Explore Bruges and Ghent in One Fairytale Day!

Bruges and Ghent are enchanting fairytale towns in Belgium, known for their medieval charm, cobblestone streets, and picturesque canals. These towns charm visitors with their historic bell towers, dreamy waterside parks, and grand cathedrals. Both Bruges and Ghent are located just a short train ride from Brussels, making them perfect for a day trip and offering a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that feels like stepping back in time. Whether you’re wandering through Bruges’ romantic streets or marveling at Ghent’s vibrant atmosphere, this duo adds a magical touch to your Belgian adventure.

Itinerary

8:00am – Train to Bruges

Since we’re exploring two towns in one day, we opted for an early morning train to the first stop, Bruges! The train ride is about an hour and tickets cost around €20.

9:30am – Hearty Breakfast at That’s Toast

Once we arrived at Bruges, we were ready for breakfast! We made our way over to That’s Toast, a great breakfast/brunch spot with large portions that will hold you over through all your exploring. We ordered Avocado Toast with a Poached Egg and the Triple French Toast along with some coffee to keep us warm!

10:30am – Wander the Streets and Squares of Bruges

Now it’s time to get lost in the narrow, cobblestone streets of Bruges. Walking around the town really feels like your going back in time to a medieval, fairytale town. Bruges has canals weaving through the town, so be sure to walk alongside them and over the small bridges!

Now is a great time to stop at the historical Market Square! It’s a quaint square with charming shops lining the perimeter. We stopped at Dumon Chocolatier to try some local chocolates. The options were endless and delicious! While you’re in the area, you can’t forget to check out the Belfry of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. These two historical landmarks provide some beauty and context about historical life in Bruges.

11:30am – Boat Ride on the Canals

After sightseeing on foot, we decided to take in Bruge from a different angle. The canal boat rides offer a perfect way to see the town’s quaint homes and shops that line the waterways. Our canal boat was cash only, so make sure to have some euros handy if you plan to take a boat ride, maybe 30 euros or so.

1:30pm – Lizzie’s Wafels for Lunch

Our breakfast at That’s Toast held us over for quite some time, but after all the exploring we were ready for a midday stop at Lizzie’s Wafels. This small waffle restaurant is low-key and serves tasty, huge waffles! We enjoyed our waffle with a side of fresh chantilly cream and suggest you do too!

Now is the perfect time to squeeze in a bit more sightseeing before heading to Ghent. We walked towards the Church of our Lady and then spent some time in the Minnewater Park on our way back to the train station. We also grabbed some indulgent chocolates from ELiSABETH Chocolatier to enjoy on the train!

3:30pm – Train to Ghent

After a wonderful morning and afternoon in Bruge, it was time to head to the second city of the day, Ghent! Ghent is only about a half hour away by train. This part of your journey is easily modified as trains leave every 20 minutes or so and cost under €10. If you prefer more time in Ghent or finish all your sightseeing in Bruge early, then just hop on an earlier train over to Ghent.

4:00pm – Stroll Around Ghent and Sunset at the Bell Tower

Ghent is a bit more modern of a city than Bruges and the architecture and street set-up seem a bit more lived in. Ghent’s Korenmarkt town square is the perfect place for people watching and strolling down the central Graslei Street is a must! Make sure to check the sunset time so you can perfectly time your climb up the Belfry of Ghent with the sun setting over the landscape.

6:00pm – An Italian Pizza Experience at The Neapolis

Walking along the canals on Korenlei Street shows off the lively outdoor dining scene in Ghent. However, we usually suggest eating off the busy main streets to get better food for better prices. This was an amazing Neapolitan pizza spot off the main roads of Ghent! We enjoyed everything from the pizza to the dessert to the limoncello! The service here was great too and we spent some time speaking with the owners/chefs about how they ended up making Italian pizza in a small town in Belgium.

7:30pm – Nighttime Walk Around Castles and Riverwalks

An after-dinner stroll around the grand, medieval Gravensteen Castle offers a glimpse into what life might have been like centuries ago when it was used as a fortress. It’s also worth passing by the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral again to see the church’s grandeur at night.

8:50pm – Train Back to Brussels

Bruges & Ghent Day Trip Recap

Getting to Bruges – About 45 minutes by train

Getting to Ghent – Just under 30 minutes by train

Getting to Brussels – Around 40 minutes by train

Getting Around – Bruges and Ghent are both best explored on foot. That being said, both towns are built on a canal and a boat ride down the canals is a great way to see the towns from a different angle.

Best Time to Visit – March to September

Budget for A Couple – €225-€275 euros

Helpful Tips

Carry some cash if you plan to take a canal boat ride, more than €30 to be safe.
Tickets to the Ghent Belfry (Bell Tower) can be purchased here: Individual visit |
Gravensteen Castle tickets can be purchased here: Book tickets |
Wear comfortable shoes! You’ll be walking quite a bit in both towns.