Top 6 Road Trips in Belgium

Belgium offers more than just chips and chocolate; it boasts some of Europe’s most captivating historic cities within its small borders.

The stunning Grand Place in Brussels, the unique charm of Ghent, the stylishly revamped Antwerp, and the picturesque canals of Bruges are simply enchanting.

Despite their allure, these popular cities make it challenging for drivers with low emission zones (LEZ), limited parking, and perplexing one-way streets.

Utilizing public transport is the best way to explore these cities—park and ride services are well organized. Reserve your car for the lesser-known Belgian gems where driving is more advantageous.

With relatively short distances, the real charm lies not just in the scenery, but in the closely packed attractions that driving your own car makes accessible.

Check out our guide to the top road trips in Belgium.

1. The site of Napoleon’s ultimate defeat

Ideal for Napoleonic history Waterloo to Waterloo; 20km (13 miles); a full day trip

On June 18, 1815, the most renowned battle in European history took place on the sloping, rain-drenched fields located about 5km (3 miles) south of Waterloo, Belgium.

Brussels was spared from being retaken by the French, and this battle signified the ultimate defeat of Napoleon, who was regarded as the greatest military commander of his time. Today, the phrase “meet one’s Waterloo” signifies encountering a major challenge and facing defeat.

The fields where nearly 50,000 soldiers lost their lives on that fateful day are now adorned with numerous monuments, the most notable being the Lion Mound, a 43m (140ft) tall conical hill crowned by a 2-ton bronze lion.

Adjacent to it is an impressive underground visitor center that can captivate you for hours, detailing various aspects of the battle and its significance. Having a car allows you to easily visit multiple battle-related sites, starting from Waterloo.

From the visitor center, it's a 1.2km (0.7 miles) walk to the Mont St-Jean farmhouse, which serves as a mini-museum focusing on Napoleonic battlefield medicine. The farmhouse also features a brasserie-restaurant that's significantly better than the cafes at the main site.

Another 3km (1.9 miles) further south, past several battle memorials, lies Le Cailou, a museum located in the house where Napoleon rested before the battle. After visiting Le Cailou, head north via Plancenoit, a quaint village that honors the brave Prussian troops who played a crucial role in a lesser-known skirmish.

Conclude your drive back to Waterloo. In the town center, you'll find the historic inn (now a museum) from which Wellington sent home reports of his victory.

Planning tip: Parking is free at all sites. Although slow buses do operate from Brussels to Waterloo and onward to the battlefield visitor center, many other sites are challenging to reach without a car. With free parking available in Waterloo, it's more convenient to explore Brussels from there rather than the other way around.

Ready to plan your adventure in Belgium? Decide when to visit with our seasonal guide

2. The Eastern Flanders loop

Ideal for medieval allure and Roman heritage Leuven to Tongeren and back through Hasselt; 210km (130 miles); 3-day itinerary

Many international visitors to Flanders focus on the western and central regions, which is understandable given the irresistible charm of Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Mechelen, and Lier, along with the beautiful beaches near Knokke.

Yet, the east boasts many charming historic cities that are often overlooked, which in any other country would be major attractions. Begin your journey in Leuven, the prestigious university city of Flanders, known for Stella Artois, the 'world’s longest bar', and its stunning medieval city hall adorned with statues.

Traveling southeast, make a stop at Tienen, the sugar city (Tirelemont in French), featuring a spacious central square and two impressive churches. Then head south to Hoegaarden, renowned for its beer and its delightful hilltop gardens, bandstand, and fine church.

In the quaint town of Zoutleeuw, east of Tienen, you’ll find fairy-tale buildings such as the town hall, charming cafes, and the UNESCO-listed 13th-century Sint-Leonarduskerk. Stop by Wilderen for a drink at Brouwerij Wilderen, a lively brew-cafe-restaurant housed in a beautifully renovated historic barn, then explore the vibrant Sint-Truiden (St Trond in French), filled with attractions around its impressive central square.

Before visiting Festraetsmuseum, check the opening and performance times. This quirky museum features a time-capsule collection of functional 1930s mechanical devices, including a skeleton-operated bell chime and a humorously simplistic steamship setting sail for New York—crafted without modern electronics. The museum is located in Sint-Truiden’s tranquil Bejijnhof quarter.

The next stretch of road is particularly picturesque, winding through rolling orchards and patchwork woodlands, with several castles dotting the landscape around Borgloon.

You’ll need to park and walk about 15 minutes through the orchard to discover a charming “chapel” called Reading between the Lines. Constructed from stacked metal slats with air gaps, it creates a visual effect that makes it seem to partially vanish from different viewpoints, particularly at sunset.

Spend the night and a good portion of the next day in the architecturally delightful Tongeren, which boasts remnants of Roman walls, an excellent museum dedicated to Gallo-Roman history, fantastic boutique hotels, and two Michelin-starred dining options.

After lunch on the second afternoon, head north, crossing the expansive Albert Canal via the 1930s Diepenbeek locks to arrive at Bokrijk.

Here, allocate a few hours to explore Belgium’s premier open-air museum, and don’t miss the nearby Cycling Through Water, a whimsical 21st-century cycle path that creates the illusion of cyclists pedaling through water from certain angles.

Spend the night in Hasselt, a city renowned for its jenever (Flemish gin) and a remarkable array of fine dining establishments (two of which are Michelin-starred) in the charming yet unevenly historic old town. Then make your way back west through Diest, a historic town featuring the region’s most enchanting begijnhof (a self-contained medieval village originally for unmarried women who preferred not to become nuns).

On your way back to Leuven, take a quick 5-minute detour to the quaint Catholic pilgrimage town of Scherpenheuvel, known for its unique star-studded basilica dome and a 1960s-style shop filled with religious memorabilia. Enjoy dinner at the Wagenhuis, which overlooks the idyllic rural castle of Horst.

Planning tip: Both Tongeren and Hasselt feature excellent boutique hotels and Michelin-starred dining options. Be sure to make reservations in advance to secure your place.

Looking for more activities? Discover Belgium's top experiences

3. The route of caves and castles

Ideal for fortifications and subterranean escapades Namur to Liège; 225km (140 miles); 2 or 3 days

Belgium boasts 3,000 castles, ranging from medieval marvels surrounded by moats to imposing hilltop fortresses. This journey also leads you through the Famenne-Ardenne Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with stunning caves, many accessible with proper transport.

Travel south along the River Meuse, passing through the town of Wépion and various chateaux, as well as charming Yvoir villages, all the way to the striking Dinant, where the Citadelle de Dinant overlooks the bulbous Église Notre-Dame church from its cliffside perch.

Cross the country via Lavaux Ste-Anne, home to its own moated, low-rise castle, then head to Han-sur-Lesse, which features Belgium’s most famous underground attraction, starting with an exciting train ride into the caverns.

Han is convenient for spontaneous visitors due to its regular tour slots, but if you plan ahead (pre-booking is recommended), you might enjoy exploring the lesser-known cave systems at Lorette/Rochefort or Hotton, where visits feel more like adventures.

Rochefort, known for its eponymous Trappist beer, is also a delightful spot for an overnight stay. For more lodging options, visit Durbuy – dubbed Belgium’s “smallest city” – which is tranquil during the off-season but can get crowded with tourists on summer weekends due to the nearby Adventure Valley park.

The following day, meander through the scenic wooded hills via Ocquier to Modave, home to one of Belgium’s most magnificent châteaux. In stark contrast, the fortress in Huy, located further north, is a formidable structure steeped in WWII history – it even housed PG Wodehouse for a time – and the views from the cable car (operating from April to October) are breathtaking.

From Huy, head northeast to Jehay, where one of Belgium’s most beautiful yet least-visited moated castles showcases a charming gingerbread checkerboard design in its brickwork. Then take the motorway back to Namur or venture on to the outwardly unattractive yet vibrantly intriguing Liège.

Planning tip: Even in hot weather, pack some warm clothing for your cave visits. You'll likely spend an hour or more underground, where temperatures remain cool throughout the year.

4. WWI Route

Best for WWI history and local brews Nieuwpoort to Diksmuide via Ypres (Ieper); 95km (60 miles); plan for at least 2 days

This route leads you to significant WWI landmarks and rebuilt medieval town centers that were once reduced to rubble during the conflict. Begin your journey on the coast at Nieuwpoort, known for its charming center and bustling yacht harbor.

Navigate through the historic city of Veurne and stop by St Sixtus Monastery. The monks here craft Westvleteren 12, often hailed as the world's best beer and notoriously hard to find. Sample it (with caution!) at their onsite cafe, In de Vrede.

Continue south through hop fields to the brewing town of Poperinge, home to Talbot House, which shares tales from the British front line during WWI. The town hall features chilling execution cells that harshly dealt with shell-shocked deserters.

To the east of Poperinge, in central Ypres (Ieper), stands the remarkable Lakenhalle (cloth hall), one of the finest medieval structures worldwide. Completely reconstructed after being devastated in WWI, it now houses the impressive In Flanders Fields museum, which tells the war's story through personal narratives. Each evening at 8pm, the poignant Last Post is played. The next day, you'll appreciate having a car to explore the Ypres Salient, a scenic area filled with war graves, preserved trenches, and museums.

With many options available, if you can only choose a couple, be sure to visit the trench remnants at Sanctuary Wood, the Passchendaele 1917 experience in Zonnebeke, and the expansive Tyne Cot cemetery, which honors thousands of fallen Commonwealth soldiers. Return to the coast through Diksmuide, where the impressive 83m-tall (272ft), 22-storey IJzertoren stands as both a WWI memorial and a powerful emblem of Flemish identity.

Planning tip: If you're searching for a specific memorial or the grave of an ancestor/relative, start with CWGC (British/Commonwealth), ABMC (American), Mémoire des hommes (French), or Volksbund (German).

Discover our guide for more must-see destinations in Belgium

5. The Semois Valley route

Ideal for tranquil countryside and picturesque river views Bouillon to Vresse; 45km (28 miles); 1 day

The gentle peaks of the Ardennes attract WWII enthusiasts interested in the Battle of the Bulge near Bastogne, as well as extreme cyclists heading to the castle town of La Roche-en-Ardenne.

Travelers in search of charming rural scenery must choose their routes wisely, as many roads in the area wind through dense, dark pine forests that may not offer much visual appeal. Opt for this distinctly scenic route to explore various corners and viewpoints of the region.

Start your journey in Bouillon, Belgium’s most enchanting castle town, especially at twilight when the Château de Bouillon is mirrored in the calm river. Begin early with a quick drive along the Semois River, passing Cordemois Abbey to Moulin de l’Epine for lovely river vistas and delightful woodland trails.

After returning to Bouillon, take a loop through Ucimont to the Botassart viewpoint, where you can gaze down upon the stunning curve of the river known as the Tombeau de Géant (Giants Tomb).

Your next stop is Rochehaut, where a quaint tavern-café offers a great lunch and its own brewed beers. From Rochehaut, a panoramic terrace overlooks another lovely bend of the Semois, this time featuring the village of Frahan at the tip of the land projection.

To the west, the riverside town of Alle boasts numerous cafes and serves as a popular kayaking hub. A scenic road winds through the hills to Vresse-sur-Semois, one of the Ardennes' most artistic villages. Here, in the sub-hamlet of Laforêt, you'll find the Pont des Claies, Belgium’s last seasonal braided bridge.

Planning tip: The beauty of the Ardennes varies. While there are other charming spots not mentioned in this route, the Hautes Fagnes region has a stark allure, yet many roads here stretch for miles through dense pine forests with minimal scenic diversity.

6. The four-carnival route

Ideal for lively festivities Malmédy to Aalst; 265km (165 miles); 3 days

Each town along this intriguing backwards N-shaped route holds its own underrated charm and is worth exploring year-round. What sets this route apart is the rare opportunity to experience four carnivals in Belgium over the course of just three days, provided you time your visit just right.

The weekend preceding Lent (typically in February), kick off in Malmédy and immerse yourself in the Sunday Cwarmê Carnival. The 2pm parade showcases a vibrant array of characters, featuring the striking yet playfully mischievous Longs Nés, adorned with anonymous masks and Pinocchio-like noses.

On the following morning, embark on a picturesque drive through the stark fenlands of Hautes Fagnes to Eupen, Belgium's most culturally German city. The highlight of Eupen’s Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) carnival is the cheerful parade, often infused with pointed satire.

Afterward, hop in your car and make your way west to Binche, potentially saving on costs by staying in one of the budget motels around La Louvière. Arrive in Binche early – the town thrives on carnival spirit and boasts an exceptional carnival museum filled with stunning costumes and masks from around the globe.

The renowned Mardi Gras parade takes place in the afternoon, but the most captivating aspect of this historic celebration unfolds in the early morning when groups of the legendary Gilles de Binche (ornately dressed participants) perform circle dances in the main square, donning eerie face masks.

Later in the day, weather permitting, the Gilles will don their extravagant feathered hats for a lively march through the town. Alternatively, consider taking a drive north to Aalst before that.

While you’ll miss the onion-throwing festivities on Monday afternoon, Aalst’s Shrove Tuesday afternoon parade is a delightful spectacle filled with humor and cross-dressing antics, making it one of the world’s most entertaining public events.

Planning tip: To fully enjoy this itinerary, begin your journey in Malmédy on the weekend before Lent, about six weeks prior to Easter Sunday, to experience all four major carnivals (Malmédy on Sunday afternoon, Eupen on Monday afternoon, Binche early Tuesday morning, and Aalst on Tuesday afternoon). Since Binche carnival is famous internationally, accommodations can be challenging to secure there (consider staying near La Louvière), while the other carnivals are mainly local, making it easier to find nearby lodging.

Traveling through Belgium on a budget? Check out our tips for saving money