Brussels is a charming little city with a fair amount to see. Having said that, you could probably complete the set-list within 48 hours or so, if that. Belgium as a European country is really underrated and I have made some amazing memories exploring it. Day trips from Brussels really allow you to get out to explore Belgium (and beyond) and are a great way to extend a visit to this lesser-seen European capital.
Here is all you need to know to do that.
Day Trips from Brussels | Your Quick Guide
Bruges
🚄 55 minutes by train
My obvious top choice for a day trip from Brussels is the romantic city of Bruges. It really looks like something out of a fairytale and is complete with plenty of winding canals, cobbled lanes and medieval houses. It isn’t called the Venice of the North for nothing.
The highlights of Bruges include:
- Markt Square & Belfry: You can even climb the 366 steps of the Belfry for panoramic views over the city.
- Canal Boat Tour: Offering you a fresh perspective of the city from the water.
- Burg Square: See some of the most fascinating buildings in Belgium; the Gothic City Hall and Basilica of the Holy Blood.
- Belgian Chocolate & Waffles: No day trip in Belgium is complete without lots of chocolate and waffles. Stop at shops like Dumon or The Chocolate Line to really treat yourself. .
If you’re feeling inspired, check out my quick guide blog post on 48 Hours in Bruges.
Ghent
🚄 30 minutes by train
Ghent is a really lovely town which is sadly often overlooked by Bruges. But, if you give Ghent a try, you’ll see that it is just as charming and even that little bit quieter. It is a more vibrant and current destination with a bustling student culture fused with old, gothic architecture.
Highlights in Ghent:
- Gravensteen Castle: A highly impressive 12th-century fortress with plenty of towers to climb for those amazing views.
- St. Bavo’s Cathedral: Easily one of the most famous in Belgium. This place is home to the world-famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painting.
- Graslei & Korenlei: Just some of the places to find riverside streets which are perfect for a stroll.
- Local Craft Beers: With all the student culture it isn’t surprising that this is a hotspot for craft beer. Why not try a few pints by the riverside?
Antwerp
🚄 35 minutes by train
Antwerp is a bit different to the previous additions on this list. Most notably, the city is known as the fashion capital and has that stylish, edgy vibe to go with it. You’ll also find the world’s largest diamond district here, along with a thriving art scene.
Highlights in Antwerp:
- Cathedral of Our Lady: This impressive Cathedral actually houses several works by Rubens, so it is definitely worth seeing.
- Museum aan de Stroom (MAS): This is an exceptionally striking, modern museum with great city views to enjoy.
- Meir Shopping Street: Discover why Antwerp is known as the fashion capital. Seriously, any fashion lovers will be in heaven here.
- Zoo Antwerp: Remarkably, one of the oldest zoos in the world. There is lots to see here and it is the perfect day trip for young children.
Leuven
🚄 25 minutes by train
For that smaller, intimate and less-touristy city, consider Leuven. It is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and again has that youthful energy. It is also undiscovered by tourists and allows you to see a more authentic Belgium.
Highlights in Leuven:
- Town Hall: Simply a Gothic masterpiece with plenty of intricate details. Make sure that you start your day trip here.
- Old Market Square: Funnily enough, this is actually known as the “longest bar in the world” for its many bars and restaurants. They seem to go on forever and it will be hard knowing where one starts and ends.
- Botanical Garden (Kruidtuin): If you fancy a peaceful, green escape, definitely head to the Botanical Gardens. We love exploring places like this.
- Stella Artois Brewery: Learn about Belgium’s most famous, if not legendary-status, beer.
Mechelen
🚄 20 minutes by train
Mechelen is often overlooked as one of those day trips from Brussels. It is nestled between the capital and Antwerp and comes full of surprises. You have the carillon school, churches to explore and plenty of riverside charm; it is perfect for a quieter day trip.
Highlights in Mechelen:
- St. Rumbold’s Cathedral: Another impressive Cathedral to see where you can climb its tower for impressive views over the town.
- Carillon School: The first and oldest one of its kind in the world, the Carillon School specialises in bell ringing. It is definitely worth seeing.
- Dyle Path: The perfect wooded riverside walk to unwind.
Waterloo
🚄 30 minutes by train
If you are a lover of European history, Waterloo is an absolute must-see. It is famously where Napoleon met his downfall in 1815. Nowadays the battlefield has been well-preserved and there are accompanying museums and memorials which bring it to life. One of which is the Memorial 1815 Museum which has some really fantastic interactive exhibits about the battle.
The key points to see are the Lion’s Mound, which is a climbable monument which overlooks the battlefield. You can then visit Hougoumont Farm which was a key site during it.
Dinant
🚄 1 hour 20 minutes by train
We now get to those day trips from Brussels which are slightly more afield. One of which is Dinant, arguably one of the most scenic towns in Belgium. It is famous for its beauty, but also for being the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, who famously invented the – you guessed it – saxophone.
Highlights in Dinant:
- Collegiate Church of Notre Dame: This is another one of Belgium’s most incredible churches and is actually known for its striking onion-shaped dome. Yes, really!
- Citadel of Dinant: To get the amazing views up at the Citadel, you can either reach it by cable car or steep steps. I would personally recommend the former!
- Saxophone Trail: Follow the colourful saxophone sculptures throughout the town to make sure you see all of the key points.
- Leffe Beer Museum: This is a museum in the town which is dedicated to the local abbey beer, which is a favourite in the region.
Namur
🚄 45 minutes by train
Namur is the capital of Wallonia, a French-speaking part of southern Belgium. Because of its rich history and location (nestled where the Meuse and Sambre rivers meet), the town has a fantastically rich history. You will find plenty of fortifications here to explore, but also quiet boutiques and cafés.
Highlights in Namur:
- Citadel of Namur: The Citadel is the main place to walk the ramparts and to take in the city views. This is perfect for any history-lover!
- Old Town Streets: Walking through the Old Town is a highlight in itself. It is filled with plenty of boutiques and cafés.
- River Cruises: Being nestled between two rivers means that it is the ideal sport to relax on the water.
Cologne, Germany
🚄 2 hours by train
Fancy adding another country to your trip? Why not consider the German cultural-hotspot of Cologne? There is so much to see and do here and it has one of my favourite buildings in Europe – the Cologne Cathedral.
I’ve written a lot about Cologne on my blog. Here are some of my highlighted posts:
- 48 Hours in Cologne: Your Ultimate Guide
- What to do on Sunday in Cologne | Your Quick Guide
- The Best Christmas Markets in Germany | Your Ultimate Guide 2025
Paris, France
🚄 1 hour 20 minutes by train
Believe it or not, Paris is one of those fantastic day trips from Brussels. Because of high-speed rails, you’ll be able to get there in less than 90 minutes. Plus, it makes for the perfect extension for your 48 hours in Brussels.
Similarly to Cologne, I’ve written a lot about Paris and what to do in this incredible city. Here are some of my highlights:
- Ten Things You Must See in Paris
- The Best Views in Paris | My Ultimate Guide
- 7th Arrondissement Paris | An Ultimate Guide 2025
- Day Trips from Paris: Exploring Paris’ Outskirts
Final Thoughts | The Best Day Trips from Brussels
Day trips from Brussels are an amazing way to explore the Belgian countryside. They are perfect for anybody who is interested in learning more about this country, and you will find that there really is something for everyone. I hope that you found this post helpful and, as always, do reach out if you have any questions. I always love hearing from you.
