A short vacation in Belgium? Let’s explore four cities in four days! With Brussels as your home base, you can experience the charm of Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Brussels. From stunning medieval architecture to Belgian waffles, fries, and chocolate, I’ll show you how to see the best of Belgium while saving on hotels and roaming. Ready to explore? Here’s your ultimate guide!

What to see and do in 4 days in Belgium?

Day 1: Antwerp

Your Antwerp adventure begins the moment you step into the breathtaking Antwerp Central Railway Station, a true architectural marvel. Take a moment to admire its grandeur before venturing out to explore the city’s captivating streets.

Our first stop was Meir Street, Antwerp’s bustling main shopping street. As we strolled, we were captivated by the elegant architecture, striking statues, and charming fountains that lined the street.

Next we visited several significant landmarks. First we explored the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library, a treasure trove of knowledge, and admired the baroque splendor of St. Charles Borromeo Church, conveniently located directly across from the library.

Next, we were awestruck by the intricate details of the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady. Just outside its doors, we found Nello & Patrasche statue, a touching tribute to a beloved, albeit sad, story.

hen we took a moment to relax in the charming Groenplaats, a verdant square offering a stunning view of the Cathedral of Our Lady.

We continued our journey to Grote Markt, the city’s central square, where we admired the impressive Town Hall and the iconic Brabo Fountain. We paused to savor a delightful lunch and indulge in some authentic Belgian waffles, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the square.

Our exploration led us to Het Steen, a formidable medieval fortress perched along the banks of the Scheldt River, offering a glimpse into Antwerp’s storied past.

Our next and final stop in Antwerp was Sterckshof Castle, located on the opposite side of the city from Het Steen. We took the metro to ‘Deurne Lunden’, and enjoyed a pleasant 10-minute-walk through the picturesque Rivierenhof Park towards the castle. Unfortunately, upon arrival, we learned that the castle has been closed for public visits. However, we admired its exterior and captured some memorable photos.

Day 2: Bruges

Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a city of canals, cobblestone streets, and romantic charm that completely captivated me.

We began our day at Site Oud Sint-Jan, a historical site offering a glimpse into the city’s rich past. Originally a hospital, it now allows visitors to explore the chapel, courtyards, and admire the medieval architecture.

Next, we made our way to the Church of Our Lady, known for its stunning architecture along the canals. Nearby, the pedestrian Boniface Bridge provides scenic views of the church, making it a perfect photo spot.

We then walked along the canals toward Rosary Quay to capture the iconic views—truly a must for any Bruges visitor. From there, we embarked on a canal boat tour, offering a unique perspective of the city’s beauty.

Afterward, we made a brief stop at the 2be Beer Wall, where we checked out the famous beer-wall street. We then headed to the Grote Markt, admiring the colorful buildings and visiting the Basilica of the Holy Blood. We took a lunch break at the square before tackling the 300 steps of the Belfry tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Bruges.

No visit would be complete without indulging in some Belgian chocolate, so we treated ourselves to a delicious treat at Chocolatier Dumon.

Next, we crossed the historic Ezelpoort Bridge, which added a touch of history to our afternoon. Finally, we took the bus to Minnewaterpark, where we enjoyed a peaceful stroll, soaking in the serene atmosphere of The Lovers’ Bridge and the Lake of Love.

Day 3: Ghent

Ghent, a city steeped in history, offers a captivating blend of medieval architecture and vibrant culture.

Arriving at Gent-Sint-Pieters train station, we took the bus toward the city center. We started the day by visiting Saint Michael’s Church and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the world-renowned “Ghent Altarpiece.” Just nearby, you’ll find the Belfry of Ghent, where you can climb for panoramic views of the city.

Next, we walked a few steps back toward Saint Michael’s Bridge, which overlooks the picturesque Graslei and Korenlei, two charming quays along the Leie River. We strolled along the quays and headed to the impressive Gravensteen Castle, a medieval fortress that offers a glimpse into the city’s past. Along the way, you’ll encounter some waffle shops, so be sure to try one!

As lunchtime approached, we wandered through the cobblestone streets of the Patershol neighborhood, where we stopped for a bite in one of its cozy restaurants. In the afternoon, we took a relaxing canal tour to experience Ghent from a different perspective and finished off the day by savoring a delicious Belgian meal at one of the many restaurants along the canals.

Day 4: Brussels

Brussels, the heart of Belgium and Europe, offers a wealth of experiences, from stunning architecture to rich history.

We began our morning by exploring the Royal Quarter, starting with the magnificent Royal Palace and strolling through Parc de Bruxelles, a peaceful green space nearby. From there, we took in the breathtaking panoramic views from Mont des Arts, the perfect spot to admire Brussels’ beauty.

As we made our way to the iconic Manneken Pis, the famous little statue that has become a symbol of the city, we stopped for lunch and indulged in some famous Belgian fries.

Next, we headed to Grand-Place, the central square of the City of Brussels. Surrounded by the impressive Town Hall with its towering spire, the King’s House, and the ornate guildhalls, the square displays historical charm. It’s also home to several cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal spot to relax.

Afterward, we took the bus to Cinquantenaire Park, a vast green space home to several museums and impressive monuments, perfect for a relaxing walk.

If you have more time and are willing to travel a bit further, the Atomium is worth a visit. However, since it was raining, we decided to save it for another time. Marveling at the grandeur of St. Bavokerk, a stunning Gothic church also known as Grote Kerk, which stands just near the Markt, was a highlight.

Travel tips to save money and time

Save on hotel costs

We recommend booking your hotel near train stations to minimize travel time between different destinations. We found affordable hotel options through https://booking.com, and we encourage you to do the same.

Save Big on Roaming with an eSIM

I highly recommend eSIMs as a cost-effective and convenient way to stay connected. I used yesim.app, to choose my travel destination and buy the most suitable plan. Then I followed the instructions to install my eSIM.

Book unforgettable experiences

Unlock unforgettable travel moments by booking tours and activities through https://getyourguide.com. Discover many options for canal cruises in Bruges and Ghent, or combine your tour with beer tasting!

If you book through the links above, we’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Be Prepared for the weather

Belgium weather can be unpredictable. It was raining the entire time during our trip. So pack layers (and a poncho) and be prepared for rain.

And with that, our Belgian adventure came to a close! Next we crossed the borders into France. Stay tuned for the next post!