One Day, Two Gems: How to Perfect the Ghent-Bruges Day Trip
Is Bruges too touristy? Does Ghent live up to the hype? Dive into my 3-day Belgian diary covering the best waffles in Bruges, the chocolate arcades of Brussels, and why Ghent is the medieval gem you can't afford to miss.
BELGIUM
"From the postcard-perfect canals of Bruges to the raw, authentic pulse of Ghent. A journey into the heart of Flanders."
Cost: €23 (1 hr 51 mins direct)
Arrival: Brussels Midi at 8:35 PM
Bruges: The Fairytale Morning
Arrived on a crisp winter day. Bruges is undeniably photogenic, from the romantic Lake of Love to the iconic Boniface Bridge. It feels like a walk into the past, though three hours is enough to see the highlights.
📸 Morning Walk & Photo Spots
- ✨ Lake of Love (Minnewater) — romantic and serene
- ✨ Walstraat & Arsenaalstraat — charming cobblestone streets
- ✨ Boniface Bridge — photographed spots
- ✨ Rosary Quay — stunning waterfront
- ✨ De Burg & Grote Markt — main squares
- ✨ Sashuis — picturesque canal-side
- 💡 Note: Boattour Bruges looks popular, though I didn't do it.
"Hands down the best waffle in Belgium! Perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy inside. Worth every euro."
Ghent: The Hidden Gem
Immediately fell in love. The vibe here is authentic and full of life compared to the more touristy Bruges. Don't miss Saint Michael’s Bridge for the iconic view or the medieval guild houses along Graslei.
📸 Photo Spots & Landmarks
- ✨ Saint Michael’s Bridge — THE iconic view of Ghent
- ✨ Saint Nicholas’s Church — Gothic masterpiece
- ✨ Graslei — picturesque medieval guild houses along the canal
- ✨ Korenlei — opposite side of Graslei, equally beautiful
- ✨ Kraanlei — charming canal-side street
- ✨ Zuivelbrugstraat — quiet and atmospheric
The iconic view from Saint Michael’s Bridge
Wanted to love the beef stew fries, but they felt like Burger King. There are better spots for Belgian fries.
Lovely staff and cozy vibes. The perfect place to relax after walking around the Gothic churches.
How to Split Your Time
If you have time for both: Bruges in the morning (for the photos and waffles), Ghent in the afternoon (for the soul).
If you only have one day? Do Ghent. It really depends on the types of things you like to see, do, and experience.
Ghent is a city that feels human. It’s a walk into the past with a soul that’s very much alive. While Bruges is the fairytale you see on postcards, Ghent is the city where you’ll actually want to stay and live the good life.
”Brussels: The Chocolate Finale
Before catching the Eurostar to Paris, I had a few hours to dive into the heart of Brussels. The Grand Place (11:00 AM) is truly one of the most enchanting and beautiful squares in Europe—its ornate guild houses and city hall are absolutely stunning.
🏙️ Final Sightseeing Stopover
- 🏛️ Royal Quarter (1:22 PM) — A pleasant stroll, though better in summer when open to the public. Not a must-visit in winter.
- 🇪🇺 European Parliament (3:00 PM) — Free entrance! Remember to book your slot in advance. Great for those interested in EU politics.
- 🚉 Logistics (5:20 PM) — Returned to Brussels Central to grab my bags. (Storage: €11 for 24 hours — quite pricey!)
This gorgeous arcade is chocolate heaven. You'll find legendary brands like Neuhaus, Godiva, Leonidas, and Galler.
- ⭐ My Top Pick: The brand "Mary"—their dark chocolate is exceptional.
- 💡 Pro Tip: Don't be shy! Walk into every shop and try samples to find your favorite.
Tried a waffle at Obe (2:30 PM). It was good, but Bruges won. Otto Waffle is still the undisputed champion of this trip.
Covers transport, food, accommodation, and that expensive €11 luggage storage!
Stayed near Brussels Central for €60 via a hosting community. Convenient, affordable, and perfect for day trips.
"Next stop: Paris! 🇫🇷✨"