Relaxed 7-Day Belgium Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Brussels to Antwerp

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Belgium, you’ll explore the area around Brussels, where you’ll be staying for another 3 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Brussels will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Belgium.

Cinquantenaire is an ideal stop early in the day. This locally renowned park is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Musée Magritte Museum, which may be one of the most visually striking places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Brussels 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 Brussels Comics Figurines Museum, an intriguing museum in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Grand-place and Royal Gallery Of Saint Hubert.

When you’ve had your share of Brussels, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Laeken. Your travel time is around 20 min.

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

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

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Belgium. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Brussels, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at The Lobster House, a popular restaurant in Brussels. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Brussels at o'reilly's Irish Pub Brussels, 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 Restaurant Roumaine. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Brussels tonight.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Brussels and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

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.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Belgium. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Belgium tomorrow with new energy.

On day 3 of your relaxed road trip in Belgium, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Brussels and visit amazing attractions in Ghent, just outside the city. You still have 2 nights left in Brussels, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Don’t miss Sint-Baafsplein today, a must-see street that offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant character. Take your time to explore its best features, and enjoy the convenience of nearby top-rated landmarks.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Ghent may take around 58 min. Upon your arrival in Ghent, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Saint Bavo's Cathedral, a notable church known for its stunning features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Belfry Of Ghent, an increasingly popular monument.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Sint-michielsbrug and uncover the details of this romantic historical landmark. Make sure to also explore Design Museum Gent, a frequently visited museum. For your last stop, consider Gravensteen, a culturally significant castle that many travelers find worth the detour.

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

Exploring the food culture in Brussels offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Villa Lorraine, a top-rated dining destination in Brussels. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Le Marmiton, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Bistro - Porte de Hal. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Brussels this evening.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at La Reserve, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Manneken Pis Cafe offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Addict Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Belgium!

Your relaxed road trip in Belgium continues on day 4 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Belgium better by exploring the top attractions of Brussels and beyond. With 1 night left in Brussels, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

After soaking in Brussels’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Bruges. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 23 min. When you arrive in Bruges, it's time to take a break from the road.

Minnewaterpark is an underrated park we recommend visiting today. Discover its awe-inspiring features before continuing your self-guided tour to Church Of Our Lady, a grand church that’s well-regarded in the area.

While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Belfry Of Bruges, a romantic and truly unique monument. End your sightseeing at Basilica Of The Holy Blood, a worthwhile church that’s highly recommended by travelers passing through the city.

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

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Brussels, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Don’t miss out on dining at Pasta Divina, a top-rated dining destination in Brussels. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Novotel Brussels off Grand Place, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Penta Hotel Brussels City Centre. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Brussels this evening.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Belgium.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Au Soleil. After dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Au Brasseur, another bar with an inviting ambiance.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Belgium.

Day 5 of your relaxed road trip in Belgium will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Belgium, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Antwerp, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Brussels to Antwerp may take around 52 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Antwerp, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Antwerp Zoo, an interesting zoo that everyone visiting Antwerp should see. Next, head to Museum Plantin-moretus. This history-steeped museum is one of the most increasingly popular attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Onze-lieve-vrouwekathedraal, an inviting church popular among locals as well as travelers. Rubenshuis is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this increasingly popular museum before you continue your journey.

Continue your laid-back road trip in Belgium as you make your way to Antwerp. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Aspen, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? De Zeven Schaken offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant Graanmarkt 13. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Antwerp.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Belgium.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Hopper. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Dogma offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Bar Basil, another top-rated bar in the area.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Antwerp as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Belgium!

On day 6 of your laid-back road trip adventure in Belgium, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Antwerp and set your GPS to Leuven. 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 53 min. Upon reaching Leuven, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the city's best attractions, visit Hortus Botanicus Lovaniensis, a beloved botanical garden 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 Leuven Oude Markt and admire its eye-catching features.

When you’re ready, continue to Grote Markt, an intriguing public square beloved by locals and tourists alike. Don't miss out on Saint Peter's Church, another highlight of the area that promises a memorable visit.

In Brussels, you’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a day on the road. Our top recommendations go perfectly with your laid-back road trip in Belgium.

Exploring the food culture in Brussels offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Savor the flavors at ibis Brussels Centre Gare Midi, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Hotel Le Plaza Brussels beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider BALLEKES (GRAND PLACE). With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Brussels tonight.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Brussels and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Belgium!