3 Days in Belgium: Ghent & Bruges Itinerary
Belgium is a tiny, charming country with a rich history and incredible architecture. Three days in Belgium is just enough time to see two of the most beautiful cities: Bruges and Ghent.
Bruges is the capital of West Flanders, while Ghent is the capital of East Flanders. Flanders is the Flemish-speaking region of Belgium, so you won’t hear much French!
Known for waffles, chocolate, and beer, Belgium is the perfect place to indulge in sweets and treats as you explore the historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and fairytale-like canals.
This 3-day Belgium itinerary has one night in Bruges and two nights in Ghent. As beautiful (and popular) as Bruges is, I prefer the sights, culture, and emptier streets in Ghent!
Whether you’re visiting as part of a larger European trip or just for a long weekend, this Belgium itinerary includes the best sights and activities in Bruges and Ghent!
Thank you to my husband, who is from Ghent, for contributing his local expertise to this guide!
3-Day Belgium Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Sights & History in Bruges
Day 2: Best of Bruges & Ghent
Day 3: Castles & Icons in Ghent
Day 1: Sights & History in Bruges
Bruges is a medieval town in western Belgium (the Flemish region) and a highly popular tourist destination. It’s known for having charming streets, fairytale-like canals, and Gothic architecture.
Your first day in Belgium will be spent exploring this historic city that has a UNESCO World Heritage Site city center.
Get to know the city through a walking tour, visit some of its most iconic sights, and have your fill of waffles and beer! The day may seem full of activities, but Bruges is small and easy to explore in a short amount of time.
Where To Stay in Bruges:
Luxury: Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce
Mid-range: Le Foulage
Budget: The White Queen B&B
Take the Train From Brussels to Bruges
It takes about an hour and a half by train to travel from Brussels to Bruges. The train conveniently departs from Brussels Airport, and you can ride it all the way to Bruges.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the station.
If you’re flying into Brussels, be sure you fly into BRU, not CRL. Brussels-Charleroi is not anywhere near Brussels, and significantly further from Ghent and Bruges.
I’ve accidentally booked a flight to CRL instead of BRU, thinking it was in Brussels. I won’t be making that mistake again!
Go on a Bruges Walking Tour
One of the best ways to explore a city is on a guided walking tour. Bruges has free, small-group, and private walking tours with expert guides who will take you through the city and share their knowledge.
This is a great way to get a feel for the city before exploring it on your own for the rest of the day. Some tours are focused on exploring Bruges and its history, while others are created around food, beer, and chocolate.
Small-Group & Private Walking Tours:
Free Walking Tours:
Visit the Belfry Tower
The Belfry is an 83-meter-tall bell tower at the heart of the city in Market Square. It can be seen from multiple areas of Bruges — keep an eye out for it as you explore the streets!
Built in 1240, this medieval tower has been used as a lookout tower and to store city archives (many of which were lost in a fire in 1280). Its bells were once a major part of daily life for locals, ringing as a fire alarm, for events, and to note the hour.
You can admire the Belfry from the group—now an UNESCO World Heritage Site—or climb the 366 steps to reach the top! It’s open every day to the public.
Tickets are required. I recommend getting the Musea Brugge Card if you want to visit the museums and go inside some historical buildings. It gives you access to 11 different locations in 72 hours.
Snap Photos at King’s Bridge
The first time I visited Bruges, I happened upon this picturesque bridge with the red and white buildings in the background. It’s called Koningsbrug, which translates to King’s Bridge in English.
Years later, I returned to the same spot on a trip back to Bruges. It’s still beautiful as ever and remains one of my favorite spots in the city.
Though much of the surrounding area is old and historic, the bridge was built in the 20th century. If you hang around for a bit, you’ll likely catch a boat or two passing under the bridge!
Explore Market Square (Grote Markt)
The most famous spot in Bruges is the Grote Markt, or Markt (called Market Square in English). It’s the city center of Bruges, dating back to the 10th century! This area is probably the most recognizable one in Bruges.
In the Market Square, you’ll find the Belfry, a statue of Jan Breydel in the center, and the beautiful buildings that line the square. The line of quaint, colorful buildings is the perfect spot for some photos!
This square has a storied past, serving as the site of executions, jousts, and a fish market. Today, it’s a major tourist attraction with a pedestrian-only center.
Market Square attracts tourists from all over the world, and it can be crowded. If you want to visit the square before the crowds arrive, do so early in the morning (before 9am).
Being a tourist hub, there are tourist attractions that you should skip, like the horse-drawn carriages. These types of attractions involve animal cruelty, and many cities have banned them.
There are far better ways to explore the city without exploiting animals. Consider a walking tour or bike tour instead!
Indulge in Waffles & Beer
There’s nothing like eating a Belgian waffle and washing it down with some crisp, cold local beer! Bruges has plenty of spots to grab a freshly-made waffle or delicious beer.
I loved the cozy, antique atmosphere at Yesterday’s World, where I drank the famous Le Corne beer. For waffles, I had a hot and fresh one from Waffle Bar with Nutella on top.
You can explore the city to find these treats on your own, or book a workshop where you’ll learn to make Belgian waffles as you eat them and drink beer!
Book a Beer Tour:
Tour the Museums
A fun way to learn about the history of Bruges is by visiting the museums. The Musea Brugge Card gives you access to all of the museums listed below, plus more!
Gruuthusemuseum: A medieval palace with gorgeous rooms, furniture, stained-glass windows, and decor dating from the 15th to 19th centuries..
Groeningemuseum: A large collection of Flemish and Bruges neo-classical artworks dating between the primitive era and the 20th century.
O.L.V.-kerk Museum: Also known as the Church of Our Lady Museum, this Gothic-style church is from the 13th century and has the tallest tower in the city at 115.6 meters.
O.L.V. ter Potterie: Also known as the Museum of Our Lady of the Pottery, this former hospital run by nuns dates back to the 13th century. It has an ornate church, which you can visit as well.
Dinner at De Halve Maan Brewery
End the day with dinner and beer at the historic De Halve Maan Brewery! They serve beers brewed at the brewery, as well as a full dinner menu from their fine dining restaurant.
They also offer brewery tours throughout the day and into the late afternoon. You could visit for a brewery tour, then enjoy dinner at their restaurant with a beer pairing made to match your dish.
I visited De Halve Maan Brewery on my first trip to Bruges, but the tables were all reserved or full. According to their website, no reservations are needed for groups of fewer than 16 people as tables quickly become available.
Night Tour of Bruges
Learn about the darker history of Bruges as you’re guided through the city by night!
The day trip crowds will be gone, the cobblestone lit by street lights, and your expert guide will share stories about the less charming side of Bruges.
Choose between a fully private tour, a small group tour, or a free small group tour:
Private: The Dark Side of Bruges
Small Group: Murder, Mystery & Dark Stories
Free Small Group: The Dark Side of Bruges
Day 2: Best of Bruges & Ghent
Spend your second day in Belgium with a boat tour and visiting more iconic sights in Bruges in the morning, then take the train to Ghent for lunch and exploration.
Any activities or sights you didn’t get to in Bruges the previous day can be added to this day! There’s no rush to get to Ghent, as you will spend the full next day exploring it as well.
You can choose to have lunch in Bruges and arrive in Ghent in the afternoon instead, for more time in Bruges. But Ghent has a much more authentic feel and fewer crowds, so don’t miss out on too much time there.
If you follow this itinerary, then you will spend this night in Ghent. There are incredible hotels and B&Bs all within the center of the city and steps from the major attractions! Below are a few of my top picks for each price range.
Where To Stay in Ghent
Luxury: 1898 The Post
Mid-range: Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent
Budget: B&B Hotel Gent Centrum
Take a Bruges Canal Boat Tour
Since you started day one off with a walking tour, a fun way to start your second day in Belgium is with a boat tour in Bruges!
My favorite way to see a new place is by boat because it gives you a completely different perspective than on land. Plus, it’s a fun and leisurely way to explore the city without navigating crowds.
View the Architecture at Burg Square
Head to Burg Square to see Bruges City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. This is a lovely square just one block over from the Market Square at the center of Bruges.
The City Hall dates back to the 14th century, with a grand exterior to match the grand interior. It has ornate detailing throughout the facade, gorgeous arched windows, and spires along the roof..
Entry to City Hall is included with the Musea Brugge Card!
The name “Basilica of the Holy Blood” comes from its claim to house a cloth with the blood of Christ. Its dirty, dark gray stone exterior with bright golden statues is a stark contrast to the towering City Hall adjacent to it.
You can visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood for free, but you must purchase tickets (€5 per person over 12) to visit the Museum and Treasury.
Take the Train From Bruges to Ghent
After a morning in Bruges, head to the train station to catch a 25-minute train directly to Ghent.
Many trains run between the two cities throughout the day, so you can catch one at a time that works best for you.
Ticket prices range depending on the day and time you depart, but are usually around 10–12€ per person for one-way tickets.
Two types of trains run this route — look for the IC trains, as these are the fastest ones. The other trains can be almost twice as long.
To reach the train station, it’s an easy 1.5km (1mi) walk from Burg Square. Alternatively, you can book an Uber if you’re not up for walking.
Eat Lunch at a Frietkot
Frietkot is the Flemish term for “chip shop” or “fry shop.” This is a quintessential Belgian restaurant (or food stand) where you can get fries, skewers, and other fried or fast food items.
My husband takes me to a frietkot each time we visit Belgium together. As someone who doesn’t eat meat, I tend to go with a big basket of fries and something with cheese.
One of the chip shops we visited in Ghent was De Lange Friet. The fries were delicious!
These chip shops are inexpensive and super casual. They’re ideal for a quick lunch or snack between all your activities.
Walk Through Graffiti Street
Werregarenstraat, nicknamed Graffitistraatje (Graffiti Street in English), is a narrow street covered in ever-changing graffiti. Artists are welcome to create their own artwork on the walls of this street!
Ghent is a welcoming hub for artists, and Graffiti Street is a shining example of that. The only rule, according to the tourism board, is “respect works that are better than yours.” In other words, don’t graffiti over the best artwork, unless yours will be better.
The street is constantly changing as artists create new works of art on top of the existing ones. I was taken aback by how skilled some of the artworks were!
Graffiti Street is short, and you can walk down the whole thing in about a minute.
Many walking tours of Ghent include a stop here on their itineraries.
Explore the Ghent University Botanical Garden
Ghent University has a tropical and subtropical botanical garden with over 10,000 different plant species! It is open to the public for free visits.
The botanical garden has over 4,000 square meters of greenhouses, as the weather in Belgium is less than ideal (to put it lightly) for many types of plants. Some of the greenhouses are even heated!
There’s also an outdoor area with a few different gardens, including a Mediterranean Garden.
Visit Graslei and Korenlei
Two famous streets in Ghent are known as Graslei and Korenlei, which sit on either side of the River Lys that runs through Ghent. These streets are lined with buildings that date back to the Middle Ages but have been restored and updated in more recent years.
Both Graslei and Korenlei are quays that were once part of the medieval port in Ghent. During the Middle Ages, Ghent was the hub for the grain trade in Flanders, and this area was the main port.
Today, the buildings are restaurants, cafes, and even hotels! There’s ample patio seating in front of the restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat while admiring the canal and historic buildings.
If you want to stay in one of these buildings, book the Ghent Marriott Hotel! It’s on the Korenlei side, so you’ll have the best views of the picturesque Graslei.
Night Tour of Ghent
Just like Bruges, the night tours in Ghent offer insight into the dark side of the city as you explore it after dark.
You can either take a free small group tour or book a private tour for just your group. Both tours are offered by the same company (so they’re the same tour, one is just private) and last about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Private: The Dark Side of Gent
Free small group: The Dark Side of Gent
Day 3: Castles & Icons in Ghent
The third and final day in Belgium will be a full day in the lovely city of Ghent.
Ghent is also a medieval city with Gothic architecture juxtaposed with more modern buildings. It’s rich with history, culture, and character throughout the entire city center.
Far fewer tourists visit Ghent each year compared to Bruges, and it doesn’t yet suffer from the same overtourism. This makes it feel more local and like you’re getting a genuine impression of Belgium.
This is also a major university town with a large student population. During the school year, you may spot students enjoying lunch by the canals or walking around.
As I mentioned at the top of this post, Ghent is my husband’s hometown. I love visiting Ghent with him and getting local tips as we meander through the charming streets.
You can read my full guide to Ghent for even more information about this amazing city!
Take a Ghent Canal Boat Tour
One unique way to explore Ghent is on a boat tour along the canals of the River Lys (also called Leie). The tour has two different starting points near Graslei, depending on whether you’re visiting in winter or summer.
In just under an hour, you’ll float past some of the most popular sights in Ghent, most of which are included in this itinerary. The boat tour is a fun way to explore the city while learning about its history from an experienced tour guide.
Tours run rain or shine, and if you’re familiar with Belgium… there’s quite a lot of rain. They have umbrellas on board, but I recommend bringing your own travel umbrella so you have one for the duration of your trip.
Tour Saint Nicholas Church
One of the oldest landmarks in Ghent is Saint Nicholas Church. The Gothic-style construction of the church took place throughout the 13th century, with a few restorations since then.
Saint Nicholas Church has a grand presence and stands out among the other nearby buildings. It’s the perfect backdrop for a photo on Saint Michael’s Bridge!
Visit Gravensteen Castle
The large and imposing castle you see today was built back in 1180 and has served a multitude of purposes since then.
These include the residence of the Counts of Flanders, a prison, and a cotton factory. It’s currently a museum that’s open for public tours.
The castle sits right on the edge of the River Lys (or Leie), and we spotted multiple boat tours floating past it — a fun and unique way to see the city!
You can tour the inside of Gravensteen Castle for 13 euros each for adults, with discounts for students, teachers, and children. It’s recommended to book in advance to ensure entry on the day you plan to visit!
Go on a Guided Tour
Ghent has a plethora of highly rated tours with excellent guides to show you around the city and teach you about its history.
Choose from walking or bike/scooter tours to explore the sights and history, chocolate tasting tours and experiences, and food and beer tours that give you a taste of Ghent.
I selected the tours below based on ratings, reviews, and descriptions. There is a mix of small-group and private tours, as well as some free tours if you’re traveling on a budget.
History & Sights Walking Tours
If you want to see the best sights around Ghent and learn about the history of this city, consider taking a walking tour with an expert guide.
There are small group walking tours, which include people outside of your group, and private tours, which are just for your group.
⭐️Best Walking Tour: 2-Hour Private Historical Walking Tour
More Walking Tours:
Chocolate Tours
You can’t visit Belgium without trying some chocolate. You can explore the various shops yourself or book a chocolate tour, which includes tastings at the top chocolate shops.
Some tours also include sightseeing, so you get both a chocolate and a walking tour in one!
⭐️Best Chocolate tour: Charlie’s Famous Chocolate Tour
More Chocolate Tours:
Food & Beer Tours
For a taste of local Ghent food and beer, book a tour that includes visits to breweries, local food tastings, or a cooking class.
Some tours only include beer, others only include food, and some include sightseeing. Check out the top-rated food & beer tours I curated below to find what sounds best for you!
⭐️Best Food & Beer Tour: Waffles 'n Beer Workshop
More Food & Beer Tours:
Tours On Wheels
Prefer to explore the city by wheels? Book a bike or e-scooter tour to easily zip around the city and explore the sights!
Bike & E-Scooter Tours:
Free Tours
There are just a few free tours in Ghent, all of which get stellar reviews. The tours all include a guide, and one even includes free tasters of Belgian food!
You still need to book the tour to reserve your spot and pay the small required tax (under $4 USD). It’s recommended to tip your guide at the end of the free tour — the amount is up to you.
Top Free Tours:
Explore Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
The first cathedral I ever visited in Ghent was Saint Bavo’s Cathedral! I was completely in awe of the intricate sculptures and architecture.
Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is another Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral in the city center of Ghent. It’s free to enter and explore the incredible interior, though you will have to buy tickets to see the Ghent Altarpiece.
My fellow art history lovers may recognize the Ghent Altarpiece, also known as Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, by Jan Van Eyck.
It’s a multi-panel painting (called a polyptych) that was commissioned specifically for the chapel in Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in the early 1400s.
The altarpiece has been stolen more than half a dozen times and even seized at the order of Adolf Hitler during WWII. It has quite a storied history and is worth some in-depth research if that kind of thing interests you!
Find the Belfry of Ghent
One of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ghent is the Belfry of Ghent. Its 299ft (91m) height makes it the tallest tower in the entire country!
It has been used as both a bell tower and a watchtower, as well as a place to store city privileges to keep them safe.
The dragon you see on the tower today was put there in 1377 to watch over Ghent and guard the belfry. You can spot it from most places around Ghent — keep an eye out for it as you explore the city.
Purchase tickets online to tour the belfry and climb the stairs, which lead to spectacular views of the city! Get your tickets online to ensure entry at your preferred time, or purchase tickets on-site at the ticket booth.
Check Out the Groot Kanon
This giant red cannon is a bit of a random object tucked away at the edge of the canal. The history of the Groot Kanon (in English: big cannon) is hundreds of years old, though it was never fired.
Some people call it Dulle Griet (aka Mad Meg or “evil woman”), who was a Flemish folklore figure portrayed in an oil painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder in 1563.
The cannon became an issue as people were using it as a place to sleep (or pass out after a night out!).
They eventually closed off the opening to prevent any more overnight stays, but you can still go have a night out at a nearby pub of the same name—Dulle Griet—which serves over 400 different beers!
Planning Your Trip To Belgium
These are some tips and recommendations to help you plan your trip, learn more about Belgium, and find answers to some frequently asked questions.
Where To Stay in Belgium
Stays in Bruges
Luxury: Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce is considered one of “Europe’s most romantic hotels.” This 4-star boutique hotel, decorated with art and antiques, is right on the canal in the center of Bruges and serves breakfast each morning.
Mid-range: Le Foulage is a 4-star adults-only (ages 16+) boutique hotel in the heart of Bruges. It was renovated in 2024, and the rooms are designed for a peaceful stay in the heart of the city.
Budget: The White Queen B&B is a beautiful B&B with comfortable, stylish rooms in a fully renovated 17th-century house. There’s also a delicious breakfast served each morning. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers!
Stays in Ghent
Luxury: 1898 The Post is a boutique hotel (formerly a post office) in the city center of Ghent. It has king beds, high ceilings, and gorgeous antique furniture. The hotel also has a cocktail bar, buffet breakfast, and luxurious amenities. This is my top pick!!
Mid-range: Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent is a boutique hotel with modern, renovated rooms with large windows and high ceilings. There’s also an on-site wellness center with a Finnish sauna, massages, and other spa treatments.
Budget: B&B Hotel Gent Centrum is a 3-star bed and breakfast located just a block away from Saint Nicholas Church and the canal. It has simple, modern rooms with cheerful colors and a daily continental breakfast.
Note: Prices vary depending on the season, and what may be considered budget at some times of the year could become more expensive at peak tourist season or on weekends.
What To Pack For Belgium
There aren’t many things you need to pack for Belgium specifically, but below are my recommendations!
How To Get Around Belgium
Belgium is well-connected to public transport, with trains between major cities and local buses to take you around the city.
You can also use Uber in both Ghent and Bruges, though walking is the best way to explore the cities since they’re incredibly pedestrian-friendly.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Belgium?
My husband would tell you that more than three days in Belgium is too many.
Considering he grew up here and it’s not as exciting for him as it is for me or other visitors, take that advice with a grain of salt.
I think three full days in Belgium is an ideal amount of time to see Ghent and Bruges. If you want to visit Brussels, Antwerp, or other areas of Belgium, you may want to extend your stay to five or more days.
What are the Best Places to Visit in Belgium?
Ghent is my favorite place I’ve visited in Belgium for all the reasons I’ve mentioned throughout this post.
Bruges and Brussels are two of the other most popular places to visit in Belgium, and at least one day should be dedicated to visiting them.
What’s the weather like in Belgium?
Ghent and Bruges get close to 200 days of rain per year. The summers can get hot, but are pretty muggy because of the humidity. Winters are cold and sometimes get snow.
My first visit to Belgium was in winter, and we woke up to a layer of fresh snow one morning!
It’s not possible to time your trip perfectly to avoid rain; it’s just something you need to prepare for when visiting Belgium. Shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) are the most ideal times to visit for good weather and fewer crowds.
Is it Bruges or Brugge / Ghent or Gent??
Many places in Belgium have different spellings, depending on where someone is from.
There is the endonym, which is the native name, and the exonym, which is the name used by foreigners. Similar to how we say Spain in English and España in Spanish.
If you are Flemish-speaking, then you would spell them as Brugge and Gent, the native names.
If you are English-speaking, then you would spell them as Bruges and Ghent, the foreign names.
Other countries have other spellings/names for these cities as well! For example, you would spell them as Brujas and Gante in Spanish.
Get Ready For Your 3 Days in Belgium
I hope you’ve found this guide helpful as you plan your own trip to Belgium. Ghent and Bruges are such beautiful cities, and are easy to reach by train from other cities in neighboring countries.
If you’re just adding Belgium as a stop on a larger itinerary, this 3-day Belgium itinerary should help you make the most of your short time in the country.
Next steps?
Get a reliable e-SIM if your phone plan is outside of Europe
Enjoy your trip to Belgium!
