10 Best Day Trips from Brussels

Brussels' central location makes it the perfect base for exploring Belgium and beyond. Here are our top day trip recommendations.

Within Belgium

1. Bruges (1 hour)

The "Venice of the North" with medieval canals and chocolate shops. Essential for first-time visitors.

2. Ghent (30 minutes)

Historic university city with fewer crowds than Bruges. Don't miss the Ghent Altarpiece.

3. Antwerp (45 minutes)

Diamonds, Rubens, and fashion. Belgium's second city has something for everyone.

4. Dinant (1.5 hours)

Birthplace of the saxophone, with a dramatic clifftop citadel overlooking the Meuse River.

5. Leuven (25 minutes)

University town with the longest bar street in Belgium and beautiful Flemish architecture.

Beyond Belgium

6. Amsterdam (2 hours)

Canals, museums, and Dutch culture. Easily accessible by Thalys train.

7. Luxembourg City (2.5 hours)

A fairy-tale capital with dramatic gorges and UNESCO heritage.

8. Lille, France (35 minutes)

French charm with Flemish influences. Great for foodies.

9. Cologne, Germany (2 hours)

Gothic cathedral and excellent museums. Perfect for history buffs.

10. The Hague (2.5 hours)

Dutch royal city with world-class art and seaside vibes.

Book with Belgium Tours

Let us handle the logistics while you enjoy the journey. Our guided day trips include transportation, local guides, and insider access!