One-Week Belgium Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Brussels traveling north to Bruges and Antwerp

On day 2 of your road trip in Belgium, you’ll start and end your day in Brussels, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Brussels, there’s no need to rush. Experience Laeken and Brussels to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Laeken is brimming with adventures.

Visiting Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert is always a good idea. This locally renowned shopping mall is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the history-steeped wonders of Grand-place, a must-see public square in the village.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Brussels Comics Figurines Museum. This curiosity-inducing museum offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Musée Magritte Museum, where you can take in heritage-rich features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Royal Palace Of Brussels These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

After soaking in Brussels’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Laeken. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 26 min. When you arrive in Laeken, it's time to take a break from the road.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Atomium and explore the picture-perfect features.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Brussels's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

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

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Bar Des Amis, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Bar Du Canal is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Little Delirium also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Head back to your accommodation in Brussels and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Belgium.

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Belgium, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Ghent and Bruges. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Bruges, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Brussels, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Ghent. This drive usually takes around 58 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Saint Bavo's Cathedral, a captivating 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 Gravensteen and admire its picture-perfect features.

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 49 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Historium Bruges, an intriguing museum 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 history-steeped features.

When you’re ready, continue to Burg, an intriguing public square beloved by locals and tourists alike.

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.

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Vlaminck '14, 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 Het Visioen, 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 t'Lammetje. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Bruges tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Groot Vlaenderen offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bauhaus Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. 't Brugs Beertje is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Belgium!

Wake up to day 4 of your road trip in Belgium. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Bruges, Koolkerke, and Ostend. With 1 night to stay in Bruges, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the often recommended Groeninge and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Boniface Bridge (bonifaciusbrug), a visually striking historical landmark that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Church Of Our Lady, one of the city’s most increasingly popular spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the underrated De Halve Maan Brewery.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Koolkerke, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Bruges to Koolkerke may take around 12 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Koolkerke, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Fort Van Beieren. Spend some time admiring the peaceful features of the park before you continue to your next stop.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Koolkerke 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 34 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 curiosity-inducing park that everyone visiting Ostend should see.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bruges and your accommodation.

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 wonderful meal at Bistro Den Amand, a top-rated dining spot in Bruges. If you're in the mood for something new, try That's Toast, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Petite Aneth. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bruges.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at De Garre, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, 't Poatersgat offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out The Vintage. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

Day 6 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Brussels. You’ll stay in Antwerp for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Museum Plantin-moretus is an ideal stop early in the day. This increasingly popular museum is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Groenplaats, which may be one of the most eye-catching places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Antwerp on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Onze-lieve-vrouwekathedraal, a captivating church in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Rubenshuis and Antwerp Zoo.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Belgium. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Antwerp is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Antwerp.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Ciro's, a top-rated dining spot in Antwerp. If you're in the mood for something new, try Het Pomphuis, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Ellis Antwerpen De Keyserlei. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Antwerp.

Continue your lively evening at Café Delux, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. 't Waagstuk is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Den Hopsack ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Belgium. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Mechelen and Muizen. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Brussels, where you'll spend 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Mechelen. This drive usually takes around 32 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Kazerne Dossin – Memorial, a worthwhile museum that everyone visiting Mechelen should see. Next, head to St. Rumbold's Cathedral. This picture-perfect church is one of the most up-and-coming attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Grote Markt, a romantic public square popular among locals as well as travelers.

Muizen’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Mechelen behind. This drive usually takes around 19 min. Muizen welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Planckendael Zoo is a captivating zoo we recommend visiting today. Discover its majestic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Brussels's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Villa Lorraine, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Le Marmiton is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Le Bistro - Porte de Hal. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Brussels tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at La Reserve, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Manneken Pis Cafe offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Brussels. Addict Bar 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 Belgium.