Brussels is your anchor. Its surrounding cities, your compass. Belgium’s rail network makes it one of the easiest countries in Europe for day trips from the capital. Its most popular journeys—Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp—are all an hour or less by direct train. Others, like Lille and Luxembourg City, cross borders entirely.
Rich chocolate and foamy pints are what guests look forward to, and its fairytale-like landscapes keep them curious. Belgium’s national rail operator, SNCB (NMBS in Dutch), makes exploring easy through its app or website. If you prefer being in the driver’s seat, renting a car can get you there in a similar timeframe.
Celebrity River Cruises℠ takes you to Brussels’ medieval plazas and Art Nouveau townhouses, but what happens before or after your sailing? The canals of Bruges. The castles of Ghent. The high fashion in Antwerp.
Nothing comes close to this Belgium itinerary, but beyond the river, there’s so much more to discover.
Bruges
Belfort from the Rosary Quay in Bruges, Belgium
Jump from a river cruise to a leisurely boat ride along the canals that wind through Bruges.
Bruges is known for its calm waters that flow between towering brick buildings and vibrant green shrubbery. Bruges’ entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and nowhere shows it better than Burg Square.
The area transports visitors to centuries past with cobblestone streets laid in front of traditional Gothic structures. Not too far away, impressive landmarks like the Belfry of Bruges sit inside its Market Square. Then, capture the moment at Rozenhoedkaai, one of the most scenic backgrounds and photographed spots the city has to offer.
Belgium’s northwestern weather can turn breezy fast, so when packing for a river cruise, be sure to add a light jacket to layer up. Trains run often from Brussels’ various train stations, and direct routes take about an hour. Bruges’ station is about a 20-minute walk to its city center. By car, the E40 gets you there in about the same amount of time, or you can take a FlixBus—a rather affordable option—but it takes about 20 minutes more.
Ghent
Ghent, Belgium old town cityscape from the Graslei area at dawn
Ghent is exactly what you imagine when reading a storybook. The pages come to life as bridges offer viewpoints of illuminated clock faces and vibrant florals decorating steel gates. Many compare it to Bruges’ charm without the crowds.
To take it all in, climb the Ghent Belfry, Belgium’s tallest bell tower of its kind and a UNESCO World Heritage site, for stunning views over Gravensteen, a preserved fortress also known as the Castle of the Counts, still fully intact and open to explore. Step inside its stone arches, and its worn halls make it easy to imagine the city’s rulers still walking the grounds.
One masterpiece you won’t spot from the Belfry is the Ghent Altarpiece, housed inside Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. It’s one of the most celebrated works of early Flemish painting and adds another layer to the city’s remarkable cultural heritage.
If you’re new to river cruising, Ghent offers a glimpse of what makes the experience so appealing: docking close to the heart of the city, where medieval landmarks, museums, and cafés are all within easy walking distance.
Antwerp
Downtown Antwerp city skyline at Grote Markt
Antwerp has an old-world vibe similar to Ghent and Bruges, but its high-end boutiques, lively markets, and underground tunnel—The Underpass—add a quirkiness that draws visitors in. It takes about an hour by car, but the train is recommended. Not only is the journey shorter by 15 minutes, but you’ll arrive at Antwerp Centraal Station, a marvel in its own right.
The transport hub is known as the “Railway Cathedral” for its stunning stone pillars, intricately detailed arches, and light-filled glass dome. The beauty continues a short walk away at Grote Markt, where colorful guild houses, pointed Gothic architecture, and the Brabo Fountain surround one of Belgium’s most beautiful squares.
The city’s detailed facades make its landscape just as admirable as the artists who lived here—including Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. The late artist’s former home and studio preserve his legacy as one of the region’s greatest painters.
Antwerp’s story stretches back centuries before Rubens ever picked up a brush. Nearby, Het Steen, a medieval fortress, has overlooked the Scheldt River since the Middle Ages. Today, it welcomes visitors with exhibitions showcased on the port that built the city.
After exploring above ground, uncover Antwerp’s historical secret below it. On the right bank of the Scheldt is The Underpass, officially known as the St. Anna Tunnel. It’s a pedestrian passage that leads to Linkeroever on the opposite bank. Emerging from the tunnel’s elevators or original 1930s wooden escalators rewards you with one of Antwerp’s best skyline views—an unforgettable way to end a day before or after your river cruise in Europe.
Where to Go if You’ve Got More Time
If Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp have you craving even more, Belgium has a few worthwhile detours for first-time river cruisers—or regulars—with extra time to spare. Some are close by while others lead you to a completely new country.
Leuven
Ancient building of St. Peter’s Church, in Leuven
Home to the Stella Artois brewery, Leuven is the easiest add-on of them all. It’s only a 20-minute train ride from Brussels and easily walkable once you arrive. Take a guided tour and deep dive into Belgium’s beer culture or admire the city’s Town Hall that anchors the Grote Markt, where you can grab a bite to eat. Then visit the Great Beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which once housed a community of beguines—religious women who lived communally without taking full monastic vows.
Dinant
Dinant is a little farther than the other locations, about 90 minutes by train. It’s well worth the trip for those seeking a slower-paced, scenery-focused day, and the waterfront town is easy to travel through on foot. The landscape is dominated by a dramatic cliff—at its peak, a Citadel that overlooks the tranquil Meuse River.
Fun fact: It’s also the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone.
Lille and Luxembourg City
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, city skyline at Pont Adolphe Bridge
Lille and Luxembourg City cross borders in the best way. Lille, much like Leuven, feels more like a small commute than an actual trip. It’s a charming, quaint French town about 30 minutes southwest by train and easy to stroll around once you’re there.
Luxembourg has a longer time commitment—about a three-hour train ride. Ambitious travelers will be rewarded by the Bock Casemates, a UNESCO-listed network of fortified tunnels carved into the cliffs above the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest day trip to Brussels?
The closest day trip from Brussels is Leuven, just a 20-minute train ride away. Ghent and Lille follow close behind, both around a 30-minute journey.
Can you do Bruges and Ghent in one day?
Technically, yes, you can. Ghent is only a 30-minute commute, so it’s easy to travel to both—just keep in mind your personal Belgium itinerary. Depending on how much you want to see, your day might feel rushed.
My recommendation: Pick a single destination to maximize your schedule, rather than squeezing in both. No need to check a box—it’s time to relax.
Can you do a day trip from Brussels to Luxembourg?
Yes, you can do a day trip from Brussels to Luxembourg. Keep in mind that it is the longest travel route on our list of day trips, at about a three-hour train ride each way.
My recommendation: Save it for a longer stay before or after a Brussels river cruise.
How far is Bruges from Brussels, and how do you get there?
Bruges is about an hour away by direct train or by car via the E40. A FlixBus is also available for a more budget-friendly option, though it takes around one hour and 20 minutes.
Is there a weekend train discount in Belgium?
Yes, every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday, Belgium offers a 30% weekend discount for adults ages 26 to 64.
Broaden Your Time in Brussels
Brussels is an unforgettable destination that’s ideal to visit on your Celebrity Cruises® river cruise—actually, that’s kind of the whole point. What you choose to do before or after your sailing can make all the difference. Since you’ve already made the trip to sail with Celebrity, extending your stay is the natural next step.
Bruges continues your time on the water through its postcard-worthy canals. Ghent and Antwerp each hold onto something rare—one with the tallest bell tower, the other with a still-operating underground tunnel from the 1930s. For those craving more, Dinant’s dramatic cliffside, Lille’s easy border-hop, or Luxembourg’s fortified passageways might do the trick. Just be sure not to overdo it at the Stella Artois Brewery in Leuven.
That’s the real appeal of a river cruise through this part of Europe: the destination doesn’t end when you step off the ship. It just gets bigger.
Ready to make Belgium your anchor? Sail to Brussels and see how far your compass can take you.
