Chips, chocolate, and the world’s best beers are just the start in Belgium, which packs several of Europe’s most enthralling historic cities into its compact borders.
It’s hard not to be entranced by the majestic Grand Place of Brussels, the quirky brilliance of Ghent, the fashionably reinvented Antwerp, and the dreamy canals of Bruges.
However, all of those big hitters work determinedly to keep cars out, using low emission zones, limited parking, and deliberately confusing one-way systems to frustrate drivers.
It’s best to visit those cities by public transport; park and ride is well-organized. Save your vehicle for the whole gamut of less prominent Belgian marvels where having wheels is ideal.
Distances are relatively short, and what makes things interesting, more than the sometimes-forgettable scenery, is the close-packed attractions that driving your own vehicle allows you to access.
Here’s our guide to the best road trips in Belgium.
1. Napoleon’s Final Defeat
Best for Napoleonic history
Waterloo to Waterloo; 20km (13 miles); one long day
On June 18, 1815, the most famous battle in European history was fought on sloping, rain-soaked fields some 5km (3 miles) south of the Belgian town of Waterloo.
Brussels was “saved” from re-capture by the French, marking the final defeat of Napoleon, who had been seen as the greatest military leader of the era. The term “meet one’s Waterloo” continues to symbolize encountering an ultimate obstacle.
The fields where nearly 50,000 died on that day are now marked by numerous monuments, the most famous being the Lion Mound, a 43m (140ft) tall conical hill topped by a 2-tonne bronze lion.
Beside it is a captivating subterranean visitor center, explaining facets of the battle and its context. Having a car lets you combine this site with several other battle-related locations, starting your journey at Waterloo.
From the visitor center, it’s a short 1.2km (0.7 miles) to Mont St-Jean farmhouse, a mini-museum on Napoleonic battlefield medicine. There’s a brasserie at the farmhouse that offers meals superior to those at the main historic site.
Another 3km (1.9 miles) south, you’ll find Le Cailou, a museum in the house where Napoleon slept before the battle. On your return to Waterloo, stop at Plancenoit, a small village that holds a memorial commemorating the heroic Prussian troops who altered the battle’s course.
Complete your drive back to Waterloo, where the former inn remains a museum from which Wellington penned reports of his victory.
Planning tip: Parking is free at all the sites. Although slow buses transport visitors from Brussels to Waterloo, reaching other locations is easier with a vehicle, and Waterloo’s free parking is a robust advantage for your exploration.
2. The Eastern Flanders Loop
Best for medieval charm and Roman resonance
Leuven to Tongeren then back via Hasselt; 210km (130 miles); 3 days
Foreign visitors often focus on western and central Flanders, drawn to the magnetic appeal of Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Mechelen, and Lier. Nevertheless, the east is home to delightful yet less-visited historic cities that would be major attractions anywhere else.
Start in Leuven, the great university city of Flanders, known for Stella Artois and the enchanting, statue-encrusted medieval city hall.
Heading southeast, stop at sugar-city Tienen, boasting a grand central square and two stunning churches. Divert south to Hoegaarden, famous for its beer and charming for its hilltop gardens and fine church.
In Zoutleeuw, you’ll find fairy-tale structures, especially the UNESCO-listed 13th-century Sint-Leonarduskerk. Stop in Wilderen for a drink at Brouwerij Wilderen, a buzzing brew-caffeine restaurant housed in a beautifully repurposed historic barn.
Explore Sint-Truiden, where attractions abound around its magnificent central square. Be sure to check opening times for the captivating Festraetsmuseum, which features a quirky collection of 1930s mechanical contraptions.
The route also features scenic stretches amid orchards and patchworked woodlands with several castles around Borgloon.
Park and walk about 15 minutes among the fruit trees to find the captivating chapel known as “Reading Between the Lines.”
Spend the night in architecturally enchanting Tongeren, home to Roman wall remnants and a superb museum focused on Gallo-Roman history.
After lunch, drive north to Bokrijk, where Belgium’s finest open-air museum awaits. Don’t miss nearby Cycling Through Water, a playful cycling path construction that gives the illusion of cyclists traversing water.
Sleep in Hasselt, a city renowned for its jenever and fine dining options, then return west via Diest, home to the region’s most grand begijnhof.
On the way back, stop in the pilgrimage town of Scherpenheuvel, characterized by its star-studded basilica dome.
Planning tip: Both Tongeren and Hasselt offer excellent boutique hotels and Michelin-starred dining. Booking ahead is advised to ensure availability.
3. The Caves and Castles Route
Best for fortifications and underground adventures
Namur to Liège; 225km (140 miles); 2 or 3 days
Belgium boasts approximately 3,000 castles, from moated medieval marvels to brooding hilltop fortresses. This route also traverses the Famenne-Ardenne Geopark, a UNESCO-listed area full of spectacular caves.
Drive south, following the River Meuse through towns like Wépion and the dramatic Dinant, where Citadelle de Dinant sits atop cliffs overlooking the scenic river.
Cross the country via Lavaux Ste-Anne, home to a charming moated castle, before visiting the well-known Han-sur-Lesse caves, starting with a fun train ride.
For those seeking exploration, consider venturing to the lesser-known cave systems in Lorette/Rochefort or Hotton.
Rochefort, also known for its eponymous Trappist beer, makes a delightful overnight stay. Alternatively, head to Durbuy, celebrated as Belgium’s “smallest city,” which brims with charm.
The next day, meander through pretty wooded hills to Modave, where the chateau impresses with its grandeur. In contrast, the fortress at Huy offers a haunting reminder of WWII history alongside breathtaking views from its cable car.
From Huy, continue northeast to Jehay, which features one of Belgium’s loveliest moated castles with its striking checkerboard effect in the brickwork. Then take the motorway back to Namur or onward to the intriguing city of Liège.
Planning tip: Even on hot days, remember to pack some warm clothes for cave visits, where temperatures remain cool throughout the year.
4. WWI Route
Best for WWI history and beer
Nieuwpoort to Diksmuide via Ypres (Ieper); 95km (60 miles); allow at least 2 days
This route takes you through key WWI sights and rebuilt medieval towns destroyed during the war. Begin at Nieuwpoort, enjoying its charming center and vibrant yacht harbor.
Travel through the medieval city of Veurne and visit St Sixtus Monastery, famed for brewing Westvleteren 12, among the world’s best beers. Enjoy a cautious tasting at the in-house cafe.
Drive south through hop fields to Poperinge, where the Talbot House recounts stories of the British front line, and the town hall houses chilling execution cells.
East of Poperinge, in central Ypres (Ieper), take note of the astonishing Lakenhalle, completely rebuilt after being bombed during WWI. It is currently home to the In Flanders Fields museum, showcasing the war through personalized narratives. Don’t miss the sentimental Last Post, sounded every evening.
During your exploration, visit the trench remnants at Sanctuary Wood, the Passchendaele 1917 experience at Zonnebek, and the remarkable Tyne Cot cemetery commemorating fallen Commonwealth soldiers.
Return to the coast via Diksmuide, where the 83m-tall IJzertoren serves as both a WWI memorial and a potent symbol of Flemish identity.
Planning tip: If searching for a specific memorial or grave of a relative, check resources like CWGC (British/Commonwealth), ABMC (American), and other relevant memorial organizations.
5. The Semois Valley Route
Best for quiet countryside and idyllic river views
Bouillon to Vresse; 45km (28 miles); 1 day
The modest mountains of the Ardennes attract WWII enthusiasts and extreme cyclists alike. However, for drivers seeking quaint rural charm, careful selection of routes is key, as many roads are lined with dark pine forests.
This scenic route showcases the region’s beauty, starting in Bouillon, where the castle creates enchanting reflections in the peaceful river waters. Begin early with a short detour along the Semois River past Cordemois Abbey to Moulin de l’Épine for picturesque views and woodland walks.
Return to Bouillon and loop via Ucimont to the Botassart viewpoint, admiring the river’s stunning curvature known as the Tombeau de Géant (Giants Tomb).
Your next destination is Rochehaut, where a lovely tavern-cafe serves lunch and its own beers. At Rochehaut, a panoramic terrace provides breathtaking views of the Semois and the picturesque village of Frahan.
Further west, the riverside town of Alle offers more cafes and serves as a popular kayaking base. A winding lane leads through the hills to Vresse-sur-Semois, an artsy village where the Pont des Claies remains Belgium’s last example of a seasonally reconstructed braided bridge.
Planning tip: The Ardennes region presents varied scenery, with some roads lacking scenic interest. Explore other charming corners even if they’re not included on the proposed route.
6. The Four-Carnival Route
Best for exuberant celebrations
Malmédy to Aalst; 265km (165 miles); 3 days
Each town along this intriguing backwards N-shaped route is underrated, yet they shine brightly during their annual celebrations. Timing your visit perfectly could allow you to participate in four Belgian carnivals over just three days.
Generally occurring in February, this adventure begins in Malmédy, joining the lively Cwarmê Carnival parade, complete with delightful characters such as the strikingly whimsical Longs Nés.
Early the next morning, traverse the scenic landscapes across the Hautes Fagnes to Eupen, the culturally German city noted for its amusing Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) parade.
After Eupen, hurry toward Binche—a place richly entrenched in carnival tradition. Here, the renowned Mardi Gras parade, featuring the unique Gilles de Binche, conveys tradition and festivity.
If time allows, you can skip the onion-throwing antics and head to Aalst for the lively Shrove Tuesday parade, known for its humor and merriment.
Planning tip: To truly enjoy this itinerary, kick off in Malmédy on the weekend prior to Lent (about six weeks before Easter). Booking accommodations can be challenging in Binche, so exploring nearby options at La Louvière may be beneficial.
This article was first published on May 6, 2022, and updated on June 10, 2024.
