One of the best things about Brussels? It’s location! Sitting smack-dab in the middle of Belgium, it’s perfectly positioned for quick getaways to medieval towns, riverside villages, and natural gems. Thanks to the country’s compact size and excellent rail network, you can easily explore historic castles, canal-laced villages, botanical gardens, or even soak in thermal baths — all without needing to rent a car or plan a complicated itinerary.

Using Brussels as a base, you’re just a train ride away from some of Belgium’s most beautiful and fascinating cities, towns, and natural escapes. 

In this guide, I’m rounding up 9 of my favorite Brussels day trips, all easily reachable by train in under 2.5 hours. Some are quick half-day escapes (hello, Meise!), others are full-day adventures worth stretching into dinner or even an overnight stay. Whether you’re a foodie, a history nerd, or just craving a change of scenery, there’s something on this list to inspire your next Belgium getaway.

9 Amazing Brussels Day Trips You Should Try By Train

Meise Botanic Gardens

Just a stone’s throw north of Brussels, Meise Botanic Garden is SUCH a hidden gem. I am a sucker for a good botanic gardens, and this one is exceptional. I dare say, it is even better than Kew Gardens in London. Meise Botanic Garden is a peaceful retreat spread across 92 hectares around the 12th-century Bouchout Castle. 

The garden houses over 18,000 plant species, a massive Victorian-style glasshouse, and themed areas like the Medieval garden and Floating Garden.

It’s ideal for a half-day wander, especially in spring and summer when everything’s in bloom. There’s a café, picnic zones, and even seasonal exhibits and workshops. Tickets are around €11, and it's best to book online during weekends or school holidays.

Travel Details for Meise

• Distance from Brussels: 12 km
• How to get there: Take bus 250 or 251 from Brussels-North (approx. 30–40 min total)
• Recommended visit time: Half-day

Mechelen

Often overshadowed by its bigger siblings, Mechelen punches well above its weight in charm, history, and riverside vibes. Once the capital of the Low Countries in the 16th century, Mechelen is packed with Renaissance architecture and Flemish art. The standout is St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, where brave souls can climb the 538 steps to the tower for epic skyline views. Mechelen’s compact historic core makes it perfect for strolling. Check out the Grote Markt or the restored Palace of Margaret of Austria. For a quieter experience, walk along the Dijlepad, a floating wooden pathway over the river. Bonus: fewer crowds than Bruges or Ghent.

Travel Details for Mechelen

• Distance from Brussels: 25 km
• How to get there: Direct train from Brussels Central or North (20 min)
• Recommended visit time: Half to full day

Leuven

This vibrant university town blends youthful energy with centuries of history. My grandpa visited Leuven over 40 years ago and loves to tell this one story from his time there. I knew I had to make a day trip out there to see what he loved about it.

Leuven is home to the oldest Catholic university in the world, founded in 1425, and you can feel the student buzz everywhere — from the stately university library to the buzzing cafés lining Oude Markt. Architecturally, the city stuns with its Gothic Town Hall, possibly the most intricate in Belgium, and the serene Begijnhof, a UNESCO-listed former religious complex that now houses students and professors.

Leuven is also a beer pilgrimage site — it’s the birthplace of Stella Artois and home to small craft brewers like Domus. If you don't know about the long history & culture of beer in Belgium, don't worry. I've got you covered! Check out my comprehensive Belgian beer guide to learn all about the special traditions and importance of beer in Belgium.

Travel Details for Leuven

• Distance from Brussels: 30 km
• How to get there: Direct train from Brussels Central (20–25 min)
• Recommended visit time: Full day or afternoon/evening

Antwerp

Antwerp is just a short train ride from Brussels, but it has an entirely different energy — gritty, stylish, and full of bold personality. It’s Belgium’s fashion and design capital, home to avant-garde boutiques, Rubens-era grandeur, and one of the coolest train stations in Europe. Rather than cram all my Antwerp food and sightseeing favorites into this list, I put together a dedicated Antwerp city guide with restaurants, bars, and cultural tips. Whether you’re there for fashion, fine dining, or Flemish history, this city deserves more than a quick glance and you could easily spend a few days in Antwerp. You can find my full recommendations on my 2 day itinerary for Antwerp.

Travel Details for Antwerp

• Distance from Brussels: 45 km
• How to get there: Direct train from Brussels Central (40–50 min)
• Recommended visit time: Full day

Ghent

Ghent is a delightful mix of medieval towers, canal-side cafés, and a student energy that keeps things fresh. I really love Ghent. It is probably my favorite city in all of Belgium! The city’s architecture alone is worth the trip, but Ghent is more than a postcard — it’s a place where local life thrives. You’ll feel the good vibes as soon as you arrive. To avoid this post getting too long, I actually wrote a separate post talking about everything you need to see, eat and do in Ghent in one day.

Ghent is also a great city for foodies! You can feel the passion Ghent locals have for food, from cozy pubs serving Flemish classics to modern spots with plant-forward menus and international flavors. Whether you're stopping in for a day or staying overnight, check out my full Ghent food guide for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.

Travel Details for Ghent

• Distance from Brussels: 55 km
• How to get there: Direct train from Brussels Central (30–40 min)
• Recommended visit time: Full day

Bruges

Bruges is the most classic day trip from Brussels — and for good reason. With its cobblestone streets and winding canals, it looks like a fairytale painting come to life. The historic center is compact and beautifully preserved, with highlights like the Belfry, the Markt, and tranquil Begijnhof. 

Yes, it’s touristy, but it still charms, especially if you go early or midweek to dodge the crowds.

There’s way more to Bruges than waffles and lace shops. I’ve got a whole post about where to eat, drink, and explore if you’re planning a visit. You could easily spend 1 or 2 full days in Bruges. Read my Bruges travel guide to find my full itinerary and restaurant picks for Bruges. 

Travel Details for Bruges

• Distance from Brussels: 100 km
• How to get there: Direct train from Brussels Central (1 hr)
• Recommended visit time: Full day (or stay overnight if you can)

Dinant

Set dramatically between limestone cliffs and the River Meuse, Dinant is all about views. Its most iconic sight is the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame with its distinctive bulb-shaped bell tower, backed by a sheer cliff crowned with a citadel you can reach by cable car or 408 steps. The panoramic views from the top are worth the climb.

Dinant is also the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone — which means you’ll find oversized sax statues all over town. It hosts a massive jazz festival every summer which predominantly features the city’s favorite instrument. In warmer months, kayaking along the Meuse is popular. Trains to Dinant are slower and less frequent, so check schedules carefully if you're planning a day trip.

Travel Details for Dinant

• Distance from Brussels: 100 km
• How to get there: Train from Brussels Central with one connection in Namur (1 hr 45 min)
• Recommended visit time: Full day

Durbuy

Called "the smallest city in the world," Durbuy is a compact fairytale town nestled in the Ardennes. Its medieval old town is only a few cobbled streets wide, but it’s packed with cozy stone houses, boutique shops, and rustic restaurants. This is one of those destinations where you go, not to do or see something, but to just slow down and enjoy. Outside of town, you can hike or cycle in the surrounding Ardennes hills, visit the Topiary Park with 250+ plant sculptures, or go for a kayak ride on the Ourthe River. Durbuy is harder to reach without a car, so it's better suited to a weekend or adventurous day trip with a tight train-bus combo.

Travel Details for Durbuy

• Distance from Brussels: ~120 km
• How to get there: Train to Barvaux + local bus (approx. 2.5 hrs total)
• Recommended visit time: Full day or overnight

Spa

The original spa town, Spa has been drawing wellness seekers for centuries — even lending its name to the global concept. Being the spa & wellness enthusiast that I am, Spa is right up my alley! Tucked in the Ardennes, it’s known for its natural mineral springs and a long-standing tradition of thermal baths.

The highlight is Thermes de Spa, a modern wellness complex with outdoor pools, saunas, and hydrotherapy circuits.

Outside the baths, Spa has a charming town center, plus trails and viewpoints in nearby forests. It’s also home to the Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 track if you’re into fast cars. I was lucky enough to go to the 2025 Belgian Grad Prix sitting right along the last chicane. Trains take a bit longer and often involve transfers, so plan your return carefully.

Travel Details for Spa

• Distance from Brussels: ~135 km
• How to get there: Train via Liège to Spa-Géronstère station (approx. 2.5 hrs)
• Recommended visit time: Full day or overnight

Have thoughts or questions about these Brussels day trips? Tell me in the comments!