From Brussels: Ghent and Bruges Day Tour – How to Plan Your Trip

If you’re planning to visit Brussels, then a day trip to Ghent and Bruges should be on your list. These two medieval cities are famous for their picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and stunning architecture. The best way to explore both cities in one day is by taking a guided tour.

This post will guide you on how to plan your Ghent and Bruges day tour from Brussels. It includes information about the itinerary, highlights of the tour, and the booking process.

Experience

The Ghent and Bruges day tour is a 7.5-hour guided tour that takes you through the historic cities of Ghent and Bruges. You’ll explore the cities’ main attractions with the help of a professional and multilingual guide.

Itinerary

The tour starts from Brussels, where you’ll be picked up from your hotel or a pre-defined meeting point. The first stop is in Ghent, where you’ll have a guided tour for one hour. You’ll discover the majestic beauty of Saint Bavo Cathedral, explore the Middle-Ages relic of St. Nicholas’ Church, and imagine what it was like to live as a king at Earl’s Castle.

After that, you’ll head to Bruges for another guided tour. You’ll gaze across the Lake of Love and the Beguinage, treasure the inherent beauty of Our Lady’s Church and Michelangelo’s Madonna, and explore Bruges’ Old Town.

During the tour, you’ll have a chance to have lunch at a local restaurant, which includes a Belgian waffle, if you choose to do so.

After the tour, you’ll have an optional boat cruise on the Bruges canals, which takes around 30 minutes. This experience will give you a different perspective of the city and is worth doing.

The tour ends in Brussels, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or a pre-defined drop-off point.

Pickup Details

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or a pre-defined meeting point in Brussels. You don’t need to worry about transportation during the tour as it’s all taken care of.

Highlights

• Discover the majestic beauty of Saint Bavo Cathedral
• Explore the relic of the Middle Ages, St. Nicholas’ Church
• Imagine what it was like to live as a king at Earl’s Castle
• Gaze across at the Lake of Love and the Beguinage
• Treasure the inherent beauty of Our Lady’s Church and Michelangelo’s Madonna
• Take an optional boat cruise on the Bruges canals

Booking

You can book this tour through GetYourGuide, a third-party booking company that offers a range of tours and activities. The tour includes transportation, professional and multilingual guides, walking tours in Ghent and Bruges, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, entrance tickets, and a boat trip on the Bruges canals, if you choose to do so.

To book the tour, visit GetYourGuide’s website and follow the instructions. You’ll need to select the date you want to take the tour and the number of people. It’s recommended to book in advance as the tour tends to sell out quickly.

Conclusion

The Ghent and Bruges day tour from Brussels is an excellent way to explore two of Flander’s most enchanting cities in one day. The tour includes transportation, guided tours in both cities, lunch, entrance tickets, and an optional boat cruise. The best part is that you don’t need to worry about transportation or planning as everything is taken care of. We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your Ghent and Bruges day tour.

An Insider’s Guide to the Belgian Cities of Ghent and Bruges

If you’re planning on taking a day trip from Brussels, visiting Ghent and Bruges should be on your list. Both cities showcase historical buildings, ancient castles, charming canals, and delicious Belgian cuisine. In this insider’s guide, we’ll share some useful tips to plan your trip and highlight some of the must-visit attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions in both cities.

How to Plan Your Trip:

The easiest way to visit Ghent and Bruges in one day is by taking a guided tour. Some tour companies, such as Viator and Brussels City Tours, offer day trips starting from Brussels. Alternatively, you can take the train to Ghent from Brussels (takes approximately 30 minutes) and then take another train from Ghent to Bruges (takes approximately 25 minutes). Once in Bruges, you can either return to Brussels by train or take a bus to Ghent and then take a train back to Brussels.

Attractions in Ghent:

Ghent is the more vibrant of the two cities, with a mix of medieval and modern architecture. Here are some attractions that you shouldn’t miss:

– Gravensteen Castle: a medieval fortress that dates back to the 12th century

– St. Bavo’s Cathedral: a Gothic-style cathedral that is home to the famous painting, “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.”

– Graslei and Korenlei: picturesque quays that are lined with cafes and historic buildings

– The Belfry and Cloth Hall: a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the top of the tower

Dining Spots in Ghent:

Ghent is known for its delicious cuisine, served in cozy cafes and restaurants. Here are some dining spots that are worth visiting:

– De Frietketel: a famous fries and sauce shop that is popular with locals and tourists alike

– Holy Food Market: a trendy food hall that features different food stalls serving international cuisine

– De Superette: a bakery and cafe that serves organic bread, pastries, and coffee

Cultural Experiences in Ghent:

Ghent has a rich cultural heritage, which is manifested in its museums and galleries. Here are some cultural experiences that you should consider:

– SMAK (Museum of Contemporary Art): a museum that showcases contemporary art from the 20th century to the present day

– Design Museum Gent: a museum that houses an impressive collection of decorative and applied arts

– The Huis van Alijn: a fascinating museum that depicts the daily life of Ghent’s inhabitants in the 20th century

Local History in Bruges:

Bruges is a charming medieval city that showcases the best of Belgian architecture, history, and tradition. Here are some local history sights that should be on your itinerary:

– The Markt: Bruges’ central square, where you can see the Belfry and the Provincial Court

– The Church of Our Lady: a Gothic-style church that houses the famous sculpture, “Madonna and Child”

– The Beguinage: a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the lifestyle of the Beguines, a religious order of unmarried or widowed women

– The Groeningemuseum: a museum that chronicles the art and history of Bruges from the medieval to the modern era

Dining Spots in Bruges:

Bruges is renowned for its chocolate, waffles, beer, and seafood cuisine. Here are some dining spots that will satisfy your taste buds:

– Gruuthuse Hof: a cozy restaurant that serves Belgian cuisine and has a lovely outdoor seating area overlooking the canals

– Pro Deo: a tiny bakery that offers freshly baked bread, pastries, and coffee

– The Chocolate Line: a famous chocolate shop that sells artisanal chocolate creations

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions:

If you have some time left, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions for exploring the two cities:

– Ghent: Take a graffiti tour to discover the city’s street art scene, rent a bike or take a boat tour to explore the city’s canals, or visit the Vrijdagmarkt flea market (open on Fridays)

– Bruges: Go on a beer and chocolate tasting tour, rent a horse-drawn carriage to see the city’s top attractions, or take a boat ride on the canals to see Bruges from a different perspective.

In conclusion, Ghent and Bruges are two of Belgium’s most charming and picturesque cities. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, foodie, or simply want to explore these cities’ hidden gems, you’ll find something that captivates your attention. So, plan your trip, come and enjoy all that these wonderful cities have to offer!