze.
What to Do
Grand Place: This UNESCO World Heritage square, ringed by gable-roofed guild houses and the ornate Hôtel de Ville, ranks among Europe’s most magnificent squares. Worth the visit to Brussels alone.
Mont des Arts: These landscaped gardens connecting Lower Town and Upper Town deliver fine views across Brussels. Good for photos and a breather from the busy streets.
Place du Petit Sablon: A small, pretty square providing refuge from the crowds. Nearby sits the lovely Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon.
Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert: One of Europe’s oldest and finest glass-vaulted shopping arcades. Stop for coffee or a Belgian beer whilst soaking up the atmosphere.
Victor Horta Museum: An Art Nouveau wonderland housed in the architect’s former home and studio. Essential for design lovers.
The Best Waffles: You cannot leave Belgium without trying a waffle. One of my favourites came from Aux Gaufres De Bruxelles. Grab a pavement table and savour every bite.
DAY 5: Leuven
Train Time: 25 minutes from Brussels
Small, attractive Leuven punches way above its weight.
This university city combines a magnificent Gothic town hall, Belgium’s oldest botanical garden, a UNESCO-listed library and Flemish art with the energy and affordability that comes with a student population. It’s also the birthplace of Stella Artois.
What to Do
Leuven’s Stadhuis: One of the most elaborate Gothic town halls I’ve seen, possibly more beautiful than Brussels’. You can’t currently tour inside, but the exterior alone makes the trip worthwhile.
St Peter’s Church: Dirk Bouts’ exceptional 15th-century Last Supper painting shows Christ and his disciples in a typical Flemish dining room. The attention to period detail is remarkable.
University Library: Visit the magnificent wood-panelled reading room, then climb the 74-metre bell tower for panoramic views across Leuven.
Botanical Garden: Founded in 1738, De Kruidtuin is Belgium’s oldest botanical garden. The two-hectare site makes a peaceful retreat from sightseeing.
Groot Begijnhof: This UNESCO-listed Great Beguinage forms a labyrinth of cobbled streets straddling two canals. Wonderful for wandering.
DAY 6: Hasselt
Train Time: 80 minutes from Brussels
The longest day trip on this itinerary, but totally worth it.
Unassuming Hasselt hides Belgium’s largest authentic Japanese garden, exceptional street art and a museum dedicated to Belgian gin. Few international visitors make it here, which adds to the appeal.
What to Do
Japanse Tuin: This six-acre authentic 17th-century Japanese garden includes koi-filled ponds, a tea house, a Shinto shrine and a peace bell. Visit Hasselt’s Japanese Garden in late spring for the cherry blossom display.
Street Art: Hasselt ranks among Europe’s best street art cities. Download the free Street Art Cities app for a self-guided mural tour.
Jenever Museum: Learn about jenever (Belgian gin) through this self-guided museum, finishing with a tasting at the bar. The perfect introduction to this traditional Belgian spirit.
Beguinage: Another of Belgium’s UNESCO-listed beguinages, this one is now home to the House for Contemporary Art, Design & Architecture.
DAY 7: Mechelen
Train Time: 30 minutes from Brussels
Belgium’s ecclesiastical capital, mercifully crowd-free Mechelen brims with history and character. Two beguinages, excellent museums and a pleasant riverside walk make this an easy, enjoyable final day.
What to Do
The Beguinages: Mechelen has two. Klein Begijnhof (Small Beguinage) dates from 1256. The UNESCO-listed Groot Begijnhof (Large Beguinage) features a Baroque church and numerous convents.
Kazerne Dossin: This excellent museum sits across from the barracks that served as Belgium’s transit point to concentration camps during Nazi occupation. Three floors document this dark period with sensitivity and depth.
River Dijle Walk: The Dijle Path, a pontoon walkway from the charming Haverwerf to the Botanic Garden, makes for a pleasant stroll through the city.
Het Anker Brewery: Gouden Carolus, one of Belgium’s best beers, is brewed here. The 90-minute tour includes tasting two beers and a small gift.
Other Cities Worth Considering
Not everyone has the same interests and tastes. If the cities above don’t suit, or if you’re extending your stay, consider these alternatives:
DINANT – Picture-postcard pretty riverside town in the Ardennes, birthplace of Leffe beer
NAMUR – Hilltop citadel and charming Old Town at the confluence of two rivers
OSTEND – Stroll through rolling dunes of Ostend and dip your toe into the chilly waters of the North Sea.
TOURNAI – This under-the-radar Belgian town is home to a magnificent UNESCO-listed cathedral
YPRES – The heart of the World War I battlefields
LIÈGE – Famous for its waffles and beer culture
Planning Your Trip
When to Visit
- Best Value & Fewer Crowds: March to May and September to October bring mild weather, lower prices and manageable visitor numbers.
- Summer (June-August): Warmer weather and festivals, but expect crowds and higher accommodation prices.
- Winter: Can be grey and damp, but Christmas markets add magic. Prices drop significantly.
Getting to Belgium
BY AIR: Most flights arrive at Brussels International Airport (14km from the city centre) or Brussels-Charleroi Airport (50km south, mainly budget airlines). Regular trains connect Brussels International to the city’s three main stations. Shuttle buses run from Charleroi.
BY TRAIN: Brussels is a major European rail hub. The Eurostar from London takes just over two hours to Brussels-Midi. When booking to Brussels, select “Brussels-Midi/Zuid + any Belgian Station” for free onward travel to any station in Belgium on the same day.
Train Travel Tips
Belgian trains run frequent, reliable services. Tickets cost the same whenever you buy them – there’s no advantage to booking in advance for domestic journeys. No seat reservations are needed or possible.
Weekend Return Tickets make Saturday and Sunday travel excellent value, costing little more than a one-way fare.
Plan journeys at belgiantrain.be.
Where to Stay
In Brussels
For convenience, stay in the city centre near Grand Place and Brussels Central Station.
Splurge: Hotel Le Dixseptième – I stayed at this elegant boutique hotel minutes from the station. A stylish, peaceful refuge in the heart of the city | Check rates
Mid-range: B&B Villa 36 – Well-reviewed guesthouse near City Hall with breakfast included | Check rates
In Ghent
Stay in the historic centre to be close to everything. I’ve written this guide on where to stay in Ghent.
Mid-range Apartment: Snooz Ap Holiday & Business Flats – I stayed here and loved it. Well-equipped, comfortable, central location, plus a roof terrace | Check rates
Closer to Station: B&B Inn Between – Four-star option with easy access to trains | Check rates
Splurge: B&B The Verhaegen – Historic building in the city centre | Check rates
Solo Travel in Belgium
Belgium works brilliantly for solo travellers. The compact size, excellent transport and minimal language barriers make navigation easy. The lively bar and restaurant scenes, especially in Ghent and Brussels, mean you’re unlikely to feel isolated.
Beer tours in Brussels or Ghent make meeting other travellers easy. As with anywhere, stay alert to your surroundings, particularly around Brussels Centrale station after dark. I found Ghent felt more relaxed overall.
Crime rates remain low in Belgian cities, but use common sense. Keep valuables secure and use hotel safes.
That’s your week in Belgium sorted. Have a fabulous time in one of my favourite European solo travel destinations. Questions? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll do my best to help.
Happy travels!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.