Bruges vs Ghent — Which Day Trip from Brussels Should You Choose?
Both are medieval Flemish gems an hour from Brussels, but they're different in feel: Bruges is the polished, canal-laced tourist favourite, Ghent is the livelier, edgier student city. Here's the side-by-side.
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5 options
Avg. rating
4.8 - 4,085 reviews
From
$45 EUR
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Free up to 24h before
Bruges vs Ghent: what to know before booking
Both are medieval Flemish gems an hour from Brussels, but they're different in feel: Bruges is the polished, canal-laced tourist favourite, Ghent is the livelier, edgier student city. Here's the side-by-side.
- Availability
- 5 ticket options compared
- Starting price
- Tickets currently start around $45 EUR before checkout fees.
- Rating signal
- Compared options average 4.8 stars across 4,085 traveler reviews.
- Location
- Both are day trips from Brussels: Bruges ~95 km west, Ghent ~55 km northwest
- Best time
- Morning arrival to beat the day-tripper peak; spring and autumn for thinner crowds
- Ticket note
- Date-specific; coach meeting times are strict, arrive 15 minutes early
Bruges vs Ghent in Brussels
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Side-by-side: Bruges vs Ghent
If it's your first trip to Belgium, choose Bruges — the canals, the Belfry, and the chocolate shops are the postcard you came for, and it's the most rewarding single day out. Pick Ghent if you've already seen Bruges, want fewer crowds, or care about the Van Eyck altarpiece and a more authentic, lived-in feel. The smartest move for most visitors is the combined Bruges and Ghent coach tour: both towns are under an hour from Brussels and a guided day links them efficiently, so you don't have to choose at all.
Everything you should know before you book
Bruges and Ghent are the two stars of any Brussels itinerary, and travellers constantly ask which one to prioritise. Bruges is the more famous — its perfectly preserved medieval centre, ringed by canals, has earned it the 'Venice of the North' tag and a reputation as Belgium's most romantic city. Ghent, slightly closer to Brussels, is bigger, livelier, and far less swamped by day-trippers, anchored by the Gravensteen castle and Van Eyck's astonishing Ghent Altarpiece.
If you can only do one, Bruges is the classic first choice, but the real decision comes down to whether you want the picture-perfect canals (Bruges) or a livelier, more local city with world-class art and fewer crowds (Ghent). The table below compares highlights, travel time, crowds, and price so you can decide fast — or book the combined tour and see both in a single day.
Frequently asked questions
Bruges or Ghent — which is better for a day trip?
Bruges for canals, chocolate, and the classic fairytale look; Ghent for art (the Van Eyck altarpiece), a castle, and a livelier, less touristy atmosphere. Bruges is the standard first choice if you can only do one.
Can I visit Bruges and Ghent in one day?
Yes — both are under an hour from Brussels, and combined coach tours pair them on a single full day. It's the most efficient option if you have just one free day.
Is Ghent less crowded than Bruges?
Yes, noticeably. Bruges draws the bulk of Belgium's day-trippers, while Ghent — though just as historic — stays calmer and feels more like a working city.