5-Day Belgium Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Brussels traveling west to Bruges
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Description
Explore the best of Belgium on a 5-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Brussels, Laeken, Ghent, Bruges, Ypres, and Antwerp. This road trip itinerary in Belgium seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Belgium takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Brussels and 2 nights 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 got 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. Marvel at the remarkable Cinquantenaire, learn more about the unique Gravensteen, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Antwerp Zoo.
As you hit the open road and drive through Brussels, Laeken, Ghent, Bruges, Ypres, 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, accommodation, 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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Day 1
- Brussels - Arrival day
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- Grand-Place
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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 in Brussels for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, 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 Grand-place, or just taking a stroll in the city center. 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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Harvest Restaurant Bruxelles, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, BrewDog Brussels offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, À La Mort Subite is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Brussels.
Keep the evening going at Churchill's, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Station Bxl, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Delirium Café, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Belgium!
Day 2
- Brussels
- Bruges
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Drive 120 km, 2 hours 39 min
- St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels
- Cinquantenaire Park
- Atomium
- Saint Bavo's Cathedral
- Gravensteen
- Saint Michael's Bridge
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On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Belgium, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Brussels, Laeken, and Ghent. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bruges, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.
Start by visiting St Michael And St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, a prime spot to begin your journey. This picture-perfect church is sure to impress. Next on your list is Cinquantenaire, another must-visit landmark and interesting park renowned for its awe-inspiring features.
While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Brussels by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Atomium. This historic monument is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Brussels experience. We also recommend visiting Saint Bavo's Cathedral, an interesting church. Nearby, you'll also find Gravensteen, ready to add charm to your journey. End your self-guided sightseeing tour with a stop at Sint-michielsbrug and wrap up your day with its visually striking appeal.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bruges. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bruges's best restaurants.
Don’t miss out on dining at Vlaminck '14, a top-rated dining destination in Bruges. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Het Visioen, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at t'Lammetje. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bruges this evening.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Groot Vlaenderen, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Bauhaus Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, 't Brugs Beertje also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Belgium!
Day 3
- Bruges
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Drive 143 km, 2 hours 20 min
- Belfry of Bruges
- Basilica of the Holy Blood
- Church of Our Lady
- Minnewater Park
- Menin Gate
- In Flanders Fields Museum
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On day 3 of your road trip in Belgium, you’ll start and end your day in Bruges, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Bruges for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Bruges and Ypres to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Belfry Of Bruges. This well-known monument is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Basilica Of The Holy Blood, one of the city’s best highlights.
Next, check out Church Of Our Lady, one of the most underrated places to see in Bruges. This church is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Minnewaterpark. Wander around and soak in the mesmerizing atmosphere this park offers. Then, head to Menin Gate, a top-rated war memorial that adds another dimension to your day. Finally, visit the curiosity-inducing In Flanders Fields Museum, the last of our attraction recommendations for today.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bruges and your accommodation.
As you explore more of Bruges, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Bistro Den Amand, a popular restaurant in Bruges. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Bruges at That's Toast, 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 Petite Aneth. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Bruges tonight.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting De Garre, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, 't Poatersgat is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Vintage also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Say good night to Bruges and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Belgium!
Day 4
- Bruges
- Brussels
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Drive 164 km, 2 hours 24 min
- Groenplaats
- Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal
- Antwerp Zoo
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Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Belgium. Today you will explore Antwerp, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Brussels. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. Whether you decide to explore Bruges on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Groenplaats is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this standout public square before continuing your journey. Onze-lieve-vrouwekathedraal is your next stop. This captivating church is one of the best-rated sights in Bruges.
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 Antwerp Zoo. This visually striking zoo is a sight to behold.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Brussels. Brussels offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Brussels. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Enjoy a lovely meal at The Lobster House, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restaurant Roumaine. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Brussels tonight.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bar Des Amis stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bar Du Canal offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Little Delirium is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Belgium.
Day 5
- Brussels - Departure day
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- Sablon/Zavel
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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.
At the top of the list of things to do today is to explore Sablon/Zavel, a neighborhood that captures the true essence of Brussels. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones. Discover boutiques offering an array of stylish fashion choices. For those seeking luxury items, check out the area’s high-end stores.
Before you conclude your road trip in Belgium, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Brussels.
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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