One Week in Belgium
 

I'm trying to plan a one week getaway trip to Belgium for my partner and I in May, and could use some advice on an itinerary. We are early 30's; enjoy beautiful cities, nature, great food, Belgian beer, local culture.

Here's my thoughts:

Arrive on Saturday evening at Brussels Airport from United States; train to Ghent

Sunday: Ghent

Monday: Day trip to Bruges (including bike rentals to Damme); night in Ghent

Tuesday: Day trip to Belgian Coast (Ostende, ride the tram back and forth to De Panne); night in Ghent

Wednesday: Day trip to Ypres World War I sights and back to Ghent; then train to Antwerp for evening

Thursday: Antwerp

Friday: Day trip to Baarle Nassau (the town split between Netherlands and Belgium); night in Antwerp

Saturday: Train to Brussels airport; fly home

I realize we're skipping Brussels, but have often heard it can be skipped. I also know the Baarle Nassau daytrip is unique, but we really want to do that. Does this itinerary sound doable by public transit? Is Bruges okay on a Monday, when many places are closed?

Is there any part of Wallonia that shouldn't be missed? I'd appreciate any advice!

If you can skip Bruxelles because you often heard it can be skipped you can also skip Wallonia.

If you like art nouveau, you should see Brussels.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...7622960216715/ and subsequent pictures.

Hi Jordan, if you include a cycle ride to Damme in your one day in Brugge, you do not have much time in Brugge. Some places are closed on Monday; if these are important to you, then visit on another day.

Baarle Nassau is just a village - how are you going to get there from Antwerp? Unless you rent a car it will take you 2 hours to get there. Perhaps spend a day in Brussels instead, and make up your own mind about it?

Plan your daytrip to the coast depending on weather.
There are a few holiday weekends in May; May 5 to 8 and May 14 to 16 will be very busy on the coast if the weather is good. On May 5th (Ascension day) there's the Holy Blood procession in Brugge, which you may or may not want to see. Some things may be closed in Brugge on these days.

OP has said there nothing in Bxl.

I'll be interested to get a report on Baarle-Nassau.
I've been living in Belgium for all my life and had never heard of this village.

(Too bad I lost my time in Bruxelles instead.)

Do I sound grumpy ?

Bruxelles is surely more interesting than Baarle Nassau.

Must admit I've never been there, but Baarle Nassau/Baarle Hertog is partly Dutch and partly Belgian, though it is located entirely in the Netherlands. The border runs through houses, cafes, streets. It's just a small village. Don't know if it would be worth a 2 hour trip each way on public transport. If you hire a car and drive there, combining it with a trip to Breda, or the Efteling, which is not far from there, it could be a nice day out.

I didn't mean to say that Brussels isn't interesting. I've just never been to Belgium and am trying to prioritize (with some admittedly unique interests like Baarle-Nassau). I'm considering adding an additional day in Brussels and returning on Sunday.

If you're looking for a place to stay in Ghent, check out Simon Says, a lovely B&B. My husband and I spent part of our honeymoon there and the hosts were wonderful, as were the accommodations. We loved Ghent. Enjoy your trip!

We were in Brussels for a few nights last year while I wouldn't rush back there we did find it a convenient base and worth a look around for a day or two.

We visited Ypres on a day trip for the WWI sites and would highly recommend this, it was a highlight of our 6 week trip. We took the afternoon tour with Over the Top Tours (though we did the morning itinerary). It was a small group and Andre, the guide, was great. http://www.overthetoptours.be/ypres.htm. We stayed for the 8pm Menin Gate memorial and would also recommend this (get there early for a good spot).

We also found the transport system easy and straight forward.

How are you planning on getting to WW1 sites from Ghent? You either need a car or a tour to "do " the sites. One recommendation is to do a one day from Bruges with Qasimodo tours - great commentary , small group and the tour goes to many of the famous places . You can finish at Ieper and stay for the Menin Gate ceremony and get the train back.
Lots to see in Brussels as outlined previously .