Discover Belgium: 9-Day Road Trip to Brussels, Antwerp & Liège

Suggestion For The Day:

• Begin your day at the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts,  one of Brussels' most renowned cultural institutions, housing a wide range of exhibitions, concerts, and performances.
• Afterwards, head to the Sablon district, a picturesque area filled with cobblestone streets, art galleries, and antique shops. Don't miss visiting the Église Notre-Dame du Sablon, a stunning Gothic church known for its intricate stained-glass windows
• After lunch, dive into Belgium’s comic heritagewith a visit to the Belgian Comic Strip Center. This museum celebrates the world of comics, featuring famous works from legendary artists like Hergé (creator of Tintin) and Peyo (creator of The Smurfs).
• Take a short drive to the peaceful Sonian Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• End your day in the vibrant Saint-Géry district, enjoying dinner and a delicious chocolate treat.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Today, take a short drive to Ghent (45 minutes) and start your visit at Gravensteen Castle, a medieval fortress offering stunning city views.
• Next, explore the Patershol district with its charming streets and medieval architecture. Stop for a coffee and Flemish pastries.
• Continue to St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the famous Ghent Altarpiece.
• For lunch, dine along the Graslei and Korenlei riverside with views of medieval buildings. Afterward, enjoy a canal tour for unique city views.
• Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, home to works by Hieronymus Bosch and Peter Paul Rubens.
• End the day with a relaxing stroll through Citadel Park before heading back to Brussels.

Today, leave the capital behind as you begin your journey from Brussels to Antwerp (approx. 1-hour drive). Instead of heading straight north, consider making a relaxed stop in Mechelen along the way - a charming small city with canals, a grand cathedral, and inviting cafés. Afterward, continue to Antwerp, where you’ll be spending two nights.

Suggestion For The Day: 

• Begin at the iconic Antwerp Central Station, often praised as one of the world's most beautiful train stations. Nearby, visit the historic Antwerp Zoo, home to diverse wildlife and stunning gardens. Next, head to the Cathedral of Our Lady, a Gothic masterpiece.
• For lunch, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Grote Markt, surrounded by ornate guild halls and charming cafes.
• In the afternoon, visit the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) to explore its captivating exhibits and enjoy panoramic city views from the rooftop terrace. Stroll along the riverfront and through the trendy Eilandje district, known for its modern architecture and artsy vibe.
• Wrap up your day in the South District (Het Zuid) with dinner at one of its stylish restaurants, savoring contemporary Belgian cuisine before settling in for the night.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Begin your morning at Rubenshuis, exploring the former home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens, with its stunning artworks and gardens.
• Then, head to the Museum Plantin-Moretus, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing rare books, manuscripts, and historic printing presses.
• After lunch on Meir shopping street, visit the Red Star Line Museum to learn the poignant stories of emigrants heading to America.
• Conclude your afternoon at M HKA - Museum of Contemporary Art, delving into Antwerp’s dynamic contemporary art scene.
• End your day with dinner in the charming Zurenborg district, followed by a drink at Dageraadplaats square before heading back to your hotel.

Today, continue your journey east from Antwerp to Liège (approx. 1.5–2 hours drive). To break up the trip, stop for a few leisurely hours in Leuven - a lively university town known for its ornate town hall, vibrant squares, and rich beer culture. After soaking in its charm, continue on to Liège, where you’ll be spending one night.

Suggestion For The Day: 

• Begin at the Montagne de Bueren, climbing its 374 steps for panoramic views of Liège.
• Then visit Liège Cathedral (St. Paul’s Cathedral) to admire its Gothic design and remarkable art collection.
• For lunch, head to Place du Marché, where you can enjoy local specialties like boulets à la Liégeoise and fresh waffles.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the Grand Curtius Museum, followed by a scenic walk along the Meuse River. If time permits, explore Boverie Park and its modern art at La Boverie Museum.
• End your day with dinner in the vibrant Carré district, enjoying Liège’s culinary and nightlife scene.

Suggestion For The Day:

Start your morning with a visit to La Boverie Museum, set in a peaceful park by the Meuse River, where you’ll find a mix of fine arts and temporary exhibitions.

Then head to the lively La Batte Market (if your stay includes a Sunday), one of the oldest markets in Belgium, where locals shop for everything from fresh produce to regional specialties.

For lunch, choose a relaxed brasserie in the city center and try more local flavors, or keep it light with a café stop and a classic Belgian pastry.

In the afternoon, explore the Outremeuse district, known for its local character and slower pace. Walk along the riverbanks, cross its small bridges, and take in a more everyday side of Liège.

If you’re interested in history, consider a visit to the Tchantchès Museum, dedicated to a beloved local folkloric character.

End your day with a final dinner in Liège, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot or trying somewhere new, before enjoying a quiet evening walk along the river.