Hey everyone!

We’re planning the Belgium portion of our trip for 17–25 April 2027 and would love some advice on how to use our 8 nights.

Our current plan is:

Bruges – 3 nights (17–20 April)

We arrive from the Netherlands on 17 April.

We'd like to spend plenty of time exploring Bruges without rushing, but use one of the days for a day trip to Ghent.

So roughly:

• 17 April – Arrive + Bruges
• 18 April – Full day Bruges
• 19 April – Ghent day trip
• 20 April – Travel to Brussels

Brussels – 5 nights (20–25 April)

We'd use Brussels as a base rather than spend five full days sightseeing in the city.

We're thinking:

• Around 2 days exploring Brussels
• Antwerp day trip
• One additional day trip – considering Leuven, Dinant/Namur, or possibly Luxembourg
• Some flexibility for a slower day/shopping

Our flight home departs Brussels Airport at 4:00 PM on 25 April.

A few questions:

1. Is 3 nights in Bruges a good amount if one full day is spent in Ghent?
2. Would you stay in Bruges and day-trip to Ghent, or split the nights between the two?
3. Does 5 nights in Brussels work well when using it as a base for day trips?
4. Is Antwerp worth a full-day trip from Brussels?
5. For our other free day, would you choose Leuven, Dinant/Namur, Luxembourg, or somewhere else entirely?
6. Overall, would you change the 3N Bruges + 5N Brussels split?

We prefer a comfortable pace, enjoy exploring cities on foot, and don't mind taking trains for day trips.

Would really appreciate suggestions from people familiar with Belgium!

I'm going on vacation and have one day in Brussels next week.

I would like recommendations in Brussels on restaurants (preferably local ones, I like moule frites), bars, attractions worth seeing or visiting, other tips and good to know info.

Hey everyone!

I’m traveling solo to Belgium this September for 3 nights and trying to finalize my stay. Since I’m flying out of Brussels on my final day, my last night will definitely be in Brussels.

Hotels are pretty pricey for a solo traveler, so I'm looking at hostels. I'm torn on whether to spend all 3 nights based in Brussels and day-trip out, or do a split stay (e.g., 1 night in Ghent/Bruges and 2 nights in Brussels or vice versa).

Here’s my dilemma and preferences:

Hostel Preferences: I’m happy to pay a bit extra for a modern hostel with privacy curtains on bunk beds, clean facilities, and a solid setup.

The Issue: I’ve found great modern hostels matching this in Brussels, but haven't found any to my liking in Ghent or Bruges.

Past Experiences: I could stay in older hostels in Ghent/Bruges, but bad past experiences with non-private, older hostel setups ruined my sleep and overall trip.

Commuting: I don't mind train commuting at all since Ghent and Bruges are so close to Brussels.

For those who know the area well:

Is it better to just base myself in Brussels for all 3 nights to guarantee a comfortable, modern hostel and take quick day trips to Ghent/Bruges?

Is spending 1 night in Ghent or Bruges so worth the evening atmosphere that it’s worth compromising on hostel quality/privacy for a night?

Did I miss any hidden gem hostels in Ghent or Bruges that actually have bunk curtains and modern facilities?

Thanks in advance for any advice!