12 Best Weekend Trips from Brussels

Spend your off time right with this best weekend trips from Brussels.

While visiting Belgium and the capital, you might wonder where else to go to make the most of your visit.

The good thing is, that there are a lot of unique places nearby that will find their way to your bucket list of the best weekend trips from Brussels! 

Many of them are accessible by public transport, whether by bus or train and are so worth the trip because of how beautiful and unique each one is.

Medieval and historical buildings, charming town squares, untouched nature, and museums… these destinations have these and more. 

That said, if you’re looking for more things to do and places to see, check out my personal favorites so you can enjoy yourself as you travel Belgium!

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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Belgium? Have a look at my other posts:

• Unique Castles in Belgium
• BOM Food and Drinks in Bouillon
• Beach Resorts in Belgium

Overview: Best Weekend Trips from Brussels

1. Bruges Boat Cruise
2. Caves of Han & Wildlife Park
3. Amsterdam food tour

1. Bruges: A Fairytale Retreat

• Top activity: Nothing spells out old-world charm than a boat cruise and guided walking tour to explore the many sights in Bruges!  
• Top place to stay: If you’re going to live out once upon a time in the real world, go all out by staying at the Dukes’ Palace Brugge, once a 15th-century ducal palace. 

You don’t have to venture too far out on weekend trips from Brussels by train! 

Take Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for instance: worth a trip thanks to the cobblestone streets and the picturesque canals. 

Climb up the medieval bell tower Belfry for a fantastic view of the city from the top—make sure you add it to your list of what to do in Bruges in 1 Day. 

You’ll love the Markt Square, and who wouldn’t with the colorful guild houses? It’s also the best way to mingle and get to know the locals.

Don’t forget to try the local cuisine and check out the best restaurants in Bruges!

Check out tours in Bruges now.

2. Ghent: History Meets Contemporary Cool

• Top activity: Learn more about the history of Ghent not just through its landmarks but through the food in this guided tour with food and drink tastings. 
• Top place to stay: Ghent is all about history and modernity—which is what the 18th-century mansion B&B The Verhaegen is all about! 

Another of my best weekend trips from Brussels is to Ghent, where history and the modern world have come together!

Indeed, this place deserves a day of exploration on its own, just like you would want to experience Brussels in 1 day since there’s so much to see!

• Stroll around Graslei and Korenlei by the banks of the River Lys, which has a fantastic view. 
• When in Belgium, you can’t skip out on the medieval fortresses, so make sure to go see Gravensteen Castle; learn more about its history and Ghent’s through exhibits and the museum. 
• Drop by St. Bavo’s Cathedral, where you’ll see a 15th-century masterpiece by the Van Eyck brothers: “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.” 

If you want to add variety to your weekend trips, why not spend time by the water after sightseeing in Ghent?

Check out Ghent tours here.

3. Ardennes: Nature’s Playground

• Top activity: What about a wildlife park and Caves of Han bundle tour to really help you appreciate the natural wonder of Ardennes? 
• Top place to stay: Hotel Sanglier, right at the center of Durbuy, with a view of the medieval castle! 

If you’re looking for ideal hiking trails near Brussels, you must go to the Ardennes, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. 

Its magnificent forests cover three different countries: Belgium, France, and Luxembourg. 

Looking for a peaceful place to enjoy nature? Haute Sûre Forêt d’Anlier is an ideal place to visit because of how quiet it is. 

Take a fun cycling route by the Meuse River that covers two countries: start in Langres and go to the river’s mouth, at the Rhine delta, and in the Netherlands! 

Since it’s nearby, don’t forget to add these things to do in Durbuy, the smallest city in the world. It is fairytale-like in its own right, surrounded by rolling hills within the Ardennes!

This was one of my most unforgettable weekend trips, going from Brussels by car just to see the sights.

Check out Ardennes Tours now.

4. Antwerp: Art, Diamonds, and Architectural Marvels

• Top activity: Enjoy the magnificent sights through a guided bike tour from the south up to the north of Antwerp! 
• Top place to stay: Quiet and peaceful, not to mention lovely all around, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is a great place to unwind after a day filled with touristy activities. 

With a rich history as a center of trade and commerce, no wonder Antwerp is considered a cultural hub—but it’s also more than that.

The city also boasts a rich artistic heritage and is home to renowned artists, such as Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. 

If you’ve visited most of the best museums in Brussels, it’s time to drop by another one in Antwerp: Museum aan de Stroom (MAS).

This place showcases not just the city’s maritime history and contemporary art.

Known as the diamond district, this is where you want to be if you’re looking to buy this precious tone—and you can bargain, too! Check out the areas of De Keyserlei, Pelikaanstraat, and Vestingstraat.

There is more of Ruben’s art in the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is an architectural marvel in itself! 

As a city known for its cultural diversity, Amsterdam is a great place to meet people.

The trendy neighborhoods of Het Eilandje and Groenplaats are must-sees for meeting people and mingling with the locals. 

Plus, you won’t just find traditional Belgian food in Brussels—enjoy waffles and fries while you’re in Antwerp.

Check out Antwerp tours here.

5. Luxembourg City: Grand Duchy’s Capital Gem

• Top activity: Nothing beats exploring cities with a local who knows everything there is to know about the area on this e-bike tour! 
• Top place to stay: La Pipistrelle Hotel is the place to stay, with its modern rooms all housed in a historical building. 

If you’re ready to expand your list to include day trips from Brussels to other countries, remember to add Luxembourg City. 

My favorite is simply walking the cobblestone streets and admiring the medieval architecture of Luxembourg’s Old Town; it’s like reliving the past! 

Explore the underground tunnels of Bock Casemates while learning about Luxembourg’s history—the climb to the Bock Promontory to see the city view is worth it, I promise! 

This is on my list of best weekend trips from Brussels because Luxembourg City has it all: old-town charm oozing with history and culture but with the comforts of the modern world.

Check out tours in Luxembourg City.

6. The Hague: A Regal Weekend Retreat

• Top activity: Marvel at the street art with a guided biking tour! 
• Top place to stay: Not only is it centrally located, but The Collector is also a beautiful place to stay in. 

The best weekend trips from Brussels extend outside of Belgium, and thanks to an efficient train system, it’s easy to get to The Hague! 

The city is fascinating from a royal and political standpoint: it’s the official workplace of the King at Noordeinde Palace and is also where the Dutch monarch lives.

It’s the political capital of the Netherlands, and the Dutch Parliament is in Binnenhof. 

Home to the Mauritshuis, this renowned art museum houses masterpieces such as Vermeer’s famous “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”

The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court are also located at the Peace Palace in The Hague. 

You can also add variety to your visit by switching from exploring the city to having fun in the water at Scheveningen Beach! 

Thanks to the Hague’s diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options, I’m confident it’ll be one of your best day trips from Brussels.

Check out The Hague tours here.

7. Cologne: A Blend of History and Contemporary Buzz

• Top activity: Put a twist in your sightseeing by exploring Cologne doing a beer tour.
• Top place to stay: Stern am Rathaus is conveniently located and comfortable with great staff!

Another place to add to your weekend getaways from Brussels is Germany, specifically Cologne! 

See the grandeur of Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with your own two eyes—it was one of the most breathtaking Gothic cathedrals I’ve ever seen. 

There are endless museums to see in Europe, and Cologne isn’t an exception: visit the Roman-Germanic Museum for a glimpse of the city’s history and historical artifacts. 

Join a Rhine River cruise to see Cologne from a different perspective, not just from the streets but also while in the water! 

A few other things to try from my personal recommended list as far as cuisine is concerned: the hearty dish, Himmel un Ääd, and the local beer, kölsch! 

With so much to see and do, it’s worth the trip, so make sure you add this to your must-visit list!

Check out tours in Cologne tours now.

8. Amsterdam: Canals, Culture, and Cosmopolitan Vibes

• Top activity: If you’re going on a walking tour, find one with food tasting included!  
• Top place to stay: Aside from the great location, Hotel Estheréa is also very aesthetic and is perfect if you like taking pictures. 

One more recommendation from my personal list of best weekend trips from Brussels is outside Belgium again: Amsterdam. 

From the historic architecture to the allure of its picturesque canals, the city has a unique vibe! 

While in Amsterdam, don’t forget to drop by the Van Gogh Museum to see renowned works known all over the world. 

Another place I had to see for myself, and you should too, is the Anne Frank House: there’s so much to learn from her story. 

Back to the city’s vibe, hang out at the Red Light District for a taste of the nightlife. 

What I love about Amsterdam is how diverse the neighborhoods are—from the artistic ambiance of Jordaan to the vibrant atmosphere of De Pijp. You must visit them yourself!

Check out Amsterdam tours here.

9. Leuven: Belgian Charm with Academic Flair

• Top activity: Take your time exploring this university town and marveling at the historic architecture with a self guided walking tour. 
• Top place to stay: Formerly a 16th-century former convent, Martin’s Klooster is as historic as the surrounding area. 

Let’s return to Belgium and talk about a nearby place. Leuven is on my list of weekend trips from Brussels by car, thanks to its accessibility from the capital. 

Thanks to the Catholic University of Leuven, considered one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, Leuven has become known as a university town. 

The campus is spread across the city, and one landmark you can’t skip is the University Library, an architectural masterpiece inside and out!

I loved visiting the M-Museum Leuven, an art museum collecting old and new works from different eras. 

Beer is taken seriously in the city, and the Stella Artois Brewery, which has been brewing and crafting the finest lager for 600 years, proves this! 

Both charmingly historic and diverse thanks to its student population, the vibrant atmosphere and sights combined make Leuven one of the best weekend trips from Brussels. 

Check out Leuven tours now.

10. Rotterdam: Modernity on the Maas River

• Top activity: Exploring the city on a bike and food tasting simultaneously. You can have both with this guided tour! 
• Top place to stay: When choosing a place to stay, I always look for the location and overall comfort, which is what Morgan & Mees is all about.  

Next on my list of places to see outside the capital of Belgium include the city of Rotterdam. 

In a bid to show its resilience and determination after significant damage following World War II, the result is a fascinating post-war architectural landscape vastly different from other Dutch cities. 

Piet Blom’s avant-garde Cube Houses were my favorites: these oddly tilted residential homes were unique and exciting to see in person!

The second largest bridge in the Netherlands and a sight to behold is the Erasmus Bridge, an architectural marvel that looks stunning both up close and from a distance. 

You don’t have to be on ships to visit the Maritime Museum in Rotterdam—if you need a reason to visit, I’ll give you one: a Titanic exhibit. 

To get a feel for the local nightlife, I recommend visiting Witte de Withstraat, which has hip bars and restaurants. 

Of course, every trip is complete with trying the cuisine, with my top food recommendations being stroopwafels and bitterballen! 

Check out Rotterdam tours here.

11. Maastricht: Culinary Delights in a Historic Setting

• Top activity: Learn more about the area, including history, architecture, and culture, with a local guide on a private tour. 
• Top place to stay: Right at the city center, Cousins Boutique Hotel also has very unique, lovely rooms!

Here’s another one of the best weekend trips from Brussels, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. 

Maastricht’s rich history dates back to Roman times, but the town is also renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture! 

Vrijthof Square is a lively and picturesque public space in the city’s heart surrounded by historic buildings and outdoor cafes—perfect for someone like me who loves people-watching! 

Drop by the Basilica of Saint Servatius, with its stunning Romanesque architecture. Here, relics of Saint Servatius, Maastricht’s patron saint, can be found. 

Seeing Helpoort up close, the oldest surviving city gate in the Netherlands, was quite an experience and offered a unique glimpse of the city’s past. 

As always, I wrapped up my visit with a taste of local food: the Limburgse Vlaai, a fruit-filled flan to die for and a must-try!

Since you’re nearby and if you haven’t stopped over yet, here are some fun things to do in Liege before you make your way back to Brussels!

Check out Maastricht tours here.

12. Dinant

• Top activity: Learn more about the city with a guided walking tour, including the legend of Rocher Bayard! 
• Top place to stay: A charming area means you’ll have to stay in equally charming accommodations—Riverside Cottage Dinant is all that and more! 

Last but not least, a place I consider to be one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium is Dinant! 

If you’re looking for short trips from Brussels and want to keep your visit within the country, you must drop by. 

This city is home to the saxophone inventor Adolphe Sax, who has an exhibit at the museum in the Citadel of Dinant. 

Speaking of the Citadel, it has the best views of the city below and the picturesque Meuse River! 

There’s no shortage of churches and cathedrals in Belgium alone, and Dinant has one of its own: the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, distinct thanks to its onion-shaped dome. 

The city has a lot of nature and is perfect for outdoor activities—from scenic boat rides to monkey bridges, ziplines, and more! 

Dinant has to be one of my best weekend trips from Brussels because it combines nature and history.

Check out Dinant tours now.

My thoughts on weekend trips from Brussels

Thanks to efficient travel options, it’s easier, more than ever, to visit nearby places wherever you are in most of Europe. 

This is just twelve of the best weekend trips from Brussels, and I have already enjoyed various experiences. 

No matter what you’re looking for, many of these places probably have it, so when in the Belgian capital, if you have time to spare, make sure to book a trip to these destinations!