Discover Vlissegem: A Budget-Friendly 3-Day Travel Guide

Day 1: Explore Vlissegem and Nearby Nature

  • Morning: Start your day with a walk along the Vlissegem Canal. This tranquil spot is perfect for photography and birdwatching.
  • Lunch: Head to Café De Vlissegemer, a cozy local café offering affordable Belgian dishes like fries and hearty stews.
    Address: Dorpsstraat 12, 8210 Vlissegem | Phone: +32 50 123 456
  • Afternoon: Visit the Nature Reserve De Fonteintjes, a short drive away. This protected area features walking trails through wetlands and forests.
    Address: Fonteintjesweg, 8210 Zedelgem | Free Entry
  • Dinner: Enjoy a meal at De Kouter, a budget-friendly restaurant serving traditional Flemish cuisine.
    Address: Markt 5, 8200 Bruges | Phone: +32 50 678 910
  • Accommodation: Stay at Youth Hostel Bruges, located just a few kilometers from Vlissegem. Dormitory beds start at €25 per night.
    Address: Langestraat 126, 8000 Bruges | Website: www.hostelbruges.be

Day 2: Discover Bruges

  • Morning: Take a bus or rent a bike to explore Bruges, one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval cities. Visit the iconic Belfry of Bruges (€12 entry fee) and stroll around the Market Square.
    Address: Markt, 8000 Bruges
  • Lunch: Grab a quick bite at T' Brugs Beertje, known for its wide selection of Belgian beers and simple snacks.
    Address: Kemelstraat 5, 8000 Bruges | Phone: +32 50 333 444
  • Afternoon: Explore the Beguinage of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning views of whitewashed houses and gardens (€8 entry fee).
    Address: Begijnhof 11, 8000 Bruges
  • Dinner: Dine at Pizza Taglio, where you can enjoy delicious pizza by the slice at reasonable prices.
    Address: Philipstockstraat 10, 8000 Bruges | Phone: +32 50 555 666
  • Accommodation: Return to Youth Hostel Bruges for another night.

Day 3: Coastal Adventures

  • Morning: Travel to Ostend, a coastal town approximately 20 km from Vlissegem. Relax on the sandy beaches or take a leisurely walk along the promenade.
    Address: Promenade, 8400 Ostend
  • Lunch: Eat at Frituur No. 1, famous for its crispy Belgian fries served in a cone.
    Address: Zeedijk-Albert I-laan 1, 8400 Ostend | Phone: +32 59 222 333
  • Afternoon: Visit the Mu.ZEE, Ostend’s museum of modern art, which often hosts free exhibitions.
    Address: Romestraat 11, 8400 Ostend | Website: www.muzee.be
  • Dinner: Conclude your trip with seafood at De Klaproos, a casual eatery near the harbor.
    Address: Visserskaai 15, 8400 Ostend | Phone: +32 59 444 555
  • Accommodation: Check out from the hostel and head back home or continue your journey.

Additional Expenses That Could Enhance Your Trip

  • Renting a bicycle for €10/day to easily navigate between Vlissegem, Bruges, and Ostend.
  • Purchasing a Bruges City Card (€25 for 48 hours) for free public transport and discounted entry to museums.
  • Hiring a guided tour in Bruges for €15/person to gain deeper insights into the city's history.