7 Best Day Trips From Brussels You’ll Absolutely Love
Planning a trip to Brussels and wondering what else you can squeeze into your itinerary without switching hotels every night?
Stick around, and I’ll take you to some of the most beautiful towns and cities in the region that make the best day trips from Brussels.
I spent one full day in Brussels soaking up the quirky city and its Christmas markets, eating my way through every stall, and staying in the cutest little hotel near the Grand Place. From there, I launched into my solo Christmas Market extravaganza—and every one of the spots I mention below was part of that adventure.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to plan your own perfect day trip from Brussels—effortlessly and without the guesswork.
My Top Picks For a Day Trip From Brussels
7 Best and Easiest Day Trips You Can Take From Brussels
One of the best things about Brussels is how incredibly well-connected it is—to the rest of Belgium and to neighboring countries. It makes a fantastic home base, especially if (like me) you want to explore more without the constant hassle of moving hotels.
The train system is so efficient that you can reach some of the most charming cities in under an hour—perfect for a no-stress day trip.
Day Trip to Bruges
My favorite day trip from Brussels was hands down Bruges.
It honestly feels like stepping straight into a fairytale—with cobblestone streets, dreamy canals, and centuries-old buildings. It’s romantic, peaceful, and perfect for wandering aimlessly, even if it’s only for one day.
If you’re visiting in winter, my guide to the Bruges Christmas Market has everything you need to plan a festive day here.
Bruges’ top highlights include the Markt square with its iconic Belfry Tower (be sure to climb it for amazing views!) and the postcard-perfect canals. Don’t skip the local chocolate shops or a boat ride through the canals if the weather cooperates.
Getting to Bruges from Brussels is super easy—just over 1 hour by train, or around 1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic.
Day Trip to Ghent
Ghent has a totally different vibe than Bruges.
It’s got that perfect blend of old-world charm and modern creativity, with street art, cool cafés, and a slightly edgy, artsy feel. If Bruges is a fairytale, Ghent is the hip, younger cousin with a thing for good coffee and bold design.
On your day trip to Ghent, don’t miss Gravensteen Castle, which looks straight out of a medieval movie set, and take time to wander the historic city center along the Leie River. St. Bavo’s Cathedral is home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece, and the Patershol district is great for grabbing a bite.
Ghent is just 30–40 minutes from Brussels by train and about an hour by car, making it a super easy day trip.
Pro Tip: You can even squeeze Ghent and Bruges into one day trip from Brussels! And if you’re worried about organizing it yourself, check out this very popular tour: Bruges and Ghent – Belgium’s Fairytale Cities – from Brussels
Day Trip to Dinant
Dinant might not be on everyone’s radar—but that’s exactly why you should go.
Tucked along the Meuse River and backed by dramatic cliffs, this little town is seriously photogenic and packed with charm. The colorful riverside buildings and cliffside citadel make it one of the most unique and visually striking places I visited on my trip.
Top things to do in Dinant include riding the cable car (or climbing the 400+ steps!) up to the Citadel for panoramic views, visiting the striking Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, and learning about the town’s musical claim to fame at the Adolphe Sax Museum—yep, Dinant is the birthplace of the saxophone.
Also, be sure to tour the majestic Cave of Han!
It takes about 1 hour 45 minutes by train from Brussels, or just under 1.5 hours by car.
Day Trip to Luxembourg City
Luxembourg City is one of those places that totally surprised me—in the best way.
It’s a bit farther than the other day trips (about 4 hours by train or just 2.5 hours by car), but trust me, it’s absolutely worth the effort. I loved wandering through its layered old town, stumbling upon hidden viewpoints, and uncovering little gems tucked into quiet alleyways.
Highlights include exploring the Bock Casemates (an underground fortress tunnel system), walking the Chemin de la Corniche—often called “Europe’s most beautiful balcony”—and visiting the Grand Ducal Palace.
If you’re visiting in December, the Christmas markets here are small but magical, with cozy stalls and fewer crowds than some of the bigger cities.
It’s definitely one of the more unique day trips you can squeeze into your Brussels itinerary.
Day Trip to Amsterdam
Okay, I’ll be honest—Amsterdam is usually the main destination, not the day trip. But if your base is Brussels and you’ve got the time, a day trip to Amsterdam can totally be done (and it’s worth it!). It takes about 2 hours by high-speed train or just under 2.5 hours by car, so it’s a long day, but a very doable one.
For a quick visit, focus on the highlights: take a canal cruise, wander the Jordaan neighborhood, grab a stroopwafel from a street vendor, and maybe squeeze in a museum like the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum if you’re fast on your feet.
Even just wandering the charming streets and soaking in the energy is a win. Either way, you’re going to fall hard for Amsterdam’s easygoing vibe and picture-perfect canals.
Day Trip to Maastricht Netherlands
Maastricht has this effortlessly cool vibe that’s hard to describe—but once you’re there, you feel it.
I visited during December for the Christmas markets and instantly wished I had another day just to linger in the cozy cafés and soak up the energy. The town has a relaxed yet stylish feel, with busy squares, charming side streets, and tons of inviting outdoor seating at pubs and restaurants—even in winter!
On a day trip to Maastricht, you can explore the medieval city walls, check out the Basilica of Saint Servatius, and visit the unique Boekhandel Dominicanen—a bookstore set inside a 13th-century church (yes, really!).
Maastricht is also known for its shopping, so it’s a great place to browse local boutiques.
It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to get there by train or roughly 1.5 hours by car from Brussels.
Day Trip to Cologne Germany
Cologne is one of those cities where you can pack in a full day of exploring and feel like you got the essence of it.
I spent one day there and found it surprisingly doable—especially during the Christmas market season, when the city really comes alive. Your day will be full, but oh-so worth it!
Don’t miss the stunning Cologne Cathedral (seriously, it’s massive), take a stroll across the Hohenzollern Bridge with its thousands of love locks, and wander the charming Old Town.
If you’re there in December, hop between the city’s multiple Christmas markets—each with its own theme and vibe.
Cologne is just under 2 hours from Brussels by train, or about 2.5 hours by car, making it a solid but epic day trip.
Tips For Easy Day Trips From Brussels
Day trips from Brussels are pretty simple to pull off—but a few little tips can make them even easier. These are the things I figured out along the way that’ll save you time, stress, and maybe even a few euros.
Tip 1 – Book Guided Day Trips
If you’re short on time or just don’t want to deal with logistics, a guided tour is the way to go. You get all the highlights without the stress of figuring out transport, schedules, or how to best squeeze everything in.
I’ve booked tours through both Viator and Get Your Guide—they make it easy, and I always end up learning way more from local guides than I would exploring on my own. I usually compare both before booking—sometimes Get Your Guide has better prices, but Viator tends to offer more options.
Tip 2 – Use Omnio for Train Passes
If you want to go on your own, I recommend using Omio to find and book train connections to and from Brussels. They make it easy to compare schedules, prices, and travel times all in one place—so no stress at the station.
Tip 3 – Book accommodations near the city center
Staying near the city center (and especially close to Brussels Central Station) makes day trips so much easier. You’ll save time, avoid early morning sprints across the city, and have everything you need right at your doorstep.
Plus, if you’re visiting during the holidays, you’ll be within walking distance of Brussels’ Christmas markets, so you can enjoy them anytime without worrying about transit.
Where to Stay in Brussels For Easy Day Trips
If you’re planning to make Brussels your home base and take multiple day trips, staying near the city center—especially close to the Grand Place and Central Station—is the smartest move. Most group tours and trains depart from this area, so you’ll have easy, stress-free access to everything.
Bonus: it’s also one of the safest and most beautiful neighborhood in the city.
I’d Choose One Of These Hotels First!
Best Budget: Boutique Hotel Saint-Géry – I stayed here and loved it! Charming, central, and great value.
Best Mid Range: Warwick Brussels Grand Place – Just steps from the train station and perfect for day-trippers.
Best Luxury: Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo – Stylish, elegant, and unbeatable location.
That’s a Wrap
And there you have it—my favorite and most memorable adventures from Brussels in a day!
Whether you’re chasing fairytale towns, hopping over to neighboring countries, and collecting passport stamps, these really are some of the best day trips from Brussels.
I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that’s as easy and unforgettable as mine was! Check out my post on the most amazing things to do in Brussels next!
Catch ya on the next adventure!