Perfect 3 Days in Belgium Itinerary 🇧🇪: The Complete Guide to Brussel, Bruges and Ghent

Planning a trip to Belgium might seem overwhelming at first – after all, this small country packs an incredible amount of history, art, and culinary delights into its medieval cities. But don’t worry! I’ve created the perfect 3-day itinerary that lets you experience the best of Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent without feeling rushed.

🏠 Where to Stay in Belgium

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: Le Plaza
• ✨ 5-Star: Radisson Royal
• 🏨 4-Star: Cascade
• 🛏️ 3-Star: Citadines Apart Bruxelles Sainte Catherine
• 💸 Cheap: Saint Michel
• 🏢 Apartament: Adagio Access Bruxelles Europe
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: B&B Brussels Centre Gare du Midi
• 🏩 For Couples: Amigo

From sampling world-famous chocolates and waffles to climbing medieval towers for stunning city views, this guide takes you through an unforgettable journey across Belgium’s most beautiful cities. You’ll discover hidden gems, learn fascinating historical stories, and enjoy the country’s famous food and drink scene – all while traveling efficiently between these closely connected destinations.

💁 Best Guided Tours in Belgium

• Beer and Chocolate Tour in Brussels from €90 (⭐5/5)
• Free Historical Tour: Legends of Bruges from €3 (⭐4.9/5)
• Walk and Taste in the Heart of Brussels from €70 (⭐4.9/5)
• Legends of Brussels from €35 (⭐4.9/5)
• Brussels Chocolate, Beer, Waffle, and Belgian Whiskey Tour from €140 (⭐5/5)
• Bike Ghent from €40 (⭐5/5)

Perfect 3 Days in Belgium Itinerary: Quick Overview

• Day 1 🏛️ Brussels: Start at Grand Place for golden sunrise photos, taste waffles at Maison Dandoy, explore Musical Instruments Museum’s rooftop views, discover Comic Strip Route murals, end at Delirium Café sampling from 2,000+ Belgian beers.
• Day 2 🏰 Bruges: Begin at serene Minnewater Park, climb Belfry Tower for city views, explore Gothic Grote Markt, learn chocolate-making at Choco-Story Museum, conclude with sunset canal cruise past medieval buildings.
• Day 3 ⚔️ Ghent: Visit Saint Bavo’s Cathedral for famous Altarpiece, stroll picturesque Graslei waterfront, explore medieval Gravensteen Castle, finish with riverside beer tasting during Ghent’s evening light show.

Day 1: Brussels

We recommend the following tours and tickets for this day:

• Hungry Mary's Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour in Brussels: This tour is definitely one of the best things to see in beautiful Belgium, combining two of the country’s most famous delicacies in one perfect day tour. Whether you’re spending days in Brussels or just back one day from a trip to Bruges, this guided experience lets you explore chocolate-making heritage and beer culture while visiting many places to visit in the historic center.
• Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting: The tour combines historical storytelling with delicious Belgian treats, making it an ideal one day trip for those who want to see in Belgium both its rich heritage and famous culinary traditions before they spend more time discovering other cities.
• Private Brussels Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Customg: This private tour pairs you with a knowledgeable local guide who customizes the entire experience around your interests, taking you beyond tourist hotspots to discover authentic Brussels. Your personal host will help you navigate the city like a local while sharing insider tips, hidden gems, and fascinating stories about Brussels’ history and culture.
• Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour: This walking tour combines sightseeing with delicious tastings of Brussels’ most famous culinary delights, including chocolates, waffles, and local specialties. Your expert guide will lead you through the historic center while sharing fascinating stories about Brussels’ food culture and heritage, making it perfect for both history buffs and food lovers.
• Belgian Beer World & Bruxella 1238 – Check availability of tickets
• Choco Story Brussels – Check availability of tickets
• Art and History Museum Brussels – Check availability of tickets

Morning: Grand Place, Manneken Pis and Royal Palace

Dawn Discovery: Starting your Brussels adventure at the Grand Place is like stepping into a time machine. This UNESCO World Heritage site dazzles with its opulent Baroque guildhalls and the stunning Flamboyant Town Hall that dominates the 68 by 110-meter square. I’ve found the best time to visit is right after sunrise when the morning light creates a golden glow on the ornate facades.

Stone Stories: The square’s remarkable reconstruction after the 1695 French bombardment showcases Brussels’ resilient spirit. The guildhalls surrounding the square were rebuilt within just a few years, creating the harmonious blend of architectural styles we see today.

Palace Grandeur: The Royal Palace of Brussels stands majestically at the end of Park de Bruxelles, its 50% longer facade than Buckingham Palace making quite an impression. I’ve learned that timing is everything – visiting between late July and early September lets you explore the State Rooms when the royal family is away on holiday.

Bronze Boy: Just a short walk from Grand Place, you’ll find the cheeky Manneken Pis, Brussels’ most beloved symbol. This 50cm bronze fountain statue has been making visitors smile since 1619.

City Soul: The Manneken Pis embodies Brussels’ rebellious yet modest spirit, with fascinating legends including tales of the little boy who saved the city by extinguishing a fire in an unusual way.

Afternoon: Mont des Arts and Musical Instruments Museum

View Magic: Mont des Arts offers Brussels’ most Instagram-worthy panorama. I discovered the best spot is right at the top of the geometric garden stairs, where the Gothic spire of Town Hall pierces the skyline. The carefully manicured gardens create perfect leading lines for photos, especially during golden hour.

Garden Goals: The terraced gardens showcase Belgian landscape architecture at its finest. During spring, tulips paint the grounds in vibrant colors, while summer brings street musicians who add a soundtrack to your visit.

Museum Marvel: The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) housed in the stunning Art Nouveau Old England building is a feast for both eyes and ears. Wearing the provided headphones, I wandered through four floors of instruments that automatically play as you approach them – pure magic!

Comic Quest: Brussels’ Comic Strip Route turns the city into an open-air gallery. I found tracking down these massive murals more fun than a traditional museum visit. The route includes over 50 comic-themed paintings, but you can easily hit the highlights in a couple of hours.

Evening: Belgian Cuisine

Beer Quest: Delirium Café, tucked away in a narrow alley near Grand Place, holds the Guinness World Record for most beers available – over 2,000 varieties! I’ve found the best approach is to tell the bartender your preferred flavors and let them surprise you. The pink elephant logo marks the spot, and the cellar atmosphere buzzes with energy after 8 PM.

Frites Frenzy: Skip the touristy spots and head to Fritland, where locals queue for perfectly crispy fries. My go-to order is ‘frites with andalouse sauce’ – a spicy Belgian mayo that’ll change your fry game forever.

Waffle Wisdom: There are two types of Belgian waffles – Brussels and Liège. The Liège waffle from Maison Dandoy, with its caramelized sugar chunks, is my personal favorite for an evening treat.

Taste Trail:

• Start with frites (before they get cold)
• Move to Delirium for beer tasting
• End with a warm waffle for dessert

Rookie Mistakes: Don’t ask for “a Belgian beer” – it’s like asking for “a cheese” in France. Instead, mention if you prefer light, dark, fruity, or strong brews.

Evening Edge: After 10 PM, head upstairs at Delirium to find the quieter bar areas. The ground floor gets packed, but upper levels often have seats and the same extensive beer menu.

Day 2: Bruges

We recommend the following tours and tickets for this day:

• Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges: Perfect for any day trip to Bruges itinerary, this walking tour reveals why Belgium isn’t just about chocolate and waffles – it’s a treasure trove of medieval history and fascinating legends.
• Evening Tour: The Dark Side of Bruges: This evening tour reveals why Belgium isn’t high on ghost tour lists – Bruges has its own fascinating dark history that makes a perfect addition to any day itinerary. This unique experience lets you explore medieval city after dark, discovering spine-chilling stories and legends that most day trip visitors never hear about.
• Private Historical Tour: The Highlights of Bruges: This private tour is definitely the perfect way to explore the most enchanting medieval city. Your personal guide provides intimate insights into Bruges’ rich history and hidden corners, making it an ideal addition to any visit Belgium experience.
• Guided boat trip and walk: This guided tour is definitely one of the best ways to explore Belgium’s most picturesque city, combining a scenic boat ride through medieval canals with an informative walking tour perfect for any day in Bruges.
• Groeninge Museum – Check availability of tickets
• Historium Bruges – Check availability of tickets
• Choco Story Bruges – Check availability of tickets

Morning: Grote Markt, Belfry Tower and Minnewater Park

Tower Tales: The Belfry Tower dominates Bruges’ skyline like a medieval skyscraper. After climbing all 366 steps (yes, I counted!), you’ll reach a viewing platform that offers breathtaking views of the city’s red-tiled roofs and winding canals. The morning light creates perfect photo opportunities, especially when it catches the gilded details of the Gothic architecture.

Market Magic: Grote Markt springs to life as vendors set up their stalls beneath the shadow of colorful guild houses. I’ve found the best time to experience this 1-acre medieval square is between 8-9 AM, before tour groups arrive.

Love Lake: Minnewater Park, known as the Lake of Love, offers a serene escape from the bustling center. The morning mist creates an ethereal atmosphere as swans glide across the water. It’s my favorite spot for a peaceful breakfast picnic.

Nature Notes: The park’s weeping willows and flowering beds provide perfect framing for photos, while the nearby 13th-century Beguinage adds historical charm. I love watching local artists set up their easels along the lakeside path, capturing the scene in watercolors as nuns from the still-active Beguinage quietly make their morning walk through the grounds.

Afternoon: Groeninge and Choco-Story Museums

Art Magic: The Groeninge Museum took my breath away with its stunning collection of Flemish primitives. The highlight is Jan van Eyck’s “Madonna with Canon van der Paele” – its intricate details and luminous colors show why these artists were revolutionary for their time.

Time Travel: Walking through six centuries of Belgian art, I discovered everything from medieval masterpieces to modern works by René Magritte. The neo-classical section particularly impressed me with its refined portraits and dramatic historical scenes.

Chocolate Journey: Just a short walk away, Choco-Story Museum offers a delicious change of pace. The 5,500-year history of chocolate comes alive through an impressive collection of artifacts and interactive displays.

Sweet Science: The museum’s demonstration area revealed the secrets behind perfectly tempered chocolate. I watched master chocolatiers transform liquid chocolate into gleaming pralines – a true Belgian art form.

Gallery Guide:

Evening: Canal Cruise

Twilight Magic: As day-trippers fade away, I’ve discovered the best way to get the ultimate 3 days in Belgium experience is through an evening canal cruise in Bruges. The last boats depart at 5:30 PM, and on a bright sunny day, these golden hour cruises offer the perfect finale to your Belgium weekend trip.

Route Romance: The 30-minute journey, a highlight of any fun itinerary, glides past secret gardens, romantic bridges, and UNESCO-listed architecture. I’ve got to spend countless evenings exploring these waterways, and I could spend hours listening many times to the guides’ stories.

Boarding Basics: While planning to see Belgium, remember that five landing stages dot the city center. I prefer starting your day at the Gruuthuse dock at Nieuwstraat 11 – it’s less crowded than the popular Rozenhoedkaai spot.

Weather Watch: During winter months (January-February), services operate only on weekends and are weather-dependent, much like the trip from Brussels to Luxembourg. Every two years, they update the routes slightly, so the Belgium sounds like you’ve heard about might offer new surprises.

Day 3: Day Trip to Ghent

We recommend the following tours and ticket for this day:

• Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent: This fascinating walking tour reveals Ghent’s rich medieval history through captivating stories and legends told by expert local guides. As you explore the historic city center, you’ll discover hidden corners and architectural gems while learning about the city’s golden age as one of Europe’s largest cities during the Middle Ages.
• Ghent Highlights Private Historical Tour: This private tour is definitely the perfect way to explore country’s hidden gem. Your personal guide reveals the city’s medieval treasures and local secrets, making it an ideal addition to any Belgium itinerary including a day in Ghent between your Brussels in 3 days plans.
• Charlie's Private Chocolate Tour (Ghent): This private chocolate tour is definitely one of the sweetest ways to explore Belgium’s artisanal chocolate scene. Your guide shares insider knowledge about Belgian chocolate-making traditions while leading you to the city’s finest chocolatiers, making it an ideal addition to any itinerary including a day trip to Ghent.
• 40-Minute Guided boat trip in medieval Ghent: This boat trip is definitely one of the most enchanting ways to explore Belgium’s medieval heritage from a unique water-level perspective, perfect whether you’re visiting for many days or just making a quick stop between a trip to Luxembourg from Brussels.
• Museum of Fine Arts Ghent – Check availability of tickets

Morning: Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, Graslei and Korenlei Quays

Cathedral Magic: Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is definitely a must-see highlight. Opening at 8:30 AM, I’ve discovered since my first Belgium trip that this early hour is perfect for experiencing the Ghent Altarpiece without crowds – a crucial tip for your itinerary.

Art Secrets: The recently restored Mystic Lamb reveals colors unseen since the 16th century. My tip: book your Altarpiece viewing time slot online – they’re mandatory and often sell out during peak hours.

River Tales: After exploring the cathedral, a five-minute walk brings you to one of the most photogenic things to do in Belgium – the medieval port area where Graslei and Korenlei quays showcase Ghent’s golden age.

History Whispers: The Graslei’s stunning facades tell stories of wealthy grain merchants and guilds. The oldest building, Spijker at number 10, dates back to when Ghent was larger than London.

Afternoon: Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts)

Stone Secrets: Standing majestically in Ghent, the Gravensteen is one of the best places to visit when you get to Belgium. Built in 1180, this medieval fortress proves the country isn’t just about chocolate and waffles – it’s one of the most impressive things to do that you won’t find in any basic Belgium guide.

View Victory: Climbing the central keep rewards you with panoramic views over Ghent’s skyline. The spiral staircase might leave you breathless, but the medieval architecture and city vistas are worth every step.

Past Perfect: The castle’s great hall whispers stories of the Counts of Flanders who lived here until 1353. The audio guide brings these tales to life with engaging commentary about the castle’s transformation from residence to court, prison, and even cotton factory.

Torture Tales: The castle’s most unique feature is its surprisingly well-preserved torture chamber. Unlike many sanitized castle experiences, the Gravensteen maintains its medieval authenticity with a collection of original torture devices and detailed explanations of their use – not for the faint-hearted but fascinating for history buffs.

Evening: Vibrant Nightlife

Light Magic: Between sunset and midnight, Ghent transforms into a glittering wonderland as artistic illuminations bathe the medieval architecture in warm, golden light. I’ve found the most enchanting views along the Graslei quay, where historic guild houses reflect in the rippling water.

Beer Journey: The Trollekelder, housed in a 15th-century basement, offers over 300 Belgian beers including their signature Trollenbier. For a truly unique experience, head to De Dulle Griet where ordering their Max beer requires surrendering your shoe as collateral – it’s hoisted up to the ceiling in a basket until you return the special glass.

Dark Tales: The free evening walking tour starts at Sint-Michielsplein, where passionate local guides reveal Ghent’s mysterious side through tales of medieval intrigue. The two-hour route takes you past illuminated landmarks and hidden corners most tourists miss.

Pub Perfect: The Cobbler offers spectacular views of St. Michael’s Bridge while serving creative cocktails. For an authentic experience, I love Barrazza, a hidden gem overlooking the River Lys where locals gather for board games and Belgian brews.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Where to Stay

Location Logic: After countless trips to visit this country, I’ve discovered that basing yourself in Ghent for your trip is definitely the smartest choice. Whether you’re planning 2 days in Belgium or a full week, city’s central position makes it one of the most beautiful and practical home bases.

Travel Times: From Ghent, you can reach Brussels in 30 minutes and Bruges in 25 minutes by train. The trains run every 15 minutes, making day trips effortless.

Money Saver: While planning your next trip, consider this: all three cities’ historic centers are perfectly walkable. I’ve found that staying just outside the main tourist zones in places to visit in Brussels or Bruges can slash accommodation costs by 40%.

Price Points:

Transportation

Train Tales: Train Tales: Rail network is definitely one of Europe’s best, perfect for your Belgium in 3 days adventure or even a week in the country. I’ve found the SNCB (Belgian Railways) trains remarkably punctual, with direct connections running every 30 minutes between major cities.

Station Sense: Brussels has three main stations – Midi/Zuid, Central, and North. I always use Brussels-Midi for intercity connections. In Ghent, Sint-Pieters station handles most intercity routes.

App Power: Book tickets through the SNCB website or app for the best rates. Weekend return tickets cost nearly 50% less than two single journeys, and youth under 26 pay just €7.50 for any domestic journey.

Best Time to Visit

Perfect Peaks: After multiple visits to Belgium, I’ve pinpointed mid-April to early May as the golden period. The spring tulips paint cities in vibrant colors, and temperatures hover around a comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F), perfect for exploring medieval streets.

Sky Stories: September and October bring crisp, clear days with temperatures around 17°C (63°F). I’ve found these months ideal for photography – the soft autumn light makes those medieval facades glow.

Festival Fun: The Ghent Festival happens every July, while Bruges Beer Festival takes place in February. However, accommodation prices can double during these events.

Season Secrets: Many museums offer extended hours during summer but shorter hours in winter. However, autumn and spring strike the perfect balance between accessibility and crowd levels.

❓ FAQ

What’s the perfect 3 day Belgium itinerary for first-time visitors?

The ideal Belgium itinerary for 3 days includes exploring Brussels on day one (Grand Place, Atomium, Royal Palace), spending day two in Bruges (historic city center, Church of Our Lady, canal tour), and taking a day trip to Ghent on day three (Gravensteen Castle, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral). This route allows you enough time to see Belgium’s best places while using the efficient public transportation system.

Should I choose Bruges or Ghent for a day trip from Brussels?

While both are among the most beautiful places to visit in Belgium, Bruges offers one of the prettiest medieval experiences for first-time visitors. However, Ghent tends to have fewer tourists and more authentic Belgian culture. If you’re spending 3 days in Belgium, try to visit both – Bruges deserves a full day, while Ghent can be explored in half a day.

What’s the best way to get around Belgium during a 3-day trip?

Belgium’s public transportation system is excellent for exploring the country. Trains connect major cities like Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent frequently, with journey times under an hour. For a road trip itinerary, the distances are short, but parking in historic city centers can be challenging and expensive.

When is the best time to plan a trip to Belgium?

The perfect time for traveling to Belgium is during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). These seasons offer comfortable weather for exploring things to do in Brussels and other cities, with fewer tourists than summer. The Royal Palace is open to visitors during summer months, making it a bonus if you’re visiting then.

Is 3 days enough time in Belgium?

A: While you can see the main highlights in 3 days, consider spending 7-10 days in Belgium for a more comprehensive experience. Many visitors end up spending longer in Belgium once they discover the charm of places like Dinant, Antwerp, and other historic cities. However, a well-planned 3 day Belgium itinerary including the major cities will give you a good taste of what Belgium offers.