Are you looking for a fun and easy way to explore a new country while staying in Paris? Why not take a day trip to Belgium, the land of chocolate, beer, and waffles?
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Belgium is a small but charming country that is only a few hours away from Paris by train, car, or bus. You can visit its beautiful and historic cities, such as Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, or Ghent, and enjoy its rich culture, cuisine, and architecture.
In this blog post, we will show you how to plan a perfect Paris to Belgium day trip in 2024, including how to get there, what to see and do, and what to eat and drink. Let's get started!
How to Get from Paris to Belgium
You can reach Belgium from Paris in several ways. We've listed each one below:
By Train
This is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Paris to Belgium. You can take a high-speed train from Paris Gare du Nord to Brussels Midi/Zuid Station in about 1.5 hours, or to Bruges Station in about 2.5 hours.
You can also take a regional train from Paris Gare du Nord to Antwerp Central Station in about 2 hours, or to Ghent Sint-Pieters Station in about 2.5 hours.
You can book your tickets online via Omio, where you can compare prices, schedules, and amenities. You can also get discounts and offers if you book in advance or travel in off-peak hours.
By Car
This is the most flexible and scenic way to travel from Paris to Belgium. You can rent a car from Paris and drive to Belgium via the A1 and E19 motorways.
The drive takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your destination and traffic conditions. You can also stop along the way to visit some interesting places, such as Lille, Arras, or Tournai.
You can book your car online via Discover Cars, where you can find the best deals and options. You will need a valid driver's license, an international driving permit, and a credit card to rent a car in France and Belgium. You will also need to pay tolls and parking fees along the way.
By Bus
This is the cheapest and most eco-friendly way to travel from Paris to Belgium. You can take a bus from Paris Bercy Seine or Paris La Défense to Brussels North Station or Bruges Station in about 4 to 5 hours, or to Antwerp or Ghent in about 5 to 6 hours.
You can book your tickets online via Omio, where you can find the best prices and schedules. You can also enjoy free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and air conditioning on board. You will need to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure and show your passport and ticket to board the bus.
What to See and Do in Belgium
Belgium is a small but diverse country that offers a lot of attractions and activities for visitors. You can choose to visit one or more of its main cities, depending on your interests and time. Here are some of the best things to see and do in each city:
Capital City Brussels
This is the capital and largest city of Belgium, as well as the headquarters of the European Union. You can visit its iconic landmarks, such as the Grand Place, the Manneken Pis, the Atomium, and the Royal Palace.
You can also explore its museums, such as the Magritte Museum, the Comics Art Museum, and the Musical Instruments Museum. You can also enjoy its nightlife, shopping, and dining options, such as the Delirium Café, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, and the Rue des Bouchers.
Romantic City Bruges
This is the most romantic and picturesque city in Belgium, often called the "Venice of the North". You can admire its medieval architecture, canals, and bridges, such as the Markt, the Belfry, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Beguinage.
You can also visit its museums, such as the Groeninge Museum, the Choco-Story Museum, and the Lace Center. You can also take a boat tour, a horse-drawn carriage ride, or a bike ride around the city.
Cosmopolitan City Antwerp
This is the second-largest and most cosmopolitan city in Belgium, known for its fashion, art, and diamond industries. You can visit its impressive landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Rubens House, the MAS Museum, and the Central Station.
You can also explore its cultural and creative scenes, such as the Fashion Museum, the Red Star Line Museum, and the Zuid District. You can also enjoy its nightlife, shopping, and dining options, such as the Grote Markt, the Meir, and the Vlaeykensgang.
Authentic City Ghent
This is the third-largest and most authentic city in Belgium, known for its university, festivals, and street art. You can visit its historic and modern attractions, such as the Gravensteen Castle, the Saint Bavo's Cathedral, the Design Museum, and the Graffiti Street.
You can also visit its museums, such as the STAM City Museum, the MIAT Museum, and the House of Alijn. You can also enjoy its nightlife, shopping, and dining options, such as the Korenmarkt, the Vrijdagmarkt, and the Patershol.
What to Eat and Drink in Belgium
Belgium is a paradise for foodies and beer lovers, as it offers a variety of dishes and drinks that will satisfy your taste buds. Here are some of the best things to eat and drink in Belgium:
Chocolate
Belgium is famous for its high-quality and delicious chocolate, which comes in different shapes, flavors, and fillings. You can find chocolate shops, boutiques, and factories all over the country, where you can buy, taste, and learn about chocolate. Some of the best chocolate brands in Belgium are Neuhaus, Godiva, Leonidas, and Côte d'Or.
Waffles
Belgium is also famous for its crispy and fluffy waffles, which are a popular snack or dessert. You can find waffle stands, cafes, and restaurants all over the country, where you can order your waffle with different toppings, such as whipped cream, strawberries, chocolate, or caramel. Some of the best waffle types in Belgium are Brussels waffles, Liege waffles, and Galettes.
Beer
Belgium is also famous for its diverse and quality beer, which comes in different styles, colors, and strengths. You can find beer bars, pubs, and breweries all over the country, where you can drink, taste, and learn about beer. Some of the best beer styles in Belgium are Trappist, Lambic, Witbier, and Saison.
Fries
Belgium is also famous for its crispy and tasty fries, which are a popular side dish or snack. You can find fry shops, stalls, and trucks all over the country, where you can order your fries with different sauces, such as mayonnaise, ketchup, or andalouse. Some of the best fry places in Belgium are Maison Antoine, Frit Flagey, and Fritland.
Mussels
Belgium is also famous for its fresh and succulent mussels, which are a popular main dish or snack. You can find mussel restaurants, bars, and markets all over the country, where you can order your mussels with different sauces, such as white wine, garlic, or cream. Some of the best mussel places in Belgium are Chez Leon, La Bonne Humeur, and La Maree.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the best ways to plan a perfect Paris to Belgium day trip in 2024, including how to get there, what to see and do, and what to eat and drink.
You can choose to visit one or more of the Belgian cities, depending on your interests and time.
You can also enjoy the Belgian culture, cuisine, and hospitality. We hope you have a wonderful time in Belgium, and don't forget to share your experience with us. Bon voyage! 🇫🇷 🇧🇪
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Paris to Belgium day trip:
How much does it cost to travel from Paris to Belgium?
The cost of traveling from Paris to Belgium depends on the mode of transportation, the time of booking, and the destination. Generally, the train is the most expensive option, followed by the car and the bus.
The average cost of a round-trip train ticket from Paris to Brussels is about 100 euros, while the average cost of a round-trip bus ticket is about 30 euros. The cost of renting a car and paying for tolls and gas can vary depending on the distance and the type of car.
How long does it take to travel from Paris to Belgium?
The duration of traveling from Paris to Belgium depends on the mode of transportation, the traffic conditions, and the destination.
Generally, the train is the fastest option, followed by the car and the bus. The average travel time from Paris to Brussels by train is about 1.5 hours, while the average travel time by car or bus is about 3 to 4 hours.
What is the best time to visit Belgium?
The best time to visit Belgium depends on your preferences and activities. Generally, the spring and autumn seasons are the most pleasant and colorful, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
The summer season is the most popular and festive, with warm temperatures and many events and festivals. The winter season is the most cold and rainy, but also the most cozy and magical, with Christmas markets and snow.