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5 days in Belgium. Can I improve this itinerary?

Posted by on

Below is a rough draft of our itinerary for the 5 days we've reserved for BeIgium before heading for the Rhine/Mosel area of Germany. Am I distributing too much or not enough time to any of these cities within the timeline? At this point we have Ghent as our 'home base' city, but welcome suggestions as I've not booked any lodgings as of yet. Also, I understand that Brussels is generally considered a 'skippable' city, however, my husband really wants to visit Cantillon and 3 Fonteinen for their beer. If I want to visit both locations in a day I need to do so on a weekend which would be towards the end of this 5 day slot of time.

Day 1: Leave London early AM --> transfer at Brussels --> arrive in Ghent. (explore remainder of day)
Day 2: Ghent --> day trip to Bruges (dinner?) --> Ghent
Day 3: Ghent
Day 4: Leave Ghent early AM --> Brussels (beer day)
Day 5: Leave Brussels at some point for West Germany.

Should I plan day 5 to spend most of the day in Brussels to look around or head on over to Germany earlier in the day for a little more time there? I feel like realistically we could fit in an attraction or 2 before and after the first brewery on Day 4 so I don't know if I need to allot more time in Brussels the next day.

Posted by
1586 posts

Hi Gretchen,

Spend a little more time in Brussels before heading to West Germany. Brussels has alot to offer.

Posted by
7206 posts

Somewhat differing opinion, but to me, the main part of Brussels (Grand Place area) can be seen in a few hours. Other than it, I find Brussels very uninteresting. I like your itinerary just as it is.

Posted by
10344 posts

I, too, like your itinerary just as it is.

Posted by
307 posts

if you are looking for a place to stay, consider the Hotel Carlton in Ghent. It is very close to the train station and the bus into Ghent is about 3 blocks away. The proprietors are experts on what to see and do in Ghent and Bruges and very amenable to your needs. Comfortable hotel, reasonably priced and breakfast is amazing!

Posted by
7936 posts

I’d add a daytrip to Antwerp unless you find Ghent really worth more than one day. Advance decision not necessary.

Note that trains to Germany can be much cheaper bought months in advance. I did two nights in Cologne from Brussels because I’d already seen the Middle Rhine.

Posted by
97 posts

Hi,

How will you be travelling? by car? Antwerp is also very nice. But I think you will be trying to see too much.
Your itinerary is nice. If you have a rental car you could go straight to Bruges coming from Brussel and stay a night there. Bruges is really a lovely place. I was there years ago and I stayed in a former monastery. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name. I guess I am getting a little older..haha
But however you will travel, it will be a great time!

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