Netherlands and Belgium

Brugge! Unbelievably beautiful. I think it's worth a 2-3 night stay. We were underwhelmed with Brussels and feel like 1 day is plenty there- but it is easy to fly home from.

Ghent, Antwerp. The windmills of Kinderdijk.

We're going to Belgium for a few days, except we're spending 3 nights in Bruges and just the last night near the airport in Brussels. Anyway, we're exploring the idea of a day trip to see some of the "Flanders Fields" sites around Ypres.

A day trip to the outskirts of Brussels - catch the 44 tram from Montgomery (metro/ tram stop) to Tervuren. There is a huge park there and the Africa museum. This is Brussels' prettiest tram ride.

Next time I go to Brussels, I am planning to go to Grimbergen. You can do a walk around the town and there is an abbey where they brew beer. I believe it's quite picturesque (I don't know yet but it is high on my list).

Another thing you could do - I am sure you are planning a trip to Bruges (Brugge). You could just take the train a little further and go out to Knokke-Heist, which is a seaside town. As well as the beach there are elegant hotels and a casino. Knokke is the posh resort on the coast.

In the other direction is Dinant - extremely beautiful small town in Wallonia, easily reached by train. Gateway to the Ardennes.

Lavandula

Hey! For your Amsterdam/Brussels trip, here are some of the train-friendly spots that you can visit:

From Amsterdam:
- Haarlem (15 min): Like Amsterdam but quieter, with great "hofjes" (hidden courtyards).
- Utrecht (25 min): Unique bi-level canals and a great medieval center.
- Delft (60 min): Pure charm, famous blue pottery, and very walkable.

From Brussels:
1. Ghent (35 min): My top pick. Medieval, vibey, and less "museum-like" than Bruges.
2. Bruges (60 min): Total fairy tale. Very touristy, but beautiful.
3. Antwerp (45 min): Incredible architecture and the world’s most beautiful train station.

Safe travels!

Thank you everyone for your wonderful suggestions. Looking forward to our trip. Just curious, has anyone ever done a tour from Brussels to Bastogne? We have a semi-private tour booked but all the tours are very expensive. I really don't want to rent a car and drive, afraid of missing something and also having a car is difficult in Brussels. I would rather rely on a tour . Public transportation is very long and involves lots of changes. Has anyone ever done this trp?

While I haven't toured Bastogne myself, I have been to Luxembourg by train before (closest big city). It might be easier to have a third base in Luxembourg and do this trip from there. The train ride is a slow one because it stops at all the little stations (approximately 3 hours). Driving from Brussels is actually a lot faster than catching a train. I have the sense that I am not telling you anything you didn't know, however ...

Lavandula

Public transportation is very long and involves lots of changes.

Long yes 2 ¾ hours single way. Lots of changes? Euh ... just one ... train Brussels-Marloie (or Brussels-Libramont depending when you make this trip) and change to bus towards Bastogne-Sud.

FYI Brussels City Tours organizes a daytrip to Bastogne by bus (no personal experience)

https://www.brussels-city-tours.com/remembrance-tour-of-the-battle-of-the-bulge

Actually I will just add - there are 2 locations where you can pick up rental cars - one is Bruxelles-Midi train station and one is Brussels National Airport at Zaventem. The train station is really busy, surrounded by busy roads. The airport has freeways. You might find it easier to travel out to the airport and get out onto the open road from there, if you decide to take a car. I would also do a search on Bastogne both on here and other forums such as Fodor's. There have been plenty of people who have gone before you, even by public transport. Cumbersome but doable, although a very long day.

EDIT: What made you change your mind about the private tour? Most people seem to say a tour is worth it.

Lavandula

Actually I will just add - there are 2 locations where you can pick up rental cars - one is Bruxelles-Midi train station and one is Brussels National Airport at Zaventem.

Really? You should try Avis/Budget at the Thon Hotel EU ... or SIXT at Stephanie-Louise ... or ... AVIS/Budget at Ixelles ... or ... or ...

Well, I don't know where the OP is staying and how easy any of these will be to get to for them. And If in Louise or elsewhere in Ixelles or in the European Quarter, you still have to drive through Brussels' streets. I will repeat my advice about the airport - easy to get onto the open road.

Lavandula

OP clearly stated they don't want to rent a car and drive ... which I fully respect.