5-Day Belgium Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Brussels to Bruges and surrounding area
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Experience the freedom of the open road in Belgium as you embark on an unforgettable 5-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Brussels, Laeken, Ghent, Bruges, Cambron-Casteau, and Arrondissement of Dinant.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Belgium takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 3 nights in Brussels 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 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.
As you hit the open road and drive through Brussels, Laeken, Ghent, Bruges, Cambron-Casteau, and Arrondissement of Dinant, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Brussels - arrival day
- Brussels - Arrival day
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- Grand-Place
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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 2 nights 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 Grand-place or 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 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.
Make sure to reserve a table at Harvest Restaurant Bruxelles, 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 BrewDog Brussels, 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 À La Mort Subite, a hidden gem nestled in Brussels. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Churchill's, known for its lively atmosphere. Station Bxl is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Delirium Café offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Belgium!
Day 2 – Brussels and Laeken
- Brussels
- Laeken - Laken
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Drive 27 km, 1 hour 18 min
- Cinquantenaire Park
- Brussels Park
- Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
- St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels
- Atomium
- Grand-Place
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Wake up to day 2 of your extraordinary road trip in Belgium. With 1 night left in Brussels, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!
Today’s route brings a breathtaking, a picture-perfect, a historically significant, a culturally significant, a romantic, and a stunning. The first attraction of today is Cinquantenaire. This popular park is a picture-perfect place to see in Brussels. Continue your discovery at Brussels Park, a romantic park with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Brussels, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert. This well-known shopping mall offers a romantic encounter with Brussels. St Michael And St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels is the last of our recommendations for today. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Brussels.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Laeken. This drive usually takes around 20 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Take your self-guided tour to Atomium, a famous monument that everyone visiting Laeken should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Brussels and your accommodation.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Brussels. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Barge, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional organic menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 2-star Michelin-awardee, La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne, known for its delicious modern and classic cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Brussels is Bozar Restaurant, a renowned restaurant with a 2-star Guide Michelin recognition, known for its delicious modern french and creative menu.
Round off your dining experience by visiting Bar Des Amis, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Bar Du Canal, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Little Delirium 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 in Belgium.
Day 3 – Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges
- Brussels
- Ghent
- Bruges
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Drive 119 km, 2 hours 25 min
- Saint Bavo's Cathedral
- Gravensteen
- Minnewater Park
- Church of Our Lady
- Belfry of Bruges
- Grand-Place
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Belgium. Today you will explore Ghent and Bruges, 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 Bruges. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Ghent’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Brussels behind. This drive usually takes around 54 min. Ghent welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Spend your afternoon discovering Saint Bavo's Cathedral, a captivating church known for its majestic features. After taking in the atmosphere, continue to Gravensteen, a locally renowned castle that is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Bruges, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Ghent to Bruges may take around 46 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bruges, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Take your self-guided tour to Minnewaterpark, an intriguing park that everyone visiting Bruges should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Next, head to Church Of Our Lady. This remarkable church is one of the most up-and-coming attractions in the region. Don’t miss out on Belfry Of Bruges, an enchanting monument, popular among locals as well as travelers.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Bruges. Bruges offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bruges's best restaurants.
Start your culinary exploration in Bruges by securing a reservation at Goffin. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit De Jonkman, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Zet'Joe by Geert Van Hecke, a top local spot known for its tantalizing creative french menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Groot Vlaenderen, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Bauhaus Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at 't Brugs Beertje, another top-rated place in the area.
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.
Day 4 – Bruges, Cambron-Casteau, Maredsous, Arrondissement of Dinant, and Brussels
- Bruges
- Cambron-Casteau
- Dinant
- Brussels
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Drive 341 km, 4 hours 31 min
- Pairi Daiza
- Maredsous Abbey
- Dinant Citadel
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On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Belgium, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Cambron-Casteau, Maredsous, and Arrondissement of Dinant. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Brussels, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Cambron-Casteau, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Bruges to Cambron-Casteau may take around 1 hour 34 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Cambron-Casteau, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Make your way to Pairi Daiza, a widely recognized zoo that draws attention for its enchanting features.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cambron-Casteau, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Maredsous. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 14 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Head to Maredsous Abbey, a curiosity-inducing monastery in Maredsous. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Arrondissement of Dinant, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Maredsous to Arrondissement of Dinant may take around 23 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Arrondissement of Dinant, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Begin your journey at Citadelle De Dinant and explore the culturally significant features.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Brussels. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour 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 a wonderful meal at Villa Lorraine, a top-rated dining spot in Brussels. If you're in the mood for something new, try Le Marmiton, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Le Bistro - Porte de Hal. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Brussels.
If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, La Reserve offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Manneken Pis Cafe is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Addict Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Belgium!
Day 5 – Brussels - departure day
- Brussels - Departure day
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- Mont des Arts - Kunstberg
- Grand-Place
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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.
On your last day in Belgium, take time to indulge in shopping at Brussels’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.
Before you conclude your road trip in Belgium, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Brussels.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Pasta Divina, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Novotel Brussels off Grand Place is another top choice with a popular 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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