Antwerp & Ghent Day Trip from Brussels with Atomium Stop

Two Medieval Cities in One Day: Antwerp's Markets and Ghent's River Palaces

You get picked up in Brussels, stop for photos at the Atomium, then spend the morning on a guided walk through Antwerp's markets, cathedrals and river squares. After free time for lunch, you drive to Ghent for an afternoon guided tour of its medieval center, riverbanks and guild houses, with another break to explore on your own before returning to Brussels in the evening. Round-trip transport and a bilingual guide handle all the logistics.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Atomium15m
2. Antwerp Grand Market Square10m
3. Cathedral of Our Lady15m
4. Ghent Town Hall5m
5. Belfry and Cloth Hall10m
6. St. Bavo's Cathedral25m
7. St. Nicholas’ Church3m
8. Graslei and Korenlei10m

Visit Antwerp and Ghent from Brussels

• Stop at Atomium for photos
• Arrive at Antwerp city bus station
• Walk river sidewalk to city center
• Stop for bathroom and meeting point
• Visit Steen Castle and learn history
• Discuss old commerce and city layout
• Explore Antwerp Grand Market Square
• Visit Saint Carlous Borromeus church
• Walk to cathedral, learn politics
• Tour Cathedral of Our Lady
• See old cathedral cemetery and photos
• Walk Meir Avenue and see giant hand
• Enjoy free time in Antwerp
• Arrive in Ghent and walk to center
• Start guided tour at Ghent Town Hall
• Learn about Belfry and Cloth Hall
• Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral inside and out
• Hear about concerts in St. Nicholas’ Church
• See Masons guild house facade
• Explore Korenmarkt and post office history
• Take photos on bridge, learn tower story
• Walk along Graslei and Korenlei riverbank
• Visit Great Butchers’ Hall
• Stop at market stall to learn about cuberdon
• End tour at Sint-Veerleplein Square
• Enjoy free time in Ghent

The experience

What makes Antwerp and Ghent worth leaving Brussels for in a single day? The answer sits in the details your guide will point out: the shape of the rooflines (a story about water and survival), the sculpture of a giant hand on Meir Avenue (why it matters to Belgium), the painting that was stolen so many times it became famous. You start with a photo stop at the Atomium on the way out, then the bus drops you at Antwerp's river edge, where the skyline and water frame everything that comes next. A local guide walks you through Steen Castle, the Antwerp Grand Market Square with its guild houses, the Cathedral of Our Lady (which holds Rubens paintings), and about 1.5 hours of free time to eat or wander on your own.

Then you drive to Ghent, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The second guided walk starts at the Town Hall and moves through the Belfry (with its dragon story), St. Bavo's Cathedral where the Van Eyck brothers' "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb", the most stolen painting in history, still hangs, and the riverbanks of the Lys where the guild houses and old market buildings line up like a postcard. Your guide stops at a traditional market stall to explain Ghent's famous candy, the cuberdon, and tells you which souvenir shops are worth your time. Another 1.5 hours free, then the bus takes you back to Brussels.

The day trip from Brussels includes round-trip transfers with air conditioning, a professional guide who speaks both English and Spanish, and all the context you'd miss walking alone: why Belgian churches host concerts, how commerce shaped the cities, what the buildings were before they became what they are now. You don't arrange transport or timing. The guide handles the logistics and the stories. Meals aren't included, but your guide will recommend places to eat during your free time.

What’s included

• Round-trip transfers with air conditioning from Brussels.
• photo stop at the Atomium on the way to Antwerp.
• guided walking tour of Antwerp including Steen Castle, Antwerp Grand Market Square, and the Cathedral of Our Lady.
• guided walking tour of Ghent including the Town Hall, Belfry, St. Bavo's Cathedral, and the Lys riverbanks.
• about 1.5 hours of free time in Antwerp and 1.5 hours in Ghent.
• professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• city tips and restaurant recommendations.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guided in English08:30

Guided in Spanish08:30

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday and SaturdayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Child (2 to 7 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “In the Carrefour de l'Europe square under the columns of the main entrance of the train and metro station, in front of the Hilton Grand Place hotel. Our guides will be wearing ID of Buendia Tours.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Buendía

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see two of Belgium's best medieval cities without arranging your own transport or timing. The guide handles the logistics and the stories, leaving you free to explore on your own during the breaks.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 7 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the full day trip from Brussels?

Around 8+ hours total, including the Atomium stop, guided walks in both cities, two periods of free time (about 1.5 hours each), and round-trip transfers.

Is lunch included?

No, meals are not included. Your guide will recommend restaurants and food spots during your free time in each city.

Do we have free time to explore on our own?

Yes, you get about 1.5 hours of free time in Antwerp and another 1.5 hours in Ghent to explore, eat, or shop at your own pace.

What is included in the tour?

Round-trip transfers from Brussels with air conditioning, guided walking tours in both Antwerp and Ghent, a photo stop at the Atomium, and city tips from your guide.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately for the season.

Where does the bus pick me up?

Pickup is from your Brussels hotel or a central meeting point. Confirm your specific location when you receive your booking confirmation.