Top 6 Best Weekend Trips from Belgium for Study Abroad Students

Studying abroad in Belgium isn’t just about waffles, chocolate, and canal-side cafés (though yes, you’ll absolutely indulge). It’s also your launchpad to some of Europe’s most iconic cities – all just a few hours away. Whether you’re chasing art, nightlife, history, or new cultures, these weekend trips from Belgium are your chance to turn every free weekend into a mini adventure.

If you’re planning your ultimate Belgium weekend trip bucket list, you’re in the right place.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Belgium

How to Travel from Belgium While Abroad

One of the biggest perks of studying abroad in Belgium? Location, location, location!

Thanks to its central spot in Europe, traveling from Belgium is fast, affordable, and incredibly easy – even for last-minute plans.

Here’s how students typically get around:

• Trains (Your Go-To Option): Belgium is connected to Europe’s high-speed rail network (like Thalys and Eurostar). You can get to Paris, Amsterdam, or Cologne in just a few hours – no airport stress required.
• Budget Airlines: For longer distances (like Prague or Dublin), low-cost airlines from Brussels make flying quick and student-budget-friendly.
• Buses (Cheapest Option): Companies like FlixBus offer super affordable routes across Europe – perfect if you’re prioritizing savings over speed.
• Rideshares & Car Rentals: Great for group trips or exploring smaller towns off the beaten path.

If you’re wondering how to travel from Belgium, the answer is simple: Pick your destination, check a train app, and go. Seriously.

You might also be thinking about why you’d leave Belgium while studying abroad in Brussels. Here’s why: Studying abroad isn’t just about where you live – it’s about where you go. Taking advantage of some of the best weekend trips from Belgium means building a global perspective, immersing yourself in new cultures, stepping outside your comfort zone, and making memories that go way beyond the classroom.

The Best Weekend Trips to Take While Studying Abroad in Belgium

Say hello to six unforgettable cities you should visit during your Belgium study abroad program. Each city has its own vibe, and all are just a train ride or quick flight away – a.k.a. your ultimate European weekend lineup. Traveling from Belgium couldn’t be easier and these hotspots are waiting for you!

Weekend Trip #1: Paris, France

Travel time from Brussels: ~1 hour, 25 minutes by train.

If there’s one trip that has to be on your study abroad bucket list, it’s Paris. Close enough for a spontaneous getaway but iconic enough to feel like a full-on experience, this city delivers every single time.

Why It Works:

• The definition of a “main character weekend” – think iconic landmarks, café culture, and late-night walks along the Seine  
• Home to bucket-list museums like the Louvre, plus architecturally stunning neighborhoods that feel straight out of a movie  
• Perfect for students into art, fashion, history, or just vibing in a beautiful city  
• Easy enough to visit more than once – and you’ll want to!

Read More: EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: PARIS

Weekend Trip #2: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Travel time from Brussels: ~2 hours by train.

Amsterdam is one of those cities that just gets students. It’s easy to explore, full of personality, and packed with things to do whether you want culture, coffee, or a fun night out.

Why It Works:

• A city that blends laid-back charm with vibrant energy – bike-friendly streets and scenic canals await around every corner  
• Home to iconic cultural landmarks like the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House, alongside trendy cafés and a dynamic nightlife scene  
• Compact, easy to navigate, and ideal for a seamless weekend getaway  
• Perfect for students looking to experience a balance of history, creativity, and social energy

Read More: EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: AMSTERDAM

Weekend Trip #3: Prague, Czech Republic

Travel time from Brussels: ~1.5-hour flight.

Looking for something that feels completely different from Western Europe? Prague brings major storybook energy with a side of affordability – making it perfect for a longer, more immersive weekend.

Why It Works:

• Feels like stepping into a fairytale – castle views, winding streets, and dramatic architecture  
• One of the most budget-friendly destinations on this list (your wallet will thank you)  
• Known for its nightlife, but also packed with history and hidden gems  
• Great for when you want a slightly farther trip that feels totally different from Belgium

Read More: EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: PRAGUE

Weekend Trip #4: Berlin, Germany

Travel time from Brussels: ~6.5 hours by train or ~1.5-hour flight.

Berlin is bold, creative, and constantly evolving. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning in a museum and the night discovering underground music scenes.

Why It Works:

• A city with layers – historic landmarks by day, underground music and art scenes by night  
• Deep dive into European history (Berlin Wall, museums) while also experiencing cutting-edge culture  
• Diverse, creative, and constantly evolving – no two visits feel the same  
• Perfect for students who want substance and a little edge

Read More: EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: BERLIN

Weekend Trip #5: Copenhagen, Denmark

Travel time from Brussels: ~1.5-hour flight.

If your ideal weekend is equal parts relaxing and inspiring, Copenhagen is calling. It’s effortlessly cool, incredibly livable, and full of those small moments that make travel feel special.

Why It Works:

• Clean, colorful, and effortlessly aesthetic – yes, it’s as pretty as your Pinterest board  
• A global leader in sustainability and design (cool without trying too hard)  
• Cozy cafés, waterfront views, and some of the best pastries you’ll ever have  
• Ideal for a slower-paced, recharge-style weekend that still feels inspiring

Read More: EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: COPENHAGEN

Weekend Trio #6: Dublin, Ireland

Travel time from Brussels: ~1.5-hour flight

Dublin brings a completely different energy – warm, lively, and deeply rooted in storytelling. It’s the kind of place where you’ll feel at home almost instantly.

Why It Works:

• Instantly welcoming energy – locals, live music, and storytelling around every corner
• A mix of city life and easy escapes to dramatic coastal cliffs and green countryside  
• English-speaking, which makes it an easy, low-stress trip  
• Perfect when you want something social, scenic, and a little different from continental Europe

Read More: EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: DUBLIN

Study Abroad in Belgium and More!

Want to go beyond quick getaways and really live in multiple European cities – or even other regions around the world? CIEE’s Open Campus Block program is designed for students who want to turn their study abroad experience into a fully customizable, multi-destination journey.

Instead of limiting yourself to just weekend trips from Belgium, you can spend six, 12, or 18 weeks in your choice of one, two, or up to three distinct cities – all in one program!

Here’s why it’s a game changer:

• Fully Customizable Experience: Choose where you study, when you go, and how long you stay, so your semester fits your goals, not the other way around.  
• Live in Multiple Destinations: Start in Belgium, then continue your journey in cities like Paris, Berlin, or beyond –taking traveling from Belgium to the next level. 
• Go Deeper than a Weekend Trip: Instead of rushing through a city in 48 hours, you’ll have weeks to explore neighborhoods, build routines, and truly immerse yourself. 
• Balance Academics + Adventure: Take classes while experiencing different cultures firsthand – no need to choose between school and travel.

If you’ve been researching how to travel from Belgium and dreaming about seeing everything, this is your chance to do it in a more meaningful, intentional way.

Because whether you choose one city or several, your study abroad experience is all about creating a journey that’s uniquely yours.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to CIEE Open Campus Block

Take Your Travels to Belgium with CIEE

Studying abroad in Belgium is your gateway to Europe! From spontaneous train rides to unforgettable weekends in new cities, every trip adds to your story.

With endless opportunities for traveling from Belgium, you’ll gain independence, confidence, and a global mindset that sticks with you long after your program ends.

Ready to make Belgium your home base – and Europe your playground?

STUDY ABROAD IN BELGIUM