Europe has that big advantage of having beautiful yet very different countries and cities close to each other. And Brussels is no exception to that rule! So we listed for you the perfect getaways for a short yet exotic trip around Belgium’s capital city.
1. Ghent
Driving time: 55 minutes
With Bruges filled with tourists, Ghent appears as the most beautiful alternative: canals throughout the city, old houses, historical monuments, friendly people and a breathtaking charm… What else? Add to that a vibrant cultural scene and a food offer that almost makes Brussels look bad, and you get an idea of what Ghent is like!
It has all the advantages of a big city with the coziness of a small town. The tall historic buildings, cool coffee houses and edgy concept stores make it one of Belgium’s coolest cities, without a doubt.
2. Maastricht
Driving time: 1h20
With the river Meuse (or Maas) passing through this typical dutch city, Maastricht is one of the best shopping and chilling getaways close to Brussels. Combining tortuous small streets, sunny terraces (when the sun actually shows up), old houses and a very nice choice of good restaurants — the sushi and teppanyaki at Kobe are a must! — , you quickly understand why the people of Liège cross the border whenever they get the opportunity.
3. Lille
Driving time: 1h30
When it comes to citytrips, Lille is often — wrongly — overlooked. Of course, this once-industrial destination does not evoke exoticism, yet it is a city that deserves your attention. Its old town’s architecture, its inhabitants’ friendliness and its cultural dynamism make it the perfect weekend getaway.
Lille is the perfect match between architecture and shopping: the lovely cobblestone streets are filled with historic buildings but also nice little shops of upcoming creators or more mainstream brands, you name it. And if you’re sleeping there, we strongly recommend the laid back and modern Gastama hostel!
4. Rotterdam
Driving time: 1h45
In the past years, the “second city” of the Netherlands turned into a tiny Berlin, attracting designers, artists and architects who are transforming its landscape into an innovation and urban hub. Almost totally destroyed at the beginning of the Second World War, Rotterdam became a laboratory of modern and futuristic architectures.
This open-mindedness and inventiveness are felt today everywhere in the city: the proliferation of art and the multiplication of bars, restaurants and nightlife options, the diversity of its population and museums — the Fotomuseum is a must — make Rotterdam one of the most interesting cities in Europe right now! And if you’re convinced and want to spend a night or two there, the Mainport hotel and its view on the port is incredible.
5. Reims and the Champagne region
Driving time: 2h45
If you’re a champagne fan, why not go directly to the source? The Champagne-Ardenne region is a little gem just next to the border. It’s hard to explain how magical it is to see the landscape slowly change as you start driving through the champagne vines.
During a weekend in that gorgeous region, you can visit champagne cellars and learn everything about the best beverage on earth (after beer, we’re still writing from Brussels) while tasting them, of course. You’ll quickly find out that family-run cellars and vineyards are the most welcoming… And the cheapest option! If you’re more of an urban landscape lover, you can also take a quick trip to Reims and admire its beautiful cathedral.
6. Paris
Driving time: 3h15
This is cheating a bit, but when you realize Paris is barely 3 hours and 15 minutes away from Brussels, you just have to put it on the list. We mean, PARIS! The most romantic city out there, with beauty at every corner, is basically next door. You have no excuse not to visit.
