Brussels: Day Trips and Tours from Amsterdam

The Belgian capital of Brussels is an ancient metropolis with modern touches. Fill a day exploring medieval quarters, ornate churches, contemporary structures and food tastings on a day tour to Brussels from Amsterdam.

Here's all you need to know about Brussels, one of the most exciting day trips from Amsterdam.

How to get to Brussels from Amsterdam

Brussels is 210 kilometers south of Amsterdam, about 2 hours by train and 3 hours by car. You will need to present your passport at the Belgian border crossing.

From Amsterdam to Brussels by car

From Amsterdam, take the A10 from the S112 in Amsterdam-Oost for 5 kilometers. Follow the A2, A27/E311 and E19 until you reach the N23 in Schaerbeek, Belgium.

Take the Centre-Centrum/Institutions/Meiser/Europese Instellingen exit to central Brussels.

From Amsterdam to Brussels by train

There are two train lines between Amsterdam and Brussels. The Eurostar takes you from Amsterdam Centraal to Brussel-Zuid/Midi where you will take the Louvain-La-Neuve train to Brussel-Centraal station.

You may also take the Intercity direct to Rotterdam where you will board the Thalys Paris Nord train to Brussel-Zuid/Midi. Take the Landen train to Brussel-Centraal.

Guided tour to Brussels from Amsterdam

Let professionals craft a day tour package that lets you discover Brussels during your stay in Amsterdam. Bundle transportation, guided walking tours and tickets to attractions in one price for a hassle-free and enjoyable outing.

What is the typical itinerary?

All tours to Brussels from Amsterdam last from 10 to 12 hours and start early. Meet your guide at Amsterdam Centraal or at your hotel if you book a private tour.

Take in the Dutch and Belgian countryside as well as commentary from your driver/guide during the 3-hour ride to Brussels.

Pass by sites like the Atomium, the Royal Palace and the National Basilica by bus before alighting at the Grand-Place. Considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world, delight in the fountains, sculptures and the buildings’ ornate facades.

Move on to the nearby Manneken Pis for photos of the ancient and famous fountain.

Many tours include chocolate making demonstrations followed by a tasting. Grab a typical Belgian snack or meal to tide you over for the 3-hour drive back to Amsterdam.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Brussels?

Venture across the Belgian border with the help of a guided tour to make discovering Brussels simple and convenient.

Guided tours to Brussels from Amsterdam

Join a group tour to Brussels, Belgium’s capital and the seat of the UN, for a full day of exploration.

Marvel at the city’s intricate Gothic architecture, taste famous Belgian chocolate and try local beers at a cafe in the UNESCO World Heritage Grand-Place.

Private tour to Brussels from Amsterdam

Book a private tour to Brussels just for you and your group that comprises round-trip transportation from your Amsterdam hotel in a private vehicle.

While many private tours do not offer guided tours of the city, some feature customizable itineraries for walking tours with a guide and chances to see locales not mentioned in guidebooks.

Day trip to Brussels plus Antwerp from Amsterdam

Antwerp is an easy stop along the route between Amsterdam and Brussels. Seize the opportunity to tour two historic Belgian cities in one day on a 12-hour tour.

How much does a day trip to Brussels from Amsterdam cost?

Group tours to Brussels from Amsterdam cost between €75 per person and €140 per person, depending on group size.

Most tours include a chocolate tasting as well as fully-guided driving and walking tours of the city.

Private self-guided tours of Brussels cost from €115 per person to €630 per person, depending on group size.

Fully-guided tours cost from €460 per person to €785 per person, depending on group size. Private tours feature door-to-door service from Amsterdam hotels and the chance to customize your itinerary.

Day trips to Brussels plus Antwerp are private and cost from €300 per person for self-guided tours to €600 per person for fully-guided tours.

Prices reduce with larger groups. All Brussels day trips from Amsterdam include round-trip transportation and all travel fees.

What will you see and do?

Atomium

Built for the 1958 World’s Fair, the striking metallic Atomium is one of Belgium’s top tourist destinations.

Atomium is 102 meters tall, consisting of nine spheres connected by tubes to a central support column, and is thought to represent a massive iron crystal atom.

Take the elevator to the top of the structure for sweeping views and a bite to eat at the restaurant.

La Grand-Place

Brussels’ Grand-Place, considered the most beautiful plaza in Europe, is a UNESCO Heritage Site dating back to the 1200s.

The Dutch translation is the “Grote Markt” and boasts towering historic buildings decorated with arches and carved stone. Among them are the Town Hall, Victor Hugo’s former home and la Maison du Roi.

If you time your visit right during August, you may witness the Flower Carpet, one of the most breathtaking public art displays imaginable.  

Marvel at the 1680-square-meter work of art created entirely with flowers. The carpet is designed and installed during even-numbered years only,

Manneken Pis

Just off the Grand-Place is a world-famous, yet tiny, bronze statue and fountain that dates back to 1388. A must-see and photo-op, Mannequin Pis may even be wearing one of his 1,000 outfits, a tradition that began at the end of the 1600s.

Jubilee Park

Named the Parc du Cinquantenaire in French and Jubelpark in Dutch, this wooded space in Brussels offers a peaceful break from the city streets.  Europe’s widest Triumphal Arch, several museums and stretches of green space are found here.

Food and drink

Chocolate, beer, waffles and fries must be part of your day in Brussels. Witness master chocolatiers whipping up confections for you to taste.

Relax with a beer, and fuel up with fries dipped in a variety of sauces. Try a savory Brussels waffle and sweet Liege one to complete your gustatory experience.

When is the best time to visit Brussels?

Fall in Brussels is considered the best time to visit. Take in the changing colors and recently-harvested produce.

June through August are the busiest and most expensive times in the city. Try the shoulder seasons of March through May and September to October for a more relaxed visit.

Travel tips

• Have your passport ready at the Dutch-Belgian border crossings.
• Wear clothing and shoes appropriate for an active day.
• Tours do not include meals, so plan accordingly.