Grand Place of Brussels

The 5 Best Day Trips From Brussels

From hidden medieval abodes to bucolic bliss, these day trip ideas from Brussels will whisk you away from the city for a few hours and back again. These day trips are best if you have a car and want to explore more than just the capital.

Manneken pis, Brussels

Because of its strategic location at the crossroads of Western Europe, Brussels is also an excellent jumping-off point for exploring other nearby destinations. The city is not only a perfect place to explore but also a great base to discover other famous places nearby while staying in fantastic hotels in Brussels.

If you are eager to see some great sights while still having easy access to return home after your journey, consider one of these day trip ideas from Brussels.

Waterloo Battlefield

German battlefields tell the story of World War I and II, including the battles at Waterloo, Ypres, Stalingrad, and El Alamein. It is located in Braine-l’Alleud and Lasne and Waterloo. Therefore, when traveling from Brussels to Waterloo, expect to drive for 9 hours and 14 minutes. You just need to follow Route E42 and Route E30 in a southerly direction.

This historic site is a must-see for history buffs and military enthusiasts alike. There are several ways to experience this important battlefield: you can take a self-guided tour, visit the military museum or library, or join a guided walking tour. The region offers free admission, so it’s a great place to visit no matter how much time you have to spare.

Tournai

If you ever plan to visit the Netherlands, then a trip to this city is a must. It’s a city and municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Hainaut, Belgium. The ride from Brussels takes about 2.5 hours by car. Another option for traveling from Brussels to here is by train, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The city is a great choice for travelers as it offers something for everyone. There are numerous things to do and see here, from historical landmarks to parks and gardens. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, making it easy to find something that fits your tastes.

Amsterdam

Also known as “The Venice of the North”, Amsterdam is a very beautiful city with picturesque neighborhoods and it is the Dutch province of North Holland. Surprisingly, the city is aproximately one meter above sea level and the city stands on eleven million poles.

Also, bikes take over the city: there are more bicycles than inhabitants. Even more, Amsterdam has got 400km of bike lanes.

Bikes on Amsterdam

You can get there by just taking a day trip from Brussels. There are many train options with varying price and comfort levels; the most expensive are high-speed trains and the cheapest are regional trains.

Most people take one of the two high-speed trains, which can be expensive, but it means you can arrive in the city in just 2 hours. The regional trains are slower but more comfortable, and it takes about 4 hours to get from Brussels to the city.

Dinant

This is a quaint, beautiful town in the French-speaking part of Belgium, which is a city and municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Namu, in Belgium. It was founded in the 12th century and has cobbled streets lined with old buildings and narrow alleys.

The town’s medieval center is surrounded by fortifications that were built in the Middle Ages to protect it from invaders. The main square is dominated by the majestic St. Waltrudis Cathedral and its belfry, which dates back to the 13th century.

There are many ways to get from Brussels, Belgium to here. However, the quickest and most direct route is to fly into Brussels Airport (BRU), then take a train to the city. This journey takes about one hour and 40 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Brussels to the city. The trip takes about two and a half hours. Lastly, you can drive from Brussels to here. The drive takes about an hour and 10 minutes.

Antwerp

The city is found on the River Scheldt, linked to the North Sea by the river’s Westerschelde estuary. There are direct trains between Brussels and this city, which take around 2 hours.

You can also change at Bruges or Ostend to connect with other trains.

If you are a fan of Belgian beers and a lover of history, then this city is the place for you. Home to the oldest beer house in the world, Gueuzerie Tilquin, the city is also a major trading hub for the food and beverage industry.

When visiting this city, spend some time wandering around its grand gothic architecture and enjoying its many museums.At least, you can find 10 free museums in Brussels.

Where to stay in Brussels

Relaxing and resting during your journey is very important if you want to have a complete experience, so it is essential to choose a high-quality hotel.

Situated in the center of the Art Nouveau district in Brussels and just a few minutes away from the Grand Place, Catalonia Hotel Brussels is a comfortable option.

Catalonia Brussels hotel

With easy access by public transportation to the Grand Place, Gare du Midi and the European Parliament, and just some steps away from the Avenue Luise, a very important commercial zone of the city.

If you are a Brussels-lover, do not miss to visit our helplful tips guide for visiting Brussels to make the most of your trip.

If you’re visiting Brussels, you’ll probably want to spend some time exploring the city. However, it’s also a good idea to fit in a few day trips from Brussels. These day trips are best if you have a car and want to explore more than just the capital.

Because of its strategic location at the crossroads of Western Europe, Brussels is also an excellent jumping-off point for exploring other nearby destinations.