A 2 day itinerary to Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Dinant
Travel Month – August, 2025
Hello fellow travelers!!
This August, we set off on a week-long Europe trip, and one of our favorite stops was Belgium!
Here are few interesting facts about this country.
Belgium has more castles per miles than any other country in the world. It is the birthplace of fries and not France as we all think when we think about French fries. Belgium is home to some of the world’s most famous comics — The Smurfs, Tintin, and Lucky Luke all came from Belgian artists. There’s even a Comic Strip Museum in Brussels!
We hopped on a three-hour train from Paris to Brussels and arrived in the afternoon. From there, we grabbed a quick taxi ride to our hotel in the heart of the Old Town near the Grand Place. After checking in, we couldn’t wait to head out and wander around the charming cobblestone streets, taking in the vibe of the city.
As the sun started to set, the Old Town really came alive — the streets filled with music, laughter, and the smell of freshly made waffles. We made our way to the Grand Place, and honestly, it took our breath away! The square was glowing with golden light, and every building looked straight out of a fairytale.
We grabbed some fries from a nearby stand (because how can you visit Belgium and not have fries, right?) and found a spot to just sit and people-watch.
By the time we got back to our hotel, we were tired but so happy. Brussels had already charmed us, and we couldn’t wait to explore more the next day.
Day 1 – Day Trip to Ghent & Bruges
We booked a day tour for Bruges and Ghent from Brussels. Train is another option if you want to avoid going in group. Our first stop was Ghent. The moment we stepped out into the city, we were wowed by its mix of medieval charm and laid-back vibe. We wandered through the old streets, checked out the Gravensteen Castle, and spent some time around the canals at Graslei and Korenlei — easily one of the prettiest spots in the city. The reflections on the water, the colorful buildings, and the cozy cafés made it feel like something out of a postcard. If you’re up for a little workout, climb (or take the elevator!) up the Belfry of Ghent for stunning panoramic views over the city’s spires and rooftops.
After spending few hours in Ghent we headed out to Bruges — and wow, it felt like stepping into a fairytale. The cobblestone streets, old bridges, and canals made it one of the most picture-perfect places we’d seen in Europe. We climbed the Belfry Tower for panoramic views, took a relaxing boat ride through the canals, and wandered around Market Square with ice cream in hand.
Before heading back to Brussels in the evening, we sat by Minnewater Lake — the “Lake of Love” — and just soaked in the peaceful atmosphere. It was the perfect way to end the day.
By the time we got back to our hotel, we were exhausted but couldn’t stop smiling. Belgium had completely stolen our hearts — from the waffles and fries to the fairytale towns and friendly people. 💛
Day 2 – A day tour to Luxembourg and Dinant
After exploring Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent, we decided to spend a day visiting a new country altogether — Luxembourg! One of the best things about traveling in Europe is how easy it is to hop between countries, and Luxembourg is just a short train ride away from Brussels. However, we took a bus tour from Brussels to Luxembourg. Details are in the Luxembourg post.
On our way back from Luxembourg, we stopped at Dinant. Dinant is a picturesque town in Belgium’s Wallonia region, known for its dramatic setting on the Meuse River, a medieval citadel, and its connection to the saxophone inventor, Adolphe Sax. Visitors can explore the historic Citadel, the Gothic Collegiate Church of Our Lady, and the Adolphe Sax House museum. The surrounding area also offers hiking, boat trips on the river, and access to caves and castles.
Practical travel tips:
1. Trains are convenient
Belgium’s train system is super easy to use and very efficient. Trains between Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges run frequently — usually every 20–30 minutes — so you don’t need to book ahead. Just grab tickets at the station or use the SNCB/NMBS app.
2. Stay in the Old Town
If you’re visiting Brussels, pick a hotel or Airbnb near the Grand Place or Sainte-Catherine area. You’ll be close to all the main sights, restaurants, and bars, and you can walk pretty much everywhere.
3. Food to try (and love 😋)
You can’t leave Belgium without tasting:
- Belgian waffles – crisp on the outside, fluffy inside (try Maison Dandoy in Brussels)
- Fries (frites) – double-fried perfection, usually with mayo or Andalouse sauce
- Mussels (moules-frites) – especially in Brussels or Bruges
- Belgian chocolate – go for brands like Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, or The Chocolate Line
- Beer – even if you’re not a big beer fan, Belgian brews are next level
4. Day trips are totally worth it
Ghent and Bruges are easy to visit in one day from Brussels, but if you have more time, staying overnight in Bruges is magical — the town at night is pure fairytale.
5. Although card works in most places, don’t forget to carry Euros too.
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