6-Day Belgium Road Trip from Brussels to Antwerp and Ghent and surrounding area

Welcome to Brussels, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Belgium! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Brussels's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

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 or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Brussels. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Belgium. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Barge, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible organic menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne is one of the best restaurants for modern and classic cuisine in Brussels. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Bozar Restaurant. As a top-rated it is an ideal choice for modern french and creative cuisine in the city.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Churchill's, known for its lively atmosphere. Delirium Café is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Bar Des Amis offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Belgium!

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Belgium, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Brussels and Laeken. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Antwerp, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

When you're ready to see some sights, Grand-Place is a great place to start. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 151,037 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert. This shopping mall has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 38,465 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels. The church has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 18,958 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Cinquantenaire. This urban park is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 35,271 reviews.

Upon reaching Laeken, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Journey into the unknown at Atomium, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable history museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 90,942 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Antwerp, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Antwerp's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Zilte, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional creative menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, Hertog Jan at Botanic, known for its delicious creative cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Antwerp is Nebo, a renowned restaurant , known for its delicious contemporary and modern french menu.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Hopper, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Dogma provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, BAR BASIL offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Belgium!

On day 3 of your road trip in Belgium, you’ll start and end your day in La Hulpe, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you will return to Antwerp for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience La Hulpe, Braine-l'Alleud, Villers-la-Ville, and Ottignies to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

La Hulpe’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Antwerp behind. This drive usually takes around 55 min. La Hulpe welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Domaine régional Solvay (Château de La Hulpe). This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,442 visitors.

After soaking in La Hulpe’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Braine-l'Alleud. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 15 min. When you arrive in Braine-l'Alleud, it's time to take a break from the road.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Lion's Mound. Previous visitors have rated this monument an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 5,668 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Braine-l'Alleud, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Villers-la-Ville. Your travel time is around 18 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Villers Abbey. This abbey is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,185 visitors.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Antwerp.

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

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

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Café DeLux, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, 't Waagstuk offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Antwerp. Den Hopsack is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

On day 4 of your road trip in Belgium, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Antwerp, Borgerhout, and Ghent. In the evening, you’ll end up in Ghent, where you will stay for 1 night.

Make Museum aan de Stroom your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this museum an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 17,015 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Borgerhout, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Borgerhout, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Take the opportunity to see Antwerp Zoo. This attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 22,907 visitors.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Ghent. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Ghent by securing a table at Publiek. Esteemed as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Vrijmoed, famous for its scrumptious creative and modern dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover OAK, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite world and creative french cuisine in Ghent. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for world and creative french cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at The Alchemist, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Hot Club Gent offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Trollekelder. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Say good night to Ghent and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Belgium!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Belgium. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Lessines, Cambron-Casteau, and Enghien. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Brussels, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Ghent, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Lessines. This drive usually takes around 53 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Take the opportunity to see Hospital Our Lady with the Rose. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,524 visitors.

Set your GPS to Cambron-Casteau and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 27 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Cambron-Casteau beckons with new experiences!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Pairi Daiza. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 69,456 visitors. Attracting more than 2,000,000 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Brussels. Brussels offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you explore more of Brussels, 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.

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels, an iconic dining spot in Brussels. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Le Marmiton, a popular restaurant in Brussels. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Le Bistro - Porte de Hal, a hidden gem nestled in Brussels. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Little Delirium offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Belgium!

Day 6 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.

Make the most of your final day in Belgium by visiting Brussels’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Belgium. Take home a piece of Belgium with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

Make Mont des Arts - Kunstberg one of your first sightseeing stops in Brussels. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,649 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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 in the mood to try something new, consider Café Walvis, another top spot with a mouthwatering 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!