Beyond the Capital, the Best of Flanders
Brussels is a fascinating destination, but Belgium offers so much more. Thanks to its central location and efficient train network, the capital is the ideal starting point for day trips to some of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges are three Flemish gems, each with its own personality, history, and atmosphere. In less than an hour by train, you can immerse yourself in medieval canals, Renaissance ports, and UNESCO World Heritage historic centers.
This guide will help you plan day trips from Brussels to these three must-see destinations. You will find tips on how to get there, what to see in a few hours, and how to organize your day to maximize your time. All without specifying specific times (which change) or names of businesses, but with clear indications of what not to miss.
Ghent: The City Hidden Among Canals and Medieval History
Why Choose Ghent
Ghent is the favorite city of the Belgians themselves. Less touristy than Bruges but equally charming, it is a vibrant university town where medievalism and modernity coexist. Its historic center, with canals, castles, and Gothic churches, is magnificent. Additionally, Ghent is only 30-40 minutes by train from Brussels.
How to Get to Ghent from Brussels
By train from the Brussels-Midi, Brussels-Central, or Brussels-North stations. Intercity (IC) trains are frequent (about every 30 minutes) and the journey takes about 35-45 minutes. Once you arrive at the Ghent-Sint-Pieters station, you can take a tram (line 1) to the city center (Korenmarkt) in 10 minutes, or walk for 25 minutes along a marked route.
What to See in Ghent in One Day
Gravensteen Castle:An impressive medieval castle surrounded by water, with walls, towers, and a museum of torture instruments. You can climb the walls for a view of the city.
St. Bavo's Cathedral:Home to the famous altarpiece "The Mystic Lamb" by the Van Eyck brothers (a masterpiece of Flemish art). Entrance to the chapel is paid, but the cathedral is free.
The Belfry (Belfort):A symbol of the city's autonomy, you can climb (for a fee) for a breathtaking view.
The Canals (Graslei and Korenlei):The two opposite banks of the Leie River are the most photographed in Ghent, featuring the guild houses from the 12th-13th centuries.
The Patershol District:A maze of medieval streets, now filled with restaurants and cafes. Perfect for a lunch break.
How Much Time to Spend in Ghent
A full day (8-10 hours) is ideal. If you have little time, focus on the center (Castle, canals, belfry) in 5-6 hours.
Visiting Tips
Ghent is very pleasant to explore on foot. The center is compact. If you have time, take a boat tour on the canals (lasts 40 minutes, moderate cost).
Bruges (Brugge): The Venice of the North
Why Choose Bruges
Bruges is the city of dreams: romantic canals, stone bridges, red brick houses, and medieval towers. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Europe and is rightly a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be aware: it is very crowded on weekends and during peak season. But it is absolutely worth a visit.
How to Get to Bruges from Brussels
Direct train from Brussels-Midi, Brussels-Central, or Brussels-North. The journey takes about 55-65 minutes (Intercity). Trains are frequent (every 30-60 minutes). The Bruges (Brugge) station is a 15-20 minute walk from the center, or you can take a bus (lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100). It is better to walk to enjoy the atmosphere.
What to See in Bruges in One Day
The Belfry (Belfort):Symbol of the city. 366 steps to climb (no elevator) for a spectacular view. There is always a line, but it is worth it.
The Market Square (Markt) and the square:The main square, dominated by the bell tower and the guild houses. It is the heart of the city.
The Beguinage (Béguinage):A medieval monastery for laywomen (beguines), with white cottages and a quiet garden. It is free and not crowded.
The Canals and Bridges:Wander aimlessly along the canals. The most beautiful bridges are the Rosary Quay (Rozenhoedkaai) and the Bonifacius Bridge.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood:A small Romanesque chapel that houses a relic (a vial of blood, according to tradition). Artistically interesting.
The French Fry Museum (Frietmuseum) and the Chocolate Museum (Choco-Story):Perfect for a tasty break. Note: they are paid and very touristy.
How Much Time to Dedicate to Bruges
A full day is the minimum. Bruges is small but dense with attractions. In one day you can see the essentials. If you only have half a day, focus on Markt, the bell tower, and a boat ride.
Visiting Tips
Arrive early (by 9:30) to avoid the crowds. The boat ride on the canals is a romantic and evocative experience. Book online or arrive early.
Antwerp (Antwerpen): The City of Diamonds and Rubens
Why Choose Antwerp
Antwerp is different from Ghent and Bruges: it is a dynamic, modern port metropolis with a glorious past in the 16th century when it was one of the richest ports in Europe. It is the city of diamonds, the painter Rubens, and fashion. It is less touristy than the others, but just as interesting.
How to Get to Antwerp from Brussels
Frequent trains from Brussels-Midi, Brussels-Central, Brussels-Nord. The journey takes 40-50 minutes (Intercity). Antwerp-Central station is an architectural masterpiece in itself (considered one of the most beautiful stations in the world). It is reachable on foot from the center.
What to See in Antwerp in One Day
The Central Station:Stop to admire it. It is a mix of styles (eclectic, art nouveau) with a glass and iron dome.
The Historic Center and the Grote Markt:The main square with the statue of the legendary hero Brabo, who throws the giant's hand into the river. The guild houses are similar to those in Brussels.
The Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal):The largest Gothic cathedral in Belgium. It houses four masterpieces by Rubens (including "The Descent from the Cross").
Rubens' House (Rubenshuis):The painter's house-museum, with original furnishings and works by him and his students. A must for art lovers.
The Plantin-Moretus Museum:A 16th-century printing house, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It tells the story of printing and publishing.
The Diamond District (Diamantkwartier):Near the station, with thousands of diamond shops. You can look through the windows, but access to trading is restricted.
The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS):A modern museum about the port and maritime history. The panoramic terrace is free and offers a beautiful view.
How Much Time to Spend in Antwerp
A full day is sufficient. If you have little time, focus on the Cathedral, Grote Markt, and Rubenshuis (5-6 hours).
Visiting Tips
Antwerp is a city that can be explored on foot. Don't miss the climb to the free terrace of the MAS (closes at 5:00 PM). Antwerp is also famous for fashion: if you love shopping, the area around Nationalestraat is full of boutiques by Belgian designers.
Comparison of the Three Cities
| City | Travel Time from Brussels | Atmosphere | Highlight | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghent | 35-45 min | Young, lively, authentic | Castle and canals | For those looking for a less touristy city |
| Bruges | 55-65 min | Romantic, fairytale-like, crowded | Canals and medieval center | Couples and photographers |
| Antwerp | 40-50 min | Cosmopolitan, port city, artistic | Rubens and diamonds | Art and fashion lovers |
Practical Organization of the Excursion
Train Tickets
Purchase a round-trip ticket on the same day (valid for any train on the same date, not reserved). You can buy at the ticket machine in the station (accepts cards) or online. There are discounts for under 26, over 65, and children. Day Pass tickets for a region can be convenient if you visit multiple cities.
Schedules and Frequency
Trains to Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp are very frequent. It is not necessary to book a specific time; just take the first available one. The last train back to Brussels is around midnight (check the boards).
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes (you will walk a lot).
Umbrella or rain jacket (the weather is uncertain).
Water bottle (tap water is drinkable).
Paper map or offline app.
Sample Itinerary for a Day in Ghent
8:30:Departure from Brussels-Central.
9:15:Arrival at Ghent-Sint-Pieters. Tram 1 to Korenmarkt.
9:30-11:30:Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen).
11:30-13:00:Walk along the Graslei/Korenlei canals and have a picnic.
13:00-14:30:St. Bavo's Cathedral (The Mystic Lamb).
14:30-15:30:Belfry (climb).
15:30-17:00:Patershol neighborhood and free exploration.
17:30:Return to the station.
18:15:Arrival in Brussels.
Combining Two Cities in One Day? Not Recommended
It is technically possible, but very tiring. For example, Ghent and Bruges are close (20 minutes by train), so you could do Ghent in the morning and Bruges in the afternoon. But you would see both in a rush. It's better to dedicate a full day to each.
Alternative Excursions (Less Frequent)
Leuven:20 minutes from Brussels. Famous for its university (the oldest in Belgium), Stella Artois beer, and the Gothic Town Hall. Half a day is enough.
Mechelen:15 minutes away. A small town with a cathedral, a belfry, and the famous water coaches. Unknown to tourists, very authentic.
Namur:1 hour south (Wallonia). Capital of Wallonia, with a citadel and the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers. A different atmosphere from Flanders.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best day trip from Brussels?
It depends on your tastes. For romance: Bruges. For authenticity: Ghent. For art: Antwerp.
How much is the train from Brussels to Bruges?
A round-trip ticket in second class costs about 30-35 euros (indicative prices, check onbelgiantrain.be). There are discounts.
Can I use the Brussels Card for these excursions?
No, the Brussels Card is only valid in Brussels.
Is it mandatory to book train tickets in advance?
No, for Intercity trains it is not mandatory. You can buy them on the same day at the ticket machines.
What to see in Bruges if it rains?
Museums (Frietmuseum, Choco-Story, Groeningemuseum), churches, and covered galleries (for example, the Hallen). A boat ride is also possible (the boats are covered).
Is Ghent suitable for children?
Yes, the castle and the boat ride are very popular. Climbing the bell tower is also enjoyable.
Is Antwerp safe in the evening?
The city center is safe. The station area may be less recommended at night, but in general, it is quiet.
Can I take a trip to Bruges and Ghent on the same day?
Yes, but it would be very intense: 4-5 hours in Ghent (morning), 3-4 hours in Bruges (afternoon). It's better to dedicate a day to each.
Which city is the least expensive among the three?
Ghent, because it is less touristy. Bruges is the most expensive (restaurants, souvenirs, parking).
What is the distance in km?
Brussels-Ghent: 50 km. Brussels-Bruges: 90 km. Brussels-Antwerp: 45 km.
A valuable addition to your itinerary.
Spending one or two days of your vacation in Brussels to explore Ghent, Bruges, or Antwerp is a valuable addition to your itinerary. Each of these cities offers a piece of Flemish history, breathtaking architecture, and a unique atmosphere. The train makes them easily accessible without the stress of driving. Don't feel guilty about "abandoning" Brussels: the capital will be waiting for you upon your return with its beers and chocolate. But Belgium is small, and it would be a shame not to take advantage of it.
Whether you choose the romantic canals of Bruges, the medieval castle of Ghent, or the diamonds and Rubens of Antwerp, each excursion will enrich you and make you love this fascinating and often underrated country even more. Have a great trip in Flanders!
To best organize every aspect of your trip, including excursions, check out our complete guide to holidays in Brussels between art and flavors.
Revision date:May 15, 2026