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Belgium Itinerary

Posted by (Portland, Oregon) on

Hi,

Hoping to get some input on our plans and thanks in advance for sharing your experiences and thoughts.

My partner and I are active travelers in our 50s and are planning to spend a week in Belgium between Christmas and New Year's. We are thinking 2 days and nights in Ghent, 2 in Bruges, and the last 2 in Brussels for NYE/NY Day. I realize we could base in 1 place and these could be day trips but I am hoping spending 2 nights in each place will help us get a better feel for them. But are we missing out on something? Another must see town without stretching us out too thin? Would it be worth trying to sneak Antwerp in?

Our main objective of this trip is just to relax in cozy cafes, soak up local atmosphere, and enjoy some good meals. We're not going for the Christmas markets per se but are curious to visit them and other shops. As for other activities, we enjoy walks to explore neighborhoods, interesting architecture, and art museums. Any recommendations for these and cafes and restaurants in the 3 cities would be really appreciated.

Also curious to know how the places are impacted by the holidays. Are there many closures? I imagine things might be closed on New Year's Day.

Thanks and cheers!

Posted by
440 posts

Hi Tom, I think 2 - 2 - 2 is quite a good balance for the Belgian cities. There are always defenders of different cities in forums that discuss Belgium (I personally try not to play favourites, too contentious, but I know Brussels best as I lived there and still take an interest in it). Wherever you choose for New Year, New Year's Day shops and most restaurants will be shut. There will be a few restaurants and minor shops in tourist areas (especially those restaurants associated with hotels) that will be open but you will have to do your research and book ahead. I would also try to get into a dinner or party of some sort for NYE (sorry, can't really help with that). There will be a few sights that are open because they are not regulated or do not change admission - so you could see the Grand' Place, Manneken Pis and probably the Atomium from the outside. The Winter Wonders markets in Brussels are open on New Year's Day (closing Jan 6) but close at 6pm on NYE.

Hope that helps,

Lavandula

Posted by
589 posts

On New Year's Day, the Atomium is open starting at noon.
Mini-Europe and the Autoworld Museum are also open.

Please also note that both the Magritte Museum and the Old Masters Museum will be open only until 3:00 p.m. on December 31 and will be closed on January 1.

Posted by
36 posts

Since your main goal is to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, I wouldn’t add another overnight stop just for Antwerp. If you’re curious about it, a day trip from Brussels could be a good way to see a little of the city without making the itinerary feel rushed.

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