Here are exciting day trips from Brussels by train with my comprehensive list!
If you’re looking for things to do and places to go while in Brussels, you’ll be happy to know that getting around nearby areas is a breeze!
The capital is well-known for its efficient and extensive train network, and railway travel is convenient and eco-friendly.
It’s the easiest way to get anywhere, including European cities like Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Cologne.
That said, don’t fret about getting around as you plan activities and day trips from Brussels by train.
In my list, I’ve put together helpful information for you so we can ensure you’ll have an easy and fantastic time as you travel Belgium!
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Best Day Trips from Brussels by Train – My top picks
1. Ghent
- Buy train tickets with Omio. Take the train from Brussels South to Ghent St. Pieters and, for convenience, book tickets in advance.
- Top activity: Enjoy the sights via a guided boat trip through the medieval city center of Ghent!
Ready to see well-preserved medieval architecture and experience a vibrant cultural scene?
Then Ghent is one of the places to visit in Belgium by train!
Now a university town, it used to be a major medieval trading center known for its textile industry.
- A stroll through Graslei and Korenlei, picturesque streets by the banks of the River Lys, is already one of the best day trips from Brussels!
- See the famous “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” a 15th-century masterpiece by the Van Eyck brothers, at St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
- Into history like me? Check out the museum and exhibits at the city center’s medieval fortress of Gravensteen Castle.
There’s so much history in Ghent, no matter where you look or go, and I enjoyed sightseeing and taking photos.
It’s also one of those short trips from Brussels, and getting there can be as quick as thirty minutes!
You can always decide beforehand where to stay in Ghent if you want to extend your stay in this lovely historical place!
2. Bruges
- Buy train tickets in advance. Trains bound for Bruges pass through all primary stations in Brussels (Brussels South, Brussels North, and Brussels Central), which means you can book beforehand for the station closest to you.
- Top activity: Enjoy your Bruges day trip from Brussels on a guided biking tour and learn its history from a guide who’s lived there most of their life.
If you’re a fan of medieval architecture, you’ll love UNESCO-listed Bruges with its charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
It’s one of the best day trips from Brussels by train if you want to escape into a fairy-tale city with picturesque canals and much more.
- Home to the medieval bell tower Belfry with its carillon and 47 melodious bells—the other highlight for me is the stunning panoramic view of Bruges from the top!
- Visit the central square, Markt Square, with its colorful and historic guild houses. They are so unique and one of a kind, and they should be on your list of what to do in Bruges in 1 day!
It’s worth a long-term stay, and if you decide to do so, here’s where to stay in Bruges while you’re visiting.
While we’re at it, you’ll want to take note of the best restaurants in Bruges because no trip is complete without trying out the local food!
3. Antwerp
- Buy train tickets upfront. From Brussels South, book an advance trip to Antwerpen Central, which takes less than an hour.
- Top activity: Look: an Antwerp day trip from Brussels is all well and good, but do you want to see everything in a new light? Consider joining a private evening tour like I did!
As far as day trips from Brussels by train are concerned, be sure you don’t leave out Belgium’s cultural and fashion capital!
Antwerp is known as the “Cultural Capital of Europe” and was named so back in 1993, and it was apparent why during my trip.
From when you arrive by train until you start walking around, there’s an old-world charm to everything, even with all the modernity!
- The city is brimming with historical landmarks, and even Antwerpen Central is an architectural marvel on its own.
- Home to the world’s top fashion academies, not to mention the famous Fashion Museum.
- Make sure to visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its stunning architecture. It is also home to masterpieces by renowned Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens.
- Speaking of Rubens: if you’re interested in his art and life, a trip to Rubenshuis is a must—it’s his former residence and studio!
- Antwerp is known as the diamond district—I’ve never seen so many diamond stores in one place, specifically in Vestingstraat, Pelikaanstraat, and De Keyserlei.
Antwerp is worth adding to your weekend trips from Brussels by train, and it was simply a delight walking around and enjoying the sights.
4. Leuven
- Buy train tickets here. This is one cheap day trip to Belgium and a quick one at less than forty minutes—book from Brussels to Leuven beforehand.
- Top activity: What about a self-guided walking tour to learn more about Leuven that you can do at your own pace if you’re doing more than just a one day trip from Brussels?
Leuven is known as a university town thanks to the presence of the Catholic University of Leuven, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe.
What’s so interesting to me is how the university’s campus is spread across the city—this contributes a lot to the academic atmosphere!
Founded in 1425, the renowned university, also known as KU Leuven, has significantly shaped European higher education.
Day tours from Brussels are well worth it with places like M-Museum Leuven—we’re talking about another architectural gem housing other gems in visual arts.
Look, when in Leuven, here’s another must-try that I recommend is getting a taste of the beer—try them where you can: traditional pubs, breweries, and contemporary beer pubs!
Day trips from Belgium can be long and tiresome, so you’ll want to know where to stay in Brussels—there are the best ones I know!
5. Mechelen
- Get train tickets here. You can book advance tickets from Brussels South straight to Mechelen. The trip should take at most forty minutes, sometimes not even half an hour long.
- Top activity: Spice up your visit with a self-guided escape tour—a city game you can play while sightseeing to find the secret exit of Mechelen!
If you’re looking for more one day trips from Brussels to add to your itinerary, you must add Mechelen!
Though it may not seem as prevalent, there’s a lot to see in the city, and just like the rest of Belgium, it has so much history.
Walking around quaint streets surrounded by medieval architecture made me feel like I was at another time!
St. Rumbold’s Cathedral is a must-see—it has the highest Gothic tower in all of Belgium, and the climb to the skywalk was so worth it for a view of the surrounding area.
To really see and feel Mechelen’s way of life, you shouldn’t miss Grote Markt, the city’s central square: there are restaurants, bars, and shops, plus a canal boat ride won’t hurt!
Whether you’re into them or not, visiting the Toy Museum was one of my best day trips from Brussels.
It was amazing to see so many toys from around the world, both past and present.
6. Namur
- Get train tickets. Book an advance trip to Namur via Brussels South, lasting a little over an hour.
- Top activity: Gamify your day trip from Brussels and explore popular attractions and hidden treasures through a city exploration game!
This was one of my more relaxing day trips from Brussels by train—Namur, the capital of Wallonia, isn’t crowded with tourists, unlike other towns!
It’s a great place to visit after enjoying traditional Belgian food in Brussels for a more laid-back sightseeing experience.
- Don’t miss a visit to the Citadel: it has excellent picturesque viewpoints of Namur and is perfect for photos! I certainly took a lot.
- If you’ve visited other cities and towns before going here, you’ll notice that St. Aubin’s Cathedral has a different architectural style—it’s the only cathedral in Belgium with a Late Baroque style.
- After a long day, winding down in one of the parks that look out at the Meuse and Sambre Rivers or strolling down riverside paths right by it was relaxing.
If you’re looking for other activities that will allow you to spend more time closer to nature, here are some of the best hiking trails near Brussels.
7. Dinant
- Buy train tickets upfront. Depending on which trip you book beforehand, you can either go straight to Dinant from Brussels-Luxembourg or take Brussels with a transfer to Namur.
- Top activity: Add this to your list of day trips out of Brussels—a full day private tour so you can really enjoy this charming little town!
Did you know that the saxophone inventor, Adolphe Sax, came from Dinant? Now you do!
It’s worth visiting for the best day trip from Brussels because you enjoy historical sites while being close to nature.
You can’t skip the Citadel of Dinant: the cliff-top fortress has a panoramic view of the town, a museum featuring its military history, and an Adolphe Sax exhibit.
Dinant is home to the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame—this Gothic church is infamous for its distinct and impressive onion-shaped dome.
From the citadel to the riverside, going on a cruise on the Meuse River really made me appreciate Dinant even more from another perspective, so it’s an activity worth considering!
With the surrounding cliffs and the greenery in its way, I consider it one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium!
8. Waterloo
- Buy tickets with Omio. From Brussels South, book an advance ticket to Waterloo via Braine-l’Alleud station, which should take less than an hour!
- Top activity: For Waterloo tours from Brussels, I recommend this educational and guided private battlegrounds tour so you can learn more about the area’s rich history.
Well known for being the site of the famous Battle of Waterloo in 1815, this town should be among the items on your list of train trips from Brussels!
If you visit at the right time of the year, aside from museums commemorating the battle, you may even be part of and witness commemorative events and reenactments.
The Lion’s Mound monument is a must-see: the lion sculpture sits atop an artificial hill meant to commemorate the Prince of Orange.
The exhibits at the Hougoumont Farm recounting the battle’s events are fascinating and provide much information about the end of the Napoleonic era.
When in Waterloo, you can’t skip out on the Visitor Center—not only are there facilities for tourists, but there are even more comprehensive insights about the Battle of Waterloo and guided tours.
Speaking of places that were battle sites or have a rich history relating to events that impacted the world, consider a Brussels to Ypres day trip.
9. Tournai
- Check schedules here. Book a trip beforehand at Brussels Central to Tournai, either direct or with a transfer. The station is centrally located, making city exploration easy.
- Top activity: The best way to get to know about the stories and legends of a city while exploring is through guided tours like this private one!
Considered an essential cultural site in Belgium and its oldest town, Tournai has a rich cultural heritage and a collection of artistic and architectural gems.
It’s the birthplace of renowned French poet, Symbolist leader, and Decadent Paul Verlaine.
Visit the uniquely shaped triangular Grand Place, a massive square that can be found in the middle of the city: it was the perfect place for me to relax, grab a bite to eat, and people-watch.
Belgium is filled with architectural marvels, and the town’s version is the Romanesque and Gothic-inspired Tournai Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Another UNESCO heritage site is the Belfry of Tournai, part of the Belfries of Belgium, with a fantastic view of the surrounding area once you reach the top!
This is another place that you’ll definitely want to include in your list of day trips from Brussels by train.
10. Luxembourg
- Check train schedules here. Book an advance ticket from Brussels South to Luxembourg with a transfer to Namur.
- Top activity: If you’re looking for one of the best day trips from Brussels, I personally recommend this guided tour so you can see all the highlights in Luxembourg in one day!
Still looking for the best day trips from Brussels to other countries?
It’s time to expand your trip to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg capital, my home country, with its medieval charm and modern architecture!
First on your list must be Grand Ducal Palace, home of the Grand Ducal family and a Renaissance architectural gem.
If you’d like something different as far as adventures go, like me, don’t skip Bock Casemates: historical underground tunnels and fortifications carved into the city’s rocky cliffs.
For a more laid-back visit, wind down and relax at the picturesque Grund District—it has a charming riverside view of the Alzette with quaint streets, cafes, and shops.
Check out Luxembourg tours now.
11. Paris
- Check schedules here. Book a ticket beforehand from Brussels South to Paris Gare du Nord for a less than two-hour trip.
- Top activity: What about a relaxing one hour River Seine cruise to add to your day trips from Brussels to Paris?
Who wouldn’t want a day trip from Paris to Brussels by train, considering it’s nearby?
I like making the most of my vacations, so a visit to the City of Lights when it’s accessible from Belgium? Big yes.
Every visit to Paris is complete with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, symbolic to France and one of the most well-known landmarks worldwide.
While you’re there, dropping by the Louvre Museum is also a must for the Mona Lisa painting; I also went there to see the sculpture Venus de Milo and The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault.
Don’t forget to see the French Gothic architectural masterpiece, Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité, a small island in the Seine River.
Paris has to have a place on your list of day trips from Brussels by train!
12. Amsterdam
- Get train tickets here. The trip from Brussels South to Amsterdam Central can take anywhere from two to three hours, and, as always, it’s best to book in advance.
- Top activity: Personally recommend and really enjoyed this interactive art experience featuring Da Vinci!
On top of the list of things Amsterdam is well known for include the picturesque canals, historic and beautiful architecture, not to mention the richness of its culture!
- It was interesting to see the Secret Annex in the Anne Frank House, where she and her family hid during World War II—I learned so much during this visit than just insights into the lives of her family.
- If you love art and history like me, part of your itinerary should be the Rijksmuseum, which showcases works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other renowned artists.
- If you want a taste of what Amsterdam is about regarding people and way of life, Dam Square was perfect for me: I saw the Royal Palace, National Monument, and the Nieuwe Kerk but also enjoyed street performers, shops, and cafes!
Undoubtedly, for those reasons alone, you should consider an Amsterdam day trip from Brussels!
Check out Amsterdam tours now.
13. Liege
- Check train schedules here. Book from Brussels to Liege-Guillemins in advance, which should take about an hour.
- Top activity: This should be on top of the list of your things to do in Liege—a first discovery walking tour focused on the most beautiful routes!
It is one of the oldest cities in Belgium. If you’re into cultural events, festivals, and artistic exhibitions, then make sure to visit Liege!
What I love about this place is how there seems to be something happening all year round.
One of the first places to see is the Prince-Bishops’ Palace with its mix of architectural styles, including Renaissance and Gothic.
While in Liege, you also have to climb Montagne de Bueren for the city view—it was a must for me, though take note that the staircase is considered one of the steepest in the world.
Don’t forget to visit the Liege Cathedral, also known as Saint Paul’s Cathedral, with its notable Gothic architecture and stained glass windows, as well as take a look at the religious artifacts and artworks within!
From the time you arrive at the impressive Liege-Guillemins station, you’ll know this will be one of the best day trips from Brussels by train you’ve ever taken!
14. Cologne
- Buy train tickets with Omio. Take Brussels South and book a trip in advance for Cologne Central Station.
- Top activity: If we’re talking about day trips from Brussels to Germany, I recommend an old town beer tour—you won’t regret it!
Of course, we can’t forget another nearby city across the border: day trips from Brussels to Germany, specifically Cologne, should be on your list!
This German city, on the banks of the Rhine River, is home to iconic landmarks, a blend of modern and medieval architecture, not to mention a vibrant arts scene!
The majestic Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, is a Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seeing the twin spires in person was a fantastic sight, and so was the interior with its stained glass windows.
This makes for an exciting stroll: Hohenzollern Bridge provides a fantastic view of the city, the love locks on both sides are quite a sight!
Sweet tooth or otherwise, you’ll love the Chocolate Museum and learn a lot like I did: not only do they show modern production of this famous dessert, but the exhibits also go as far back as the Olmecs, Maya, and Aztecs about chocolate!
My thoughts on day trips from Brussels by train
An efficient and effective railway system makes it more accessible to explore neighboring cities and regions by train in Brussels.
This has allowed me to see Belgium differently because each is just a train ride away!
My trip to Brussels and beyond allowed me to understand the people more through their culture and history—with the bonus of enjoying Belgium’s natural wonders.
What has helped me a lot when planning train journeys is checking which station is closest to me and scheduling my trips from there.
Don’t forget to book tickets in advance for convenience for smooth day trips!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
