7 days in Bruges, Ghent & Antwerp Itinerary

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

Do some cultural sightseeing at Historic Centre of Brugge and Groeningemuseum. Popular historic sites such as Ramparts Cemetery and Basilica of the Holy Blood are in your itinerary. Change things up with these side-trips from Bruges: Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 (in Zonnebeke) and Ieper (Ypres) (Market Square, Saint George's Memorial Church, &more). There's much more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at St. Annakerk (St Anne's Church), take in the spiritual surroundings of Sint-Walburgakerk, appreciate the extensive heritage of Walplein, and sample the tasty concoctions at Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan.

To see other places to visit, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Bruges route planner.

Hoorn, The Netherlands to Bruges is an approximately 3.5-hour car ride. In May in Bruges, expect temperatures between 19°C during the day and 9°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) early enough to go by car 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.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Tue): take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Nicholas' Cathedral, then admire the masterpieces at Museum Voor Schone Kunsten, then see the interesting displays at STAM Ghent City Museum, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Ghent City Center. On your second day here, explore the galleries of Gravensteen, visit Post Plaza, then make a trip to Korenmarkt, then see the interesting displays at Museum Dr. Guislain, and finally take a stroll through Patershol.

To find more things to do, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Ghent trip planner.

Traveling by car from Bruges to Ghent takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. May in Ghent sees daily highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) so you can drive to Antwerp.

Its reputation as a business-centric city distracts many visitors from the real draws of Antwerp: its historical sites, architectural beauty, and lively culture.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Thu): take in the spiritual surroundings of Carolus Borromeus Church, then take an in-depth tour of Fort Breendonk, then see the interesting displays at Museum Mayer van den Bergh, and finally see the interesting displays at Chocolate Nation. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Fri): don't miss a visit to Zimmer Tower, appreciate the extensive heritage of Begijnhof Lier, wander the streets of Zurenborg, then get to know the fascinating history of Cogels Osylei, and finally admire the landmark architecture of Antwerpen-Centraal.

To find maps, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Antwerp holiday planner.

You can drive from Ghent to Antwerp in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in May, and nighttime lows around 9°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Fri) so you can travel back home.