How to Plan Your Day Trip to Bruges and Ghent in Brussels

Do you dream of visiting the charming cities of Bruges and Ghent in Belgium? Exploring their UNESCO World Heritage historic centers, tasting delicious Belgian chocolates, and admiring the impressive architecture? Luckily, you can make the most of your time in Brussels by booking a guided day tour to Bruges and Ghent. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your tour.

The Experience

The tour promises to take you on a journey through some of Belgium’s most beautiful cities packed with history, culture, and tradition. The trip will be led by a professional and friendly guide who will take you through the most popular landmarks, answer questions, and share fascinating facts and stories.

The Highlights

The tour offers an opportunity to explore two picturesque cities in a day, featuring distinct historic charms that will amaze you. Here are the highlights of the trip:

• Round-trip transfers from Brussels: You’ll hop on a bus at a meeting point in the center of Brussels and travel the 100 kilometers to Bruges.
• Guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage historic center of Bruges: You’ll explore the impressive city’s highlights, including the Lake of Love, Begijnhof complex, and Walplein Square, accompanied by a guide who will share insights and stories about the landmarks.
• Lunch: The tour includes a lunch break at a local restaurant where you can try out some traditional Belgian dishes.
• Entrance tickets: The trip includes admission to top attractions, including the Castle of the Counts, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and more.
• Headphones: You have the option to hire headphones to ensure you hear the guide clearly, particularly in crowded places.

The Full Description

The day tour starts early in the morning when you meet your guide at the designated meeting point in the center of Brussels. From there, you’ll board a comfortable bus and begin your journey to Bruges.

Upon arrival, you’ll be taken through the city’s most impressive landmarks, from the Minnewater Lake to the Begijnhof complex. You’ll also experience the Walplein Square, a favorite spot among locals for its shade trees and cafes.

Afterwards, you’ll visit Ghent, another stunning city where you can soak in the tradition and learn more about the history and culture of the region. You’ll explore the famous Castle of Counts and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, among other top attractions.

Throughout the tour, your guide will provide valuable insights and fascinating stories about the landmarks, helping you appreciate the places even more.

How to Book the Tour

Ready to experience the beauty of Bruges and Ghent in a day? Book the tour now on GetYourGuide. Make sure to check the availability of the tour and choose the language that works best for you (English or Spanish).

Final Thoughts

Planning a day trip to Bruges and Ghent is an exciting experience that promises to inspire you with the charm, history, and culture of the Belgian cities. By booking a guided tour, you can enjoy a hassle-free journey and make the most of your time in Brussels. With the highlights and insights provided by the guide, you can take in the impressive architecture and indulge in the culture and tradition.

An Insider’s Guide to Brussels: How to Plan Your Day Trip to Bruges and Ghent

Brussels is a charming European city that is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. Bruges and Ghent are two nearby cities that are not to be missed if you’re visiting Brussels. Both cities offer picturesque canals, medieval architecture, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in local food and beer. In this insider’s guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know to plan your day trip to Bruges and Ghent.

Bruges

Bruges is known as the Venice of the North due to its many canals and bridges. The city is located about an hour away from Brussels by train, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. Here are some must-see attractions in Bruges:

Belfry Tower

One of the most iconic landmarks in Bruges is the Belfry Tower. The tower is located in the city center and provides stunning views of the city from the top. The tower is over 800 years old, and visitors can climb up the narrow staircase to the top to take in the incredible views.

Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady is one of the tallest brick buildings in the world and contains many art treasures, including a sculpture of Madonna and Child by Michelangelo. The church is open to visitors, and it’s worth taking a tour to appreciate the beauty of the architecture and decorations.

Chocolate Shops

Bruges is famous for its chocolate, and there are numerous chocolate shops throughout the city. Some of the best ones to visit include The Chocolate Line, Dumon Chocolatier, and Pralinette. You can purchase a variety of chocolate treats to take back home with you.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestion: Beguinages

The Beguinages are an often-overlooked attraction in Bruges. These are tranquil, charming communities of small houses and gardens originally founded as retreats for lay women in the medieval period. They offer a wonderful glimpse into the history and culture of the city.

Ghent

Ghent is another medieval city located about 30 minutes away from Brussels by train. Ghent is known for its vibrant cultural scene, and there’s plenty to see and do in this vibrant city.

Ghent Castle

One of the most noteworthy landmarks in Ghent is the Ghent Castle. The castle dates back to the medieval age and is located on the banks of the river Lys. Visitors can wander through the castle’s many halls and galleries and marvel at the extensive art collection that it houses.

Gravensteen Castle

Gravensteen Castle is one of the most significant castles in Belgium and is an impressive example of medieval architecture. Inside, visitors can explore the many dungeons and torture chambers that were once used in the middle ages.

St Bavo’s Cathedral

St. Bavo’s Cathedral is another must-visit attraction in Ghent. The cathedral houses a beautiful altarpiece called the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painted by the famous Flemish artists Jan and Hubert van Eyck.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestion: Diamond district

The Diamond district in Ghent is an often-overlooked attraction. Visitors can go on a walking tour of the district and explore the shops, showrooms, and studios where diamonds are crafted and displayed. The district provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the diamond industry and to purchase some stunning jewelry.

Local Dining and Cultural Experiences

When visiting Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in local cuisine and cultural experiences. Some of the must-try dishes in Belgium include moules-frites (mussels with fries), waffles, and chocolate.

For a traditional Belgian meal, we recommend visiting a local brasserie, such as Chez Leon in Brussels or ‘t Brugs Beertje in Bruges. Additionally, Brussels is famous for its beer, and tourists should indulge in some local brews during their visit.

When it comes to cultural experiences, Brussels is home to many museums and galleries, including the Magritte Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. In Bruges, head to the Groeningemuseum to explore the city’s art history. Lastly, Ghent is known for its vibrant music scene, and visitors should consider attending a music performance at one of the many local venues.

Final Thoughts

Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent offer a wealth of attractions and cultural experiences that make for a perfect day trip. Whether you’re interested in medieval architecture, local cuisine, or diamond buying, there is something for everyone to enjoy in these charming Belgian cities. With this insider’s guide, you’ll be able to make the most out of your visit to Bruges and Ghent while also experiencing all that Brussels has to offer.