Best Weekend Trips in Belgium: 5 Places to Visit

Belgium may be a small country, but that doesn’t mean you have to travel far to have a proper weekend getaway.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend by the sea, a cosy escape in the Ardennes, beautiful gardens, historic cities or a lively student atmosphere, Belgium has plenty of options.

And one of the best things about travelling around Belgium?

Most places are surprisingly easy to reach by train.

After exploring quite a lot of Belgium myself, these are some of my favourite destinations for a weekend trip.

If you’re planning a bigger trip around the country, start with my Belgium Complete Travel Guide for more city guides, local tips and practical information.

1. Ostend – For a Weekend by the Belgian Coast

If you want to escape to the coast without travelling too far, Ostend is one of my favourite options.

You get everything you need for a proper weekend away: the beach, seafood, cafés, bars, shopping and plenty of places to walk.

Spend your Saturday exploring the seafront, grab some shrimp croquettes or mussels with fries, and finish the day with a drink overlooking the sea.

On Sunday, you can explore more of the city or simply enjoy a slow morning by the beach.

Best for: beaches, seafood, summer weekends and a relaxed getaway.

→ Read my Ostend Travel Guide for more things to do, places to eat and local tips.

Walking along the promenade in Ostend, Belgium

Planning your Belgium trip?

I created a Google Map with 540+ saved places from my years living and travelling around Belgium, including towns, things to do, cafés, nightlife, restaurants, shopping and hidden gems.

Explore the Belgium Map → €5

2. Durbuy – For a Cosy Ardennes Getaway

If the beach isn’t really your thing, head in the opposite direction.

Durbuy is one of the cutest weekend destinations in Belgium and feels completely different from the bigger Belgian cities.

The town is tiny, cobbled and surrounded by the Ardennes countryside.

You can spend your weekend walking around the historic centre, hiking, eating in cosy restaurants or simply enjoying the nature around you.

It’s especially nice if you’re looking for a romantic weekend or a cosy escape with friends.

Best for: nature, hiking, couples, cosy stays and escaping the city.

→ You can also check out my Durbuy Travel Guide for more things to do, places to stay and tips for a weekend in the Ardennes.

View from Roche à la Falize near Durbuy in the Belgian Ardennes

3. Laeken – For a Different Brussels Weekend

Brussels might not immediately sound like a “weekend getaway”, but hear me out.

Instead of spending your entire weekend around the Grand Place, stay in or explore Laeken, a northern area of Brussels that feels much more spacious and green.

One of the biggest reasons to visit is the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, which are particularly spectacular when they’re open to visitors.

You can also visit the Atomium, explore the surrounding parks and gardens, and still easily head into central Brussels when you want restaurants, nightlife or sightseeing.

It’s a nice option if you’ve already seen the classic Brussels sights and want to experience a slightly different side of the city.

Best for: gardens, architecture, culture and a city break with something different.

→ You can also check out my Brussels Travel Guide for more things to do, where to eat and what to see in the capital.

4. Ghent – For Food, Drinks and Nightlife

If you want a weekend that combines beautiful architecture with a genuinely lively atmosphere, I’d pick Ghent.

Ghent is one of those cities where you don’t really need a strict itinerary.

Walk along the Graslei and Korenlei, visit Gravensteen, explore the historic centre and stop for drinks along the water.

And once the sun goes down, Ghent becomes even more fun.

There are loads of cafés, bars and nightlife options, especially if you’re visiting during the student season.

For me, Ghent is one of the best choices if you want a weekend that doesn’t feel too quiet.

Best for: nightlife, food, architecture, young travellers and city breaks.

→ You can also check out my Ghent Travel Guide for more things to do, food, drinks and local tips.

Reading a book by the water in Ghent, Belgium

5. Leuven – For a Small City with a Big Atmosphere

And obviously, I couldn’t leave out my hometown.

Leuven is small enough to explore in a weekend but lively enough that you’ll never be bored.

The city is particularly famous for its Oude Markt, often nicknamed the “longest bar in Europe” because of the huge number of cafés and bars surrounding the square.

During the day, explore the historic centre, visit the beautiful Town Hall, walk around the university area and grab something to eat.

Then in the evening, get yourself a Belgian beer and experience Leuven’s nightlife.

It’s especially fun if you’re looking for a social weekend rather than a traditional sightseeing trip.

Best for: nightlife, Belgian beer, students, cafés and a lively atmosphere.

→ You can also check out my Leuven Travel Guide for the best things to do, eat and drink like a local.

Which Belgian Weekend Trip Should You Choose?

It really depends on what you’re looking for.

Destination	Best for
Ostend	Beach & seafood
Durbuy	Nature & cosy weekends
Laeken	Gardens & culture
Ghent	Food, nightlife & architecture
Leuven	Beer & nightlife

If you’re struggling to decide which Belgian city suits your trip best, my guide to Belgium’s Cities Compared can help you choose.

Want a romantic weekend?

Go for Durbuy or Ostend.

Want nightlife?

Choose Ghent or Leuven.

Want nature?

Durbuy is the obvious choice.

Want something different?

Try Laeken and explore the greener side of Brussels.

Want a classic Belgian city break?

Ghent is probably my first choice.

How to Get Around Belgium on a Weekend Trip

The great thing about Belgium is that you don’t necessarily need a car.

Most of these destinations are easily accessible by train, and once you’re there, you can usually explore the main attractions on foot or by public transport.

→ For more practical information, check out my guide to Getting Around Belgium: Trains, Buses & Public Transport.

This makes Belgium particularly good for a short weekend trip from neighbouring countries too.

You can arrive on Friday evening, spend two full days exploring and head home on Sunday without spending half your weekend travelling.

My Favourite Weekend Trips in Belgium

If I had to rank these based on what I’d personally choose:

Ghent – the best all-rounder
Ostend – especially in summer
Durbuy – when I want nature
Laeken – for something a little different
Leuven – when I want drinks and nightlife

But honestly, you can’t really go wrong.

Belgium is small enough that you could even combine some of these destinations into a longer trip.

And that’s exactly what makes travelling around Belgium so easy.

You don’t need a week off work to discover somewhere new. Sometimes a train ticket and one night away are enough.

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

FAQ: Best Weekend Trips in Belgium

What are the best weekend trips in Belgium?

Some of the best weekend destinations in Belgium include Ostend, Durbuy, Ghent, Leuven and Laeken in Brussels. Each offers a completely different experience, from beaches and seafood to nature, nightlife, architecture and gardens.

Where should I go for a weekend in Belgium?

It depends on what kind of weekend you’re looking for. Ostend is great for the beach, Durbuy for nature and a cosy getaway, Ghent for food and nightlife, Leuven for Belgian beer and a lively atmosphere, and Laeken for gardens, culture and a different side of Brussels.

Is Belgium good for a weekend trip?

Absolutely. Belgium is relatively small and well connected, which makes it ideal for short trips. You can easily spend a weekend exploring one city or combine several destinations if you have a little more time.

What is the best Belgian city for a weekend?

For me, Ghent is one of the best all-round options. You get beautiful historic architecture, canals, museums, restaurants, cafés and a lively nightlife scene, so there is plenty to do over two days. Ghent is also officially promoted as a 48-hour city-break destination.

Is Ostend good for a weekend?

Yes! Ostend is a great choice for a Belgian weekend by the sea, especially during spring and summer. You can combine the beach with seafood, museums, cafés, shopping and walks along the coast.

Is Durbuy worth visiting for a weekend?

Definitely, especially if you want something completely different from Belgium’s bigger cities. Durbuy is surrounded by the Ardennes, making it a great base for hiking, outdoor activities and a cosy weekend away.

What is the best weekend trip in Belgium for couples?

I’d choose Durbuy for a cosy romantic weekend or Ostend if you prefer a seaside escape. Durbuy’s small historic centre and surrounding Ardennes countryside make it particularly suited to a slower weekend.

What is the best weekend trip in Belgium without a car?

Ghent, Leuven, Ostend and Brussels/Laeken are all good options if you want to rely on public transport. Belgium’s cities are well connected by train, while the main sights in compact cities such as Ghent and Leuven can easily be explored on foot.

Can I visit Belgium for just one weekend?

Yes. If you only have two or three days, I’d recommend choosing one destination rather than trying to see the whole country. Ghent works particularly well for a full weekend, while Ostend and Durbuy are great if you want a change of scenery.

Should I visit Ghent or Bruges for a weekend?

I’d personally choose Ghent for a full weekend because it has a lively local and student atmosphere alongside its historic centre. Bruges is absolutely beautiful too, but I think it works particularly well as a shorter visit. The choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer a more romantic, postcard-like city or a livelier city with more nightlife.

What is the cheapest weekend trip in Belgium?

The cost depends heavily on accommodation and when you visit, but Leuven, Ghent and smaller destinations outside the major tourist centres can be good options for keeping costs down. Booking accommodation early and travelling by train can also help keep a Belgian weekend affordable.