Are you planning a trip to Bruges in Belgium in 2025? Then you’re not only going to want to explore one of Belgium’s most famous cities, but also these alternative destinations to Bruges. These 6 alternative destinations to the fairy-tale city of Bruges are all completely unique to one another and need to be added to your bucket list !
All photos, digital media & text on this website are copyright of jameshaskinsbusiness. Photos and digital media are not to be re-used or reposted in any format without usage rights or permission obtained from James Haskins.
Gothic city in Wallonia – Dinant
In the region of Wallonia, you can discover one of Belgium’s most beautiful cities. Dinant is not only known for its gothic style and architecture, but also its rich history. The town was the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone- and this is clearly celebrated in style across the city.
Not only can you admire the architecture of the city and the saxophone statues which are dotted about- take a ride on a boat down the Meuse river, explore the gothic church, or take the vintage cable car to the citadel, which crowns the top of the rocky cliffs.
If you haven’t visited Dinant before and are planning to explore Belgium- you can’t leave this city off your bucket list.
Arrival: You can easily access Dinant via train from major cities such as Bruges and Brussels. From Brussels, it takes approximately 2 hours to reach Dinant from Brussels using the Belgian rail network. DID YOU KNOW… that you can travel for ONLY 7,50 euros across Belgium if you are UNDER 26? Click here to find out more about how to take advantage of this cheap price!
Medieval castle in Ghent- only 25 minutes from Bruges
The city of Ghent is located only a short ride away from Bruges- and it’s described as Belgium’s Harry Potter city due to its gothic architecture. You can explore the city of Ghent by foot or take a boat ride through the canals, however the medieval castle Gravensteen needs to be on your bucket list.
Gravensteen castle is located near to the market square in Ghent and is the only moated castle in the whole of Flanders, Belgium. Built in 1180, you can discover the internal and external architecture of the castle, including enjoying fascinating views over the city from the top of the fortress. Please note: entry to the castle itself is ticketed, although you can admire the castle from the outside for free.
TIP: During the winter season, whilst the Christmas markets take place in the city of Ghent, Gravensteen castle transforms into a winter wonderland. The Christmas castle is decorated with sparkling lights and Christmas trees. Whilst you explore the castle, don’t forget to pick up an audio guide and headphones to help you learn about the history along the way.
Arrival: direct train from Bruges to Ghent (travel time- 20-25 minutes).
If you want to learn more about castles to visit in Germany, click here to discover 8 secret castles in Germany.
Atomium, Brussels – Europe’s former fastest lift
Did you know that Europe’s former fastest lift is located in Brussels? You will find the lift inside the colossal structure of the Atomium on the outskirts of Brussels. As the lift originally opened in 1958, it was Europe’s fastest – travelling at 18km/h. To this day, the elevator transports you up the central tube of the unique structure.
Everything you need to know about visiting the Atomium in Brussels:
- Arrival : take line 6 to Heizel in Brussels to reach the Atomium
- Book your tickets online in advance to beat the queues on the door
- Prices (stand: 2025) : Adult: 16 euros, student: 8,50
- You can dine in the panoramic restaurant, 100 metres above the ground. A reservation in the restaurant means you can cut the lines and avoid the entry fees to the Atomium.
Europe’s most beautiful train station – Guillemins
Liege Guillemins : over 500 trains pass a day through the city in Wallonia. The station is famous for its stained glass ceiling, which creates a natural light display.
Arrival: direct trains from Bruges to Guillemins- on weekends you can benefit from half price adult return tickets with SNCB.
What else is there to see in Liege? If you’re visiting Liege, don’t miss out on these locations:
📍Montage de Bueren – the world’s most extreme staircase – 374 steps & 70m high
📍LIÈGE Cathedral & City Centre
📍Scultpure le plogneur et son arc – located at the yacht harbour
📍Passerelle La belle liègeoise – a beautiful bridge leading to a park, where you can picnic in the summer months.
Coastal town of Ostende- 15 minutes from Bruges
The coastal town of Ostende is less than 15 minutes on the train from Bruges and has a lot to offer, including a beautiful harbour and 2 Christmas markets during the winter.
In wintertime, don’t miss out on the following highlights in Ostende:
- Christmas Market Wapenplein
- Winter in the park- Leopold Park Ostende, includes ice rink
- Winter lights tunnel – over 200m long with over 200,000 LEDs.
12th century fairy-tale village- Kortrijk
The city of Kortrijk is not only famous for its Paasfoor event, which will be taking place from the 17th April to 4th May 2025, but also for the Begijnhof. Discover a collection of whitewashed terraced houses. Furthermore, you can walk through the cobbled streets of the fairy-tale village.
Arrival: The train from Ghent to Kortrijk is direct and takes 25 minutes.
Do you want to learn more about secret locations to visit in Belgium? Then make sure that you are following me on my social media channels! Here you will discover hidden locations and travel tips for Belgium, Germany and other European countries!