Planning a trip to Belgium but not sure where to start? I’ve crafted the perfect sustainable 3-5 day Belgium tour itinerary to help you discover the country’s must-see cities, eat the best local dishes, and find some nifty locally-made souvenirs.
Being born and raised in Belgium means I know the country like the back of my hand. Add to that my insatiable curiosity and a love for photography and you get yourself a walking lonely planet to Belgium. The amount of random facts about Belgium swirling around in my little brain astounds even me sometimes. I digress.
You will find a ton of different guides on my site that will help you plan your visit to Belgium. To make things easy for you, I have outlined this easy-to-follow itinerary which can be done in 3,4 or 5 days. Call me biased but I highly recommend the latter. Trust me when I say, I lined up the very best places in Belgium and you are going to want to see all of them!
Before we delve in, I would like to make one more recommendation: Do not rent a car. Everybody and their cat has a car in Belgium and we love to take it, everywhere. This itinerary has been built to ensure maximal holiday vibes e.g. by taking the train and spending those extra pennies on delicious locally sourced meals instead of a rental car.
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Plan Your Trip to Belgium
Belgium is divided into three distinct regions, each with its own character. Flanders, in the north, is known for its medieval cities, art, and abundance of Art Nouveau. Wallonia, in the south, is French-speaking, here you can find charming villages and do some of the best hiking in the country. Finally, Brussels itself is a region, a hodgepodge of architecture and nationalities are core to the unique DNA of the capital.
GOOD TO KNOW | To ensure your visit to Belgium is as well-rounded as possible, I have added a stop in all three of the regions. Many a guide to Belgium will forego visiting Wallonia, which in my opinion is a mistake. Hailing from Flanders, I can confidently say that my brethren from southern Belgium are some of the most hospitable in the country.
Belgium itinerary overview
- Day One: Arrive in Brussels and spend the day exploring
- Day Two: Head to Bruges for a day
- Day Three: Delve into the beautiful medieval city of Ghent
- Day Four: Grab your most fashionable outfit for a day in Antwerp
- Day Five: Head to the capital of Wallonia and spend a day in Namur
THREE DAYS IN BELGIUM | If you have but three days to explore the city I would focus on Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp. This will give you a good first feel of what Belgium has to offer.
FOUR DAYS IN BELGIUM | With four days you have enough time to explore Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp at a leisurely pace.
FIVE DAYS IN BELGIUM | Five days will ensure you have enough time to explore a little bit of each region without feeling like you are rushing around like a headless chicken.
Where to stay in Belgium
That truly depends on your style of travel. Personally, I really dislike changing hotels every single day. The various cities in Belgium that are on your itinerary are all easily reachable by train from Brussels. Therefore if it was me, I would stay in Brussels and use it as a base to explore the rest of the country. For reference, Namur is the farthest away from Brussels and it takes around 65 min on the train
Belgium Itinerary: How to Spend 3 to 5 Days in Belgium
In the below itinerary, I will provide you with highlights and various practical tips to visit 5 different cities in Belgium. You will find it contains a mix of must-visit attractions, as well as a sprinkling of lesser-known places that I have stumbled upon over the years. I have also added dedicated guides to the various cities so you can plan your trip to Belgium entirely according to what strikes your fancy! Happy planning.
Day One: Explore Brussels
Brussels, the multicultural and vibrant capital of both Belgium and Europe, draws countless tourists each year—and for good reason! Known for its breathtaking Grand Place, stunning Art Nouveau architecture, and, of course, world-famous Belgian beer and chocolate, more on that later! It is also the city I have lovingly called home for the last few years.
If you’re planning to explore Belgium in 3 days, Brussels is the perfect starting point. Chances are high your point of entry into Belgium is most likely Brussels, so make sure to book at least your first night in Brussels
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO BRUSSELS
WHY VISIT | 16 Reasons why Brussels is worth visiting
FOOD | Best brunch in Brussels // Vegetarian & Vegan restaurants in Brussels
TO DO | How to spend a weekend in Brussels // Hidden gems in Brussels // One day in Brussels
DAY TRIPS | 31 Day Trips from Brussels // Castles near Brussels
WHERE TO STAY | Which area to stay in Brussels // Boutique Hotels in Brussels // B&B in Brussels
SEASONAL GUIDES | Visit the bluebell forest near Brussels // Christmas Market of Brussels
HIGHLIGHTS OF BRUSSELS
If you are spending but a day in Brussels, I highly suggest you concentrate your time in and around the historical center. The good thing is the city is highly walkable and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.
GRAND PLACE | The Grand Place in Brussels is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to see in Belgium! Surrounded by 18th-century guild houses positively dripping with gold, it’s opulent to say the least. The Brussels City Town Hall, and the King’s Building (now the Brussel City Museum) are both well worth a visit.
TRIO OF PEEING STATUES | It is time to go and see one of the city’s most popular – yet deceptively small – tourist attractions. You might have heard about the little peeing man (Manneken Pis), but did you know there is a peeing girl (Jeanneke Pis) and a peeing dog (Zinneke Pis)? All three are within walking distance of each other.
WAFFLES, CHOCOLATE & MORE | There are too many tastefully decorated tourist traps in the historical center, making it hard to get your hands on anything vaguely authentic. I had a friend over and we booked the Hungry Mary’s Beer and Chocolate tour. It was honestly awesome, even as a local there were a lot of new places I had never been to!
ROYAL GALLERY OF SAINT HUBERT | The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, opened in 1847, is one of Europe’s oldest covered shopping arcades. It features three sections: the King’s, Queen’s, and Princes’ Galleries. Don’t miss the stunning Tropismes Library, the vintage Galleries Cinemas, and Maison Dandoy for hot chocolate. The arcade also boasts the Royal Theater and various renowned chocolate stores like Neuhaus and Pierre Marcolini.
DELVE INTO THE VARIOUS MUSEUM | If your visit to Belgium coincides with a bout of rain, you can happily spend the day museum-hopping in Brussels. The Magritte Museum, Comic Strip Museum, Victor Horta Museum, and Brussels City Museum are a few of my favorites.
SUNSET AT MONT DES ARTS | Chances are high that if you saw a picture of Brussel it is either the Grand Place or the Mont des Arts. This little viewpoint is wonderful at sunset. Pop in for a cocktail at the quirky la pharmacie anglaise or head for a delicious dinner in the Bozar Restaurant (One-star Michelin), both around the corner.
ART NOUVEAU | Possibly my favorite thing about Brussels is the fact it is a hub for Art Nouveau. This 19th-century architectural movement was spearheaded by Victor Horta and Paul Hanka right here in Brussels, before spreading out across Europe. Make sure to check out the Hôtel Solvay and the Victor Horta Museum.
ATOMIUM | If I had but one day to spend in Brussels, I would honestly skip going to the Atomium. It is located slightly outside of the city center and there is little to nothing to do in the surroundings. The Atomium was constructed for the 1958 World Expo to represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Purchase your tickets online and skip the line
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING BRUSSELS
BRUSSELS CARD | Planning on seeing a lot of museums? Then I highly recommend getting the Brussels Card. It gives you access to 41 museums and access to all public transport in Brussels. It is only worth getting if you are planning on visiting at least two museums as it costs €33 per person for a day.
WHERE TO EAT | Brussels is an absolute haven for foodies. You name it, we probably have a delicious restaurant that caters to your craving. Read up on Best brunch in Brussels or Vegetarian & Vegan restaurants in Brussels to find out some of my favorite places to eat.
WHERE TO STAY | If I had but one hotel to recommend for each budget category it would be The Dominican (high-end); Boutique Hotel Saint Gery (mid-range) and Maison Arya (mid to budget-range).
VINTAGE STORES | Brussels has some stellar second-hand shopping! For anything interior design-related head to Rue Haute or Rue Blaes in the Marolles neighborhood. Isabelle Bajart (luxury second-hand clothing), Melting Pot Kilo (Vintage clothing), and Episodes (“cool” vintage clothing) are some of my favorites.
SUSTAINABLE SOUVENIRS | If you are in the mood to buy a souvenir, why not purchase something locally made? Yuman has a large selection of ‘made in Brussels’ items. The Dansasert area has local fashion brands (Café Costume, Komono, Essentiel Antwerp, ICON).
Day Two: Visit Bruges
No matter if you are spending 3 or 5 days in Belgium, Bruges has got to make it to the top of your places to explore. Cobblestone streets, colorful gingerbread houses, and winding canals are what await you in this enchanting town. I absolutely recommend everyone to visit at least once in their life.
That being said, it seems a great many people have the same opinion. With a whopping 8 million tourists each year (for reference Brussels gets a mere 6 million), the tiny historical center of Bruges is crowded even during low season.
GOOD TO KNOW | Most tours start at 09.00 am and end at 05.00 pm. The hours before and after are usually relatively calm. My one day in Bruges itinerary gives you a few tips on avoiding the overflowing streets by pinpointing when to visit which monument!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO BRUGES
WHY VISIT | 16 Reasons why Bruges is worth visiting
FOOD | Vegetarian & Vegan restaurants in Bruges
TO DO | One day in Bruges
WHERE TO STAY | Boutique Hotels in Bruges
SEASONAL GUIDES | Christmas Market of Bruges
GUIDED TRIP FROM BRUSSELS | Bruges is easily reachable from Brussels by simply taking the train. That being said train tickets will set you back €34 while this day tour from Brussels to Bruges starts at €43 and comes with an actual guide and local tips for the city.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN BRUGES
GROTE MARKT BRUGGE | Start your day in Bruges at the Grote Markt (Main Square), second only to Brussels’ Grand Place for its “wow” factor. Surrounded by colorful 17th-century guild houses, it features statues of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. Don’t miss the Belfry climb, weekly Wednesday market, and beer at Craenburg.
BELFRY OF BRUGES | If ever there was a tower to clamber up it’s this one. The 13th-century UNESCO-classified Belfry of Bruges offers panoramic views from its octagonal platform. Huff and puff your way up the 366 narrow steps, passing the treasury room and clock mechanism along the way.
HISTORIUM MUSEUM | After visiting the Belfry, head to The Historium, where you’ll step back into 15th-century Bruges through an immersive audio-visual experience. The museum recreates Medieval Bruges with virtual reality and special effects. Tip pay an additional €5 and clamber up to the roof of the Historium Museum for the very best views of Brugge. Make sure to grab a drink at the Duvelorium bar upstairs. Book your tickets online.
BOATRIDE THROUGH THE CANALS | Your Belgium trip is not complete without a boat ride through the canals of Bruges. While it might scream “tourist”, who really cares? It’s worth it! Boat tours typically cost €12 (US$13) and tickets can be bought from one of five vendors dotted around the historical center.
BURG SQUARE | Burg Square is just a 3-minute walk from the Grote Markt. This little square is lined with exquisite 16th-century Gothic architecture. Don’t miss the Basilica of the Holy Blood, housing a relic of Christ’s blood, and the stunning Bruges City Hall, one of Belgium’s oldest. Head to the Fishmarket via Blinde Ezelstraat for a hidden golden arch view.
HISTORICAL CENTRE | As you mosey through the historical center of Bruges you might want to make a few select stops along the way. The Boniface Bridge and nearby Gruuthuse Museum are perfect for a photo stop, while the Church of Our Lady houses an authentic Michelangelo sculpture. Don’t miss Saint John’s Hospital, a medieval medicine museum with great views. For a quieter spot, visit Jan van Eyckplein, stroll along Spiegelrei, and grab a drink at Bruges’ oldest bar, Vlissinghe.
CHOCOLATE & WAFFLES | Did you know Bruges has it’s very own waffle? Be sure to check out Otto Waffle. The Old Chocolate House serves the very best hot chocolate in town and The Chocolate Line still produces their chocolate in Bruges. Sadly this is one of the few places that does.
BEGUINAGE | Tucked within Bruges’ UNESCO-listed center, the 13th-century Beguinage was once home to devout women called Beguines. Today, it features whitewashed facades, a serene courtyard, and a chapel dedicated to St. Elizabeth. I love visiting in Spring when the little courtyard is peppered with flowers.
LOCAL BREWERY | Did someone say craft beer? Why yes, they have that in Bruges and it’s worth trying. Halve Maan Brewery has been a Bruges staple since 1856, brewing iconic beers like Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik. Their brasserie offers traditional dishes, perfect for pairing with a beer tasting. Meanwhile, Bourgogne des Flandres, with roots from 1911, offers canal-side tastings of its beers, including a beer flight of six brews.
TOURS | If you want to get a bit more background about Bruges I can only recommend taking the Highlights of Bruges Walking Tour. I took this tour a few years back with a friend because I really did not know anything about the city. Was fun, interactive and I found a ton of nice locally run stores too!
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING BRUGES
BRUGES MUSEA CARD | Planning on seeing a lot of museums? Then I highly recommend getting the Bruges Musea Card It gives you access to a variety of museums including the Bruges Belfort. It is only worth getting if you are planning on visiting at least two museums as it costs €33 per person.
WHERE TO EAT | Bruges is a very touristy city and this is reflected in the restaurants sprinkled around the historical center. Festooned with lights and housed in beautiful gabled façades they serve up mediocre and overpriced food at best. Be weary! Read up on Vegetarian & Vegan restaurants in Bruges to avoid getting scammed.
WHERE TO STAY | If I had but one hotel to recommend for each budget category it would be The Notary (high-end); Boutique Hotel Saint Gery (mid-range) and Guesthouse Mirabel (budget option).
SUSTAINABLE SOUVENIRS | Pop over to the tourism office to pick up a guide on where to find products that have the ‘Made in Bruges‘ certification. This way you know that your souvenirs are locally made.
GETTING TO BRUGES | If your itinerary for Belgium is tight, I suggest taking a day trip from Brussels to Bruges with the train. The train ride takes about 50 minutes. Hop on in Brussels Central and get off at Brugge Station. The station of Bruges is located a 15-minute walk from the main square (Grote Markt). Check Omio for the fastest route and get your tickets online.
Day Three: Visit Ghent
Lined with canals and medieval gabled houses, voted the vegetarian capital of Europe and one of the most sustainable cities in Belgium. I absolutely love Ghent and would definitely move here if the opportunity arose. The atmosphere is laid-back, it has a vibrant cultural scene, and goodness gracious me is it easy on the eye.
What I never understood is that most people visiting Belgium skip out on Ghent. Personally I much prefer Ghent to Bruges because it feels less like an open-air museum. It’s a living, breathing city that just happens to have an extraordinarily well-preserved Medieval historical center. So put on your Birkenstocks, today you are visiting the green heart of Belgium.
TIME SAVER | If you are only spending 3 days in Belgium and absolutely want to make the best out of it, you can combine visiting Bruges and Ghent in a day as they are located in the same part of the country. Although be warned this will leave you very little time to explore either.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO GHENT
TO DO | Sustainable Guide to Ghent
MUST VISIT PLACES IN GHENT
BELFRY OF GHENT | For the best view in Ghent, head to the top of the 14th-century UNESCO-classified Belfry, which stands at 91 meters. Overlooking the city’s iconic skyline, the Belfry once served as a watchtower and bell tower. Unlike Bruges, the Belfry of Ghent has the option to take either the stairs or an elevator!
SINT BAVO CATHEDRAL | A two-minute walk from the Belfry takes you to the Sint Bavo Cathedral. While the cathedral is nice, it is the 15th-century masterpiece by Jan and Hubert van Eyck called Adoration of the Mystic Lamb that is the real showstopper. The polyptych depicts biblical scenes centered on Christ. I am not usually a fan of the 15th-century Flemish art, but the level of detail in this painting is truly worth seeing. The cathedral is free to visit, however, if you want to see the painting you will need to purchase a specific ticket online.
GRAVENSTEEN | In the heart of Ghent stands the imposing Gravensteen, one of the few castles in Flanders not hidden away in the countryside but smack in the center of town. Built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace, it has served as a residence, courthouse, prison, and even a cotton factory. Don’t miss the photo spot around the back by the Leie River called “Photo Spot Castle” near the Arca theatre.
BOAT CRUISE ON THE CANALS OF GHENT | I have visited Ghent on multiple occasions and what never ceases to amaze me is that the second the sun is out, locals flock to the waterfront. Colorful, mismatched chairs and wobbly tables mushroom up along the canals inviting the passersby to sit and enjoy. A typical guided canal cruise lasts around 45 minutes, purchase tickets online
GRAB A CRAFT BEER | Drinking beer is practically one of those non-negotiable activities in Belgium. Ghent has a smattering of local beers to try, 64 to be precise. A couple of the more well-known beers include Gulden Draak, Gentse Tripel, Gentse Gruut, and Gentse Strop. The city has mapped out various Scenic Craft Beer Walks. Simply download the PDF and head out to explore.
WALK AROUND THE HISTORICAL CENTRE OF GHENT | Start your exploration of Ghent along Graslei and Korenlei, keep your camera nearby because this part of Ghent is pure magic and one of the best things to see in Belgium! Continue to the Patershol district, a maze of narrow streets, and visit the House of Alijn to explore Ghent’s history. From there, stroll to Gravensteen Castle or grab a drink at the vibrant Fishmarket.
SUNSET AT THE SAINT MICHAEL’S BRIDGE | The most iconic photo spot in Ghent is atop the Saint Michael’s Bridge. Here you can see the three iconic towers of Ghent: Saint Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. As a photographer I have taken shots here both for sunset and sunrise, the former great for the light and the latter blissfully void of tourists.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING GHENT
CITY CARD GHENT | Planning on seeing a lot of museums? Then I highly recommend getting the City Card Ghent it includes a ride on the canals and entry to the main attractions in Ghent. The only downside they do not have a day card available. The 48-hour card starts at €43 a person.
WHERE TO EAT | As the vegetarian capital of Europe there are a ton of really nice places to grab something to eat in Ghent. A few of my favorites include Plant & Kook for lunch, Soulkitchen for dinner, and Cafe Conge for small bites.
WHERE TO STAY | If I had but one hotel to recommend for each budget category it would be 1898 The Post (high-end); Comic Art Hotel (mid-range) and Adagio Ghent (budget option). If you are spending at least 4 nights in Belgium, I highly recommend booking a hotel in Ghent and using it as a basis to explore Bruges (25-minute train ride)
VINTAGE STORES | Looking for a nice souvenir or perhaps a secondhand trinket, head out to the Kortrijkstraat to find a smattering of second-hand stores.
GETTING TO GHENT | Depending on your itinerary you can either take the train from Brugge to Gent (get off at Gent-Sint-Pieter) which takes around 25 minutes. If you decide to base yourself out of Brussels, take the direct train from Brussels to Gent-Sint-Pieter which takes around 38 minutes. Check Omio for the fastest route and get your tickets online.
Day Four: Explore Antwerp
Antwerp is one of Belgium’s largest and most vibrant cities and known for its jaw-dropping train station, for being Europe’s second-largest port, and as the final resting place of the painter Rubens. It’s also famous for its diamond district and trendsetting fashion scene. Locals proudly refer to Antwerp as “the city,” with the rest of the country seen as mere parking.
Don your coolest outfit and make sure to bring your credit card because your day four in Belgium is all about exploring the cultural and shopping haven that is Antwerp.
TIME SAVER | My recommendation would be to hop on the train from Brussels to Antwerp (40 minutes). Tickets will cost around €18 per person. Alternatively for €44, you can take a full day tour from Brussels to Antwerp including transport and a local guide.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ANTWERP
FOOD | Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Antwerp
TO DO | Things to do in Antwerp
HIGHLIGHTS OF ANTWERP
ANTWERPEN CENTRAAL | No visit to Belgium is complete without an obligatory snapshot at the Antwerpen Centraal train station. Built in the early 20th century and extensively renovated in 2007, the station is eclectic, to say the least. The main entrance foyer is the oldest and most enticing part of the station.
GROTE MARKT | The Grote Markt in Antwerp is the city’s historic main square, dating back to the 16th century. Like Brussels and Bruges, it features stunning gabled Guild Houses. It also houses the the Antwerp City Hall (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Brabo Fountain, which depicts the legend of Antwerp’s founding.
VLAEYCKENSGANG | The Vlaeyckensgang is the best preserved medieval mew Antwerp, dating back to 1591. Nestled between Oude Koornmarkt and the Cathedral of Our Lady, it was once the home to the wealthy merchants of Antwerp. Time permitting grab lunch in the restaurant Sir Anthony Van Dijk.
EXPERIENCE THE VARIOUS MUSEUMS | Antwerp has a lot of very cool museums, each showcasing a different part of the history of the city. Here are a few of my favorites: MAS, Plantin-Moretus Museum, KMSKA, MoMu, and Rubens Huis.
GO CHURCH HOPPING | Antwerp’s top five churches, dating back to the 16th century, stand out for their blend of Gothic architecture and opulent Baroque interiors, showcasing Peter Paul Rubens paintings. These churches, classified for their historical heritage, are among the best in Belgium and reflect the city’s wealth during its golden age. Saint Paul’s church, Saint Carolus Boromeus’s church, Saint James’s Church, Saint Andrew’s Church and Cathedral of Our Lady (main cathedral of Antwerp) are all worth a visit.
VISIT ANTWERP CASTLE | The Antwerp Castle or Het Steen is the oldest preserved building in the city. I have known this building to hold a variety of different functions. It has just reopened its doors after a massive renovation and is now the best museum to learn about the history of Antwerp. The rooftop terrace has a very cool view over the river Scheldt.
WALK UNDER THE WATER | The historical center of Antwerp is located on the right bank of the river Scheldt. In recent years the urban sprawl has slowly edged towards the left bank (Linkeroever) of the river. Linkeroever is accessible via the Sint Anna tunnel, built in 1933. This 553-meter underground tunnel features original wooden escalators and offers a safe river crossing. I like heading here for sunset as it has the best views over the best Antwerp skyline views and sunsets, head to Linkeroever, bring a local beer, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
VISIT A LOCAL BREWERY | Sensing a pattern here? Yep, Antwerp has its very own city brewery which is well worth visiting. The signature beer “Bolleke” can be found throughout the city. If you want to do a tour in a beer brewery in Belgium, this is definitely the place to be. Personally, I find touring a brewery can sometimes be very tedious, but I really like this tour as it is highly interactive. Get your tickets online.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING ANTWERP
LOCALLY MADE SOUVENIRS | Looking for a locally made trinket to take home? Head to Wunderkammer Stad Leest, Curated by Edo, This cosy store, Kabinet Unique, or The Antwerp City Shop in Het Steen.
WHERE TO EAT | Antwerp has a plethora of restaurants to choose from. Many of them cater to locals rather than tourists. Read Vegetarian & Vegan restaurants in Antwerp for some inspiration.
WHERE TO STAY | If I had but one hotel to recommend for each budget category it would be 1898 The Post (high-end); Citybox Antwerpen (mid-range) and B in Antwerp (budget option).
SECOND-HAND STORES | Antwerp has a ton of second-hand stores! De Kloosterstraat is filled with vintage design and furniture stores while the second-hand clothing chain store Think Twice has no less than five different locations in the city (Kammestraat, Jezusstraat, Lange Klarenstraat, Nationalestraat and Twaalfmaandenstraat.
GETTING TO ANTWERP | If you are spending 4 days in Belgium, my recommendation would be to not book a hotel in Antwerp but rather take the direct train from Brussels to Antwerpen Centraal (40 minutes). Check Omio for the fastest route and get your tickets online.
Day Five: Head to Namur
If you have 5 days in Belgium I strongly encourage you to visit the capital of the Wallonia region, Namur. Located at the confluence of two rivers and just an hour from Brussels, the city is a great spot the garner a better understanding of southern Belgian and how culturally diverse it is with respect to both Flanders and Brussels.
Rising from the ashes of a turbulent first half of the 20th century, Namur regrouped, rebuilt and transformed into the eclectic city you see today. Dripping with culture, interactive museums, bright blue cable cars with soaring views over the gargantuan citadel and some of the country’s most impressive churches.
FUN FACT | Keep an eye out for the many artworks depicting snails (murals, sculptures). This little animal is the symbol of the city reflecting the locals live for an unhurried pace of life pace. To travelers who speak French, you might also pick up on the local twang which is less clipped versus the rest of the country.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO NAMUR
TO DO | Things to do in Namur
HIGHLIGHTS OF NAMUR
CITADEL OF NAMUR | The main attraction of Namur is its citadel, perched 190 meters high overlooking the confluence of the two rivers. This has been a strategic site since the 10th century BC. The restored citadel offers diverse experiences: the Terra Nova visitor center (€6), 7km of underground tunnels explored via guided tours (€12), and a tourist train ride with panoramic views (€6).
WALK AROUND CITADEL HILL | Once you have explored the Citadel, make your way back down to the city. Walk down the “Route Merveilleuse,” a scenic 20-minute descent to the Meuse River. Enjoy sweeping views of Namur and the valley, and discover the golden turtle statue, Searching for Utopia by Jan Fabre, now a beloved fixture since 2015.
RIDE THE CABLE CARS | The Namur cable cars first appeared in the late 19th century, connecting the city to the hilltop hotel. After multiple closures, they reopened in 2021. The 8-minute ride offers panoramic views of the city through smudged windows, starting at Place Maurice Servais. Tickets cost €5 one-way and €7.5 return. It is one of my favorite things to do in the city and truly unique to Namur!
VISIT THE TWO MOST BEAUTIFUL CHURCHES | Namur has two very impressive churches. My favorite is the 250-year-old Cathedral Saint Aubin, a classical and baroque blend. Next to it stands a 13th-century clock tower, a remnant of the former church. Inside, look for a beheaded statue honoring Saint Aubin’s legend. Nearby, the Baroque-style Church of Saint Loup has a jaw-dropping sandstone ceiling (which was carved when it was already installed in the church!) and Belgian marble.
POP INTO THE MUSEUM OF DECORATIVE ART | I stumbled upon this museum by accident, and it became my favorite in Namur. Housed in an 18th-century mansion, it showcases period interior design, with highlights including a preserved kitchen, a sweeping wooden staircase, and a serene garden. Perfect for fans of architecture and 18th-century aristocratic life.
PERUSE THE STREET ART IN NAMUR | Namur’s street art scene is underrated but worth exploring! Start with the Fresque des Wallons, a trompe-l’oeil mural with over 250 references to Wallonian heritage. For more unofficial street art, head to Square Leopold near the train station or download the Street Art Map.
TAKE TO THE WATER | There are endless possibilities to take to the water, some more active (kayak), others a lot more chilled out (Croisière Namur or renting an electric boat from Les Capitaineries de Namur).
EXPLORE THE HISTORICAL CENTRE OF NAMUR | Namur’s historic center is a must when exploring places to visit in Belgium. Start at Place d’Armes, home to the statues of Djoseph and Françwès with their snails. Check out the snail mural on Rue Basse Marcelle, and taste Bietrume de Namur at La Maison des Desserts. Wander through 17th-century architecture on Rue Fumal, and admire the stunning Art Nouveau at Rue de Fer 28. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, enjoy the lively market at Place de l’Ange.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING NAMUR
WHERE TO EAT | Atelier Bossime and Paon du Jour offer plant-based meals using seasonal and farm-to-table ingredients. While La Maison des Desserts is the best local bakery/patisserie in the city.
WHERE TO STAY | If I had but one hotel to recommend for each budget category it would be Le Château de Namur (high-end); Les Tanneurs (mid-range) and Vintage Design Boutique B&B (mid- to budget option).
SECOND HAND STORES | Looking to bring home a souvenir? Head to the Rue des Carmes and Rue des Croisieres to find some nice second-hand treasures back home.
GETTING TO NAMUR | If you are spending 5 days in Belgium you could spend a night in Namur or base yourself out of Brussels and take the train from Brussels to Namur (1h10). Check Omio for the fastest route and get your tickets online.
Things Belgium is Famous for
DIAMONDS: Belgium, particularly Antwerp, is known as the world’s diamond capital due to its long-standing history in the diamond trade, dating back to the 15th century. Antwerp’s diamond district handles over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds. The city is famous for its skilled craftsmanship, high-quality diamond cutting, and trade expertise, making it a global hub for diamond buying, selling, and processing.
CHOCOLATE: There is no chocolate in the world that rivals Belgian chocolate. The high-quality cacao and traditional methods of production are what set us apart. Make sure to try our specialties: Pralines, bite-sized chocolates. Pierre Marcolini and Neuhaus are where I get my pralines.
BEER: Another speciality from Belgium is the beer. We have over 1000 unique varieties including the Trappist ales and tangy lambics. I have added in a few microbreweries for each city in this Belgian itinerary so you can try a few of our lesser-known Belgian beers!
WAFFLES: The most famous waffles are the Brussels waffle (rectangular, with a fluffy texture) and the Liège waffle (oval shape, has a dense texture with little nuggets of sugar). However in recent years most large cities have bought out their own variety (most notably Bruges and Namur).
Best Time to Visit Belgium
Let me just throw this out there, there is no point in planning a trip to Belgium based on the weather. In recent years climate change has gifted us with an extraordinary amount of rain. A good rule of thumb is to always carry an umbrella with you – I never leave the house without.
SPRING: Average temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) making it relatively mild to visit. Depending on the year you will want to time your visit to see the Cherry Blossoms in Brussels or the Floralia in Brussels – a flower festival held yearly in a castle close to the city.
SUMMER: June and September are my favorite months in Belgium. Average temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F) which is perfect for the many music festivals we have over the summer. You might like the Gentse Feesten in the historical center of Ghent or Couleur Café near the Atomium in Brussels.
AUTUMN: We tend to have an Indian summer in Belgium where September to the beginning of October is usually still pretty sunny with mild temperatures. Average temperatures in autumn tend to range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) but there is a higher rainfall during this time of year.
WINTER: If you do want to visit Belgium in Winter then aim to come in December to visit all the beautiful Christmas Markets. It is something we do well, really well. My favorites include the Christmas Market in Brussels and the Christmas Market in Bruges. Average temperatures range from 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F), so bundle up! Snow is pretty rare so travelling around Belgium should not be a problem.
How to Get Around Belgium
Belgians love to complain about two things: The weather and our public transportation. Truth be told, getting around Belgium is easy and can be done in a very sustainable manner. For this specific Belgium itinerary, I suggest you focus on taking the train between the various cities.
TRAIN | Trains are the best way to explore the country, with the national railway company, SNCB (or NMBS in Dutch), offering regular services between major cities like Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Tickets can be purchased right before departure online. Do not purchase the ticket on the train or you will be slammed with a surcharge fee.
INSIDE THE CITY | For local travel within cities like Brussels, trams, buses, and metro services are operated by three main companies: STIB/MIVB in Brussels, De Lijn in Flanders, and TEC in Wallonia. Tickets are interchangeable between these modes and can be bought at stations, through apps, or via rechargeable MOBIB cards.
Practical Tips for Visiting Belgium
How many days should you plan for a trip to Belgium
I would honestly say that 5 days is a minimum to visit Belgium, and even then you are cutting it pretty tight. The country has three very distinct regions (Flanders, Brussels, Wallonia), each worth exploring to give you the most well-rounded idea of what Belgium has to offer.
What languages do they speak in Belgium
Belgium has three official languages: Flemish (Dutch), French and German. Flemish is spoken in Flanders while French is spoken in Brussels and Wallonia. German is spoken by a small segment of the population in eastern Belgium. English is widely spoken, especially in the tourism industry.
What are the best places to see in Belgium
I have added my favorite places to visit in Belgium in this article. You might want to browse the 24 most beautiful places in Belgium if you want to shake up your itinerary a bit.
MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VISITING BELGIUM
Brussels: A local’s guide to 2-days in Brussels
Brussels: 10 Most beautiful castles around Brussels
Brussels: Where to stay in Brussels: A local’s guide
Belgium: Best brunch spots in Brussels
Bruges: 15 Sustainable Boutique Hotels in Bruges
Namur: Best things to do in Namur
Antwerpen: What to do in Antwerp for a weekend
Ghent: Sustainable things to do in Ghent
Belgium Itinerary: Three to five days in Belgium – Pin it
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