Between top tourist attractions like the Grand-Place and Atomium, cobbled streets packed with buzzing bars and brasseries, as well as sprawling parks and trendy neighbourhoods, Brussels is buzzing with excitement and places to explore.
But if you want to venture further afield, there are plenty of reasons to do so. One of Belgium’s greatest assets for travellers is its bite-sized terrain and a slick train network, making many historic Belgian cities within an hour or so away from Brussels.
Immerse yourself in the Battle of Waterloo or admire medieval architecture in Ghent. If you’re into fashion, there’s haute couture town Antwerp, while for foodies there’s the chocolate heaven of Bruge. Meanwhile, art enthusiasts mustn’t miss the coastal town of Ostend, home to the longest tram line in the world.
No matter your taste, there’s something for everyone in Belgium. Here are five day trips from Brussels, ranging from just 20 minutes away to over an hour by train.
1. For history lovers: Waterloo
Just 20 minutes from Brussels lies Waterloo, the site of the legendary battle where Napoleon Bonaparte’s French army was defeated by English forces, leading to the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Even before Napoleon, Ridley Scott’s recent film about the French military commander, Waterloo has been one of Belgium’s richest attractions. The main events are the Musée Wellington, an 18th century coaching inn which functioned as the British HQ during the campaign.
Just a short bus ride from town is the Waterloo 1815 Memorial site which also holds many wonders: a subterranean museum covering the critical aspects of the battle; an adjoining Panorama that revolves around an epic painting of the battle; and the Lion’s Mound itself, with its epic views over the terrain where the fighting took place.
There’s also an annual re-enactment of the battle on 18 June featuring thousands of actors – the next big one is in 2025 – which is well worth checking out if you find yourself in Belgium.
How to get there: It’s a 20-minute train ride from Brussels-Midi to Gare de Waterloo station; make sure to catch an InterCity (fast) train.
2. For architecture buffs: Ghent
Ghent boasts one of Europe’s most stunning medieval towns, as embodied by the breathtaking trio: St Nicholas’s Church, the Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral. Set aside time for St Bavo’s, home to one of the world’s most enigmatic artworks: Flemish Primitivist Jan van Eyck’s luminous altarpiece, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
It’s easy to visit the other main sites on foot, which include the towering Gravensteen castle, but a more magical way to explore the city is via a boat tour. There are various departure points, with the most scenic being the beautiful Korenlei and Graslei quaysides, once the centre of the city’s ancient grain trade and now where the locals head for sundowners.
No architecture tour would be complete without taking in Ghent’s cutting-edge contemporary buildings. Prime amongst them are De Krook Library and the barn-like City Pavilion (Stadshal), known by locals semi-affectionately as the “sheep pen”. Finish with lunch or dinner at one of Ghent’s top restaurants, Roots, which offers superb bistronomy cooking – bistro-style dishes with gastronomic cooking methods.
How to get there: Ghent is half an hour away by train from Brussels-Midi Station to Gent-Sint-Pieters Station. The city has two main train stations: Gent-Dampoort and Gent-Sint-Pieters; the latter is closer to the city-centre.
3. For sophisticated shoppers: Antwerp
Belgium’s second city has been synonymous with fashion since the 1980s when a group of avant-garde designers called the Antwerp Six arrived on the map. The most renowned among them is Dries Van Noten, whose elegant Antwerp HQ, Het Modepaleis, turns out dramatic tailoring and gorgeous prints.
The surrounding neighbourhood of Sint-Andries also hosts superb fashion museum MoMu, handmade glove shop Huis A. Boon and riverside antiques strip Kloosterstraat. Head east from the city centre and you’ll soon reach pedestrianised district De Wilde Zee, with its quaint biscuit shops, bakeries and the genteel Theaterbuurt (Theatre District). The main draw of De Wilde Zee is luxury shopping street Schuttershofstraat and the multi-hyphenate restaurant, concept store and high-end rental residence Graanmarkt 13.
Don’t forget the chic, Paris-style Zuid district. There, pop into Ann Demeulemeester’s all-white boutique to browse her haute goth fashion pieces, then amble on to the vibrant square Marnixplaats. You’ll find the city’s fashionistas gathering at the bar Vitrin and trendy seafood spot Fiskebar.
How to get there: Antwerp is around 45 minutes away by train from Brussels-Midi to Antwerp-Central Station; trains stop en route at Brussels-Central and Brussels-North.
4. For the sweet-toothed: Bruges
Bruges is a serious foodie hotspot. Travellers love to stop by Michelin-starred restaurants like Zet’joe and Sans Cravate, but just as fun is a sugar-filled day trip where you’ll have your pick of 60 local chocolate shops.
Unmissable pit stops include the traditional chocolatier Dumon and the Willy Wonka-esque The Chocolate Line, where zany flavoured pralines can include bacon or saké. De Proeverie is where you’ll find the best hot chocolate in town.
Learn about the cocoa bean’s rise to popularity – via liberal free samples – at interactive museum Choco-Story Bruges. But Belgium isn’t just about chocolate. For another sugar rush before you climb the 366 steps of the iconic Belfry Tower, you’ll want to try some waffles, which come in either Brussels or Liège versions (the latter are thicker, richer and more decadent).
If you prefer to get hands-on, a waffle-making workshop is a brilliant way to while away an afternoon. Waffle Workshop runs 90-minute masterclasses most days.
How to get there: Bruges is around an hour away by train from Brussels-Midi station to Bruges; trains stop en route at the stations Brussels-Central and Brussels-North.
5. For art geeks and coastal lovers: Ostend
The largest city on Belgium’s North Sea coast, Ostend was once a popular holiday destination for European aristocrats in the 19th century. There’s lots to love about the characterful port today – like its sweeping seafront, adorned with art installations created for the Beaufort Art Triennial (running until November 2024).
Ostend’s art credentials don’t stop there – it’s most known for painters James Ensor and Léon Spilliaert, whose works occupy a wing of local art museum Mu.ZEE. Ensor is currently being celebrated throughout Belgium this year with a series of exhibitions, adding to Ostend’s permanent collections at James Ensor House.
After you’ve satisfied your craving for art – and moules-frites (mussels and fries), offered in 40 versions at La Moulinière – embark on the world’s longest tram line the Kusttram, which runs the whole 67km of Belgium’s coast, and soak up the views of beach resorts and the town of Oostduinkerke, associated with the UNESCO-listed tradition of horseback shrimp fishing.
How to get there: It takes around 70 minutes by train from Brussels-Midi station to Ostend; you can also opt to break the journey in Ghent, which is located halfway between the two stations.
For our full list of things to try and places to see in Brussels, check out our Brussels City Guide.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines’ flights to Brussels, visit the official website.
