Although there are quite some interesting things to see and do in Brussels, it can be nice to escape the city and discover what else Belgium has to offer. As this country is small and the capital is right in the middle, there are plenty of easy day trips you can do from Brussels.
I am from Belgium and spent years exploring this little country. In this post, you will find the places I think are worth visiting.
Whether you’re looking for a new city to explore, a beautiful hike in nature, an enchanting castle or some historical sights, you will find the best day trips from Brussels in this post.
City Escapes
Let’s start with the best city escapes from Brussels. Many people may know that Bruges is worth visiting (this city is #1 on this list), but there are plenty of other beautiful cities in Belgium too!
1. Bruges
This enchanting, medieval city is one of the most popular day trips from Brussels and one of the prettiest places in Belgium.
Bruges is full of cobblestoned streets, beautiful canals and medieval buildings. There’s a lot to discover here, from breathtaking sceneries and traditional windmills to interesting museums and authentic breweries.
Bruges is a city that doesn’t disappoint and looks beautiful during all seasons of the year. All in all, it’s one of these places worth including on any itinerary for Belgium.
Easy to combine with: Ghent (check out my post with everything you should know if you want to visit Bruges and Ghent in one day)
2. Ghent
Just like Bruges, Ghent is a charming city with cobblestoned streets, beautiful canals and vibrant nightlife. It’s less touristy though, and there’s a huge medieval castle that can be visited in the middle of the city!
Apart from its medieval architecture, Ghent is also known for its street art and it even has a graffiti alley.
In conclusion, Ghent is a beautiful city that should definitely be on your Belgium bucket list.
Easy to combine with: Bruges
3. Antwerp
The city of Antwerp, located by the River Scheldt, is a hip city with plenty of things to see and do.
This is the second-largest city in Belgium, and it’s known for its great amount of museums and beautiful architecture, both old and new.
Antwerp is also the city of baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens, whose home and workshop can be visited. It’s a fun day trip from Brussels with plenty of beautiful places to discover.
All in all, spending a day in Antwerp is a great thing to do!
Easy to combine with: Doel, Kalmthout Heath
4. Dinant
This charming city, located by the river Meuse, is the place where the saxophone was born. There are quite some interesting things to see and do in and around Dinant and this region is completely different from the region around Brussels.
Some of Dinant’s highlights are its citadel, the saxophone bridge and Rocher Bayard. The latter is a beautiful rock formation that forms the entrance to the city.
Easy to combine with: Vêves and Walzin Castle
Nature Escapes
Are you more of a nature lover? Then one (or more) of the following nature escapes may just be the perfect day trip from Brussels for you!
5. Blue Forest (Hallerbos)
In the Blue Forest, also known as Hallerbos, millions of wild hyacinths start blooming during spring. Around April, the forest is transformed into a truly magical place with a carpet of bluebells.
This is a beautiful place to escape the city and enjoy nature. So if you’re looking for one of the best day trips from Brussels at this time of the year, this is the one for you!
Make sure to check if the bluebells are blooming on the Hallerbos website before your visit, this usually happens around mid-April.
Easy to combine with: Waterloo Battlefield, Beersel Castle, La Hulpe Castle, Gaasbeek Castle
6. Semois Valley
The Semois Valley is known for its beautiful hikes, charming villages, and of course, the Semois River, which is a nice place to go kayaking.
This region is also home to what’s argued to be Belgium’s most beautiful view: the Tombeau du Géant viewpoint. According to the legend, a giant was buried under this gigantic hill.
If you’re visiting the Semois Valley during the summer months, you will be able to admire the wooden Pont de Claies, which is Belgium’s last seasonal footbridge.
Easy to combine with: Bouillon Castle
7. Baraque Michel
Located in the High Fens Region (Hautes Fagnes in French), Baraque Michel was Belgium’s highest point before the annexation of the Eastern Cantons in 1919. It stands at an elevation of 675 m (2215 ft) above sea level, and it’s the third highest point in the country today.
This region is home to one of Europe’s last high moors. The landscapes here are stunning and look different depending on the time of the year that you’re visiting.
The Baraque Michel itself is a pub that also serves as the starting point for some of Belgium’s best hikes. You will find panels with suggested hiking routes (4,5 km, 5,9 km, and 8,3 km / 2,8 mi, 3,7 mi, and 5,1 mi) on the left side of the parking lot.
- Hikes start at: Baraque Michel 36, Jalhay
- Easy to combine with: Tros Marets Valley, Bayehon Waterfall, Reinhardstein Castle
8. Caves of Han
The small village of Han-Sur-Lesse, in the Belgian Ardennes, is famous for its impressive cave complex and wildlife park.
Visiting the Caves of Han is one of the most popular and fun day trips from Brussels. You will discover an underground world here with some huge chambers, and you will get to see how the river Lesse streams underground.
The wildlife park at the Caves of Han complex is beautiful too. Here, 20 species of animals that live or used to live in the region are represented. You can either discover them by taking a safari bus or by hiking.
9. Tros Marets Valley
The stunning Tros Marets Valley, located near Malmedy in the Belgian Ardennes, is a wonderful place to hike. It offers a nice variety of landscapes, from majestic canyons and cascades to beautiful woods and moors.
There are numerous trails you can follow here, starting from different starting points.
All in all, the Tros Marets Valley has a lot to offer and I can’t wait to visit it again soon!
Easy to combine with: Baraque Michel, Bayehon Valley, Reinhardstein Castle
10. Kalmthout Heath (Kalmthoutse Heide)
This sandy nature reserve is located in the Belgian province of Antwerp, at the border with the Netherlands.
The Kalmthout Heath is the largest and oldest nature reserve in Flanders, and as its name suggests, it’s covered with heath. This place always reminds me of the African savanna. It has beautiful sceneries that are quite different from the rest of Belgium, and it’s a great place to hike.
Note that a part of Kalmthout Heath is in the Netherlands, so you might cross the border while you’re hiking.
- Hikes start at: Volksabdij (Ossendrecht, NL), Hemelrijk (Essen, BE), De Vroente (Kalmthout, BE), Ravenhof (Putte, BE). Check out the official Kalmthoutse Heide website for more information.
- Easy to combine with: Antwerp, Doel
11. Bayehon Waterfall (Cascade du Bayehon)
This waterfall with a height of 9 m (29 ft) is located in the High Fens Region (Hautes Fagnes), near the town of Malmedy.
You can find it in a small canyon, which you will have to descend if you want to get closer to the waterfall. The descent is not that difficult but watch out on rainy days, as it might get slippery.
Besides relaxing by the waterfall, the Bayehon Valley offers beautiful hiking possibilities. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy everything nature has to offer.
- Hikes start at: Route du Bayehon 49-31, Waimes
- Easy to combine with: Reinhardstein Castle, Baraque Michel, Tros Marets Valley
12. Fondry des Chiens
Fondry des Chiens is located in the Viroin-Hermeton Nature Park in the province of Namur.
It was formed by rainfall eroding limestone rocks for millions of years, thus creating a sinkhole. You will find gigantic boulders here, and if you’re visiting during spring, the nearby grassland will be full of beautiful blue flowers.
Chiens means “dogs” in French, and according to the legend, this place was named “Fondry des Chiens” because a knight once fell into a sinkhole with his dogs.
Coordinates: 50°04’10.1″N 4°33’22.7″E
13. Hoge Kempen National Park
This is Belgium’s only national park and it can be found in the province of Limburg. The area is home to pine forests, heathlands and large ponds.
Although the Hoge Kempen National Park is beautiful, I was a little disappointed to see that they’re building a huge resort at Connecterra, which completely ruins the view.
Nevertheless, the park has many other hiking trails, and it’s a nice escape from the city.
- Hikes start at: Kattevennen, Station As, Lieteberg, Pietersheim or Mechelse Heide. You can find a map on the Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen website.
- Easy to combine with: Reading Between the Lines, Tower of Eben Ezer
14. Ninglinspo Valley
Located close to the town of Aywaille (which is almost pronounced like “Hawaii”), this unique valley is full of small waterfalls and pools, and it’s home to one of the most epic hikes in Belgium.
The Ninglinspo hike starts along the banks of the Ninglinspo River and will take you across multiple small bridges. This is a really fun and adventurous hike over rocks.
If you follow the blue trail, you will cross a beautiful forest before reaching a panoramic viewpoint that overlooks the valley.
Hikes start at: Sedoz 5, Aywaille
15. Le Hérou
Le Hérou is a rock located in the Parc des Deux Ourthes, in Belgian Luxembourg. It overlooks the River Ourthe and the view is spectacular!
This rock is 1400 m (4593 ft) wide and 80-90 m (262-295 mi) high, which is a unique sight in Belgium.
If you like nature and love hiking, this is one of these places you will absolutely love!
16. Rocher du Bieley
Located in the Perlenbach Valley, which stretches over Belgium and Germany, the Rocher du Bieley is one of my all-time favourite places! This is one of the most beautiful places in Belgium.
This place is a bit offbeat, as the only way to access it from the Belgian side is by walking a 12 km (7,4 mi) loop. It’s more easily accessible from the German, site, though.
This being said the hike I did on the Belgian side of the valley is the most beautiful one I’ve done in this country so far.
The army frequently uses this region for shooting exercises, and this is not a good time to hike in the area. So make sure to check the army’s timetable before you go here. You can find it in the parking lot or on the Butgenbach website, which is in German.
Historic Sites
Would you like to learn a bit more about the history of Belgium? Then this section is the one for you! You will find the best places to visit in Belgium for history buffs below.
17. Villers Abbey
The Villers Abbey, which is now in ruins, has a rich history that dates back as far as the 12th century. It used to be one of the most important Cistercian abbeys in Europe, and it was inhabited by monks until 1796 when it was pillaged and abandoned.
The site of the abbey is pretty big, and there are quite some things to see here. Some of its most impressive sights are the abbey’s church, the prison, and the flower garden (in which flowers bloom from July to mid-September).
18. Waterloo Battlefield Memorial
The Waterloo 1815 museum offers a fascinating insight into the famous Battle of Waterloo that took place here in 1815. This is where French and English troops fought, and the battle marked the final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte.
When you visit the museum, you will also be able to watch a 3D movie that will take you to the heart of the battle. At the end of your visit, you can climb the 226 steps leading to the Lion’s Mound.
Easy to combine with: Blue Forest, Beersel Castle, La Hulpe Castle, Gaasbeek Castle
19. Fort Breendonk
The Fort of Breendonk served as a Nazi prison camp during the German occupation of Belgium in World War II. Political prisoners, members of the resistance, Jews and anyone that didn’t meet the Nazis’ expectations were imprisoned and forced to live here in poor living conditions.
Although Breendonk wasn’t a concentration camp, hundreds of prisoners were executed, and thousands of them were tortured here.
Visiting this fort will teach you more about these people and what happened during the war. It’s a very interesting experience and one of the best day trips from Brussels for history buffs.
Easy to combine with: De Schorre trolls, Bornem Castle
20. The Yorkshire Trench and Dug-out & WWI Museums
Although the First World War took place over a century ago, some of its frontline trenches can still be visited near the town of Ypres today.
The Yorkshire Trench was originally dug by the British in 1915, but it was only discovered in the 1990s. The exact location has been preserved, but the trenches were rebuilt using sandbags.
If you’re interested in World War I, you will also like In Flanders Fields Museum and the Memorial Museum Passchendaele, which are not so far from the trenches. These museums tell the story of the war, and the latter also focuses on the Passchendaele Battle.
Tip: Since 1928, the Last Post bugle call is played every evening at 8 pm at the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres. This is a tribute to the British who lost their lives during the battle.
21. The megaliths of Wéris
The megaliths of Wéris include various dolmens (tombs) and two menhirs (standing stones) dating back to approximately 2500 B.C. These were made of some sort of local and natural concrete, which is called “puddingstone”.
The megaliths can be seen at multiple locations stretching over an area of 8 km (4,9 mi). If you’d like to learn more about these ancient structures, you might want to visit La Maison des Megaliths de Wéris as well.
Tip: Take a peek or grab a bite at the House of Hary Cot while you’re there, this unique restaurant looks like a movie set! It’s just a 5-minute walk from the megaliths at Rue des Dolmens (Wéris I), and it’s definitely worth the detour.
- You can find a map of the megaliths of Wéris here
- Easy to combine with: Radhadesh Castle
Castles
Did you know that Belgium is famous for having more castles per square meter than any other country in the world? So if you like castles, like me, you will LOVE the following section.
It’s good to know that if you would like to spend the night in a castle, this is also possible – there are plenty of beautiful castle hotels in Belgium.
22. Walzin Castle and Vêves Castle
These castles are one of my favourite day trips from Brussels!
Walzin and Vêves Castle are both absolutely stunning and they’re within walking distance of one another. That is if you’re up for a 15-km (9,3 mi) hike in the Nature Park of Furfooz. You can find the map of the Vêves Walzin hike here if you’re interested.
Both castles look as if they’re coming straight out of a fairytale. Vêves Castle is also called “Sleeping Beauty’s Castle”, and its interior can be visited, whereas Walzin is a private castle, but its location is spectacular! It’s perched high above a rock and overlooks the Lesse River.
Easy to combine with: Dinant
23. Beersel Castle
The 14th-century Beersel Castle is located right outside of Brussels. This is one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Belgium. It’s said that it still looks the same as it did in the late 15th century!
Beersel Castle has been featured in the popular Belgian Spike and Suzy (Suske en Wiske) comic book, and the makers of Game of Thrones were eying it to shoot the series.
If you’re into castles or history, you will love this place!
Easy to combine with: Blue Forest, Waterloo Battlefield, La Hulpe Castle, Gaasbeek Castle
24. La Hulpe Castle
The 19th-century La Hulpe Castle, also known as Solvay Castle, is just a short ride from Brussels. This is one of Belgium’s most beautiful landmarks.
This castle was built for the Marquis Maximilien de Béthune in French style and bought by the wealthy industrialist Ernest Solvay later. The latter completely remodelled the castle and its gardens.
Although you can’t visit the La Hulpe Castle inside unless you want to book an event, the castle and its domain are a great place for a stroll. La Hulpe Castle is located in the Sonian Forest, which is full of beautiful walking trails.
Easy to combine with: Sonian Forest, Blue Forest, Waterloo Battlefield, Beersel Castle, Gaasbeek Castle
25. Bouillon Castle
Bouillon Castle is located in the Semois Valley, and it towers high above the city of Bouillon. I couldn’t find an answer online, but I wonder if this is the largest castle in Belgium because it’s huge!
This castle’s history dates back almost a thousand years, and it was once owned by the notorious Godfrey of Bouillon, one of the leaders of the First Crusade.
Visiting the Castle of Bouillon will take you back in history and reward you with a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
Easy to combine with: Semois Valley
26. Gaasbeek Castle
Located in Lennik, just a half-hour drive from Brussels, the original Gaasbeek Castle was built around 1240 to protect Brabant from invaders. This castle was destroyed though, and it had to be rebuilt a couple of times. It later served as a summer residence, with the Count of Egmont being its most famous owner.
Today, Gaasbeek Castle can be visited, and it houses an impressive amount of artefacts, from furniture to paintings and tapestries.
You can also visit this castle’s park and museum garden. The latter will give you an overview of traditional species of fruit and vegetables.
Easy to combine with: Blue Forest, Waterloo Battlefield, Beersel Castle, La Hulpe Castle
27. Reinhardstein Castle
Located in the Warche Valley in the province of Liege, Reinhardstein Castle is another beautiful castle in Belgium.
It was built in the 14th century but sold to quarriers at the beginning of the 19th century. The castle was destroyed, though, and what you can see today is an exact reconstruction.
Nevertheless, Reinhardstein Castle is a beautiful place surrounded by nice hiking trails. The Reinhardstein Waterfall, which is close to the castle, is Belgium’s highest waterfall and it’s worth a visit as well!
Easy to combine with: Cascade du Bayehon
28. Radhadesh Castle
Radhadesh Castle, near the small town of Durbuy, is not your typical European castle. Once you enter it, you will notice numerous colourful statues of Krishna, the Hindu God.
This castle, which is also called Château de Petite Somme, was transformed into a Hare Krishna temple and became a self-sufficient spiritual community in the late 1970s.
Guided tours hosted by devotees are available in different languages. It’s a pretty interesting and culturally rich experience to visit the place.
Easy to combine with: Megaliths of Wéris
29. Bornem Castle
Also known as the Marnix de Sainte-Aldegonde Castle, this enchanting place is located in the province of Antwerp.
The current construction was built at the end of the 19th century on the foundations of an older building, and it’s inhabited by John de Marnix de Sainte-Aldegonde, the 14th Earl of Bornem.
As the place is inhabited, you can only visit it at specific times, which can be found on the Bornem Castle website. It’s also possible to see the castle from a distance but note that the water docks, which offer the best view, are private property.
Easy to Combine with: De Schorre trolls, Breendonk
Other Day Trips from Brussels
Apart from cities, nature escapes and castles, Belgium is also home to other interesting places that are worth visiting. You will find these below.
30. Reading Between the Lines (Doorkijkkerk)
This beautiful, artistic chapel was created by Belgian architects Pieterjan Gijs and Arnout Van Vaerenbergh in 2011. It’s located in Borgloon, a small town near Hasselt, in the Belgian province of Limburg.
The chapel, which is called the “doorkijkkerk” in Dutch, is made from 100 steel sheets, and you can see the landscape through the construction.
Make sure to look at this church from every angle while you’re there. It’s interesting to see how different it looks depending on where you’re standing.
Easy to combine with: National Park Hoge Kempen, Tower of Eben Ezer
31. Doel
Doel is a town unlike any other in Belgium. Although not completely abandoned, this is Belgium’s ghost town.
It was once a lively village counting over 1,000 inhabitants, but when plans were made to expand the harbour of Antwerp in 1999, Doel became a target for demolition.
The residents were asked to leave their homes in exchange for a payout, but some of them refused to leave and decided to fight for their village. Plans to expand the harbour were postponed, and an estimated 15 to 20 people still live here today.
The streets of Doel are empty, and wandering here somewhat feels like walking on the set of an apocalyptic movie. It’s an interesting place to visit but make sure to be respectful because it’s still home to a handful of people.
Easy to combine with: Antwerp, Kalmthout Heath
32. De Schorre Trolls
A fun way to spend the day is by searching for the seven hidden trolls at De Schorre Park in Boom.
These trolls were built in 2019 by Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Tomorrowland dance music festival.
The friendly giants don’t only look amazing, they’re also part of a beautiful tale called The 7 Trolls and the Magical Tower. This tale tells the story of the giants inviting “the little people” into their magical tower, far away from human destruction.
Easy to combine with: Breendonk, Bornem Castle
33. Tower of Eben Ezer
The Tower of Eben Ezer, also called the Museum of Flint, is one of Belgium’s more quirky sights. It was constructed in flint rubble by just one man, Robert Garcet, between 1951 and 1965.
The tower’s four corners are topped with sculptures of Ezekiel’s four living creatures: a man in the form of a sphinx, a lion, an ox and an eagle. It was intended as a monument symbolising peace and fraternity between people.
The tower has seven floors, and some of them are open to the public. You will find the history of flint as well as an exhibition of fantasy art here.
Easy to combine with: National Park Hoge Kempen, Reading Between the Lines
34. Walking with alpacas in Scheldeland
I recently spent a weekend in Scheldeland, the region between Ghent, Antwerp and Mechelen, and one of my favourite activities there was walking with fluffy alpacas. These animals tend to walk very slowly, and they basically force you to slow down, which is quite relaxing!
Make sure to book in advance if you’d like to go on a walk with them because it’s a popular activity and places tend to fill up quickly.
Address: Lindekouter 30, Erpe-Mere
Map of the Best Day Trips from Brussels
You will find a map with the best day trips from Brussels below. Click the pin to find out a little more about the place.
Day Trips from Brussels: Final Thoughts
And voila – that was it! I hope that you have found exactly what you were looking for in this list full of day trips from Brussels.
My favourites are Baraque Michel, Walzin Castle and Reading Between the Lines, Rocher du Hérou and Rocher du Bieley.
Although I didn’t include any Belgian amusement parks in this post, there are plenty of these in the country too and if this is something you like, visiting one of these is a great day trip from Brussels as well!
Can you think of interesting day trips from Brussels that are missing from this list? Let me know in the comments below and I might add them in the future.
Belgium Travel Planning Guide
🛫 Find the cheapest flights to Belgium on Skyscanner.
🏨 Find the best accommodation via Booking or Hostelworld.
🚃 Use Omnio to book public transportation in Belgium.
🚗 Rent a car with Discover Cars to get the best rates.
💰 Get travel insurance via Visitors Coverage, one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies.
📋 Don’t forget to check if you need a visa to visit Belgium
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6 comments
fraai overzicht, Laure, voor uitdagende uitstapjes in België ! dank ! 💚
Jij bedankt Egidius! De laatste maanden waren ideaal om wat meer te gaan ontdekken in eigen land. 😉
Heel interessant Laure
Omdat een aantal bezienswaardigheden, zowel hier als in het buitenland, buiten de steden liggen, hoe kom je er? Het openbaar vervoer komt niet overal en parken of bvb de Ardennen zijn eigenlijk alleen te bezoeken met de auto. Huur je dan een auto als je bvb Wales of de kastelen van de Loire wil zien, of heb je een andere oplossing? Bedankt voor wat tips,
Dankje Pierre! 🙂 Het liefst neem ik het openbaar vervoer maar daarmee geraak je inderdaad niet overal. Wat ik dan vaak doe is een day trip boeken, dan komt een busje je in een stad/aan je hotel ophalen en zetten ze je daar ‘s avonds weer af (je kan die meestal boeken in hotels). Als dat ook niet mogelijk is, zoals voor de Ardennen of minder toeristische bestemmingen, huur ik een auto. 🙂
Zeer interessante post. Heb zelf nog veel te ontdekken in België.
Dankje! 😊 Er zitten echt een paar pareltjes tussen! Vooral Walzin en Vêves moeten jullie eens naartoe 🤩