7 days in Belgium: Beer, Brussels, Ghent, Bruges Ypres #belgium #brussels #retirementtravel #bruges

Behrly retired adventure heads to Belgium. Based in Brussels, we visit Belgian Beer World, take a walking tour, take full days to explore Ghent and Bruges, and drive ourselves to Ypres for WWI history. #belgium #brussels #ghent #bruges #ypres #travel Brussels walking tour: https://www.viator.com/tours/Brussels... Walking tour of Ghent Start: Ghent City Center Begin around Korenmarkt — this is the natural hub of old Ghent and puts you in the middle of everything. Spend: 10–15 min orienting yourself and enjoying the atmosphere. Stop 1 → St Michael's Bridge Walk: ~3 minutes This bridge gives one of the classic postcard views of Ghent: canals, towers, and medieval facades all lined up. Go here early before crowds build. Photo tip: Look east — you'll see Ghent’s famous “three towers” skyline. Stop 2 → Graslei and Korenlei Walk: 1 minute Walk down from the bridge to the canal quays. These historic guild houses and waterside terraces are among the prettiest parts of the city. Spend: 20–30 min Great coffee stop location. Stop 3 → Saint Nicholas' Church Walk: ~2–3 minutes This is the attraction you listed as Església de Sant Nicolau — Saint Nicholas Church. Step inside if open. The blue-gray stone and Gothic interior are worth a quick visit. Stop 4 → Gravensteen Walk: ~5 minutes The medieval castle rises dramatically above the canals. Spend: 45–75 min if touring inside. The rooftop views are excellent. Stop 5 → Patershol Walk: ~2 minutes Just behind the castle is Ghent’s old medieval neighborhood. Expect: • tiny cobblestone streets • hidden alleys • restaurants and cafés • quieter atmosphere This is an ideal lunch stop. Stop 6 → Het Belfort van Gent Walk: ~8 minutes Head back toward the center to Ghent’s Belfry. If open and time allows, go up for panoramic city views. Final Stop → Saint Bavo's Cathedral Walk: 2 minutes End here. The cathedral is home to the famous altarpiece Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Even if you skip the museum ticket, the cathedral itself is worth time. Spend: 30–60 min Walking order summary 1. Ghent City Center 2. St Michael's Bridge 3. Graslei & Korenlei 4. Saint Nicholas Church 5. Gravensteen 6. Patershol 7. Belfry of Ghent 8. Saint Bavo's Cathedral That route keeps almost everything within a compact medieval core and avoids zigzagging. If you want, I can also add coffee, waffle, beer, or lunch stops directly along the route.