← Namur Marathon·3 nights

Ghent and Bruges: Two Canal Cities After Namur

Two West Flemish canal cities, one with a castle and an altarpiece and one with cobbled lanes and a lace tradition.

Duration3 nights
TransitSNCB train from Namur to Brussels, then on to Ghent, about 1 hour 30 minutes, and Bruges, about 25 minutes further
DepartsNamur station

After the Namur Marathon: Ghent and Bruges

The Route: Namur → Ghent → Bruges → Brussels Airport Logistics: SNCB train, about 1 hour 30 minutes to Ghent, with a change at Brussels, then about 25 minutes to Bruges. Both stations are a tram or bus ride from the centre. Marathon Month: April Duration: 3 nights

Namur ──(about 1h30, SNCB)──> Ghent ──(about 25 min, SNCB)──> Bruges
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Brussels Airport (BRU) <──(about 1h30, SNCB via Brussels)────────┘

The Ghent Altarpiece hangs in a dim side chapel of Saint Bavo's Cathedral. It was painted by the van Eyck brothers in the 1430s and has survived iconoclasts, a theft and two world wars. You see it from a seat, with an audio guide, which suits a pair of legs that ran along the Meuse a day earlier.

Buy a ticket in the SNCB app or at the station, and check the planner.

April in Ghent and Bruges: highs of 12°C to 14°C, with sun and showers. Cobbles are slippery in rain. Check opening days, because Monday closures are common.

Night One: Ghent

NH Collection Gent Belfort is in the centre, with lifts. Confirm breakfast times when you book. The Graslei and Korenlei, the two quays on the old harbour, are flat and best seen at dusk. The Gravensteen castle has steep stairs, so skip it for now.

Saint Bavo's has a fee for the altarpiece of around €16, and prices vary, so use the figure as a guide only. Book a timed slot in advance.

Night Two: Bruges

Take the train to Bruges. Hotel Heritage is a short walk from the Markt. The old centre is entirely cobbled, so wear comfortable shoes. The Belfry on the Markt has 366 steps, which you should skip.

A canal boat from the Rozenhoedkaai is the best seated way to see the city. The Begijnhof, a quiet courtyard of white houses, is flat.

Night Three: A Slower Day

Choose one place. The Groeninge Museum holds Flemish primitives and has lifts. The Minnewater lake is a flat and quiet walk.

Getting to Brussels Airport (BRU)

Bruges to the airport takes about 1 hour 30 minutes by train with a change at Brussels. Check the SNCB planner. The airport station is below the terminal, with lifts.