Family-Friendly 7-Day Belgium Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

9:00AM

Breakfast at Maison Antoine

Start your day with delicious Belgian waffles and coffee at the iconic Maison Antoine.
Located near Parc du Cinquantenaire, accessible by metro.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Atomium

After breakfast, head to the Atomium, a unique building and museum that represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
Take the metro from Schuman to Heysel station.
EUR12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Enjoy a traditional Belgian meal of mussels and fries at Chez Léon, a family-friendly restaurant popular among locals.
Easily reachable by tram or a 15-minute walk from Atomium.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll around Grand Place

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Grand Place, Brussels' central square, surrounded by stunning architecture.
Take the metro back to Central Station.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Chocolate Tasting Tour

Join a family-friendly chocolate tasting tour, exploring the best chocolatiers in Brussels.
Walking tour starting from Grand Place.
EUR30, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Dominican

Try an exquisite dinner at The Dominican, a family-friendly hotel restaurant offering a mix of Belgian and European cuisine.
Located within walking distance from Grand Place.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 2: Charming Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

9:00AM

Take Train to Bruges

Catch a morning train to Bruges, known for its medieval architecture.
Train departs from Brussels Central Station.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Indulge in a lovely breakfast with pancakes and coffee at the local favorite Café de Paris.
Located near the market square.
EUR12, 1 hour

12:00PM

Canal Boat Tour

Experience the beauty of Bruges from its canals with a family-friendly boat tour.
Board from the main canal near the Markt.
EUR10, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at De Halve Maan Brewery

Enjoy a hearty lunch with local flavors at this family-friendly brewery that boasts its own beer.
A short walk from the canal dock.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit The Markt

Explore the bustling Market Square filled with shops and the iconic Belfry of Bruges.
Walking distance from the brewery.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Chocolate Museum

Delight in the Chocolate Museum, where you can learn about chocolate making and tasting.
Just a stroll from the Market Square.
EUR10, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Bistro De Pompe

Dine at Bistro De Pompe, offering delicious Flemish stew that families will love.
Located in the city center.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Ghent Highlights

Ghent, Belgium

9:00AM

Train to Ghent

Travel from Bruges to Ghent, known for its vibrant atmosphere and historical buildings.
Take a train from Bruges Station.
EUR15, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Enjoy organic bread and pastries at Le Pain Quotidien, making it a healthy start to the day.
Close to the train station.
EUR10, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Gravensteen Castle

Discover the medieval Gravensteen Castle and explore its fascinating history.
A short tram ride from the breakfast spot.
EUR12, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at De Graslei

Savor a delicious lunch along the lovely canals at one of the many charming eateries.
Walking distance from the castle.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Stroll along Graslei and Korenlei

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the picturesque quays lined with historical buildings.
Free walking area along the canals.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit STAM Museum

Head to the STAM Museum, which offers an engaging history of Ghent through interactive exhibits.
Easily accessible via tram.
EUR10, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Pakhuis

End your day with a delightful family dinner at Pakhuis, known for its diverse menu and cheerful atmosphere.
Located near the city center.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 4: Artful Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium

9:00AM

Train to Antwerp

Depart for Antwerp to explore its rich art and diamond history.
Train from Ghent to Antwerp Station.
EUR15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Breakfast at Caffè Rinaldi

Start with a delicious coffee and croissants at Caffè Rinaldi, a popular café in Antwerp.
Walking distance from the train station.
EUR10, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Cathedral of Our Lady

Marvel at the breathtaking architecture of the Cathedral of Our Lady and see works by Rubens.
Easily accessible via tram.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Het Gebaar

Enjoy a fine dining lunch experience featuring local Belgian cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Located nearby the cathedral.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Antwerp Zoo

Take the kids to Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world, for an exciting afternoon.
Adjacent to the train station.
EUR25, 2 hours

5:30PM

Diamond District Walk

Take a stroll through Antwerp's famous Diamond District, learning about its rich history and significance.
Short walk from the zoo.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Bistro Simon

Wrap up the day with family-friendly dishes at Bistro Simon, featuring tasty Belgian fare.
Located in the city center.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 5: University City Leuven

Leuven, Belgium

9:00AM

Train to Leuven

Head to Leuven, a vibrant university city known for its lively atmosphere and historical sites.
Train from Antwerp to Leuven Station.
EUR10, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Breakfast at Domus

Enjoy a hearty breakfast paired with their own brewed beer and pastries at Domus.
Close to the university area.
EUR15, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Old Market Square

Explore the renowned Old Market Square, known as the 'longest bar in the world' for its many cafés.
Easily walkable from the breakfast spot.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant De Werf

Dine in this university hotspot with an eclectic menu that pleases all palates.
Located in the university district.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

University Library & Bell Tower

Visit the University Library, a striking building with a tower offering panoramic views of Leuven.
A quick walk from lunch.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

M-Museum

Explore contemporary art at M-Museum, with exhibits that are sure to capture the children's imagination.
A short tram ride from the library.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bar Louis

End your day at Bar Louis with a trendy atmosphere and delicious family-friendly plates.
Located near the city center.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 6: Historical Mechelen

Mechelen, Belgium

9:00AM

Train to Mechelen

Short train ride to Mechelen, a charming town rich in history.
Train from Leuven to Mechelen Station.
EUR8, 20 minutes

9:30AM

Breakfast at Koffie Butik

Start your day with coffee and delicious pastries at the cozy Koffie Butik.
Close to the train station.
EUR10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit St. Rumbold's Cathedral

Explore the magnificent St. Rumbold's Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Gothic architecture.
A short walk from the café.
EUR5, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Het Anker Brewery

Enjoy a unique dining experience at the brewery offering tasty local dishes.
Located nearby the cathedral.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Plan your visit to Toy Museum

Bring the family to the Toy Museum, showcasing toys from different eras for a nostalgic experience.
Easily accessible on foot.
EUR10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Walk through Mechelen's historic center

Stroll through the picturesque historic center with charming streets and vibrant local shops.
Free walking area.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Grill

Finish your day with a casual meal at The Grill offering a variety of family-friendly options.
Located near the historic center.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

9:00AM

Train back to Brussels

Catch a morning train back to Brussels for your final day of exploration.
Train from Mechelen to Brussels Central.
EUR10, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Breakfast at Café 28

Start the last day with a cozy breakfast featuring toast, eggs, and coffee at Café 28.
Located close to the train station.
EUR12, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Belgian Comic Strip Center

Explore the colorful world of comics at the Belgian Comic Strip Center, which will delight children and adults alike.
A short metro ride from the café.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Sister Brussels Café

Enjoy a delicious lunch at this café that is known for its wonderful selection of local beers and snacks.
Located a quick walk from the comic center.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Park du Cinquantenaire

Visit Park du Cinquantenaire, enjoying the beautiful green spaces and stunning museums.
Walkable from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Chocolate Shop Visit

Cap off the trip with some delicious chocolates for souvenirs at a local chocolate shop.
Nearby local shops in Brussels.
EUR20, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Chez Léon

Return to Chez Léon for a farewell dinner, indulging in the famous mussels once more.
Located near your accommodation.
EUR40, 2 hours
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