15 days in Belgium Itinerary

The medieval town of Bruges centers around a canal, and the architecture of its historical district has made it a World Heritage Site.

Gravensteen and Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Potterie will appeal to museum buffs. For shopping fun, head to The Chocolate Line Bruges or Koningen's Studio Gallery. Get out of town with these interesting Bruges side-trips: Beach De Haan (in De Haan) and Ghent (Boekenmarkt Ajuinlei, Be O, &more). Next up on the itinerary: explore the activities along Minnewater Lake, get a taste of the local shopping with Absolute Art Gallery, contemplate the long history of Historic Centre of Brugge, and indulge your thirst for a good beer at Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan.

For other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Bruges sightseeing planning tool.

Washington DC, USA to Bruges is an approximately 11-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time to Central European Standard Time is 6 hours. Traveling from Washington DC in January, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Bruges, with lows of 35°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sun) so you can go by car to Liege.

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

Let the collections at Chestret 5 Aurore Morisse and Travel Gallery capture your imagination. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Maison de l'eau and Eglise Saint- Sebastien - Monument classe. Get out of town with these interesting Liege side-trips: Domaine de Palogne (in Ferrieres), Mechelse Heide (in Maasmechelen) and Le Ninglinspo (in Nonceveux). The adventure continues: look for all kinds of wild species at La Roche-aux-Faucons and stop by Chocolaterie Themans (Chocolate Factory).

For other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Liege online route planner.

You can drive from Bruges to Liege in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. January in Liege sees daily highs of 43°F and lows of 32°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Wed) so you can go by car to Brussels.

The allure of the multi-cultural capital, Brussels, stems from its mix of political intrigue, artistic influence, historical significance, and a thriving social scene.

Atomium and BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts will appeal to museum buffs. Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Museum De Reede and Pierre Marcolini. Venture out of the city with trips to Mechelen (Vismarkt & Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-over-de-Dijlekerk) and Sunset Beach (in Antwerp). There's lots more to do: contemplate the long history of Grand Place, see the interesting displays at Belgian Comic Strip Center, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule), and explore the world behind art at René Magritte Museum.

To find reviews, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Brussels sightseeing website.

You can drive from Liege to Brussels in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. January in Brussels sees daily highs of 40°F and lows of 32°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) early enough to fly back home.