How to Spend 4 Days in Belgium
BRUSSELS • BRUGES • GHENT • SEPTEMBER 2025
4-day route
A four day loop across Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent — where to stay, what to do, and the best way to get around.
Brussels — landing softly
"Landing day in the capital of Europe. Take the train from the airport to the city center, check into your hotel, and start exploring the historic heart. Keep it simple and focus on the sheer gothic scale of the Grand Place at sunset."
Check into your central hotel near the Grand Place
Explore the Grand Place and marvel at the guildhalls
Grab a warm, caramelized Liege waffle from a street corner
Toast with your first Belgian dubbel at a historic tavern
The Hoxton, Brussels
Chic retro interiors, a stunning botanical garden view rooftop, and clean, high-design rooms in the northern botanical quarter.
A la Mort Subite
A historic 1910 tavern serving their signature Mort Subite Gueuze and lambic beers.
Brussels -> Bruges
"Board an early morning train to the fairy-tale medieval city of Bruges. Drop your bags and step back in time. Spend the afternoon wandering through cobblestone alleys, crossing ancient stone bridges, and taking in the swans along the Lake of Love."
Take a morning train from Brussels to Bruges (1 hour)
Climb the historic Belfry of Bruges for panoramic views
Take a quiet boat cruise along the medieval canals
Sample handmade chocolates at artisan praliners
Hotel Heritage
A Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel set inside a grand 19th-century private mansion with a beautiful vaulted spa.
Brouwerij De Halve Maan
The city's last active brewery, famous for Brugse Zot and their underground beer pipeline.
Day trip — Ghent
"A short train hop brings you to Ghent, Flanders' best-kept secret. Ghent mixes stunning medieval canal fronts with a youthful, artistic university vibe. Witness the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece and watch the lights reflect on the Graslei canal at night."
Hop a 25-minute train to the vibrant city of Ghent
View the masterpiece Ghent Altarpiece in St. Bavo's Cathedral
Wander the stunning Graslei and Korenlei canal quays
Explore the medieval Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen)
1898 The Post
Stunning boutique rooms designed inside a gorgeous neo-gothic former post office building next to the scenic Korenlei canal.
Oakhaven Cafe
Cozy canal-side cafe serving artisan coffees, local beer flights, and warm Belgian pastries.
Bruges -> Brussels & Home
"Make your way back to Brussels for any final sights, chocolate shopping, and a proper celebratory farewell lunch before heading to the airport or catching the Eurostar home."
Return to Brussels Central via morning train
Stock up on premium chocolates at Pierre Marcolini in Sablon
Visit the surreal Atomium or the Royal Museum of Fine Arts
Enjoy a traditional Moules-Frites lunch at a local bistro
Standard Stay (Airport/Midi)
Clean, efficient transit hotels convenient for early morning flights or trains.
Aux Armes de Bruxelles
A historic institution in the heart of the city serving legendary Moules-Frites and traditional carbonnade.
How to Spend 4 Days in Belgium
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