Belgium 10 Days Itinerary! Castles, Canals & Chocolate

10 days Belgium travel guide

Belgium doesn’t shout—it whispers. At first, you might think of it as just a small country tucked between France and the Netherlands, but step into its towns and you’ll find yourself spellbound. Brussels hums with cosmopolitan energy, Bruges feels like a medieval painting come alive, and Ghent surprises with its youthful charm mixed with castles and canals.

And then there’s the food: the melt-in-your-mouth chocolates, golden waffles dusted with sugar, and beers brewed by monks for centuries. Belgium is a place where the simple act of walking down a street feels like a cultural experience.

Best Time to Visit Belgium

  • Spring (April–June): Flowers bloom, festivals kick off, and café terraces fill with chatter.
  • Summer (July–August): Long sunny days perfect for canal cruises, though more visitors.
  • Autumn (September–October): Crisp air, fewer tourists, and golden foliage along cobbled streets.
  • Winter (November–March): Fairy-lit Christmas markets, warm mulled wine, and cozy evenings.

Tip: Visit in May or September—you’ll get the best of the weather without the summer rush.

The Perfect 10-Day Belgium Itinerary

Days 1–3: Brussels — A City of Squares & Surprises

Begin your Belgian adventure in Brussels, a city that mixes grand European institutions with quirky street corners.

Stand in the middle of the Grand Place, its gilded guildhalls sparkling in the sun, and you’ll understand why Victor Hugo once called it “the most beautiful square in the world.” By evening, the square glows golden under lamplight, with street musicians filling the air.

Don’t miss the Atomium, a futuristic marvel, or the Magritte Museum, where surrealist paintings make you question reality. And of course ‘Belgian chocolates’. Step into a boutique and taste pralines that melt like velvet.

Evenings are for beer tastings in hidden cellars and waffles fresh off street carts, eaten while strolling cobbled lanes.

Days 4–6: Bruges — Storybook Canals & Tower Bells

Next, head to Bruges, where time seems to have slowed centuries ago. The town looks like it leapt straight from a fairytale, with stone bridges arching over glassy canals and swans drifting lazily past.

Climb the Belfry Tower, and let the carillon bells ring out as you look over the sea of red rooftops. Wander the Market Square, sip hot chocolate in a café, and take a canal boat tour—the best way to see the city’s medieval charm from the water.

Evenings in Bruges are magical. As lanterns flicker on and tourists drift away, the canals reflect quiet streets and church spires—it feels like you’ve stepped into a painting meant only for you.

Days 7–9: Ghent — Castles & Lively Nights

If Bruges is serene, Ghent is its spirited cousin. The city is alive with students, festivals, and music, yet everywhere you turn, history stands tall.

Explore the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen), with its towers, dungeons, and sweeping views. Step into St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Flemish art.

By day, canals are perfect for boat rides past medieval guild houses. By night, the same canals glow under fairy lights, and locals gather at riverside bars. Ghent manages to feel both timeless and buzzing with life.

Day 10: Day Trips & Farewell

On your final day, choose one last taste of Belgium before you return home:

  • Antwerp: A stylish city blending Rubens’ art with a cutting-edge fashion scene.
  • Leuven: University town full of beer halls and youthful energy.
  • Dinant: A dramatic riverside gem with cliffs, citadels, and the sweet scent of honey biscuits.

Return to Brussels, suitcase heavier with chocolates and your heart already planning a return.

Hidden Corners Worth Discovering

  • Mechelen: A quieter town with a towering cathedral and charming old streets.
  • Waterloo: Step onto the battlefield where Europe’s history changed forever.
  • Spa: The birthplace of the word “spa”—perfect for thermal baths and relaxation.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Getting Around: Belgium’s trains are fast and efficient—Brussels to Bruges in under 1.5 hours.
  • Currency: Euro (€). Carry some cash, though cards are widely accepted.
  • Food to Try: Mussels with fries, warm Liège waffles, pralines, and Trappist beers.
  • Language: Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia—but English works almost everywhere.

Why Book Your Belgium Trip with World Tours

  • Handpicked hotels near iconic landmarks
  • Guided canal cruises and castle tours
  • Customized itineraries for couples, families, and solo travelers

“Let Belgium surprise you. Book your 2025 Belgium package with World Tours and experience castles, canals, and chocolate like never before.”

Belgium may not be as loud as Paris or Rome, but that’s its magic. It’s in the quiet glow of Bruges at dusk, the laughter spilling from a Ghent riverside bar, the taste of chocolate in Brussels that lingers long after it melts.

In just 10 days, you’ll see that Belgium isn’t just a stopover—it’s a storybook you’ll want to return to again and again.

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