How to Visit Bruges and Ghent in One Day in 2024

Planning a trip to Belgium but you have limited time? Well, that was my case too, but Belgium is a small country, which means you can easily visit Bruges and Ghent in one day!

I did a road trip around Belgium for a few days and while I definitely didn’t see enough (I genuinely love Belgium, despite the weather not being the best), I was so happy to see both Ghent and Bruges.

And guess what – With a bit of planning and a dash of energy, you can check out all the best places in these two Flemish jewels in just 24 hours.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you should know to visit both Belgian cities in one day, all before the clock strikes midnight.

Let’s go, I can’t wait to tell you everything about this trip to plan the perfect itinerary in Belgium!

Bruges and Ghent in One Day – Overview

Bruges (locally known as “Brugge” in Flemish), is one of the most authentic cities in the whole of Belgium, and that was my favorite place to travel to in the country and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the city too.

On the other hand, Gent has that unique, vibrant atmosphere that is similar to Bruges but in a different way, and I found the city centre to be bigger, so there was a whole lot to do, despite the limited time.

Before going through the perfect itinerary to see both Bruges and Ghent, I want to discuss some essential info you should, so make sure to read the following paragraphs!

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How to Visit Ghent and Bruges in One Day?

Yes, visiting Ghent and Bruges in one day is doable. Start with Bruges in the morning,

Start the day early in Brussels and head straight to Bruges, which is only a short train ride away. Have breakfast there, take a canal cruise, and enjoy the city center. If you take your camera to Belgium, that’s the right moment to use it!

You can then spend the afternoon in Ghent and come back to Brussels in the evening. While one day may seem a little rushed, it’s possible to do both, and I actually recommend it!

How Far is Ghent from Bruges?

Ghent is approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Bruges. The most efficient way to travel between them is by train, which takes about 30 minutes.

Trains run frequently throughout the day, providing a convenient option. This short travel time makes it practical to visit both cities in one day.

If you join a day tour, which I recommended above, you’ll get from Bruges to Ghent easily by van or car, which is nice and quick too.

Itinerary for Ghent and Bruges in One Day

Now that you have the basic information, let me go through this itinerary. We’ll go through the must-see attractions in Bruges and Ghent, kick-starting in Brussels early morning and covering transportation, attractions, and food recommendations.

I prepared this guide with the timestamps and mentioned how long you can expect to spend at each spot, and that’s an easy trip to plan! After all, these two towns are what Belgium is famous for!

Before starting, I want to highlight the fact that yes, visiting both places in one day can feel rushed, but I did my best to include the best spots and leave enough time to enjoy without running around when visiting Belgium.

7.30 AM: Start Early in Brussels and Take the Train to Bruges

Kick-start your one-day tour to Bruges and Ghent early in Brussels by taking a train to Bruges. The train ride takes about an hour, and you’ll want to get to Bruges with plenty of time to explore its stunning city center.

I recommend taking the train at the train station around 7:30 am; this will give you enough time to enjoy breakfast in Bruges and start exploring Bruges before the crowds arrive.

Yes, it’s a very early start for some, but it’s worth it to see the best spots in Belgium.

Also, you’ll want to book your train tickets ahead of time so you don’t waste any previous time during the day.

I did recommend a tour above, which is, in my eyes, the best and most convenient way to visit. And if you do go with a tour guide, you’ll travel by bus, and that’s another great way to see the countryside!

9.00 AM: Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

First stop once you’re in Bruges – Breakfast! Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, nestled near the iconic Belfry Tower in Bruges.

The cafe is about 20 minutes away from Brugge train station, which is not too bad and it’s a nice walk along the cobbled streets.

Have a treat and enjoy artisan bread, a brewed latte, or a salad if you prefer something less filling yet healthy. I found prices to be reasonable for Bruges, given that it’s quite an expensive place to travel to, as you’ll soon find out.

Whether you opt for a refreshing salad or decide to indulge in the local beer (like other guests did), the historic setting and the quaint courtyard are a delightful start to your day in Belgium.

It’s the perfect backdrop to get ready for an exciting day.

9.30 AM: Walk to the Belfry Tower

After breakfast, take a short, 4-minute stroll to the Belfry Tower, dating from the 13th century. You’ve probably already seen it from afar since it’s 83 meters high, but it’s way better to come closer and see all the details.

It’s located on the main square (make sure to get those iconic photos) and is a symbol of Bruges’ medieval side.

Remember when I said to come early to avoid the crowds? Well, you’ll be happy to get there before everyone else, as it’s the most famous spot in town.

The towering structure looms over the Markt square and that’s your chance to take in the panoramic views. It’s worth noting that there are 366 steps to get to the top, so that’s not an easy task for everyone. Is it still worth it? Oh definitely!

The fee to get to the top is 15 euros per person and I only recommend it if the weather is nice. I climbed it twice, once the first time in Bruges and the second time on a cloudy day and the views weren’t the best.

Also, before you leave, the clock tower rings its bell every 15 minutes, so be patient and enjoy the show!

10.00 AM: Take a Canal Tour in Bruges

By 10am, it’s time for the highlight of your trip to Bruges – the famous canal tour! Trust me when I say this is one of the activities that everyone visiting Bruges should do, and it’s cheap (only 12 euros), so you really have no reason to skip it.

After meeting the captain, jump on the boat tour and start gliding on the canals, enjoying the nice breeze and taking photos.

This is a nice experience and you’ll pass the historical buildings in town as well as some gorgeous, medieval briges. You saw the Belgian city from the top at the belfry before, and now it’s time to see it from the water!

There are several tour agencies in town where you can buy the tickets, but they sometimes sell out in the peak season. For this reason, I recommend pre-booking online.

I went through my experience and everything you should know in the guide below, so make sure to give it a read.

11 AM: Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood

Once the canal tour is over, make your way to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a chapel that houses a venerated relic: a cloth stained with the blood of Christ.

I’m personally not religious, but it’s one of these places that you can’t miss if you’re in town, and for a good reason.

It’s only a few minutes from the pier, so you’ll have enough time for a visit. I normally spend less than 30 minutes in churches, but this one was different. There were painted frescoes, brick vaulted ceilings, and even a museum, which was a nice touch.

The basilica has a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, and that’s a beautiful landmark for taking a few photos.

Whether you’re drawn by faith, curiosity, or simply the story, the Basilica is part of the city’s medieval heritage and it’s one of the must-do things in Bruges.

All in all, definitely worth checking out.

11.30 AM Pass by the De Burg

De Burg is the area near the Belfry (don’t worry, you’ll have about one hour to stroll around the rest of the city), and you’ll have plenty of cafes, chocolate shops, and souvenir stores to get some memories to take back home.

And despite Bruges being quite expensive, chocolates are pretty cheap, which is nice.

Stop by the Brugse Vrije and the city hall to enjoy the architecture and take photos, then you can proceed to the Duvelorium Belgian Beer Bar and have a beer. Yes, it’s early, but it’s not every day that you can enjoy a great Belgian beer.

After walking around, get a little out of the main area and go explore the rest of the historic center before going to Ghent for the afternoon.

12 PM: Take a Scenic Stroll in Bruges

By noon, you’ll have some more time to take a stroll around Bruges. Take photos at Rosary Quay, wander around the Market Square, maybe take a horse carriage around the old town, the choice is yours!

A suggestion would be to walk to the windmill (Windmill The New Parrot) and then go back to the train station walking along the water or passing by the narrow alleys in the center. Needless to say, this is a nice way to end the visit to Bruges!

And if it rains outside, you still have the option to check out the Museum of Torture or the Choco-Story, the one and only Chocolate Museum in Belgium!

1.30PM: Train from Bruges to Ghent

Next on this itinerary – Ghent! Truth be told, both Bruges and Ghent have a similar style, but they’re different in terms of setting, size, and activities.

Trains in Belgium are pretty clean and I found them to be on time most of the time, so you won’t have any issues getting to Ghent. If, on the other hand, you rented a car, you’ll find parking spots all around town.

I recommend having lunch in Ghent so you won’t need to rush to take the train, and instead, have a calm meal.

2.30 PM: Have Lunch at De Graslei

Once you get to Ghent, I recommend going to “De Graslei” for lunch. I had lunch after getting here from Bruges as I didn’t want to rush to get the train, and I recommend you do the same.

This popular spot is right by the river, and they have great food! Belgian food isn’t very famous but it’s honestly delicious once you try some dishes.

Here, tradition meets taste with dishes like croquettes and Flemish stew, which are both staples of Belgian cuisine.

If you can, call beforehand to book a table next to the window, where the best views are, and you’ll have your first taste of Ghent and its historic buildings right by the table!

The selection of beers complements the meal perfectly. If you didn’t have a beer in Bruges, then you can indulge here!

3.30 PM: Pass by Graffiti Street

After lunch, take a detour through Graffiti Street. That’s probably not the main reason you’re visiting both Ghent and Bruges in one day, but it’s an original place to spend a bit of your time.

This ever-changing alley offers a stark contrast to the historical buildings in town, and you’ll see older graffiti as well as newer ones, reflecting news, politics, etc.

If you’re traveling on a budget, this is yet another great place to see as there’s no entrance fee.

While you can easily spend a while looking at all the street art and details, I suggest staying only about 15 minutes, which is enough for a few photos and seeing the most impressive street art.

3.45 PM: Explore the Gravensteen Castle

Located only 5 minutes by foot from Graffiti Street, Gravensteen Castle is arguably the most impressive places in Belgium. It’s an imposing stone fortress that is as medieval as it gets.

When I visited, I was blown away by how well-preserved it is. It’s right in the middle of Ghent, and you can’t miss it with its massive stone walls and towers.

First off, I want to see that the medieval castle can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends. The self-guided tour is super interesting, and there’s an audio guide included with the entrance ticket.

You’ll get to see the armory, torture devices, and the beautiful great hall. Don’t skip the rooftop; the views over Ghent are fantastic.

A little tip: grab a snack or a drink at one of the cozy cafes nearby before you head in. It’s fun to sit by the canals and just soak in the atmosphere.

If you’re into history, this place is a goldmine. Even if you’re not, the sheer scale and story of Gravensteen Castle make it a worthwhile stop.

The Gravensteen Castle opens daily from 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM so you have plenty of time to visit. The entrance fee is currently 13 euros per person, which includes an audio guide, and it’s worth every penny.

Yes it did rain a little during my visit, hence why the sky is so cloudy, but it stopped right when I left the castle, which was much appreciated.

4.30 PM: Take a Stroll at Graslei and Korenlei

It looks like I recommend walking a lot on this itinerary, but that’s for a good reason, and Graslei and Korenlei are two streets running along the Leie River and they are just lovely.

When I walked there, I was immediately charmed by the beautiful medieval buildings lining the waterfront.

One reason why I kept Ghent for the afternoon part is that the light is perfect for photos, and you can catch the golden hour glow on the facades (if you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day).

Don’t just walk by—take your time to sit at one of the riverside cafes or grab a waffle from the street food stalls and sit down for a bit, maybe people watching, before resuming your day out.

Let me tell you, this is one moment you won’t forget anytime soon.

5.30 PM: See the Ghent Belfry

Another belfry? That’s right, but this one is different from the one in Bruges, in terms of architecture and style! The main difference is that there’s an elevator that will take you to the top, and that’s a big advantage compared to Bruges’.

The climb to the top involves quite a few stairs, about 350 steps, and that’s why people prefer taking the lift.

The panoramic view from the top is gorgeous, and you get a full 360-degree look at the city, with its winding canals, medieval architecture, and bustling squares. It’s the perfect spot for photos, so don’t forget your camera.

The entry fee is 11 euros, which is slightly cheaper but I personally prefer the style and views from the belfry in Bruges. That being said, if you want to, you’ll have enough time to climb and see both in one day!

A little tip: try to time your visit for when the bells chime, which is every 30 minutes. Also, note that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so yet another interesting point.

After your visit, grab a waffle or a coffee or hot chocolate from one of the nearby cafes and make your way to Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.

6.00 PM: See the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral

As evening approaches, visit Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. Even if you’re not a huge history lover, you’ll enjoy your time here.

I popped in on a whim and it was one of the best parts of my trip.

First of all the architecture is amazing. The outside is grand but it’s when you get inside that your jaw will drop. The stained glass, the high ceilings, and the scale of the place are just wow. Make sure you see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb the famous altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers. It’s even more impressive in person.

Here’s a pro tip: Go later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. I went around 6pm and it was pretty quiet. If you’re into art, the cathedral has a great collection of works from all periods and styles.

Also, don’t miss the crypt. It’s a bit creepy but totally cool with tombs and ancient artifacts that give you a real sense of the cathedral’s history.

Lastly, consider getting the Virtual Reality tour of the basement, which explains how the altar was built and what happened to the cathedral over the years.

6:30 PM: Dinner in Ghent at Maison Elza

Conclude your day with dinner at Maison Elza, a dining experience that transcends mere taste.

This restaurant is popular for its exquisite cuisine and enchanting decor, offers a fitting end to a day of exploration.

With Freddy at the helm, expect dishes that are a feast for the senses, served in an atmosphere that combines elegance with warmth.

As a family or solo traveler, indulging in the menu here is not just about the food; it’s about savoring the moment, the ambiance, and the perfect end of the day in Ghent

7.30 PM: Train back to Brussels

As dusk falls, take the 7.30 PM train back to Brussels (or even 8.00PM if you have the energy) and come back to your hotel with plenty of souvenirs, chocolate and memories – Yes, that was an entire day of adventures but I’m sure you’ll like it!

Taking the Train in Belgium

Hopping from Brussels to Bruges and Ghent is a breeze with trains. I recommend booking your tickets online before going, as it will save you some precious time on your trip.

Belgianrail.be is your go-to for getting your advanced tickets, offering flexible travel times without locking you into specific train schedules.

All the tickets (Brussels to Bruges, Bruges to Ghent, Ghent to Brussels) eventually cost about €34 in second class per person, and that is cheap! Also, if you travel as a family, you can get a discount for teens.

Where to Stay in Brussels

Here are the best hotels in Brussels for all budgets, which I’m confident you’ll love.

Luxury: DoubleTree By Hilton Brussels City

Mid-Range: Appart’City Confort Bruxelles Centre

Budget: MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi

Conclusion

There you have it, the most comprehensive itinerary for visiting these two cities in Belgium – My favourite places in the country. Is it challenging? No! Is it doable? Yes. And was it fun? Definitely!

Still thinking about it? Don’t wait any longer and book your guided tour or start planning around, this will be one of the best days around Belgium!