Day Trips and Tours from Brussels

The political capital of Europe, Brussels, has plenty to keep avid travelers interested, from its historic monuments to its captivating museums and mouth watering culinary scene.

However, one of the greatest benefits of this dazzling city is that it is within easy reach of a number of other European destinations, making it the ideal place to base yourself.

By participating in one of the available day trips and tours from Brussels, you’ll get to see another side of the region, from bustling ports to meandering canals, and everything in between.

Bruges

Located in the Northwest of Belgium, Bruges is the capital of the West Flanders region and is one of the easiest destinations to visit from Brussels. Nicknamed the “Venice of the North,” the city is home to an extensive web of canals, which you can discover for yourself on a day trip to Bruges.

Alongside its waterways, Bruges is famed for its artisanal chocolates, with over 60 factories producing the sweet treat, as well as its numerous bridges, of which there are over 80.

Excursions to the city enable you to explore its main highlights, including Minnewaterpark — the location of a legendary love story — as well as the Church of Our Lady and Grote Markt.

Ghent

Just a stone’s throw inland from Bruges lies Belgium’s third-largest city — Ghent — making it a popular destination for a combination trip. Established in the 7th century, Ghent is home to a myriad of historic buildings, which show how it has risen up over the last 1,400 years, perfectly.

Day tours of Ghent are usually combined with Bruges excursions and you’ll typically participate in a walking tour of the city center.

As you stroll leisurely past its host of medieval buildings, you’ll discover Ghent’s most renowned attractions, including Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral — a Gothic masterpiece that stands at almost 90 meters high — as well as the enchanting Castle of the Counts of Flanders, which has also served as a courthouse and a prison.

Antwerp

Alternatively, head to Antwerp — a bustling port city along the Scheldt River — and learn about its reputation as the “Diamond Capital of the World.” Once a hub for import-export goods, Antwerp has grown to become much more than just a trading city, with a multitude of attractions, bound to impress any traveler.

Some of the highlights of a day trip to Antwerp include its 13th-century Steen Castle, which was used to control access along the Scheldt River, as well as the Cathedral of Our Lady, the belfry of which is UNESCO-listed.

While in the city, you must try a traditional Dutch cake from one of its many bakeries before continuing to visit any additional destinations on your itinerary, such as Ghent.

Amsterdam

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and can be found on Ijsselmeer Lake. Many travelers journey here from across the continent for its laid-back vibes, intricate maze of canals and coffee shop culture.

Founded as a fishing village in the 13th century, Amsterdam is now home to over 800,000 people and attracts up to 20 million visitors per year.

Amsterdam day tours include a multitude of sights that will educate you on this city’s history, including its Jewish Quarter, which was damaged during WWII, as well as the 15th-century Protestant Nieuwe Kerk and Royal Palace, which is used for official receptions.

Luxembourg

To the southeast of Belgium lies Luxembourg, the second smallest country in Europe, after Vatican City. Measuring just over 2,500 square kilometers, Luxembourg is more than 10 times smaller than Belgium.

Often overlooked by travelers, this destination packs a big punch into its small lands, and is among the wealthiest nations in the world.

Those who embark on a day trip to Luxembourg will experience a unique blend of French and German culture. Here, you’ll visit a number of significant buildings as you wander through the Kirchberg quarter, including the European Parliament and the European Council.

On top of these European Union institutions, Luxembourg’s old town is home to a range of monuments, including the country’s only cathedral, Notre-Dame. These excursions often include a visit to the village of Dinant on their return journey back to Brussels.

Dinant

Located just 20 kilometers from the French border, Dinant is approximately halfway between Brussels and Luxembourg, making it a popular destination to add to the itinerary of a Luxembourg excursion.

Known as the hometown of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, Dinant is the ideal location for music lovers to explore the history of the instrument through its museum.

While the saxophone was widely regarded as his greatest invention, Adolphe Sax also created the saxotromba, saxhorn and saxtuba. Aside from its links to the musical genius, this townlet is home to an impressive 19th-century citadel, which was built upon the remains of an 11th-century fortification and can be seen on a day trip to Dinant.

Keukenhof

Known as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world, located in the Lisse province of the Netherlands. Covering over 30 hectares, the gardens house an enormous display of blooms, with more than 7 million bulbs planted each year.

Keukenhof is famed for its extensive display of tulips, with over 80 varieties on show for visitors to admire. Alongside tulips, those on a Keukenhof day trip can also see fragrant roses, carnations, hyacinths and lilies.

Day tours to Keukenhof must be planned carefully as the attraction opens for just 2 months each year, when its extravagant floral display is in full bloom.

Waterloo

History buffs will have their interest piqued by a day trip to Waterloo — the infamous battleground where Napoleon's army was defeated by British, Dutch and Prussian troops in 1815. Formed of 72,000 French soldiers, Napoleon’s army was conquered by more than 110,000 fighters from the opposing side.

Excursions to the site of this historic battle enable you to educate yourself further on Napoleon's intentions with a knowledgeable guide at your side.