A Fantastic Family-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary in Brussels
Tuesday, July 2: Exploring the Historic Streets
Start your Brussels adventure by visiting the iconic Grand Place in the morning. Marvel at the stunning 17th-century architecture and learn about the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterward, take a short walk to the nearby Manneken Pis, a famous bronze statue of a little boy peeing, which is bound to entertain the whole family. In the afternoon, head to Mini-Europe, a miniature park featuring replicas of famous European landmarks. Spend the evening at Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a beautiful shopping arcade where you can browse boutiques and enjoy delicious Belgian waffles.
Grand Place: Admission is free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Manneken Pis: Admission is free, estimated time spent: 30 minutes
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: No entrance fee, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Maison Dandoy, a charming Belgian bakery offering a wide selection of pastries and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For lunch, head to Chez Leon, a traditional Brussels restaurant known for its mouthwatering mussels and fries. Average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
For dinner, La Belle Maraîchère is a fantastic choice. This cozy restaurant serves classic Belgian dishes, such as beef stew and Flemish carbonade, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about €30 per person.
Wednesday, July 3: Discovering Art and History
Start your day by visiting the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Wander through their extensive collection of artworks from renowned artists like Rubens and Magritte. Afterward, head to the Museum of Natural Sciences where you can explore fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, evolution, and biodiversity. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the historic Atomium, a giant structure representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Wrap up the day by enjoying a leisurely walk in Parc de Bruxelles, a beautiful park with lush gardens and fountains.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: Adult tickets cost €15, children under 18 enter for free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Museum of Natural Sciences: Adult tickets cost €7, children tickets cost €4, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Atomium: Adult tickets cost €15, children tickets cost €8, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Parc de Bruxelles: Free admission, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Le Pain Quotidien - Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, known for its freshly baked bread, pastries, and organic food options. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
Lunch: Brasserie Cantillon - Grab a quick and flavorful lunch at Brasserie Cantillon, a traditional Belgian brasserie that serves classic dishes such as mussels, fries, and stoemp. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
Dinner: Aux Armes de Bruxelles - Indulge in a memorable dinner at Aux Armes de Bruxelles, a legendary seafood restaurant in Brussels offering an extensive menu of seafood delicacies like moules-frites, sole meunière, and shrimp croquettes. Average cost for a meal is about €35 per person.
Thursday, July 4: Delightful Chocolate and Magical Gardens
Indulge in a morning devoted to chocolate by visiting the popular Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate. Learn about the history and production of this Belgian delicacy, and of course, sample some delicious treats. Afterward, head to Mini-Europe's neighboring attraction, the Atomium Mini-Golf Adventure. Engage in a fun game of mini-golf surrounded by miniature versions of remarkable European landmarks. In the afternoon, visit the enchanting Botanical Garden of Brussels, which offers a tranquil retreat filled with beautiful flowers, ponds, and wildlife. Wrap up your trip with a visit to Autoworld, a museum showcasing a vast collection of vintage cars.
Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate: Adult tickets cost €10, children tickets cost €5, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Atomium Mini-Golf Adventure: Adult tickets cost €13, children tickets cost €9, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Botanical Garden of Brussels: Free admission, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Autoworld: Adult tickets cost €15, children tickets cost €9, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A great option for breakfast is Le Pain Quotidien, located near the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate. Enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries and a selection of organic bread. Average cost for a meal is about 10€ per person.
For lunch, head to Bia Mara, a seafood restaurant known for its delicious fish and chips. Located conveniently near Mini-Europe, this casual eatery offers a range of seafood options with a unique twist. Average cost for a meal is about 15€ per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Comme chez Soi. Located close to the Botanical Garden of Brussels, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves exquisite Belgian cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 80€ per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique family experience, consider exploring the Comics Art Museum, which showcases the famous Belgian comic book tradition. Explore the history of comics and discover beloved characters like Tintin and the Smurfs. Another local favorite is the Technopolis Science Museum in Mechelen, just a short drive from Brussels. It offers hands-on science exhibits and interactive demonstrations that will ignite the curiosity of both children and adults. These hidden gems provide exciting and educational experiences for the entire family.
Before finalizing your travel plans, don't forget to check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.