The country known for chocolates, waffles, and beer should be on everyone's travel list! Not only does Belgium have great eats but it has a magical charm to it, I know you'll agree!
Here's how to visit Brugge, Ghent, and Brussels in only 3 days:
Brugge
1) Visit the Markt. Our first stop is the Markt, an incredible plaza in the center of Brugge. The plaza is full of historic buildings, the most delicious restaurants, chocolate shops, and frietkots (which is the Flemmish word for fry kiosks) - the perfect snack for any time of day!
2) Find the Belfort van Brugge. This is a medieval bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city! This beautiful tower can be found while you are exploring the Markt.
3) Get ready to drink the best hot cocoa around! Ok, so you have spent your day so far wandering around the Markt and checking out all of the beautiful buildings Brugge has to offer! Time to rest your legs and cozy up with a warm mug of cocoa! Head on over to The Old Chocolate House, walk right up the stairs and choose from a variety of chocolates they have to offer. Once you make your very hard decision you will be served a large mug of hot milk and a display of chocolates, cookies, and your very own whisk! That's where the fun begins!
4) Take a boat ride through the canals. End your day by taking a boat ride through the gorgeous canals. You will see the city from a different angle and learn about the history of Brugge all at once!
Ghent
1) Take a tour of the Gravensteen Castle. In the center of Ghent is the home of The Gravensteen Castle. If you have a love for history or just want to take a step back into time this place is for you. They offer an audio tour for a low fee and I absolutely recommend it! You are free to wander around the castle at your own pace while you listen and learn about the history of the castle - plus the audio tour narrator throws in a lot of humor to keep the self guided tour not only interesting but entertaining too!
2) Check out the street art around Ghent. Feeling artsy? The city of Ghent has loads of amazing street art, try to find some while you are roaming the streets! There is a really cool alleyway called Graffiti Street (located at Werregarenstraat, 9000 Gent, Belgium) where you can find some of my favorites in the city!
3) Spend your evening on an Illuminated Walk. This was my absolute favorite part of this trip! This tour is completely free and self guided (you can download the map at https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/magical-ghent-evening). On this tour you will be taken to the gorgeous illuminated buildings along the canals and throughout the city. Get ready to feel like you are in a story book because this place is full of charm!
Brussels
1) Visit the Grand Place. Grand Place is a town square worth visiting! There you can find the 15th Century City Hall, the Brussels museum, Maison du Roi, and stunning architecture!
Every two years in August the square is covered in a flower carpet, and its a must see! So if you are planning your trip during that time, keep an eye out!
2) Check out the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. This is a shopping center full of all the chocolates you can imagine, macarons, waffles, and gifts to bring back home!
3) Go on the hunt for Manneken Pis. If you want a good laugh, try to find this bronze sculpture up on a fountain! He has his own personal dresser who changes his outfit daily, he has over 900 different costumes, so you never know what you may find!
4) Visit Mont des Arts. This historic site located in the center of Brussels is a great place to take some photographs, walk through the lovely garden, and see some beauty!
5) Eat waffles! The streets smell of warm, delicious waffles and you will see enormous displays in the windows. You can practically have any kind you want; Nutella, strawberry, Nutella AND strawberry, banana, powdered sugar, the list goes on! Belgium is known for two different types of waffles: Liege and Brussels. Try both and pick a waffle team!
Are you team Liege or Brussels?
I hope you have the chance to fall in love with Belgium and experience its charm. Rain or shine, there's no doubt this place is magical! It's full of history, impressive architecture, great meals and desserts, and amazing people!
Do you have any other favorite MUST SEE's in Brugge, Ghent, and Brussels?
Comment below!
fiona and i had a hotel room right on that canal once, and only a few feet above the water. you could open the window and basically touch it. boy was it smelly, lol, but beautiful!
Team Liege!!!
omg amazing pictures!!