Day Trips From Brussels: A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide

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As a solo female traveler who has traveled to 50 countries, across 6 continents, I can honestly say that one of my favorite things to do when visiting a city, especially in Europe, is take a day trip. And Brussels was no exception. As I was planning my trip to Brussels, I knew that I needed to add some buffer days so that I could take some day trips from Brussels and explore the city beyond the city.

The best thing about day trips is that you don’t need to move your home base; you can get outside of the city and explore, and if you book a tour, like I normally do, you don’t have to worry about the logistics.

We all know that there are lots of things to see and do in Brussels, but what you may not know is that Brussels also has some of the best day trips that you can take. In this guide, I will be diving into all of my favorite day trips from Brussels, so that as you are planning your Brussels trip, you can make sure to add a few of the amazing spots to your itinerary.

Introduction: Day Trips From Brussels

When it comes to visiting new cities, having a homebase and exploring cities beyond the main city is one of the best things you can do and add to your travel itinerary. And Brussels is no different. As somone who has traveled to 50 countries, having a home base, and taking day trips is one of my favorite things to do, and in this blog, I will be diving into all of my favorite day trips from Brussels that I think you need to add to your next Brussels itinerary.

As I have helped my clients plan their trips, many people don’t think about day trips, and my recommendation is to always plan 1-2 days as “extra” days so that they can add a day trip to their itinerary.

In this blog, I will be diving into all of the best day trips from Brussels that I’ve done and loved, so that you can find a day trip or 3 to add to your next Brussels itinerary.

1. Brussels to Burges Day Trip

If you only have room in your itinerary for one day trip from Brussels, then you must visit that picture-perfect, storybook town of Bruges. Between the quaint canals (highly recommend a canal tour), the cobblestone streets, and the architecture and colors, there is something about visiting Bruges that makes you feel like you are in a medieval fairy tale.

Bruges was my very first day trip, and I have to say it did not disappoint. I loved walking around, soaking in the town, and the canal ride that I did. Seeing the town from the canal offered a very different perspective, and allowed you to see the town, buildings, and enjoy the views.

Visiting Bruges was also a nice change of pace and was not rushed. It was the perfect place to slowly stroll the cobblestone streets, enjoy the views, and capture the most stunning pictures around every corner.

As a solo female traveler, I found it very safe and easy to navigate, and I opted for a Brussels to Bruges tour, so I didn’t have to worry about the logistics of traveling to and from Brussels.

In my opinion, visiting Bruges is one of the best day trips from Brussels, and I would highly recommend ensuring this storybook destination is 100% added to your Brussels itinerary.

A woman taking a selfie by a canal in Bruges, Belgium, with historic buildings and lush greenery in the background.

2. Dinant Belgium

Another one of my favorite day trips from Brussels was the very charming and picturesque town of Dinant Belgium. This quaint town is situated right along the Meuse River, and it’s surrounded by cliffs. Between the colorful architecture, the landscapes, and the quaint calmness of the town as you explore, this was by far one of the most peaceful and relaxing day trips that I have taken.

While on my trip to Dinant, I was able to sit by the river, enjoy my coffee, and just take in the calmness and be in the moment. This is a great day trip from Brussels for those who enjoy extremely scenic locations, love capturing landscape photos, and if you are just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

3. Antwerp Day Trip

If you are looking for a modern and energetic day trip from Brussels, that isn’t the typical fairytale/storybook kind of vibe, then I would highly recommend adding an Antwerp day trip to your Brussels itinerary.

This city is otherwise known as the diamond capital of the world, and it is surprisingly known for its fashion and design. The mix of the modern vibe, creative energy, and historic architecture makes it a great day trip from Brussels for those looking to do some shopping, enjoy a cafe or two, and enjoy a market or museum.

If you’ve already been to Bruges and Ghent, this day trip is the exact opposite of those two stops, but still equally amazing, and is really more of a chic European city.

I opted for a walking tour while I was here. There is something about exploring a city on foot (especially in the spring) that allows me to see more, hear about the history and culture, and allows me to appreciate my trip even more. Another great way to explore Antwerp is a bike tour, or another one of my favorites, via tuk-tuk.

As a solo female traveler, I found this day trip to be walkable, plenty to do, and it was a perfect day trip from Brussels to get out and explore beyond Belgium’s capital city.

4. Ghent: My Favorite Alternative to Crowded Bruges

Ah Ghent. This was another favorite day trip from Brussels of mine. I actually did Bruges and Ghent in the same day, and honestly, it couldn’t have worked out better. I know sometimes Ghent can be overshadowed by Bruges, but I loved every moment I spent in Ghent. And it honestly reminded me of a smaller version of Amsterdam in a way.

To me, it felt like a hidden gem, where, even though I loved Bruges, it was definitely a lot more touristy than my visit to Ghent was. I felt like my visit to Ghent was more about soaking in the local culture and felt less touristy compared to Bruges.

I explored Ghent on foot, walking along the waterfront, visiting the castle, and had a delicious coffee and pastry in one of the local coffee shops. Another great way to explore Ghent is via a canal tour.

So, if you are like me and want a day trip that is vibrant, full of amazing energy, and not super touristy, then make sure to pencil in a day trip to Ghent. Or do what I did, and visit both on the same day. You won’t regret it!

A woman in sunglasses and a beige coat standing on a bridge overlooking a historic city with a river and medieval buildings.

5. Luxembourg City: A Cross-Border European Adventure

One of my favorite travel experiences is finding destinations where you can easily add another country to your itinerary, and Luxembourg City is a great example.

While it is a longer day trip from Brussels, visiting Luxembourg allows you to experience another country without needing another flight or hotel stay.

Luxembourg City feels elegant and historic, with dramatic cliffs, old fortifications, charming neighborhoods, and beautiful viewpoints. Walking through the Old Town and along the Chemin de la Corniche offers some of the most beautiful views in the city.

Because this is one of the longer day trips from Brussels, I recommend starting early and planning your transportation in advance. It is a long day, but if you enjoy checking countries off your travel list, it is absolutely worth considering.

6. Leuven: Belgium’s Underrated Gem

For travelers who want an easy and relaxed day trip, Leuven is an excellent option.

Located less than 30 minutes from Brussels by train, Leuven offers beautiful architecture, historic streets, and a lively atmosphere thanks to its famous university.

What makes Leuven special is that it feels like a place where locals live rather than a destination designed only for tourists. You can spend the day exploring the historic town hall, enjoying Belgian beer culture, wandering through charming streets, and experiencing everyday Belgian life.

This is a great choice if you have already visited the major cities and want to discover somewhere a little more off the typical tourist path.

Day Trips From Brussels: My Best Tips

My biggest advice when planning day trips from Brussels is not to overschedule yourself. One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is trying to see too many places in a short amount of time. The best memories often come from slowing down, enjoying a coffee at a local café, wandering without a strict agenda, and allowing yourself to experience the destination.

Belgium is incredibly easy to explore by train, which makes it perfect for solo travelers. I recommend checking train schedules ahead of time, wearing comfortable walking shoes, and starting your day early, especially when visiting popular destinations like Bruges.

Most importantly, remember that travel is not just about seeing as many places as possible. It is about creating experiences that stay with you long after you return home.

Conclusion: Day Trips From Brussels

Brussels is an amazing city, but the real magic of Belgium comes when you venture beyond the capital.

From the canals of Bruges and the medieval streets of Ghent to the scenic beauty of Dinant and the international adventure of Luxembourg, these destinations show just how much there is to discover within easy reach of Brussels.

As a solo female traveler, Belgium gave me the confidence to explore independently while still feeling connected to the culture, history, and people around me.

If you are planning your own Belgium adventure, I hope this guide helps you discover the best day trips from Brussels and inspires you to slow down, explore more, and create your own unforgettable memories.