Tucked between the Netherlands to the north and France to the south, the small yet stunning country of Belgium is often overlooked in travel plans—a real shame, as even a short 3-day visit to Belgium is a true pleasure.
Belgium’s compact size makes it easy to explore in a short time, but it offers a rich and diverse experience!
This country boasts one of the most picturesque canal cities in Europe, remarkable architecture, a fascinating history, and, of course, mouth-watering Belgian cuisine—most notably Belgian chocolate, waffles, beer, and frites (and don’t mistakenly call them French fries here!).
With a well-crafted 3-day Belgium itinerary, you can capture the essence of this charming country in a brief visit.
Here’s where to go and what to do with 3 days in Belgium.
Day 1 in Belgium: Bruges
Bruges, often considered one of Europe’s most charming small cities, is sometimes referred to by locals as the “Venice of the North.”
Though it’s no Venice, Bruges is a breathtaking canal city in its own right.
Despite its popularity and the bustling crowds during peak season, Bruges remains our favorite spot in Belgium and is the ideal place to kick off your 3-day Belgium itinerary.
Here are some must-do activities in Bruges!
Take a Canal Cruise
Bruges’ canals are absolutely mesmerizing, and like most canals, they’re best experienced from the water.
Canal cruises in Bruges are reasonably priced, and the small boats provide a peaceful and intimate experience—nothing like the large, crowded vessels you might find in Amsterdam.
We thoroughly enjoyed our canal cruise and were glad to have begun our Belgium adventure this way.
Climb the Belfry of Bruges
Want to capture stunning views of the city?
For just 15 Euros and a 366-step climb, you can enjoy unparalleled views from the Belfry of Bruges.
However, if you’re trying to photograph the Belfry itself from below, don’t be surprised if the shot seems off—the tower actually leans slightly to the east!
Meander Through Bruges’ Picturesque Streets
Bruges is extraordinarily beautiful, and wandering its streets aimlessly is a fantastic way to spend your afternoon.
As you explore, be sure to visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Town Hall, Bruges’ windmills, and filming locations from the movie In Bruges (a great watch for travel inspiration before your trip!).
Don’t miss the Church of Our Lady, the peaceful Bonifacius Bridge, or the picturesque Rosary Quay either.
Along your journey, you’ll stumble upon numerous quiet corners and stunning canal views—so keep your camera ready!
While it’s possible to see the best of these sites independently in a day, a combination canal cruise and walking tour can ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Day 2 in Belgium: Ghent
Ghent, with its canals, quiet corners, and vibrant street art, is a lively student town often seen as a (slightly) more affordable and less touristy alternative to Bruges.
Though the two cities may seem similar on the surface, Ghent exudes a more offbeat vibe compared to Bruges’ storybook charm.
Here’s how to make the most of a day in Ghent!
Check Out Gravensteen
Looking for a fairytale castle? Look no further than Gravensteen.
Dating back to the 10th century and set along one of Ghent’s canals, Gravensteen is the only remaining castle in Flanders with a moat and is truly a sight to behold.
While its exterior is majestic, the “Castle of the Counts” harbors a dark history.
Whether you choose to explore the interior or simply admire it from outside, Gravensteen is a must-see.
Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral
St. Bavo’s Cathedral, over 1,000 years old, boasts a stunning interior that’s well worth a quick visit.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the cathedral is famous for housing The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (also known as the Ghent Altarpiece), a renowned piece of Flemish art.
Stroll Down Werregarenstraat
What’s a city to do when it wants to encourage street art but protect its historic buildings?
Dedicate an entire street to art, of course!
Werregarenstraat is a pedestrian street filled with vibrant, ever-changing street art—a quick peek during your 3 days in Belgium is definitely worthwhile.
Stop by St. Nicholas’ Church and St. Michael’s Bridge
Located next to each other, St. Nicholas’ Church and St. Michael’s Bridge are among Ghent’s top attractions.
St. Nicholas’ Church, with its soaring Gothic architecture, is considered by many to be the city’s most beautiful church and is easy (and free) to visit.
Meanwhile, St. Michael’s Bridge offers some of the best canal views in Ghent.
Day 3 in Belgium: Brussels + A Belgian Chocolate Workshop
As your 3-day journey through Belgium comes to a close, head to Brussels for a taste of the capital city.
I’ll be honest: many travelers find Brussels a bit dull, and we can’t entirely disagree—especially when compared to Bruges and Ghent.
That said, it’s still worth spending a few hours exploring, and there are some interesting sights to see!
We recommend spending half a day touring the city’s highlights, then finishing your trip with a sweet treat—but more on that in a moment.
Marvel at the Grand Place (Grote Markt)
Gilded and glittering, the only word that can accurately describe Brussels’ Grand Place is opulent.
This iconic square, home to the Town Hall, several guild halls, and the King’s House (now the Brussels City Museum), is a must-see during your 3 days in Belgium.
Scratch Your Head at Mannekin Pis
If you search for things to do in Brussels, you’ll undoubtedly come across Mannekin Pis, the 400-year-old statue of a small boy peeing into a fountain.
Why is it so popular? Who knows—but it’s only a 5-minute walk from the Grand Place and worth checking out for the curiosity factor alone.
Explore the Comic Book Route
Are you a fan of Belgian comics, particularly The Adventures of Tintin? Then don’t miss Brussels’ Comic Book Route!
The city is adorned with murals from famous comics, making for a fun and unique scavenger hunt.
Take a Belgian Chocolate Workshop!
With just 3 days in Belgium, you might find yourself on the verge of a sugar overload from all the delicious chocolate.
The best way to bring some home? Make your own!
What better way to end your Belgium adventure than with a chocolate workshop, where you can eat lots of chocolate, discover your favorites, and take home a homemade box of treats.
This popular workshop will teach you to make your own Belgian chocolates while also sharing the history of this delicious tradition.
Where to Stay For a Few Days in Belgium
Thanks to Belgium’s small size and excellent train system, you have plenty of options for where to stay during your 3 days in Belgium.
You can choose to base yourself in one city and take day trips to the others, move accommodations every night, or stay in two different cities and take one day trip—the choice is yours!
We recommend staying in Bruges.
In our opinion, it’s the most beautiful city on this list, and its popularity with daytrippers means you’ll enjoy it even more during the quieter evenings.
From Bruges, Ghent is only a 20-30 minute train ride away, and Brussels is about an hour by train, so there’s no need to move around if you don’t want to!
Here are some top-rated hotels in Bruges to consider for your trip to Belgium.
Budget
Hotel Notre Dame — Cozy Hotel Notre Dame is within a short walk of most of Bruges’ major sights, including a five-minute stroll from the Town Hall. It offers comfortable rooms, a complimentary continental breakfast, and excellent reviews.
Mid-range
The Black Swan Hotel — Located in a 17th-century building just around the corner from Grote Markt, the popular Black Swan Hotel offers a beautiful, centrally-located stay at an affordable price. The conservatory, where breakfast is served each morning, is a highlight.
Luxury
Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce — This luxurious boutique hotel sits at the intersection of two canals, offering magnificent rooms decorated with antique furnishings, stunning views, and exceptional reviews. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking luxury or celebrating a special occasion.
Have 4 or 5 Days in Belgium?
If you have 4 or 5 days in Belgium, there are plenty more activities to enjoy.
We recommend visiting the WWI battlefields near Ypres as your first addition. A tour can provide valuable context—this one from Bruges comes highly recommended.
You could also add a day trip to Antwerp, where you shouldn’t miss the city’s phenomenal train station, Grote Markt, and Steen Castle.
Prefer to explore another country? Luxembourg, Amsterdam, Paris, and Cologne are all within easy reach for a day trip from Belgium.
