Belgium is small and its main cities are close together, which makes it one of the easiest destinations to plan: one hotel in Brussels and day trips by train. This 6-day itinerary covers Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp, with a version for your Schengen visa file and tips for combining Belgium with the Netherlands.
Best time to visit Belgium
April to September is best, and summers are mild, rarely above 25°C. Rain is possible in any season, so pack a light umbrella. In December, the winter markets in Brussels and Bruges are among the most beautiful times to visit.
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | City | Activities | Transport | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brussels | Arrival, Grand-Place | Flight to Brussels (BRU), then train | Hotel, Brussels |
| 2 | Brussels | Atomium, European Quarter | Metro | Hotel, Brussels |
| 3 | Bruges | Day trip to the canals and old town | Train (about 1 hour) | Hotel, Brussels |
| 4 | Ghent | Day trip, Gravensteen Castle | Train (about 30 minutes) | Hotel, Brussels |
| 5 | Antwerp | Central Station, Diamond District | Train (about 40 minutes) | Hotel, Brussels |
| 6 | Brussels | Departure | Flight | — |
Why one hotel in Brussels?
Trains between Belgian cities run frequently all day, and no journey takes more than an hour. Staying in one hotel near Brussels Central Station saves you changing hotels and carrying luggage, and keeps your visa file simple: one hotel booking covers every night. You can buy train tickets on the day at the station or in the app.
Combining Belgium and the Netherlands
Amsterdam is about two hours from Brussels by train, so many travellers combine both countries in one trip. What matters here is the responsible embassy: if you spend more nights in the Netherlands, you apply to the Dutch embassy, not the Belgian one. Use our Netherlands itinerary to plan the Dutch part.
Visa and trip documents
All nights are in Belgium, so you apply to the Belgian embassy for a Schengen visa. The general documents are in our guide to Schengen visa requirements. One hotel booking in Brussels for five nights is enough, with a return flight reservation on the same dates.
We prepare this itinerary with your own dates, or combine it with the Netherlands in one plan with all bookings.
Frequently asked questions
Are 6 days enough for Belgium?
Yes, enough for the four main cities thanks to the short distances.
Should I stay overnight in Bruges instead of Brussels?
One night works if you want to see the city after the day visitors leave; just add a hotel booking for that night.
Is this itinerary suitable for families?
Yes, and you can add a day at Walibi Belgium theme park near Brussels.
