59 days in Brussels, Ghent & Bruges Itinerary

The allure of the multi-cultural capital, Brussels, stems from its mix of political intrigue, artistic influence, historical significance, and a thriving social scene.

Explore Brussels' surroundings by going to Beguinage (in Hoogstraten), Antwerp (Begijnhof, Antwerpen-Centraal, &more) and Mechelen (Horlogeriemuseum & Haverwerf). There's lots more to do: contemplate the long history of Grand Place, appreciate the history behind Manneken Pis, take in the spiritual surroundings of St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule), and get in on the family fun at Mini-Europe.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read Brussels online trip itinerary planner.

Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo to Brussels is an approximately 16-hour flight. Traveling from Lubumbashi in October, things will get cooler in Brussels: highs are around 16°C and lows about 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Ghent.

Ghent melds the fairy tale-like beauty of Bruges with its stunning Flemish architecture, while at the same time supporting a vibrant cafe and bar scene.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Ghent: Kortrijk (Beguinage of Kortrijk, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk en de Gravenkapel, &more), Brouwerij Omer Vander Ghinste (in Bellegem) and Stokerij Van Damme (in Balegem). There's still lots to do: explore the historical opulence of Gravensteen, examine the collection at Pastorie Zaffelare-Lochristi, get to know the fascinating history of Ghent City Center, and explore the different monuments and memorials at Western Cemetery.

To see photos, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Ghent holiday planner.

You can drive from Brussels to Ghent in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In November in Ghent, expect temperatures between 12°C during the day and 5°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Tue) early enough to drive to Bruges.

The medieval town of Bruges centers around a canal, and the architecture of its historical district has made it a World Heritage Site.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Bruges: Busseboom Memorial Site (in Poperinge), Diksmuide (City Hall and Belfry & Petroleumtanks Diksmuide) and Ieper (Ypres) (Bedford House Cemetery, Ypres Memorial, &more). The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Historic Centre of Brugge, explore the world behind art at Groeningemuseum, examine the collection at Friet Museum, and take in panoramic vistas at Belfry of Bruges.

To find other places to visit, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Bruges trip itinerary builder website.

Traveling by car from Ghent to Bruges takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In November, daily temperatures in Bruges can reach 12°C, while at night they dip to 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Brussels.

Start off your visit on the 1st (Fri): examine the collection at Atomium, make a trip to Belgian Comic Strip Center, contemplate the long history of Grand Place, then pause for some photo ops at Manneken Pis, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule).

To see maps, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Brussels itinerary builder.

You can drive from Bruges to Brussels in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sat) early enough to travel back home.