Day Trips & Excursions
Brussels is an ideal jumping off point for several day trips, of which Bruges and Leuven top the list. Antwerp had some interesting architecture, two nice town squares and a modern shopping district and though probably not a must see, it does make a decent stop if you have an extra day. Leuven is a university town only thirty minutes outside of Brussels by train and can easily be seen in a couple of hours. It is simply a nice town with several cathedrals, a small town square, the university and a shady, green park that boarders the school. It offers a quiet respite from the city without all of the tourists that frequent cities such as Bruges and Antwerp. Bruges, though it has gotten more touristy, is still a wonderful day trip. Canals run all through the city and many visitors enjoy a relaxing view from the water in the canoe-like boats that travel the canal daily. For those wanting to explore on foot, Bruges offers winding streets that you can easily spend several hours wandering through. Shop for souvenirs, visit the chocolate museum or dine outside at one of the many restaurants on the square. For those who prefer neither boat nor foot travel, horse drawn carriages provide a romantic and fun way to see the city. The more modern section of town boats several streets of Europe's trendiest stores and at more reasonable prices than you may find in larger cities. Bruges is less than one hour from Brussels and if the weather is nice, you can easily spend the better part of the day there.
