7 Days Driving in Belgium – Epic Road Trip Itinerary

23/07/2023 Indrani Ghose

Are you daydreaming about a fantastic European vacation? Eager to embark on an unforgettable road trip through the picturesque landscapes of Belgium? If your response is an enthusiastic double YES, then prepare to immerse yourself in this epic plan of 7 days driving in Belgium that will take you on a journey of exploration across this charming country. Arm yourself with Google maps app, feed the destinations, get-set-GO; something that I did with Garmin during my Europe Vacation some time back.

Farm Landscape – Driving in Belgium

Why a Road trip in Belgium?

I am assuming that you love road tripping through unknown lands. With that in mind let me assure you from my experience that Belgium boasts a well-developed road network that is known for its efficiency and connectivity. Belgium roads are high quality stuff – to say in short. Do read these key aspects of Belgium roads for further assurance:

High Quality Belgium Roads: Belgium roads are generally of high quality, smooth, well-marked, and equipped with proper signage, making navigation easy for drivers.
Road Signage: standardized and comprehensive road signage system that conforms to international standards. Signs are clear and informative, indicating directions, speed limits, and important landmarks. One unique aspect of Belgium is its multilingual signage in Dutch (Flemish), French, and German.
Toll Roads: Belgium does not have extensive toll roads like some other European countries.
Fuel Stations: Fuel stations are readily available along major highways, in towns, and even in rural areas. So, don’t worry about that aspect.

Some words of CAUTION:

Traffic Regulations: Belgium adheres to strict traffic regulations, including speed limits, seatbelt usage, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Make sure to follow these rules to avoid any penalties.
Traffic Density: The traffic density can vary, with major cities experiencing heavier traffic during rush hours. However, outside of peak times, you can enjoy smooth driving on open roads, especially in rural areas.
Road Users: Belgian roads cater to various types of road users, including motorcycles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Be mindful of cyclists, as Belgium is known for being cycle-friendly, and cyclists often share the road with motor vehicles.
Speed Cameras: Belgium roads have speed cameras on its roads to monitor and enforce speed limits. So it’s essential to observe speed limits to avoid fines.

Overall, driving in Belgium can be a pleasant and efficient experience. Just remember to familiarize yourself with local traffic regulations and enjoy the scenic beauty of the country as you embark on your road trip adventure.

Now, let us begin the BELGIUM adventure…

Overview of One Week Driving in Belgium

Here’s a snapshot glance of what you can see with 7 days in Beautiful Belgium. This itinerary assumes you have arrived and checked into your accommodation, and are ready to go first thing in the morning. I started my tour of Belgium from Hasselt (I will explain why) and ended with Tournai.

Day 1: Hasselt (base)
Day 2: Leuven and Mechelen (Distance from Hasselt to Leuven is 54.9 km via N2 and E314 and from Leuven to Mechelen is 24.2 km via N26, finally to Antwerp a distance of 28.2 km via E19 and N1)
Day 3: Antwerp (base)
Day 4: Day trip from Antwerp to Ghent and Bruges (Distance from Antwerp to Ghent is 57.8 km via E17 and from Ghent to Bruges is 51.7 km via E40, Back to Antwerp from Bruges, a distance of 91.2 km via N49.)
Day 5: Breendonk, Atomium and Waterloo (Distance Antwerp to Breendonk is 22.9 km; from there to Atomium is 18.6 km via A12; from there to Waterloo via RO and E 40, a distance of 37.9 km in 31 min.)
Day 6: Brussels (base) (Distance from Waterloo to Brussels is 22.3 km via RO)
Day 7: Tournai (Distance from Brussels to Tournai is 87.1 km via E429.)

(Please take into consideration the traffic jams as suggested by Google maps apps on the days of your travel.)

Driving in Belgium – Road Map

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Where to Base in Belgium

Belgium is a fairly small country. If you don’t like moving hotels, you could stay in Brussels the entire one week and keep making day trips to all other cities of Belgium from there.

I split up my base in three cities, Hasselt, Antwerp and Brussels. The reason why I chose Hasselt to start my Belgium tour is that I was doing a cross country Europe vacation with my family of four. We hired the car from Frankfurt airport, drove into Hasselt from Aachen in Germany.

Hotels in Belgium

In all the three cities of Belgium, that is Hasselt, Antwerp and Brussels I stayed in Holiday Inn hotels. I usually prefer hotel chains and Holiday Inn is one of the chains I prefer. I have collected points and redeemed them too, thus saving up a lot on stay expenses.

Best One Week in Belgium – Road Trip Itinerary

There are many ways to structure a one week in Belgium itinerary. But this is my recommended point to point 7 days itinerary of diving in Belgium through 9 cities to see the best of Belgium.

Day 1 in Belgium: Sightseeing in Hasselt

HASSELT BELGIUM

Visit Hasselt Cathedral (Sint-Quintinus Kathedraal), climb to the top of the church and see the bells and the city view from above. Cathedral contains a lot of important art and religious objects such as the scabs of the virgins and the 700 years old bleeding holy wafer. From gargoyles to statues, stained glass and carvings, this cathedral is an architectural marvel inside and out. you can see the tower from far away with his night illumination.
Tickets: Free sight
Timings: 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM.
Tour duration: one hour

Explore the Japanese Garden of Hasselt, created by Japanese architect Takayuki Inoue. Designed in the traditional 17th-century style, it was donated to the Belgian city by the city of Itami. It is the largest Japanese garden in Europe. Highlight: 250 Japanese Cherry Trees.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM, weekends and public holidays from 2 PM to 6 PM
Tickets: Adults – 6 euros, students +12 years – 1 euro, children up to 12 years – free
Tour duration: one to two hours

Jenever Museum – Originally a distillery which became a museum. Learn Jenever history and how it is made. You get all details of production nicely explained and illustrated, with many more interesting points such as the impact of alcohol, the many scents, and more. With the entrance ticket you get a free tasting at the end of the tour!
Tickets: 6 euros
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM, closed on Mondays.
Tour time: One hour

Lunch/Dinner at any of these restaurants:

Ogst (Michelin) – Belgian, European, Contemporary
De Levensboom – Belgian, European, Contemporary
Jer – French, Belgian, European

Hasselt’s beguinage is one of 13 in Belgium that were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. An architectural complex which was created to house beguines: lay religious women who lived in community without taking vows or retiring from the world. Today, known by the name Z33, it functions as an art complex.
Timings: Open every day except Monday from 11 AM to 6 PM, Sunday and public holidays from 2 PM to 5 PM.
Tour time: one hour.

Hasselt Fashion Museum is housed in a 17th century building. The architecture is interesting. The Museum (Modemuseum Hasselt) traces the history of Western fashion from 1750 to the current time. Its extensive collection numbers approximately 18,000 items.
Timings: Open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Mondays.

In the evening take a leisurely stroll along Historic City Centre of Hasselt. It is famous for the half-timbered Het Sweert on Grote Markt (1659), the city’s 17th Century town hall and the Renaissance refuge house for Herkenrode Abbey.

Here are some of the best tours and experience you may want to book in Hasselt:

Japanese Garden Hasselt Belgium

Day 2 of Driving in Belgium: Leuven and Mechelen

On the second day of your 7 days in Belgium itinerary plan to cover two towns – Leuven and Mechelen.

LEUVEN BELGIUM

Leuven has a wonderful blend of medieval charm and vibrant modernity. Thankfully all major landmarks of Leuven are packed around the Grote Markt.

The Leuven town hall, a 15th-century Gothic-style, former municipal headquarters with spires and 236 sculptures on the walls is worth visiting with kids. The facade has intricate sculptures and beautifully detailed architecture. Book a guided tour if you want to visit the interiors – you can visit the foyer, the large and small Gothic Hall and the council hall. The inside of the town hall is well preserved with wooden ceilings and grand chandeliers.

The Town Hall is surrounded by streets and squares with restaurant and cafés

Visit the stunning St. Peter’s Church in Leuven. Just one minute walking distance from Town hall is the Saint Peter’s Church.
Timings: 10 AM to 4.30 PM Sundays – 11 AM to 4.30 PM
Tickets: Free entrance.

At three minutes walking distance is Leuven’s renowned university. The beautiful library here houses a vast collection of ancient manuscripts.

Visit the picturesque Groof Begijnhof (Great Beguinage), a quiet quarter featuring well-preserved buildings as a religious women’s village, included in the UNESCO Heritage list. It is 13 minutes walking distance, 1.1 km, from Town Hall. The serene atmosphere and charming white colored houses create an oasis of peace in the heart of the city.

This would have easily consumed the morning hours of the second day. Have a quick lunch at any of these following restaurants:

La Stanza – Italian Restaurant
El Sombrero – Mexican Restaurant
dweref – fast service, Laid-back eatery offering small plates, salads, chowders, wraps & pasta, plus beer, coffee & wine

Here is a tour experience you may want to book in Leuven Belgium:

Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access

MECHELEN BELGIUM

Drive from Leuven to Mechelen, a distance of 24.2 km in 40 minutes. You will be well before the closing time of some of the monuments.

The major landmarks of Mechelen that can be visited in afternoon hours are:

Visit the soaring St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Brabantine Gothic architecture.
Timings: 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM
Tickets: Free sight

Climb its majestic tower, the belfry, for the breathtaking panoramic view of Mechelen’s rooftops and surrounding countryside.
Tickets: Family tickets are 16 euros.
Timings: The tower is open from 1 PM to 6 PM (last admission at 4.30 PM).

The Kazerne Dossin Memorial commemorates the deportation of Jews and other victims during World War II. It functions with a dual purpose, both educational and emotional.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM.
Tickets: Visit to memorial is free, permanent exhibition – 12 euros, temporary exhibition – 10 euros.

For a delightful experience, end your day with a leisurely stroll through Grote Markt. The vibrant square is adorned with the ornate Town Hall, charming cafes and historic buildings.

Drive to Antwerp, your next base, a distance of 28.2 km.

Day 3 in Belgium: Walking Tour in Antwerp

ANTWERP BELGIUM

Almost every Antwerp Travel Guide mentions that the best way to arrive at Antwerp is by train because it gives you a chance to admire Antwerp’s central station, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. But then you are driving in Belgium! So you have to make that effort to reach the Antwerp Centraal railway station to have a glimpse of its beauty. The station has four levels, 2 of which are underground.
Tickets: No entrance ticket required to access Antwerp’s main train station.
Tour time: Less than an hour

Antwerp centraal railway station

Diamond District of Antwerp, located close to the train station is worth exploring. If your pocket permits you can splurge to your heart’s content in the dazzling shops.
Tour time: Keep a watch on your watch, you may lose track of time.

Cathedral of our Lady, a Gothic masterpiece, has a good collection of paintings by Reuben. St Carolus Borromeo Church is another free sight.
Timings: Open every day 10 AM to 5 PM.
Tickets: Free entry
Tour time: less than an hour

Belfry of Antwerp City Hall is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. It is inscribed in the list of UNESCO heritage sites. The Belfry of the Cathedral is 403ft tall, tallest in Belgium; the carillon in the belfry has 49 bells. If you intend to climb the belfry, set aside an hour for it.

Step into the streets for a walking tour of Antwerp, see the unique statues.

Explore the old castle Het Steen castle, the oldest fortress building that has stood on the Antwerp waterfront since the 11th century. It is now turned into a museum.

Take a leisurely stroll around Antwerp’s historic center, the Grote Markt. You can see the City Hall, the surrounding guildhalls, and the Brabo Fountain at the centre. Afterwards take a seat at one of the cafes, munch on a delicious Belgian waffle or ice cream and soak in the vibes of the lively atmosphere of the square.

Explore the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom), the striking red sandstone building houses a captivating collection that delved into Antwerp’s maritime heritage and global connections. Climb to the museum’s rooftop terrace for the breathtaking panoramic view of the city. For opening times and more information, you can check here.

As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Scheldt riverbanks to bask in the twilight hours.

Lunch and Dinner

Fong Mei – Cantonese Restaurant
Dansing Chocola
RAS
El Rodizio Zuid

Day 4 Driving in Belgium: Ghent and Bruges

GHENT CITY BELGIUM

Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is a must-visit in Ghent. Major highlights of the cathedral are the stunning Gothic architecture, intricate stained-glass windows and the famous Ghent Altarpiece, also known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
Timings: 8.30 AM to 6 PM
Tickets: Free sight
Tour time: One hour

Gravensteen Castle is one of the best places to travel back in time. Nicely restored, and lots do see inside and outside. FREE audio tour, the narrator is amusing. He narrates interesting facts about this old castle, its former inhabitants and special rooms of the castle.
Timings: 10 AM to 5.15 PM
Tickets: 15 Euros for adults
Tour time: one hour

Climb the 432 steps of the Belfry of Ghent (world heritage), one of the oldest towers in Belgium. It is one of three medieval towers situated in the old city centre of Ghent overlooking the beauty below.
Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM
Tickets: 11 Euros, free for children below 12 years
Tour time: one hour

Take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront, the Graslei and Korenlei embankments are lined with historic guild houses and charming cafes. The cobblestone streets, charming houses, and cozy cafes in the enchanting alleys of Patershol, one of Ghent’s oldest neighbourhoods, exude a warm and welcoming vibe.

(If canal boat tours are your kind of thing to do, I suggest planning it for the evening in Bruges.)

Stop at a local eatery to savor some traditional Flemish cuisine, including a hearty plate of stoverij (beef stew), waterzooi (fish stew), paired with a refreshing Belgian beer.

Ghent Gravensteen Castle

Drive from Ghent to Bruges, a distance of 51.7 km in 40 min.

BRUGES BELGIUM

Visit the Church of Our Lady; highlights are the sight of Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture, its sheer beauty and craftsmanship, serene ambiance and the artistry that grace its walls. The church has the second highest brick tower in the world.
Timings: 9.30 AM to 5 PM, Sundays – 1.30 PM to 5 PM.
Tickets: Free sight
Tour time: less than an hour

The Groeningemuseum in Bruges is a must for avid art enthusiasts. It is a treasure trove of Flemish and Belgian masterpieces, including works by Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling.
Timings: 9.30 AM to 5 PM
Tickets: 8 Euros
Tour time: at least two hours

Kantcentrum (Lace Centre) housed in the renovated old lace school of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. The story of Bruges lace is told in the Lace Museum on the ground floor.
Timings: 9.30 AM to 5 PM, closed on Mondays
Tickets: Adults – 8 Euros, Students up to 26 yrs – 6 Euros
Tour time: at least an hour

Climb the winding staircase to the top of the iconic Belfry of Bruges for a breathtaking view of the medieval rooftops and the network of canals weaving through the town.
Timings: 9 AM to 8 PM
Tickets: Adults – 15 Euros, Students 6 to 17yrs – 13 Euros

Day 5 Driving in Belgium – Antwerp to Brussels

Start journey from Antwerp to Brussels with halts in Breendonk and Atomium. Distance from Antwerp to Breendonk is 22.9 km.

BREENDONK BELGIUM

Breendonk was once a concentration camp in Belgium. This is a WAR Heritage Site, a well preserved Fort for future generations to witness the terrible history and learn from it. Breendonk was a Nazi Concentration camp during WW2, liberated towards the end of the war. Whilst not a ‘death camp’ hundreds died here.
Timings: Open every day 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM
Tickets: Adults, 19 years and above – 11 Euros, Ages 6 to 18 – 9 Euros.
Time required: 2 hours

Drive to Atomium, a distance of 18.6 km in less than half an hour.

ATOMIUM BELGIUM

Atomium is a landmark modernist building in Brussels, Belgium. The structure, representing an atom of Iron, was originally constructed as the centrepiece of the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. It is an ideal place to visit in Belgium with kids.
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
Tickets: Adults 18 to 64 – 16 Euros, Child [>115cm-17]: 8.50 Euros
Tour time: two hours if not more

You may want to book this Atomium Tour: Visit this icon of Brussels and Belgium, a creation that’s unique in the history of architecture

Drive from Atomium to Waterloo via R0 and E40, distance of 37.9 km in 31 minutes

WATERLOO BELGIUM

Visit the Lion’s Mound and Waterloo Battlefield Museum for a learning experience. It’s known as the site of the final defeat of Emperor Napoleon I, in 1815. This is an ideal destination for students in Belgium. The site is very popular. Taking advantage the authorities have set three different price ranges and open timings for the different seasons.
Tickets and timings: Please have a look here for tickets and timings of Waterloo Battlefield monuments in Belgium.
Tour time: two hours should suffice

You may want to book this tour: Waterloo Private Battlegrounds Tour with Lion Hill

After such a heavy mind boggling history lesson take a leisurely stroll along the charming streets of Waterloo. The town exudes a quaint charm with its picturesque houses, inviting cafes, and friendly locals.

Visit to the three towns in Belgium in a row in one day, guess that must be quite tiring. Retire for the day in Brussels. Drive to Brussels from Waterloo a distance of 22.3 km via RO.

Waterloo Battlefield

Day 6 Walking Tour in Brussels

BRUSSELS BELGIUM

Seeing all of Brussels can easily take two days and more. It really depends on what you want to see. Being a tourist I have included the architectural marvels at the Historic center of Brussels, a museum, a palace, a park and two religious monuments (most of them are free sights) , which kind of makes the experience complete. Start the day early to maximize experience!

Grand Place of Brussels – La Grande Place (Grote Markt) is the central, geographic and historic heart of Brussels. The square’s history and the Grand Place’s main buildings are etched out in the designs and patterns on the facades of the buildings that line the square. It is a free sight and be warned that you can lose track of time.

Indulge in the hunt of cartoon characters painted on walls of various buildings in streets of Brussels, an interesting free activity. Kids enjoy this. Comic Strip Centre dedicated to Belgian comics is a must visit if you and your family are a fan of Tintin and Smurfs.
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Tickets: Buy Art Nouveau Pass that allows you access to any three museums.
Tour time: One to two hours.

Brussels wall painting – Belgian Comics

When its construction finished in 1883, the Justice Palace was the largest building in the world, and even today it is one of the most spectacular. Visiting the Palace, its dazzling interior, should be a must when staying in Brussels. It is free to enter.

With the triumphal arch dominated by a bronze chariot, the Palace of Cinquantenaire is a national landmark, an iconic representation of Brussels and was built for the Belgian independence in 1880. Parc du Cinquantenaire is open any time, but is fenced and staffed by guards every day of the week. Access is free.

The Brussels Cathedral, officially called the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, is one of the most important monuments in Brussels. It is a free sight.

Brussels Beguinage is included in the UNESCO list. Located on place du Béguinage, it’s a reminder of the existence and functioning of the beguines; the community composed a miniature village of individual dwelling with a mill, laundry, and flower and vegetable garden. You can visit the Church of St John the Baptist at Beguinage that has stunning interior. I found the door stunning.

Here are some of the best tours and experiences that you may want to book in Brussels:

Driving in Belgium - Door of Church of St John the Baptist Brussels

Door of Church of St John the Baptist Brussels Belgium

Day 7 Driving in Belgium – Brussels to Tournai

Drive to Tournai from Brussels, a distance of 87.1 km via E429

TOURNAI BELGIUM

Tournai being the second oldest city in Belgium, you can well imagine the historic treasures it must be holding within its walls.

Like every other historic city of Europe, the Grand Place – a triangular town square here too is a wonderful place to sit and relax as it is surrounded by most of the main Tournai attractions.

The angular St Quentin Church wedged between the houses lining the Tournai town square is unique and worth visiting. The Notre Dame Cathedral with its five towers is a magnificent monument. Free sight!

The belfry of Tournai is included in the UNESCO list.
Timings: It is open from 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 6.30 PM. from March to October, and 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM rest of the year. Closed on Mondays.
Tickets: 2.10 Euros

The Natural History Museum is a must visit destination in Tournai if you are travelling with kids. There are exhibits of life-sized animals and skeletons, inside there is a mini tropical greenhouse with butterflies, vivarium with many varieties of snakes and fishes and a courtyard teeming with – guess what? Tortoises!
Timings: 9.30 AM to 12.30 PM and 1.30 PM to 5.30 PM
Tickets: 2.6 Euros, this is included in Tournai City pass

Another interesting museum for kids is Maison de la Marionnette (House of Puppets). The museum has puppets from around the world, a theatre of Tintin, Charlamagne string puppet, Disney glove puppets and many more.
Timings: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 12.30 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM. Museum is open only in afternoons during the weekends.
Tickets: 3.50 Euros
Tour time: 1 to 2 hours

Tournai fortification walls are a great reminder of the medieval era when kings waged wars and built robust boundary walls to protect their kingdoms. One of them is quite close to the city centre. Take a leisurely walk to Pont des Trous (the Bridge of holes), a part of the outer wall. This 13^th century mammoth bridge across the River Scheldt, a free sight, is worth a visit for history buffs and architecture lovers. A part of the outer fortification wall also includes a tower called Henry VIII Tower, another free sight.

Tournai Cathedral Belgium

Conclusion

I hope you have enjoyed my one week itinerary of driving in Belgium. Writing about this trip was like driving down the memory lanes of the best cities of Belgium again. It had left me with a treasure trove of cherished memories of driving through the bustling streets of Brussels to the enchanting canals of Bruges, the vibrant cities of Ghent and Antwerp, and the serene beauty of the Ardennes region, exploring the length and breadth of this captivating country also wrapping Belgium’s rich history, culture, architecture and indulge in its delectable cuisine.

Though we did miss the other beautiful cities of Belgium like the Charleroi, Namur, Dinant and more we stuck to this route because or next destination in this Europe Vacation was Mont St. Michel in France.

Have you done anything similar? Please let me know in comment box if you wish to know more.

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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.