Fairytale Bruges & Cosmopolitan Brussels
The tree-lined canals of Bruges are perfect to explore by boat
Two cities, one delicious week. Wander the fairy-lit canals of Bruges, taste world-class chocolate straight from artisan makers, sip Belgian beers in centuries-old taverns, and explore Brussels’ grand palaces, Art Nouveau streets and lively markets. This 7-day itinerary blends culture, indulgence, and dreamy European charm. And no car needed!
Holiday Balance
Museums, delightful food and amazing architecture dominate this itinerary.
Culture: Museums, medieval streets, chocolatiers, breweries, historic squares, lace shops, Gothic churches and Flemish art
Relaxation: Canal cruising, slow coffee culture, gentle strolling, cosy cafés & scenic train journeys
Adventure: Cycling to windmills, canal boat touring, exploring countryside villages
The Itinerary
Arrival and Transfer
Several UK and European cities fly into Brussels Airport. Once there, you can take the short train into the city centre. A rental car isn’t necessary for this itinerary if you don’t mind hopping aboard the odd train!
Day 1 — Settle Into Old-World Charm
Check into a boutique hotel near Grand-Place or Sablon for easy walking access. This area is great for first time explorers of the city. Spend your first afternoon wandering through Grand-Place and the elegant Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, stopping for your first Belgian waffle and coffee. Ease into the city’s rhythm with a relaxed evening in Sablon, enjoying classic Belgian bistro dishes and perhaps sampling a couple of craft beers at a cosy bar before an early night. Lot’s of exploring to do tomorrow!
Day 2 — Chocolate, History & Mont des Arts
Start the day with a walk through the historic heart of Brussels. Either go it alone at your own pace, or take guided walking tour if you want the added insider knowledge! Perhaps settle into a chocolate-making workshop where you’ll create your own pralines or if you’re ready after a walk, have lunch at a traditional brasserie. With bellies full, explore either the Magritte Museum or Musée des Beaux-Arts (handy website about Brussels museum selection here) then wander toward Mont des Arts for sweeping city views. As evening arrives, dine on Belgian comfort classics like beef stew or croquettes and finish the night with a quiet drink at L’Archiduc, a moody Art Deco jazz bar with real local soul.
The Atomium, a modernist landmark, is the most popular hotspot in the city
Day 3 — Parks, Parliament & Ixelles Neighbourhood Life
This morning, take the metro to the European Quarter to stroll through Cinquantenaire Park and see the grand arches before visiting the EU Parliament area. Or if that’s not your thing, head to the northern part of the city where you’ll find the modernist landmark ‘Atomium’, a miniature Europe themed park, and The Royal Observatory. After a picnic or café lunch, head south to discover Ixelles, a leafy and arty neighbourhood filled with independent cafés and relaxed bars. Enjoy coffee and pastries by Place Flagey, wander the lakes of Ixelles, and finish the day with dinner at Wolf Food Hall, where you can choose modern Belgian street-style dishes and soak in the lively evening atmosphere.
Ghent is well worth a visit, for it’s architecture alone.
Day 4 — Ghent Day Trip & Medieval Magic
Take an easy 30–40-minute train journey to Ghent and start with a beautiful canal boat ride to orient yourself among its medieval buildings and riverside guild houses. Climb the towers of Gravensteen Castle and explore the cobbled lanes around Graslei, stopping for Ghent’s famous creamy waterzooi for lunch. Spend the afternoon browsing quirky boutiques and tasting local beer at a traditional pub before returning to Brussels in the early evening for a relaxed dinner and a slow stroll back to your hotel.
Day 5 — Travel to Bruges & Golden-Hour Canals
Brussels’ Market Square
After breakfast, catch the train to Bruges (about one hour) and settle into a charming canal-side hotel. Spend the early afternoon exploring Market Square, the Belfry and Burg Square, then treat yourself to warm waffles and decadent hot chocolate as you meander through medieval lanes. As the afternoon light softens, take a dreamy golden-hour canal cruise that reveals hidden gardens, swan-filled waterways and ivy-covered bridges, then enjoy dinner by candlelight in one of Bruges’ atmospheric restaurants before a romantic evening stroll beside the water.
Day 6 — Chocolate, Brewery Tasting & Windmill Cycle
Fuel up with a Belgian breakfast before following Bruges’ famous chocolate trail, sampling pralines at The Chocolate Line, Dumon and Pralinette, and learning how Bruges became a cocoa capital. After lunch near the canals, rent bicycles and follow the peaceful riverside path to the city's historic windmills, stopping for photos and fresh air before cycling back into town. Finish your final evening with a brewery tour and tasting at De Halve Maan followed by a hearty Flemish meal — perhaps stoofvlees stew or seafood casserole — in a cosy, candle-lit spot.
If beer and chocolate are your thing, Belgium is the place for you
Day 7 — Damme Countryside & Departure
Spend your final morning riding or bussing to the postcard-perfect village of Damme, where tree-lined canals and historic windmills set the scene for a peaceful walk and a leisurely café brunch. If you’re a bit tired of exploring on foot, you could try an electric scooter tour! Return to Bruges to collect your bags, then take the train back to Brussels Airport (about 1.5 hours total) where you can pick up boxes of pralines to bring home. Fly out refreshed, full of Belgian flavour and fond memories of cobbled streets, cosy cafés and fairytale waterways.
Damme is the perfect place to unwind in countryside charm
How Much Does it Cost?
Cost estimates for a 7 day stay, including everything from flights, to other travel, food, activities and add-ons. These estimates will of course change with traveller preference, and are per person.
Budget: £650 to £900: Hostels/budget hotels, casual eats, local trains, free walking tours
Mid-Range: £1,000 to £1,500: Boutique hotels, breweries/chocolate events, canal cruise, nice dinners, trains
Luxury: £2,000 to £3,000 plus: Heritage hotels, private tastings, fine dining, private city tours & transfers
When Should I Go?
A climate overview of Bruges and Brussels
Belgium is a year-round delight, but the experience changes with the seasons. Spring (March–May) brings mild sunshine, blooming parks, and café terraces (wrapped up!). Perfect for city wandering and chocolate tasting without summer crowds. Summer (June–August) is peak canal-side charm: warm evenings, festivals, outdoor dining, and the most buzz in Bruges’ old town. Autumn (September–November) is a foodie favourite. Golden streets, cosy pubs and brasseries, beer festivals, and rich seasonal dishes will warm your heart. Winter (December–February) transforms Belgium into a fairytale with Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and steaming waffles warming cold hands. If you love festive magic and snug cafés, it’s a great time to visit.
