Belgium is home to freshly cooked fries, high-quality chocolates, waffles and beer, but what better way to enjoy these than having a long weekend stay in Belgium with your loved one – that is why we’ve collaborated with many other travellers to get their input on long weekend stay locations in Belgium for couples.
This post is based on their stay and experience at the location of their choice in Belgium. Which are from the big Belgium cities to fully off-grid forest cabins.
Let us know what you think and if you have been to any of these locations as a couple!
Long Weekends In Belgium: Couples Focused!
Nutchel Cabins
A Nutchel cabin in the forest, what a dreamy nature experience everyone should experience!
If you like glamping experiences, a cosy treehouse Nutchel cabin location in the forest is perfect for nature lovers.
Located close to a nature park and in the Ardennes, it is the most ideal location for an Autumn weekend away in Belgium, especially when travelling as a couple to Belgium.
The Nutchel has a total of 26 (different types) of cabins you can rent for your stay, all with their private area and uniqueness. For our weekend we personally stayed in The Canopy, a 4 persons cabin built 3 meters off the ground. We couldn’t wait to visit as it was perfect Autumn weather for crispy leaf walks, mushroom photography and warm cosy evenings with the candles and wood stove.
We stayed for 3 total nights and absolutely the perfect time to explore the local forests as well as enjoy the cabin life. It was the first time for us to experience something like this, and we’d totally book again (maybe a cabin with hot tub next time!)
Ypres
A weekend in Ypres is the perfect location base for those who love learning more about history of Europe.
Ypres is one of the top places to seek out the historic and memorable locations of World War One. You can explore the WW1 no man lands battlefield locations and original trenches surrounding the small medieval city, as well as the museums like In Flanders Fields and Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917.
The city has lots of historical things to see and learn, but it’s also quite a sweet location for couples based on the choice of restaurants and relaxing areas. It has a lovely shopping area as well, so you can find something cute to buy before leaving.
We stayed at the lovely B&B Laurus for two nights in August. It was a lovely cottage area external from the main house. Our deluxe room had the perfect amount of space for us with our weekend bags. Toiletries and towels were supplied so we only had to worry about what clothes to take with us. Our deluxe room had a private bathroom, super clean and spacious. Waking up from our peaceful location, our fresh breakfast was a treat to start the day. Our weekend in Ypres here was lovely. Perfect for couples!
Ghent
Ghent may not receive as much attention as other Belgian destinations, but we believe its lesser-known status is what makes it one of the most intimate and enjoyable places for a couple’s weekend getaway.
During a romantic weekend celebrating our 15 years together, we explored Ghent’s major sights as well as some hidden treasures, while staying at the Ghent River Hotel, which provided us with a stunning river view from our room.
We visited the impressive Gravensteen castle and wandered through the charming ‘t Patershol neighbourhood. Eventually, we reached Groentenmarkt, where we couldn’t resist trying the triangular purple candy known as “Gentse neuzen” from the Cuberdon stalls.
We also stumbled upon the former covered Butchers’ market and spent some time watching the boats go by from the Graslei.
For a romantic dinner in Ghent, my wife and I had a satisfying dining experience at De Acht Zaligheden. They have a great menu and it was just a short walk from our hotel. Make sure to book a table in advance, especially if you plan to visit on a Friday or Saturday night.
We also recommend booking certain activities in advance, as Ghent offers a variety of attractions and experiences. Popular activities like boat tours along the canals can fill up quickly.
Contributed by Babs from Next Stop Belgium
Brussels
The small towns and villages make it easy to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. We were vacationing in Paris and booked a train to Brussels for a three-day adventure. The ride took less than two hours, and it helped us to wind down and relax while seeing the countryside.
Upon arrival, our hotel was less than a five-minute walk from the train station. We stayed at the Hilton Brussels Grand Place which is within reach of several attractions for a long weekend stay. Our reason for traveling to Brussels was all about food. While there, we took a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Belgian waffles.
Exploring the cobble-stoned streets was fun. We saw the Manneken Pis, the famous statue of the little boy. We also dashed in and out of the stores to sample waffle desserts, they cost only one euro. During the evening we tried a few local Belgian ales.
The weather was quite nice, so we took long walks. We especially enjoyed the Cathedral des Sts Michel et Gudule (St. Michel & Gudule Cathedral), Palais de Bruxelles (Brussels Palace), and the garden. There is a huge park, Parc de Bruxelles, across the street from the palace that made for a romantic walk.
It is said that french fries originated in Belgium and that they make the best chocolates. So we ventured to another part of town and visited an outdoor market and stopped at Frit’Flagey which is located in the same square. They have the best frites! We found a couple of famous chocolatiers at the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert. At the nearby Grand Place, we found a great selection of chocolates from specialty stores and bought some sweets from well-known brands like Godiva and Neuhaus.
Contributed by Tanya Taylor | Travels & Treasures
Liège
If you’re looking for the perfect romantic getaway, Liège is a great destination. It’s within easy reach of other European cities such as Maastricht, and it is home to some incredible sights – not least the world-renowned Christmas markets in December!
I recently visited Liège for a long weekend and had the most amazing time. I highly recommend staying at the Radisson Hotel Liege City Centre. Not only was it really quick to book, it also offered an airport shuttle service. It also has great facilities and is in a prime location near to all the best restaurants and sights.
The city itself is full of incredible things to do and see. I started off my weekend with a stroll around the city center, taking in all the sights such as Place du Marche, La Cathédrale de Liège and Palais des Princes-Évêques. Then I visited the many great boutique shops and restaurants dotted around the city. No matter what you enjoy doing, Liège has it all!
Not only is the city home to some incredible sights but has world-renowned Christmas markets in December. I have visited Liège many times but December is the best time to go. The Christmas markets are full of fresh local snacks and amazing gifts. Just remember to pack the Europe essentials like comfy shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking!
Contributed by Lowri from Many Other Roads
Leuven
If you visit Belgium, I cannot recommend Leuven enough for a weekend break with a loved one. Leuven is often overlooked by travelers but they couldn’t be more wrong! This lovely city in Belgium offers everything you might need for a perfect getaway weekend. Quirky shops and restaurants, impressive historic architecture, and some of the most famous breweries in Belgium are located in Leuven.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, then I advise you to book a room at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel. Not only does it offer great rooms but it’s also next to the train station, which is very convenient. When you arrive by train, you don’t have to drag your luggage all across town to get to your accommodation or get an expensive taxi. Furthermore, the train station is only a 10-minute walk from the center of Leuven, so you are close to all the action!
Some of my favorite things to do in Leuven are walking around to see all the famous buildings, like the town Hall in late Gothic style and the Renaissance-style University library, eating delicious food at one of the many vegan restaurants in Leuven and swinging by Sway and Harvest Club, two conscious fashion shops.
Aside from that, Museum M has an excellent art collection and a great way to finish off the weekend is to book a tour of the Stella Artois brewery.
Contributed by Annelies | Travelers & Dreamers
Namur
My partner and I recently had an unforgettable long weekend getaway in Namur, Belgium. Nestled in the heart of the Wallonia region, Namur offered us a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
One of the best things to do in Namur was taking the cable car up to the Citadel. The breathtaking views of the city and the Meuse River from the top were amazing. We also explored the underground museum within the Citadel, which provided insights into Namur’s rich history. One tip I would share is to get the cable car ride to the Citadel early in the morning, especially during peak tourist seasons. It can get quite busy on weekends and holidays.
Another must-visit spot was the area around the church Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Namur. The area was vibrant and lively, with charming cafes and restaurants where we enjoyed leisurely meals and people-watching.
One evening, we stumbled upon Le Chapitre, a historic beer bar tucked behind the Saint Aubain Cathedral. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff made it a perfect spot to savor the authentic Belgian beer experience.
To further enrich our trip, we took a day excursion to Dinant. We enjoyed taking the cable car to the citadel and strolling around there. We also did a river cruise, soaking in the picturesque landscapes.
In terms of accommodation, we opted for a charming hotel with a spa in the city center, the Royal Snail Hotel. Its central location allowed us to explore Namur’s attractions on foot.
Contributed by Jo Koni from World Wild Schooling
Stay Ici
Stay Ici in Belgium is the next forest cabin location you should find yourself booking, as its perfect for a cosy weekend or romantic night stay off grid.
This hidden gem is located in Humain, Belgium in the Pays-de-Famenne region. Close to Namur and Dinant, it’s a short drive South East to reach Stay Ici. It can also be easily reachable with only a few hours from either the Netherlands, France of Luxembourg – making it perfect to visit for a few nights away.
While at Stay Ici, you truly are off grid and should enjoy it that way too. So its a place for couples to enjoy with their books, board games, relaxation as well as a local hike in the area.
Our personal stay was a delight. We would have stayed longer but it was a last minute getaway for us, which worked out perfect. Arriving by car is definitely best, since its truly in the middle of nowhere and the muddy roads (for our stay in Autumn) would have been difficult to walk all the way up to the cabins without the car.
Bruges
If you’re looking for a romantic spot to visit in Belgium, you simply can’t beat Bruges.
When we visited a couple of years ago, we spent most of our time exploring the Historic Centre of Brugge. It’s loaded with adorable pubs and beer gardens, and as my partner’s a huge brew fan – it went down a treat!
We stopped by The Bauhaus and De Garre, but virtually any of the craft brew spots around the main town are worth stopping at.
As I’m not a huge fan of alcoholic drinks, I spent my time sipping hot chocolate. Just so you’re aware, The Old Chocolate House is the place to go for an authentic and ridiculously rich cup.
As it was wintertime when we visited, we also stopped by the authentic Christmas Market in between checking out the Grand Place and the Canals of Bruges. You obviously won’t catch the markets all year round, but you can substitute this with a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride if you prefer!
We’re huge fans of budget travel, so I’ll admit that we stayed in the local ibis. But honestly, it had everything we needed for our short 2-day stay.
If you’re planning to visit during school holiday periods or peak times, I highly recommend booking walking tours in advance. The free walking tours are uber popular, and they tend to fill up fast.
Otherwise, I’d say my main pearl of wisdom is to allocate more time (and money!) than you think you’ll need for smaller attractions. Bougie chocolates can be slightly overpriced too, but I’ve always thought it was part of Belgium’s charm!
Contributed by Grace Roberts from Pixie Dust and Passports
Antwerp
Antwerp is without doubt one of the best places to visit in Belgium for a long weekend as a couple.
We found one of the best things to do in Antwerp was just walk around and get lost in the amazing architecture. We ended up stumbling across some beautiful buildings like the Stadhius Antwerpen (City Hall), Antwerpen Centraal and Het Steen.
However, the main attraction has to be the Museum aan de Stroom, partly for its picturesque exterior and partly for its wonderful contents. It has over 500,00 different objects in its collection and the exhibitions over its 10 are constantly changing so there’s always something new to experience. To top it all off, the viewing deck has some incredible views on Antwerps skyline that shouldn’t be missed! Make sure to book in advance to secure a spot but you can also pay the 10€ fee (adults) on the door.
Similarly, if you love chocolate then you must visit Chocolate Nation. You get to learn all about how the famous Belgian chocolate is made, what different types there are and most importantly, you get to try some amazing samples whilst watching it being made!
We ended up staying in the ASH Hotel which is a great place if you want to make friends whilst staying in private rooms. We loved the fact it was a stones throw away from Antwerp’s main train station and a bus/tram station which allowed us to travel easily.
We found it so fun to visit because there was so much to do and see, plus it was so easy to get around. The trams and buses were always on time and the networks span much of the city.
Ultimately, we thought Antwerp is a great addition to your Europe itinerary as everything to see is accessible on foot, it’s very affordable to live and there’s some great things to do”
Contributed by Alex and Leah from Alex and Leah On Tour
Mons
Mons is an inconspicuous city in Southern Belgium. Located close to the French border, Mons is the capital of the French-speaking Wallonia region.
We came across this city accidentally as we were traveling to Luxembourg during the warmer summer months. A main reason to visit is the old town with the grand-place and the rustic cobblestone streets. Regional architecture and modern street art turn Mons into a beautiful city.
One of the major landmarks is the Belfry of Mons, the only baroque style Belfry in Belgium. I think the city deserves a lot more love, alone because of the museums and day trips that you can take from Mons. I recommend checking out the Mundaneum, a place where a universal classification system was developed before the internet was a thing.
If you love Art Nouveau decoration and architecture as much as I do, then I can suggest a visit to the Maison Losseau. Well-known art exhibitions take place in the Beaux-Arts Mons, with some recent expos about Roy Lichtenstein and Joan Miro.
A must-see is the Van Gogh house just outside Mons, which retells the story of the famous Dutch artist and his life in Mons. Discover more historical monuments and things to do in Mons. Most museums can be accessed for free every first Sunday of the month, and you don’t have to book anything in advance. If you intend to extend your weekend, just keep in mind that many of the landmarks and attractions are closed on Mondays.
Contributed by Paul D’Souza of Paulmarina
Summary: Belgium For Couples
We sure are inspired to visit some of these Belgium locations for a weekend as a couple, you too?
There are some great tips and experiences shared here, which we hope inspires you to look into visiting Belgium with your loved one.
Let us know in the comments if you also have any new suggestions for couples exploring Belgium!
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