In this post we are going to tell you about what we believe to be the most recommended day trips from Brussels , the vibrant capital of Brussels which, unlike what many people perceive from a distance, is much more than politics and bureaucracy. You will find suggestions for getaways and daily tours perfect for exploring Belgium, a small country but full of surprises and wonders that will leave you wanting to return.
Gothic churches, chocolate shops (did you know there are more than 2,000 spread across the country?), medieval squares, craft beers and pastel-coloured skies that seem to form an open-air painting by a Flemish painter… Belgium may not be very big, but it is impossible to get bored here .
Don't think of a serious, bureaucratic country with a grey soul. There are many Belgiums and your attitude will be fundamental when it comes to deciphering what you see... Cozy cafes and bohemian breweries, elegant neighbourhoods or hipster areas, monumental squares or little neighbourhood corners surrounded by trees. There is a Belgium for every traveller and almost every place is easily accessible from its heart, Brussels. Are you coming on a trip?
Excursions from Brussels
Brussels is a perfect city to visit in 2-3 days, but if you plan to stay longer, you won't get bored either: the possible getaways from the Belgian capital are many and varied , so you'll just have to choose where to go to visit the surroundings of Brussels.
The best thing about Belgium is that it is a fairly small country and its communication networks are modern and extensive , so you can get to almost any point in several ways and quickly and easily. Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp are classic destinations, but you can even consider going beyond national borders and visiting incredible cities like Amsterdam (one day there is plenty of time).
Grab your pen and paper (or your mouse), open the map of Belgium and get ready to discover the best day trips from Brussels with us:
1. Witches
We start with our favourite getaway from Brussels: Bruges. This small city is a mecca for tourists visiting Belgium. It can be described as the city of bridges , as the medieval jewel of the country , as the world capital of chocolate and waffles , but all definitions fall short. Bruges bewitches you, that's for sure. And no, don't call it the "Venice of the North", there are already too many Venices (although there is really only one) and Bruges deserves to be pronounced with its own name.
⭐ Here we tell you the best things to see and do in Bruges .
Its location, less than 100 km from the capital , makes it the most popular destination for those looking to complete their trip to Brussels with another destination. To get there, you can do so by train or bus (they are frequent and cheap), and of course by renting a car if you are planning on taking a longer road trip. Here we detail how to get to Bruges from Brussels .
For those who prefer something more organized, there are good alternatives for day tours to Bruges + other destinations from Brussels . Here are the most recommended ones:
- Excursion to Bruges
- Same day tour to Bruges and Ghent
- Bruges Train Tour + Canal Boat Ride
2. Antwerp
Medieval squares , Gothic and Baroque churches, neighbourhoods where diamonds are the main attraction (apparently 80% of the world's rough diamonds are traded here!), interesting museums and the same streets that inspired Rubens ... With this introduction we hope to encourage you to visit Antwerp, one of the most incredible cities to see in Belgium.
⭐ These are the 10 must-see and must-do things in Antwerp .
Getting to Antwerp from Brussels is easy by train (less than 1 hour, €17 round trip), and if you choose this option you will be in for a surprise: Antwerp Central Station , considered one of the most beautiful in the world. As for guided tours , these are the most recommended:
- Excursion to Antwerp
- Same day excursion to Antwerp and Ghent
- Excursion to Antwerp and Mechelen by train
3. Ghent
Ghent is another of the most popular day trips from Brussels: bridges, canals, docks, Gothic cathedrals, pleasant little squares, castles and, of course, much better with a chocolate waffle in hand . It has a spectacular and small historic centre , so you can visit the main tourist attractions in one day. Don't miss a visit to the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, an impressive medieval fortress , and climb the Belfort Tower ("Bell Tower of Ghent") to say goodbye with a panoramic view of the city.
⭐ These are the must-see places to visit in Ghent .
Our recommendation is that you go on your own, it's just 40 minutes by train from Brussels Central Station, and once there, sign up for the free tour of Ghent . Do you want it all in one go? Then take a look at these organised tours from Brussels:
- Excursion to Ghent
- Antwerp and Ghent day tour
- Day trip to Ghent and Bruges
4. Leuven
Less known and often forgotten in travel plans to Belgium, Leuven is actually worth a day visit (or more!). It is a small university city , with a lot of atmosphere and a good handful of places that surprise. The great jewel is undoubtedly its Town Hall , a notable example of Brabantine Gothic, although the University Library, rebuilt after the First World War, or the historic complex of streets and houses of great charm known as the "Grand Beguinage" are also a marvel.
And of course, enjoy the lively nightlife , with its many bars and cafes full of students. But you can only do this if you stay overnight at least one night. For those planning a day trip from Brussels to Leuven, we recommend taking the train (it's just 25 minutes to cover the 30 km that separate them), or joining this excursion to Mechelen and Leuven by train .
Remember to get the Revolut card ( with a €10 promo ), the best option to avoid commissions when paying and withdrawing money abroad
5. Luxembourg
Did you know that from Brussels you can easily visit one of the smallest and most peculiar countries in Europe ? We are talking about Luxembourg, although its full name is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Castles, picturesque neighborhoods, cathedrals and churches full of charm, with a historic center so beautiful that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is what awaits you.
And the surprises don't end here. In Luxembourg you can also walk through medieval underground galleries that were used as air raid shelters during WWII. They are known as the Casemates du Bock. As we said, if you decide to go, you'll agree with us: Luxembourg not only exists, but it's cool!
The worst news is that it is not a stone's throw from Brussels, but it is not impossible to visit it in a day (you will just have to get up a little early). There are trains (Bruxelles-Midi) and buses (Gare du Nord) that connect these two European capitals in approximately 3 hours. The alternative is an excursion to Luxembourg with transport and a Spanish-speaking guide that also includes a stop in another beautiful town in Belgium: Dinant.
⭐ We recommend using the Omio website/app to compare and book transport in Europe. You also get a €10 discount if you sign up with this link .
6. Amsterdam
Do we need any introductions? Amsterdam is one of the most charming cities in all of Europe , and we told you at the beginning of the post: going to Amsterdam on a day trip from Brussels is not crazy. But let's not kid ourselves, the ideal would be to be able to visit the Dutch city in peace, for 2-3 days, but if the only chance you have to go is during the day, don't think about it too much.
Make the most of the little time you have to sail along its canals, visit one of its museums such as the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House, stroll through the famous and controversial Red Light District and take home some tulip bulbs or a piece of typical cheese as a souvenir 🙂
⭐ Don't miss our tips for visiting Amsterdam on your own
To get to Amsterdam from Brussels you have to take a fast train (Eurostar) that covers the distance of just over 200 km in approximately 2 hours (there are also other slower but direct trains), or opt for a guided tour of Amsterdam in Spanish . We ruled out the bus because it takes more than 4 hours each way.
7. Mechelen
Mechelen, or Malines in Flemish, is a hidden gem in the Flemish region of Flanders . With a rich medieval history and vibrant cultural life, as well as its bygone ambiance and picturesque cobbled streets, Mechelen boasts a handful of interesting buildings and spaces, such as the Gothic cathedral which boasts the tallest bell tower in the country, the lively Grote Markt square , or the Renaissance palace of Margaret of Austria .
It is also located between Brussels and Antwerp, making Mechelen an excellent choice for a day trip from the Belgian capital that includes both destinations . If you prefer to arrive on your own, there are direct train connections from Brussels Central Station.
8. Namur and Dinant
Namur, capital of the Wallonia region , is a city that is somewhat unknown to the average tourist but charming, combining history, culture and nature . It has an impressive citadel and a lively old town . And to round off the day, there is nothing better than a relaxing cruise on the Meuse River, to enjoy an alternative and different plan. How does that sound to you?
Dinant , on the other hand, is a small town a few kilometres further on on the banks of the Meuse River, famous for its citadel with panoramic views, and its picturesque Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame.
We have joined these two cities at the same point, since they are small, it seems like an interesting plan to visit them both on the same day. In fact, you can book this excursion from Brussels to both cities , or you can do it on your own by combining trains.
9. Hallerbos
If you're looking for a plan that connects you more with nature, head to the Hallerbos Forest , just 20 km from Brussels. This forest is famous for its carpet of bluebells that bloom every spring, creating an impressive visual spectacle. There are several hiking routes through this beautiful natural environment, so if you like this vibe, don't forget your slippers at home!
⭐ Here we leave you more information to plan your visit to the Hallerbos forest .
10. Breendonk Concentration Camp
For those interested in history , a visit to the Breendonk Concentration Camp is a moving and educational experience . Located about 30 km north of Brussels, the Breendonk Fort was used by the Nazis as a concentration camp during World War II and now serves as a memorial to the victims. On your visit you will be able to understand the horrors and senselessness of war through its spaces and exhibitions, which detail the history of the camp and its prisoners. More info .
To get there we believe there is a direct bus from Gare du Nord station, or as an interesting alternative you have this excursion that takes you there in a day .
As you can see, Belgium is a country full of surprises, and Brussels is the perfect starting point to explore them all. So get ready to discover medieval squares, enjoy delicious chocolates, taste unique beers and marvel at landscapes that seem straight out of a painting. Have a good trip and don't forget to bring back some waffles as a souvenir!
And if you only have time for one short break, what is the best day trip from Brussels ? We would opt for Bruges, for its magical atmosphere and medieval charm. But, really, any destination you choose will offer you an unforgettable experience. And for you, which of these day trips from Brussels are the most interesting for you?
