My name is Amy Green and I am the cultural travel blogger behind www.templeseeker.com. Today, I want to talk to you about one of my favourite European cities – Brussels. One thing that amazing me following my recent stay in Brussels, was the accessibility of it. There are some fantastic day trips from Brussels, the obvious and most popular being Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. However, Brussels is also a fantastic base if you want to explore some cities in France, Netherlands and Germany as well! In short, this is one of the best located places in Europe for day trips, with fantastic transport links that make travel extremely easy. I’m excited to share with you my favourite day trips from Brussels, and believe me, I will be going back for me!
Brussels – Getting there and Away
Brussels is served by Eurostar and so it’s just two hours from London. Most Londoners go for this option as it’s so quick and easy. Book your Eurostar tickets here.
It is also accessible by direct flights from London and Manchester. The cheap airlines such as Ryanair often fly into Brussels Charleroi which is about an hour away fro Brussels. You can use Flibco for your airport transfer to Brussels Midi. Then last flight I got from Manchester to Brussels was just £24.99, so the prices can be extremely reasonable.
Getting around Brussels
Brussels has a metro which can help you to get around the city, but I managed to get everywhere (including Grand Place to Brussels Midi) on foot. For this reason, I recommend some sturdy walking boots (mine are Karrimor Bodmin lightweight women’s walking boots) or comfortable trainers.
You can buy your train tickets from Brussels Midi (and other Brussels stations) on a machine with an English option (as well as French and Dutch). There are also English speaking members of staff around who will be happy to help you and direct you to the correct platform.
The Best Day Trips from Brussels
The most popular day trips from Brussels are Bruges and Ghent. These towns have stunning architecture and fantastic places to eat out and enjoy a Belgian beer. But, there are other unexpected day trips from Brussels that are really enjoyable. For example, some of the smaller places in Belgium including Leuven and Mons are lovely to visit. It’s also doable to get to France and Germany within a day if you have a desire to see more of Europe.
#1 Bruges
Bruges is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe and despite being rather touristy, it is well worth a visit (read my article on is Bruges worth visiting here).
Don’t miss the views from the Bruges Belfry, Markt (beautiful colourful houses) and Saint Salvador Cathedral. If you enjoy Churches then you might also like to visit the Church of our Lady. Make sure that you enjoy a boat ride along the river and one chocolates from one of the many incredible chocolatiers such as PUR or Dumon.
Approx train journey from Brussels: 1h
What I loved: Amazing views of the city from the Belfry
#2 Ghent
Ghent is one of my favourite day trips from Brussels. Ghent was the hub of Europe during it’s golden age of the 11th-16th Centuries, second only to Paris. The result is this fantastic medieval architecture that you see below from St. Michaels bridge. Don’t miss the Bavo Cathedral (with the painting of the Mystic Lamb). Friday Market Square and the beautiful old houses on Kraanlei. You can also read my full article on how to see Ghent in one day here.
Ghent is also a fabulous place to enjoy Belgian beer. I highly recommend Dulle Grit (on Friday Market square) and the Het Waterhuis de Bierkart (riverside bar).
Approx train journey from Brussels: 30min
What I loved: The views of stunning architecture from St Michael’s Bridge
#3 Leuven
Leuven is a small and walkable city just half an hour by train to the East of Brussels, making it a very easy day trip from Belgium. The historical town hall and market square in Leuven are spectacular. You can also visit the University library and climb the spiral staircase of the bell tower.
Approx train journey from Brussels: 20min
What I loved: The stunning Leuven Town Hall.
#4 Antwerp
Antwerp, the ‘diamond capital of Europe’, is an easy day trip from Brussels – less than an hour North by train. One of the main attractions is the beautiful Flemish architecture of the old town square ‘Grote Markt’. Also, make sure that you visit the 17th-century Rubens House, which has period rooms displaying works by the Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens.
Approx train journey from Brussels: 1h
What I loved: The Pieter Appelmans Monument outside the Cathedral (a tribute to those who built it)
#5 Lille
One of my favourite French cities is Lille! Lille is home to my friend Jean-Baptiste (who was one of my housemates when I was at University!) and so I have visited quite a few times. Lille is just 45 minutes from Brussels by train. It is a bustling university city with many Flemish influences. Don’t miss the beautiful 17th Century houses and cobbled street on and around Place du Général de Gaulle (Lille’s central square). Lille has a very authentic atmosphere and a vibrant food culture, which you can enjoy exploring without the crowds of Brussels or Bruges.
Approx train journey from Brussels: 45min to Lille Europe
What I loved: Eating moules frites!
#6 Rotterdam
Although Amsterdam is a bit far from Brussels to do in a day, Rotterdam is not! This diverse and happening port in The Netherlands has a great restaurant and nightlife scene. Don’t miss the Maritime Museum and the 17th-century Delfshaven neighborhood for canalside shopping and the Pilgrim Fathers Church.
Approx train journey from Brussels: 1h 30min
What I loved: Canalside shopping
#7 Dinant
This small city in the Walloon region of Belgium is in a beautiful setting – on the banks of the Meuse River with a stunning backdrop of cliffs (which make pictures of it instantly recognisable). Its fortified citadel perched high above the city offers spectacular views, and has now been converted into a museum. The city itself is home to the beautiful gothic masterpiece – the Collegiate Church of Our Lady (often referred to as Notre Dame de Dinant).
Approx train journey from Brussels: 1h 30min
What I loved: The stunning cliff backdrop to the town
#8 Aachen
Around one hour and forty-five minutes drive from Brussels is the German spa city of Aachen. If you get one of the fast trains, you can do it in an hour and ten minutes. Don’t miss Aachen Cathedral with its Gothic Chancel (a later addition) and the shrine of Charlemagne. Also check out the beautiful fountains of the city and Pontorr Gate.
Approx train journey from Brussels: 1h 30min
What I loved: Aachen Cathedral
#9 Cologne
Cologne, or Köln in German, is a vibrant city in western Germany known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It’s a very long day trip as the train is 1h50m, but it is just about doable if you are willing to get up early. The main things to see in Cologne include the gothic architecture of Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), Hohenzollern Bridge (famous for its ‘love locks’ and excellent views of the Rhine) and the charming cobbled streets of the Altstadt (Old Town) where you’ll find historical buildings, cozy pubs, and quaint shops. If you’re into art, you might want to visit the Ludwig Museum, known for its modern art collection, including works by Picasso and Warhol.
A boat tour along the Rhine River is a great way to enjoy beautiful views of the city and its surroundings. And finally, while you are in Cologne, you need to drink a Kölsch – experience traditional German beer culture by visiting a Brauhaus (brewery) and sampling this top-fermented beer.
Approx train journey from Brussels: 2h 10min
What I loved: Drinking Kölsch – the German beer! And Köln Cathedral, of course.
#10 Mechelen
Mechelen is a charming and historically significant city in Flanders, Belgium. It’s relatively small compared to some of the more well-known Belgian cities such as Bruges and Ghent, but it boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. St. Rumbold’s Cathedral (Sint-Romboutskathedraal), with its iconic tower, dominates the skyline. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of the city. The central square (Grote Markt) is surrounded by historic buildings and outdoor cafes. It’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and enjoy Belgian cuisine. The tranquil area of Mechelen Beguinage (Begijnhof) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and consists of small streets, gardens, and historic houses. Finally, it is possible to visit the Kazerne Dossin – Memorial. This museum serves as a memorial to the Belgian victims of the Holocaust and also covers human rights.
Like many Belgian cities, it’s great to explore by boat – see the city from a different perspective by taking a boat tour along the Dijle River. Mechelen offers more great opportunities to taste delicious local beer and chocolate.
Approx train journey from Brussels: 20min
What I loved: The summer atmosphere around Grote Markt.
#11 Maastricht
Maastricht, a charming city in the southern part of the Netherlands, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful architecture. It takes around an hour and a half to get from Brussels to Maastricht (1h45m by train). Maastricht is very pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. Consider exploring the city and its surrounding areas by bike or on foot. Don’t miss trying local dishes like Limburgse vlaai (fruit pies) and exploring the city’s culinary scene. The main sights include Vrijthof Square, St. Servatius Bridge (Sint Servaasbrug) and the Bonnefanten Museum. Also, be sure to see Helpoort – this is the oldest surviving city gate in the Netherlands and is part of the original city fortifications.
Maastricht is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and a lively atmosphere. With its picturesque squares, historic sites, and a welcoming ambiance, it offers a delightful experience for travellers looking to explore the Netherlands beyond its most popular cities.
Approx train journey from Brussels: 2h 20min
What I loved: Oooooooops – I just haven’t been there yet! Tell you later 😉
Further Reading – Travel in Belgium
Thanks so much for stopping by! If you have any questions, please inbox me or head over to my YouTube channel. If you’re wanting to read more about Belgium, you might like to read the following articles…
- One week in Belgium – An Exciting Itinerary for Bruges, Ghent and Brussels
- How to spend one day in Ghent, Belgium
- Solo travel Belgium – the ultimate guide