I’m sure Belgium has many more wonderful sites but if you only have two days and you want to see and experience the “musts”, here’s what you should choose!

Belgium is a small but captivating country, offering a blend of historical charm, modern culture, and delectable cuisine. If you’re considering a weekend getaway, Belgium’s trio of Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent should top your list. Here’s how to make the most of your trip:

Day 1: Discovering Brussels

Morning:

1. Grand Place – Start your day at Brussels’ most iconic square. Surrounded by opulent guildhalls, the Town Hall, and the King’s House, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning introduction to the city. It can be pretty overrun with tourists so aim to visit it earlier in the morning!
2. Manneken Pis – A short walk from the Grand Place, this famous statue is quirky and quintessentially Brussels. Full disclosure, I was a bit disgusted by this one. The statue itself is ok – it’s dressed up for various holidays and it’s cool. But the shop owners around the place decided to earn by selling items related to the little boy’s private parts. Gross.

Afternoon:

1. Banksy Museum – Head over to this awesome place! Even if you’re not a Bansky’s fan, this exhibition will get your heart!
2. Lunch – Try traditional Belgian cuisine at a local brasserie. Mussels with fries (moules-frites) are a must. If you like beer, try a local one – it’s pretty famous.

Evening:

1. Royal Palace and Parc de Bruxelles – Stroll through the lush park and admire the grand architecture of the Royal Palace.
2. Sablon District – End your day in this chic neighborhood filled with antique shops and cozy cafes. Enjoy some Belgian chocolates from renowned chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini.

Day 2: Enchanting Bruges and Ghent

For all those wondering just like I was: yes, you can absolutely do both of these on the same day!

Morning in Bruges:

Make sure to start the sightseeing as early as possible – Bruges is often hated for being overrun with tourists so if you want to enjoy the streets, aim for an earlier start. As I am not an early bird + needed to get to Bruges by train from Brussels, I started around 10 and it was slowly getting busy.

1. Market Square (Markt) – Begin your day in Bruges with a visit to the bustling Markt. Climb the Belfry for an unparalleled view of the city.
2. Basilica of the Holy Blood – Visit this gothic basilica that houses a revered relic: a vial of blood believed to belong to Jesus Christ.
3. Canal Tour – Explore Bruges from a different perspective with a boat tour along its picturesque canals.
4. Lunch – Indulge in a hearty Flemish stew or try some local waffles.
5. Go back to the train station through the Minnewater Park – Wander around the serene “Lake of Love” and its enchanting surroundings.

Afternoon in Ghent

By this time you might be a bit tired: it’s not a problem in Ghent that’s a city of bikes! Just make sure before you arrive you find a place close to the station that will rent you one – my mistake was I thought it will be possible to rent them everywhere and it wasn’t the case!

Here’s one of places that offer bike rentals in Ghent: https://visit.gent.be/en/good-know/practical-information/getting-around/cycling-ghent/bike-rental

1. Gravensteen Castle – Step back in time with a visit to this medieval castle – absolutely worth seeing from the outside. Inside? Depends on what you like. The tickets are pretty expensive for, what Google reviews assess as “tour around empty rooms with an audiobook with extremely silly jokes”. I decided to skip it and just stroll around the city!
2. St. Bavo’s Cathedral – Home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers, this cathedral is a highlight of Ghent.
3. Lunch – Savor some Gentse Waterzooi, a traditional Flemish stew, in one of the many cozy restaurants.
4. Graslei and Korenlei – Stroll along these picturesque streets by the river, lined with historic buildings.
5. Patershol District – Explore this charming neighborhood filled with narrow streets, trendy bars, and delightful eateries.
6. Light Plan – If your visit coincides with evening, don’t miss Ghent’s Light Plan. The city’s landmarks are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
7. Graffiti street – short, filled with both works by artists and… Teens going crazy with spray paint. All allowed here!

Travel Tips:

• Transport: Belgium’s efficient train system makes traveling between Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent quick and easy. A weekend rail pass might be a cost-effective option but also check what’s the cost of single tickets – it might be cheaper for your travel plans!
• Accommodation: Consider staying in centrally located hotels or charming bed-and-breakfasts to maximize your time exploring.
• Packing: Bring comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable.
• Getting through rain/cold: need a break from walking, the rain or cold? Walk into one of many Belgium’s churches and cathedrals. Sit, read a bit, watch the stained glass windows!

Final Thoughts

Belgium’s charm lies in its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re marveling at the grandeur of Brussels, wandering through the medieval streets of Bruges, or soaking in the eclectic vibe of Ghent, this weekend itinerary offers a taste of the best that Belgium has to offer. Happy travels!