9 days in Belgium 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.

On the 4th (Fri), don't miss a visit to Atomium, steep yourself in history at Grand Place, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule). Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 5th (Sat): take a peaceful walk through Sonian Forest, then admire the landmark architecture of Groot Begijnhof, then examine the collection at Musical Instruments Museum (MIM), and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Eglise Notre Dame Du Sablon.

To see ratings, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, read Brussels tour itinerary planning tool .

Philadelphia, USA to Brussels is an approximately 13-hour combination of train and flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of flight and train. Traveling from Philadelphia to Brussels, you'll lose 6 hours due to the time zone difference. In October, Brussels is slightly colder than Philadelphia - with highs of 57°F and lows of 46°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Sat) to allow time to take a train to Liege.

Although decidedly industrial on the outskirts, Liege also boasts impressive architecture.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Sun): contemplate the long history of Citadelle (Citadel), steep yourself in history at Old Town of Durbuy, then examine the collection at history44 Museum, and finally see the interesting displays at Bastogne War Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: appreciate the extensive heritage of Mardasson Memorial, learn about all things military at 101 Airborne Museum Le Mess - Bastogne, then take an in-depth tour of Baugnez 44 Historical Centre, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Coteaux de la Citadelle.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Liege trip planner .

Getting from Brussels to Liege by train takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 60°F, and evening lows to 45°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Mon) 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.

On the 8th (Tue), see the interesting displays at Rubens House (Rubenshuis), appreciate the extensive heritage of Cogels Osylei, get engrossed in the history at Museum Plantin-Moretus, then examine the collection at Red Star Line Museum, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Saint Paul's Church.

For photos, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Antwerp online trip builder .

Drive from Liege to Antwerp in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Expect a daytime high around 60°F in October, and nighttime lows around 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Tue) so you can take a train 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.

Start off your visit on the 9th (Wed): wander the streets of Patershol, take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Nicholas' Cathedral, then explore the world behind art at Museum Voor Schone Kunsten, then take in the views from St Michael's Bridge, and finally take in the waterfront at Graslei and Korenlei.

To find where to stay and other tourist information, refer to the Ghent tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by train from Antwerp to Ghent takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In October, plan for daily highs up to 60°F, and evening lows to 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) early enough to take a train 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.

On the 10th (Thu), pause for some serene contemplation at Church of Our Lady Bruges, take an in-depth tour of Torture Museum Oude Steen, then indulge your thirst for a good beer at Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Bruges Art Route. On the 11th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: make a trip to St Bonifacius Bridge, then explore the world behind art at Groeningemuseum, then make a trip to Belfry of Bruges, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Basilica of the Holy Blood.

To see more things to do, photos, reviews, and tourist information, read Bruges trip itinerary planner .

Bruges is very close to Ghent. In October, plan for daily highs up to 60°F, and evening lows to 48°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Fri) so you can travel back home.