In-N-Out of Brussels: 6 Fun-Filled Day Trips from Brussels - Updated 2024

Charlene
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read
In-N-Out of Brussels: 6 Fun-Filled Day Trips from Brussels - Updated 2024

In-N-out … no, not the Burger chain, but in-and-out of Brussels! Belgium is a beautiful country with lots of historical character, world class chocolatiers, quaint old towns, and picturesque ports. While Brussels has a lot to offer, it’s a real pity if you don’t explore beyond the city. Here are 6 fun-filled day trips from Brussels, to get the most out of your trip to Belgium!

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1. Ghent and Bruges

Initially dubbed as Belgium’s best-kept secret, Ghent has been becoming increasingly popular among tourists. This port city is super picturesque and, like most cities in Belgium, is filled with tons of old medieval buildings. Brimming with architectural masterpieces, walking through the old town makes you feel as if you as in a historical painting! Stop to wander around the grounds of the majestic Gravensteen Castle, which attracts plenty of tourists every day, and then visit the beautiful port lined with a wealth of quirky and hip bars. Afterwards, take a relaxing boat ride from the scenic port and along the cute canals and enjoy a short getaway to the 16th century for a brief moment. It’s a pity to visit Belgium without visiting beautiful Bruges! This architecturally-rich city is no secret, and it attracts billions of tourists every year. Stroll down its quaint cobblestone streets and meet the Market Square in the heart of the city. The horse-drawn carriage rides and 17th-century houses converted into restaurants and cafes liven up the atmosphere, especially at night, together with its soaring grand towers illuminated in the dim evening light. Take a peaceful walk alongside its romantic lake of Love (Minnewater). If your budget permits, take an idyllic boat tour, or alternatively sit on the benches by the water and watch the swans and the world go by.

Tip from Content Creator

Bruges Choco-Story museum Bruges

Our trip to Bruges literally felt like we had walked into a fairytale, with the colourful ‘gingerbread’ houses, cobbled streets and medieval-style buildings. It’s only an hour away by train from Brussels, so it makes for a great day trip. On your trip to Bruges:

- Try all the chocolate samples at the Choco-Story museum

- Learn about the history of chips at Frietmuseum’

- Have a traditional Flemish beef stew at Le Panier D’Or

- Get your Insta shots at Grote Markt square

- Stop by the Basilica of the Holy Blood

- Stroll through Rozenhoedkaai and Gronerei

- Try the best waffles at Chez Albert ⁣

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2. Luxembourg

Think it’s impossible to visit 2 countries in a day? Well, Europe is so well connected that you actually can! Take a day off to visit Luxembourg, a country in Europe that is often overlooked due to its small size when compared to other European countries. Though it may be smaller, it’s equally beautiful and mesmerising, filled with antique charms, Roman heritage, and architectural splendour. Explore the streets of Luxembourg City, and visit famous landmarks like the magnificent Grand Ducal Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the impressive European Court of Justice.

This tour also includes a stop in the pretty Belgian town of Dinant, where you can marvel at its stunning cathedral from the 13th century.

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3. Belgian Chocolate Tour

Belgian chocolate
Source: istock

The chances are that one of the top things you associate with Belgium is chocolate. Delicious, creamy, and very tempting Belgian chocolate! True enough, chocolate is an important part of Belgium. Together with Switzerland, Belgium is one of the most important chocolate producers in Europe. Take a chocolate walking tour and venture within different chocolatiers as you stroll down the streets. Stop for tantalising tasters and buy some of the finest quality pralines and delicate truffles of various flavours to take back home. Some have smooth caramel fillings, others have creamy alcoholic liqueurs … there are so many options to choose between! Of course, you can also get hands on and learn the secret magic behind these irresistible delights and try creating something delicious of your own!

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4. Amsterdam

If you can’t get enough of visiting two countries in a day, simply cross the Dutch border for a short getaway to Amsterdam! The scenic journey from Brussels will bring you past colourful and picturesque tulip fields with powerful windmills in the background. When you reach Amsterdam, be sure to indulge in Holland’s traditional cheeses, and stroll around the city centre as you encounter the countless shops selling clogs, and craft centres where fine pottery is made. Jostle with locals and tourists at Dam Square and visit the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, where you can pose for pictures or simply observe its majestic exteriors in great detail. Join the queue for the historical and moving Anne Frank House, ride a boat along the canal to get a different perspective of things and some quiet time to unwind, and go into the local souvenir shops to buy some lovely keepsakes. After your terrific day, head back to Brussels for the night. This is how you explore two countries in a day!

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5. Antwerp

Antwerp
Source: istock

A bustling city that seems to always have something exciting in the making at every corner, Antwerp is a city that no one would want to miss. Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city, with a rich architectural heritage. Check out its Market Square (Grote Markt), filled with lots of medieval character, and the National Redoubt of Belgium, which used to be a defensive belt of fortifications to defend the city of Antwerp. Chill out at one of its cool cafes along the cobbled lanes and, if you appreciate art, be sure to stop by the Cathedral of Our Lady to admire masterpieces. All in all, just appreciate your surroundings!

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6. Maasmechelen Village

Premium outlets
Source: istock

There is tons of sightseeing to do in Belgium; everything is so pretty and almost flawless. Why not take a break from sightseeing and do some shopping instead! After all, shopping is the best therapy, right?! Snap up bargains from international boutiques at Maasmechelen Village and give yourself a treat. The village boasts so many international brands and you can get high-quality items at a fraction of the original price. Who could say no to that?

Maasmechelen Village

Price: from 17 USD

Duration: around 6 hours required

Website:

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Charleroi

Contributed by Tour Guide, Miriam Meda

Source: Miriam Meda

Charleroi is less than a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Brussels. In 1666, the village of Charnoy had the construction of a fortress, and this new fortified site was called Charleroi to honor the King of Spain, Charles II. In the late 19th century, the city made its mark as one of the key links in the north-west European industrial axis, between the UK and the Ruhr, and became a very wealthy city. Until World War I, it was the economic backbone of Belgium and Europe.

Charleroi was the center for coal mining, iron, steel, and engineering industries. Its area was famous for its glassmakers, selling even in the USA. Machinery, electronic equipment, and cement were also produced here. But after World War II, deindustrialization changed the rules of the game completely and the city faced economic troubles.

Charleroi was also the place where the painter Magritte lived, and the cradle of an important school of Belgian comics.

Breaking barriers

Brussels is awesome, with friendly locals and majestic medieval architecture, and it is even home to the EU. But, Belgium is much more than just Brussels. There are plenty of cities in Belgium that are worth exploring. Time may be a factor, but Europe is so well connected that you can even visit two countries in a day! Go ahead and break the boundaries, and you will leave this city feeling accomplished and satisfied.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Charlene likes to write, especially when its about her feelings and experiences. Travel has always been of her interest as she believes the world has so much more to offer her. She has travelled to...Read more

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5 Must-Visit Attractions In Brussels, Belgium

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