Best One-Day Trips from Ghent: Discover Nearby Gems
Bruges
Explore the best of Bruges in a day!
Antwerp
Explore the best of Antwerp in a day!
Brussels
Explore the best of Brussels in a day!
Ypres
Explore the best of Ypres in a day!
One-Day Trip from Ghent to Bruges
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Ghent: 50 km (31 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 40 minutes by car, 30 minutes by train
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the E40 highway from Ghent to Bruges. Parking is available in the city center.
- By Train: Direct trains run frequently from Ghent to Bruges, with a travel time of around 30 minutes.
Main Attractions
The Belfry of Bruges The Belfry of Bruges is a medieval bell tower in the heart of the city. Climb the 366 steps to the top for a panoramic view of Bruges and its surroundings. The tower also houses a carillon with 47 bells, which often play beautiful melodies.
The Markt The Markt is the central square of Bruges, surrounded by historic buildings and bustling with activity. It's a great place to start your exploration, with plenty of cafes and shops. Don't miss the colorful facades of the guild houses.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood This basilica is famous for housing a relic of the Holy Blood, believed to be a cloth with the blood of Jesus Christ. The basilica's interior is stunning, with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate decorations.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day at the Belfry of Bruges. Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the city. Afterward, explore the Markt and enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes.
- Afternoon: Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood and take a leisurely stroll along the canals. Consider a boat tour to see Bruges from a different perspective.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Belgian dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to Ghent.
Local Food
- Belgian Waffles: A must-try, available in various toppings.
- Flemish Stew: A hearty beef stew cooked in Belgian beer.
- Chocolates: Bruges is famous for its high-quality chocolates.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: The canals, the Belfry, and the Markt are perfect for photos.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Beguinage, a tranquil area with whitewashed houses and a beautiful garden.
One-Day Trip from Ghent to Antwerp
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Ghent: 60 km (37 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 50 minutes by car, 1 hour by train
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the E17 highway from Ghent to Antwerp. Parking is available in the city center.
- By Train: Direct trains run frequently from Ghent to Antwerp, with a travel time of around 1 hour.
Main Attractions
Cathedral of Our Lady This Gothic cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and houses several masterpieces by the painter Peter Paul Rubens. The interior is equally impressive, with stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings.
Grote Markt The Grote Markt is the main square of Antwerp, surrounded by beautiful guild houses and the impressive Town Hall. It's a lively area with plenty of cafes and restaurants.
MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) This modern museum offers a fascinating look at Antwerp's history and its connection to the world. The rooftop terrace provides a panoramic view of the city and the port.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day at the Cathedral of Our Lady. Spend some time admiring the art and architecture. Then, head to the Grote Markt for a coffee break.
- Afternoon: Visit the MAS museum and explore its exhibits. Don't forget to go to the rooftop for a stunning view of Antwerp.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Belgian dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to Ghent.
Local Food
- Antwerpse Handjes: Hand-shaped cookies that are a local specialty.
- Mussels with Fries: A classic Belgian dish.
- Belgian Beers: Antwerp has a rich beer culture, so try some local brews.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: The Cathedral, Grote Markt, and the MAS rooftop.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Vlaeykensgang, a hidden alleyway that takes you back in time.
One-Day Trip from Ghent to Brussels
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Ghent: 55 km (34 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 50 minutes by car, 40 minutes by train
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the E40 highway from Ghent to Brussels. Parking can be challenging, so consider using public transport within the city.
- By Train: Direct trains run frequently from Ghent to Brussels, with a travel time of around 40 minutes.
Main Attractions
Grand Place The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's surrounded by opulent guild houses and the Town Hall. The square is especially beautiful when illuminated at night.
Atomium The Atomium is a unique building and museum, originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair. It offers panoramic views of Brussels and houses exhibitions on various topics.
Manneken Pis This small bronze statue of a boy urinating is one of Brussels' most famous landmarks. It's often dressed in different costumes, and there's a museum nearby that displays his wardrobe.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day at the Grand Place. Take your time to explore the square and its surroundings. Then, head to the Atomium for a visit.
- Afternoon: Visit Manneken Pis and explore the nearby streets. Consider a visit to the Royal Palace if time permits.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Belgian dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to Ghent.
Local Food
- Belgian Fries: Often served with a variety of sauces.
- Stoofvlees: A traditional Flemish beef stew.
- Speculoos: Spiced shortcrust biscuits that are a local favorite.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: The Grand Place, Atomium, and Manneken Pis.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a beautiful shopping arcade.
One-Day Trip from Ghent to Ypres
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Ghent: 70 km (43 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour by car, 1.5 hours by train
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the E17 and A19 highways from Ghent to Ypres. Parking is available in the city center.
- By Train: Trains run from Ghent to Ypres, with a transfer in Kortrijk. The total travel time is around 1.5 hours.
Main Attractions
In Flanders Fields Museum This museum is dedicated to the history of World War I and is located in the Cloth Hall of Ypres. It offers a moving and educational experience, with interactive exhibits and personal stories.
Menin Gate The Menin Gate is a war memorial dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient of World War I and whose graves are unknown. The Last Post ceremony is held here every evening at 8 PM.
Ypres Cloth Hall The Cloth Hall is a large, Gothic-style building that was originally used for the cloth trade. It now houses the In Flanders Fields Museum and offers a glimpse into the city's medieval past.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start your day at the In Flanders Fields Museum. Spend a few hours exploring the exhibits and learning about the history of World War I.
- Afternoon: Visit the Menin Gate and take a walk around the city center. Explore the Cloth Hall and its surroundings.
- Evening: If possible, stay for the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate before heading back to Ghent.
Local Food
- Paling in 't Groen: Eel in a green herb sauce, a local specialty.
- Westvleteren Beer: One of the best beers in the world, brewed by Trappist monks.
- Ieperse Kattenclaws: A local pastry shaped like a cat's claw.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: The Menin Gate, Cloth Hall, and the city ramparts.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the Ramparts Cemetery, a peaceful and poignant spot.
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