Classic Flanders: Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp
Belgium’s greatest medieval mercantile gems connected by high-frequency regional rail. Experience Brussels’s Grand Place, sleep in quiet canalside Bruges after day tourists depart, explore student-vibrant Ghent and Gravensteen castle, and admire Antwerp’s Railway Cathedral.
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Intercity route legs
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Brussels and Grand Place
BrusselsArrive in Brussels. Admire the illuminated Town Hall and baroque guildhalls on Grand Place. Try beef carbonnade flamande for dinner.
Train to Ghent and Gravensteen Castle
GhentTake the 36-minute train to Ghent. Tour the moated 12th-century Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen) and sit along the Graslei canal quays with local craft beer.
The Mystic Lamb and Patershol
GhentView the Van Eyck Ghent Altarpiece in Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. Wander the cobbled alleys of Patershol for lunch before an evening boat or canal walk.
22-Minute Train to Fairytale Bruges
BrugesHop on the train to Bruges. Climb the 366 steps of the Belfry of Bruges, walk to the Rozenhoedkaai viewpoint, and eat freshly baked waffles.
Minnewater and Sint-Anna Canals
BrugesStroll through the tranquil Lake of Love (Minnewater) and the quiet Sint-Anna quarter. In the afternoon, take the train to Antwerp.
Antwerp Railway Cathedral and Rubens
AntwerpMarvel at the multi-tiered Antwerpen-Centraal station. Tour the Cathedral of Our Lady to see Rubens masterpieces and enjoy MAS rooftop views.
✂️ What I Would Cut If Short on Time
Base in Ghent and visit Bruges and Antwerp as easy 25-minute day trips to save hotel transfers.
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These options use the current typical minimum fare in our route records. They are not guaranteed quotes, and prices can change before booking.
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