10 Best Day Trips from Brussels

A city with UNESCO World Heritage status due to its 15th-century architecture which has survived decades of war, Bruges is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. One of the best ways to see these beautiful buildings is by boat. Your tour guide will introduce you to some of the best sites and you’ll even pass under the arched Bonifacus Bridge.

Around 1.5 hours from Brussels, you’ll want to make sure you have a big appetite when you visit Bruges to sample some of their delicious delicacies. Grab a freshly made waffle, find out more about Belgian beer on a tour around the Brewery De Halve Maan and sample some authentic Belgium fries.

Belgium’s second biggest city, Antwerp, manages to combine the charms of a historic port with being a cutting-edge, trendsetting city. Perhaps this is best captured by the new international Port House where protected architecture is contrasted with a glittering, glass expanse – evoking the diamonds and maritime history Antwerp is known for.

A half-hour train ride from Brussels, Antwerp is also a great shopping destination, including the Kloosterstrat where you’ll be able to find vintage items and antiques. If you want to grab a bite to eat, consider heading to Het Zuid where there are several trendy restaurants, idyllic squares and cafes. Afterwards, you can visit one of the many art galleries in the area.

Ghent has it all: stunning architecture dreamy canals, overgrown ruins and incredible artwork. One of the most breath-taking sights is Gravensteen, a 12th-century castle built for the court of Flanders and set along the water. You can head to St Pietersabdij Abbey – one of the largest abbeys in Belgium.

A half-hour train ride from Brussels, the contrast of old and new is also reflected in Ghent’s artwork as you can see both the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, one of the world’s oldest oil paintings, and modern art in S.M.A.K. If you’re looking to shop, head to Vrijdagmarkt, a square which holds a market every Friday.

France’s 4th largest city has plenty to offer but you’re best to start in Grand Place, the city’s beating heart and the perfect place to people-watch with a cup of coffee. You can then explore the city’s history by visiting the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle, a pivotal figure in France’s response during World War II.

Just over 1 hour’s train ride from Brussels, it’s a paradise for art lovers with the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lille and LaM Modern Art Museum. Lille is also well known for its Christmas markets, so consider heading there if you want to get into the festive spirit.

It may be small in size, but you’ll find plenty to do in every nook and cranny of Luxembourg’s capital city. Luxembourg is incredibly scenic with the Old Town classified as a UNESCO site due to its maze of winding alleys and historic buildings. It’s also an ideal place to look over at the stone bridges across the river and the original walls of Luxembourg’s fortress.

Around a 4-hour train ride from Brussels, the Casemates du Bock is another unmissable site. An 11-mile-long underground tunnel that was originally dug out by the Spanish in 1644 and acted as a bomb shelter during World War II. To experience the more modern side of Luxembourg, head to Kirchberg for bars, restaurants and trendy shops.

Known for its UNESCO World Heritage Canal Ring and bicycles, Amsterdam is an incredibly picturesque city. For art connoisseurs, there are 3 major galleries including the Van Gough Museum – which houses the largest collection of Van Gough paintings.

Just over 2 hours from Brussels by train, Amsterdam is also famed for its legendary nightlife scene. To find a lively bar, visit the Rembrandtplen or Leidseplein neighbourhoods, where you’ll find the iconic Melkweg club. To sample local beverages in a more relaxed way, visit the Brouwerij’t IJ brewery for craft beers or try some Dutch gin (jenever).

Tournai is an ancient city dating back to Roman times and marked by historic events, as evidenced by the Grand Place square, rebuilt after bombings. The Tournai Cathedral, a UNESCO World Site, is located here and is a remarkable blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Just across the square is Tournai’s second UNESCO site, the belfry, a bell tower which will give you incredible views of the city.

Around 1 hour from Brussels by train, Tournai also boasts incredible architecture with some of the oldest homes in Europe and the oldest existing medieval bridge in Europe, the Pont des Trous. After a busy day, you can head to the Reine Garden to relax in a gorgeous green space.

This charming Belgium town is known as being home to Stella Artois, with the beer still having a strong presence in the city. You can even visit the brewery on Saturdays and take part in an interactive tour which includes a tasting. Then grab a bite to eat at the Oude Markt, where you’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of options.

Half an hour from Brussels, Leuven is also home to the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, initially planted for medical students in 1738 and boasting a wide range of specimens. Contrast your time here by moving into modernity when you visit the Vaartkom, the most innovative district which is a hub for cafes, art and shops.

Start your visit to Dinant by visiting the Citadel and drinking in stunning views of the city. Depending on how energetic you’re feeling, you can climb the 408-step staircase or take the cable car for a more relaxing option. Here, you can also learn more about the city’s history, including the many battles this place has witnessed.

Just under a 2-hour train ride from Brussels, Dinant is also the ideal city to walk around. Head to the Charles De Gaulle Saxophone bridge where you’ll find 28 saxophones, paying tribute to Dinant native Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. The pier is the perfect place for a picture with the coloured buildings and the Meuse River providing the dreamiest backdrop.

Best known for being the site of several battles in World War I, Ypres continues to remember the fallen soldiers. The In Flanders Field Museum displays several artefacts from the war, presenting a message of peace and a moment to remember those who fought for our freedom. The Last Post ceremony also takes place at the Menin Gate every day at 8pm as an act of remembrance.

Around a 2-hour train journey from Brussels, Ypres is also home to incredible architecture such as the restored Cloth Hall and the Vauban Ramparts. You can take an hour-and-a-half stroll along these centuries-old ramparts and see stunning views of the natural surroundings.