Bruges and Brussels
 

going to Brussels and Bruges for six nights [three in each city] the first week of October. Looking for some day trip ideas from each city stay. Thinking of a day trip to Ghent from Bruges, but would like some ideas on a day trip from Brussels or Ghent alternative. We would rent a car. Thanks.

Leuven is nice. You wouldn't even need a car. It's only minutes from Brussels by train. With a car, Dinant is a nice daytrip from Brussels. Take the cable car to the top of the Citadel. I wouldn't bother with Namur.

What about Antwerp? It's certainly worth a day.

Another worthwhile trip from Bruges is Ieper (Ypres), with its reminders of the First World War (the Menin Gate, the restored Cloth Hall containing the Flanders Fields Museum, and the nearby battlefields).

I also recommend Antwerp, as I daytripped there from Brussels. I have not been to Bruges so cannot comment on that. However, Bruges seems much smaller to me than Brussels; I'd suggest spending at least 2 if not all of your days in Brussels, and then maybe a day trip from Bruges.

As JoeTro, I aalso recommend to stay in Brussels for all nights, and to make day trips to Briges, Ghent,Antwerp.
You can spend also at least half a day in Waterloo.

I disagree with two above ideas of just a day trip to Bruge...it is worth more time.
In fact, I enjoyed it more than Brussels.