Day Trips from Brussels
Brussels is a superb holiday destination in its own right with plenty to attract and entertain visitors. Thanks to its elevated position, The Hotel Brussels is a perfect starting point for a visit to the Belgian capital. Even better, getting around Brussels is easy even if you are a complete newcomer so you'll be able to enjoy its charm and tourist attractions without any hassles.
In addition, booking a day trip from Brussels means you'll get a much more rounded experience not only of the Brussels-Capital region of which the city is the capital but also of the wider Flemish part of Belgium. Indeed, given the city's close proximity to the coast, the border with the Netherlands and other notable Belgian cities, you can use Brussels as a base to explore much of what the Low Countries have to offer. Read on to find out more about the sort of day trips that are possible when you stay at The Hotel Brussels in the heart of the city.
Copyright: visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy
Unveiling Day Trip Options
There are plenty of places you can get to and back from in a day when you stay in Brussels. Among the most popular day trip destinations are:
Bruges - From The Hotel Brussels, embarking on a fairytale escape to Bruges is straightforward. From Brussels Central railway station it is just over an hour to Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage site, by train and services run every hour. In Bruges, you can explore charming canals, indulge in Belgian chocolates and marvel at the city's ornate and historic architecture.
Ghent - Immerse yourself in Ghent's vibrant atmosphere, a city that is only about a 35-minute train ride from Brussels. Here, you will be able to discover the city's imposing medieval architecture for which it is rightly famous. There is a renowned university scene in Ghent with plenty of chic places to hang out. Bustling Graslei Port is another highlight, an ideal place to kick back and watch the world go by.
Antwerp – Train services to Antwerp run several times an hour. In this city, you will be able to delve into a world of art and culture. Top places to visit include the Rubens House, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and the bustling diamond district.
Travel Like a Local
Brussels offers visitors effortless exploration opportunities. For one thing, you can utilise Brussels' excellent train network to reach a wide range of charming destinations within an hour. The Brussels hotel is located a short distance from Louise Underground station which offers convenient access to lines 2 and 6 of the Metro system. Just down the road is another station, Porte Namur. Using either one, it is only a handful of stops to get to two of the city's major public transportation hubs, Gare de l'Ouest and Gare du Midi, which can both be reached directly. If your day trip means you need to get to Gare Centrale, then head to Arts Lol which is just two stops from Porte Namur and change for any westbound service on Metro lines 1 or 5. Brussels' principal railway station is only a further two stops on either line.
In addition, it is worth noting that Louise is served by multiple bus routes, N06, N08, N09, N10 and N11. Meanwhile, Porte Namur is on four bus routes, N06, N08 and N11. If you want to get to Gare Centrale while taking in the overground sights as you are getting around Brussels from The hotel, then catch the N06. The station is the final stop on the route, so it is easy to navigate your way there.
Beyond the Sights
A number of the day trips that are possible from the Brussels Hotel mean you will be able to enjoy much more than the main tourist sights. Although they are worth visiting for the various attractions on offer, this part of Europe offers so much more, including a regional cuisine which, for many, is something of a foodie paradise. For example, Ghent is well-known for its mussels. Regarded by many to be the best place in the world to enjoy 'moules et frites', Ghent has a number of restaurants and bars that specialise in this particular combination. There again, Antwerp is often praised for its vibrant food scene. You can get top-quality mussels in this city, too, of course, but the capital of the Flemish-speaking part of Flanders offers so much more. The Het Zuid quarter of Antwerp has plenty of chic bistros and all-day dining places. Among them are many vegetarian restaurants, so there really is something for everyone in this part of the world.
Of course, there is more to a day trip than sampling the local cuisine. Beyond the main tourist attractions, enjoying a day trip to somewhere like Ghent would involve nothing more spectacular than wandering around its historic waterways. Ghent's canals are peaceful and a great way to navigate the city even if you stick to the canal-side paths. In Antwerp, walking around the city's old fortifications is a superb way to get to know more about the settlement. Some of the ramparts date back to the 10th century. A guided city tour usually includes some exploration of these old fortifications but there's nothing to stop you from going your own way and discovering them yourself.
The Hotel Brussels: Your Sanctuary Awaits
The Hotel Brussels is a first-rate place to stay for any city break in the Belgian capital but it is also perfect for getting to know the wider area. Are you ready to explore with a day trip from Brussels? Book your stay at The Hotel Brussels and let us be your guide to captivating destinations beyond the city.
