Journal
Brussels

2/5/2026

5 Cities Near Brussels You Can’t Miss (2026 Edition)

Day trips just got an upgrade – hop on a train, take in the scenery, and discover these gems around the corner!

Which one should you pick?

  • - Want medieval + cool city energy? Go Ghent.
  • - Want big-city buzz + museums + design? Go Antwerp.
  • - Want fairytale canals + postcard streets? Go Bruges.
  • - Want a quick, easy escape + beers-on-a-square vibes (free to wander)? Go Leuven.
  • - Want slower, scenic riverside time + fortress views? Go Namur.

Tip: Train schedules can change (weekends/holidays). If you want the top smooth experience, do a quick check the morning you leave.

1. Ghent

Why go to Ghent?

Ghent is the best “all-rounder” day trip from Brussels: medieval castle vibes, street art, and a lively city feel - all in one walkable center.

How to get there

  • - Only 30 minutes by train from Brussels Midi station
  • - How to reach the station from JAM Brussels: hop on tram 81 in front of JAM Brussels
  • - Trains: depart 4 times an hour
  • - Distance: 50 km

Fun Fact

Ghent has more bicycles than people!

One-day must-sees

Gravensteen Castle for some serious medieval vibes

The Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen) is a medieval fortress right in the heart of Ghent - tower staircases, battlements, and views that make you feel like you accidentally time-travelled. Great for history lovers, architecture fans, and families.

Wander down Graffiti Alley, where art hits the streets

Werregarenstraat isn’t just a graffiti alley - it’s a living, mutating creature. Part sketchbook, part local myth, part collective remix. New works pop up constantly, and it genuinely feels like an urban gallery.

Saint Bavo’s Cathedral to meet the iconic Ghent Altarpiece

A historic cathedral in the city center, home to major religious art and the famous Ghent Altarpiece (“Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”) by the van Eyck brothers. Come for the architecture, stay for the atmosphere.

Mini plan

  • - Morning: Gravensteen
  • - Lunch + walk: old town streets
  • - Afternoon: Graffiti Alley + Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
  • - Golden hour: slow wander by the canals
  • - Stay the night: for the perfect overnight head to JAM Ghent.

2) Antwerp

Why go to Antwerp?

Antwerp is your day trip if you want “wow” architecture + culture: it’s bold, stylish, and packed with museum energy.

How to get there

  • - Hop on a train at Brussels Central
  • - How to reach the station from JAM Brussels: take tram 92 to Palais in front of JAM Brussels
  • - Time: arrive in 40 minutes
  • - Trains: depart 3 times an hour
  • - Distance: 45 km

Fun fact

Antwerp is the diamond capital of the world - and no, we’re not just talking bling!

One-day must-sees

The iconic Antwerp Central Station - it’s like a cathedral, but for trains

Your first “okay WOW” moment happens immediately. Locals call it Spoorwegkathedraal - a monumental building originally from 1836, with trains now running on three different levels.

Rubens House to meet the master of Baroque

The former residence of Peter Paul Rubens is a history gem. While the historical residence is closed for renovations until 2030, the garden and Rubens experience remain accessible - still worth it for the atmosphere.

The MAS Museum (and that rooftop view!)

Museum aan de Stroom sits right by the port and explores Antwerp’s history and art, alongside global works that highlight the city’s connection to the world. And yes: that rooftop view is a moment.

Mini plan

3) Bruges

Why go to Bruges?

Bruges is the fairytale day trip. If you want canals, medieval charm, and “how is this real?” streets - this is it.

How to get there

  • - Just under an hour by train from Brussels Midi
  • - How to reach the station from JAM Brussels: tram 81 in front of JAM Brussels
  • - Trains: depart 4 times an hour
  • - Distance: 90 km

Fun fact

Bruges has more canals than roads - a mini Venice in Belgium!

One-day must-sees

The Markt Square for fairytale feels

The central square has hosted annual fairs since around 1200 - that’s over 800 years of history. Merchants, legends, and even Archduke Maximilian (yep, imprisoned here once). It’s basically a living postcard.

Climb the Belfry Tower for 360° views

Dating back to 1240, this medieval bell tower is one of Bruges’ symbols. The 366 steps are real - but the view pays you back.

Chocolate Museum…because Belgian chocolate

Choco-Story covers the full chocolate journey to Belgium - including tastings. They also do workshops (decoration + praline making), which is honestly the most fun kind of learning.

Mini plan

4) Leuven

Why go to Leuven?

Leuven is the easiest quick win near Brussels: short ride, lively center, beautiful gothic details, and that “longest bar” legend.

How to get there

  • - Only 20 minutes by train from Brussels Central
  • - How to reach the station from JAM Brussels: tram 92 to Palais in front of JAM Brussels
  • - Trains: depart 5 times an hour
  • - Distance: 26 km

Fun fact

Leuven is home to the world’s longest bar - actually a square filled with cafés!

One-day must-sees

The Old Market Square aka “the longest bar”

Taste a different beer at each of the 37 cafés on the Oude Markt square. Yes, 37. Pace yourself like a local.

St. Peter’s Church with its impressive artwork

On the Grote Markt, this is a beautiful example of Brabanthine Gothic. Inside you’ll find Renaissance and Gothic masterpieces by Dirk Bouts, Jan Rombouts the Elder, and even Rogier van der Weyden.

University Library & Tower for history and a view

Founded in the 1600s with around a million books. It was reconstructed in the 40s after major damage during the two world wars - and today it’s one of those places that quietly hits you in the feels.

Mini plan

5) Namur

Why go to Namur?

Namur is for the slow, scenic day trip: fortress views, riverside calm, and a city that doesn’t rush you.

How to get there

  • - The journey takes just over an hour by train from Brussels Central
  • - How to reach the station from JAM Brussels: tram 92 to Palais in front of JAM Brussels
  • - Trains: depart 2 or 3 times an hour
  • - Distance: 65 km

Fun fact

Namur’s symbol is a snail…because here, life’s all about taking it slow.

One-day must-sees

The Citadelle for epic fortress vibes

Built in the Middle Ages to fend off attackers - now it welcomes visitors with open arms. Bonus: there’s even a cable car option for those who want the view without the climb.

Musée Félicien Rops for quirky Belgian art

19th-century caricature work in a beautiful mansion in the city center. Some drawings will make you laugh. Others will make you go: “Wait… what did I just see?” (In the best way.)

Meuse River for a chill riverside stroll

Walk the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre, past villas and outdoor spots - or hop on the Namourette boat (June to September) for 50 cents per stop. That’s basically a cruise for the price of a smile.

Mini plan

  • - Morning: Citadelle
  • - Midday: city center lunch
  • - Afternoon: Rops museum + riverside stroll (or Namourette)

FAQ

What are the top day trips from Brussels by train?

Ghent, Antwerp, Bruges, Leuven, and Namur are all easy train rides and perfect for a one-day escape.

Which city is closest to Brussels?

Leuven is the closest in this list: ~20 minutes by train and 26 km away.

Which day trip is best for a first-time visitor in Belgium?

If you want classic Belgium charm: Bruges.If you want a balanced “best of everything”: Ghent.

Which one is best if I only have half a day?

Leuven (short travel time, easy city center, plenty to do without rushing).

Which one is best for views?

  • - Bruges: Belfry Tower
  • - Antwerp: MAS rooftop
  • - Namur: Citadel viewpoints

How do I choose the best spots once I arrive?

A simple rule: pick 3 must-sees, keep everything walkable, and check reviews quickly before you commit to museums/attractions (especially on weekends).

Quick packing checklist (free, simple, always useful)

  • - Comfortable shoes (cobblestones are undefeated)
  • - Light rain layer (Belgium loves surprise weather)
  • - Phone charger / power bank
  • - A little buffer time for trains (so you stay relaxed)

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the best day trips from Brussels by train, you can’t go wrong with Ghent, Antwerp, Bruges, Leuven, or Namur - each one is easy to reach, walkable, and perfect for a one-day escape.

Quick pick (so you decide in 10 seconds):

  • - Ghent = medieval + street art
  • - Antwerp = museums + big-city energy
  • - Bruges = canals + fairytale vibes
  • - Leuven = closest + “longest bar” square
  • - Namur = citadel + riverside chill

Now just choose your vibe, hop on a train, and let Belgium do the rest.

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