From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent Full-Day Trip by Train

Taking a day trip from Brussels to explore Bruges and Ghent offers a chance to see some of Belgium’s most captivating medieval cities without the hassle of planning transportation or guiding yourself. This tour, offered by Bravo Discovery, is designed for travelers who want an authentic experience with knowledgeable guides, all with ease and convenience.

What we particularly like about this experience is the well-organized itinerary that balances guided sightseeing, free time, and optional extras—like boat rides and art visits. The price point of $79 per person makes it quite reasonable given the full day of exploration, especially when considering the convenience of train travel and guided commentary. That said, a potential downside is the packed schedule—if you prefer to linger in each city or explore at a more leisurely pace, this might feel a bit hurried.

This trip is perfect for history buffs, culture lovers, or anyone eager to tick off both cities in one go. It’s especially suitable if you’re on a tight schedule but still want a genuine taste of Belgium’s medieval architecture, culinary delights, and scenic canals.

Key Points

• Convenient train travel from Brussels to two major Belgian cities with guided commentary.
• Rich historical and cultural highlights in Bruges and Ghent, including UNESCO-listed sites.
• Flexible free time for eating, shopping, or optional activities like boat rides.
• Knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with local insights.
• Value for money at $79, considering transportation, guided tours, and entrance fees.
• Early start and full day with a mix of walking, sightseeing, and optional extras.

Exploring the Full-Day Trip

How the Day Unfolds

The tour kicks off early in the morning at Grand Place Brussels at 8:30 AM, where you’ll meet your guide under a white umbrella—an important detail because this is the primary point of contact. The group then travels by train to Bruges, arriving around 11 AM after a scenic journey that sets the tone for the day.

The tour is organized for about 10 hours, with a scheduled return to Brussels around 5 PM. The small group size usually guarantees a more personal experience, and depending on your preferences, you can choose whether to return with the guide or stay longer in Bruges and Ghent on your own.

First Stop: Bruges

Once in Bruges, the guided portion lasts about 2.5 hours, during which you’ll stroll through the city’s medieval streets and waterway-lined canals. Our review of past travelers highlights their appreciation for the expert guidance of guides like Louisa, who is praised for her knowledge and engaging style. She provides insights into the city’s landmark sites and hidden gems, making the walk much more meaningful than just sightseeing with a map.

Key highlights in Bruges include:

• The Lake of Love in the ancient city wall park—an idyllic water reservoir that feeds the canal network.
• The Beguinage, a well-preserved medieval gated community once reserved for women, which feels like stepping back in time.
• A visit to Brewery De Halve Maan, which is still operating today and offers a glimpse into Belgium’s legendary beer culture.
• The Old St. Johns Hospital, one of Europe’s oldest hospitals with 800 years of architecture, and optional visits to Hans Memling Museum.
• The Our Lady of Bruges, famous for its towering brick spire and art treasures—reviewers note Michelangelo’s Madonna with Child as a highlight if you choose to peek inside.
• The bustling VisMarkt fish market and Tanners Square, where lively cafés and historic guildhalls line the streets.

You’ll also enjoy free time for snacks, souvenirs, or even a boat trip (cost extra at €8) that offers a different perspective of the city’s waterways, with reviewers calling it “one of the best ways to see Bruges.”

Transition to Ghent

After a delightful morning in Bruges, you’ll hop back on the train to Ghent, arriving around 2:30 PM. The city, situated at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt Rivers, offers a slightly more bustling vibe compared to Bruges but equally steeped in history.

Highlights in Ghent

In Ghent, your guide takes you through Saint Bavo Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece (“The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”)—a masterpiece by the Van Eyck brothers. Many travelers find this visit a real highlight, though there’s a small extra fee of €4 for entrance. The cathedral’s mix of Gothic and Baroque details, along with its impressive interior, are well worth it.

Next, you’ll explore Ghent’s City Hall, an architectural mosaic blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles—another favorite among visitors. The Market Hall and Belfort Tower offer sweeping views of the city and its markets, which have been trading since medieval times.

Other notable sights include churches of Saint Nicholas, Saint James, and Saint Michael, all echoing Ghent’s medieval past, and the scenic Graslei port, lined with historic guildhalls that are perfect for photos.

The Gravensteen castle is a standout, with its fairytale-like towers and walls revealing Flemish aristocratic life. Many reviewers mention how much they enjoyed wandering through its turrets and imagining medieval battles.

Finally, the district of Patershol, with its charming brick buildings and cozy cafes, makes for a relaxing end to the tour. Travelers rave about the Great Butchers’ Hall, one of Europe’s oldest meat markets, adding a tasty local flavor to the visit.

What to Expect: Practical Details

This trip is designed for travelers who don’t mind walking a lot—comfortable shoes are essential as much of the touring involves uneven cobbled streets and historic squares. The small group setting ensures you’ll get plenty of personalized attention, and guides like Louisa or others from Bravo Discovery are praised for their knowledgeable and engaging style.

The price of $79 covers transportation, the guided tours, and some entrance fees, giving quite a good value compared to booking individual tickets. Optional extras like the boat ride (€8) and the Van Eyck’s masterpiece (€4) are additional costs, but worth considering if you want to deepen your experience.

The tour runs only on Sundays from Brussels, starting at 9:30 AM, with departures from Grand Place Brussels at 8:30 AM. It’s worth noting that the early start can be tiring, but the full day of sightseeing offers plenty of reward.

Reviews Tell the Story

Travelers consistently praise the guides’ expertise, with comments like “Louisa’s knowledge of Brugge and Gent was phenomenal,” and “she was very informative and gave us time for everything.” Many describe the trip as “well worth it,” despite some noting the tight schedule can be a bit tiring, especially for those unaccustomed to a lot of walking.

Others highlighted the value, noting that for $79, you get a full day of guided exploration, combined with train travel—an economical way to see two iconic cities. Some reviewers suggest that spending more than one day in each city would be ideal, but for a quick, comprehensive taste, this trip hits the mark.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This full-day trip from Brussels to Bruges and Ghent offers excellent value and a solid introduction to two of Belgium’s most picturesque towns. It’s perfect for those who want a structured, guided experience and don’t mind a busy schedule. If you’re keen to learn about Belgium’s medieval architecture, art, and local cuisine—all while enjoying the convenience of train travel—this tour will serve you well.

Travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides, scenic views, and a balanced mix of sightseeing and free time will find this trip a good fit. Keep in mind that the pace is brisk, so if you prefer a leisurely exploration or plan to indulge in museums and other activities, you might want to extend your stay in each city.

In short, this trip is a great way to maximize a day in Belgium—offering authentic, well-organized, and fun experiences that leave travelers with plenty of memorable moments.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation to and from Brussels by train is included, making it hassle-free to connect these historic cities.

What is the starting point?
You meet your guide at Grand Place Brussels in front of the Tourist Information Office, holding a white umbrella, at 8:30 AM.

How long do we spend in each city?
You’ll have about 2.5 hours in Bruges for guided sightseeing and free time, and roughly 2 hours in Ghent for key attractions, plus travel time.

Can I stay longer in Bruges or Ghent?
Absolutely, past travelers say you can choose to return with the guide at the scheduled time or stay longer and return later on your own.

What are the optional extras?
You can add a canal boat trip in Bruges (€8) and visit the Van Eyck’s “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” (€4) at Saint Bavo Cathedral.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s accessible and suitable for most, but be prepared for a fair amount of walking on uneven surfaces.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be walking on cobblestone streets and exploring outdoor areas.

This full-day trip from Brussels to Bruges and Ghent offers a fantastic taste of Belgium’s medieval charm, cultural richness, and scenic beauty—all with the convenience of guided tours and train travel. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking to see more of Belgium in a day, this tour provides a balanced, enjoyable, and value-packed experience.