A Brussels day trip from Ghent through the lower and upper town
Use Brussels Central as your arrival point for a day split between the lower town's squares and the museums uphill. Start outside, then choose one substantial indoor visit after lunch. Brussels is larger than Ghent, so keeping the route around Grand-Place and Mont des Arts leaves more time for looking and less for transport.
At a glance
- Getting there
- Train, about 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the service
- Book ahead
- Your chosen museum or exhibition
- Tours
- Day trips on Viator
How to get to Brussels from Ghent
Train, about 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the service
Search for a direct train from Gent-Sint-Pieters to Brussels Central, also shown as Bruxelles-Central or Brussel-Centraal. Check the journey time for your selected service. From Central, walk downhill toward Grand-Place or uphill toward Mont des Arts.
Car, about an hour or longer, plus parking
Check Brussels vehicle access requirements and choose a car park before traveling. Central traffic can be slow, and parking adds another stage to the journey. For this walking route, rail usually places you closer to the first sights with less planning.
What to see in Brussels
Grand-Place
Walk around the square before choosing an interior visit. Look at the different guild house facades from several sides, then return later if you want different light.
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Follow the covered galleries for a sheltered walk between the lower town streets. Browse the shop windows without letting a long shopping stop consume your museum afternoon.
Mont des Arts
Climb toward the garden terraces for a view back over the lower town. This is a useful pause between the central streets and the museum district.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts
Choose a collection or exhibition before entering and check official opening arrangements. Allow a proper visit rather than trying to combine every museum section with a full city walk.
Go on your own, or take a tour?
Travel independently if your priorities are Grand-Place, the galleries and one museum. The route is manageable on foot, though there is an uphill section. A walking tour is useful for understanding the guild houses and civic buildings; choose one whose meeting point and finish leave enough time for your preferred museum.
Tips for the day
- Select Brussels Central when comparing trains, since it suits this route better than a more distant arrival.
- Check museum opening days before choosing the day for your Brussels visit.
- Keep an indoor alternative near Grand-Place if rain makes the uphill walk less appealing.
Questions people ask
Which Brussels station should I use?
Brussels Central is the most convenient arrival for this route. It places you between Grand-Place below and the Mont des Arts museum area uphill.
Can I add the Atomium to this day?
Yes, but it requires a separate journey beyond the central walking route. Replace the museum block rather than squeezing it into an already full afternoon.
Is Brussels manageable on foot?
This central route is manageable on foot, with an uphill section toward the museums. More distant attractions need additional travel time and separate transport planning.