5-Day Belgium Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Brussels to Ghent and Bruges

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 Brussels, Belgium. Parc du Cinquantenaire with the Arch built for Beglian independence in Bruxelles. Brussels, Belgium. Parc du Cinquantenaire with the Arch built for Beglian independence in Bruxelles.
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 5-day road trip through Belgium. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Belgium. You will spend 2 nights in Brussels, 1 night in Ghent, and 1 night in Bruges. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Belgium. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Brussels, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Belgium on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Belgium. Grand-place and Atomium are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Brussels, Laeken, Ghent, Bruges, Ostend, and Antwerp, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Belgium. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Belgium.

Throughout your road trip in Belgium, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Belgium.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Belgium fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Belgium today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
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Day1

Day 1

  • Brussels - Arrival day
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  • Brussels Park
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Your road trip adventure in Belgium begins as soon as you reach Brussels and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 1 night and explore what to see in Brussels, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Brussels is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Brussels Park. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Brussels. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Belgium. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Brussels, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Harvest Restaurant Bruxelles, a popular restaurant in Brussels. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Brussels at BrewDog Brussels, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated À La Mort Subite. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Brussels tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Churchill's. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Station Bxl, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Delirium Café provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Belgium!

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Day2

Day 2

  • Brussels
  • Laeken - Laken
  • Ghent
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Drive 72 km, 1 hour 45 min

  • Grand-Place
  • Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
  • Royal Palace of Brussels
  • Cinquantenaire Park
  • Atomium
  • Saint Michael's Bridge
  • More

On day 2 of your road trip in Belgium, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Brussels, Laeken, and Ghent are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Ghent, where you will stay for 1 night.

Let Grand-place set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this visually striking public square before continuing your journey. Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert is your next stop. This well-known shopping mall is one of the best-rated sights in Brussels.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Royal Palace Of Brussels. This breathtaking palace is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Cinquantenaire.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Laeken, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Brussels to Laeken may take around 20 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Laeken, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Atomium, an impressive monument known for its culturally significant features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Laeken, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Ghent. This drive usually takes around 50 min.

Sint-michielsbrug is an often recommended historical landmark we recommend visiting today. Discover its visually striking features before continuing your self-guided tour.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Ghent. Ghent offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Ghent's best restaurants.

Make sure to reserve a table at Maste Bvba, an iconic dining spot in Ghent. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Godot, a popular restaurant in Ghent. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Patrick Foley's, a hidden gem nestled in Ghent. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Round off your dining experience by visiting De Geus Van Gent, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of The Alchemist, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Hot Club Gent likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Belgium.

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Day3

Day 3

  • Ghent
  • Bruges
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Drive 46 km, 1 hour 11 min

  • Saint Bavo's Cathedral
  • Gravensteen
  • Church of Our Lady
  • Belfry of Bruges
  • Bruges City Hall
  • Burg
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Belgium. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 places, which are Ghent and Bruges. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bruges, where will spend 1 night.

Visiting Saint Bavo's Cathedral is always a good idea. This captivating church is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the picture-perfect wonders of Gravensteen, a must-see castle in the city.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bruges. This drive usually takes around 46 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Church Of Our Lady, a beloved church that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Belfry Of Bruges and admire its UNESCO world heritage-designated features.

When you’re ready, continue to Bruges City Hall, a worthwhile city hall beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Burg, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bruges. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bruges. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Vlaminck '14, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Het Visioen? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at t'Lammetje as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bruges.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Groot Vlaenderen, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Bauhaus Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, 't Brugs Beertje offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Belgium!

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Day4

Day 4

  • Bruges
  • Ostend
  • Antwerp
  • Brussels
  • More

Drive 206 km, 2 hours 58 min

  • Leopoldpark
  • Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal
  • Antwerp Zoo
  • More

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Belgium. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Ostend and Antwerp. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Brussels, where you'll spend 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Bruges and set your GPS to Ostend. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 32 min. Upon reaching Ostend, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Leopoldpark, a beloved park that everyone visiting Ostend should see.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Ostend, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Antwerp. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 24 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Onze-lieve-vrouwekathedraal, a well-known church that everyone visiting Antwerp should see. Next, head to Antwerp Zoo. This awe-inspiring zoo is one of the most interesting attractions in the region.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Brussels, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Brussels, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Lobster House, a top-rated dining destination in Brussels. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Restaurant Roumaine. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Brussels this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Bar Des Amis, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Bar Du Canal is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Little Delirium ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Belgium.

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Day5

Day 5

  • Brussels - Departure day
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  • St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels
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Day 5 of your road trip in Belgium is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Brussels before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at St Michael And St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels. This well-known church is a hotspot among locals.

For a shopping spree in Brussels, we recommend the lively Avenue Louise. Here, you'll find a range of shops you can browse for some souvenir shopping. Discover boutiques with stylish fashion choices to upgrade your wardrobe. You can also explore high-end shops for luxury items.

Before you conclude your road trip in Belgium, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Brussels.

If you're eager to try something different, consider Le Marmiton, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Brussels. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Belgium!

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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