Belgium Culinary Highlights: Ghent, Antwerp & Brussels - 7 Days

Highlights

• Explore Ghent's culinary highlights at your own pace, armed with a list and a map
• Enter the world's largest Belgian chocolate museum, Chocolate Nation Antwerp
• Visit at least two breweries, including Brouwbar and De Koninck in Ghent
• Sip your way around Brussels on a guided beer walk of the city
• See cacao trees growing in the tropical greenhouse at Belgian Chocolate Village

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Brussels, Transfer to Ghent, Walking Tour & Brouwbar Brewery

Welcome to Belgium! After touching down in Brussels, take the one-hour train journey to Ghent to begin a day of guided fun. Over two hours, you'll get familiar with the city sights, starting with Sint-Michielsbridge (Saint Michael's Bridge) and the Graslei Boulevard that runs alongside. As you wander between landmarks, such as the city hall, cathedrals, and elegant squares like Groentemarkt and Korenmarkt, you'll hear about the history and legends of the city, ending up at the centrally-located medieval Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts).

This being a food and drink discovery trip, your guide will point out specialist Belgian produce shops along the way. Don't miss the chance to try the local raspberry-flavored candy Gentse neuzen, which translates as "Ghent noses." You'll end up at the Brouwbar craft beer microbrewery in the bohemian Patershol neighborhood. Staff will talk you through the beer-making process—the character of their traditional brew is typical of Ghent: edgy but deeply rooted in the Belgian beer culture. Take a seat beside the beer kettles and try a variety of brews, from Saison (a highly carbonated pale ale) to strong, hoppy styles.

Day 2: Self-Guided Culinary Walk of Ghent

East Flanders has more than 175 traditional regional products, and you'll find fine examples of them all here in Ghent. Having familiarized yourself with the city's layout the previous day, you'll now set off on an independent adventure. Armed with a list of recommendations (plus a map, so you know where to find them), you'll discover the best of Ghent's gastronomic delights. Stop for a bite, settle in for a drink whenever it takes your fancy, and experience this laid-back city at your own pace.

Inhale the aroma of mustard and spices that fills the 1860s interior at Tierenteyn-Verlent, browse the old-fashioned sweets in jars at Confiserie Temmerman, and choose between 215 flavors of jenever (a Dutch version of gin) at the canalside bar 't Dreupelkot. For a lunch that's all about celebrating local food produce, try Ooost, a marketplace, and restaurant that only works with East Flemish regional suppliers. Their sharing menu will introduce you to cuisines such as Ghent stew and rillette, which is a bit like confit meat.

Day 3: Transfer to Antwerp, Chocolate Nation Antwerp

Wave goodbye to Ghent and take the hour-long train ride to Antwerp, where you'll spend the next two days. In the mid-16th century, Antwerp was one of Europe's most important cities, and its medieval center is fantastically preserved. As Antwerp is a port city, you'll find plenty of international influences on its cuisine, as well as classic Belgian fare. 

Day 4: Antwerp Food Tour, De Koninck Brewery Tour

After breakfast and a leisurely morning, you'll get to know Antwerp's cuisine on a guided walking gastronomy tour. No food tour here would be complete without a stop at a classic Belgian bakery, where you'll try Belgian frieten (fries), chocolate, and waffles—you won't be able to resist that fresh-baked smell! The tour ends near one of the city's foodie hotspots, so you can continue the taste extravaganza on your own if you're not full already. 

Next, it's on to City Brewery De Koninck, named for Antwerp's cornerstone tipple—an amber-colored Belgian ale. However, this interactive one-hour tour introduces you to a variety of Belgian beers, which you can taste before and after. It takes an hour to get around the themed exhibition rooms, where you'll learn about Antwerp as a beer city, Belgian beers, and the brewing process. A highlight is a 13-foot-high (4 m) bridge that gives you a bird's-eye view of the brewery hall.

Day 5: Transfer to Brussels, Guided Beer Walk

It's time to hit your final destination as you catch the train to the beautiful Belgian capital of Brussels. After settling in, head off on a guided beer walk for the next three hours. Brussels is one of Europe's major beer cities, with a brewing tradition that goes back to 12th-century monks and a flourishing contemporary beer scene.

Your guide will detail the heritage and culture of beer as you make your way around five-or-so hotspots through the city's historical heart. You'll have the opportunity to try a wide range of Belgian beers, from witbiers (white beers), a Belgian-style wheat ale) to dubbels (doubles), or strong dark beers, as you go. 

Day 6: Explore Brussels, Belgian Chocolate Village

Your final day in Belgium gives you time to explore Brussels your way. You'll be given a Brussels Card, which grants you free entrance to 49 museums and unlimited public transport rides. For those in pursuit of art, there's the Fine Arts Museum, Design Museum, Old Masters Museum, and the Magritte Museum. History fanatics should head to the City Museum, Military Museum, or Jewish Museum. For some special-interest spots, go for the Comics Museum or Autoworld. There are too many options to name, so choose whatever suits your mood and travel style the best.

For a pick-me-up along the way, grab a warm Belgian waffle from one of the countless stalls. In the evening, head out for dinner to try one of Brussels' popular local comfort foods, such as moules-frites (mussels and fries), stoemp (mash mixed with root vegetables), or Brussels sprouts.

Speaking of local delicacies, save space in your belly (and luggage) for the shop and café at the Belgian Chocolate Village. This former chocolate and biscuit factory near the Basilica of Koekelberg now houses an interactive museum that celebrates the Art Deco building's sweet history. From bean to bar, the chocolate village offers an interactive experience with an audio tour. See famous Brussels monuments like you never have before: in the form of chocolate sculptures. Then, walk among exotic plants connected to the cocoa bean in an indoor tropical greenhouse.

Day 7: Depart Brussels