We ranked every day trip from Brussels
Over several trips using Brussels as a base, we’ve done pretty much every worthwhile day trip. People always want the definitive ranking, so — at the risk of starting arguments — here’s ours.
1. Ghent
Our winner, and it’s not close. As beautiful as Bruges, with half the crowds and a real, lived-in student-city buzz, and only 30 minutes by train (guide). If you do one day trip, do this.
2. Bruges
The famous one, and genuinely magical — if you go early (why). Midday-summer Bruges drops it down the list; 8am Bruges would rival Ghent (guide).
3. Antwerp
The most underrated. Style, diamonds, Rubens, a cathedral of a railway station — a bigger, edgier city than the medieval towns, 45 minutes away (guide). Our pick for repeat visitors.
4. Ypres / Flanders Fields
Not “enjoyable” in the usual sense, but the most moving day we’ve had from Brussels — the Menin Gate, Tyne Cot, the Last Post (guide). Best by guided tour. Everyone should do it once.
5. Leuven
The easiest win — 24 minutes, a stunning Gothic town hall, the world’s biggest brewery, great student energy (guide). Perfect for a relaxed half-day.
6. Mechelen
The connoisseur’s pick — a climbable tower, a powerful WWII memorial, no crowds, 20 minutes away (guide). Underrated.
7. Dinant
The scenery option — a clifftop citadel over the Meuse, the prettiest town in Wallonia, but further out (~1h30) (guide).
8. Waterloo
For history buffs — the 1815 battlefield, best with a tour for the context (guide).
9. Luxembourg City
A whole second country, dramatic fortifications — but a long ~3-hour train each way (guide).
10. Amsterdam
Doable in under two hours, but one day only scratches it — give it a night if you can (our take).
How to choose quickly
- One day, want the best: Ghent.
- Want the postcard: Bruges (early!).
- Love cities & design: Antwerp.
- History & remembrance: Ypres or Waterloo.
- Low effort: Leuven or Mechelen.
The full reasoning for each is in our best day trips from Brussels guide. Disagree with the order? So do half the people we travel with. Go find your own number one.
