5 days in Belgium & South Holland Province 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.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Tue): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule), then examine the collection at Musical Instruments Museum (MIM), then steep yourself in history at Grand Place, and finally examine the collection at Horta Museum (Musee Horta). Keep things going the next day: buy something for everyone on your list at Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, appreciate the history behind Manneken Pis, then admire the masterpieces at Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, and finally examine the collection at Atomium.

For ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Brussels online travel planner.

Washington DC, USA to Brussels is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time to Central European Standard Time is 6 hours. In September, Brussels is a bit cooler than Washington DC - with highs of 65°F and lows of 50°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Wed) to allow time to drive 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 24th (Thu), don't miss a visit to The Markt, take an in-depth tour of Groeningemuseum, then make a trip to Belfry of Bruges, and finally steep yourself in history at Historic Centre of Brugge.

To see ratings, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Bruges road trip planning tool.

You can drive from Brussels to Bruges in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 67°F in September, and nighttime lows around 52°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Leiden.

Located in the flower-growing district, Leiden has been called the most beautiful city in the Netherlands.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Fri): admire the masterpieces at Museum De Lakenhal, then admire the striking features of Rijksmonument Jean Pesijnhofje Leiden, then admire the landmark architecture of Koornbrug Leiden uit 1642-1825, and finally surround yourself with nature on Verita's Visit.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Leiden itinerary planning site.

You can drive from Bruges to Leiden in 3 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a train. In September, plan for daily highs up to 66°F, and evening lows to 52°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Fri) early enough to catch the flight back home.