Belgium is one of those countries where you can do a lot without going far. Compact, well-connected, and full of character, it's perfect for travelers who want variety without the hassle. One day you’re admiring surrealist art in Brussels, the next you’re biking along medieval canals in Bruges or sipping natural wine in a converted Antwerp warehouse.
Each city has its own story—and you don’t have to pick just one. With a train ride never more than an hour, it’s easy to build your own Belgium itinerary based on what you’re in the mood for: waffles or fries, beer or Gothic cathedrals, modern art or historic charm. Ideally, all of the above.
With bunq in your pocket, you can split your expenses in seconds, set budgets for each city, and travel stress-free.
Where to Stay
1. The Dominican / Brussels
Tucked behind a stately facade just minutes from the Grand Place, The Dominican feels like a grown-up sanctuary in the middle of the city. The lobby hums with soft jazz, velvet textures, and a subtle incense scent, while the rooms mix clean-lined minimalism with ornate touches. It’s where diplomats and design lovers alike go to rest their feet—and sip an old fashioned before bed.
2. Hotel de Orangerie / Bruges
Imagine opening your curtains to see mist curling off a mirror-still canal. This former 15th-century convent is all chandeliers, antique furniture, and plush fabrics, with a fireside breakfast room that could double as a film set. It’s romantic, yes, but not fussy—just timeless. Come here to slow down, watch the swans float by, and feel like you’ve time-traveled.
3. 1898 The Post / Ghent
A moody, turreted gem hidden inside Ghent’s old post office, this boutique hotel leans into its history without getting stuck in the past. Think: inky green walls, writing desks by tall windows, leather-bound books, and plush bedding made for sleeping in. The hotel bar, The Cobbler, has an apothecary vibe and serves cocktails as elegant as the glassware they come in.
Tip: Open a dedicated Bank Account for your trip and instantly set a budget in-app. That way, each city stop stays stress-free.
Where to Eat & Drink
4. Le Chalet Robinson / Brussels
A short boat ride across a tree-lined lake takes you to this chalet on an island in the Bois de la Cambre. Inside, it’s all warm woods, flickering candlelight, and windows that frame the surrounding forest. Order a basket of croquettes and a crisp glass of white wine, then sit outside and watch rowboats pass while birds chirp overhead. It’s a city lunch that feels like a forest retreat.
5. Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant / Ghent
Set along the canals with a beer list as thick as a novel. Whether you’re into Trappist brews, fruity lambics, or classic Belgian blondes, this is your spot. Bring friends, and maybe a notebook—you’ll want to remember what you drank.
6. Dogma / Antwerp
Tucked behind a nondescript façade in central Antwerp, Dogma is where cocktail lovers go when they’re in the mood for something a little extra. Come here for a pre-dinner drink that turns into a full-blown night out.
7. Veranda / Antwerp
Set in a former warehouse just outside the city center, Veranda is a breath of fresh air—modern, unfussy, and quietly brilliant. There’s no à la carte menu here; you show up, and they serve you what’s in season, what’s good, what’s been on their mind. Every dish is a surprise, but never a risk: think pure flavors, playful plating, and the kind of confidence that doesn’t need to shout. Perfect for a long lunch or an intimate dinner where the food speaks for itself.
8. Frites Atelier / Multiple cities
Yes, we’re putting fries on the list—but these are next-level. Created by Dutch star chef Sergio Herman, Frites Atelier elevates the humble fry with fancy sauces (like truffle mayo) and toppings like beef stew or parmesan. A glam twist on a Belgian staple.
Tip: With Instant Notifications, you’ll always know exactly what you’re spending—no need to check your receipt mid-meal.
Where to Explore
9. Atomium / Brussels
Part sci-fi sculpture, part time capsule, the Atomium rises above Brussels like a retro-futuristic dream. Step inside its shimmering steel spheres to explore mid-century architecture, surreal installations, and elevators with glass ceilings that zip you up for panoramic views. At sunset, the whole structure glows—a reminder that even Belgium’s symbols can be wonderfully weird.
10. Gravensteen Castle / Ghent
Right in the heart of Ghent stands this gritty medieval fortress, its stone walls weathered by centuries of drama. Inside, echoing halls showcase suits of armor and torture devices, while the rooftop offers cinematic views of spires and red rooftops. It's one of the few castles that feels more lived-in than staged.
Tip: Enable AutoSave to round up every payment and stash the difference in a savings goal for your next trip.
11. MAS Museum / Antwerp
Clad in red sandstone and glass panels that spiral upward like stacked shipping containers, the MAS is as much a sculpture as it is a museum. Inside, its exhibits explore everything from global trade to city folklore. Take the escalators up floor by floor and end at the rooftop, where the river and skyline stretch out like a painting.
Tip: Lost your card in a museum or café? Freeze it instantly in-app and unfreeze it when you find it again—no need to call or cancel.
Where to Unwind
12. Parc Leopold / Brussels
Hidden behind the European Parliament buildings, this quiet park is a green pocket of calm. Locals stroll past ducks and ponds, students picnic under weeping willows, and soft city noise is replaced by birdsong and breeze. It’s the kind of place where time stretches, and your only task is to sit and be.
13. Minnewaterpark / Bruges
Winding paths, arched bridges, and a placid lake with swans gliding across—it’s almost painfully picturesque. Dubbed the “Lake of Love,” this park feels suspended between fairy tale and reality. Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and let the day melt a little. Sunset here feels like a movie ending.
Tip: Belgium may be multilingual (French, Dutch, German), but English is widely spoken—especially in cities. And with bunq, your banking speaks your language too. Manage your budget, switch languages in-app, and hop from city to city without missing a beat.
Belgium proves that good things come in small countries. Whether you’re here for the beer, the art, or just a weekend of cozy cobblestone charm, it’s a place that rewards curiosity. Don’t over-plan it. Just start somewhere, stay a little longer than you thought, and hop on the next train when you feel like it.
Check out the Travel tab to see where other bunq users have been—and maybe drop a tip of your own.
Wherever you go next, it’s probably closer than you think.
