Top things to do in Brussels

Explore medieval charm just an hour from Brussels

Approximately 55 km from Brussels, Ghent is an easy and rewarding one-day escape. With its fairytale castle, Gothic cathedral, and scenic canals, this compact medieval city can be comfortably explored in a single day, especially with guided tours and round-trip transfers handling the logistics.

A quick overview

  • Distance from Brussels: Approximately 55 km (34 miles)
  • Typical travel time: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours each way
  • On-site visit duration: 5 to 6 hours to explore highlights comfortably
  • Best season and time of year: Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) for mild weather. Mornings are best for fewer crowds
  • Meeting and drop-off point: Central Brussels locations such as Brussels Central Station or designated tour departure points
  • Key attractions covered: Gravensteen, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Graslei, Belfry of Ghent, Saint Nicholas’ Church
  • Recommended tours: Day Trip to Ghent with Atomium or Full-Day Antwerp and Ghent Guided Tour
Street scene in Ghent, Belgium, with Saint Nicholas Church and bustling activity.

What to expect on a Brussels to Ghent day trip

Coach for Antwerp and Ghent full-day guided tour parked on a tree-lined road.
Tour group listening to a guide near a historic monument in Ghent city center, Belgium.
Outdoor café with tables and chairs in the historic city center of Ghent, Belgium, on a sunny day.
Atomium structure in Brussels surrounded by trees at dusk.
Guests posing for a photo by the canals in Bruges, with historic buildings in the background.
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Comfortable round-trip transfers

Your Brussels to Ghent day trip begins with smooth, pre-arranged transport from central Brussels. Relax in an air-conditioned coach and enjoy the countryside views while someone else handles the driving, timing, and logistics.

Expert local guidance

A professional guide leads the way, sharing stories of medieval guilds, Gothic architecture, political rivalries, and everyday Belgian culture. It is not just sightseeing; it is context, history, and local insight woven into every stop.

A well-balanced itinerary with free time

The day is thoughtfully paced, combining guided highlights with independent exploration. After discovering key landmarks together, you will have time to wander canals, browse boutiques, grab waffles, or relax at a café.

Authentic Belgian experiences

Depending on your ticket, you may enjoy add-ons such as a scenic canal cruise through Ghent’s waterways, a Belgian chocolate tasting, or even a photo stop at the iconic Atomium before or after your city visit.

Option to explore other cities

Some tours extend the experience to include Bruges, giving you two medieval cities in one day. If your ticket includes it, you will explore Bruges’ cobbled streets and historic squares alongside Ghent for a full Flemish experience.

Things to know before booking your Brussels to Ghent day trip

  • Types of tours: Your options range from guided coach tours from Brussels to Ghent —some focusing solely on Ghent, while others include trips Antwerp, Bruges , and a stop at the The Atomium in a single day. Choose based on how much time you have and how in-depth you want your experience to be.
  • Single-city vs. dual-city itineraries: A standard Brussels-to-Ghent day trip gives you more time to explore canals, cathedrals, and historic squares at a relaxed pace. A Bruges and Ghent day trip from Brussels covers more ground in a single day, offering variety and iconic highlights in both cities, but with slightly less free time in each.
  • Duration and departure times: Most tours last around 8 to 10 hours, with morning departures usually between 8 am and 10 am and returns to Brussels in the early evening. Tours that visit two cities may take a little longer because of travel between destinations.
  • Transfers are usually included: Guided coach tours include round-trip transport from central Brussels departure points, and typically operate with medium-sized groups, allowing for structured commentary and efficient movement between stops.
  • Optional experiences enhance the day: Some tours offer add-ons such as a boat trip in Ghent, Belgian chocolate tastings, or a photo stop at the Atomium before departure or upon return to Brussels.
  • Free time is built in: While guides cover the main highlights and historical context, most Ghent day trips include independent time to explore cafés, browse local shops, or simply soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

Which Brussels to Ghent day trip is right for you?

Tour TypeDurationInclusionsTransfersBest suited forUpgrades
Ghent + Atomium Tour

10 hours

Guided walking tour of Ghent, guide, Atomium photo stop

Round-trip bus from central Brussels

Travelers who want more time in Ghent with a Brussels landmark stop

Optional canal cruise in Ghent

Antwerp & Ghent Guided Tour

10 hours

Guided tours in Antwerp and Ghent, guide, Atomium photo stop

Round-trip bus from Brussels Central Station

Visitors wanting to visit two Flemish cities beyond Bruges in one day

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Bruges & Ghent Guided Day Trip

10 hours

Guided walking tours in both cities, bilingual guide, radio commentary system

Round-trip bus from Brussels

First-time visitors who want structured highlights in both cities

-

Bruges & Ghent Cities Tour

10.5 hours

Guided walks in Bruges and Ghent, multilingual guide, radio system with earphones

Air-conditioned coach from Brussels

Travelers seeking comfortable transfers and multilingual commentary

-

Cruise & Chocolate Tasting

10 hours

Full-day tour of Bruges and Ghent, round-trip transfers, multilingual guide, walking tour, visit to a chocolatier in Bruges, chocolate tasting, canal cruise in Ghent

Round-trip bus from Brussels

Those seeking an immersive and local experience in Ghent with entertainment included

Entry ticket to Belgium Beer World

Skip the planning and enjoy the journey

Exploring Ghent on your own can get exhausting when you’re juggling logistics and travel planning. A guided day trip handles round-trip transfers and on-the-ground coordination, so you can focus on expert insights instead of train schedules and ticket queues.

Main stops on your Ghent day trip

Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts)

This late 12th-13th-century fortress rises from the city center, complete with turrets, arrow slits, and panoramic ramparts. It’s easily the city’s most iconic landmark.

  • Recommended Duration: 1–2 hours
  • Included: In some tours (no entry)

St. Bavo’s Cathedral & the Ghent Altarpiece

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture and home to the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, the cathedral and its chapels are cultural highlights that feature on nearly every Ghent day trip itinerary.

  • Recommended Duration: 45–60 minutes
  • Included: In some tours (no entry)

Belfry of Ghent (Belfort)

The Belfry of Ghent is the city’s proud medieval watchtower, crowned with a gilded dragon. Climb to the top for views over rooftops and canals, and learn how the tower once symbolized Ghent’s independence and power.

  • Recommended Duration: 45 minutes
  • Included: In some tours (no entry)

Graslei & Korenlei (The Quays)

The quays are Ghent’s most photogenic canal stretch, lined with beautifully preserved guild houses, reflected in the water. It’s the perfect place to slow down, take photos, or enjoy a quick café stop.

  • Recommended Duration: 30–60 minutes
  • Included: Yes, all tours

St. Nicholas’ Church & Sint-Baafsplein

This striking blue-stone Gothic church anchors Ghent’s historic heart. Most tours stop here to explain how the cathedral, Belfry, and church together create one of Belgium’s most impressive medieval skylines.

  • Recommended Duration: 15–20 minutes
  • Included: Yes, all tours (no entry)

Vrijdagmarkt

Dating back to 1199, this historic square has long been a gathering place for markets and public events. Today, it’s lined with traditional façades and local cafés, and is ideal for soaking up everyday Ghent life.

  • Recommended Duration: 30 minutes
  • Included: Yes, all tours

Old Fish Market & Great Butchers’ Hall

Just steps from the castle, these medieval market buildings add life to the historic quarter. They offer insight into Ghent’s commercial past and are often passed during guided walks through the old town.

  • Recommended Duration: 20–30 minutes
  • Included: Yes, most walking tours

The Atomium

On select tours, you’ll also enjoy a quick stop at the Atomium before departing Brussels or upon return. This landmark, built for the 1958 World Expo, contrasts beautifully with the medieval cities you’ll explore during the day.

  • Recommended Duration: 15–30 minutes
  • Included: In some tours (photo stop)

More stops along the way

Bruges

If Ghent feels lively and layered, Bruges feels straight out of a fairytale. Think cobbled lanes, quiet canals, and medieval buildings that look almost too perfect to be real.

  • Recommended duration: 2–3 hours
  • Must-see: Markt (Market Square), climb the Belfry of Bruges for city views, Basilica of the Holy Blood.

Antwerp

Antwerp has a different energy, grand, stylish, and more cosmopolitan. Set along the Scheldt River, it blends medieval landmarks with striking architecture and a strong fashion identity.

  • Recommended duration: 2–3 hours
  • Must-see: Cathedral of Our Lady, Grote Markt, Vleeshuis (historic Meat Market), Scheldt riverfront

Your Brussels to Ghent itinerary

Morning

Most day trips begin with a departure from central Brussels and a scenic drive into Flanders. Depending on your tour type, you may start with a walk through Ghent’s center, visiting landmarks like St. Bavo’s Cathedral, or begin at Gravensteen Castle before the crowds build.

Afternoon

Midday is typically a mix of guided highlights and free time. You might explore Gravensteen’s ramparts or stroll along Graslei and Korenlei. Many itineraries include time for lunch at a local café, a Belgian chocolate stop, or an optional canal cruise.

Evening

As the day winds down, you’ll regroup for the return journey to Brussels. Some tours allow a final wander through a market square or riverside street before departure. Once done, board your bus back to Brussels after having enjoyed a day of exploration.

Best time to visit Ghent

Boating on the Leie River in Ghent with historic buildings and clock tower in view.
  • April to June: Spring is one of the best times to visit Ghent. Temperatures are mild, parks begin to bloom, and the weather is comfortable for walking tours and canal-side strolls.
  • July to August: Summer brings longer daylight hours and a vibrant atmosphere, with terraces and public squares full of energy. Temperatures are generally pleasant, though the city can feel noticeably busier. 
  • September to October: Early autumn offers cooler air and a calmer atmosphere after the summer rush. The city feels more local again, and sightseeing is more relaxed.
  • November to February: Winter is the low season in Ghent, with colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours. However, December stands out thanks to festive lights and Christmas markets that add warmth and charm to the medieval streets.
Christmas wreaths with pinecones and berries at a local market stall.
  • Gentse Feesten: Every July, Ghent hosts a 10-day citywide festival filled with music, street performances, and open-air celebrations. It is one of the largest cultural festivals in Europe and transforms the entire historic center into a lively celebration.
  • Film Fest Gent: Film Fest Gent is an internationally recognized film festival known especially for its focus on film music and premieres, held in October.
  • Christmas Markets: In December, seasonal market stalls, festive decorations, and winter treats create a cozy holiday atmosphere throughout the city center.
Belfry of Ghent in historic city center, Belgium, with tourists exploring the square.
  • Peak season (June to August): The busiest period runs from early summer through August. Major landmarks tend to have longer queues, and accommodation prices are higher.
  • Shoulder season (April to May and September to October): These months offer a great balance of pleasant weather and lighter crowds. You can explore comfortably without long waits.
  • Low season (November to February): Outside of the festive period in December, winter is the quietest time to visit. The city feels calmer, which is ideal if you prefer a peaceful atmosphere without the crowds.

How to get from Brussels to Ghent

Coach for Antwerp and Ghent full-day guided tour parked on a tree-lined road.

Round-trip transfers are the most stress-free way to travel from Brussels to Ghent, especially if you are booking a guided day trip. Comfortable coaches depart from central Brussels locations with everything prearranged, so you do not need to worry about anything. With an expert guide providing context along the way, the journey becomes part of the experience rather than just transportation.

Train at Brussels Noord Railway Station platform, heading to Ghent, Belgium.
  • Best for: Speed and flexibility
  • Travel time: Around 30 to 36 minutes one way
  • Pros: Trains are the fastest and most frequent public transport option between Brussels and Ghent. Direct services run regularly from Brussels-Central and Brussels-Midi to Gent-Sint-Pieters station. They are comfortable, reliable, and run throughout the day.
  • Cons: You will need to purchase tickets separately and may need local transport from Gent-Sint-Pieters station to reach the historic center.
Tourists seated inside a bus touring Washington D.C. monuments.
  • Best for: Budget-minded travelers
  • Cons: Buses are generally slower than trains and operate less frequently. Traffic conditions can also affect journey time.
  • Travel time: Around 50 minutes to 1 hour
  • Pros: Coach services between Brussels and Ghent are straightforward and often competitively priced. Modern buses may include Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.
Driver using GPS navigation in car to reach Kuranda Village.
  • Best for: Small groups or flexible travel plans
  • Travel time: Around 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic
  • Pros: Driving offers full flexibility and direct travel between locations. It can be convenient for groups splitting costs or travelers with heavy luggage.
  • Cons: Traffic can increase travel time, and parking in Ghent’s city center is limited and regulated. Taxi fares are significantly higher than public transport options.

Helpful tips for a Brussels to Ghent day trip

  • Start early: Ghent’s top sights like Gravensteen and St. Bavo’s Cathedral get busier by late morning, especially in summer and on weekends.
  • Dress for Belgian weather: Even in summer, sudden rain showers are common. Bring a light jacket or compact umbrella just in case.
  • Pre-book attraction tickets: If you plan to enter Gravensteen or see the Ghent Altarpiece, booking tickets at least 2 weeks ahead saves time.
  • Use your free time wisely: Plan ahead if you want a canal cruise, chocolate tasting, or museum visit so you do not feel rushed.
  • Try local specialties: Sample Belgian waffles, cuberdon “nose” candies, or regional beers at a canal-side café during your break.
  • Leave buffer time: If traveling independently, allow extra time for trains back to Brussels, especially during peak summer evenings.
  • Look up for details: Ghent’s guild houses and Gothic façades are full of carvings and symbols. A quick upward glance reveals hidden architectural gems.

Frequently asked questions about day trips from Brussels to Ghent

Most guided day trips last between 8 and 10 hours, including round-trip travel and sightseeing time in Ghent. The bus journey itself takes about an hour and a half, roughly one way, but guided tours may run longer if they include additional stops like Bruges or Antwerp.

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