Discover the best day trips from Brussels. Explore historic cities, stunning landscapes, and cultural treasures just a short journey away.
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse architecture, and delicious food. But there’s more to Belgium than just Brussels.
This guide will take you on a journey to some of the best day trips you can take from Brussels.
Antwerp: Belgium’s second city
Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, is a hub of culture, fashion, and history.
Known for its diamond trade and fashion scene, Antwerp offers a unique blend of old and new.
Key attractions include the Rubenshuis, the former home of the painter Peter Paul Rubens, and the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady.
Getting to Antwerp from Brussels is straightforward, with regular trains making the journey in under an hour. Official Belgium Tourism offers more information on how to plan your trip.
Namur: Home of Europe’s mightiest fortress
Namur, located at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre Rivers, is home to one of Europe’s mightiest fortresses.
The Citadelle de Namur offers stunning views and a glimpse into the city’s military past. Down below, the old town of Namur is full of charm, with its baroque church, Église St-Loup, and several interesting museums.
Trains from Brussels to Namur take around 65 minutes, making it a feasible day trip.
Ghent: A blend of medieval and classical architecture
Ghent is a city that beautifully combines medieval and classical architecture.
It’s one of Belgium’s oldest cities, and its rich history is evident in its stunning buildings and landmarks.
The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece, the 14th-century Belfort belfry, and Gravensteen, a 12th-century stone castle, are must-see attractions.
Trains from Brussels to Ghent run twice hourly, making it an easy day trip destination.
Waterloo: The site of Napoleon’s defeat
Waterloo is famous as the site where Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated in 1815.
The Waterloo Battlefield is now a popular tourist attraction, with a high-tech museum that brings the history of the battle to life.
The Lion Hamlet, the main battlefield, is another must-visit site.
Getting to Waterloo from Brussels is easy, with regular trains and buses making the journey in under an hour.
Bruges: A fairy-tale medieval city
Bruges is like a page out of a fairy tale. Its picturesque cobbled lanes, dreamy canals, and grand market squares are sure to enchant you.
The Markt, the city’s main square, is a great place to start your exploration.
From there, you can visit the Groeningemuseum, which houses masterworks by Flemish painter Hans Memling.
Don’t forget to take a canal boat tour to see the city from a different perspective. Trainline Europe can help you plan your train journey from Brussels to Bruges.
Lille: France’s underrated metropolis
Just under two hours from Brussels is Lille, France’s most underrated metropolis.
Lille has transformed from an industrial center into a cultural and commercial hub.
The old town is full of French and Flemish architecture, and the city’s art museums, like the Palais des Beaux Arts, are well worth a visit.
Don’t miss La Piscine Musée d’Art et d’Industrie, a former swimming pool turned art museum.
Tournai: Home of the Five-Spired Cathedral.
Tournai is one of the oldest cities in Belgium and is home to the five-spired Cathédrale Notre Dame, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This cathedral is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, with its stunning rose window and beautiful sculptures.
The city’s rich history, charming streets, and riverside location make it a great day trip from Brussels.
Trains run regularly between the two cities, making it easy to visit.
Leuven: A must-visit for beer lovers
Leuven is a vibrant city known for its historic university and beer culture.
The Oude Markt, often referred to as the ‘longest bar in the world’, is a must-visit for beer lovers.
The city’s Stadhuis, a stunning example of Brabantine Gothic architecture, is another highlight.
Trains from Brussels to Leuven take less than half an hour, making it an easy day trip.
Hasselt: Belgium’s unofficial gin capital
Hasselt is known as Belgium’s unofficial gin capital.
The city’s Jenever Museum is a testament to this, offering visitors a chance to learn about the history of gin and taste some samples.
Hasselt also offers a range of other attractions, including the Bokrijk Openluchtmuseum, a large open-air museum showcasing traditional Flemish architecture.
Hasselt is about an hour by train from Brussels.
FAQs about the best day trips from Brussels
Here are some frequently asked questions about day trips from Brussels:
Belgium has an extensive public transportation system that makes it easy to get around. The train network connects all major cities, and buses and trams are available for local travel within cities. You can also rent a car if you prefer to drive.
Paris is definitely worth a day trip from Brussels. The train journey between the two cities takes just under 1.5 hours, making it feasible to visit Paris for the day. You can visit iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, and still have time for a leisurely lunch in a Parisian café.
You can visit several countries from Brussels for a day trip. These include France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Germany. Cities like Lille in France, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Luxembourg City in Luxembourg, and Cologne in Germany are all within a few hours’ train ride from Brussels.
Belgium has an extensive public transportation system that makes it easy to get around. The train network connects all major cities, and buses and trams are available for local travel within cities. If driving is more your style, car rentals are readily available.
The best time to visit Belgium is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are smaller. The summer months (July and August) can also be a good time to visit, but they are usually the busiest.
Enjoy the best day trips from Brussels!
Belgium, with its wealth of historical landmarks, diverse cultural experiences, and stunning natural landscapes, is a country that invites exploration.
While Brussels is a fantastic city, venturing outside the capital allows you to experience a different side of Belgium.
Whether you’re exploring the medieval cities of Ghent and Bruges, visiting the battlefield of Waterloo, or sampling gin in Hasselt, there’s a day trip from Brussels to suit every interest.
So why wait? Start planning your Belgian adventure today!