stations for day trip

Antwerp is famous for its diamond district:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antwerp_diamond_district

To get to Antwerp from Gent, you need to use the Gent-damport station. Use the S-P station to go to Bruges central. In Antwerp, other than the Grot Markt and Old town, is the cathedral. There’s a cute sculpture outside the church (Nello & Prastche). Between the train station and Grot Markt are a bunch of stores.

In Ghent, there’s Gravensteen castle, squares, (e..g., St. Veersplein, Korenmarkt, Vrijdagmarkt,) graffiti alley, St Bavos, the red light district (if you wanted to get a feel of what Amsterdam’s district is like), St. Michael’s bridge area, belfry, Rabot sluice, old butchers hall.

Mary, Neuhaus, and Galler are good brands of Chocolate, but there are chocolate shops everywhere.

Thank you everyone.

I like COS brand, its style. There are lots of local designers, perhaps you know what are the areas I can shop and look around.

Just returned from 10 days in Brussels.
Right outside Antwerp station is All the diamond shops one could wish for. We were not in the market, so I can not give any reviews for one over the other. From Gent to Antwerp, just go to the agent and buy the ticket. I would suggest trying a "free" tour in Antwerp. We did the Viva (orange umbrella) starting at 11 in market. Bart was excellent, we ended by 1, had a great lunch, visited the cathedral with the Rubin's work. Then we went to see the printing museum. There are many things to fill your day depending on your interest. Bart also gave us any and all info on best places to shop. I do not believe he gets any kick back, He seems genuine and loves Antwerp.
Traveling by rail is almost stupidly easy. All the agents speak english and will help you. Go directly to the agents, as the machines which are easy, but do not compensate a need for a signature on a credit card. If you are only using your debit with a pin then you can use the machines. Signage is excellent. Also realize there are first and second passenger tickets. Don't opt for the first, there is not much difference.
Realize that Belgium is bilingual. Mostly Dutch in Flanders (Bruges, Gent, Antwerp, ) both French and Dutch in Brussels.
Brussels is costly to stay. We visited 2 days, we stayed in Leuven (the major university city next to Brussels). We could go anywhere from Leuven. However, I think you may find more reasonable places to stay in Gent than Brussels
Whether it is Gent or Antwerp or Leuven or Bruges, the train stations are somewhat a hike from center of town or the Markt.
Go to the Lijn bus/tram system all works on the same card. You can purchase a 10 ride ticket for 16 Euro (best part they can be shared) The system is very well done and runs mostly on schedule. (not in Brussels, they have there own system. Use the metro if you want to go a distance. We made the mistake and spent $25 on a taxi, when we could have used the metro for $4.00)
I recommend having a phone so you can put ask google maps what stops and walking distance.
Brussels Central will bring you walking distance to the market.
You can purchase a ticket to the airport from almost any station. Again just ask at the agent.

If you like early-twentieth-century architecture, the walk or tram ride from Berchem station to the city centre takes you through one of Belgium's finest art-nouveau districts.

I think the OP has returned from her trip to Europe. Had a pretty good time too as I recall.

Indeed, Sam.

Since back from vacation, I have been busy with applying to graduate school. I probably will have the time to write up my trip report during Christmas holiday.

FYI, my favour destination are Amsterdam and Lake Como, but I enjoyed every city we visited. stay turned for my overdue report.

Feel like Christmas is just around the corner, only 2 months left in 2018.