A Day Trip to Discover the Best of Brussels and Ghent

  • 9:00AM: Grand Place
    Walking distance from Central Station

    The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels and one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Surrounded by stunning architecture, with plenty of cafes, restaurants and chocolate shops, the Grand Place is a perfect place to start exploring the city.

  • 11:00AM: Atomium
    30 minutes by metro from Grand Place

    The Atomium is one of the most unusual and intriguing buildings in Brussels, representing an iron molecule magnified 165 billion times. This incredible structure offers amazing views over the city and a unique insight into Belgium’s scientific and cultural heritage.

  • 1:00PM: Lunch at Tonton Garby
    20 minutes (1.5 km) from Atomium

    If you want to sample some of the best sandwiches in Brussels, Tonton Garby is the place to go. Filled with fresh ingredients and lots of flavor, these sandwiches are perfect for a quick and delicious lunch.

  • 2:30PM: St. Bavo's Cathedral
    30 minutes (50 km) by train from Brussels Midi

    Located in the beautiful city of Ghent, the St. Bavo's Cathedral is a stunning Gothic cathedral with an impressive collection of art and historical treasures. The cathedral is home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of European art that has been inspiring visitors for centuries.

  • 4:30PM: Gravensteen Castle
    10 minutes (1 km) walking distance from St. Bavo's Cathedral

    Gravensteen Castle is a medieval castle in Ghent that offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Built in the 12th century, the castle has been beautifully restored and now houses a museum about the history of Ghent and the castle itself.

  • 6:00PM: Belgian Beer Tasting at Dulle Griet
    10 minutes (750 m) walking distance from Gravensteen Castle

    Dulle Griet is the perfect place to end your day trip with a taste of some of the best Belgian beers. With over 500 different types of beer to choose from, this cozy bar is a local favorite and a great place to relax and enjoy the end of your day in Ghent.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Atomium (2 hours, €15)
  • Lunch at Tonton Garby (1 hour, €10)
  • St. Bavo's Cathedral (1.5 hours, €8)
  • Gravensteen Castle (1.5 hours, €10)
  • Belgian Beer Tasting at Dulle Griet (2 hours, €20)

  • Total Estimated Costs (€63)

Transportation

Brussels has an extensive public transportation network consisting of metro, tram, and bus lines. A one-day ticket for all public transport costs €7.50. Trains from Brussels to Ghent run every half hour and a one-way ticket costs around €10. Travel time takes around 30 minutes.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore more of Brussels around the Grand Place, visit the Manneken Pis or the Musée Magritte Museum. In Ghent, there's plenty more to see, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Ghent City Museum, and the Saint Nicholas' Church. If you have less time, you can skip the Atomium and go directly to Ghent and experience more of its history and culture.

Airports

Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main airport serving Brussels and is located 11 km northeast of the city center. Another airport that may be of interest to some travelers is Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), which is located 55 km south of Brussels.

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