Traveling by tour in Belgium can be a great way to explore beyond the capital city in a short time and without any hassle on your part. Since it’s such a small country, you can cover a lot of ground in a day and even visit its neighbors.
Some tours offer a structured itinerary that takes you to the most popular attractions and landmarks, while others also include some free time for you to explore at your own pace.
And with a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you can learn more about the country’s past and present, and gain insights you may not have discovered on your own.
Lastly, tours often include transportation and even admission fees sometimes, which can be time-saving and more comfortable for you.
Based on my visits to Belgium (I’ve been there three times so far), I firmly believe that the most stunning places in Belgium are situated outside the capital. Therefore, let’s see what are the best day tour options from Brussels.
- My top 3 picks
- 1. Ghent and Bruges Day Tour
- 2. Bruges Full-Day Guided Tour
- 3. Ghent Full-Day Guided Tour
- 4. Antwerp and Ghent Day Trip (with a stop at the Atomium)
- 5. Luxembourg Tour with Dinant Visit
- 6. Magical Delft and the Keukenhof Estate: Tulips Galore
- 7. Day Trip to Amsterdam
- 8. Tour of Cologne and Postcard Town of Monschau
- Other things to know
- Final Thoughts
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My top 3 picks
✓ Free time in Bruges for you to explore at your own pace
✓ Also includes a guided walking tour of the city
✓ You’ll see 2 of the prettiest cities in Belgium in one day
✓ You can opt for a canal cruise in Bruges
✓ Visit one of the most beautiful cities in Europe
✓ Guided tour of Amsterdam
✓ 3 hours of free time
1. Ghent and Bruges Day Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 (4500+ Reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10.5 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW
This tour is an excellent choice for those who have limited time but still want to experience the beauty of Belgium’s most stunning cities.
The amazing medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and charming atmosphere of both Bruges and Ghent never fail to impress, which is probably why they’re so popular with visitors all over the world.
Exploring these two cities on foot (which is made possible by the walking tours included) is one of the best ways to discover their beauty. In Bruges, you can also opt (for an extra fee) to do a boat ride on the canals, which I highly recommend.
As an added bonus, since Ghent is located about halfway between Brussels and Bruges, you won’t waste too much time on the road.
I should mention that after the tour ends, you still might wish you had more time in each city. Therefore, if you have a few days to spare while in Belgium, I would recommend visiting Bruges and Ghent on separate days to fully appreciate their unique charm and beauty.
2. Bruges Full-Day Guided Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 (500+ Reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9.5 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW
As previously mentioned, if you have time to spare in Belgium, I highly recommend considering a full-day tour of Bruges, such as the one offered in this package (there’s also a Spanish option).
With a day on your hands, you’ll not only benefit from a guided walking tour of the city, but you’ll also get a few hours of free time to explore at your own leisure. As someone who enjoys the flexibility of discovering a place on my own terms, this aspect of the tour is a definite plus for me.
TIP: If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend you treat yourself to some handmade chocolate from Chocolaterie de Burg (it’s right next to the Basilica of the Holy Blood). Not only is it delicious, but I found it to be pretty reasonably priced.
Besides, a box of pralines can make for an excellent souvenir to take back home for your loved ones.
3. Ghent Full-Day Guided Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.1/5 (30+ Reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW
If you’re looking for a comprehensive way to explore Ghent, a full-day tour might be just what you need. And a good option is this Ghent Full-Day Guided Tour, which includes a short walking tour of the city, as well as free time to explore on your own (around 4 hours).
However, it’s worth noting that if the English-speaking group is small, it will be combined with the Spanish-speaking group, which could result in more Spanish being spoken on the bus, than English.
Despite this, the tour is still a great way to see the main sights of Ghent and learn a few things about the city.
Also, during your free time, I highly recommend you visit Gravensteen castle and do a boat tour of the canals (for more suggestions, read my Ghent day trip from Brussels: Best things to do post).
4. Antwerp and Ghent Day Trip (with a stop at the Atomium)
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 (80+ Reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW
A guided tour of Antwerp, the unofficial capital of diamonds, and Ghent could be a great choice if you want to explore both cities (also I recommend you read my detailed comparison between Antwerp and Brussels).
During the tour, you’ll receive a brief walking tour of each destination, but you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the cities independently.
I will mention that although it’s not clearly stated, the company provides a tour in Spanish as well, and frequently the two tours are combined to create a bilingual experience.
5. Luxembourg Tour with Dinant Visit
⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 (1000+ Reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW
Luxembourg’s proximity to Brussels, combined with its beautiful architecture and rich history, makes it a great destination for a day trip from the Belgian capital.
This Luxembourg Tour with Dinant Visit offers a guided walking tour of Luxembourg City’s top attractions, as well as a bit of free time to explore the city on your own. Additionally, it includes a short stop in Dinant on the way back (about 1 hour).
However, it’s worth noting that the total bus journey is approximately six hours, which could be a drawback for some travelers.
Nonetheless, the tour is a good way to see the highlights of both Luxembourg and Dinant in one day, without the hassle of planning the trip yourself.
6. Magical Delft and the Keukenhof Estate: Tulips Galore
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 (30+ Reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW
If you are visiting Belgium in spring, it’s possible (though it will be a bit rushed) to hop on a tour and see the Dutch tulips in bloom for the day by visiting the famous Keukenhof Park (entry tickets are included).
Located in the South Holland province’s city of Lisse, this renowned park is home to over 7 million flower bulbs, with tulips being the majority, and is typically open from the last week of March until mid-May.
Divided into several sections, the gardens boast flower displays of various shapes and sizes. Additionally, the park has a few on-site restaurants and souvenir shops.
The tour also includes a stop in the beautiful city of Delf, famous for its iconic blue and white pottery, known as Delftware.
7. Day Trip to Amsterdam
⭐️ RATING: 4.3/5 (500+ Reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW
If you’re looking for a quick visit to beautiful Amsterdam, a full-day tour like this one is a good option.
It includes a guided walking tour of some of the city’s top attractions (Nieuwe Kerk, Royal Palace, Oude Kerk, De Waag, the Jewish Quarter), as well as free time to explore on your own (around 3 hours).
You’ll get to see one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with its stunning canals, historic buildings, and vibrant culture and I can already guarantee you’ll want to go back.
However, I will mention that the total bus journey is approximately six hours, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Nonetheless, the tour offers a convenient way to see the highlights of Amsterdam in a day, with a knowledgeable guide to provide insights into the city’s history and culture.
Also, as with any tour, make sure you understand where the meeting point for departure is and what time should you be there. You don’t want to run the risk of getting left behind.
8. Tour of Cologne and Postcard Town of Monschau
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 (5+ Reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 13 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW
If you’re interested in experiencing Germany for a day, consider taking a tour of Cologne and the pretty town of Monschau from Brussels.
This tour offers a guided walking tour of Cologne’s top attractions, including the famous Cologne Cathedral (no visiting fee) which is worth the trip alone, as well as free time to explore the city on your own.
Additionally, the tour includes a short stop in the picturesque town of Monschau on the way to Cologne, where you can admire the town’s charming half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.
However, it’s worth noting that the total bus journey takes over six hours and the tour doesn’t operate every day, so it’s important to plan ahead and book in advance.
If this doesn’t cause any inconvenience to you, then this tour is an excellent way to explore two beautiful German towns in one day, with a knowledgeable guide to provide insights into the history and culture of the region.
Other things to know
What currency is used in Belgium?
Belgium is part of the European Union and its official currency is the Euro (EUR).
What is the best time to visit Belgium?
The ideal time to visit Belgium is generally during the months of April, May, June, and September.
What are the most rainy months in Belgium?
The months with the highest number of rainy days in Belgium are January, February, March, July, October, November, and December. So you might want to avoid them when planning your trip. Not that you’ll totally escape the rain as you know the saying: Belgium.. where rain is typical :).
What are the driest months in Belgium?
On average, April and June are the driest months in Belgium. However, rainfall is generally spread throughout the year, so even if you plan your trip during these months, there’s no guarantee that you won’t experience any rain.
I first visited Belgium in August for example and I experienced some serious rainfall in both Brussels and Ghent. The 2nd time I went in February, so that was definitely on me! The third time was the charm as I didn’t have any rain during my stay in Antwerp in July.
What date does the Flower Carpet take place in Brussels?
The Flower Carpet occurs biennially on the weekend closest to August 15th, and it’s worth noting that accommodations tend to sell out quickly during this time.
What should I bring on a tour?
It’s always a good idea to bring comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing, as well as any necessary travel documents like passports or visas.
✓ This Ghent and Bruges Day Tour is a great way to visit two of the most beautiful cities in Belgium in one day.
Final Thoughts
Brussels is an excellent starting point for day trips both within Belgium and to nearby countries and tours are a convenient option for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of planning or have limited time.
However, if you prefer a more independent, DIY trip, read my post on the best day trips from Brussels by train.
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