Growing up in Brussels, I’ve always had a front-row seat to how much variety this small country holds. In under an hour, you can go from the fairy-tale streets of Bruges to the edgy energy of Antwerp, or from the buzz of the capital to the quiet canals of Damme.
These days, Ghent is my favorite home base for exploring it all—central, well-connected, and often overlooked compared to its neighbors. That’s why I put together this list of the 10 best day trips from Ghent, each with its own character and, of course, plenty of fries and chocolate along the way.
Whether you’re chasing history, art, beaches, or just a good waffle, here are my go-to picks.
1) Bruges
Bruges is probably the easiest day trip you can take from Ghent—just a 30-minute train ride, and trains run all day long.
The moment you arrive, it’s like stepping into a fairy tale. Canals wind through the streets, old stone bridges connect everything, and honestly, it’s hard not to just stop and stare for a minute.
The whole historic center is small enough to cover in a few hours. Markt Square is usually where people end up first, mostly because the Belfry towering above it is impossible to miss. Reaching the top of the Belfry requires to climb a few hundred stairs (366 steps), but the view over the rooftops makes it worth the burn in your legs.
Wandering around, you’ll want to stop for coffee or fries at some point (Belgium food is excellent). And the chocolate shops are basically impossible to resist, so it’s smart to set aside some time—and cash—for that.
Art lovers tend to gravitate toward the Groeningemuseum, which has a great collection of Flemish paintings. But honestly, a boat ride along the canals is just as rewarding and way more relaxing—it gives you a totally different view of the city.
One thing worth knowing: Bruges gets slammed with tourists, especially in summer. Showing up early will allow you to beat the crowds and get the streets almost to yourself for a bit.
Train info: Direct trains run from Ghent-Sint-Pieters to Bruges, with several departures every hour. No transfers needed, and tickets can be bought at the station or through the SNCB app.
2) Brussels
Brussels is only 30 minutes from Ghent by train, so it’s basically a no-brainer for a day trip. It’s the capital of Belgium and home to the EU, so there’s always something going on.
The Grand Place is everyone’s first stop, and it’s easy to see why—old guild houses line the square, making it one of the prettiest spots in the whole city. From there, it’s a short walk to the Manneken Pis. Sure, it’s just a small statue of a peeing boy, but it’s famous enough to be worth a laugh and a quick photo.
Mont des Arts is the spot for anyone chasing a good view, with a nice overlook of the city from up top.
Food is a big part of the Brussels experience too—fries from a street stand, some chocolate, and a waffle or two are pretty much mandatory (they’re everywhere, so there’s no excuse to skip them). Art fans usually make time for the Magritte Museum, which is packed with surreal work from the famous Belgian painter.
There’s enough here to fill a full day without running out of things to see, and trains back to Ghent run often enough that there’s no need to rush.
Train info: Direct trains connect Ghent-Sint-Pieters to Brussels, arriving at either Brussels-Zuid/Midi, Brussels-Centraal, or Brussels-Noord depending on the train. Trains run frequently throughout the day, often multiple times per hour, with no transfer required.
3) Antwerp
Antwerp’s about 50 minutes from Ghent by train, and it’s got a bigger city feel with a little more edge to it.
The Cathedral of Our Lady is one of the tallest churches in Belgium, and right next to it sits the Grote Markt, lined with old guild houses that look amazing in photos.
If you’re into fashion and design, you’ll want to spend time on the city’s shopping streets, home to a mix of well-known Belgian designers and small independent boutiques you won’t find anywhere else.
Even if you’re not catching another train, it’s worth swinging by Antwerp Central Station just to look around—it’s often called one of the prettiest train stations in Europe, thanks to its huge domed ceiling and marble details everywhere.
The MAS museum near the old docks is another highlight, offering both a great view of the city and some cool history on Antwerp’s past as a port town.
Right above the station, you’ll also find the Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world—I still remember visiting as a kid and being amazed by just how much there was to see. It’s a great stop if you’re traveling with kids of your own.
Train info: Direct trains run from Ghent-Sint-Pieters to Antwerp-Centraal, with departures roughly every 30 minutes to an hour depending on the time of day. No transfers needed for most routes.
4) Leuven
Leuven’s about an hour from Ghent by train, making it an easy day trip. Known for having one of the oldest universities in Europe, the city has this young, lively energy that’s obvious the second you step off the train.
The Town Hall is the first thing people notice, covered in crazy detailed stone carvings and statues—it’s honestly one of the most impressive buildings in the city. St. Peter’s Church sits nearby, offering a quieter vibe with some old paintings and a peaceful atmosphere inside.
Beer lovers have basically hit the jackpot here, since Leuven is home to Stella Artois, and a local visitor center walks you through how it’s actually made. The Groot Begijnhof is also worth wandering through—narrow streets and old brick houses that feel like a step back in time.
When hunger kicks in, Oude Markt is the place to be. Locals call it the “longest bar in the world” because it’s basically wall-to-wall cafes and pubs, making it a great spot to unwind with a drink before heading back to Ghent.
Train info: Getting to Leuven usually requires a transfer, most commonly through Brussels-Noord or Brussels-Centraal. Total travel time is around an hour to 75 minutes, and trains run frequently enough that connections are typically smooth.
5) Mechelen
Mechelen sits between Brussels and Antwerp, about an hour from Ghent by train. Since it’s a smaller city, there’s a good chunk you can see without feeling rushed.
St. Rumbold’s Tower dominates the center of town, and climbing to the top rewards you with a beautiful view over the city. The old streets are lined with buildings that have stood for hundreds of years, and the main square, Grote Markt, makes a nice spot to grab a coffee and just take everything in.
If you are an history lover, you might want to visit the famous Kazerne Dossin museum, which tells the story of what happened to Belgian Jews during WWII—heavy stuff, but important. If you travel with kids, you might prefer the toy museum instead, packed with old toys and games that both kids and adults seem to love.
The whole city is easy to explore on foot, so there’s no need for a car or bus to get around—just a relaxed day trip that doesn’t require much planning.
Train info: Some trains from Ghent-Sint-Pieters to Mechelen run direct, while others require a quick transfer in Brussels or Antwerp. Total travel time is usually around an hour, with trains running regularly throughout the day.
6) Ypres
Anyone interested in WWI history should make time for Ypres. This town in West Flanders was almost completely destroyed during the war, but it’s been carefully rebuilt to look just like it did before.
The town square is home to the Cloth Hall, which houses the In Flanders Fields museum—a solid introduction to the battles that happened here and what life was like for the soldiers who fought them.
Sticking around for the evening pays off too, since the Menin Gate ceremony happens every night at 8pm. Buglers play the Last Post to honor soldiers who died with no known grave, and even though it only takes a few minutes, it really hits hard.
Outside the city, old battlefields and cemeteries tell their own stories. Tyne Cot Cemetery, one of the largest, gives a real sense of how many lives were lost here. Between the museum and the battlefields, it’s easy to fill a full day here.
Train info: Reaching Ypres from Ghent typically requires a transfer, usually in Kortrijk. Total travel time runs about an hour to 90 minutes depending on the connection, and trains to Ypres are less frequent than on other routes, so checking the schedule in advance is a good idea.
7) Ostend
Ostend, a coastal city on the North Sea, is an easy hour-long train ride from Ghent—perfect for a beach day without too much travel.
The beach is really the main event here, whether that means a long walk along the sand or just kicking back and watching the waves roll in. On a nice day, it’s the perfect place to cool off.
A lively promenade runs along the coast too, packed with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Seafood is a big deal in this city, so fries or fresh fish are practically mandatory.
Art fans usually end up at the Mu.ZEE museum, which has a solid collection of Belgian art, including work from James Ensor, who was actually born in Ostend.
The harbor area is worth a wander as well, with fishing boats coming in and plenty of history tied to the city’s past as a port town.
All in all, Ostend blends a relaxed beach vibe with just enough culture to keep the day interesting.
Train info: Direct trains run from Ghent-Sint-Pieters straight to Ostend, with no transfer required. Departures run frequently throughout the day, making it simple to plan a spontaneous beach trip.
8) Damme
Damme is a tiny town about 20 minutes from Bruges by bike or car, and roughly an hour from Ghent overall. It’s all about canals, old buildings, and quiet streets.
The town is so small that walking through it takes under an hour. An old town hall and a climbable church tower sit on the main square, offering views over the flat countryside for anyone who makes the climb.
Book lovers tend to fall in love with this place too, since Damme is sometimes called Belgium’s book town thanks to all the secondhand bookstores crammed into such a small space. A scenic canal path connects Damme to Bruges, so biking between the two towns and covering both in a single day is pretty common.
Everything here moves slow, and that’s really the whole point—no big attractions, no crowds, just canals, some nearby windmills, and a peaceful break from city life. A coffee or snack at one of the cafes on the main square makes for a nice way to end the visit before heading back.
Train info: There’s no direct train station in Damme itself, so the easiest route is taking the train to Bruges first, then biking or catching a local bus the rest of the way. A seasonal boat also runs between Bruges and Damme in warmer months, which makes for a scenic alternative.
9) Kortrijk
Kortrijk is a small city about 30 minutes from Ghent by train, and it’s a great pick for anyone craving a quieter day away from the crowds in Bruges or Brussels.
The Grote Markt, the main square, is surrounded by cafes and old buildings, making it a natural spot for coffee before exploring further. Nearby, the Belfry of Kortrijk has been standing since the 1200s, and the Broel Towers—two stone towers by the river that once guarded the old city—are worth a look too.
Art and history fans often enjoy the Texture museum, set in an old factory building that dives into the region’s history with flax and linen. Buda Island offers a different pace altogether, with an artsy, laid-back vibe and plenty of galleries and small shops to explore.
Since Kortrijk is easy to see in just a few hours, there’s usually plenty of time left to relax at a local restaurant before heading back to Ghent.
Train info: Direct trains run from Ghent-Sint-Pieters to Kortrijk, with frequent departures throughout the day and no transfer needed.
10) Lille
Lille sits just over the border in France, making it a nice day trip from Ghent—about two hours away by train, depending on the connection.
The city’s mix of French and Flemish style is obvious right away in the architecture. Old Lille, or Vieux Lille, is full of narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafes and shops, perfect for wandering without much of a plan—and stopping for coffee or a pastry at one of the outdoor tables only adds to the experience.
The Grand Place, the city’s main square, is another highlight, surrounded by tall buildings with ornate facades and usually buzzing with some kind of activity. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Palais des Beaux-Arts either, one of the largest art museums in France outside of Paris.
Food ends up being a highlight of most visits here too. Waffles, fries, and beer are all easy to find, affordable, and pretty much impossible to pass up during the day.
Train info: Getting to Lille usually requires a transfer, most often through Kortrijk or Brussels, though some routes may involve a change in Tournai as well. Total travel time typically runs around two hours, and it’s worth checking whether the trip requires switching between Belgian rail (SNCB) and French rail (SNCF) tickets.
Train Vs. Car- What’s Best?
Trains are usually your best bet if you want cheap and easy. Belgian trains are fast, and most cities on this list are just 30 to 60 minutes away.
A round-trip ticket to Bruges, Antwerp, or Brussels typically costs between €10 and €20. You can buy tickets right from the SNCB app, and there’s no need to book weeks ahead.
Driving gives you more freedom, especially if you want to stop at small towns along the way, like we do. Some of our favorite memories have come from spontaneous detours we’d never have made on a train schedule. But keep in mind that gas and parking add up fast.
If you’re visiting just one city, take the train. If you’re combining a few stops, driving is a great option.
Tips to Save on Tickets, Parking, and Meals
Buy train tickets early in the day or on weekends to snag lower prices. Some cities also offer combo tickets that include museum entry, which can save you a few euros.
If you’re driving, look for park-and-ride lots outside city centers. They’re usually much cheaper than parking downtown, and a short tram ride gets you to the main sights.
For food, skip the touristy squares. Local bakeries and small cafés often have lunch specials for €8 to €12 — honestly, some of the best meals we’ve had came from tiny places we just happened to stumble on.
A few money-saving tips:
- Pack a snack and water bottle for the train.
- Look for free walking tours in bigger cities like Antwerp or Brussels.
- Visit churches and parks, which are usually free to enter. Small choices like these can cut your day trip cost by half.
Free and Low-Cost Sightseeing
You don’t need a big budget to have a great day out. Most Belgian towns have gorgeous old squares, churches, and canals you can wander for free.
Bruges and Antwerp both have city centers packed with medieval buildings you can admire without spending a cent. Just walking around and taking photos is half the fun — we’ve probably taken hundreds of nearly identical canal shots in Bruges and still can’t help ourselves.
Here are some easy wins:
- Church visits – Many churches, like St. Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, are free or ask for a small donation.
- Markets- Local markets are fun to browse and don’t cost anything to enjoy.
- Parks and waterfronts – Antwerp’s riverside and Bruges’ canals are great for a free stroll.
- Viewpoints – Some towers charge a small fee, but the view is usually worth it. Check if your destination has a free walking tour. You just tip what you can afford at the end.
What to Pack for an Easy Day Out
- Keep your bag light. You’re not moving to another city, just visiting for the day.
- Bring comfortable shoes. Cobblestone streets look pretty but can be tough on your feet if you’re not wearing the right shoes.
- Pack a reusable water bottle. Many towns have public fountains where you can refill for free.
- Bring a light jacket, even in summer. Belgian weather can change fast, and a sudden rain shower is common.
- Keep some cash on hand. Small shops and market stalls don’t always take cards.
- Bring your train ticket or parking pass somewhere easy to grab. You don’t want to be digging through your bag when you’re rushing to catch a train home.
Final Words
Ghent might just be the best-kept secret for day-tripping around Belgium. With so many great destinations nearby, exploring the country has never been easier, and after years of doing it myself, I still find new reasons to hit the road.
If you’re planning your own trip, start simple: check the train schedule the night before, keep a little cash on hand for small cafés, and leave room in your day for the unplanned stops—they’re often the ones you’ll remember most.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve got questions about getting around, and honestly, that’s smart planning. Here’s what you need to know about train times, driving options, and border crossings before you pick your next trip out of Ghent.
Which destinations are easiest to reach from Ghent by train for a day trip?
Brussels and Antwerp are your easiest bets. Both take about 30-45 minutes by train, and trains run frequently throughout the day.
Bruges is close too, at around 25-35 minutes depending on your connection. Leuven takes a bit longer, usually around an hour, since you’ll likely need to change trains in Brussels.
Ypres is doable but takes more effort. You’re looking at 1.5 to 2 hours each way, often with a transfer.
Is Bruges worth visiting as a day trip from Ghent, and how long does the journey take?
Yes, Bruges is worth it. The train ride takes about 25 to 35 minutes, making it one of the quickest trips on this list.
You’ll want at least 4-5 hours there to see the canals, walk up the Belfry, and grab lunch somewhere near the Markt square. Trains run often, so you don’t need to plan your whole day around a strict schedule.
What are the best day trips from Ghent if you have a car?
Having a car opens up more flexibility. You can reach Bruges, Antwerp, Brussels, and Leuven faster than by train, usually shaving off 10-15 minutes each way.
A car also makes smaller or more rural spots easier to reach, especially if public transit connections are limited. You won’t be tied to train schedules, so you can leave early or stay late without worrying about missing the last train back.
Parking can be tricky in city centers though, so check ahead for garages near where you’re headed.
How do you get from Ghent to Dinant, and is it realistic as a day trip?
Getting to Dinant from Ghent usually means a train with at least one transfer, often through Brussels or Namur. Total travel time is typically 2.5 to 3 hours each way.
That makes it a long day trip, so you’ll want to start early if you go this route. It’s doable, but you’re looking at more travel time than sightseeing time unless you commit to a full day.
Driving cuts this down somewhat, usually to around 2 hours each way.
Is Lille a good day trip from Ghent, and do you need to plan for border travel?
Lille is a solid option, and yes, you’re crossing into France, so keep your ID or passport handy. The train ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, often with a change in Kortrijk or Brussels.
Since Lille is in France, mobile data and phone plans might work differently depending on your carrier. It’s a quick check before you go, but nothing that should stop you from making the trip.
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