Belgium Itinerary
Belgium may be a small country, but it is a powerhouse of culture, history, and flavour. The Grand Place in Brussels stuns with its gilded guildhalls, while the futuristic Atomium contrasts with the city's rich past.
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Essential Information for Planning Your Itinerary
Due to Belgium's small size, even a short trip itinerary can cover most of its famous spots. Here are some other details to help you plan your trip.
Category |
Information |
Belgium Visa Requirements for Indians |
Yes |
Travel Insurance for Belgium |
Mandatory |
Belgium Flight Duration from India |
11-15 Hours |
International Airports in Belgium |
Brussels Airport, Antwerp International Airport |
Best Time to Visit Belgium |
April to June or September to October |
Places and Experiences You Must Include in a Belgium Itinerary
Belgium offers a lot to explore, from medieval squares to futuristic structures and scenic canals. But here are some places that you absolutely cannot afford to miss.
- The Grand Place: This UNESCO-recognised square is right in the heart of Brussels. It has 17th-century guild halls and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Bruges Canals: The medieval city of Bruges has several canals, which can be best explored by boat. During the tour, you can admire Bruges' historic buildings and bridges.
- The Castle of the Counts: This gorgeous medieval castle in Ghent is famous for its impressive architecture and fascinating moat.
How Many Days Are Enough to Explore Belgium?
Depending on the time and budget you have, you can create a list of experiences you wish to collect and create a Belgium itinerary as short as 3-4 days or as long as 8-10 days.
Days |
Cities to Visit in Belgium |
Day 1-2 |
Antwerp |
Day 3-4 |
Ghent |
Day 5 |
Bruges |
Day 6 |
Waterloo and Namur |
Day 7 |
Dinant |
Day 8 |
Ardennes |
Day 9-10 |
Brussels |
Belgium Travel Itinerary for A Short Visit (5 Days)
This 5-day itinerary for Belgium covers the country's most iconic cities, allowing you to experience its rich history, culture, and cuisine efficiently.
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Day 1: Land in Brussels and Explore the City
Start your exploration with a visit to the Grand Place, one of the most famous attractions in Brussels. Then, visit nearby sites like the Town Hall, Brussels City Museum, and the Royal Galleries. End the day with a visit to the Atomium.
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Day 2: Discover the Romantic City of Bruges
Take a morning train to Bruges. Tour the city's famous canals and enjoy the mesmerising views. Stop by the Begijnhof to see the pretty white houses and the peaceful convent garden. Later, explore the city's heritage sites, including the Belfry of Bruges, Burg Square, Concert Hall, and the Hanseatic Quarter.
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Day 3: A Visit to the Charming Ghent
On this day, visit Ghent in the morning. See the famous Castle of the Counts and explore the city's top spots, such as the Ghent Belfry, St. Michael's Bridge, and St. Bavo's Cathedral.
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Day 4: Visit Antwerp
Head to Antwerp. Visit popular tourist spots like the Antwerp Zoo, the Middleheim Museum, and the Port House. Explore the 'Diamond Square Mile' in the city's diamond district.
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Day 5: Final Explorations and Departure
Head to Brussels for your flight back home.
In-depth Belgium Itinerary (10 Days)
If you have more days to spare, you must plan a detailed Belgium trip itinerary of up to ten days. This will give you a chance to stay in Belgium like a local and experience the country at its slowest.
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Day 1: Arrive in Brussels, Go to Antwerp and Do a Walking Tour
Take a train to Antwerp from Brussels Airport. Admire the gorgeous architecture of the Central Station as you arrive. Visit the Antwerp Zoo, situated right next to the station. Later, you can take an underground walking tour of Antwerp's canals.
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Day 2: Discovering Antwerp
Visit Het Steen to admire the historical fortress houses. Head to the Cathedral of Our Lady. See the famous Nello & Patrasche statue, a beautiful fairytale-inspired structure. Head to Meir, a beautiful promenade and shop at Stadsfeestzaal.
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Day 3: Unforgettable Ghent
Head to the charming city of Ghent. Explore the city's three 13th-century Beguinages (a complex where devoted women lived in isolation). Visit Ghent Belfry, St. Bavo's Cathedral, and St. Michael's Bridge.
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Day 4: A Deeper Dive Into Ghent
Explore the famous Castle of the Counts. Later, visit the Museum of Fine Arts or the Ghent City Museum. Since Ghent is famous for its festivities, you can participate in local festivals like the Summer Fun Fair or Boomtown. Alternatively, you can explore lesser-known spots like the City Pavilion, the Korenmarkt, or the Vrijdagmarkt.
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Day 5: Go On a Day Trip to Bruges
Arrive in Bruges. Explore the city's top tourist attractions, including the Belfry, the Market Square, the Gruuthuse Museum, and Burg Square. If you have free time, relax by the Minnewater 'Lake of Love'. End the day with a pleasant tour of the city's canals.
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Day 6: An Exciting Visit to Waterloo and Namur
Head to Waterloo to visit the battlefield where the historic Napoleonic Wars happened. Proceed to Namur to see the famous Citadelle de Namur, the Place d'Armes, and the UNESCO-recognised Beffroi.
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Day 7: Explore Dinant and the Outdoor Adventure Park
Spend the morning exploring the famous Citadelle de Dinant and the Notre Dame Collegial Church. Later, explore the Furfooz Nature Reserve.
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Day 8: A Journey Through the Lesse River
Kayak down the scenic Lesse River, passing rock formations and ancient castles. In the afternoon, take a train to Brussels.
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Day 9: Explore Brussels
Explore the most popular sites in Brussels, such as the Grand Place, the Town Hall, the Brussels City Museum, and the Manneken Pis statue. Walk through the city to see the famous comic strip murals.
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Day 10: Departure from Brussels
Head to Brussels Airport for your departure.
As per Schengen visa rules, you must have an international travel insurance policy before applying. Travel insurance protects you from unforeseen costs such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost baggage.
Tips for Planning Your Belgium Itinerary
Wisely planning your Belgium travel itinerary ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some key tips:
- Getting Around: Choose a Brussels Card and customise it with public transport and hop-on, hop-off buses. Similar city passes are available in Ghent (CityCard Gent) and Antwerp (Antwerp City Pass).
- Travel Insurance: A Schengen visa requires overseas travel medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 coverage. It must include hospitalisation, emergency medical care, and repatriation.
Cash Declaration: If carrying EUR 10,000 or more when entering or leaving the European Union, you must declare it to customs.